Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

EXPERIENCE CLAUSE ABOLISHED TO ENCOURAGE NEW ENTERPRENEURS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 22, 2022

Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann for revamping the various policies/procedures in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today gave approval to the revised Tender specifications for purchase of Tarpaulins used to protect paddy stocks against inclement weather.  

The revised tender Terms and Conditions have now been brought broadly in sync with the Terms and Conditions approved by the FCI for its own purchases across the country. 

In order to encourage new entrepreneurs, the policy has now done away with the experience clause, opening the doors for new industrial units to bid for the tenders. Further, in order to encourage wider participation, suppliers, who are authorised by the Principal Manufacturers, have also been allowed to participate in the tender process.  This is expected to increase the competition since it was felt that manufacturers, who are located far away, often did not participate in the tender process. 

The minimum quantity of tarpaulins to be offered by the bidder has  been reduced in order to encourage smaller industries to participate in the tender process. The tenders shall continue to be called on the e-tendering website of Punjab Government to ensure complete transparency. 

Comprehensive inspection protocols have also been introduced to check the quality of the Tarpaulins being supplied. These include inspections in both factory premises as well as delivery point, making these protocols even more stringent than those adopted by FCI.

Recognising the monetary benefit of the existing specifications for Tarpaulins, which provide for usage of 2 years,, the state specifications have been retained. It may be noted that for the past many years, the Punjab Government has it’s own specifications for Tarpaulins, which offer a significant financial saving to the Government over Tarpaulins purchased with FCI specifications, which having a life span of only one year. 

Herein it may be noted that a few months back, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had, in a meeting to review the working of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, directed the department to comprehensively review and revamp the existing policies and purchase procedures existing within the department to make these more transparent and competitive. He had also directed that the Department should encourage new entrepreneurs, wherever possible, in order to encourage new industry. In compliance with these directions, the Department has already revised the Custom Milling Policy, which has introduced landmark initiatives, and was subsequently approved by the Cabinet. The Department has also revised its Labour Policy and the Transportation Policy, both of which are due to be placed before the Cabinet in its next meeting for approval.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Over 210 persons arrested for corruption since AAP forms government in Punjab

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 22, 2022

The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s war against corruption has met with unprecedented success in only five months since the Aam Admi Party (AAP) government came to power in Punjab.

The Vigilance Bureau has arrested as many as 135 government officials including 25 gazetted officers for accepting illegal gratification, said an official spokesperson.

Some of those who are arrested include top ministers of the AAP and the previous Congress government. A top IAS officer, a IFS officer and over 50 police officials.

From sacking and subsequent arrest of AAP’s health minister Vijay Singla on charges of corruption, the Mann government has also cracked the  whip on big sharks including arresting former Congress minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot in a corruption case, 2008-batch IAS officer Sanjay Popli, who was posted as director pensions and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Vishal Chauhan and many others. In addition, services of two government officials were terminated by their administrative departments.

As the pace of work in the Anti-Corruption campaign picked up, in the month of July alone, eight government employees were arrested for accepting bribes in five different cases. The accused included two employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and three employees of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust. The Bureau had registered 14 criminal cases in which 20 accused were involved in corruption. In these criminal cases, among others four police personnel, two revenue officials and six employees of Improvement Trust Ludhiana including its former chairman Raman Bala Subramanyam was booked by the VB for further investigations. Subramanyam has been identified as a powerful official under whose supervision the scam took place.

The Vigilance bureau has also nabbed around 80 private individuals. Data revealed that in seven cases, convictions were handed down by various courts in which eight government officials and a private person were involved.

A fresh case has been registered against former Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Bharat Bhushan Ashu on Friday in the scam of allotting transportation tenders on fake registration numbers of vehicles. An enquiry is underway and more officials of the Food and Supplies department are under the scanner.

The  chief minister’s anti-graft helpline is leading the way in exposing corruption and corrupt officials as people are coming forward to use this tool effectively to expose those who are blocking good clean governance in the state. Complaints in the helpline alone led to the arrest of 61 persons  and registration of 40 FIRs, since its inception on March 23 this year. The government received 4135 complaints with audio / video recordings on the given  number and after verifying genuine complaints.

Reiterating the AAP government’s avowed policy of “zero tolerance for corruption” CM Bhagwant Mann said that after assuming charge of his office, he had promised to deliver a corruption-free, transparent and clean administration to the people for which a number of initiatives have already been taken, including launching an anti-corruption helpline number in bid to annihilate corruption from Punjab.

CM said that departmental inquiries are going on and many more scams would be unearthed soon without any bias. All perpetrators who have looted the public money whether they are senior officers or politicians will be taken to task.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Major reforms initiated in higher education to make youth employable : Meet Hayer

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 21, 2022

Major reforms have been initiated in the higher education sector in order to make the youth of Punjab employable within the country.  Stating this here today, Higher Education Minister, Punjab, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today said that under the leadership of  Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, school,  medical and technical education sectors are being focused upon to ensure a robust educational structure.

