Chandigarh, January 3

To strengthen the workforce of the Excise and Taxation department, Punjab Finance, Planning, Program Implementation, and Excise and Taxation Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, handed over appointment letters to 8 newly recruited officials under the Ghar-Ghar Rojgar Yojana today. The newly appointed officials include 5 Excise and Tax Inspectors and 3 Clerks.

 Congratulating the newly appointed officials on their new roles, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the crucial role the Excise and Tax Department plays in generating revenue for the state government.

Finance Minister exhorted the newly appointed officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence in their work, focusing on increasing revenue collection to fuel the state’s development.

The Finance Minister said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab  Government’s efforts to strengthen its workforce and providing maximum job opportunities to the youth will have a positive impact on Punjab’s overall development, paving the way for a brighter future for its citizens.

Chandigarh, January 3

The river interlinking initiative proposed by the union government warrants comprehensive review and needs to be thoroughly examined, said Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, while characterizing this initiative as an unprecedented intervention in natural systems. He cautioned that such projects could adversely impact agricultural productivity and disrupt monsoon patterns.

In an official statement released here today, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project in Madhya Pradesh. Although the union government stated the objective of redistributing water resources to drought-prone regions, the Speaker said, scientific research indicates such interventions could significantly alter natural hydrological systems.

The Speaker expressed concerns that large-scale hydrological modifications could disrupt established monsoon patterns, potentially endangering agricultural sustainability and affecting multiple sectors nationwide. He advocated for prioritizing water conservation and recycling initiatives, asserting the critical need for implementing advanced water treatment and purification programs.

Notably, the Ken-Betwa Link Project is the inaugural project of 30 planned initiatives under the National Perspective Plan, orchestrated by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for water resource development and river connectivity. This project is supposed to channelize surplus water from Madhya Pradesh’s Ken river to Uttar Pradesh’s Betwa river, intended to enhance irrigation capabilities in the drought-susceptible Bundelkhand region.

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi Union government for anti-farmers stance, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday unequivocally said that the state government will vehemently oppose any move of centre to once again pass anti-farmers draconian law through back door.

Interacting with the media here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that from the last few  months farmers agitation is going at Shambhu and Khanori borders. He said that during last January and February farmers groups had detailed parleys with the centre government in which the state government acted as a bridge. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the demands of the farmers are primarily concerned with the Union government and Punjab has no role to play in it.

However, the Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that after forming the government at centre, the Modi led government has not bothered to show any concern about the farmers. He said that now the union government is trying to bring back the black laws through the back door. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that all the demands of the farmers are related to the Union government but unfortunately the Modi government is apathetic towards it.

The Chief Minister said that the fast by farmers leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal is going on but the union government is giving cold shoulder to it whereas the state government has deployed more than 50 Doctors to take care of the health of farmers leader. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had himself called Dallewal and urged him to end his fast but the Union government has not made any effort to assuage the sentiments of food growers. He said that the Union government wants Dallewal and farmers should be lifted from the protest site irrespective of the fact that they are not creating any law and order problem.

The Chief Minister said that he was surprised that the Union government is shying away from talking with the farmers and trying to put the onus on the state government. He said that instead of making any effort to redress the grievances of the farmers, the Union government is trying to fix the responsibility of the farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that ironically rather than solving problems of farmers the Union government is again ready to implement the draconian laws.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will not support this move which is against the interests of Punjab and its farmers. He said that the state government is already implementing the orders of the Supreme Court to save precious lives of the farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a paradoxical situation that the issues of farmers are concerned with the centre, Haryana is using force on farmers and Punjab is being made accountable for that.

The Chief Minister urged the farmers leader Dallewal to end his fast as his life was too important for the country and food growers. He said that the Union government is not making any efforts to even initiate dialogue with the farmers despite the enormous contribution of farmers of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the centre should shun his haughty and apathetic approach and open talks with all the stakeholders.

