IEP Chandigarh, April 7     

     In order to bridge the gap between skilled manpower and industry requirements in the state, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr Aman Arora interacted with representatives of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and other Industry Associations here at PEDA Complex.          Addressing the key players of Industry, Mr Aman Arora said that the main objective of this interaction was to get familiarise with the job requirements and other issues of the industry so that pool of skilled manpower could be developed for the industry, besides generating suitable job opportunities for the youth of Punjab.          Seeking suggestions from the industrialists during open house session, Punjab Employment Generation Minister said that their valuable suggestions will help the department to start the courses according to the industry demands. He said that his doors are always open for them in case they face any issue.          Director Employment Generation and Skill Development and Training Ms Deepti Uppal said that empanelment of the industries for skilling courses will be the prime focus of Punjab Skill Development Mission (PSDM). She also apprised about the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, Empanelment of the industries with PSDM, training programs as per the job roles of the Industry demand and other programs of the department.          Chairman CII & owner of Tynor Orthodontics Mr. PJ Singh, Chairman Mohali Industries Association Mr. Anrag Aggarwal, Cheema Boilers Ltd Mr. HS Cheema, Executive Director Munjal Birmingham City University Dr. Prem Kumar, Birmingham City University Professor Julian Beer, KC group of Industries Mr. Vikas, Managing Director Jrew Engineering Ltd Mr. Rohit Grover were also present in the event. 

IEP Chandigarh, April 7

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday announced to embark several new schemes to ensure the well being of youth and to channelise their unbounded energy in a positive direction.

          The Chief Minister, while interacting with the media here in Punjab Bhawan, said that in order to make youth an active partner in socio economic growth of state the Punjab government will soon launch several schemes. He said that the state government will soon embark a scheme for providing interest free loan to the youth. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in opening new vistas of self employment for youth.

          The Chief Minister further announced that he will hold ‘Naujawan Sabha’ meetings with youth twice a month for a direct dialogue with them.  He said that the purpose of these meetings is to directly interact with the youth and get their feedback and suggestions so that the government can formulate policies suitable for them to start new businesses and undertake other innovative initiatives.  Bhagwant Mann said that a thorough discussion will be held with youth every 15 days, to take their suggestions for bolstering the agriculture, transport and other sectors.

          The Chief Minister also announced that state government will open 10 hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and not in the prisons by indulging in some illegal activity.

IEP Chandigarh, April 6         

          Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa informed that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is proud to announce that every village in the state has been declared “Certified Har Ghar Jal” under Jal Jeevan Mission. This remarkable accomplishment signifies that every rural household in Punjab now has access to clean and safe drinking water, ensuring improved health and sanitation for millions of residents.                   Divulging the details, Jimpa said that the Jal Jeevan Mission, a nationwide program initiated by the Government of India, aims to provide piped water supply (Har Ghar Jal) to every rural household by 2024. Under this initiative, Punjab has successfully executed the installation of a comprehensive water supply network, connecting all villages and households with a reliable and safe source of drinking water.                   He expressed his gratitude to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, for his continuous guidance and support throughout the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Punjab.                   The successful completion of this project in Punjab is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the state government, local authorities, and the hardworking people who contributed tirelessly to this effort, Jimpa added. By ensuring that every household has access to clean water, the Punjab Government has significantly improved the quality of life for its residents, particularly those in rural areas.                   Jimpa further said that the provision of clean water will have a transformative impact on the state’s health and sanitation, as it will reduce waterborne diseases and improve overall hygiene. Additionally, this achievement is expected to empower women by reducing the time and effort spent fetching water, allowing them to devote more time to education, work, and personal development.

IEP Chandigarh, April 6

          Netherlands-based firm NexusNovus’ Managing Director Mr Rutger De Brujin on Thursday called on Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora to discuss end-to-end solutions for infrastructure needs in the waste, water and renewable energy sectors in the state.

          Welcoming the MD of Dutch firm here at PEDA Complex, Mr. Aman Arora said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to create a sustainable future for generations to come and the state govt has not been leaving any stone unturned to make Punjab the leading state in production and utilization of renewable energy.

          Inviting the NexusNovus to invest in Punjab, the Cabinet Minister informed that Punjab is predominantly an agrarian state and over 20 million ton paddy straw is being produced every year. The state has huge potential for agriculture residue based Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects. Asia’s largest paddy straw & other agro-residue based CBG project of total capacity of 33.23 ton CBG daily has been operationalised in Sangrur district and as many as 42 additional CBG plants have been allotted by Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA). Four more projects with total capacity 52.25 TPD are likely to get operational in the next 4-5 months, he added.

