IEP Chandigarh, February 6

          Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday, arrested Sub Inspector (SI) of Police Manjinder Singh, posted at CIA Barnala while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.

          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned police official has been arrested on a complaint lodged by Simrandip Singh, a car dealer from Barnala city.

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that he was having a financial dispute with one Dharmpal of Moga city regarding sale of a Scorpio vehicle and SI Manjinder Singh has been pressurising him to strike a compromise with other party. The complainant alleged that the said police personnel was demanding Rs 15,000 as a bribe from him otherwise FIR would be lodged against him in case if he failed to execute compromise.

          The spokesperson added that after preliminary investigation of this complaint, a VB team from Patiala range laid a trap and caught the said SI red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said accused police personnel at VB police station Patiala range and further investigation was under progress.

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 6

          The much ambitious project ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’ initiated by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government for strengthening and transforming primary health care in the state achieved another landmark as the Outpatient Department (OPD) figure has hit the landmark one crore on Tuesday, said Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh here.

          “Over 1 crore people in the state have availed free treatment from these Aam Aadmi Clinics in the last one and half year,” he said.

          Pertinently, there are 664 Aam Aadmi Clinics— 236 in urban areas and 428 in Rural areas— functioning in the state providing free treatment, besides offering 80 types of free medicines and 38 types of free diagnostics tests. All the clinics are IT-enabled with end-to-end digitisation of registration, doctor consultation, investigations, and prescriptions.

          The Health Minister was chairing a high-level virtual meeting with all the Civil Surgeons, Deputy Medical Superintendents and Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) to review the ongoing development projects including free medicines, X-Ray, Ultrasound, Farishtey Scheme and Aam Aadmi Clinics.

          He said that the Punjab Government has already rolled out the much ambitious Farishtey Scheme under which free treatment is being provided to all road accident victims, irrespective of their nationality, caste, or socio-economic status. Anyone taking the road accident victim to the hospital for treatment will be honoured and rewarded with Rs 2000, he said, while adding that there will be no questioning by police or hospital authorities from the person, who brought the road accident victim to the hospital, until and unless he himself wants to become an eye witness.

          Dr Balbir Singh, while taking stock of supply of medicines at Government Health Facilities, strictly asked the Civil Surgeons and SMOs to ensure that no patient should have to go outside to purchase medicines. “All the government health facilities have sufficient stock of free medicines. Civil Surgeons and SMOs have also been allocated funds to purchase medicines in case they are short of any particular medicines,” he added.

          He said that to provide X-ray and Ultrasound facilities to patients coming at Government Health Facilities (which are not equipped with these machines), Punjab Government has empanelled private diagnostic centres where patients can avail these facilities at nominal price.

          Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Health Ajoy Sharma, MD National Health Mission Dr Abhinav Trikha, MD Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC) Varinder Kumar Sharma, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Adarshpal Kaur and Director Punjab Health System Corporation PHSC Dr Anil Goyal also attended the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh

          Punjab’s Local Government Minister, Balkar Singh, consistently holds review meetings to monitor the progress of various development projects. During these sessions, conducted meeting in the presence of MLAs and Halkar Incharges with Senior Officers from both the Head Office and the field, there is a strong emphasis on expediting office processes to kickstart new development projects.

          In today’s review meeting at Municipal Bhawan, Chandigarh, Minister Balkar Singh gathered detailed information from officers, including allocated and utilized funds for various schemes like Swachh Bharat and AMRUT Mission. He directed officials to promptly complete ongoing development projects. Additionally, he affirmed the commitment of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to comprehensive and planned state development. To achieve this goal, Cabinet Minister shared detailed information about the works included in the each schemes and the outstanding funds with MLAs and Halka Incharges.

          Cabinet Minister also instructed field officials to communicate all information regarding development works to the respective MLAs and Hlaka Incharges, ensuring that projects align with the needs of local residents.

          Minister Balkar Singh emphasized the quick initiation of tenders for approved projects by the State Technical Committee to commence work promptly. He stressed a zero-tolerance policy for negligence in development works.

          Addressing concerns about funding shortages, the Local Government Minister assured that there is no lack of funds for development works. If Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats require additional funds for new projects, proposals along with action plans can be submitted to the head office after discussion with the concerned MLAs. He also urged special attention to be given to utilizing outstanding funds for development works.