The Chief Minister said that the centre has failed to provide DAP fertilizers to the farmers and rice from the state have not yet been lifted. However, he said that instead of solving these problems, the union government is creating a rift in the state, especially between farmers and the government which is intolerable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is giving highest SAP to sugarcane cultivators, efforts are being made to lift the water level in the state and others adding that more efforts are being made to make agriculture a profitable venture.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab neither needs air ambulance nor extra force to tackle farmers agitation but centre should open dialogue with all the stakeholders especially with farmers. He said that hard earned peace of the state should be maintained by all means adding that the centre should not stoop too low just to take advantage in Delhi assembly polls. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the union government is running away from solving this issue by holding parleys with the farmers.

The Chief Minister said that he is daily flagging off this issue with the union government but they are not heeding to any demand of the farmers. He said that agriculture is a state subject but the union government is trying to thrust its decision on the state which is unjustified. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a fact that the Modi government is habitual of using force to get its decision implemented adding that Modi has time to act as global leader but he doesn’t want to solve problems faced by the countrymen.

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its campaign against corruption, has registered a corruption case against Sanjeev Kalia, Senior Assistant, Improvement Trust, Jalandhar, (now posted at Hoshiarpur) for committing irregularities and purchasing a plot in the Improvement Trust, Jalandhar on wife’s name by misusing his position.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said during the investigation of complaint number 75/2022, it was found that without receiving the non-construction fee of Rs. 14,35,350 from Devinderpal Kaur for plot number 828 in the Trust colony, the said Sanjeev Kalia, despite not being a dealing hand, had misused his position and wrote a letter dated 21.04.2010 to the halqa Patwari to report about the Khasra numbers of the said vacant plot. Later, the Patwari sent this report to the Superintendent (Sale), but Sanjeev Kalia again bypassed the Superintendent and directly got transferred the said plot in the name of Devinderpal Kaur from the then Chairman without receiving the non-construction fee of Rs. 14,35,350. Apart from this, the Trust in a letter dated 13/10/2016 issued a No Objection Certificate (NDC) in the name of plot owner Davinderpal Kaur, whereas she (Davinderpal Kaur) had died on 12/01/2015, due to which this NDC could not be issued.

He further revealed that during the probe, as per the statement given by Jatinder Singh, Executive Officer (EO), the NDC issued on 13.10.2016 does not have his signature, but the Trust has clarified through its official letter dated 11.10.2024 that this NDC was signed by Jatinder Singh, EO and the signature is similar to the signatures of this Officer put on the other files.

In addition to this irregularity, during the investigation it was also found that a 9 marla 147 sq ft land owned by Sohan Dei wife of Bhagwan Das was acquired by the Improvement Trust under the ‘110 Scheme’ Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Jalandhar in the year 1976 but no plot was allotted to Sohan Dei in return as per the policy of Trust. The aforementioned Sanjeev Kalia, being posted at the Trust, was aware that plot number 276 adjacent to his residential house in the trust’s 94.5 acre scheme Guru Gobind Singh Avenue is vacant, which could be allotted in the name of someone else under the Locally Displaced Persons (LDP) quota scheme. Therefore, he approached Sohan Dei through his acquaintances and gave him only Rs. 6,50,000 and appointed Deepak son of Sohan Lal, a resident of Satowali, Police Station Adampur, district Jalandhar as the power of attorney for Sohan Dei and got it registered in his name with Power of Attorney No. 275 dated 10.10.2011. After this, the said plot was allotted to wife of Sanjeev Kalia on the basis of Deepak’s power of attorney through letter No. 1202 dated 28.10.2011. The reserve price of this plot as per the said special quota under LDP was Rs. 31883 only and he deposited the same in the bank account of the Trust. After getting the registration of this plot in the name of Sohan Dei on dated 22.12.2011, the NDC of plot number 276 was obtained through letter number 3965 dated 05.03.2012.

The spokesperson further added that for this purpose, Sanjeev Kalia, by showing that he had paid Rs. 7,00,000 in cash to the said Deepak, on 03.02.2012 had appeared in person to got registered this plot in the name of his wife Upma Kalia at Rs. 21,74,000 as per the collector rate.

He added that it was also found that Sanjeev Kalia did not took approval from his department for purchasing the said plot and neither did he informed the department later. In this regard a case has been registered against the said accused under sections 420, 409 of the IPC and 13(1)A including 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Jalandhar. The accused Sanjeev Kalia would be arrested soon. Further investigation of this case is underway.

