Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM SLAMS AKALI AND CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR LIVING IN ‘FOOL’S PARADISE’

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 5, 2022

Slamming the Congress and Akalis for their anti-people stance, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that that the leaders of both these political parties are living in ‘fool’s paradise’ assuming that they are still in power.

Addressing the gathering, while presiding over a state level function to mark 72nd state level Van Mahostav here today, the Chief Minister said leadership of both these parties is yet to overcome the trauma of crushing defeat inflicted upon them by the people during assembly elections. He said that they still behave in the way as they are running the government in state. However, Bhagwant Mann said that these power hungry politicians have forgotten that the wise and brave people of Punjab have chosen a government that is serving them zealously.

Taking SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that the leader who used to boast that they will rule Punjab for 25 years has been totally rejected by people. Bhagwant Mann said that neither he has been able to win his seat nor he gets any candidate now to contest from his party. He said that during their days of power these leaders had forgotten that people are supreme in a democratic set up and once you ignore them in power they won’t give second chance to them.

The Chief Minister, while quipping on former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, questioned his absence from the political arena. He said that this Congress leader who claimed himself to be capable of doing everything is seen nowhere after the debacle of his party. Bhagwant Mann said that he fails to understand where Channi has ran away adding if this is the condition of Chief Ministerial candidate of Congress then that of the remaining party can be judged very well.

The Chief Minister said that as a fact of matter both Congress and Shiromani Akal Dal (SAD) are now ‘deadwoods’ of Punjab politics. He said that the people have rejected them as they have failed to fulfill the expectations of people. Bhagwant Mann said that these parties are now indulging in cheap tactics for scoring brownie points before media.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time a government has been formed in the state which is working untiringly for well being of masses. He said that people will no longer have to run pillar to post in government offices at Chandigarh and district headquarters for getting their administrative works done as the state government will ensure it at their doorsteps. He said that a mechanism is being evolved where benefits of all the government schemes will be delivered to people at their doorsteps thereby saving the time, money and energy of people.

The Chief Minister said that during the poll campaign they had promised the people of state that the AAP government will transform their destiny. He said that though earlier too the political parties had made promises with them but none of them kept any of their word with masses. Bhagwant Mann said that from first day of assuming charge of office AAP government has already started the process of fulfilling each and every promise made with people to restore the pristine glory of the state.

The Chief Minister said that for the maiden time in history of state a team of honest leaders is serving the people. He said that 75 Aam Aadmi clinics will be dedicated to people on coming Independence Day where people will get quality health and diagnostic services free of cost. Bhagwant Mann said that 16 Medical colleges will be constructed in coming five years thereby enhancing total tally of medical colleges to 25 thus transforming Punjab into a hub of medical education.

The Chief Minister said that the students aspiring to pursue medical education will no longer have to go to countries like Ukraine. He said that these students will be provided quality medical education in these medical colleges. Bhagwant Mann said that earlier governments have not paid any attention towards it due to which our students had to move abroad.

The Chief Minister further said that in a path breaking initiative his government provided 600 units of free power per billing cycle to every section of society. He said that as a result of this, 51 lakh households out of total 74 lakh will get zero electricity bill in the 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.    

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister solicited support of people against the use of single use plastic and plantation of more and more trees to save the environment for our coming generations. He underscored the need for making this campaign a mass movement for checking environmental degradation. He said that single use plastic poses a serious threat to environment as its debris is non degradable and can exist in environment for hundreds of years and in water for even thousands of years.

Announcing new projects for Dhuri assembly segment, the Chief Minister announced that state government will construct Railway over Bridge (ROB) on Railway line bisecting city in two parts at a cost of Rs 15 crore. Likewise, he announced a grant of Rs 2 crore for building state-of-art park for residents, upgrading existing Badminton complex to enable 70 players to play in it and complete overhaul of sewerage system of city with the cost of Rs. 13 crore. Bhagwant Mann also announced to restore all the previous permits to ensure better road connectivity with every educational institutes.

In his address, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema described this campaign as a revolutionary decision to save the environment of the state. He hailed the Chief Minister for taking several path breaking initiatives for well being of the state. 

