Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab CM admits lack of proper management on the incidents of stubble burning in Punjab: Agriculture Minister

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Sh. JP Dalal condemned the statement made by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Sh. Arvind Kejriwal on the issue of increasing pollution in Delhi NCR. He said that CM, Delhi Kejriwal frequently makes false statements on Haryana. Whereas the truth is that Haryana has made tireless efforts to reduce the incidents of stubble burning.

Speaking at the press conference today, Sh. JP Dalal said that it is unfortunate that Sh. Arvind Kejriwal holds the Central Government and Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, accountable for any issue that arises in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party has not left Delhi even worth living. Delhi does not want a leader who implements such ideas, like closing offices, shutting down schools and universities, and instituting an odd-even formula to dissuade people from commuting.

He stated that Arvind Kejriwal’s attitude is such that he can even claim that people in Delhi have the false illusion regarding pollution.

Sh. JP Dalal said that Sh. Arvind Kejriwal earlier used to speak about farmers of both Punjab and Haryana states that they burn stubble, but now he only blames Haryana, which is absolutely unfair.

The truth is completely opposite to the claim of Arvind Kejriwal regarding the situation of stubble burning in Punjab, which has witnessed unprecedented spike in the straw burning cases.

Sh. JP Dalal said that Sh. Arvind Kejriwal used to say that when our government will form in Punjab, we will adopt such a strategy within 6 months, so that there will be no incidents of stubble burning. But now after 6 months he is asking for 1 year extension. This clearly highlights their policy and intention.

Punjab Chief Minister admitted that there has been no management on the incidents of stubble burning

Sh. JP Dalal also targeted the Chief Minister of Punjab, Sh. Bhagwant Mann stated that the farmers of Haryana are annoyed with the statement given by him regarding the incidents of stubble burning in Haryana. However, today the Chief Minister of Punjab has taken at least the responsibility and admitted that the incidents of stubble burning have not been properly managed in Punjab.

The Agriculture Minister said that the incidents of stubble burning have increased by 20 percent in Punjab, due to which pollution has increased in Haryana. He said that instead of blaming the Central Government and Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party should solve the problems at their own level.

Sh. JP Dalal said that Haryana was carved out of Punjab and it was said about whether Haryana would survive or not. But today the GDP and economy of Haryana is far better than that of Punjab.

He said that the Delhi government should take measures to strengthen the public transport system, increase the use of electric vehicles, etc., which will help in reducing the pollution in Delhi.

Adequate quantity of DAP available in Haryana

In response to a question asked by a mediaperson, Sh. JP Dalal said that DAP is available in sufficient quantities in the state. About three lakhs of DAP is consumed, out of which we have distributed two and a half lakhs to the farmers. Mustard has been sown in South Haryana and now DAP is required for wheat sowing, it will be made available in full quantity for the convenience of famers.

Strict action taken in case of irregularities found in paddy procurement

In response to another question, the Agriculture Minister said that irregularities were found in paddy procurement in many mandis, on which the government has taken strict cognizance. The record of paddy in the mandis was checked and the secretary was suspended and an FIR has also been lodged after the irregularities were found. Not only this, CM Flying Squad has also conducted raids in the mandis and caught the violators.

Sh. JP Dalal said that the department is continuously checking the stock and if any further irregularities are found then strict action will be taken against them.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Will make all out efforts to make Punjab paddy straw burning free by next paddy season: says CM

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IEP New Delhi/ Chandigarh, November 4:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for making state free from paddy straw burning by coming year.

Interacting with the media here, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, said that the state government is working on a multi pronged strategy and has already roped in agriculture experts and the farmers unions for working out a viable solution for this problem. He said that already the state government has given 1.20 lakh machines for the insitu management of the paddy straw. Bhagwant Mann said that this is problem of the entire north India and the union government must intervene for joint resolution of this matter by all aggrieved states.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is encouraging the farmers to adopt crop diversification. However, he said that the union government must give them remunerative MSP for these crops. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in encouraging the farmers adopt alternate crops and solving this problem.

