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.

Chandigarh, January 6

A Research Chair in the name of the 10th Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, will be established at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. Jamuna Auto Industry Limited today presented a cheque of Rs. 25 lakh to Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, to fund this initiative.

The Research Chair, aimed at promoting academic research and cultural studies related to the life and teachings of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, will be funded by Jamuna Auto Industry Limited under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

Tourism Minister Sh. Arvind Sharma and OSD Dr. Prabhleen Singh were also present on this occasion.

The establishment of Research Chair will not only honour the legacy of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji but will also further enrich the educational and research opportunities at Kurukshetra University.

Chandigarh, January 4

          Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said today that in recognition of PSPCL’s significant contributions, the Government of India has awarded the Corporation a financial reward of Rs. 11.39 crores for its successful addition of 60.51 MW of Rooftop Solar energy during FY 2022-23. This added capacity is expected to generate approximately 2.4 lakh units of green energy daily, marking a substantial step towards clean and sustainable energy adoption in Punjab.

          Highlighting the significant progress made in Rooftop Solar capacity installation, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that an impressive 86 MW added in FY 2023-24. He said that this brings the total installed capacity of Rooftop Solar in Punjab to 430 MW to date, demonstrating the state’s commitment to renewable energy.

          Underscoring the multiple benefits of this achievement, the Power Minister said that the solar power generated from this capacity addition will significantly reduce electricity bills for PSPCL consumers while delivering immense environmental benefits. He appealed to domestic consumers of the state to install Rooftop Solar systems and avail of the subsidy benefit of Rs. 30,000 per KW for the first 2 KWs and Rs. 18,000 per KW from 2 KW to 3 KW, making a total subsidy of Rs. 78,000 for 3 KW.

          Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO further added that the PSPCL has launched a dedicated Nodal Office to facilitate and promote Rooftop Solar adoption. This initiative aims to provide a single-point contact for individuals and organizations interested in harnessing solar energy. The Nodal Office can be reached at 9646129246 or via email at rts.ipc@gmail.com.

          “To further promote Rooftop Solar energy and create widespread public awareness, PSPCL has launched various advertising campaigns in leading newspapers and on its official website”, said the Power Minister while adding that these initiatives aim to educate and motivate the public to adopt solar energy solutions for their energy needs.

          Reiterating the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to increasing the share of clean, green, and cost-effective renewable energy in the state’s power mix, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the PSPCL is not only empowering its consumers but also making a meaningful contribution to combating climate change by promoting Rooftop Solar energy, He said that the Punjab Government is committed to further enhancing its renewable energy capacity to ensure a sustainable future for the state

Chandigarh, January 4, 2025:

          A delegation of industrialists and residents of Phase 8B, Mohali, met Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat on Friday to discuss various issues, including the removal of the garbage dumping ground and other civic grievances affecting both industrial and residential areas. The Minister assured the delegation of swift action to resolve the problems they are facing.

          During the meeting, the industrialists and residents presented their concerns, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate the project for the removal of the garbage dumping ground. They stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness and ensuring a conducive environment for industries in Phase 8B, Mohali.

          In meeting, Mohali Municipal Corporation Commissioner T. Benith and Xen Rajinder Kumar explained the progress of the project and assured the Minister to complete the work soon.

          Mr. Bhagat also instructed the officials to visit the site immediately and expedite the process of removing the dumping ground. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth by addressing infrastructure challenges and creating a business-friendly environment.

          Prominent figures, including industrialists Tajinder Kumar Bansal, Navin Singla, Chairman of the All Residents Welfare Association Mr.Baldev Singh Naga, and other officials, were present at the meeting.

Chandigarh, January 4, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption, has arrested Constable Sukhpreet Singh, a gunman attached to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Bathinda for collecting monthly bribes amounting to Rs 20-25 lakhs from transporters with the help of their accomplices. The Mohali court has sent him on four days police remand to the VB for further questioning.

Disclosing this an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said this arrest was made based on an online complaint submitted by Dharam Singh, a transporter from village Lehra Dhurkot, near Rampura in Bathinda district, on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.