The minister was speaking during a state-level seminar on Higher Education in Punjab and New State Government: Hopes, Aspirations, Visions, and the Road Ahead at Rayat Bahra University, Mohali organised by Association of Unaided College Teachers (AUCT), Punjab and Chandigarh. The seminar was attended by around 400 unaided teachers from colleges across the state and the UT.

Meet Hayer said that with the reforms initiated by the State Government, not only will the exploitation of teachers end, but higher education will be made affordable, and skill-based thus making the teachers employable in the country with provision of jobs. Career oriented higher education is the great need of the present time, said the Minister adding that a committee will be formed to identify and resolve the issues of higher education institutions of Punjab.

The minister called upon the students of colleges and universities to actively participate in the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Deya’ a two day sporting extravaganza being organized by the state government from August 29th. .

Renowned educationist Dr. Piyara Lal Garg delivered the key-note address while  Former Advocate General Anmol Rattan Singh Sidhu, Senior Journalist Jatinder Pannu and Vice Chancellor Rayat Bahra University Dr. Parvinder Singh also participated in the deliberations. The vote of thanks was presented by spokesperson of the AUCT Prof. Tarun Ghai.

The objective of the seminar was to bring the academia, intelligentsia and the government on a common platform to discuss and deliberate upon the burning issues concerning higher education in Punjab and devise a roadmap for its upliftment.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

UT Police arrest six from Rajasthan, Haryana for running sextortion racket

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 22, 2022

The Operations Cell of the UT Chandigarh Police arrested six members of a sextortion gang from Rajasthan and Haryana. The accused have been identified as Ali Sher (24), native of Bharatpur Rajasthan; Altaf (19), native of Palwal, Haryana; Shazid (19), native of Kathumar, Rajasthan; Talah (20), native of Bharatpur, Rajasthan; Sahib (19), native of Bharatpur, Rajasthan and Satish (24), native of Bhaaratpur, Rajasthan.

Police officer said that these accused were nabbed from Rajasthan by a team led by Inspector Amanjot Singh, in-charge of the Operations Cell. Police recovered three laptops, 13 Mobile Phones, one          Pay tm Card, one Swipe Machine, one Finger Print impression on plastic device, 19 Pass Books, seven PAN Cards, two Cheque Books, 22 Adhaar Card, 13 SIMs, two ATM Cards and cash Rs 66000 from their possession.

Earlier, the victim, a resident of Sector 19, had complained that he received a WhatsApp message from a suspect, who claimed to be government school teacher. The suspect had candid conversation with the victim. He later received a video call in which there was a girl on the other side who lured the victim and asked him to remove his clothes. The victim then received threats in which the suspect asked him to deposit Rs 25,000 or else his objections videos will be uploaded on social networking sites.

Later, the victim received a call from another number and the suspect introduced himself as some SHO calling from the DC office, Chandigarh. The suspect told the victim that a complaint had been received against him at the DC office and they were going to take action against him. The suspect then asked the victim to pay him money to reach a compromise.

The suspect gave him a mobile number of some Anmol Sharma and asked him to make payment on Google Pay, following which he transferred Rs 3,120. However, the suspect kept on demanding more money, following which the police were informed.

During the course of investigation, the raiding party of the Operations Cell, Sector 26, Chandigarh, went to Kaithwara, Bharatpur district, Rajasthan and Palwal and nabbed six suspects. During interrogation, accused revealed that they were running a sextortion gang and had targeted people in Chandigarh and other states by recording their objectionable videos.

In course of investigation, it was revealed that there are around 25-30 members in the gang who have used over 2,000 SIM cards in the past one year to cheat and extort money from people. Bank details of the three accused revealed that they were extorting around Rs 50 lakh per month through sextortion racket and a majority of their money was invested in real estate.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, visited PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur

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INDIAEPOST CHANDIGARH AUGUST 21, 2022

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, visited PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur and reviewed its progress today.  

Expressing satisfaction at the pace of the execution of the Project, the Hon’ble Minister stated, “With the pace at which the work is being executed, including procurement of medical devices and equipment, the Satellite Centre will be fully functional by January, 2023 and will provide a huge relief not only for the local population but for those far and wide.”   Updating about the success of the ‘free precaution vaccination drive’ launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15th July for 75 days to mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Hon’ble Union Health Minister shared, “Already over 13 crore people have leveraged this facility by getting vaccinated under this initiative in one month and three days till date.”

The Minister urged the people of Punjab and country in general, especially the vulnerable population, to get vaccinated in the balance of 75 days and equip themselves to face the COVID crisis.” Lauding healthcare workers for their commendable role in containing the COVID crisis, the Hon’ble Minister stated, “Our country has been appreciated across the globe for two things; for COVID management by adhering to the guidelines and vaccination drive by crossing the mark of over 200 crore doses.”  

