IEP CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 29

          The Punjab Governor Mr Banwarilal Purohit on Monday administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Mr Jatinder Singh Aulakh and State Chief Information Commissioner Mr Inderpal Singh.

          Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Mr Anurag Verma conducted the proceedings of a  brief and impressive swearing-in-ceremony here at the Punjab Raj Bhawan this evening.

          Mr Jatinder Singh Aulakh, a 1997-Batch former IPS officer of Punjab Cadre, hails from Village Bargari (Faridkot). During his long stint of 33 years in Punjab Police, he rose through the ranks starting as DSP to finally retiring as ‘Intelligence Chief’ in the rank of ADGP. Mr Aulakh did his schooling from PPS Nabha, BA (Honors) from DAV College, Chandigarh and LL.B. and MA History from Panjab University.

          While serving as SSP, he had headed various districts of state including SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Ropar, Jagraon, SBS Nagar and Khanna. He also served as Commissioner of Police Amritsar and Commissioner of Police Ludhiana, IG Patiala and Ferozepur Range, IG Headquarters and Intelligence. He retired in the rank of ADGP as Chief of Intelligence Wing. Mr Aulakh was bestowed the ‘National Award (Special), ‘Police Medal for Distinguished Services’ ‘Police Medal for Meritorious Services’ ‘Chief Minister’s Medal and three DGP Commendation Disc.

          Likewise, eminent Advocate Inderpal Singh also took oath as the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab. Born in 1963, S. Inderpal Singh is a name to reckon with in the legal sector and is on the panel of Union of India, standing Counsel for British High Commission, elected Member Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana High Court and later on elected Vice Chairman Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana High Court. He was appointed on August 20th, 2022 as Senior Additional Advocate General Punjab.

          Prominent amongst others who attended the function included Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Bram Shanker Jimpa and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Special Chief Secretary to Chief Minister VK Singh, DGP Gaurav Yadav, Director Media to Chief Minister Baltej Singh Pannu, PPSC Members Gurpartap Singh Mann, Supreet Ghuman and Harmohan Kaur Sandhu, State Information Commissioners Asit Jolly and Amrit Pratap Singh Sekhon, Officers of civil and Police administration besides family members of newly appointed Chairman and State Chief Information Commissioner.

IEP Jalandhar, January 27

Eyeing to reduce the road fatalities by around 3000 annually, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday flagged off 129 hi-tech vehicles of the country’s first of its kind ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’.

Addressing the gathering here today in a function to launch this force here today at PAP grounds, the Chief Minister said that this is a historic occasion as Punjab has become the first state to launch this ambitious scheme to save the precious lives of people. He said that all the officers had played a key role in constitution of this force and then its dedication to the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann  envisioned that it will go a long way in saving the lives of people and streamlining the traffic movement.

The Chief Minister said that the idea for forming this force has not came overnight but it has been a result of gross introspection of this serious problem. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as MP he had vehemently raised issue of road accidents in Lok Sabha as 12 deaths take place in state due to these mishaps. He said that since then it was in his mind that a force will be formed to save the lives of people in the coming days adding that today his dream has come true.

The Chief Minister said that with the constitution of this force, the Police will be able to discharge its Policing duties far more effectively. He said that the vehicles that have been roped in for the force are one of the finest vehicle across the world. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that SSF will be instrumental in saving the lives of common man and from now onwards the data of every month will be analysed to judge the working of SSF and data will be shared with the people after every month.

The Chief Minister said that this is a step forward towards making Punjab the safest state in terms of road accidents. He said that the day is not far when this motive is achieved in the larger public interest for the well being of state and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann also asked the staff of SSF to discharge their duties effectively and honestly to save the lives of people.

The Chief Minister said that points will also be kept for the driving licenses so that in coming times chronic violators are punished by cancelling their Driving licenses. He said that this is the need of hour to make sure that people abide by traffic rules and vehicular movement is streamlined. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is matter of immense pride and satisfaction that a large number of girls are joining the force and 90 drivers of the SSF vehicles are girls.

 The Chief Minister said that this force has been launched as a plan for road safety for covering 5500 km of state and national highways. He opined that Punjab has witnessed a significant increase in traffic and road infrastructure over the past few decades. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed concern that 65% of road fatalities take place on the national and state highways adding that most of these fatal accidents take place between 6:00 pm to 12:00 pm, when the presence of police on these roads is minimal.