          He emphasized that Legacy waste must be disposed of scientifically for a cleaner environment. Additionally, there should be door-to-door collection of dry and wet garbage, ensuring separation at the source. The waste should then be sent for processing at MRF and compost pits, allowing for composting after recycling. He also stressed the need for proper cleaning of sewerage in the area.

          Minister underscored the importance of quality and transparency in development work, warning officials that anyone involved in corruption would not be spared under any circumstances.

          During the meeting, MLAs/Halka Incharges, Amansher singh, Raman Behal, Shamsher Singh, Jagroop Singh Sekhwa, Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, Vibhuti Sharma, Uma Shankar Gupta, Director Local Government, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation (Pathankot and Batala), Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Gurdaspur and Pathankot, and Executive Officers from Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats of Gurdaspur, Dhariwal, Dinanagar, Dera Baba Nanak, Fatehgarh Churian, Qadian,  Sri Hargobindpur, Sujanpur, and  Narot Jaimal Singh were present.

IEP CHANDIGARH, February 5

          Ahead of the inauguration ceremony of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s much-ambitious Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (PILBS) in Mohali, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh has launched the website “www.pilbs.punjab.gov.in” of the institute for convenience of the Public. The website was launched in the presence of Director of the Institute Professor Virendra Singh, who is Former Prof & Head, Department of Hepatology PGIMER, Chandigarh.

          Dr Balbir Singh said that the Institute, which has been running OPD services for last 8 months at 3B1, SAS Nagar, is expected to get fully-functional soon as all the latest ultra-modern equipment are being installed and the recruitment process of super-specialist doctors and other para-medical staff has also been completed.

          “Once the institute gets fully functional, people will be able to avail first-class medical care for patients with liver and biliary diseases at this institute,” he said, while adding that patients with various types of liver diseases including acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, ascites, various pancreatic diseases and disorders of the gallbladder and biliary diseases can avail the treatment.

          “People will also be able to avail the liver transplant procedure at this institute, which is being established at par to The Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi,” said Dr Balbir Singh, while adding that this would be the second government super-speciality institute to offer first-class medical care for patients with liver and biliary diseases in the country.

          Meanwhile, the website will help in sensitising patients about basic overview of the diseases, preventive measures and Health Education, besides providing insights about the laboratory tests, online reporting, procedures and Liver transplantation. The details of Faculty, OPD days and Specialities at the hospital will be available on the website for the general public’s convenience. The website will have details of Tele-Medicine for the outreach to all the Government hospitals of the Punjab.

IEP Chandigarh, February 5

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan took a distinctive initiative on Monday to integrate Punjabi into Google’s Gemini AI platform by engaging in discussions with various departments and Punjabi intellectuals.

          Emphasizing the need for a roadmap, the Speaker expressed concern that while Google’s latest release included languages like Gujarati and Marathi, Punjabi was excluded due to the unavailability of vocabulary and data.

          Mr. Sandhwan stressed the importance of preparing data related to Punjab language within the next six months to ensure its inclusion on the platform, enabling Punjabi to join the ranks of other languages accessible through Google’s AI. He highlighted the significance of incorporating Punjabi in the era of machine intelligence, emphasizing its status as one of the top 10 most spoken languages globally.

          Eminent figures, including Punjabi poet Dr. Surjit Patar and Punjabi critic Dr. Amarjit Singh Grewal, participated in the meeting along with representatives from various departments and Punjabi University Patiala.

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, February 5, 2024

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to launch the Statewide campaign ‘AAP di Sarkar AAP de dwar’ program from Bhankharpur Village of Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District, falling on Zirakpur-Derabassi Road tomorrow (February 6), said Deputy Commissioner, Aashika Jain, today.

    Divulging the details, she said that the programme is aimed at delivering 44 types of services to the people at their native places from tomorrow in the special camps being organised under the ‘AAP di Sarkar AAP de dwar’ program. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain while reviewing the arrangements at Bhankharpur, directed the officials to ensure all necessary arrangements. She added that district Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar would have 422 camps during the month-long campaign to redress the problems of the residents by approaching each Village and ward.