Endorsing the need for ‘affordable health for all’, the Hon’ble Minister shared about the initiatives by the Govt. to promote generic medicines which include over 8500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country which are visited over 20 lakh people daily in the country, awareness campaign by engaging with National Medical Council and launch of an app ‘Jan Aushadhi Sugam’ to make people aware about the salt in the medicine to enable them make considered choice between generic and branded medicine. The Hon’ble Minister also shared that ‘a Jan Aushadhi Kendra will also be opened in the Satellite Centre , Sangrur.’   Earlier, the Minister was accorded a warm welcome by Director PGIMER Prof. Vivek Lal, Deputy Director(Admin), Kumar Gaurav Dhawan, IRS, Sh.Jitendra Jorwal, IAS, DC Sangrur, Medicsl Superintendent, Prof. Vipin Koushal amongst others. The Hon’ble Minister chaired a meeting which was attended by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, senior faculty members and senior administrative officers including Sh. Dhawan (IRS), DDA, Prof. Vipin Koushal, MS, Sh.Kumar Abhay, FA, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Addl.

Medical Superintendent, PGIMER & Nodal Officer, Satellite Centre, Sangrur.A detailed presentation was made before the Hon’ble Minister wherein the dignitary was apprised that the Satellite Centre, comprising a 300 bed hospital, was envisaged with an intent to reduce the overcrowding in PGIMER, Chandigarh and reduce travel time of patients.Prof. Vivek Lal informed “Spread over a land of 25 acres, the project cost of this Satellite Centre is Rs. 449.00 crores. The phase 1 has already been executed with the construction of Temporary OPD, Guest House and Boundary Wall and Phase 2 of the execution is being  fast tracked.

The Satellite Centre is expected to be fully functional early next year.”Detailing the Minister about the patient care at Satellite Centre, Prof. Vivek Lal further shared that with a temporary OPD being functional since October 2016in the Satellite Centre, 2,78,416 patients have already been examined in these OPD facilities till date.” Later the Hon’ble Minister visited the Temporary OPD  where he interacted with doctors, paramedics and patients and enquired about the facilities being provided to patients there.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER DETECTED IN SWINE SAMPLES OF PATIALA; PUNJAB DECLARED ‘CONTROLLED AREA’

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Friday, informed that after ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal has confirmed African swine fever in swine samples of district Patiala, the whole state of Punjab is declared as “Controlled Area” with the object of preventing, controlling, eradicating scheduled disease-African Swine Fever (ASF), exercising the powers u/s 6 of Chapter III of “The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.”

He said that a notification has been issued is this regard and it has come into force with immediate effect.

The Cabinet Minister said that a village Bilaspur and Sanauri Adda in District Patiala are hereby notified as “Epicenter” of the disease, adhering to the u/s 20 of Chapter III of the same Act.”

Mr. Bhullar further said that in compliance to Chapters 7 & 8 of “National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever (June 2020)” of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India; these areas are hereby declared “Infected Zone” (0-1 Km area around epicenter of disease) and “Surveillance Zone” (1-10 Km area around epicenter of disease). No live/dead Pig (including feral or wild pigs), unprocessed Pig Meat, Feed or any material/goods from the piggery farm/backyard piggery shall be taken out of or brought into the Infected Zone and no person shall bring or attempt to bring into market any pig or pig products which is known to be infected with the scheduled disease, said the Minister quoting notification, while adding that inter-state movement of any pig or its belongings should be strictly ban.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Jigyasa IAS Institute Launches A New Centre in Mohali

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20,2022

Delhi-based Jigyasa IAS, a premier IAS/PCS Coaching Academy based in the hub of IAS Coaching, Rajendra Nagar, has launched its Regional Centre in Industrial Area, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali. It is one of the highly-acclaimed institutes in Delhi with an experience of more than 5 years and it’s commitment in delivering results. 

The launching ceremony of the regional centre of Jigyasa IAS took place on 20th August, 2022 at F-469, Phase VIII B, Industrial Area, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Sh Amit Talwar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, S.A.S. Nagar as the Chief Guest and other distinguished guests including Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura, Chancellor, Lamrin Tech Skills University, Sh Lalit Sharma, Founder, Jigyasa IAS, Sh Rakesh Kumar from Chitkara University, Sh Suraj from Degraphics Agency, Sh Gaurav Sharma & Smt Paramjeet. Addressing the gathering, Sh Amit Talwar said, “When you join the Civil services, one gets the opportunity to work for the welfare of the society. It becomes your utmost duty to provide accountable and responsible administration to the people. I am glad that Jigyasa IAS is opening in Mohali to produce more responsible administrators who will work for the betterment of the country.”

