IEP Chandigarh, January 11

          Following the commitment of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide government jobs to the youth of the state, Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today handed over appointment letters to 5 clerks at her office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.

          On this occasion, the Cabinet Minister congratulated the newly appointed employees and urged them to work honestly. She mentioned that this department works for the welfare of people from different sections of society. Therefore, it is the duty of the employees to always perform their duties with a service spirit.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government in Punjab, is providing new employment opportunities as promised to Punjabis so that the youth do not have to go abroad to fulfill their dreams.

          Highlighting the dream of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that our state government is working towards making Punjab “Rangala Punjab,” due to which the Punjab government has provided employment to around 40 thousand youth during its tenure.

          On this occasion, Deputy Director of Social Security, Women and Child Development Department Sukhdeep Singh Jhajj was specially present.

IEP Chandigarh, January 11

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan will hoist the national flag on January 26, 2024 at Rupnagar on the occasion of Republic Day.

The spokesperson of the Punjab government, while giving this information, said that according to the change made in the earlier program, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan will hoist the national flag hoisting ceremony at Rupnagar instead of Bathinda on the occasion of Republic Day.

The spokesperson Further stated that according to the revised program, Minister of Power and Public Works Punjab S. Harbhajan Singh ETO now the national flag will be hoisted at Bathinda Instead of Rupnagar.

IEP Chandigarh, January 11

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Thursday said that the state government is committed to regularize the contractual drivers and conductors of Punjab Roadways/Punbus.

The Transport Minister gave this assurance while presiding over a meeting with the employees of Punjab Roadways/Punbus State Transport Workers Union and Punjab Government Transport Workers Union at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat. He said that the case of regularization of contract based drivers and conductors in Punjab Roadways/ Punbus is being considered symptomatically by the three-member sub-committee constituted on the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Cabinet Minister asked the Secretary Transport S. Dilraj Singh Sandhawalia to speed up the process of promotions in the department. He also ordered that action should be expedited regarding compassionate appointments in Punjab Roadways/Punbus so that the heirs of the deceased employees do not have to suffer. He said that it is the primary duty of the government to secure the future of the family of the deceased employees.

The Transport Minister also instructed the officials not to delay the process of passing of government buses.

Seeking report from officials regarding the buses plying illegally, the Transport Minister asked them to make personal visits to make sure that not even a single illegal bus on road. He said that the complaints regarding the time-table of the buses should also be resolved at the earliest.

Lending a sympathetic ear to the demand of the employees, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the department will consider the deployment of drivers and conductors, who appointed faraway places, to near their homes. He instructed the officials that immediate planning should be done regarding this matter. He also ordered to give a report regarding the condition of the buildings and workshops of the department. Wherever necessary, repairs should be done immediately, he added.

Secretary Transport S. Dilraj Singh Sandhawalia, Director State Transport Ms. Amandeep Kaur and other officials were also present in the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, January 11

Punjab Horticulture Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra, on Thursday, assured the representatives of the Punjab Potato Grower Association of the state of all possible assistance.

Presiding over a meeting in his office here at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, the Cabinet Minister, sympathetically responded to the main demand of providing subsidy on potato diggers, and directed Mrs. Shailender Kaur, Director, Horticulture, to formulate a comprehensive scheme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Emphasizing the importance of embracing cutting-edge technology, the Cabinet Minister mandated the consideration of latest and efficient methods for potato digging.

Considering another demand of the association of setting up of Disease Testing Lab at the Dhogri Indo Dutch Centre for Excellence for potatoes, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra tasked the Director Horticulture to thoroughly examine the feasibility of this proposition. The Director apprised the Horticulture Minister that a lab is coming up at this Centre.

During the deliberations, the potato growers informed that the revenue generated is one-third of the total acreage in the economy through potato seeds. The potato growers asked for the notification of seed potato areas, which was agreed by the Cabinet Minister. He mentioned that a draft proposal would be sent to prevent the circulation of spurious seed potatoes, causing huge loss to Seed potato.

IEP Bhagraul (Dirba), January 11

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday visited the house of Havildar Jaspal Singh, who attained martyrdom during line of duty, and handed over a cheque of Rs 1 crore to his family as a mark of respect.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of martyr Havildar Jaspal Singh, who was posted in 9 Mahar, the Chief Minister said the country would always remain indebted to martyr for laying down his life in service of nation. He said that though it is an irreparable loss for the country in general and for the distressed family in particular and it cannot be repaid at any cost, the government has made a humble effort in honour of the martyr. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that martyrs belong not only to a single family or state but to the entire nation.

