Chandigarh, January 9

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is is actively working to boost agricultural infrastructure. To fulfill this objective, under the guidance of Horticulture Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, Punjab is continuously leading the nation by approving over 20,000 agricultural projects under the AIF scheme to further strengthen agricultural infrastructure.

Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat shared that Punjab is leading the country in approving projects for agricultural infrastructure development. He highlighted that Punjab’s banks have approved 20,024 agricultural projects worth Rs.7,670 crore so far. In comparison, Madhya Pradesh has approved 11,135 projects, Maharashtra 9,611, Tamil Nadu 7,323, and Uttar Pradesh 7,058 projects.

He said that the Horticulture Department in Punjab is implementing the Central Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme in a significant manner to promote agricultural development and further strengthen the economy of farmers in the state.

He mentioned that the Horticulture Department of Punjab is functioning as the State Nodal Agency for implementing the AIF scheme. He added that to ensure the effective implementation of this scheme, the department has launched a WhatsApp helpline number 9056092906. He said that anyone can send a message to this number to receive detailed information about the scheme.

Chandigarh, January 9

The Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, Mr. Kanwardeep Singh, has recommended to the Punjab School Education Department that school timings be changed for the convenience of children due to the severe cold and dense fog.

Providing further details, Chairman Kanwardeep Singh stated that children in the state are currently facing significant challenges due to extreme cold and dense fog. Furthermore, younger children are hesitant to attend school because of the bad weather conditions. He recommended that the timings of both government and private schools be changed to start from 10 AM until January 31 to ensure the comfort and safety of students.

He also mentioned that there have been reports of accidents involving school buses over the past two days due to dense fog. To prevent any unfortunate incidents, the commission has decided to recommend this adjustment.

CHANDIGARH, January 9

          Amidst the ongoing crackdown against cybercrime as per directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, Punjab Police’s State Cybercrime Division has unearthed an Minimum Support Price (MSP) payment fraud with the arrest of four individuals involved in manipulating the Anaaj Kharid Portal to divert crop payments from farmers to their own bank accounts, said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Cybercrime Division V Neeraja here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Manish, Jasvir Singh, Angrej Singh and Balwinder Singh. Police teams have also recovered digital devices and routers used by them to commit the fraud.

          ADGP V Neeraja said that the accused used a innovative modus operandi to divert the payment of crop of the farmers to their accounts fraudulently by replacing the mobile numbers of the farmers with their mobile numbers and thereafter using the same to update bank account information of the farmers.

          To avoid detection, the accused would restore the original details immediately after the payment was processed, she said, while adding that state wide operation is being conducted to nab the other accused persons involved in the scam.

          As per the information, a complaint was received from Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab in which it has come to light that some farmers have not received the payment of selling their crops during the 2024 paddy season. Further verification revealed that the payment of these farmers has been credited to various bank accounts belonging to different persons.

          The ADGP said that during preliminary enquiry, IP records and other data was scrutinised and information regarding the bank accounts, which revealed the details regarding the unauthorised access of the Anaaj Kharid Portal and the diversion of the crop payment in different accounts.

          During the investigation, it was also revealed that a mobile number and a mobile device was purchased from District SAS Nagar on fake identity, which was used to obtain OTPs for altering the bank accounts of farmers on Anaaj Kharid Portal and the gang was running their operation from remote areas of Sri Muktsar Sahib, she said, while adding that an internet connection was also installed for the purpose of unauthorised access of the Portal and altering the bank records of the farmers.

          ADGP V Neeraja said that three teams from Cybercrime Division headed by Insp Jujhar Singh, Insp Deepak Bhatia and SI Ranjit used multiple OSINT techniques to establish the whereabouts of the accused, which led to the arrest of four persons from areas of District Moga and District Sri Muktsar Sahib.

          Further questioning of the arrested accused is underway to identify the involvement of more persons, she said, while not ruling out the connivance of any officials of Mandi Board or Food Supply Department and commission agents, who might have shared sensible information and technical glitches of the Anaaj Kharid portal with the masterminds of the scam. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining accused in the case, she added.

