IEP Chandigarh, April 10

 The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Bhagwant Mann on Monday urged the Government of India (GOI) to relax the specifications for wheat for procurement in the current season, in view of the crop losses suffered by farmers due to unseasonal rains. A decision to this effect was taken by the council of Ministers in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister here at his office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat-I on Monday. During the meeting, the Cabinet requested the centre to order appropriate relaxation in specifications without any value cut, which will compound the problems of the farmers who had already suffered significant crop losses due to the rains and winds that lashed in the state. Such rains at the time of maturation of wheat crop had caused considerable damage to the standing crop and also affected the quality of the wheat grains because of water logging, leading to loss of luster/blackened grains. Therefore, the Cabinet unanimously urged that prescribed uniform specifications of wheat with regard to damaged, slightly damaged, shriveled and broken grains, luster and moisture content should be relaxed by the Government of India. The Cabinet further observed that the share of centre in compensation given per acre to the farmers for compensating their loss due to the natural disaster was on lower side, in wake of the exorbitant hike in the prices of agriculture inputs borne by the farmers to raise the crop. The Punjab government has recently enhanced its own share to Rs 8200 from existing Rs 6600 to ensure that the farmers having crop loss more than 75% are given Rs 15,000 per acre. The Cabinet urged the Government of India for upward revision of the compensation to the affected farmers. The Cabinet was of the view that agony and pain of a large number of farmers who have suffered heavy losses due to sudden and erratic changes in weather, can’t be expressed in words. Unfortunately intensity and frequency of rains coupled with high velocity winds and hailstorms have caused substantial damage to the crops and impaired livelihood of a large number of farmers. The Cabinet urged the centre to duly compensate the farmers whose standing crops have been affected due to recent heavy rains coupled with high velocity winds and hailstorms adding that the existing norms to provide for a minimum compensation  per acre to the affected farmers needs to be revised. The Cabinet recalled that Punjab has always been in the forefront for ensuring food security of the nation and has been contributing about 40-50% of wheat and 30-35% of rice to the Central Pool from the last three decades. Such was the level of involvement and commitment of the farmers to their profession that with just over two percent of the country’s geographical area and even less as a percentage of the country’s population, Punjab contributes the heaviest share among all states to the national food kitty, earning them it the sobriquet of the country “food bowl and granary. Though this has been achieved at a huge cost to the state and its farmers as the Punjab farmer’s have bartered away their only two natural resources: soil fertility and water. Meanwhile, it was also decided that Incharge Cabinet Ministers will undertake tours in their respective districts as Chairperson of District Grievances committee to oversee ongoing Girdawari operations.

IEP Chandigarh, April 8      

    In a historic decision, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced to change the timings of government offices from existing 9 am- 5 pm to 7:30 am- 2 pm in larger public interest.          Announcing the decision, the Chief Minister said that the revised timings will come into effect from May 2 and will remain implemented till July 15. He said that the decision has been taken to benefit the common people for easily getting their work done in government offices during the scorching heat in ensuing summer season.  Bhagwant Mann said that the decision has been taken after due consultation with all the stakeholders so that the welfare of all can be ensured.          Dwelling more details, the Chief Minister said that it will enable a common man to do his work early morning without  taking leave from his work. Likewise, he said that this will also facilitate the employees as they will be able to attend the social functions after the office hours. Similarly, Bhagwant Mann said that the employees will also be able to spend more time with there children who will also come home at the same time.          The Chief Minister said that this decision will be applicable to all the offices of Punjab government. He envisioned that this will also help in saving around 300-350 MW power also as a considerable chunk of power was being consumed in government offices. Bhagwant Mann said that as per the data of PSPCL the leak load of board starts after 1 pm in the day.          The Chief Minister said that the new time table will also ensure that maximum sun light is utilised by the masses. He cited that in several foreign countries people adjust their watches as per seasons so that they can use maximum sunlight. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that the state government will take more such citizen centric decisions in the coming days too.

IEP Chandigarh, April 8      

    In a bid to ensure equality in service delivery and end ‘Khaas Aadmi’ culture from the system, Punjab Governance Reforms and Grievances Redressal Minister Mr Aman Arora on Saturday directed all the Deputy Commissioners to make sure that no one should avail any service without token at Sewa Kendras in the state.          Mr Aman Arora has taken strict cognizance of news reports claiming few government officials trying to overpower the staff of Sewa Kendras to get services without even getting token. “We have also received complaints from some districts in this regard,” he said.          Mr. Aman Arora made it clear that this kind behaviour of government officials is totally unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken if any official found indulged in this practice.           He said that all citizens are equally important and entitled for all services being provided at Sewa Kendras. The main objective to open Sewa Kendras was to provide seamless services to public in transparent manner.          Minister Governance Reforms further instructed Sewa Kendra staff that in case of any complaint recieved in this regards shall not be tolerated and strict action shall be taken.          Asking the Director DGR to issue directions to all DCs in this regard, Mr Aman Arora said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has come to power to root out the ‘Khaas Aadmi’ culture so this practice must be curbed, he added.          The Cabinet Minister also asked the Department Governance Reforms (DGR) to start online token service at the earliest so that people can get their appointment token by sitting at home.

