Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

Vigilance arrests Kanugo taking bribe Rs 3,000 for issuing NOC

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 17, 2022

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Wednesday nabbed Amrik Singh posted as Kanugo in the office of Director Abadkari (Resettlement) at Punjab Mandi Board complex Mohali red handed while accepting bribe of Rs 3,000.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the State Vigilance Bureau (VB) said the accused Kanugo has been arrested on the complaint of Kuldeep Singh of village Bhukhri Kalan, Ludhiana district.

He informed that the complainant has informed the VB that he had applied NOC for selling his booth at New Grain Market Ludhiana but the above mentioned Kanugo was demanding bribe of Rs 8,000 from him. The complainant added that the accused Amrik Singh has already taken Rs 5000 from him and demanding Rs 3,000 as second instalment to issue NOC to him.

The spokesperson further informed that after verification of the facts in the complaint and the material evidence, a VB team laid a trap and the accused was arrested while accepting bribe Rs 3,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under FIR No.13 dtd 17.08.2022 u/s 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at P.S VB F.S-1, SAS Nagar. Further investigation in this case is under progress.

Chandigarh, Punjab

IRRIGATION FACILITIES IN AROUND 72,000 ACRES OF 9 DISTRICTS INCLUDING SIX OF SUB-MOUNTAINOUS AREA WILL BE STRENGTHEN: DR. NIJJAR

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 17, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has started projects worth around Rs.90 crore for strengthening and improving irrigation facilities in the state using natural resources, which will provide irrigation facilities in 9 districts of the state. Similarly, a new project with a cost of Rs.100 crore has also been proposed for assistance of underground pipeline projects.

            Describing this here, Punjab Soil & Water Conservation Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that for integrated development of kandi area, a new watershed development programme has been started at a cost of Rs.80-CR with a target to benefit 70,000 acres of sub-mountainous area in Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar and SAS Nagar districts.

            “The Main focus of the scheme shall be on Natural Resource Management through rainwater harvesting, Farm Production, livelihood support and community development activities”, said Dr. Nijjar, adding that efforts have also been made for using treated water of four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for irrigation purposes.

            He informed that Rs7.71 Cr. has been allotted for laying infrastructure for productive utilization of treated waste water of 4 STPs for irrigation, which will provide irrigation facilities up to 2,000 acres of agricultural land in districts Hoshiarpur, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana.

            Dr. Nijjar said that apart from this, a new project for assistance on community & individual projects of underground pipeline for judicious use of available irrigation water has also been proposed with an outlay of Rs.100-CR.

            Besides this, Rs.11-CR has been approved for taking up new schemes for construction of Water harvesting-cum natural recharging Structures/ check dams in sub-mountainous kandi area, Irrigation Infrastructure for productive use of water stored in Village Ponds and construction of projects for Roof-top Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharging in Govt./Institutional Buildings, he added.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Bhagwant Mann led State government announces resumption of ‘Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh State Yuva Award’

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 14, 2022

On the auspicious occasion of the country’s 75th year of Independence, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has decided to resume the ‘Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh State Yuva Award’, which was lying defunct since long. The aim to restart this award is to make the youth a partner in the development of the state besides empowering them. The Yuva Bhavan constructed at Chandigarh for the youth is being also renovated and revived as Centre of Excellence for youth.

It was disclosed by Sports and Youth Services Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer after a meeting held at the Directorate of Youth Services at Sector-42 Yuva Bhavan. He said that the State Government is making continuous efforts to disseminate the ideology of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and prepare the youth for taking leadership role in the state. This award Carrie’s a cash amount of Rs. 51,000, a medal, a scroll, a blazer and a certificate.

Mr. Meet Hayer said that Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh State Yuva Award is given to two youths between the age of 15 to 35 years from each district of the state. The required instructions have already been given to the Youth services Department. The Youth welfare activities, NCC, NSS, social services, cultural activities, sports, tracking, national unity, blood donation, awareness against drugs, educational merit, heroic deeds, scouts and guiding and adventure activities are the criterion for the bestowing of award.

The Minister also gave directions for the renovation and revival of the Yuva Bhavan building at Chandigarh which will cost around Rs. 3 crore. The purpose of this Yuva Bhavan to be built as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the youth is to enhance the activities and programs of the government for the youth such as the youth festivals.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Sports and Youth Services Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Director Rajesh Dhiman, Deputy Director Dr. Kamaljit Singh Sidhu and Assistant Director Rupinder Kaur.

Chandigarh, Punjab

MHA ANNOUNCES NAMES OF PUNJAB POLICE OFFICERS/OFFICIALS FOR PPMDS, PMMS AWARDS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 14, 2022

Recognising the outstanding services of the Punjab Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (GOI), on the eve of 76th Independence Day, announced the names of the Punjab Police officers/officials, to be awarded with President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS).