The Chief Minister said the state government stands by the family in this hour of grief and would leave no stone unturned to provide all possible assistance. He said that the people of the country will always remain indebted to the sacrifice of Havildar Jaspal Singh. Paying tributes to the martyred, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has brought laurels to the country and especially Punjab by displaying his bravery, commitment and courage in the line of duty.

IEP Chandigarh, January 10

Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wednesday, urged all the owners/drivers to affix HSRPs on their vehicles on priority.

In a press communiqué issued here, the Transport Minister said that as per the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and notification of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, affixation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) is mandatory for all vehicles. These directives make it necessary for all vehicles registered in the State of Punjab to have High Security Registration Plates.

S. Bhullar mentioned various measures undertaken by the state government such as opening of additional fitment centers and offering the option of house fitment etc. to simplify the process of affixing HSRPs.

The Cabinet Minister informed that in the past, awareness campaigns conducted across various media platforms to sensitize individuals about the necessity of HSRPs, resulting in many complying already. S. Bhullar once again appealed to all the motor vehicle owners and drivers to affix HSRPs on their vehicles, as the violation of the same will lead to heavy penalty.

IEP Chandigarh, January 10

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced the formal culmination of the second season of the biggest sporting extravaganza of the state Khedan Watan Punjab Dian.

The Chief Minister said that more than 4.5 lakh players had participated in these games held across the state. He said that cash awards worth Rs 8.30 crore have been digitally transferred in the bank accounts of around 11,000 players who had bagged Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the state level during games. Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated all the players for their stupendous success adding he hoped that these players will continue to bring laurels for the state in sporting competition at national and international level.

The Chief Minister said that this year 35 competitions were held in eight age groups adding that for the first time Rugby, Cycling, Horse Riding, Wushu and Shooting Volleyball have been introduced in the games. He said that the competitions were held in the age groups of under 14, under 17, Under 21, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-55 years, 56-65 years and above 65 years age group. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that players were given cash prizes worth Rs 8.30 crore including RS 10,000 for gold, Rs 7000 for silver and Rs 5000 for bronze medal winners.

The Chief Minister further said that these games are a right step towards this direction as they are providing a platform to the players for showcasing their talent. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that these games will also help the state government to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the players which will be beneficial for grooming them for the national and international events in future. He further said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to popularize sports in the state as it can play a key role in progress of the state and prosperity of its people.

IEP Chandigarh, January 10

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Wednesday, said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has set a target to bring down the crop residue burning to 50 per cent in the upcoming season.

          He was addressing the one-day state level workshop-cum-training on “space based technology for monitoring stubble burning under Agro-geoinformatics” organized by Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC), Ludhiana here at MGSIPA.

          S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that pollution is a vast issue, and holding only farmers responsible for the same would not change anything on ground as they are also victims of uncontrolled pollution. All should come together and find a solution to save the environment for our future generations, said S. Khudian while adding that the hardworking farmers and laborers of the Punjab, who made the country self-dependent in food security, would contribute their maximum in this move.

          He further said that Punjab Government has not been leaving any stone unturned to tackle the crop residue burning menace as around 23000 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines are being provided to the state farmers on the subsidy during FY 2023-24. Due to the concerted efforts of the government, the stubble burning incidents have reduced to 36,623 in 2023 from 49,922 fire incidents in 2022, reflecting a positive change of 26 per cent. Earlier, this facility was running under 100% assistance from GoI but at present it is on sharing basis of 60:40 ) Centre- State).

          Meanwhile, Special Chief Secretary (Development) Mr. KAP Sinha said that the state government is mulling to launch the Crop Residue Management (CRM) campaign this year in advance to contain the fire incidents more effectively, besides encouraging the farmers to adopt the crop diversification to wean away them from two crops (wheat-paddy) cycle to address the problem of groundwater depletion. 

          He said, “Punjab is known for Agriculture that’s why the state is called a food bowl of the country. Our prestige attached with agriculture and Punjab will not let it go to any other state”, while adding that the capacity of In-situ and Ex-situ will also be increased in hot-spot areas, besides, involving cooperative societies to support small, marginal and SC farmers.

