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.

IEP Chandigarh January 23

Aiming to curb the menace of corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday arrested Bikramjit Singh, a Collection Manger, of IDFC Bank, at Feroze Gandhi Market, Ludhiana for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the above mentioned employee of a private bank on a complaint lodged by Ravinder Kumar, a resident of Sarabha Nagar, Ludhiana.

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB range Ludhiana and recorded his statement that he is running a readymade garments shop named Silver Mod Fashions at Pakhowal road, Ludhiana. The complainant had taken a loan of Rs 13,32,379 for 4 years on 30.9.20 from the above said IDFC Bank under Grand Emergency Credit Line (GECL) scheme of RBI. He approached the said collection manager to close his loan account by clearing all remaining amount/instalments. After discussions he repaid all the loan amount but his loan account was not closed. When he met the said Collection Manager in this regard, he demanded Rs 40,000 as a bribe for getting the loan account closed from senior officers of the bank.

The spokesperson further informed that since the accused Collection Manager is a bank official and as per section 46-A of Banking Regulation Act 1946, he is deemed to be a public servant under prevention of corruption act. After a preliminary investigation of this complaint, the VB range Ludhiana laid a trap and the accused bank official has been arrested while accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from the complainant in his shop in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered at VB police station Ludhiana range against the accused Collection Manger Bikramjit Singh. Further investigation is under progress and the accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, he added.

IEP Chandigarh, January 23

Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, on Tuesday, met a high-level delegation from Israel to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing agricultural technologies in Punjab. Building on the existing partnership in horticulture projects, the meeting emphasized the need for a digital revolution in farming.

During the meeting with Ms. Hadas Bakst, Political Domestic Advisor Embassy of Israel New Delhi, at his office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat, Cabinet Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra stated that the underground water in Punjab is depleting rapidly, a critical issue that needs urgent attention. He asked the Israel delegation to provide high-yielding and disease/virus-free horticultural varieties requiring less water. The Cabinet Minister also called for providing farm-to-market technology to facilitate the marketing of all Kinnow produce in the event of a bumper crop in the state.

He highlighted key areas for collaboration, including digital solutions for pest control, climate and soil monitoring systems, AI for crop yields, decision support systems, drones for harvesting and sprays, as well as precision farming software solutions. The discussion also touched upon the potential of year-round cultivation in greenhouses and hydroponic farming to address the increasing demand for food.

The Horticulture Minister, while emphasizing the introducing high-tech agricultural machinery, harvesting machines, tree shakers, cultivators, rotary mulchers and special field robots, focused on extending to sensor technology-based irrigation systems and innovative storage solutions for efficient and sustainable farming.

Addressing the need for advancements in citrus cultivation, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra proposed the integration of By-Product Technologies to manage bio-waste effectively.  He said that on an average a single piece of Kinnow mandarin fruit contains 45-50% juice and the rest of the percentage is occupied by peel, rag and seeds, which so far of no use. So introduction of new machinery at processing units for management of bio-waste of citrus such as extraction of limonin, peel oil etc. will help a lot.

He also asked to introduce new patented citrus varieties, rootstocks resistant to pests and the cultivation of new crops like Dragon Fruit and Raspberries.

In the vegetable sector, the Minister advocated for the introduction of Parthenocarpic (seedless) varieties of melons, single-picking varieties of peas and tomatoes suitable for mechanization and brinjal varieties resistant to fruit and shoot borers. He stressed the importance of vegetables grafting with rootstock resistant to pests and diseases, as well as the development of processing varieties of vegetables, especially tomatoes.

The Cabinet Minister underlined the need for biodegradable and slow-release fertilizer technology in horticulture, along with the utilization of bio-pesticide technology to control pests and diseases. He proposed the incorporation of instant sensor-based technologies to detect nutrient deficiencies in horticultural crops.

Looking towards the future, the Minister expressed interest in adopting global trends in agricultural extension systems. Besides this, he conveyed the intention to send a delegation of 10 to 20 officers to Israel to witness firsthand the innovative technologies that could be implemented in Punjab, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur also emphasized on integrated value chain Center of Excellence establishment in Punjab in collaboration with Israel technology to reduce Post harvest losses in horticulture crops.

Ms. Hadas Bakst said that Israel is keen to enhance technological collaboration in agriculture and horticulture sectors with the state of Punjab. She mentioned that experts level meetings will be held in February and March, which will focus on delivering the latest technology and introducing new horticultural varieties to address the state’s depleting groundwater issues. Besides this, Ms. Hadas highlighted the ongoing operation of two centers of excellence in Punjab by government of Israel, emphasizing the continued sharing of agricultural technologies.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included; Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailender Kaur, Assistant Director Horticulture Dr. Harpreet Singh, Dr. Daljit Singh and Dr. Balwinder Singh, Horticulture Development Officer Mrs. Balwinderjit Kaur and other officials.

IEP Chandigarh January 23

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has registered a corruption case against five accused including a doctor and his assistant for taking bribe  in lieu of issuing a false medico legal report (MLR). In this case an accused employee of civil hospital Ferozepur has been arrested.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said in this case five accused have been booked  under section 7, 7-A of prevention of corruption act and 193, 465, 466, 471, 120-B of IPC which included Dr Shashi Bhushan, posted at civil hospital Ferozepur and his assistant Ram Prasad alias Chotu, a class-IV employee in the hospital besides three private persons namely Rekha, her father Shammi and mother Asha, all residents of Khateek Mandi, Ferozepur Cantonment.

He further informed that during the investigation of a complaint in this regard, it was found that the complainant Tarsem had a quarrel with his wife Rekha in which his right hand bone and left leg bone were broken by his in-laws on 09.07.2020. In this regard a case in police station, Ferozepur city had been registered against his wife Rekha, mother-in-law Asha, father-in-law Sammi, and brother-in-law Sonu.

The complainant informed the VB that It on 24.02.2021, he had checked through his mobile phone application, that his wife Rekha and her family members were giving bribe to the above mentioned class-4 employee Ram Prasad alias Chhotu which was to be handed over to Dr. Shashi Bhushan for issuing a false MLR so as to register a forged case against the complainant Tarsem. Chhotu was playing the role of middleman in the negotiations for accepting and further passing the bribe to accused doctor.

The spokesperson further added that on the basis of this false MLR a police case was registered against the said Tarsem and his father Rafiq. During the probe the said MLR was found to be a false according to the records obtained from the Civil Hospital Ferozepur. The complainant submitted a CD to the VB as an evidence against above said family members of his in-laws including Ram Prasad and Dr. Shashi Bhushan which established the falseness of issuing a fake medical certificate in lieu of taking a huge bribe from the said accused.

He further informed that on basis of investigation by VB range Ferozepur, this case has been registered against all the accused and arrested an employee Ram Prasad. The VB is on the hunt to arrest the remaining accused. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.