Addressing the gathering Information and Public Relations Minister Aman Arora lauded the Chief Minister for taking the visionary decision to initiate this campaign. He said that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister Punjab is making progress in every field. Aman Arora described this as a historic initiative by the Chief Minister and said that every Punjabi should participate in this campaign with missionary zeal. 

In his address Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that single use plastic was posing a grave danger to the human life. He said that every effort will be made to save the state from this danger.

Addressing the gathering Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak apprised the people about Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh Hariawal Lehar embarked by the state government. He solicited fulsome support and cooperation of people to make this campaign a huge success.

Earlier, the Chief Minister started the plantation drive by planting saplings. He also flagged off the fruit sapling laden tractors at Government School, Benara.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled jute bags prepared by the Punjab Pollution Control Board to replace the plastic bags.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Harpal Cheema, Aman Arora, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Lal Chand Kataruchak, MLAs Narinder Kaur Bharaj, Barinder Goyal, Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra,Jameel Ur Rehman, Kulwant Singh Pandori, Dr. Balbir Singh and Labh Singh Ugoke, AAP leader Gurmail Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Forest Raaji P Srivastav, IG Patiala Range MS Chhina, Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, SSP Mandeep Singh Sidhu and others were also present.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Labour department proves to be a boon for construction workers if everyone works with integrity: Anmol Gagan Maan

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 5, 2022

Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Maan today held a meeting with various officials of the Labor Department.  This meeting was held at the Labour Bhawan of District SAS Nagar.  During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the works of the department in detail.  In this meeting, the officers and inspectors working at the district level informed the Cabinet Minister about the difficulties faced in implementing the labour welfare schemes under the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board at the ground level.

Addressing the meeting, Cabinet Minister Madam Anmol Gagan Maan said that this government is committed to the progress of every section of the people.  She said that construction workers are the pillar of our progress.  Therefore, the schemes being run for the welfare of the construction workers should be fully implemented at the ground level.  On this occasion, she said that during the last financial year, benefits of Rs. 35 crore were given to the workers under various schemes for the welfare of the construction workers.  She said that during the first 4 months of this financial year, Rs 34 crore has been disbursed to the construction workers in their bank accounts under their welfare schemes.  Cabinet Minister Madam Maan directed the officials to settle the pending requests of the construction workers in a time-bound manner.  She instructed the officials that while implementing the schemes for the welfare of the construction workers, if there is any negligence on the part of the officials, then it will be dealt with strictly.

She said that camps will be organized at the district level to give the benefits of the board’s schemes to the construction workers and to register the workers.  She said that the first district level camp for registration of construction workers will be held at Kharar on 21.08.2022.  She said that a construction worker who has worked as a construction worker for 90 days in 12 months can take advantage of the board’s schemes by registering himself.  During the meeting, the officials and inspectors working in the district level offices informed the Cabinet Minister about the problems they were facing, which were assured to be resolved immediately.

 Secretary of Labour Department Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Labour Commissioner Mr. Arun Sekhari, Additional Labour Commissioner Mrs. Mona Puri and other officials were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, Punjab

MANN GOVT ALL SET TO DEAL WITH ANY FLOOD LIKE SITUATION: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR

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IEP CHANDIGARH

Following the whirl-wind tour of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to flood-affected areas of the state, the State & District level Livestock flood control rooms have already been set up for the well-being and care of livestock in face of any probable flood like situation.

          Divulging further, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said the state level livestock flood control room number 0172-2217083 is operational seven days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Joint Director Animal Husbandry (Development & Planning) is deputed to directly monitor state control room.

          Similarly, district level livestock control rooms are being monitored by the concerned Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry). He said that the deputy commissioners and concerned administrative officers of all the districts were instructed to sensitise the general public at large scale about the district level livestock control room number besides keeping eagle-eye on every situation related to possible flood.

          The Cabinet Minister said that Joint Director, North Regional Disease Prevention Laboratory (NRDDL) Jalandhar can be contacted on control room number 0181-2242335 in case of spread of any disease in livestock.