          Mr. Aman Arora further said that the State has also been providing various incentives under State NRSE Policy-2012. Land stamp duty and registration charges, electricity duty, CLU & EDC charges have been exempted, besides, Single Stop Clearances are being provided via Invest Punjab, while ensuring every possible help from the government side.

          Showing keen interest to invest in Punjab, Mr. Brujin apprised the New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister that the firm has already set up an integrated Solid Based Management Centre at KempegowdaInternational Airport. At present, the plant has been receiving about 20-25 TPD of waste, which is expected to touch about 60 tons in coming months. The waste is being picked by E-vehicles and then mechanically sorted into recyclable and organic based. Organics are being used to produce Biogas, while non-degradable material is being recycled. He claimed that no waste is being sent to the landfills and they are working with the mission to decarbonize the world through sustainable and innovative energy projects.

IEP Chandigarh, April 06      

    Reiterating the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government towards the welfare of its employees, Finance, Planning Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee and Sub-Committee of Officers constituted to draft standard operating procedure for the implementation of old pension scheme will introduce such an excellent pension model for Punjab government employees that would be followed by the governments of other states also.          During a meeting with the Pension Bahali Sangharsh Committee (Old Pension Restoration Struggle Committee) held here at Punjab Bhavan, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee and Chief Secretary led Sub-Committee of were holding regular meetings to prepare such a pension model that would be reasonable as well as securing the future of the Punjab Government employees. He said that during these meetings, the procedures adopted by some other states to restore the old pension were also being studied.          Welcoming the suggestions given by the Sangharsh Committee during the meeting, the Finance Minister said that he would put these suggestions before the Cabinet Sub-Committee during its next meeting so that the necessary decision in this regard could be taken at the earliest. He said that the present Punjab government is of the opinion that its employees should have a secure and prosperous post-retirement life.          Later, during a meeting with the Punjab State Aided Schools Teachers and Other Employees Union, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema told the union that their demands regarding 6th pay commission and inter-management transfer of the employees working in the aided schools are being considered seriously.  He asked the officials of the school education department to send the proposal regarding the 6th pay commission to the finance department and to submit the report regarding necessary measures required to implement inter-management transfers during the next meeting.          Meanwhile, during a meeting with the Old Pay Scale Restoration Joint Front, the finance minister asked the officials of the finance department to hold a meeting with the front and prepare a report on the financial burden of their demands.          The finance minister assured the Employees’ associations that the policies and intentions of the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are absolutely transparent and clear. He said that the government has started action from the very first day of its term and has been constantly taking the concrete decisions. He said that special cabinet sub-committees have been constituted to remove all the barriers in the way of implementation of these pro people decisions.

IEP Chandigarh, April 6     

     According to the guidelines of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Social Security, Women and Child Development  Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur has instructed Anganwadi workers to sensitize parents of children above the age of three about enrolling  them in Anganwadi centres by going door-to-door.          Divulging in this regard, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab government is committed to the overall development of children in the state. Under this policy, efforts are being made to develop every child by fulfilling their basic needs in Anganwadi centres. She added that in addition to providing supplementary nutritional food and basic education, parents are also made aware of vaccination, health check-ups, and nutrition. She also mentioned that various activities are conducted using toys to enhance children’s mental development in Anganwadi centres.          The Cabinet Minister instructed Anganwadi workers to work more efficiently and diligently, which would motivate to increase the number of children in anganwadi centres.

IEP Chandigarh, April 6       

   In view of the ongoing harvesting season, Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO has made an appeal to the farmers to inform nearest PSPCL offices in case they notice any loose electricity wires or any sparking incident in their respected areas.          The Cabinet Minister said that PSPCL will take every possible step to avert fire incidents in fields. He also informed the consumers that they can also register their complaints regarding electricity on round the clock functional helpline numbers 96461-06835 and 96461-06836. He said that consumers can also register their complaints on Whatsapp number 96461-06835.          Power Minister also urged farmers to earlier harvest one Marla of wheat around the transformers so that any untoward incident could be averted. He said that the ten meter radius around the transformers in fields should be made wet so that even if any sparking type incident happens the same can be prevented easily and automatically.

