Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

VIGILANCE UNEARTHS RS 7 CRORE SCAM IN KARNANA MULTI-PURPOSE AGRICULTURE SERVICE SOCIETY

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

Punjab Vigilance Bureau has unearthed a Rs seven crore scam in the Karnana multipurpose agricultural service society limited village Karnana, District SBS Nagar and registered a case against 7 officers/employees at VB police station at Jalandhar. In this case the Bureau has arrested 5 accused of the case.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that during the investigation into the accounts of the society, it has came to light that a scam to the tune of Rs 7,14,07,596.23  (Seven crores, fourteen lakhs seven thousand five hundred and ninety six rupees and three paise) has been committed in connivance with officers/employees of the said cooperative society.

          He said that there are about 1000 account holders/members in the said society. This society has been running an Indian Oil petrol pump, tractor and agricultural implements to plough a large amount of agricultural land. Apart from this, the said society also sells fertilizers and pesticides to the farmers and a total of 6 employees are working in different places in the said society.

          He said after investigating the matter, it came to light that NRIs of village Karnana and the people of this village got the FDRs worth crores of rupees in the name of above society. Secretary of the said Sabha Inderjit Dhir, who has also been the cashier earlier, embezzled crores of rupees by setting limits etc. on the said FDRs in collusion with the president Randhir Singh and the present cashier Harpreet Singh.

          The spokesperson said that during the checking of the records by the technical team from 01.4.18 to 31.03.20, the loans taken by the members of the sabha and deposits of the members amounted to Rs. 7,14,07,596.23 were found to be embezzled

          Giving the details of this scam, he informed that during the investigation, it was also found that two computers were installed in the society by the secretary Inderjit Dhir, out of which one system was to show the records to the members so as to satisfy them about the entries of their deposits. On the second computer, it was found that the secretary used to feed the data according to the amount of fraud committed to get verification of from the audit team and other officials.

          On the basis of investigation of this scam, it has been established that former secretary of the society Inderjit Dhir, Harpreet cashier, Randhir Singh former president, Sukhwinder Singh vice president, Ravinder Singh committee member, Mahinder Lal committee member and Kamaljit Singh committee member (all residents of village Karnana) have in connivance with each other committed a fraud to the tune of Rs 7,14,07,596.23 in the above said society.

          The spokesperson said that in this regard, a case no 15 dated 29.08.2022 against the above-mentioned accused under sections 406, 409, 420, 465, 468, 471, 477-A, 120-B of I.P.C. and  u/s 13(1), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, has been registered at Vigilance Bureau, Police Station Jalandhar.

          The accused in this case, Randhir Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Ravinder Singh, Mahinder Lal and Kamaljit Singh (all residents of Karnana village) have been arrested. Further investigation in this case is under progress.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Dazzling start for ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ at Jalandhar

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

One of the biggest sporting extravaganzas of the country, ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ today began with a great pomp and show as the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, inaugurated this mega sporting event here at Guru Gobind Singh

Stadium. 

The Chief Minister took salute from the impressive march past of the participating contingents of various districts. Announcing the opening of this around two months long much awaited gala sporting event, Bhagwant Mann said that in this mega event more than 4 lakh players in different six age groups are expected to participate in the competitions from block to the state level in 28 sports categories. He said that that the state-level winners will be given cash prizes worth Rs 6 crore adding that these games will be annual feature from the coming years.

“I am elated to see Punjab happy and the youth in field of sports”, said the Chief Minister.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state government has been making all out efforts for promoting sports across the state to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive manner. He said that these games were a right step towards this direction as it will provide platform to the players for showcasing their latent. Bhagwant Mann asserted that likewise it will also help the state government to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the players which will be beneficial for grooming them for the national and international events in future.

Congratulating the Sports Minister for organizing these games, the Chief Minister said that Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer deserves kudos for making all these arrangments. He said that it is a matter of great pride for the entire state that these games are being held in every nook and corner of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that these games will be made a regular feature in the coming years too.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to popularize sports in the state as it can be play a key role in progress of the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Punjab has became the first state in the country to felicitate its players who had brought laurels for the country in the commonwealth games. He asserted that it is the need of hour to encourage more budding players to excel in field of sports.

