IEP Chandigarh December 12

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Monday submitted the charge-sheet (Challan) before the competent court at SAS Nagar against accused former minister Sunder Sham Arora on completion of partial investigation in a bribery case. The supplementary charge-sheet would be presented in due course as further investigation is being conducted in this case.               Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said a bribery case was registered against the former minister of Punjab on the complainant of Manmohan Kumar, posted as Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Vigilance Bureau, Flying Squad-1, Punjab, SAS Nagar. He was arrested while offering a bribe to the AIG and a case under FIR No. 19 dated 15-10-2022 under section 8 of prevention of corruption act was registered at VB police station, flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar.          Giving details of the case he informed that AIG Manmohan Kumar gave a complaint to the Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, stating that on 14-10-2022 he received a WhatsApp call from Sundar Sham Arora. He introduced himself as the complainant’s old known and further told about his wife’s passing away. Thereafter, Arora requested the complainant that he wants to share his joys and sorrows after coming to his house.Afterwards, the accused former minister arrived at the house of the complainant and started discussing the matter pending against him in the VB. To get help on this matter he offered a bribe amounting to Rs. 1,00,00,000 (Rs. one crore). The accused further offered the complainant to pay half amount of Rs. 50,00,000/- (Rs. fifty lakhs) as advance bribe on next day i.e. 15-10-2022 and the remaining to be paid later on.The spokesperson further added that the complainant did not expected it from Sunder Sham Arora, so he kept silent and wanted to take legal action against such a person who is spreading corruption in the society. After verifying the facts, the statement of complainant Manmohan Kumar AIG/Vigilance Bureau was recorded and a case was registered against the former minister. The accused Sunder Sham Arora was trapped/arrested by the team of VB in the presence of two independent government witnesses, while he was handing over a bag containing bribe money Rs. 50,00,000 He is in jail under judicial custody.

IEP Chandigarh, December 12:

 Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Monday hosted lunch for bronze medal winner Bhajanpreet Kaur, who has been student of Shaheed Gurdas Ram Memorial Kanya Senior Secondary School, Zira and brought laurels for the Government Schools as well as for Punjab with her remarkable performance during International Innovation & Invention Expo-2022 held at Goa.

          The Minister also lauded the research work of student Bhajanpreet Kaur, which was highly commended during the international event, where around 300 researchers and delegates participated. S. Harjot Singh Bains also expressed immense satisfaction over this rare achievement as Bhajanpreet Kaur made striking presence of Government Schools of Punjab. Having humble background the student of Shaheed Gurdas Ram Memorial Kanya Senior Secondary School, said the Minister, exhibited the ways to eradicate the menace of stubble burning during the international event. Bhajanpreet not only expressed views to utilize stubble as manure but also elaborated that how farmers could supplement their income by extracting silicon from the stubble.

          Describing this achievement a rare feat, the Education Minister mentioned it was a matter of great pride that daughter of Punjab registered a magnificent presentation at such a international expo and secured bronze medal in the category of junior level.

          Pertinently, Bhajanpreet Kaur daughter of Bhai Jagsir Singh and Gagandeep Kaur has been the student of Government School had won bronze medal during the international conference on ways to tackle the menace of stubble burning. She made her research under the able guidance of Principal Rakesh Sharma and Chemistry teacher Sukhdeep Singh when she was student of class-XII. Now, Bhajanpreet Kaur is pursuing her B.Sc. from Guru Nanak Dev University.

IEP Chandigarh, December 12      

    Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government has added another feather to its cap. The Punjab Government has registered 44 percent more income under the head “stamp and registration” in just one month. Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that providing transparent, hassle-free and corruption-free services to the people of Punjab is the main goal of the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and due to this, the revenue of the state is continuously increasing.Divulging the details, Jimpa said that in November 2022, the state exchequer has received an income of Rs 376.78 crore under stamp and registration, which is 44 percent more than November 2021. In November 2021, this income was Rs 260.87 crore. Similarly, there was 69 percent more income in May 2022 as compared to May 2021.Jimpa said that the income of the state is continuously increasing.  He said that since the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan took office, many decisions have been taken from the first day which have brought positive changes in the State. He said that as soon as the government was formed, efforts were initiated to eradicate corruption from Punjab. From a minister of his own government, many politicians and officers who looted Punjab through corrupt methods in the previous governments were brought to book by State Government.He said that keeping in mind the instructions issued by the Chief Minister, all the work in various departments, especially in the revenue department is being done according to rules and regulations, now.Jimpa appealed to the people of Punjab not to give any bribe to any officer or employee of the revenue department and if anyone asks for a bribe then it should be reported immediately. He said that corrupt officers and employees will not be spared at any cost.

IEP Chandigarh, December 12

Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to the welfare of the divyang persons. In this regard UDID cards have been issued to 2,93,975 Divyang persons in the state till  November 28, 2022.