The Chief Minister said that the farmers get time of 10-12 days between harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat. He said that in lack of any viable alternative the farmers rely on a matchstick to solve the problem. Bhagwant Mann said that if the centre provides solution for it then the farmers will never burn the paddy straw.

          The Chief Minister said that the state government has already encouraged farmers after thousands of panchayats had passed resolutions for not burning paddy straw. He said that the country feel proud that in any year bumper crop has been produced. However, Bhagwant Mann said that we forget that this has also enhanced the production of paddy straw too.

The Chief Minister said that in Punjab farmers cultivate paddy on 75 lakh hectares of land out of which the paddy straw is burnt over only on 40 lakh hectares of land. He said that the remaining farmers never indulge in such practice, which pollutes environment. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has set up a make plant of bio energy production at Sangrur adding that more such plants will be set across the state.

The Chief Minister reminded the the Punjab farmers had played a major role in making the country self-reliant in food production. He said that they had submitted a detailed solution for the paddy straw burning by offering to jointly pay financial assistance to farmers worth Rs 2500 in lieu of not burning paddy straw. However, he said that instead of accepting this proposal the centre had blatantly refused to bail out the farmers. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that in order to provide a viable solution for management of paddy straw a large number of investors wanted to come to the state and set up Bio energy plants.

However, the Chief Minister said that the centre must immediately give nod to such projects pending with them. He said that the Punjabi farmer is fully sensitised towards not burning paddy straw as he knows that it will adversely hit his family too. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that since it is a problem concerning the entire north India, the Union government must have convened a meeting to find a solution to this issue.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Ambassador of Czech Republic called on Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India Dr. Eliska Zigova today called on Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker. Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, during which both emphasized on strengthening the mutual cooperation  between Punjab and the Czech Republic.

During the meeting in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Sandhawan recalled the contribution made by Czechoslovakia in Punjab’s green revolution. He emphasized for solid collaboration in agriculture sector between Punjab and Czech Republic. Winter wheat, winter barley, spring barley, potatoes, maize and fruit are grown in the Czech Republic. This cultivation is similar to Punjab, so both can benefited from mutual exchange of knowledge and technology. S. Sandhwan also emphasized on cooperation between Punjab and the Czech Republic in the field of industry. The Czech Republic has a special place in the car industry, aviation, engineering, environmental technology, medical equipment, electronics and electrical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industry. S. Sandhwan has asked to Dr. Zigova to motivate the Czech Republic companies to invest in Punjab.

During the meeting S. Sandhwan also suggested that legislatures of Punjab and Czech Republic should visit each other countries in addition to increasing exchanges in the field of arts, culture and sports. Dr. Zigova agreed the same.

During the discussion Dr. Zigova spoke about the historical ties between the Czech Republic and India and recalled the historic relations between the two countries. She said that increasing mutual cooperation between the Czech Republic and Punjab will benefit both of them because they have many similarities. She also praised the fighting spirit of Punjabis. S. Sandhwan also presented a shawl and a commemorative plaque to Dr. Zigova.

Chandigarh, Punjab

United Sikh Mission to hold 50 free eye check-up camps in Punjab

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IEP Chandigarh, November 4

Fifty free eye check-up camps covering more than 400 villages in Punjab will be organised in the next five months by United Sikh Mission (US) in its 18th year of service.

Announcing the eye check-up camps here on Thursday, United Sikh Mission Chairman Rashpal Singh Dhindsa said this “mission for vision” is a selfless act of serving the community and this year, already seven camps have been organised in Ferozepur, Sangrur, Barnala, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Mohali districts beginning October 15.

A total of 2,627 OPDs, 265 surgeries, 1,684 spectacles and 2,533 medicines were provided in the camps.

Rashpal Singh said they generate their own funds from donations from various sponsors who are mainly NRIs who want their native village to be benefited by the camps.

He expressed that it is all Guru’s will and as humans, they are trying to help other humans irrespective of their religion, gender and caste.

He said their mission is to empower communities worldwide by addressing disparities in healthcare needs by eliminating preventable medical illnesses while promoting peace and community to spread prosperity and kindness towards humanity.