          Director Bureau of Investigation (BOI) Punjab B Chandra Sekhar and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Jatinder Singh Aulakh have been awarded with President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.

          Similarly, six PPS officers, including AIG Zonal CID Amritsar Varinder Singh, DCP Law & Order Amritsar Parminder Singh Bhandal, DSP IRB Ludhiana Daljit Singh, DSP Commando Battalion Bahadurgarh Sanjeev Kumar, DSP PRTC Jahan Khelan Harjit Singh and DSP CID Jalandhar Harbhajan Lal are among 14 officers/officials have been selected for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Remaining officials includes Inspector Raj Kumar, SI Sampuran Singh, SI Rajesh Kumar, SI Ram Darshan, SI Chander Parkash, SI Sakandar Singh, ASI Manjit Singh and ASI Prit Pal Singh.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, while congratulating the awardees, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Home Affairs GOI for recognising the services of these officers and boosting the morale of the entire Punjab Police force. He said that such recognition plays a significant role in encouraging the Police force to work with more dedication and devotion, which is very much required in a border state having manifold security challenges.

Chandigarh, Punjab

POWER MINISTER LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF 66 KV GRID SUB-STATION AND STATE OF THE ART MULTI STORY BUILDING AT SANGRUR

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 14, 2022

The Power and Public Works Minister Punjab Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO today laid foundation stones of two different projects at Sangrur.

            After laying the foundation stone of 66 KV grid sub station at Sangrur, the Power Minister informed that this sub station will be completed by March 31, 2023 at a cost of around Rs.9.50 crore. He said that the construction of this sub-station will benefit about 60 to 70 thousand electricity consumers and its commencement will prevent overloading of 66 KV grid sub-stations on Badrukhan, Mangwal and Sohian roads.

            Similarly, laying the foundation stone of the second project, a multi-storied state-of-the-art building to be constructed at 33 KV Colony, Sohian Road, Sangrur to shift 12 offices of PSPCL Sangrur to one place, the Minister for Power said that the construction of this building will cost around Rs 17.30 crore and the project is targeted to be completed by 31st March 2024. He said that with PSPCL offices coming together under one roof, it will be easier to provide timely services to consumers, electricity workers and pensioners.

            Mr. ETO said that due to the visionary thinking of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to solving the problems faced by the people on a priority basis. He further added that the Punjab Government has provided the facility of 600 units of free electricity every two months to the domestic consumers which will be applicable to all domestic consumers fairly. The bill will be zero for consumers consuming up to 600 units of electricity in two months, said the Minister.

            The MLA Sangrur Narinder Kaur Bharaj and MLA Lehra Barinder Kumar Goyal, Deputy Commissioner Jitinder Jorwal, SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Director PSPCL Er. DPS Grewal were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, Punjab

51 lakh electricity consumers will get zero  bills from September 1: CM

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that  51 lakh households of Punjab can look forward to getting zero electricity bills from September 1st.

After dedicating 66KV Butaari-Beas line to the people, the Chief minister said that in a path breaking initiative the Aam Aadmi government in the state has provided 600 units of free power per billing cycle to every section of society. He said that due to this unprecedented pro-people initiative 51 lakh households out of total 74 lakh will get zero electricity bill in the coming month of September. Likewise, Bhagwant Mann said that 68 lakh household will get zero power bill in January, which will be roughly 90% of the total households of the state.     

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in history of state farmers have got regular, uninterrupted and surplus power. Bhagwant Mann said that neither there was any power cut for farmers nor for others

The Chief Minister said that the state government is taking path breaking initiatives for the progress of state and welfare of people. He said that this important line that will regularly illuminate 70 villages of the border districts have been hanging in fire since last one decade. However, Bhagwant Mann said that after assuming the charge of office he had asked the officers to ensure that all such projects are completed at the earliest.

The Chief Minister said that the total expenditure incurred on the project has been Rs 4.40 crore. He said that the project will benefit more than 2 lakh consumers who will no longer have to unscheduled face power cuts or overloading. Bhagwant Mann said that four power stations viz. 66KV Lidhar, 66 KV Beas, 66 KV Butaala and 66 KV Sathiala are connected with it.

Chandigarh, Punjab

GoM DIRECTS TO PROCURE 3.33 LAKH MORE DOSES OF GOAT POX VACCINE TO PREVENT LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

The Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for effective monitoring for the prevention of lumpy skin disease in the state, has directed to procure 3.33 lakh more doses of Goat Pox vaccine for the prevention of lumpy skin.

During a meeting here at Punjab Bhawan today, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar directed that 3.33 lakh more doses should immediately be ordered from approved veterinary research institutes and distributed to all the districts so as to ensure no hindrance in vaccination drive.

“The Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is personally monitoring the situation and daily taking report of the ongoing relief operations in the state” they apprised.