    Further giving more information, DC Jain said that the camps would be held under the supervision of SDMs and officials from various departments including Revenue, Sewa Kendras, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Health, Water Supply and Sanitation, PSPCL, Rural Development and Panchayats, Food Supply Labour, Police and others will participate and solve grievances of the people at the spot. 

   The Deputy Commissioner said that in these camps, government services including birth or death certificates, Affidavit attestation, Stipend to children of beneficiaries, residence certificate, SC certificate, Registration of construction worker, pension to old age, BC certificate, Electricity payment, Addition of name in birth certificate, Inspection of revenue records, Registration of marriage (compulsory), multiple cases of death certificate, renewal of construction worker card, correction of entry in birth certificate, issuance of death/NAC certificate, Rural Area Certificate, multiple copies of birth certificate, General Caste Certificate, pension to widow/destitute citizen, non-encumbrance certificate, equity entry of mortgage, delayed entry of birth certificate, Income Certificate, pension to handicapped, Fard Generation, Apply for disability Certificate (UDID), Countersigning of documents, registration of marriage (Anand), Shagun Scheme, Pension to Dependent Children, Border Area Certificate, Delayed registration of death, Counter Signing of documents of NRI, Counter signing of police clearance certificate, Correction of entry in death certificate, Kandi Area certificate will be offered to the people.

    She urged the people to avail maximum benefit of these camps.

    Earlier Principal Secretary Punjab Government Krishan Kumar and Secretary Information and Public Relations Malwinder Singh Jaggi also visited the site and reviewed the arrangements. SSP Dr Sandeep Garg was also present.

IEP Chamrod Pattan (Pathankot), February 3

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Giving a clarion call to the Punjabi Diaspora settled across the globe, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday sought their whole hearted cooperation and support to transform the state’s economy to emerge it as a frontrunner state in the world.

Addressing a massive gathering of Non Resident Indians converged here during NRI Milni, the Chief Minister said that during the early regimes the NRIs faced lot of humiliation in the hands of the officials. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a paradigm shift is being witnessed in the state ever since he has  assumed the charge of office as number of initiated have been taken for the welfare of the NRIs. He said that is just the beginning as a lot of path breaking initiatives are being taken to restore the pride of NRIs.

The Chief Minister said that as he hails from a common family and is well connected at the ground level so he is well aware of the problems being faced by the various sections of society.  He assured the people that every problem of theirs will be solved and the state government is at their disposal for resolving their every genuine problem. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed for the progress of the state and prosperity of its people.

The Chief Minister said that he has met a number of Ambassadors and Diplomats to rope in the foreign investment in the state. He said that the sole motive is to give impetus to the development of the state so that people are immensely benefitted from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann that the efforts will bear fruits as in the coming times Punjab will emerge as a hub of tourism industry.

The Chief Minister said that the NRI sammelans held during the previous regime were merely a sham as nothing concrete came out of it. He said that NRIs were called in big palaces and hotels but were humiliated afterwards as no one bothered about them. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is holding these functions at scenic locations to showcase rich cultural heritage of the state to the people adding that NRIs must contribute generously for its progress and prosperity.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a blessed land which produces so much wheat and paddy so as to make the country self reliant in food production. However, he said that the earlier leaders had plundered the wealth of the state due to which the state had lagged behind in progress and prosperity. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that but now the state government is making strenuous efforts to make sure that Punjab leads the country in every sphere.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab don’t need any NOC of patriotism from anyone especially those in power at centre today. He said that they had rejected the tableaus of the state during Republic Day parade irrespective of the fact 90% sacrifices for freedom struggle were made by Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this step motherly treatment against the state is intolerable as they don’t have any right to reject the tableaus of the state showcasing patriotism and nationalism in the state

Punjabis irrespective of caste, colour, creed and their geographical location have proved their mettle in every aspect of life by the grace and blessings of Almighty. He said that probably Punjabi community is the only in the world which could undertake any daunting task by the dint of their hard work, sincerity and commitment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has made concerted efforts to put Punjab in the high growth trajectory in terms of superb infra structure, surplus in power, excellent education and Healthcare facilities.

The Chief Minister said that all this had been feasible due to congenial atmosphere of communal harmony, peace and amity prevailing in the state. He said that coupled with this the unique phenomenon of peaceful atmosphere led Punjab to hasten the process of overall growth and development in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is matter of great pride and satisfaction that g he brave Punjabis for reposing unflinching trust in the ethos of democracy besides cementing the bonds of brotherhood, peace and mutual tolerance.

Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister urged the NRI brethren to contribute enormously in the promotion of education and healthcare services besides strengthening economic and social ties, which was all the more important for our future generations. He said that this milni should not be construed as a ‘formal get together’ rather it should be utilized as a Healthy platform for serious deliberations to translate ideas/ proposals into actions for betterment of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisaged the cooperation of NRIs in the field of education and healthcare to crystallize several schemes and projects in these core sectors.

The Chief Minister said that our government is fully committed to cherish their aspirations for making their living as comfortable and pleasant as abroad to make Punjab as their abode of dreams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is confident that when this process of ‘reverse immigration’ has begun then it will not only halt the emerging trend of brain drain especially amongst the youth, who were passionate to go abroad in search of green pastures but will also contribute significantly in motivating the NRIs to contribute in social economic growth of state. He exhorted the NRIs to play a proactive role for this noble cause to make Punjab a front runner state in the country.

The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of the state government global Bussiness tycoons are making beeline to invest in state. He said that during the last more than 20 months some of the biggest companies like Tata Steel and others had made a beeline to invest in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a step forward for making Punjab a frontrunner state and carving out Rangla Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced unique colour coded stamp papers, which is a step forward towards ushering a new era of Industrial Revolution in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is the first state to introduce green colored stamp papers to facilitate the entrepreneurs for setting up their units thereby giving much needed fillip to industrial growth of the state. He described it as a revolutionary step aimed at promoting ease of doing business for the entrepreneurs desirous of setting up their units in the state.

The Chief Minister quipped that earlier the industries used to sign MOUs with the families in power but ever since he has assumed charge of government, the agreements are signed for people of state. He said that earlier the affluent families used to get benefit of these agreements but now Punjabis will enjoy its fruits. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is because his government is working untiringly for the well being of every strata of society.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon Punjabi Diaspora to become active partners in the ongoing unprecedented development of Punjab by making investments, adopting villages and cities besides contributing in the area of social welfare. He apprised the Diaspora that Punjab was a most favoured investment destination, progressive and actually a rich-state and they should showcase these facts globally. Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab was the first state in the country to respond NRIs instantly to assist them and resolving their grievances.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state. He said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that in the last 25 years only two people had ruled the state and exploited its resources for their vested personal interests. He said that out of these five two were from one family whereas two were from another one adding that along with them one person was a Pakistani national. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these people mercilessly looted the state for their vested political interests thereby hampering the development of the state.

Taking a jibe over the Punjab Bachao yatra of Akali Dal, the Chief Minister dared the Akali leaders to explain that after looting the state for 15 years, from whom they are trying to save the state from. He said that Akalis have plundered the state mercilessly besides bruising the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronizing several mafias in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people are well aware of the dubious character of the Akalis and Badal family due to which their theatricals won’t work now.

The Chief Minister said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as coal from Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants so with purchase of this power plant this coal can be aptly utilized for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous regimes people were so scared of success as the leaders used to put share in their ventures. He said that these leaders looted the masses and their hands were soaked with the blood of Punjab and Punjabis. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that but now the government of common people is there in the state which is giving chance to every individual to succeed in life.

The Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the NRI brethren for resolving their issues, the state government has launched new website nri.punjab.gov.in of the NRI affairs department. He described it as a path breaking initiative aimed at ensuring the well being of the NRIs on one hand and helping them to stay connected with their roots on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the website has detailed information pertaining to NRI Police wing, Punjab State Commission for NRIs and NRI sabha.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that in another major relief to Non Resident Indians (NRIs), the state government has appointed Chief Minister Field Officers as Nodal Officer for NRIs to ensure rederessal of their grievances in a prompt and time bound manner. He asserted that the move was aimed at ensuring that grievances of residents of state were redressed at district level by providing a well structured and empowered Grievance Redressal System to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann revealed that in another significant decision the state government has now decided to appoint Chief Minister Field Officers as Nodal Officer for NRIs to ensure rederessal of their grievances.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Lal Chand Kataruchak and Brahm Shanker Jimpa along with others were also present.