The Chief Minister said that as many as 129 patrolling vehicles, fitted with specialized equipment to check drunken driving and over speeding, will be deployed on these routes, each covering a distance of 30 kilometres. He said that  Police personnel who have been imparted quality training are being deployed in Sadak Suraksha Force out of the newly recruited cops. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that training was imparted at Kapurthala adding that this force will be pivotal to check the fatality rate due to road accidents in the state on one hand and to streamline the movement of traffic on the roads of the state on the other.

The Chief Minister said that the first of its kind specialized force will be instrumental to save several precious lives that are lost in road accidents daily in Punjab adding that this force will be entrusted with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents. He said that these vehicles will also have a complete medical kit for providing emergency treatment to any person in need. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force will be duly connected with trauma centres to ensure that people get required medical help on time.

The Chief Minister said that daily around 14 precious lives are lost in road accidents in Punjab. He said that this causality can be checked by manning the roads well for which ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ has been constituted in the Punjab Police. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that this force will be instrumental with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents adding that it will reduce the burden on cops deployed in Police stations.

The Chief Minister said that Police is doing its duty in a fair and impartial manner to assure that justice is given to people. He said that instead of using the Police as a remote and a computer his government has handed over these gadgets in the hands of cops to enhance their efficiency. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for the well being of the Police force so that they discharge their duty efficiently.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab was a frontrunner and Punjab will always continue to be that as Punjabis have been blessed with indomitable spirit of hard work and resilience. He said that the state government is performing its duty meticulously and zealously to ensure that Punjab leads the country in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the people to play a proactive role by supporting the state government in a noble cause.

The Chief Minister also launched the phase I roadmap of the SSF on which the vehicles will move in the state.

On the occasion Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Home Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Additional Director General of Police MF Farooki and AS Rai were also present.

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 26, 2024

Punjab School and Higher Education, Language, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Minister Harjot Singh Bains unfurled National Flag at Shaheed Major (Shaurya Chakra) Harminder Pal Singh Govt College, Mohali on Republic Day.

      Saluting to the contribution of our great freedom fighters like Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Sardar Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Hardyal and Lala Lajpat Rai and architect of our Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar, he said that we are the proud contributors to the freedom struggle of India by having over 80 percent share. 

    Remembering the movements started from the soil of Punjab like Gadar Movement, Babbar Akali Movement , Gurdwara Reforms Movement, Kamagatamaru and Pagri Sambhal Jatta as the fuel to the freedom movement, he said that after struggle we have the credit to make the country self reliant in food grain production.

      He said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government of Punjab who started its journey by taking oath from the ancestral village Khatkar Kalan of Shaheed Bhagat Singh has been delivering diligently as per its commitments made to the people of Punjab.

     The Education Minister said that in fact, Punjab has got an elected government; of the people, by the people and for the people,  in the real sense after decades.

     He further said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann Governement has set an example in Health, Education, Corruption free Governance, Power reforms and subsidies and revenue generation. He said that the concept of Aam Aadmi Clinics have facilitated the general public with quality health services at their doorstep besides Schools of Eminence have been proving a revolutionary change to make the education at par with the high standards of inaccessible institutions for the commeners. 

       He said that the increase in GST collection has shown the firm commitment of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government to make the state with its own resources to benefit the people with various welfare schemes. He said that the free domestic power has benefitted the 90 percent of the consumers with zero bill. He said that in the history of Punjab, it’s the first time that we have purchased a thermal power plant.

     Talking of the initiatives taken in his own department, he said that 117 Schools of Eminence, International high standard training to principals at Singapore and Head Masters from Indian Institute of Management, Ahemdabad have set new heights in the history of the Education Department. Furthermore, we have brought the new and transparent transfer policy to make it more easy recently.

      He said that Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra, Enhancement in ex-gratia grant to the martyrs of defence forces, action against 550 corrupt political people and Officials, jobs to 39406 youth of Punjab besides regularisation of 12710 adhoc/contractual employees, opening of 664 AAP clinics, setting up of Sadhak Surakhya Force to save the precious lives in road accidents, to make Punjab a favourite destination among the investors, hefty cash prizes to the international and national players with total amount of Rs 70 Crore, Door Step Delivery of 43 citizen centric services by dialing 1076, Public Revenue Lok Adalats to clear pendency of Mutations are the major achievements of our 22 months tenure. 