While reviewing the vaccination drive, the Ministers directed that vaccination should be intensified and the target should be doubled to 50,000 per day besides ensuring that vaccination is being done free of cost. They said that so far more than 1.30 lakh cattle have been vaccinated in the state.

GoM Committee Members Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Vikas Pratap, Finance Commissioner Rural Development K. Siva Prasad and Director Animal Husbandry Dr.  Sanjeev Goel was present in the meeting, while Dr. SPS Ghuman, Dean of Veterinary Science College and Dr. SS  Randhawa, Director Clinics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana attended meeting through video conferencing.

The Cabinet Ministers directed the senior officials of the concerned departments to issue instructions to the district officials for providing calcium, vitamins and other necessary medicines for the animals of the state.  And, ensure that the guidelines regarding prohibition of entry of livestock from other states into Punjab and holding of animal fair should be followed in letter and spirit, till the disease is contained. The Ministers also reviewed the activities related to spraying of mosquito repellent in the state.

The Cabinet Ministers said that to shun the practice of throwing carcasses of dead animals in the open, the government has issued funds to the BDPOs besides directing them to arrange JCB to ensure burial of dead cattle and remain in touch with sarpanchs of villages. The ministers also urged farmers not to throw the dead animals in the open.

Rejecting the rumors about not consuming the milk of the affected animals, the Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that this disease does not affect the human body if the milk is well boiled.

He said that the Punjab government stands shoulder to shoulder with farmers in this crisis and committed to provide all possible help to prevent this disease.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Water Resources Minister urges people not to dispose of carcasses in any waterbody

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 12, 2022

Punjab Water Resources Minister  Harjot Singh Bains today urged livestock farmers and general public of the state not to dispose of carcasses of dead animals in any waterbody.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Bains said that it has come to his notice that some people are disposing of carcasses of cattles killed by lumpy skin disease in Waterbodies and 5 dead cattles has been found floating in Kotbhai tributary near Mahima Bhagwana village in Bathinda.

 Urging the people to bury the animals killed by Lumpy Skin Disease by digging a deep pit, the minister said that carcasses should be disposed of as per the instructions issued by the Animal Husbandry Department. 

This trend should be stopped immediately as it can aggravate the situation further, said Mr Bains .

On the instructions of the Minister of Water Resources, the Principal Secretary of the Department has issued a letter to the Deputy Commissioner, Bathinda, asking that necessary steps should be taken to prevent animals killed by Lumpy Skin Disease from being disposing of into the waterbodies if found anyone doing so a necessary action should be taken.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab CM orders stern action against educational institutes withholding degree of SC students

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 11, 2022

Underlining that the funds under Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is an issue between the Government and the institutes but not the students, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday directed that severest of severe action must be taken against educational institutes withholding the degree of Scheduled Caste (SC) students on the pretext of the scholarship scheme.

Mann, in a major relief to the students belonging to the Schedule Caste (SC) category, directed, “Take severest of severe action against educational institutions indulging in such tantrums to ruin the future of SC students and ensure that degree of not even a single student is withheld by any educational institute.”

The Chief Minister, chairing a meeting of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department, unequivocally said that the payment of funds under the scheme is a matter between the State Government and the educational institutions. “The students from the underprivileged and weaker sections of society have nothing to do with this and they should not suffer at any cost…The educational institutes have no right to withhold the degrees of the students and ruin their career,” he said.

Mann categorically said that it is a cynical move on the part of educational institutions to act in such a shameful manner. “It also reflects the myopic mindset of some educational institutions which are trying to create barriers in the way of SC students,” he said, adding that stern action should be taken against erring educational institutes resorting to such tactics.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Punjab CM accepts resignation of Baba Farid medical varsity VC

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 11, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accepted the resignation of Dr Raj Bahadur, the vice-chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences who was allegedly forced to lie on a dirty mattress at a hospital by the state’s health minister during an inspection.

The state government has given the charge of the university VC to the director, medical education. The CM after accepting the resignation forwarded it to the Punjab governor. Dr Raj Bahadur had tendered his resignation after he felt ”humiliated” at the hands of Health Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra.

It happened last month when Jouramajra was on an inspection to Faridkot’s Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, which comes under the university.

A video clip of the incident that circulated on social media had shown Jouramajra placing a hand on the veteran surgeon’s shoulder as he pointed towards the ”damaged and dirty condition” of a mattress at the hospital. The minister was then seen allegedly forcing Dr Bahadur to lie down on the same mattress.

After the incident, Dr Bahadur had conveyed to the Punjab chief minister the ”humiliation” and requested that he be relieved from service as the work environment was not conducive. The incident had triggered an outrage and various doctors’ bodies, including the Indian Medical Association, flayed the health minister over his behaviour and demanded his dismissal from the state Cabinet.