The Chief Minister said that Aam Aadmi government is working on an aggressive campaign to produce maximum number of trained sportspersons and to have more Punjabi players in the Indian contingent for international events. He stressed that Punjab has abundant sports talent and Punjab government would not left any stone unturned to enable the players to participate and win Olympic medals for India.

The Chief Minister also remembered the hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand on his birth anniversary. He said that this is observed as national sports day. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth must take inspiration from the hockey legend on this day.

The Chief Minister said that the games will provide an opportunity to the youth to excel in field of sports. He said that Punjab and sports have a strong bond. Bhagwant Mann said that the youth of the state have an inherit talent but the successive governments have failed to provide requisite infrastructure.

The Chief Minister asserted that the players will be provided the state of art infrastructure and world class facilities. He said that apart from inspiring us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression the great Guru sahiban have showed us way to stay healthy by taking part in sports. Bhagwant Mann said that we must follow footsteps of great gurus and participate in the games.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed for restoring pristine glory of state in field of sports. He said that new Sports policy will focus on promotion of sports and players. Bhagwant Mann said that special budgetary allocation will be for the sports.

Meanwhile, cultural performances by the school kids mesmerized the audience with their dazzling performance. Leading Punjabi singers Nooran sisters, Amrit Mann and Ranjit Bawa entertained the audience. On the occasion wonders kids stunned the audiences with their skating and gymnastic performances.

Earlier, Olympian Baljit Dhillon and Manjit Kaur brought the baton of games and Olympian Gurjit Kaur triggered of games flame from the stage. 

On the occasion the impressive video depicting the overall scenario of the games accompanied by the traditional dance ‘Giddha’ and ‘Bhangra’ enthralled the audience and forced them to tap their feet. Likewise the gathering also cheered the medley performance of students during the inaugural function in the stadium. The gathering also gave standing ovation to the dazzling firework show on the occasion.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjer, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat, Principal Secretary Sports Rajkamal Chaudhary, Director Sports and others.

On the occasion several MLAs and other officers were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Perfect start for ‘Kheda  Watan Punjab Dian’ as CM tests his hand in volleyball court

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 29, 2022

Local Guru Gobind Singh Stadium witnessed perfect start for the Khedaan Watan Punjab Dian as the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself participate in a volleyball match to kickstart the games.

As soon as the Chief Minister finished his address in jam packed stadium and announcement was made for the commencement of volleyball match, the stage master, well realising  the keen interest of Bhagwant Mann in volleyball, urged him to play a match in the stadium. The young CM took no time to respond positively and went into the field to participate in the match. Massive applaud by the crowd cheered the Chief Minister for the match and he exhibited remarkable sportsmanship in the ground.

During the match, the ace services made by the Chief Minister gave tough times to the opponent team. Exhibiting remarkable sportsman spirit Bhagwant Mann ensured the victory of his team. His presence infused a new spirit amongst the players and the crowd that enthusiastically cheered up the teams.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that it is a remarkable day of his life as his youthful memories have been relived. He said that sports is the only means through which the unbounded energy of the youth can be channelised in a positive manner. Bhagwant Mann said that his government is committed for promoting sporting activities in the state adding that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that players from Punjab excel in national and international sports arena.

Chandigarh, Punjab

TRANSPORT MINISTER LALJIT BHULLAR APPOINTS MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS ON 11 VACANT POSTS TO SPEEDEN UP ISSUANCE OF FITNESS CERTIFICATES

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has appointed Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) on 11 vacant posts to reduce the ever-increasing burden of passing and issuing fitness certificates of old vehicles in the state.

          The Cabinet Minister said that only four MVIs under 11 RTA offices are currently looking after the work of passing and issuing fitness certificates to the old vehicles in 23 districts of the state. As a result, very little work could be done and files are piling up in the department. Responding to the complaints of delays, the minister made internal arrangements by appointing staff from Punjab roadways to reduce the workload and bring more transparency. Now, all 11 dedicated MVIs will work under 11 RTA offices.