      Terming the denial to the Punjab Tableaus at National Level Parade most unfortunate, he said that the Bhagwant Mann Government has formally launched these Tableaus to showcase to the people Punjab from today so that they could judge   whether these Tableaus were able to enter at National Level Parade or not.

     Earlier, the Minister accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Mrs Aashika Jain and SSP Dr Sandeep Garg inspected the parade and took salute from the March Past led by Parade Commander DSP Harsimrat Singh Chhetra.

     Wards (Kulbir Singh and Hardip Singh) of late freedom fighters Kehar Singh Basma and Natha Singh Landra were congratulated by the Minister on the day while the families of martyrs defence persons, Mrs Jagmeet Grewal w/o Col. Manpreet Singh (Sewa Medal), Anita Rani w/o Hawaldar Ranjodh Singh (Shaurya Chakra), Sunita Kumari w/o Hawaldar Kashmiri Lal and Sawita Rani w/o Head Constable Satbir Singh were honoured with momentos for remembering their contribution to the Nation.

     NCC Cadets from Govt College Mohali, Doon International School, Shiwalik Public School, Band Teams from Govt Senior Secondary school 3B1 Mohali, Govt Girls Senior Secondary Smart School Sohana were among the contingents other than Punjab Police. 

     Students from Govt Girls Senior Secondary Smart School Sohana, National Public School Kurali, Paragon School Sector 70, APJ School Mundi Kharar, Govt Senior Secondary School 3B1 Mohali, Shiwalik School Phase 6 Mohali and Special Children from Govt Primary School 3B1 were among the performers of Cultural program.

     Tableaus of Punjab Pollution Control Board, PSPCL and Agricultural were declared first, second and third while the other participant departments; Health Department, Forest Department, District Police and Doorstep Delivery of Citizen centric services were given consolidation prizes.

     As many as 62 achievers from society and Governement departments were awarded with Punjab Government Parman Patras while 21 students of various Government and Private Schools were felicitated for their rare achievements. The 14 MC Mohali employees who contributed to make the MC number one in Swachh Bharat Survey among the North India Cities were also given appreciation especially.

      Prominent among the others present there included MLA Kulwant Singh Mohali, Prabhjot Kaur Chairperson District Planning Committee, Jaskaran Singh ADG Rupnagar Police Range, Parents of Education Minister Sohan Singh Bains and Balwinder Kaur, Wife Dr Jyoti Yadav, IPS.

IEP Chandigarh

75 th Republic Day, was celebrated in the Model Jail, Chandigarh.

Sh. Raj Kumar Singh, IPS, Inspector General of Prisons, U.T., Chandigarh

was the Chief Guest of the occasion. He was accompanied by Dr. Palika

Arora, PCS, Addl. IG Prisons, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Amandeep Singh, Addl.

Superintendent Jail, Sh. Parmod Khatri, DSJ, Sh. Parveen Kumar, DSJ, Sh.

Mukesh Goel, DSJ and Asstt. Commandant, CRPF. The programme started

with the Guard of Honour. Hoisting of National Flag was followed by National

Anthem. Prisoners also sung Patriotic Song “Bande Matram” prepared by the

prisoners. The whole environment filled with sprit of love for the Nation. Jail

Staff, CRPF Staff and inmates were also rewarded with cash prize and

certificates for meritorious services.

The Inspector General of Prisons also addressed the gathering

and stated that the Jail authorities are committed for the welfare and

rehabilitation as per the law of the Nation. He motivated the inmates as well

as the staff for the integration and development of the Nation. Before

departure, the Chief Guest distributed the sweets amongst the prisoners and

staff.

IEP Ludhiana, January 26

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday felicitated prominent officers/officials, participants and persons from various walks of life during the Republic Day Celebrations for their remarkable contribution towards society and the state.

Bhagwant Singh Mann bestowed Chief Minister’s Medal for outstanding Devotion to Duty to cops including Senior Superintendent of Police Jalandhar Mukhwinder Singh, Commandant RTC Mandeep Singh, DSP Gursher Singh Sandhu, Inspectors Harwinder Singh and Simerjeet Singh, Sub Inspectors Sukhwinder Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Major Singh, Jasjit Singh, Gurwinder Singh, Gurmukh Singh and Amandeep Verma, Assistant Sub Inspector Mahinder Pal Singh and Senior Constable Prabhdeep Singh.