          In this regard, a case FIR has been registered under sections 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338 340(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 66C and 66D of IT Act at Police Station State Cyber Crime, Punjab.

Chandigarh January 9, 2025

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Jaspal Singh, Assistant Town Planner (ATP), Municipal Corporation Patiala and Anish Khanna, an Architect from Patiala while taking a bribe of Rs. 50,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused  have been arrested based on a complainant lodged by Ashok Kumar, a resident of Patran, in Patiala district.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the accused Jaspal Singh has been demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh through the said private Architect Anish Khanna for passing the plan of complainant’s hospital building. The complainant informed that the said ATP had already taken Rs 50,000 through the Architect and demanding the remaining bribe money.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Architect have been arrested red handed while he was receiving the second instalment of bribe of Rs 50000 in presence of two official witnesses. Subsequently, the accused ATP was also arrested. In this regard a case has been registered against both the accused under prevention of corruption act at VB police station Patiala range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress.

Chandigarh/New Delhi, January 8:

With an aim to develop Punjab into an industrial hub by promoting investment in the state, Punjab’s cabinet minister for Industry & Commerce and investment promotion Tarunpreet

Singh Sond today met CEOs and representatives of top national and international companies  today in New Delhi.

CEOs and representatives of reputed companies working in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, infrastructure development, and other key areas assured to submit their investment proposals giving a positive response to the steps being taken by the Punjab Government to promote industries and investment.

Addressing the meeting Tarunpreet Singh Sond revealed that the information technology policy of the Punjab Government is ready and will positively get cabinet’s approval before 31 March of this year. He informed the investors that this policy has been framed after thorough study and interactions with key stakeholders. He said this new policy will definitely bring positive changes on a large scale in the IT sector of Punjab.

He also informed the investors that skill development is also one of the most focussed area of the state government. Sond revealed that the Punjab investment portal has been declared as the best portal in India on which 55 thousand MSMEs has got registered in one year.

He also said that Punjab Government under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has opened new ways of growth and development by implementing single window system in the state.

Sond also invited these investors and representatives to visit Punjab to feel the real essence of Punjabi culture and explore the opportunities for investment in the state.

During the meeting chairman of Punjab State Food Commission, Bal Mukand Sharma, Sector officer Invest Punjab Sanjeev Gupta and Senior Consultant Invest Punjab Danish Bilal Informed the investors about initiatives of the State Government to promote the industries and investment in Punjab.

Chairman SFO foundation Jagmohan Singh Sekhon, Vice President Bootes Impex Tech Ltd. Binu Nair, M.D. Skyboon Jatin Sindhi, Founder Nexveda Sandeep Narang, Executive Director ISFA Akshat Agarwal, Director GenX AI Ajinkya Dumbhare, CEO GR Logistics Surajit Sarkar and other prominent investors were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, January 8 

Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister, Dr. Baljit Kaur, conducted a surprise inspection of Anganwadi Centers located in the villages of Bhokhra and Bajak in Bathinda Urban.

Divulging in this regards, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that thorough inspection of records, including the graffiti and Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP) at the Anganwadi Center in village Bhokhra, was carried out. She also interacted with SNP beneficiaries and elderly individuals to discuss pension-related issues. 

In village Bajak, the Minister inspected the building of the Anganwadi Center constructed with the assistance of the MGNREGA scheme. To assess the quality of the Supplementary Nutrition Program, discussions were held with children, pregnant women and lactating mothers, who expressed satisfaction with the nutritious food and services provided by the Anganwadi Centers.

During the visit, records related to the Supplementary Nutrition Program were reviewed. The minister also conducted an on-site quality check of items like sweet and savory porridge and pre-mix khichdi prepared at the centers. Additionally, interactions were held with elderly individuals regarding pensions and with women beneficiaries to review government schemes. 

To evaluate children’s intellectual and creative development, Dr. Baljit Kaur interacted with them, listening to their poems and observing their activities. She appreciated the dedication and performance of Anganwadi workers and helpers for their commendable efforts in child care and nutrition.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to strengthen early childhood care and ensure the welfare of women and children across the state.