          During the meeting, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar asked Principal Secretary Mr. Vikas Pratap and Director Dr. Subhash Chander to speed up the HS vaccination drive initiated by the department to protect the cattle from the Heamorrhagic Septicaemia (Gal-Ghotu) disease.

          Principal Secretary Mr. Vikas Pratap apprised the Cabinet Minister that deputy directors at district offices have already formed Tehsil Level Teams headed by Senior Veterinary Officer and arranged necessary medicines in Tehsil level hospitals. They have also been asked to procure required medicines immediately from Veterinary Medical Store Jalandhar so as to prevent any kind of shortage in emergency. Availability of fodder for the animals in the flood prone areas has been identified so that adequate fodder can be provided to the animals during any untoward situation. Apart from this, government vehicles/mobile forces have been kept on toe to deal with any flood like situation and the employees and officials were asked not to leave the headquarters without prior approval of the higher authorities. Likewise, the district officials have been directed to coordinate with the head office immediately in any exigency, he said, adding that officials of the department are continuously coordinating with Nishkam Seva Samitis/NGOs and Social organizations to keep them ready to work voluntarily in tandem with department, in case of any probable floods.

Chandigarh, Punjab

BIG RELIEF FOR STATE RESIDENTS, PUNJAB EMPOWERS MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONERS AND ADCs FOR ISSUANCE OF CLU & APPROVAL OF COLONY LAYOUT

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IEP CHANDIGARH

Giving a big relief to the people of the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has empowered all Municipal Corporation Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners at the district level for the purpose of Change of Land Use (CLU) and issuing approvals to develop colonies.

          Divulging further, Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said, the process of CLU and Building Plans have been simplified to ensure that no illegal/unauthorized colonies are allowed to develop besides ensuring to ease the process & delivery of service at District Level.

          The Cabinet Minister said that the Commissioner of Municipal Corporations and ADCs have been notified as Competent Authorities for the purpose of CLU and for issuing Licence to Develop a Colony.

He also clarified that the CLUs and Layouts would be cleared by Municipal Commissioners and ADCs. Similarly, Building Plans would be cleared by Municipal Commissioners in case of Municipal Corporations and EOs in case of Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats/Improvement Trusts. He said that a notification in this regard has also been issued. This step will not only facilitate the people but also help in to bolster the economic development trajectory of the state and create new horizons in this regard, he added.

          Mr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that Mann government was committed to provide ultra-modern facilities to the people and working constantly towards strengthening cities’ infrastructure to provide better facilities to the residents. He said that the concerned urban local bodies have also been instructed to ensure clearance of pending cases within a week.

          Instructing officials to ensure that no illegal colony should come up in their respective jurisdiction, Local Government Minister also urged to public at large to desist from investing their life time savings in illegal colonies.

          Directing to strengthen public grievance redressal system, he said that the Municipal Commissioners and the Additional Deputy Commissioners will lend the ear to the complaints of the citizens on one dedicated day in a week, preferably on Thursday from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. And on that fixed day, they will organize Public grievance camp along with all the officers in the area under their jurisdiction to resolve the problems of the people. No office visit or meeting will be held on this day, he added.

STRICT INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED

Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Dr.  Inderbir Singh Nijjar, while presiding over the meeting of the officials, directed to ensure quality in all infrastructure projects and timely execution of ongoing works.

          The Minister said that public participation should be encouraged for cleanliness in urban areas and cleaning of public toilets and parks besides preparing the schedule for fogging during monsoon. Nodal officers for fogging should be appointed in each urban body, said the Minister, adding that a new policy should be implemented to reduce open waste dumps/waste points in cities. He also asked to organize ward wise camps well before exemption period i.e. September 30 to increase the collection of property.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM BATS FOR UNIFIED ACTION BY STATES TO END NARCO-GANGSTER-TERRORIST NEXUS

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IEP CHANDIGARH

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday advocated unified action by states to curb the narco-gangster-terrorist nexus.