          The Transport Minister said that apart from the previously posted MVIs, now MVI Preetinder Arora will look after the work of district Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Moga, Bathinda and Mansa, while MVI Sukhwinder Singh will see the work at district Fazilka and Ferozepur, MVI Merik Garg at district Ludhiana, MVI Gurinder Singh at district Jalandhar and Kapurthala, MVI Leela Singh at district Gurdaspur, MVI Madhu Pushap at district Pathankot, MVI Navdeep Singh at district Amritsar and Tarn Taran and MVI Jaspreet Singh will see the work of district Sangrur, Malerkotla and Barnala.

          Emphasizing on the resolution of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann of zero tolerance policy against corruption, the Transport Minister categorically asked, any officer or employee found involved in corruption will not be spared at all, thus officers should discharge their duty honestly.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB GOVT SEEKS APPLICATIONS FROM NGOS FOR GIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: DR BALJIT KAUR

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan led Punjab government is making continuous efforts for upliftment of Scheduled Castes and also extends help to NGOs for implementing schemes run by government for Scheduled Castes at grass root level.

          Giving information in this regard, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab government takes help of these NGOs in implementation of SC oriented development schemes in lieu of which government provide them funds.

Giving details about eligibility criteria for the NGOs to claim funds, she added that the NGO should be actively working in the area of upliftment of SC people. The applicant NGO should be registered at least 3 years ago and should not be blacklisted at any level.

          Voluntary organizations desirous of receiving assistance under this scheme can apply for grants under the nominated projects listed in scheme. They should submit their proposal to the District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer of the concerned district within stipulated time and send it to the department through recommendation of the concerned Deputy Commissioner.

More information regarding these schemes can be obtained from E-mail ID: directowelfarepunjab@gmail.com or from the office of the concerned District Social Justice and Empowerment Officer.

          Complete information regarding this can be obtained from the website of Planning Department at pbplanning.punjab.gov.in. Interested organizations may submit their proposals to the Director, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department, Punjab S. C. O .No: 7, Phase- 1, S. A. S. Nagar (Mohali) by 6 September 2022.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB TAKES LEAD BY FELICITATING ITS CWG CONTINGENT WITH CASH PRIZE AS CM HONOURS 23 PLAYERS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

Punjab today became the first state in country by felicitating its Commonwealth contingent with cash prize as the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday felicitated 23 sportspersons of Punjab who represented the country in recently concluded Games at Birmingham with cash prize worth Rs. 9.30 Crore.

“This is a humble effort from our government to recognise the massive efforts out by all you to bring laurels for the country” said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering here at Municipal Bhawan.

Interacting with the players, the Chief Minister reiterated the firm commitment of state government to restore the pristine glory of the state in field of sports. He said that strenuous efforts are already being made by the state in this regard. Bhagwant Mann said that the sportsmen of the state are being honoured with cash prizes to encourage them and other budding players to excel in sports.

The Chief Minister asserted that our sportsmen have brought laurels for the state and now the onus lies on the state government to recognise these achievements.

Highlighting the dire need of sports infrastructure to match at world level, he said that we have inherited natural talent to excel in sports and given a chance these players will conquer the world with grit. However, Bhagwant Mann said that for this world class infrastructure coupled with professional coaches, diet and other facilities are required.

The Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state government has already enhanced the sports budget to build new stadiums at village level, from where the natural talent is produced but had been hitherto ignored. Talking about the sports extravaganza ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ starting from August 29, he envisioned that these games will boost the sporting activity in state by channelising unbounded energy of the players in a positive direction. Bhagwant Mann said that such concerted efforts will bear fruits by providing a platform to the players to excel in arena of sports.

The Chief Minister emphasised that to propel sports culture at schools, the state government is recruiting DP and PTI teachers on war footing. Sharing anecdotes with players, Bhagwant Mann also revealed love for sports and mentioned that he inherited the love for hockey from his father.

The Chief Minister also recalled the names of hockey legends such as Balbir Singh Senior, Surjeet Singh, Dhanraj Pillay, Gagan Ajit Singh and others who had brought fame for the country in Hockey. Terming Gurjant, Manpreet, Akashdeep and others as stars of contemporary times, he expressed hope that the country will conquer the world again with the help of these legends. Recalling the names of renowned Drag Flicker of Holland Floris Jan Bovelander, Tennis Players Martina Navrtilova and Boris Becker, Bhagwant Mann said that sports rules are changing drastically in prevailing times, so we have to adapt with these rules swiftly.