IEP Chandigarh, April 6    

      In yet another move aimed at making Punjab a safe and secure state as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Thursday conducted a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in colonies established on the outskirts of cities and towns across the state. The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.          The operation was conducted from 10am to 3pm simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts of the state and CPs/SSPs were told to plan this operation in a meticulous manner amid massive deployment of the Police Force.          Divulging details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the purpose of this operation was to instil a sense of safety and security among the common people and increase the presence of Police force in the field to infuse fear among the anti-social elements.          He said that over 250 Police teams, involving 2500 Police Personnel, led by the SP/DSP rank officers conducted this operation. Apart from frisking suspicious persons, the police teams have also inquired about the verification of tenants staying at rented accommodation. Police teams have also done verifications of tenets during this operation, he added.          The Special DGP said that Police teams have cordoned off over 866 colonies to conduct checking at 5869 houses during the operation. He said that as many as 322 suspicious persons have been rounded up and incriminating material has been seized from their possession, which is being further examined. The Police have also registered four first information reports (FIRs) and have recovered Rs 2.25 lakh drug money, 66.5 grams heroin and recovered 11 mobile phones,  he added.          Meanwhile, such operations also help in showing the police presence in the field and boost confidence among common people.

IEP CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, April 5   

       With Covid cases in Punjab witnessing a slight surge from the last few days, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is all geared-up to effectively tackle any kind of Covid related exigency.          The Health Minister, who was here at Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala to review the medical infrastructure arrangements at the Covid Isolated ward of the hospital, said that the state government is well prepared with requisite bed capacity and ventilators in hospitals, besides, having adequate arrangements of PPE kits, masks and testing kits to deal with the further spread of the virus.          He said that they have sufficient doctors and medical staff, besides, all the oxygen plants and emergency systems are active in all the Government hospitals in the state.          Although the situation is under control and people need not to panic, Dr Balbir Singh urged people to strictly adhere to the health and safety protocols including social distancing, proper wearing of masks and washing hands frequently to contain coronavirus.          “People, especially those who are immunocompromised or having Covid symptoms like cold or cough, should take extra care of themselves and avoid going outside until there is an urgency,” he said, further advising them to wear masks whenever they leave their homes.          He said that as per the directions of the Union Government, the Punjab health department would conduct a mock drill on 10-11th April in the state to ensure the Covid preparedness.          Meanwhile, the Health Minister also appealed to people to not get swayed away by the rumours.

IEP Chandigarh, April 5      

     Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa today directed the revenue officials to furnish the crop damage report within given time, which should be appropriate from all aspects.          The Minister was taking stock of crop damage assessment being carried out across the state here in a meeting with the senior officers of the Revenue Department. He pointed out that the State Government was fully committed to compensate the farmers against the loss of crops being faced by them due to unseasonal rains in Punjab during last couple of days. He instructed the officials to get the crop damage assessment (girdawari) accomplished expeditiously ordered by the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The State Government will disburse compensation near Baisakhi.          The Revenue Minister also stressed that the Girdawari should be conducted appropriately and fair reports should be sent to the authorities for disbursement of compensation as early as possible. Jimpa said that directions had already been issued to all Deputy Commissioners for getting the assessment done besides submitting reports in this regard.          Reviewing the functioning of Tehsils with the officials, the Revenue Minister categorically said that there should be far more efficacy in delivering revenue services to the people at all Tehsils & Sub-Tehsils. He said that inconvenience to common people should not be tolerated and strict action should be initiated against corrupt practices, if any. He said that on the lines of Water Supply and Sanitation Department, ‘Janta Darbar’ would also be held in the Revenue Department to address the problems of common people on the spot. He said that the people, who were being deliberately harassed, after hearing their complaints, the accountability of such officers would be fixed. New recruited Patwaris will soon join the Revenue Department thus paving a way to further streamline the work of department.          On this occasion, Revenue officials apprised Bram Shanker Jimpa about the ongoing works and other achievements of the department through a presentation. Jimpa, while reviewing the work of the revenue department, gave instructions to upgrade the record room besides apprising them the directives of Chief Minister. It has already been made it clear to ensure transparent and corruption-free administration to the people so as to accord priority to services to people.          Underlining the need to sort out the Adampur flyover issue as soon as possible, the Minister sought information from the officials about the land acquisition process besides issuing instructions to speed up the ongoing process in larger public interest.          On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue K.A.P. Sinha, Secretary Dilraj Singh, Special Secretary Dr. Amarpal Singh and other officials of the revenue department were present.