The spokesperson stated that the complainant had alleged that his trucks and tippers were being challaned by the Assistant Transport Officer (ATO) and Constable Sukhpreet Singh and Jaggi Singh, a private individual from Maur in Bathinda, were demanding Rs 1,800 per truck as monthly “protection money” on behalf of Ankit Kumar, Assistant Transport Officer (ATO) Bathinda, and others, to ensure that their commercial trucks and tippers were not penalized. The said ATO had challaned his stationary vehicles and under pressure he already had paid Rs 15000 through Google pay on the mobile phone number provided by Guranjit Singh, gunman of said ATO. The complainant had recorded conversations with the accused, which were submitted to the VB as an evidence.

During the enquiry of this complaint, the allegations were verified as the accused were found to be soliciting bribes in exchange for allowing the complainant’s transport vehicles to operate without interference. Based on the complainant’s statement and the audio evidence, an FIR has been registered against Constable Sukhpreet Singh and Jaggi Singh at the VB Police Station, Flying Squad-1, Punjab, in Mohali.

Upon confrontation by the VB Flying Squad team, Constable Sukhpreet Singh admitted to demanding and accepting bribes from transporters. He further revealed that approximately Rs 20-25 lakhs were being collected monthly from transporters, facilitated by private individuals and accomplices.

During interrogation, Constable Sukhpreet Singh disclosed that private individuals, including Jaggi Singh and some smaller transporters, were being used to collect the bribes. He also revealed that Constable Guranjit Singh, another gunman attached to ATO Ankit Kumar, was collecting Rs 8-10 lakhs monthly from transporters, while he himself was collecting Rs 7-8 lakhs from the remaining transporters.

The spokesperson added that the role of ATO Bathinda, his gunman Guranjit Singh and other individuals was now under investigation and have been summoned to join the probe so that they could be confronted with the evidence, including the confessions made by Sukhpreet Singh. The spokesperson further hinted that additional revelations are expected as the investigation progresses.

Chandigarh, January 4:

          Punjab Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Saturday urged Sh. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture Minister, to break the impasse and revive the dialogue between the Union Government and the agitating farmer unions at the earliest.

          Sh. Chouhan was holding the discussions on reforms in Agriculture sector with Agriculture and Horticulture Ministers of the states & UTs through video conference.

          Expressing a deep sense of urgency and concern, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian appealed the Union Cabinet Minister that S. Jagjeet Singh Dallewal’s fast-unto-death has taken a critical turn. For 40 days, the latter has been sacrificing his health and well-being, and it is imperative that the Centre should take immediate action to address the grievances and save his life.

          The Punjab Agriculture Minister reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government supports the farmers’ legitimate demands and enthusiastic for working together with the Union Government to achieve a goal of prosperous agriculture.

          Raising another issue of great concern, he sought Rs.15,000 per acre for the farmers as gap funding for providing returns over the variable cost of alternative crops to wean away them from the water-guzzling paddy crop. S. Khudian emphasised that since, the fast depleting underground water and climate change in the region are major cause of concerns and there is an emergent need to shift maximum area from paddy to another alternative crops viz. maize, cotton, kharif pulses and oilseed crops etc under crop diversification scheme so that farmers can get profit equal to paddy.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also suggested that the Centre Government should come forward to hold the arm of the state farmers by offering financial assistance of Rs. 2500 per acre (Rs. 2000/acre by GOI & Rs. 500/acre by GoP) to the farmers for managing paddy straw scientifically as incorporation of paddy straw into soil entails an additional expenditure of about Rs. 3000-4000 per acre. Although, the CRM machines have been provided to the farmers at subsidised rates, the additional cost associated with use of these machines is averting farmers to adopt such technologies. In addition to the subsidy on Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines for managing paddy straw, permission should also be granted to the state government to utilise the subsidy amount for various purposes such as CBG plant, Biofuel plant, palletisation units etc., he proposed.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian also sought go ahead for the cultivation of BG 3 hybrid seeds, which are pink bollworm and whitefly resistant, in the state as over a few years, pest attacks have made havoc amongst the farmers. Apart from this, subsidy should be given under centrally sponsored schemes on improved cotton hybrid seeds to revive cotton production in the state.

          The high-level meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Mr. Anurag. Verma, Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh and other senior officials of the department.