Avtar Singh, board of director and camps management, said this is an inspiring journey of a philanthropic American Sikh Rashpal Singh and his team towards establishing a mission to improve eye healthcare to serve his community in Punjab.

He said from 2005, they started with one camp and have since held 463 eye camps.

The organisation plans to initiate work on a charitable hospital to take care of all eye-related surgeries, along with dialysis treatment, all absolutely free of cost, in Punjab.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab reconstitutes Patiala and East Punjab State Union Townships Development Board

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IEP Chandigarh, November 1

          The Punjab Government has reconstituted the Patiala and East Punjab State Union Townships Development Board and appointed Chairman, Sr. Vice Chairman, Vice Chairman and Members for a period of three years.

          Divulging the details, a spokesperson said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appointed as Chairman, Revenue, Rehabilitation & Disaster Management Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa as Sr. Vice Chairman and Neena Mittal MLA Rajpura as Vice Chairperson. Similarly Ritesh Bansal, Gurveer Singh Sarao, Sumit Bakshi and Jatinder Verma appointed as Members.

          He said that Financial Commissioner, Revenue Punjab & Deputy Commissioner Patiala appointed as official members of the board and SDM Rajpura as Administrator. A notification in this regard has been issued by Revenue department.  

Chandigarh, Punjab

Vigilance arrests two education dept officials and two private persons for misappropriation of funds

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IEP Chandigarh November 01

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing anti-corruption drive on Tuesday arrested two officials of education department besides two private persons for embezzlement for funds amounting to Rs. 10,01,120 received under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the Bureau had registered a case under FIR 14, dated 01-11-2022 under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of IPC at EOW wing , Ludhiana against  Rakesh Gupta, Principal Government in-service training center Gurdaspur, now posted as Principal, Government girls senior secondry school, Bhagowal, Gurdaspur, Rampal, Lecturer, Government in-service training center Gurdaspur, now posted as Principa,l Government Senior secondry school Kathlor, Pathankot District, Jatinder Kumar, owner of Krishna Tent House and Mukesh Mahajan of Taragarh owner of firm named Sigma decorate.

          He further added that during the investigation of this case, it was found that the above said In-Service Traning Centre Gurdaspur received this grant under RMSA for the training centre. Under the said scheme, Rakesh Gupta, Principal and Rampal, Lecturer in conniving with others  prepared bogus bills of fake firms to usurp the funds. The accused transferred the government money to a thier personal bank account and thereby caused financial loss to the state exchequer by embezzling the total funds of Rs 10,01,120 released for hiring different types of services, chairs, tables, tent and others.

He informed that on the basis of this probe it was established that the above mentioned accused has misappropriated the funds. In this regard the Bureau has arrested all of the above said accused. Further investigation in this case is under progress.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Medical officer posted at Civil Hospital Dasuya suspended

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IEP Chandigarh, November 1

On Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Chetan Singh Jauramajra’s instructions, a Medical Officer Surgery posted at Civil Hospital Dasuya, District Hoshiarpur has been suspended with immediate effect on charges of dereliction of duty.

The spokesperson of Punjab Health Department said that Dr. Ranjit Singh, Medical Officer Surgery has been suspended on administrative grounds under Rule 4(1) of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970 with immediate effect.

According to the spokesperson, the station of the concerned officer during suspension will be Head Office, Director Health and Family Welfare, Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab launches ‘Tobacco Free Health Institutions’ campaign on ‘Punjab State No Tobacco Day’

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IEP Chandigarh, November 1

Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Government has initiated a drive to wipe out tobacco usage to save children and youth across the State. Punjab is the first State in the country who celebrated a state specific “Punjab State No Tobacco Day” on 1st November. The theme of Punjab State No Tobacco Day 2022 campaign is “Tobacco Free Health Institutions”. The motive of this campaign is to make all the institutions Tobacco free and to protect non-users from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.