The Chief Minister specifically remembered Cricket Player Harleen Deol’s stunning catch against England and also extended warm wishes towards Women Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur. He said that it was a rare honour for him to be in the presence of illuminating sports gems. Bhagwant Mann asserted that massive efforts are afoot to revive the hockey team of Punjab Police, football teams of JCT Phagwara and Rail Coach Factory.

The Chief Minister said that 23 players from Punjab participated in Birmingham, out of which 19 players won three silver and four bronze medals. He handed over cash prize to Weightlifter Vikas Thakur, Men’s Hockey Players Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Gurjant Singh, Hardik Singh, Varun Kumar, Krishan Pathak, Shamsher Singh, Jarmanjit Singh and Jugraj Singh, Women Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol and Tania Bhatia, Weightlifters Harjinder Kaur, Lovepreet Singh and Gurdeep Singh and Women hockey player Gurjit Kaur. Apart from this, Judo player Jasleen Saini Judo, athlete Navjit Kaur Dhillon, cyclists Naman Kapil and Vishwajit Singh were also felicitated.

Meanwhile, the Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer informed that Sports Budget has been increased 56 percent and logistics support have been created for sports. He informed that the Chief Minister will inaugurate ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ by playing Volleyball at Jalandhar on August 29.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary Sports Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Director Sports Rajesh Dhiman and others.

Chandigarh, Punjab

POWER SECTOR REFORMS GET A BOOST, WITH ALLOCATION OF RS. 25,237 CRORE WORKS UNDER RDSS SCHEME: POWER MINISTER

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

With the objective to supply 24×7 reliable power, the Punjab Government has approved an Action Plan of Rs. 25,237 Cr.  to improve the quality and reliability of power supply to the consumers. The reform-based and result-linked Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is an ambitious flagship scheme aimed at improving the operational efficiencies and financial sustainability of the distribution companies through a robust and sustainable distribution network.

          Disclosing this the Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that under this scheme various infrastructure works like commissioning of 94 new 66 KV sub stations and installation and augmentation of 89 and 382 66/ 11 KV power transformers respectively shall be carried out. In addition to this, 2,015 circuit kilometers of 66 KV transmission lines shall be erected under this scheme for system strengthening and its modernization along with installation of 23,687 11KV distribution transformers and erection of 15,859 circuit kilometers of HT/LT lines.

          Similarly, for loss reduction, 600 circuit kilometers of 66 KV lines/underground cables shall also be erected along with installation of 2,83,349 new distribution transformers under High Voltage Distribution System (HVDS) and erection of 1,10,117 circuit kilometers of HT/LT lines shall be done.

          The Cabinet Minister further informed that in addition to above, IT enabling works like SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and OMS (Outage Management System), Customer Care Centers, Unified Billing Solution are also to be carried out.

          Notably, with the execution of all these works besides the loss reduction, reliability and quality of power supply in the state shall further be improved which will benefit more than one Crore electricity consumers of the state. Out of the total project amount of Rs. 25,237 Cr, grant of Rs. 11,632 Cr. will be provided by the Govt. of India as gross budgetary support under this scheme.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

CHANDIGARH STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY CREATE HIV AWARENESS THROUGH CYCLE RALLY

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 27, 2022

To encourage healthy lifestyle and to educate the public specially the youth, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society organized a  Cycle Rally today starting from Sukhna Lake to New Lake Sector 42 Chandigarh.

The Cycle Rally was flagged off by Yashpal Garg Secretary Health. He urged people to adopt Healthy lifestyles by making cycling a routine activity and appreciated the efforts made by Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society in controlling  the spread of  HIV/AIDS in the city

More than 450 Cyclists from all walks of life participated in this awareness rally. The youngest Cyclist was 8 years old and the oldest was 78 years. The participants had decorated their Cycles in a way that gave message “Know AIDS for No AIDS” motivating people to come forward and gather knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

An Ambulance arranged by the department also followed the cyclists for their safety.