PUNJAB EXPRESS BUREAU

CHANDIGARH, February 3

          Amidst the ongoing drive to destroy the organised criminal networks in the state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of the Punjab Police have arrested Lawrence Bishnoi’s close aide Mandeep Singh alias Chotta Mani of Chandigarh, who had provided hideouts to accused persons involved in Sidhu Moosewala’s murder and facilitated escape of Gangster Deepak Tinu in 2017, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Accused Chotta Mani was arrested along with his accomplice identified as Jatinder Singh of Gobindpura Mohalla in Manimajra. Police teams have also recovered two .32 caliber pistols along with 12 live cartridges from their possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that following reliable inputs about presence of Chotta Mani in the area of Zirakpur, teams of AGTF headed by ADGP Promod Ban under the supervision of AIG Sandeep Goel and led by DSP Bikram  Brar, managed to track the location of the accused and arrested him along with his accomplice.

          He said that both the accused were actively working for Lawrence Bishnoi & Goldy Brar Gang, and have a criminal history with several criminal cases pertaining to Attempt to Murder, Extortion, Robbery and under Arms Act were registered against them in Chandigarh and Haryana. Preliminary investigation has also revealed that the arrested accused were tasked to carry out target killings of rival gangsters by their foreign-based handlers, he added.

          Sharing more detail, AIG Sandeep Goel said that in 2022, accused Chotta Mani along with his other associates Sachin Thapan, Deepak Mundi and  Joginder Joga— all shooters and accused  involved in Sidhu Moosewala murder, were directed by foreign handlers to commit sensational crime on directions of Ayodhya based politician Vikas Singh, who was later arrested by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in November 2023.

          He said that Lawrence Bishnoi wanted to settle Chotta Mani abroad and also sent him to Dubai thrice  to facilitate his safe entry to Europe, but failed due to which the latter had to return back to India.

          A case FIR no 4 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station State Crime, SAS Nagar.

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, February 02

Taking the review meeting of the National Highway Authorities and Sub Divisional Magistrates of the concerned Sub Divisions on Friday at District Administrative Complex, SAS Nagar, Mohali, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Viraj S Tidke asked the NHAI officials to fix the black spots on Chandigarh-Ambala Section of the National Highway Crossing Derabassi Sub Division area at the earliest. 

He said that the safety of the commuters is the foremost and it is our prime duty to make the Highway safe and secure for smooth travelling. He said that crossing lights/blinkers should be installed and maintained properly as well as widening of turns and installation of rumbling strips wherever it is needed. 

Expressing concern over the long pending issue of stagnation of rainwater at McD Chowk, Zirakpur, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Viraj S Tidke asked the NHAI authorities to fix the issue permanently.

He also urged the NHAI to maintain the cleanliness under the Zirakpur Flyover and remove the encroachments. 

SDM Kharar Gurmandar Singh raised the issues of disposal of rainwater on Landra Road and Kurali Road and laying of slabs and the problem of fly over rain water entering the SDM office. ADC  asked the NHAI Authorities to fix the problems in a time-bound manner.

ADC also asked the NHAI authorities to display Punjabi on the sign boards as a first language and ensure the correction of spellings. He asked the NHAI authorities to do it on priority to implement the orders of Punjab Government.

District Revenue Officer Amandeep Chawla briefed about the status of land acquisition and compensation in the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, February 2

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in its commitment to combat corruption in the state, has registered another corruption case against Vishal Sharma, Accountant of Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT), for accepting Rs 45 lakh as illegal gratification.

An official spokesperson of the state VB disclosed today that FIR no. 01, dated 31.01.2024, has been registered against the said accused under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station, Amritsar range. This case has been registered on a complaint lodged by Major Singh, a resident of Sultanwind village, Amritsar.

The spokesperson further informed that the complainant has submitted his complaint on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line, accompanied by audio-visual evidence. Following an enquiry, VB Amritsar range found the allegations in the complaint to be true and correct, leading to the registration of this case against the said AIT official. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

The spokesperson added that the accused is currently in jail under judicial custody for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh in another bribery case. He would soon be taken on a production warrant for his arrest. Notably, in the case registered on January 7, 2023, a co-accused AIT law officer Gautam Majithia, a resident of Green Field, Majitha Road, Amritsar, has already been arrested by the VB and is also in judicial custody.