The Chief Minister also honoured Parade Commander Aakarshi Jain IPS, second commander Babandeep Singh IPS, commanders of Platoon number 1 ASI Pawan Kumar, Platoon 2 ASI Jagdev Singh, Platoon 3 ASI Raj Kumar, Platoon 4 ASI Amrik Singh, Female Platoon SI Kuljeet Kaur, Platoon of PHG SI Raj Kumar Thakur, NCC Platoon SUO Ravi Kumar, NCC Platoon SUO Karan, Air Wing Platoon CSUO Taranveer Kaur, NCC Girls Platoon UO Anu Kumari, Platoon PAU School Aarti, Scout Leader Jashanpreet Singh and Band Inspector Rakesh Kumar.

He also felicitated Gold Medalist in National School Games Arshdeep Singh, International Para karate player Tarun Sharma, Ludhiana Youth Federation Harjinder Singh, Road safety activist Kundan Kumar, Veterinary Officer Dr Gurwinder Singh, Volleyball player Mohpreet Kaur, Head Teacher Janamdeep Kaur, SMO Samrala Dr Tarakjot Singh, Dr Meenakshi, Puneet Pal Kaur Batra, Dr Sahil Goel, Dr Pawan Dhingra, NGO Manukhta Di Sewa for social service, Superintendent Grade II Rachpal Singh and Senior Assistant Gurmeet Singh.

Bhagwant Singh Mann also honoured Police Inspectors Kulwant Singh and Beant Juneja, ASIs Harjap Singh, Daljeet Singh, Buta Singh, Sukhdeep Singh and Amrik Singh, Head Constable Balwinder Singh, Senior Constables Jaspreet Singh and Charanjit Singh for exemplary service.    

The Chief Minister also feted the participating Principals and students for various events including Lecturer Anoop Kumar and students Khushi and Anjali for PT Show, Principal Pardeep Kumar and students Japmanpreet Singh and Aarti for Scout and Guide, HOD Punjab Ogesh Kumar and students Harshita and Naisha for Choreography, Principal Gurnek Singh and students Jashanpreet Singh and Akshpreet Singh for Bhangra, Principal Gursharanjeet Kaur and students Soni and Mannat for Giddha, Neelam Mittar, Palak Noor and Priyanjal from BVM Kitchlu Nagar and Joginder, Gurmehar and Devansh from DAV.

IEP Chandigarh January 24

          Additional District and Sessions court Ludhiana on Wednesday dismissed the regular bail plea of of accused Dr Gurprit Gill, MD of Adesh Medical College Bhatinda who has been arrested by the state Vigilance Bureau (VB) for admitting ineligible candidates and issuing D-Pharmacy degrees in a fraudulent manner in connivance with Registrars and officials of Punjab State Pharmacy Council (PSPC).

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB told that in this regard the Bureau has already registered a criminal case under FIR No. 17 dated 8.12.2023 under sections 420, 465, 466, 468, 120-B of IPC and section 7, 7-A, 8, 13 (1)(a) read with 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act at Economic Offences Wing of VB police station Ludhiana range against former registrars and officials of PSPC including owners/principals of private Pharmacy colleges and others for committing irregularities in facilitating admissions, registration and issuing licences of D-Pharmacy to the ineligible students studying in private colleges.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Dr Gurprit Gill was arrested on 15.01.2024 and produced in court on next day but his advocate has produced his medical record of Surgery. On his plea the Ludhiana court ordered to get him examine from civil hospital Ludhiana. A medical board of the hospital comprising three specialists has referred him to PGI Chandigarh on the same day ie 16.01.2024 and he was admitted at the PGI Chandigarh, under judicial custody of VB. After examining by a board of specialists he has been relieved from the PGI on January 24, 2024.

          He further added that in this case besides above mentioned accused Dr Gurpreet Singh Gill, the VB has been able to arrest Sarabjit Singh Brar, Principal of Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research Bhatinda, R.S. Ramakodi, Principal of Lala Lajpat Rai College, Sehna, in Barnala district in the year 2013 and Baljinder Singh Bajwa, Principal of Lala Lajpat College of Pharmacy Moga in the year 2011. In this case the VB has earlier arrested accused Parveen Kumar Bharadwaj and Dr Tejvir Singh, both former Registrars of PSPC along with Superintendent Ashok Kumar. In addition to this, 9 Pharmacists have also been nominated and arrested in this case.