During the inspections CDPO Shri Pankaj Kumar, Smt. Usha and District Welfare Officer Shri Varinder Singh were present.

CHANDIGARH, January 8

Chandigarh MP and former union minister Manish Tewari has suggested the establishment of an International Financial Centre (IFC) in Chandigarh, modelled on the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). 

In a letter to the Union Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Sitaraman, Tewari said, this project would bolster the region’s economy and elevate India’s position as a global financial powerhouse.

Making a strong case for Chandigarh as an ideal choice, he said, the city has a strategic location and accessibility given its exceptional geographic positioning as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, coupled with its proximity to Himachal Pradesh, which places it at the heart of North India’s economic matrix. 

He pointed out, the city boasts outstanding connectivity through road, rail, and air, including an international airport facilitating seamless domestic and global access-a critical prerequisite for an IFC.

Referring to unmatched social and physical infrastructure, he noted that Chandigarh exemplifies the confluence of modernity and meticulous urban planning, offering unparalleled infrastructure and a superior quality of life. 

Besides, Tewari added, Chandigarh is known

for its heritage, modern infrastructure, organised layout, and high quality of life.

Referring to Educational Ecosystem, he pointed out the institutions such as Panjab University, PGIMER, Punjab Engineering College, and the Government Medical College ensure a

robust pipeline of skilled professionals and a culture of research and innovation. 

The city also has numerous government and private schools, technical institutes, and polytechnics that provide quality education, he added.

The former union minister said, as one of India’s most meticulously planned cities, Chandigarh is ideally suited for integrating advanced utilities like smart grids, automated waste management, and energy-efficient infrastructure. “Its scalable urban model is perfectly aligned with the

vision of a futuristic financial hub”, he remarked.

Besides, he said, Compared to traditional financial centers like Mumbai or Delhi, Chandigarh offers significantly lower real estate and operational costs, a vital factor for attracting global investors and financial institutions. 

Combined with its superior living standards, the city presents a compelling value proposition, he said, adding, the establishment of an IFC in Chandigarh would not only transform the city and its surrounding regions but also deliver far-reaching national benefits like Economic Growth, new hub for financial services, fintech, and technology industries, significantly boosting India’s GDP.

It will also encourage balanced Regional Development, Decentralising economic activity from overburdened metros and fostering inclusive growth across northern India, he observed.

Tewari said, it will also help in Global Competitiveness with Cutting-edge infrastructure and investor-friendly policies which would draw international businesses and strengthen India’s position in global financial markets.

Suggesting leveraging the city’s educational and research institutions to create a thriving ecosystem for innovation-driven industries, he said it will help in employment generation and livelihood. 

Asserting that it will be ‘Visionary Step’ for a Resilient Future, Tewari said, the unparalleled combination of strategic location, modern infrastructure, and a vibrant talent

pool positions Chandigarh as a natural choice for establishing an IFC. 

“Such an initiative aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s vision of fostering robust, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth”, he added, while earnestly urging the minister to initiate a detailed feasibility study to explore the

immense potential of Chandigarh as India’s next international financial hub. 

“This endeavour holds the promise of not only redefining the region’s economic landscape but also ensuring India’s stature as a global financial leader”, he observed while offering to remain at the disposal for any further inputs or

assistance in advancing this visionary proposal. “Together, let us pave the way for a new era

of growth and opportunity”, he urged the minister.

Chandigarh, January 8

          A Cabinet Sub-Committee comprising Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, formed to address the legitimate demands and issues of Punjab government employees, held a series of meetings today with representatives from the Meritorious Teachers Union, 3704 Adhiyapak Union, Democratic Teachers Front, Purani Pension Prapti Morcha, Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association, and Anganwari Mulazam Union.

          During the meeting, representatives of the Meritorious Teachers Union highlighted the achievements of Meritorious Schools in creating a bright future for students and presented their demands and issues. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, on behalf of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, directed the Education Department to consider regularizing the services of these teachers through the officers committee constituted for this purpose. He also instructed that a report on the financial demands of the union be prepared and sent to the Finance Department. Finance Minister Cheema assured the union that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is paying special attention to the demands and issues of employees who are delivering exceptional services.