          Director PRSC Dr. B. Pateriya highlighted the harmful effects of stubble burning on air, soil quality, as well as human health. He called for synergy among the Department of Agriculture, NGOs, academia, industry and farmers to tackle the menace of paddy straw burning.

          Principal Scientist Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi Dr. Vinay Kumar Sehgal made a presentation on the Application of space technology in crop residue burning. Dr. RK Setia, Group Head, demonstrated the role of geospatial technology and its applications with special reference to Punjab. Dr. Hapinder Singh, Group Head, elaborated the process of monitoring satellite based crop residue burning in Punjab.

         Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Prof. (Dr.) Adarsh Pal Vig, Deputy Commissioner Fazilka Ms Senu Duggal, Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur Mr. Rajesh Dhiman, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Mr Showkat Ahmad Parray and other senior officials of civil and police administration also participated in the discussion and gave their feedback to control the stubble burning in coordination with all the stakeholders.

IEP Chandigarh, January 10

On the direction of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the ‘Nal Jal Mitra Scheme’ is set to be launched across all villages in Punjab. The Department of Water Supply and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has devised a comprehensive multi-skilling course for ‘Nal Jal Mitra.’ Beneficiaries undertaking the course will not incur any fees, as the government will bear all costs.

Divulging the further information, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the course’s primary goal is to offer skill-based training to local residents in villages, empowering them to efficiently manage water supply schemes. He said that course participants will gain the ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance, potentially leading to employment opportunities within their villages.

The Cabinet Minister said that the course spans 510 hours and aims to create employment opportunities within approximately 12,000 villages of Punjab through the Nal Jal Mitra program. The Technical Education Department will provide training in plumbing, electrical works, pump operation and more. The government is planning to launch this program by March of this year.

To facilitate the training initiative, gram panchayats in villages would nominate a local individual for maintaining their water supply scheme. Each gram panchayat is expected to have at least one person undergo ‘Nal Jal Mitra’ training.

It is pertinent to mention here that under the Jal Jeevan Mission, efforts are underway to ensure water availability for every rural household. In many Punjab villages, gram panchayats manage water supply schemes through water and sanitation committees (GPWSC). The long-term sustainability of these schemes relies on skilled human resources at the local level, making the implementation of the Nal Jal Mitra scheme crucial across all villages in Punjab.

IEP Chandigarh, January 10

Under mission ‘Canal water to every field’ and to reduce reliance on underground water, Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra is actively engaging with local MLAs, district administration and concerned departments to collect essential on-ground information.

During the recent meetings with MLAs of various constituencies at Patiala, Ludhiana, Moga and Amritsar, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra has issued clear instructions to the officials concerned that canal water to each field should be ensured in a stipulated time frame, as the use of ground water in the state can be reduced only by maximum use of canal water.

S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra infomed that groundwater resources of the state are declining at an alarming rate with 117 out of 150 blocks comprising nearly 80% of state’s geographical area already under over-exploited category, stressing on need to develop alternate surface water-based irrigation water sources and also maximizing canal water usage to arrest declining groundwater resources of the state.

He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is making continuous efforts to save the underground water for future generations, while the previous dispensations kept avoiding this serious issue, which resulted in near destruction of the entire canal water infrastructure. He asserted that the Mann government will bring the canal structure fully on track, and upcoming Kharif season would witness the restoration of the canal water system, ensuring its availability to tale end and every field.

Stressing on the need to utilize treated water for irrigation purposes, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra said that the state government, under its efforts aimed at preventing further depletion of underground water and to reduce the agricultural input costs for the farmers, has set target to double the treated water usage to 600 MLD by end of current financial year, thus benefitting 20,000 hectares of agriculture land. The state is at present utilizing 320 MLD for irrigation, he added.

The Water Resources Minister has also instructed the officials to vacate the illegal encroachments on the water courses so that the farmers can get canal water. He also urged the farmers to vacate the illegal encroachments from the water courses on their own, as these water courses will irrigate their fields.

The Cabinet Minister said that the government has acquired ten large machines for the cleaning of the water courses and drains, which resulted in 60 percent cost saving. He said that if the need arises, additional machinery will be purchased to complete the work.

He directed the officials to clean the water courses and drains and complete the ongoing projects in a timely manner, adding that demarcation of every drain should be done immediately after the harvest of the crop.