IEP Chandigarh, April 8     

     Punjab Power and P.W.D. Minister Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. on Saturday visited Shanan Power House at Joginder Nagar to inspect the power house.           While taking round of power house, the Minister stated that Punjab Government was fully concerned with the power house and shortly the requisite maintenance works would be initiated.          Lauding the engineers, employees and staff of the power house, Harbhajan Singh E.T.O. assured that all their genuine issues and needs would also be fulfilled as early as possible.          The Minister said that the Shanan Hydropower project constructed in 1932 by British Engineer Colonel B.C. Batty and his team, which started generating 48 MW power at that time. Presently, the power house is running with a capacity of generating 110 MW.          The Minister also expressed satisfaction that the project was playing a significant role in development of the country by providing power to the  consumers.

IEP Chandigarh, April 7     

     Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that due to strenuous efforts of the Aam Aadmi government the state has been transformed from ‘fiscal deficit’ to ‘fiscal profit’ state by massive generation of revenue.          Interacting with the media persons here at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that though the previous governments had always thought of their own vested interests his Government has pulled all plugs to enhance the revenue in state. He said that these efforts have produced desired results as the state has been able to generate maximum revenue. Bhagwant Mann said that the honest government in state has changed the direction of fund flow from private houses of leaders to government exchequer.          The Chief Minister said that though the state government had launched the Excise policy by delay of three months but it has fetched revenue worth Rs 8841 crore in the state. He said that this is Rs 2587 crore more than last year which was roughly an increase of 41.41%. Bhagwant Mann said that the target for next financial year is Rs 9754 crore adding that this will also be achieved.          The Chief Minister said that the state government has for the first time presented a zero tax budget in the state. He said that this is first of its kind pro-people initiative which will go a long way is ensuring the welfare of people. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that no stone will be left unturned for the holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people.          Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister said that the state has witnessed massive increase in the GST collection. He said that earlier the state was worst performing in GST collection but now with a hike of 16.6% Punjab is one of the top most performing state in GST collection. Bhagwant Mann said that the collection of last fiscal was Rs 18126 crore as compared to Rs 15542 crore of its previous year.          The Chief Minister said that in a landmark initiative the state government has taken a new experiment on giving an exemption of 2.25 % on stamp duty for land registration. He said that due to this in month of March revenue collection has enhanced from Rs 339 crore in February to Rs 658.68 crore. Bhagwant Mann said that as per the feedback of people the exemption has now been extended to April 30.          The Chief Minister said that though earlier PSPCL symbolised loss due to wrong policies of the successive state governments. However, he said that his government has taken unprecedented initiatives to strengthen the this public sector undertaking. Bhagwant Mann said that for the first time in history of state the government has released all the pending subsidy worth Rs 20,200 crore.          The Chief Minister said that out of this subsidy Rs 9063.79 crore has been given to Agriculture sector, Rs 8285.90 crore has been paid on domestic subsidies and Rs 2911 crore has been provided to industrial sector. He said that the state government has inherited a debt of Rs 9020 crore from previous governments and the state government has is also repaying the inherited loan through instalments worth Rs 1894 crore. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government has so far provided 3538 jobs to the youth in the power sector.          The Chief Minister said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government the power generation in state has enhanced manifolds. He said that already smooth and hassle free supply of coal has started from Jharkhand coal mine. Bhagwant Mann said that the state is heading towards becoming a power surplus state in the country.          The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is exploring the possibility of moving to the court for seeking pending funds under the Rural Development Fund from the centre. He said that the Union government is unnecessarily harassing the state by stalling funds worth Rs 30000 crore under the RDF. Bhagwant Mann said that while the state government has completed all the formalities but then also the centre government has deliberately stalled the legitimate funds of the state which is sheer injustice with the state.          Listing the pro-people initiatives taken by the state government, the Chief Minister said that Punjab Government has so far given more than 28,000 jobs to youth across the state adding that the sole criteria for selection in this entire recruitment process is merit and the entire procedure is being followed in a transparent manner. He said that now these youth have become integral part of the socio-economic growth of state. Bhagwant Mann said that such a whopping number of jobs in merely one year reflect the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them.

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.