Yashpal Garg, Secretary Health, Akhil Kumar, Additional Secretary Health, Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services, Rajiv Tewari, Director Public Relations, Dr. Virender Nagpal, Project Director, Chandigarh SACS also participated in the rally. Prizes for the Quiz on HIV/AIDS conducted at Lake Sector 42 were distributed and participants were also motivated for Voluntary Free HIV Testing at the stationed Mobile HIV Testing Van at the venue.

HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases are most prevalent in the age group 15 to 39 years. Project Director, Dr. Virender Nagpal conveyed that Chandigarh is showing a declining trend in HIV epidemic, this is a result of extensive education and awareness about the disease.

Chandigarh, Punjab

COMPLETE VACCINATION FOR LUMPY SKIN DISEASE IN ALL GAUSHALAS WITHIN THREE DAYS, ENSURE 50,000 VACCINATION DAILY; DIRECTION BY GROUP OF MINISTERS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 24, 2022

The Group of Ministers (GoM), formed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps for the control of Lumpy Skin disease (LSD) in the state, directed the officials of the animal husbandry department to vaccinate all the bovine in Gaushalas within three days.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar directed that the relief work should be carried out on a mission mode.

Asking to ensure the target of vaccinating 50,000 cattle per day, the Cabinet Ministers said, “We have to strictly deal with this calamity. And, the lackadaisical approach in the ongoing prevention work will not be tolerated.” They categorically instructed to issue show cause notices to the employees with poor performance, saying that all the holidays of the employees should be cancelled to ensure timely treatment to the animals. They also asked to use the generic medicines as per requirement.

While reviewing the ongoing operations to prevent African Swine Fever, the Ministers said that the guidelines of the “Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009” should be implemented in letter and spirit and the movement of pigs should be strictly banned.

Principal Secretary Mr. Vikas Pratap apprised the Ministers that till date, the animal Husbandry department has received 6.86 lakh doses of goat pox vaccine. Over 3.31 lakh cattle have been vaccinated, while more than 3.54 lakh doses of goat pox vaccine are available with the department. He informed that 1,08,958 animals are suspected to have been affected by the lumpy skin disease out of which 64,475 animals are cured. He emphasized that the vaccine is being administered totally free of cost.

He said that the animal husbandry department had received Rs.1 crore from the Rural Development Fund to purchase the medicine and logistics. To shun the practice of throwing the carcasses of dead animals in the open, the SOP has also been released to district administration for ensuring proper disposal of carcasses, said Mr. Vikas Pratap adding that besides deployment of 179 Veterinary interns and Para-veterinary students to different districts for the control of disease, school students are also roped in the awareness campaign among the livestock farmers regarding cause and spread of disease and safe consumption of milk from affected animals.

It was discussed that services of NGOs and other veterinary doctors may be taken, if need arises.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Finance Commissioner Rural Development & Panchayats K. Siva Prasad, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Sanjeev Goel, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana and Dr. SPS Ghuman, Dean of Veterinary Science College.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana: Withheld funds released after Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal raises issue before Union Panchayati Raj Minister

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 24, 2022

Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Kapil Moreshwar Patil visited Punjab on Monday to attend the inaugural function of two-day national workshop on Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs) in Panchayats being organized by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats at Crystal Resort near Chandigarh. On this occasion, Rural Development Minister Punjab, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, informed the Union State Minister that the funds of many central sponsored schemes related to rural development have been withheld by the union Panchayati Raj Department. He especially brought to the knowledge of the Union State Minister that funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) were pending for a long time with the union Panchayati Raj Ministry.

On the request made by the State Panchayat Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal regarding the release of funds the Union Minister Kapil Moreshwar Patil immediately ordered to release Rs. 35.28 crore for building 10,654 new houses and to complete 7,293 under-construction houses besides State Government’s share of Rs 25.52 crore will also added to this.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal wholeheartedly thanked the Union Minister for this initiative and said that now with the release of this amount 17,947 houses for poor people will be completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) in the state.

He also hoped that the union government would soon release pending funds under MAGNREGA and other schemes so that the overall development of the villages could be accelerated.

Along with this, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal hoped that the central government would provide funds for the development of the villages of Punjab so that the standard of living of the people can be improved by improving the basic infrastructure including health, education, and drinking water in the villages of the state.