          In the meeting with the Democratic Teachers Front, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the Education Department to seek legal opinion from the Advocate General’s Office on the issues raised by the front that are currently in court or may face legal hurdles. Regarding the financial issues raised by the front, Finance Minister Cheema assured that these matters are being taken seriously by the Finance Department. For the issues raised by the ‘3704 Adhiyapak Union’, the Cabinet Sub-Committee asked the Education Department to hold a meeting with the union and submit a report.

          The Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association demanded that agriculture be made a compulsory subject in schools. The Cabinet Sub-Committee, during discussions with the Education Department, asked the department to refer this matter to the Subject Expert Committee. Additionally, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the Education Department to consider including agriculture in vocational courses.

          The Purani Pension Prapti Morcha raised the issue of resuming the old pension scheme for state government employees. The committee informed the Morcha that the officers committee constituted by the Punjab Government is holding regular meetings to make appropriate decision in this regard. Finance Department officials apprised the Cabinet Sub-Committee that any further decisions will be taken after receiving detailed guidelines on the new pension scheme, the ‘Unified Pension Scheme’, presented by the Union Government.

          Regarding the issue of gratuity raised by the Anganwari Mulazam Union, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department to seek legal advice and then send the matter to the Finance Department. For the demands related to the Union government, the Cabinet Sub-Committee directed the department to write to the Union government to resolve these issues. Concerning the difficulties arising from the inclusion of some Anganwadi centers in primary schools, the Cabinet Sub-Committee asked the departments to hold a meeting with Education department to resolve these issues.

          Today’s meetings were attended by Dr. Tina, Dr. Ajay, Boota Singh and Ashpreet Kaur from the Meritorious Teachers Union, Vikram Dev Singh, Mohinder Kaurianwali, Gurpiar Kotli, Rajiv Barnala and Sukhdev Singh Dansiwal from the Democratic Teachers Front; Harjinder Singh, Yadwinder Singh and Charanjit Singh from ‘3704 Adhiyapak Union’, Angrej Singh and Akashdeep from the Khetibari Vidhyarthi Association, Gurjant Singh Kokri, Tehal Singh Sarabha and Randeep Singh from Purani Pension Prapti Morcha, and Usha Rani and Gurmeet Kaur from Anganwari Mulazam Union.

Chandigarh, 8 January 2025

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Panchayat Secretary, Prithvi Singh,posted at BDPO Office, block Moonak in Sangrur district red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 20000. In this case another co-accused Davinder Bansal, Audit Inspector, posted in the office of Regional Deputy Director, Local Fund Audit, Patiala has also been nominated.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of state VB said the aforementioned accused has been arrested following a complaint lodged by Gurwinder Singh, a resident of village Maha Singh Wala in Moonak who is husband of former Sarpanch.

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the said Panchayat Secretary has demanded bribe of Rs 20000 for auditing of the development works carried out by the village panchayat of Maha Singh Wala during the previous tenure and told that the bribe money has to be shared with aforementioned Davinder Bansal, Audit Inspector.

          The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary enquiry of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Panchayat Secretary was arrested while he was accepting the bribe money from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against  said Prithvi Singh, Panchyat Secretary and Davinder Bansal, Audit Inspector, at VB police station Patiala range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and future investigations into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, January 8:

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has strongly condemned the decision to redesignate the UT Adviser’s post to Chief Secretary, terming it as trampling of Punjab’s right over Chandigarh.

          The Speaker said that this move is seen as a blatant disregard for the sensitive issue of Chandigarh’s status, which has been a long-standing point of contention between Punjab and the Union government.

        Sandhwan emphasized that the redesignation is not only an administrative anomaly but also an attempt to undermine Punjab’s legitimate claims over Chandigarh.

          “We urge the central government to reconsider this decision and respect the rights of the people of Punjab,” Sandhwan added.

          This development has sparked widespread concern among Punjab’s leaders and citizens, who see it as a deliberate attempt to erode the state’s authority. The Punjab government has consistently maintained that Chandigarh is an integral part of the state and any decision regarding its administration should be taken in consultation with the state government.