          In his address during a conference on drug trafficking and national security chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Chief Minister said that it is the high time that all the states must act in unison with each other to combat this menace. He unequivocally said that the states should not indulge in credit war but focus on eliminating the gangsters, drug smugglers and terrorists. Bhagwant Mann said that a foolproof strategy should be evolved by the states and it should be implemented flawlessly to get the desired results.

          The Chief Minister described this nexus as a major threat to the security, sovereignty and integrity of the country. He said that this nexus needs to be eliminated at the earliest for safeguarding the interests of our coming generations. Bhagwant Mann said that it is the high time that all the states must sink their differences and act sternly against the nexus.

The Chief Minister also offered fulsome support and cooperation to the Union government for setting up a Forensic laboratory in the state. He said that despite of being a border state with huge threat of smuggling of drugs, weapons and others from the other side of barbed wire, Punjab does not have any such laboratory to check drugs. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for setting up this laboratory.

Chandigarh, Punjab

ON CM’S DIRECTION, PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RELEASES RS. 100 CRORE TO SUGARCANE FARMERS

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IEP CHANDIGARH

 In consonance with the firm commitment of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ensure well being of the farmers, the state government today deposited Rs 100 crore in the accounts of sugarcane farmers.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that on the directions of the Chief Minister the funds were transferred by Sugarfed in accounts of sugarcane cultivators on Saturday. The due amount to be

paid to the sugarcane farmers by Sugarfed now stands atRs.195.60 crores. Out of this Rs. 100 crore will be paid by August 31 this year and the remaining Rs.95.60 cores will be cleared by September 15.

          After this, there will be no pending payment left with the Government owned nine Sugar Mills at  Ajnala, Batala, Budhewal, Bhogpur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Morinda , Nakodar and Nawanshahr. Pertinently, with the payment of this Rs. 100.00 crore the Government has already paid Rs.424.02 crores to the sugarcane farmers out of total pending sugarcane payment of Rs.619.62 crores. These payments are related to the season 2021-22.

          The spokesperson further said that Bhagwant Mann Government is making sincere efforts to ensure that pending payments to the farmers is made with before upcoming sugarcane season of 2022-23 without any inordinate delay.

Chandigarh, Punjab

SPEAKER SANDHWAN CONGRATULATES WEIGHTLIFTER MIRABAI CHANU ON WINNING GOLD MEDAL AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022 IN BIRMINGHAM

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 31, 2022

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday has congratulated weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, on winning India’s first Gold medal at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

            Olympics silver medalist Chanu has won the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record by lifting a total of 201 kg in the 49 kg weight category.

            Issuing a statement here, Speaker said that it is a matter of great pride for the country and the medal win by Chanu proves that girls are now playing a leading role in every field.

            Speaker Sandhwan has also congratulated Chanu’s assistant coach Sandeep Kumar who is serving in the Punjab Police and currently posted at the Centre Sports at PAP in Jalandhar. He himself has participated in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games as a weightlifter and won a bronze medal in the 69 kg weight category at the 1998 Kuala Lampur Commonwealth Games.

            Earlier, Speaker also congratulated Punjab wrestler Jaspuran Singh, who won a bronze medal in the Under-17 World Wrestling Championship in Rome (Italy).

While congratulating the young player, Speaker said that not only Singh but his parents and Indian team coach Inderjit Singh also deserve appreciation for this big achievement at a young age.

Chandigarh, Punjab

MANN GOVERNMENT WILL INSTALL SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN ALL MANDIS ACROSS THE STATE, SAYS KULDEEP DHALIWAL

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 27, 2022

Following the directions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Mandi Board will install solar power plants in all the mandis to provide affordable electricity across the state.

This has been disclosed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, while chairing a meeting with the senior officials of the department at the head office here.

Dhaliwal ordered the concerned officials to start the work of installing solar power plants in all grain and vegetable markets at once in the state.

The officials present on this occasion said that the under a pilot project, net metering roof top solar power plant in four mandis are being installed and such solar power plants will be installed in 23 mandis.

The Minister of Agriculture said that a project report should be prepared for all grain and vegetable markets for setting up net monitoring solar power plants so that the people can be provided with affordable electricity. He directed to install sheds on which solar panels could be installed easily.