Chandigarh, January 2, 2025

Under the leadership of Sharanjit Singh, President, Budo Kai Do Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India, a program was organized to conduct workshops for the players and felicitate the winners of 6th National Sikh Games 2024. Giving information during a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club, Sector 27, Chandigarh, Sharanjit Singh, President, Budo Kai Do Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India said that a special workshop was organized for the players in Chandigarh, in which martial arts enthusiasts participated.

He said that on this occasion, world renowned martial artist Soke Joachim Peters, Black Belt 10th Dan, who is President of W.B.K.F. The German mayor and former colonel, conducted a workshop and interactive session with the players.This special training lasted from 27 December to 2 January 2025, in which the players of the federation honed their techniques under the guidance of Soke Joachim Peters and were greatly inspired by his experience and expertise. On this occasion, world-renowned martial artist Soke Joachim Peters said that such training camps should be organized for children fond of martial arts. He said that he enjoyed training the players of Budo Kai Do Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India. He expressed his desire to come here again for such a training workshop.

In this workshop, the players of Budo Kai Do Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India honed their techniques under his guidance. The players were extremely inspired by his experience and expertise.

He said that the winners of the 6th National Sikh Games 2024 were also felicitated during the event. He said that the 6th National Sikh Games 2024 were dedicated to the four Sahibzadas.

On this occasion, medal winners Ekamveer Singh, Kush Agnihotri, Harnek Singh, Kartik Malik, Jeet Singh, Garvita Kaushal and Neha were felicitated. On this occasion, Kush Agnihotri was also given a cheque of Rs 2,00,000 for his exceptional achievements. On this occasion, coaches Ravinder Pal Sharma, Harpreet Kaur, Manish Sharma, Madan Lal, Mohan Lal and Manjeet Sharma congratulated and wished all the winning players.

The Federation President congratulated all the players for their outstanding achievements and performance.

This event proved to be another important step for the Budo Kai Do Mixed Martial Arts Federation of India, which is committed to promoting martial arts and encouraging talent across the country.

Chandigarh, December 30:

Following the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide hassle free and transparent online services to the residents of the state, the Revenue Department took several key steps under which Punjab became the first state in the country to successfully implement online registration and documentation for registries.

In the year 2024, major reforms were undertaken by the Revenue Department, which provided relief to the people. Apart from this, people have also derived advantage from the decision to approve registries without NoC since 1st December.

Divulging the details, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian said that Punjab is the first state in the country to launch the National Generic Document Registration System and implement it in all the sub-registrar offices of the state. More than 39 lakh wasikas have been registered through this system. Online time is available for registration and all the documents are submitted online.

Apart from this, to make it easy to register properties, templates of properties have been prepared in easy language and uploaded on the website of the department. Along with this, auto-locking of e-stamps and e-registration has been made in the said system, which has prevented the reuse of e-stamps and e-receipts. With these initiatives, an increase in the collection of e-stamps has been recorded in the state.

Mr. Mundian further said that taking an important decision to facilitate the residents of the state by digitizing the functioning of the revenue department, the Chief Minister has launched a website to streamline the process of registering private properties. More than 184 applications were received on the portal, out of which about 100 were disposed of.

The Minister further said that to compensate for the loss of crops, houses, human lives, and livestock due to natural disasters, the Revenue Department released a relief amount of Rs. 432.03 Crore during the financial year 2023-24 and Rs. 59.64 Crore during the current financial year 2024-25.

Mr. Mundian further stated that the Revenue Department was also figured prominently in the exercise of providing government jobs to the youth by the state government. During the year 2024, 75 Naib Tehsildars, 35 clerks and 2 stenotypists were recruited. The recruitment of 49 Patwaris has been completed, of whom only appointment letters are yet to be issued. Apart from this, the process for further recruitment of 1001 more Patwaris is underway. Also, funds were released from the PLRS funds for the new construction and repair of the District Administrative Complex, Sub Division/Tehsil/Sub Tehsil Complexes in all the districts of the state.

Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Mr. Anurag Verma issued a letter and to end the inconvenience to the people, instructions were issued to the Sub Registrar, Joint Sub Registrar, Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildars to be present in their offices from 9 am to verify the properties.