          Giving more details of this case the spokesperson further added that in order to fill the vacant seats in D-Pharmacy institutions, the owners/principals of private colleges allegedly admitted students from other states in connivance with the above mentioned Registrars and officials of PSPC without obtaining mandatory migration certificates, accepting significant bribes from unsuspecting candidates. Moreover, several students obtained admission to the D-pharmacy course by possessing the requisite 10+2 educational qualifications in medical or non-medical streams privately whereas it has to be passed in regular classes and by attending science practicals.

          The said officials have been found indulged in making bribe money to owners / principals of private pharmacy colleges for getting issued forged and fabricated 10+2 certificates and D-Pharmacy certificates from different institutions and fake registration certificates from PSPC in a fraudulent manner.

          Further investigation in this case was under progress to further scrutinize the roles of other officials, employees, and clerks of PSPC, along with individuals associated with private colleges, he added.

IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Punjab Cabinet led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced to restore benefits to 10.77 lakh Ration card holders across the state to enable them to avail the benefits of the ration being supplied under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the leadership of the Chief Minister here at Punjab Civil Secretariat.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that around three lakh cards were deleted during the verification process thereby depriving 10.77 lakh beneficiaries of its benefits. However, keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet has decided to restore these cards. As per this decision all these beneficiaries will be able to derive the benefits of the PDS and door to delivery of ration schemes being started by the state government.

GIVES NOD TO NEW AND TRANSPARENT TRANSFER POLICY FOR THE TEACHERS

          The Cabinet also gave green signal to a new and transparent Transfer Policy for the teachers. This policy has been streamlined to ensure that the teachers contribute zealously in the teaching works rather than running pillar to post for their transfers. This policy facilitates teachers, having family members suffering from chronic diseases, to apply for the transfer throughout the year to take care of their families.

APPROVES EXTENDING CM DI YOGSHALA CAMPAIGN TO 15 MORE DISTRICTS

          The Cabinet also gave nod to extend CM Di Yogshala campaign to 15 more districts including Barnala, Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Mansa, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Pathankot, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Tarn Taran and Malerkotla. This health oriented initiative of the state government is already getting massive response after its launch in nine cities of the state under phase I. With this pro-people initiative the scheme will now cover the entire state so approval was given for recruitment of additional trainers and other staff for the scheme.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EX-SERVICEMEN/ THEIR WIDOWS ENHANCED TO RS 10,000 FROM RS 6,000

          The Cabinet also accorded its consent to enhance the financial assistance to Ex-Servicemen/ their widows who are above 65 years of age and took part in World War-l and World War-Il but were sent home without any pensionary benefits from existing Rs 6000 to Rs 10,000. Presently 453 beneficiaries are availing benefits under this policy of the state government. This hike will be effective from July 26, 2023 and will immensely benefit the Ex-servicemen and their widows.

APPROVAL TO SET UP SCHOOL OF EMINENCE IN THE BUILDING OF PIT

          The Cabinet also gave its approval to set up a School of Eminence in the building of Punjab Institute of Technology (PIT) located in the village Arniwala Sheikh Subhan. Earlier, the school was proposed to be set up in Government Secondary School but now due to lack of space it was decided to shift this school to PIT. The school will be a center of excellence equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which will enhance the learning experiences of students through contemporary best school practices in the world.

DECIDES NOT TO AWARD THE CONTRACT OF LEFT OVER MATERIAL FROM MANDIS

          In another landmark decision, the Cabinet also decided not to award the contract of left over material from mandis of Punjab state from the year 2023-24. It is worth mentioning that, Punjab Mandi Board has been awarding the Contract for lifting of leftover material from the markets of the Punjab for the last 25 years. However, now this decision has been taken not to allot the contract to raise the standard of living of poor tribes/people.

APPROVES SELF-CERTIFICATION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PLANS UP TO 500 SQUARE YARDS

          In a major relief to residents of urban areas, the Cabinet also gave approval to amend Clause 3.14.1 of the Punjab Municipal Building Bylaws-2018 thereby enabling Self-Certification of Residential Building Plans up to 500 square yards. Self-certification stipulates that the plans can be approved by the architect himself without routing the plans to any official/employee. However, checks and balances have been introduced in the system to ensure that building bylaws are followed meticulously and the documents uploaded are in accordance with norms.

          Pertinently, more than 90% of residential buildings in the state are below 500 sq. yards. Therefore, easing the approval of such types of building plans will bring great relief to the general public. Self-certification is an innovative initiative aimed at reducing the time taken for approval, increasing transparency and sensitizing citizens to comply with building bylaws.