Divulging the details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that to give the benefits of all the schemes and services of the Central and Punjab Government to the divyang persons on the basis of one card, Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) is generated and its database is being prepared at national level.

Cabinet Minister further said that these identity cards are being issued by setting up camps in 102 hospitals of the state under the UDID project.  She said that out of the applications received on the portal www.swavlambancard.gov.in, 2,93,975 UDID cards have been issued to the eligible persons with disabilities till November 28, 2022 and according to the daily report shared by the Government of India the state of Punjab has achieved 11th  Rank.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur added that apart from this, a disability cell has been created by the Punjab government for disabled persons.  She said that this dedicated cell will be a single window platform for Divyang persons to avail the benefits of disability schemes.  She appealed to the divyang persons of the state to apply for the UDID card by contacting the service centers, district social security offices or civil hospitals so that they can take benefits of the government schemes

IEP New Delhi, December 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured the Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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, while participating in videoconferencing chaired by the Prime Minister to review the arrangements, said that State was fortunate to have got two sessions of G-20, first in March 15, 16 and 17 on Education and then in month of June 22-23 on Labour. He said that the state is renowned all over the world for its warm hospitality and no stone will be left unturned 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 assured Narendra Modi that the state government will make elaborate arrangements for comfortable stay of the dignitaries participating in the summit. He said that apart from assuring their cozy stay in state, the guests will be offered the traditional Punjabi food adding that they will also be given glimpse of rich Punjabi culture during the cultural events in the evening. Bhagwant Mann said that if the dignitaries will wish to visit other districts of state like sports hub Jalandhar then adequate arrangements will also be made for their journey.

          The Chief Minister informed Narendra Modi that the state government has already constituted several committees for smooth conduct of the event. Likewise, he said that a Cabinet Sub Committee is also monitoring the preparations on routine basis. Bhagwant Mann said that even the officers will also visit the other states where the events are being organised prior to Punjab, to take stock of the arrangements.

          The Chief Minister said that the state is all set to hold this mega event which will further put the state of roadmap of international tourism. He said that the state government will involve every Punjabi in the event so that the rich heritage of state is showcased to the visiting dignitaries. Bhagwant Mann said that every effort will be made to ensure that the visiting delegations create marvellous memories during their stay in the state.

IEP Chandigarh, December 10

In recognition to one of the most Innovative Citizen Engagement for the benefit of farmers through Technology in form of “Digitization of J-Form via Whatsapp and Digi-Locker”, Punjab Mandi Board has bagged the 8th Digital Transformation award.  

          The award was bestowed to the officers of the Punjab Mandi Board by the IT Minister of Assam in a function held at Guwahati on Friday. The award was given through jury-led process at Assam under the supervision of senior Bureaucrats and experts from Department of IT Assam. During the event, the Jury lauded the bold and innovative communicators introduced by Punjab Mandi Board for setting new standards for digital communications.

          Divulging more details, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Ravi Bhagat said that Punjab is known for setting up of e-Governance in almost all the departments of state government adding that Punjab Mandi Board has started this unique initiative by setting up E-Procurement (procurement by invitation) during COVID-19 in 2020. He said that since then, the IT team of board has launched several e-services like online license, online payments, digitization of J-Form, online procurement, VTS app for recording of outside state crop coming to Punjab, e-Auction portal, e-Daak portal and others to facilitate the stakeholders. Mr. Bhagat emphasized that these digital initiatives have not only saved manpower and logistics cost but has also helped in ensuring transparency and efficiency in operations, facilitation of stakeholders via e-license, e-pass, payments via dedicated gateways and others.

          Likewise, the Secretary Mandi Board said that it has also helped to reduce licensing registration timeframe from 1.5 months to 1 week. He further said that Punjab Mandi Board has focused on unique Integrated Management System (IMS) through which users access the single version of truth. Mr. Bhagat said that it is a matter of pride and satisfaction that Punjab Mandi Board, has bagged “Most Innovative Citizen Engagement through Technology” category award.

          Secretary Mandi Board further said that farmers of the state are getting immensely benefitted from the idea of digitizing the J-Form via Whatsapp, and in Digi-Locker. He said that this digital receipt gives freedom to citizens for utilizing this receipt as an income proof to avail benefits under various government schemes. Mr. Bhagat said that this digital receipt of J-Form not only serves the farmers but also the government by removing duplicate holders in various government subsidies adding that this unique farmer data has not only helped the Punjab Mandi Board but also various other government departments for delivering subsidies to citizens.

IEP New Delhi, December 9

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday urged the Union Power Minister RK Singh to review the decision of Government of India and allow 100% supply of coal to the state through Direct Rail Mode instead of existing Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) mode.

          The Chief Minister during a meeting with RK Singh here at his office on Friday said that Ministry of Power have asked State of Punjab to start lifting 15-20% domestic coal through Rail-Ship-Rail (RSR) mode from January 2023 from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) /Talcher Mines. Bhagwant Mann said that Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL) has coal linkage of 67.20 lakh MT with MCL/Talcher. He said that as per the advisory, about 12-13 Lakh MT is to be routed through RSR mode.