Besides, taking the delay in the settlement of dispute-free mutation seriously, instructions were given to complete all the pending cases within a month. Strict action should be taken against the concerned officer if any case remains pending after 31st December 31. Also, 1100 helpline number was rolled out in case of any problem in mutations.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Labour Department has implemented many pro-workers policies during the year 2024.  While special camps were organised across Punjab to make the workers aware of the government schemes and other policies, financial assistance worth crores of rupees were given to the workers under many welfare schemes.

 Divulging the details, The Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that all services/welfare schemes provided by the Department of Labour under various Acts have been digitized. He said that for example Approval of building plan, Acceptance of Stability Certificate. Registration of factory, Grant of license, Renewal of license, Amendment of license, Permission to employ women in night shift, Registration of Principal Employer, Grant of license to contractor, Payment of welfare fund, Claim of benefits of Punjab Labor Welfare Board, Registration of construction site, Registration of trade unions. Submission of Annual Returns under labor laws, claim of benefits of Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, Registration of shop and commercial establishment etc have been digitised.

          He said that The Punjab Building & Other Construction workers welfare board has made various reforms like Simplification of Registration form, Translation of Form no. 27 in Punjabi for convenience of construction workers. He said that if any objection is imposed on the application of a worker, SMS is sent regarding the same to the construction worker and now Labour Inspectors will have to process the registration/renewal application within 14 days of receiving the application.

          He further informed that The Punjab Building & Other Construction workers welfare board has simplified the terms and conditions of the various welfare schemes including Stipend Scheme, LTC Scheme and Shagun Scheme. Sond said that the Board has won SKOCH Award 2024 for policy formulation and implementation and distributed a total amount of 102.23 crore to 67,549 workers during financial year 2022-2023 and Rs 97.29 crore to 41,155 workers during financial year 2023-2024 under various welfare schemes. During current financial year total Rs. 19.53 crores have been disbursed among construction workers.

          The Minister said that during the year, the Punjab Labour Welfare Board has also distributed a total amount of Rs 15.36 crore among 5145 beneficiaries. 

         Department of labour registered 57,75,402 workers on e-Shram portal launched by Govt. of India for registration of unorganised workers.

        He said that Help desk has been created in offices of Asstt. Labour Commissioners/Labour Officers for facilitating workers to resolve their objections in registration/renewal of beneficiary cards and welfare schemes.

       Labour Minister shared that during 2024, Social Media Accounts of the department opened on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook to share the activities of the department.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has made significant progress in providing better civic services and ensuring a clean environment for the residents of the state in 2024. This major advancement highlights the development in urban infrastructure and public service sectors within the state over the course of the year.

Minister for Local Governments, Dr. Ravjot Singh, shared that Punjab’s total established sewerage treatment capacity has reached 2142 MLD (Million Liters per Day). With the addition of 492.15 MLD, the total capacity has now risen to 2634.15 MLD. The goal of this increase is to meet the growing needs of urban populations and ensure clean, purified water systems. Additionally, 52 Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 607 MLD are under construction, with an estimated cost of Rs. 650 Crore. These projects are expected to be completed within the next 1-2 years, further expanding the state’s sewerage management capabilities.

Dr. Ravjot Singh further emphasized that the Punjab government has prioritized the improvement of urban infrastructure across the state. With the allocation of Rs. 450 Crore to urban local bodies (ULBs) in the current financial year, major development projects have been initiated. These initiatives will focus on modernizing urban areas, improving civic amenities, and enhancing the standard of living for residents.

Taking a major step to reduce dependence on groundwater, the government has launched large-scale surface water supply projects. Key cities such as Amritsar (440 MLD), Jalandhar (275 MLD), and Patiala (115 MLD) are already implementing these projects. Moreover, the Ludhiana Water Supply Project, with a capacity of 580 MLD, is expected to be operational soon.

Additionally, 87 towns across the state are focused on surface water supply projects. These projects involve various phases, aiming to ensure continuous and sustainable water supply for urban populations. To ensure water availability, pilot projects for 24/7 water supply have been launched in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. These initiatives are part of a broader plan to expand the “Drink From Tap” program to other cities in Punjab.