APPROVAL TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM SAP FOR THE SUGARCANE CULTIVATORS

          The Cabinet also gave approval to ensure the payment of Sugarcane at the fixed Price (State Agreed Price) of Rs. 391/-and 381/- for Early and Mid-Late varieties, respectively. This is in consonance with the firm commitment of the state government to lead the country in providing maximum SAP for the sugarcane cultivators. During the crushing year 2023-24, out of fixed State Agreed Price (SAP) Rs. 391/- and 381/- for Early and mid-Late varieties respectively, a subsidy of Rs. 55.50/- per quintal will be directly transferred in the bank accounts of Sugarcane farmers by the Government of Punjab.

GREEN SIGNAL TO INTRODUCE FARISHTEY SCHEME IN THE STATE

          In order to lower down the mortality and morbidity rate due to injuries occurring during Road Side Accidents, the Cabinet also gave green signal to introduce the Farishtey scheme. The scheme envisages immediate and hassle free treatment to accident victims in both the Public and empanelled Private hospitals. To encourage the general public for their hassle-free participation towards helping the accidental victims, the state government will commend their deeds by offering a financial reward of Rs 2000. Apart from financial reward, a commendation certificate describing them as “FARISHTEY” will be issued to such persons and they will be provided immunity from legal complications and police inquiries.

NOD TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S

          The Cabinet also gave nod to the Administrative reports for the year 2018-19 to 2021-22 of the Transport Department’s wings viz. State Transport Commissioner, Director State Transport and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation.

RECOMMENDS NAME OF AULAKH AS PPSC CHAIRMAN TO GOVERNOR           The Cabinet also gave a go ahead to forward the recommendation to Governor, Punjab regarding the appointment of Jatinder Singh Aulakh as the Chairman of the Pu

IEP Chandigarh, January 24

          Emphasizing upon the need to promote eco tourism in the wetlands of the State, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today said that this would lead towards generation of employment avenues at the local level.

          Presiding over a meeting of the Punjab State Wetlands Authority at the Forest complex in Sector 68, the Minister further pointed out the development of wetlands as a significant factor in contributing to the maintaining of ecological balance. Besides, the Minister also directed the officials of the department to go strict on the mining in the forest areas.

          The Minister was further apprised that as part of the Save Wetlands Campaign aimed at protecting the wetlands apart from promoting bio diversity, 1381 wetlands in Punjab have been identified out of which 414 are natural while 967 are man made and each consists of 2.25 Hectares of area. Furthermore, nearly 2300 Wetland Mitars (Volunteers) are working for the conservation of wetlands and awareness programmes are being organized to educate people about the need to preserve wetlands and their ecological importance. Not only this, collaborations have been made with WWF India, Punjab Remote Sensing Centre PAU Ludhiana, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Guru Angad Dev University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Ludhiana) & Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to achieve wetland conservation goals in the State. 

          Besides, it was also brought to the notice of the Minister that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has accepted the proposal of the department to declare the area of 100 Meters around the 7 wetlands of Punjab namely Ranjit Sagar Dam Conservation Reserve, Beas River Conservation Reserve, Kanjli Wetland, Harike Wetland, Ropar Wetland Conservation Reserve, Nangal Wetland and Keshopur – Miani Wetland, as Zone of Influence. It means that any activity in these areas shall be undertaken after permission of the State Forest Department. 

          The Minister also accorded approval to the proposal for organizing 5th State Bird Festival at Keshopur Chhamb in the month of February this year.

          Among those present on the occasion included the Financial Commissioner (Forests) Vikas Garg, PCCF R.K. Mishra, Chief Wildlife Warden Dharminder Sharma and other senior officers.

IEP Chandigarh, January 23

The assurance from Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, has led to the resolution of long-standing strike by the Punjab State Agricultural Service Society Employees Union today.

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is dedicated to the welfare of all sections, including the well-being of its employees.

In a proactive move, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, during a meeting at her office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, directed the officers of the Cooperative Department to swiftly address the legitimate demands of the union.

The meeting took place in a comfortable environment, where various demands of the union were discussed in detail. Dr. Baljit Kaur attentively listened to the union representatives’ requests, including the recruitment of staff  in the societies and the margin of fertilizer in the societies.

After carefully considering the union’s demands, Dr. Baljit Kaur assured them that their legitimate requests would be accepted soon, emphasizing her full commitment to protecting the interests of the employees.

Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Vimal Kumar Setia and other officials were also present on this occasion.