Divulging about the strenuous efforts of Punjab Government to eradicate tobacco usage in adolescent groups and youth, Punjab Health Minister Mr. Chetan Singh Jauramajra stated that a special week long campaign has been launched w.e.f 1st November to 7th November 2022 for declaring all the Government health institutions as Tobacco Free and for the strict implementation of Anti-Tobacco laws. At district level, all the Govt. health institutions will be declared as Tobacco Free.

According to the National Family Health Survey 2020-21 (NFHS-5) conducted under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the tobacco use among men in Punjab state declined from 19.2% (NFHS-4) to 12.9% (NFHS-5) during last 5 years, which is lowest among all the states of the country.

Speaking more about this ongoing initiative, Mr. Jauramajra said that the Health department of Punjab has taken up tobacco control as a flagship program. Total 14065 (2021–22) & 10,708 (April–Sept 22) Challans have been issued against the violators under Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act, 2003 (COTPA, 2003). Tobacco Cessation centers (TCCs) have been established in all the districts. Free counseling services and cessation medicines like Tab Bupropion, Nicotine gums and patches are being provided in these centers. Total 19932 (2021- 22) & 5142 (April–Sept 2022) tobacco users have availed services at TCCs. More than 700 Villages in the state have been declared as Tobacco Free.

Mr. Jauramajra urged that everyone of us should pledge to make Punjab a tobacco free state as tobacco use is associated with a range of communicable and non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders, wreaking a high social cost. He said that Punjab is a pioneer state to focus on youth by timely ban on E cigarettes, hookah bars and by declaring schools as Tobacco Free. State will continue making efforts to curb this menace of Tobacco usage as this will go a long way in deterring young children & youth from initiation & also motivate current users to quit.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Vigilance nabs revenue Patwari, private person for taking bribe Rs. 5,000

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IEP Chandigarh, November 01

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau during its campaign against corruption today nabbed a revenue Patwari Mandeep Singh, posted at Dhandari Kalan, district Ludhiana and a private person Soni, red handed accepting a bribe of Rs. 5,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau (VB) said Patwari Mandeep Singh was arrested on the complaint of Daljit Singh resident of Kabir Nagar, Ludhiana city. He informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said Patwari and his middleman were demanding Rs. 5,000 to provide the record of a plot registered in the name his mother. He further said that he had already paid a bribe of Rs. 1000 as a first installment to the accused middleman.

After verifying his information, a VB team laid a trap and the accused Patwari and his middleman were arrested on the spot while accepting a bribe of Rs. 5,000 as second installment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

The spokesperson informed that a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at VB, Economic Offences Wing, police station Ludhiana and further investigation was under progress.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab government according top priority to impart quality healthcare services to the people: CM

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IEP Phagwara, November 1

 Reiterating the firm commitment of the Aam Aadmi government to ensure well being of people, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said that the state government is according top priority to impart quality healthcare services to the people.

 The Chief Minister, who dedicated the Mother and Child care hospital here at the local Sub Divisional hospital, envisioned that this newly constructed hospital will act as a catalyst to impart quality health care to the pregnant women and newly born child. He said that the move is aimed to ensure that people get quality health services in these hospitals. Bhagwant Mann said that more such hospitals will be constructed across the state in coming days.

 The Chief Minister further said that strenuous efforts are being made to equip the government hospitals with the ultramodern facilities. Likewise, he said that a massive recruitment drive has been embarked to fill all the vacant lying government posts in the health department. Bhagwant Mann said that the sole purpose is to ensure that people get the best healthcare facilities in the state.

 The Chief Minister asked the medical and para-medical staff present on the occasion to discharge their duty with utmost dedication and sincerity. He said that it is the need of hour to ensure that people get quality healthcare services in the government hospitals. Bhagwant Mann also said that the state government will leave no stone unturned to spruce up government healthcare infrastructure across the state for providing state of the art medical treatment and diagnostic services to people.

 The Chief Minister also inspected the operation theatre, immunisation ward, OPD and others to take stock of the health facilities. He also inspected various wards of the hospital and interacted with the patients to take their feedback about the state of affairs in the hospital. Bhagwant Mann also had detailed interaction with the Doctors and para medical staff about the facilities at the hospital.