As part of the government’s commitment to cleanliness, Punjab has made significant strides under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). Rs. 401.73 Crore has been allocated for the purchase of solid waste management machinery, the establishment of processing facilities for solid waste, and the disposal of legacy waste. Additionally, 730 sewer cleaning machines, with an investment of Rs. 39.55 Crore, are being procured to address various issues related to sanitation and sewerage across the state.

Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh concluded by stating that 2024 marks a transformative period for urban development in Punjab. With improved sewerage treatment, better water supply systems, robust infrastructure development, and a cleaner environment, the state government is paving the way for a more sustainable, livable, and prosperous future for its residents. These achievements reflect the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class civic services and a cleaner, healthier environment for the people of the state.

Responding to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s clarion call to stop the brain drain and turn the youth into job creators rather than job seekers, Punjab Government has not just provided around fifty thousand regular jobs in the various departments of the state government but also walked an extra mile to make the state youth skilful, besides, helping them in starting their own ventures. 

Underlining the two years and 9 months achievements of the state government, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that as many as 49,949 government jobs have been provided to the youth in the first 33 months of its tenure, which is a record in itself. Apart from this, 2,65,430 candidates have also been provided assistance to get jobs in the private sector by organizing over 4,725 placement camps in the state. Punjab Skill Development Mission has given skill training to 64427 candidates through captive employers, Government as well as private skill training agencies in courses like automotive machine operator, fitter, advanced respiratory therapist, desludge operator, warehouse packer, general duty assistant, security guard, courier delivery executive, electrician, beauty therapist, CNC operator, solar panel technician etc followed by employment to 47,821 candidates.

He further informed that 8,56,874 candidates were given career guidance, 23,917 career talks were delivered in school colleges and conducting 1,373 self-employment camps, in which 1,77,049 applicants were given guidance for obtaining sanction for self-employment-loans, to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship in the state.

Mr. Aman Arora informed that a total of 74 cadets of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, SAS Nagar (Mohali) have been commissioned as officers in Defence Services since the CM Mann led-Punjab Government has come into power. As many as 64 cadets have joined training academies and 12 cadets are awaiting call up letters. Cadet Armaanpreet Singh of 12th Course AFPI, stood 1st in the All-India Order of Merit and Cadet Keshav Singla secured 15th in the Order of Merit in the NDA -153 course was declassified on October 24 this year. The Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-52 Course merit list was declassified on November 7, in which Cadet Karman Singh Talwar of 12th Course AFPI, stood 2nd in the All-India Order of Merit.

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GIVING WINGS TO DREAMS OF PUNJAB GIRLS

In a yet another decision to empower women of the Punjab, CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is all set to open a Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) camp exclusively for girls at Kanjla in Kapurthala district. This camp will be run entirely by female staff.

Mr. Aman Arora said that the state Government took another path breaking decision by establishing an NDA Preparatory Wing at Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, SAS Nagar in May 2023 for Punjab girls. The Institute has spurred greater representation of Punjab girls in the Defence Services as commissioned officers.

Recently, two Lady Cadets of Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls, have secured All India Rank 4th and 23rd in the Air Force Academy Merit List respectively. Six more Lady Cadets have been recommended for commission by the SSBs in the last two months. In 2024-25, the Institute has trained 90 Lady Cadets for NDA exam and SSB training, he added.

The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working diligently for the welfare of Scheduled Caste students. Continuing this commitment, the Punjab Government has released ₹9.92 crore to 1503 institutions in the state for students of classes 10+1 and 10+2 belonging to the Scheduled Caste category.

Sharing the details, Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that ₹9.92 crore has been sanctioned for 1503 institutions. She also informed that ₹59.34 crore out of ₹92.00 crore allocated had already been released to 256 institutions and efforts are being expedited to clear the remaining payments to other institutions.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, ₹92.00 crore was allocated for fee payment (40%) for the academic years 2017-18 to 2019-20, benefiting students from Government institutions and Punjab students studying in institutions outside the state.

The minister appealed to parents to ensure the submission of income certificates so that students can maximize the benefits of this scheme.

She said that for the academic year 2024-25, the Punjab government has earmarked ₹245.00 crore under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students to provide financial assistance to students.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is not only striving for the welfare of all sections of society but is also committed to securing a bright future for students belonging to Scheduled Castes.

She further mentioned that financial aid is directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.