On this occasion, considering issue of lack of cleanliness in the vegetable markets, which led to obnoxious smell, the Minister directed officials to ensure the cleanliness of the vegetable markets on daily basis.

            The Agriculture Minister also issued instructions to take action to strengthen the link roads and make them 18 feet wide under the Mandi Board. Along with this, he said that the damaged link roads should be repaired immediately.

Taking an important decision, Kuldeep Dhaliwal asked the officials of the Mandi Board to submit a report as soon as possible to bring the vacant land of the focal point into use.

On this occasion, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Punjab and Secretary of Mandi Board Ravi Bhagat among other senior officials were present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

NO COMPROMISE ON DAMAGING ENVIRONMENT, VIOLATORS WILL BE DEALT WITH STERN ACTION: MEET HAYER

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 27, 2022

Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Hayer on Wednesday warned people to face the music for damaging the environment and said that it is the high time to take concrete steps to preserve the natural resources for the future generations.

          “Environment maintenance is a mutual responsibility of all of us. It is also our duty to preserve natural resources and a clean environment for future generations,” said Hayer while chairing a meeting regarding the Punjab Plastic Waste Management Society at the Punjab Pollution Control Board here.

          Meet Hayer said that the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to industrial development for the progress of Punjab but at the same time there will be no compromise in the matter of damaging the environment. He said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance against drugs and pollution.

          The Minister advised the society to rope in more and more companies in their society and to make it a financially sound model. Massive awareness is required among the public so as to make it a public movement, only then the mission of the Chief Minister Mann, Punjab to make the state “Green Punjab” will be achieved.

          Meet Hayer assured industrialists of fulsome support and cooperation from the state government so that this quintessential threat to human existence can be checked. Leading from the front to tackle this serious issue, the Minister offered the board members that he will take part in their cleanliness drives if they take initiative anywhere in the state.

          He said that they have got a clean environment from our forefathers but in the last 20-25 years the problem of pollution has exacerbated, therefore, it is high time that people must take responsibility to preserve the environment for the coming generations.

          Earlier, the Minister was briefed about the working of the society conceptualized by the Board about 5 years back and that it is one of its kind initiatives in entire country for collection and disposal of multi-layered plastic The society presented the Minister with products such as pen-holder, bird nest, board and others made out of plastic waste as well as other alternatives to the plastic like jute and cloth bags.

          The Minister lauded the efforts made by the Board for control of plastic pollution in the State. He exhorted the Board as well as society to enhance their activities regarding MLP throughout Punjab as well as include other plastic waste collection in their scope.

          He emphasised that it is one of the main promises of the State government to provide a clean environment to the public as well as our future generations.

          The officers of the Board as well as office bearers of the society assured the Minister that all out efforts shall be made to fulfil the expectations of the Government.

          Chairman of Punjab Pollution Control Board Dr Adarsh Pal Vig, while appreciating the personal involvement of the Environment Minister, said that environmental protection is a significant aspect.

          Board Member Secretary Engineer Karunesh Garg welcomed everyone and shared the agenda of the meeting. Representatives of industries and members of the society were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Punjab

State Government all set to provide single window approvals for setting up industry in Punjab: Anmol Gagan Mann

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 25, 2022

The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directions to formulate transparent and hassle free investment policy to attract investors in order to make ‘Rangla Punjab’. This was stated by the Punjab Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann who today held a meeting in this regard with the officials of Invest Punjab Department. She gave clear cut instructions to implement the directions issued by the Chief Minister without any delay so that maximum investment can come in the state to ensure prosperity and overall development.

Anmol Gagan Mann asked the officials to ensure all approvals to the investors without any delay hassle. She said that the State Government is committed to make Punjab a leading state in the industrial sector and as part of the process, has created a mechanism where all approvals would be given through a single window for setting up industries in the state. The Minister also said that investors willing to invest in Punjab could apply online for approvals which would be given at the earliest.

The cabinet minister said that this is a common people’s government in which there is zero tolerance to corruption and if any officer or employee is found indulging in such malpractices, stringent action would be taken against them.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included senior officers of the Invest Punjab Department.