While imparting some words of encouragement, Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura said, “I am delighted that Jigyasa IAS which has already made its name in Delhi will now be helping the IAS and Civil Services aspirants of the region. There are a lot of things that one needs to focus on while preparing for UPSC which is why it becomes important to get the right guidance.” Jigyasa IAS is well-known for its experienced faculty, highly-enriched content, guidance by field and subject experts, domain knowledge experts and having serving and retired officers on its various panels for interviews and other interaction programmes. 

Mr Lalit Sharma, Founder & Director, Jigyasa IAS added, “Integrity is our value. We deliver the promises we make. We make sure that the students of Jigyasa IAS get the right guidance, infrastructure and an amazing learning environment.” Jigyasa IAS is the producer of 30+ success stories and is aiming for more in UPSC 2023 with its new branch in Mohali. Apart from the UPSC preparations, the centre will also concentrate on the State specific PCS exams and other govt exams. 

Sh Amit Talwar said, “I am glad that Jigyasa IAS is expanding its horizons so that more and more students get closer to their dream of cracking UPSC. I hope that all it’s students do well and work for the welfare of the nation.”

After everyone’s address, momentoes were distributed to the distinguished guests. The ceremony was concluded with high tea and group interaction. The batches start from 27th August onwards….

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTES TO SHAHEED SANT HARCHAND SINGH LONGOWAL BY DONATING BLOOD ON HIS 37th DEATH ANNIVERSARY

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Punjab Information and Public Relations, Housing and Urban Development and New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr Aman Arora today donated blood to pay glowing tribute to Shaheed Sant Harchand Singh Longowal during a mega blood donation camp organized at Anaj Mandi, Longowal to mark his 37th death anniversary.

While addressing people on this occasion, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, a mega blood donation camp has been organised which is a befitting tribute to the martyrdom of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. He added that the blood donated by the donors will be used to save the precious lives of the needy who will be fighting for life in hospitals.

The Minister, while paying tribute to Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, said that the martyrdom of those who sacrificed their lives for the service of humanity should never be forgotten. He said that the purpose of this blood donation camp organised by district administration and the district Red Cross Society was also to serve the humanity as every single drop of donated blood will be helpful in saving precious lives.

On this occasion, Mr. Aman Arora said that CM Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has started several initiatives for the all-round development of Sunam Udham Singh Wala assembly constituency and the results would be visible soon on the ground. Longowal town will also be revamped as the development works would be accelerated here too, he added.

During the blood donation camp held at Anaj Mandi Longowal, Mr. Aman Arora also distributed certificates to the blood donating volunteers and encouraged them for the noble cause.

On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, SDM Navreet Kaur Sekhon, freedom fighter Bibi Shaminder Kaur Longowal, Civil Surgeon Dr. Parminder Kaur, Secretary Red Cross Society Krishna Kumar Mittal along with a large number of volunteers, leaders, workers and dignitaries also offered floral tributes remembering Sant Harchand Singh Longowal.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PATIALA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CONDUCTING E-AUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SITES

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Patiala Development Authority (PDA) is conducting e-auction of residential and commercial sites situated in different cities i.e. Patiala, Sangrur, Nabha and Amargarh. The auction commenced on 15th August, and  bidding will end at 3 pm on August 25.

Giving this information, an official spokesperson of the Housing and Urban Development Department said that this is an opportunity to own a house or start a business in these cities.

Details of the properties and process to participate in the e- auction is available on the e-auction portal www.puda.e-auctions.in, he added.

He informed that total of 280 properties have been put up for the e-auction. Out of this, commercial properties available for bidding include 58 shops, 55 booths, 33 SCOs, 6 single storey shops and 3 Shop-cum-Flats, besides 124 residential plots and one house.

Chandigarh, Punjab

1494.76 crore rupees pension amount has been distributed to 20.78 lakh elderly beneficiaries till the month of July: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20,2022

Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has distributed Rs 1494.76 crore of old age pension to pensioners till the month of July.

Giving more information in this regard, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development Department Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the government is committed to the welfare of people of all classes. She said that there are a total of 30,67,927 beneficiaries of various categories that  includes the elderly, disabled, widows and destitute women and dependent children.

The Cabinet Minister said that there are a total of 20,78,886 senior beneficiaries in the state, to whom 1494.76 crores of pension amount has been distributed till the month of July.

She said that the state government has reserved a total budget of Rs 4647.82 crore for various pension schemes, out of which a budget of Rs 3100.27 crore has been provided for old age pension during the current year.

The Cabinet Minister said that  men aged 65 or above and women aged 58 or above, whose annual income does not exceed Rs 60,000, are eligible to avail the benefit of this scheme.

The minister said that the financial assistance is paid directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, which are being linked with Aadhaar. She said, so far 96 percent of the bank accounts have been linked with Aadhaar.