          However, the Chief Minister lamented that transportation of this coal by RSR mode will result in massive increase in landed coal cost by about Rs. 1600 per MT thereby causing an additional financial burden of about Rs. 200 Crore every year. He said that the distance through train route between MCL and Punjab is around 1900 kms adding that by the proposed RSR Mode, train distance will be around 1700-1800 kms in addition to sea travel of around 4360 kms between Paradeep and Mundhra. Bhagwant Mann asserted that Punjab is located farthest from MCL hence transportation cost is 60% of the total landed coal cost.

          The Chief Minister also rued that the relief in freight provided by the Railways to thermal power plants located beyond 1400 kms has not been extended after its expiry on December 31, 2021, which has resulted in sudden increase in railway freight. Bhagwant Mann asserted that due to multiple transportation and handling of coal through RSR mode, the Transit loss will increase from 0.8% to 1.4% besides deterioration in quality of coal adding that due to multiple transhipment, the total transportation time from loading at source (MCL) to unloading at power plant destination will be around 25 days instead of 4-5 days through rail route. He said that considering the above-mentioned concerns, transportation of domestic coal through the proposed RSR route is not fruitful for the thermal power plants of Punjab, as it will increase energy charges burden on people of Punjab adding that if there are infrastructure constraints on the part of Railways in placing adequate rakes for evacuation, then this burden should be shared equally by all States.

          Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also raised the issue of appointing Member Power in BBMB from the quota of state with RK Singh. Both the leaders arrived at consensus for appointing the member at the earliest for streamlining the affairs in BBMB. They agreed that the entire process for appointment of the member will be completed soon.

          Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister said that Coal production at Punjab state’s captive mine Pachhwara Central has commenced and this mine has sufficient surplus coal for transfer to TSPL after meeting requirement of State thermals and as such there may not be any requirement of imported coal for the power plants of Punjab in future. Bhagwant Mann asked the Union Minister to allow Punjab to use coal from its captive mine Pachhwara Central for both TSPL and Nabha Power Limited (NPL) without a 50% transfer limit and payment of royalty. He said that quality of Pachhwara coal is excellent, i.e. high GCV of 4300 Kcal/kg and low Ash Content of 29% against MCL coal which has low GCV of 3000 Kcal/kg and high Ash Content of 41%.

IEP Chandigarh, December 9

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has directed the officials of the department to further strengthen the mechanism for keeping a check on the inflow of wild pigs brought illegally from other states and illegal traders, which are affecting the pork market of the state. He also directed to write a letter to the DGP Punjab for the vigil on link roads of the border villages.After listening to the problems of the representatives of the Progressive Piggery Farmers Association here at his office, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that illegal entry of wild pigs in the state, causing economic loss to the pig farmers on the one hand, there is more possibility of spreading serious diseases like African Swine Fever to farm-pigs of the state from the wild pigs.Director, Animal Husbandry Dr. Subhash Chander Goyal apprised the Animal Husbandry Minister that to resolve this problem, the department has set up check posts at the entry points on major road of the state and deployed veterinary officers, who are taking necessary action in coordination with police officers.Cabinet Minister Bhullar directed the officials of the Animal Husbandry Department to further strengthen the system to stop the illegal inflow of the pigs and nab the illegal traders. He asked the officials to liaise with the DGP Punjab for setting up check posts on link roads of the border villages also for strict vigil so that the pig farmers do not face any problem.

IEP Chandigarh, December 7

The Punjab government has issued an advisory to the fish farmers in view of the winter season.

Punjab Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that in view of the growing winter, the fish farmers of the state have been asked to keep the water level in the ponds at 6-7 feet to protect aquaculture from any disease.

Apart from this, the farmers were also advised to reduce fish feed according to the temperature; reduce/discontinue use of organic feed, use of fresh water/aerator in pond to compensate oxygen deficiency in the morning.

As per the advisory, oxygen tablets or powder must be kept by the fish farmers at their farms. Similarly, 400 ml per acre of CIFAX is also suggested to be used in the pond to protect the fish exposed to high risk of disease in the winter season.

IEP Chandigarh, December 7

Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mr. Fauja Singh Sarari today pays homage to martyrs on occasion of armed forces Flag day.Armed Forces Flag Day is celebrated on 7th December every year. On this day citizens all over India express their gratitude to Armed Forces, pay homage to martyrs and donate towards welfare of Ex-serviceman, Widows and their wards.A team of Directorate of Defence Services Welfare presented Token Flag to  Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mr. Fauja Singh Sarari at his residence.  Cabinet Minister, Mr. Sarari made donation towards Flag Day Fund and paid homage to the Martyrs.Cabinet Minister, Mr. Sarari lauded the sacrifices made by the Soldiers to protect integrity of the Nation. He also directed that all efforts should be made for welfare of soldiers, ESM and their families.