Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

SPEAKER SANDHWAN CONGRATULATES WEIGHTLIFTER MIRABAI CHANU ON WINNING GOLD MEDAL AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022 IN BIRMINGHAM

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 31, 2022

Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Sunday has congratulated weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, on winning India’s first Gold medal at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

            Olympics silver medalist Chanu has won the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record by lifting a total of 201 kg in the 49 kg weight category.

            Issuing a statement here, Speaker said that it is a matter of great pride for the country and the medal win by Chanu proves that girls are now playing a leading role in every field.

            Speaker Sandhwan has also congratulated Chanu’s assistant coach Sandeep Kumar who is serving in the Punjab Police and currently posted at the Centre Sports at PAP in Jalandhar. He himself has participated in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games as a weightlifter and won a bronze medal in the 69 kg weight category at the 1998 Kuala Lampur Commonwealth Games.

            Earlier, Speaker also congratulated Punjab wrestler Jaspuran Singh, who won a bronze medal in the Under-17 World Wrestling Championship in Rome (Italy).

While congratulating the young player, Speaker said that not only Singh but his parents and Indian team coach Inderjit Singh also deserve appreciation for this big achievement at a young age.

Chandigarh, Punjab

MANN GOVERNMENT WILL INSTALL SOLAR POWER PLANTS IN ALL MANDIS ACROSS THE STATE, SAYS KULDEEP DHALIWAL

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 27, 2022

Following the directions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Mandi Board will install solar power plants in all the mandis to provide affordable electricity across the state.

This has been disclosed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, while chairing a meeting with the senior officials of the department at the head office here.

Dhaliwal ordered the concerned officials to start the work of installing solar power plants in all grain and vegetable markets at once in the state.

The officials present on this occasion said that the under a pilot project, net metering roof top solar power plant in four mandis are being installed and such solar power plants will be installed in 23 mandis.

The Minister of Agriculture said that a project report should be prepared for all grain and vegetable markets for setting up net monitoring solar power plants so that the people can be provided with affordable electricity. He directed to install sheds on which solar panels could be installed easily.

On this occasion, considering issue of lack of cleanliness in the vegetable markets, which led to obnoxious smell, the Minister directed officials to ensure the cleanliness of the vegetable markets on daily basis.

            The Agriculture Minister also issued instructions to take action to strengthen the link roads and make them 18 feet wide under the Mandi Board. Along with this, he said that the damaged link roads should be repaired immediately.

Taking an important decision, Kuldeep Dhaliwal asked the officials of the Mandi Board to submit a report as soon as possible to bring the vacant land of the focal point into use.

On this occasion, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Punjab and Secretary of Mandi Board Ravi Bhagat among other senior officials were present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

NO COMPROMISE ON DAMAGING ENVIRONMENT, VIOLATORS WILL BE DEALT WITH STERN ACTION: MEET HAYER

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 27, 2022

Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Hayer on Wednesday warned people to face the music for damaging the environment and said that it is the high time to take concrete steps to preserve the natural resources for the future generations.

          “Environment maintenance is a mutual responsibility of all of us. It is also our duty to preserve natural resources and a clean environment for future generations,” said Hayer while chairing a meeting regarding the Punjab Plastic Waste Management Society at the Punjab Pollution Control Board here.

          Meet Hayer said that the state government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to industrial development for the progress of Punjab but at the same time there will be no compromise in the matter of damaging the environment. He said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance against drugs and pollution.

          The Minister advised the society to rope in more and more companies in their society and to make it a financially sound model. Massive awareness is required among the public so as to make it a public movement, only then the mission of the Chief Minister Mann, Punjab to make the state “Green Punjab” will be achieved.

          Meet Hayer assured industrialists of fulsome support and cooperation from the state government so that this quintessential threat to human existence can be checked. Leading from the front to tackle this serious issue, the Minister offered the board members that he will take part in their cleanliness drives if they take initiative anywhere in the state.

          He said that they have got a clean environment from our forefathers but in the last 20-25 years the problem of pollution has exacerbated, therefore, it is high time that people must take responsibility to preserve the environment for the coming generations.

          Earlier, the Minister was briefed about the working of the society conceptualized by the Board about 5 years back and that it is one of its kind initiatives in entire country for collection and disposal of multi-layered plastic The society presented the Minister with products such as pen-holder, bird nest, board and others made out of plastic waste as well as other alternatives to the plastic like jute and cloth bags.

          The Minister lauded the efforts made by the Board for control of plastic pollution in the State. He exhorted the Board as well as society to enhance their activities regarding MLP throughout Punjab as well as include other plastic waste collection in their scope.

          He emphasised that it is one of the main promises of the State government to provide a clean environment to the public as well as our future generations.

          The officers of the Board as well as office bearers of the society assured the Minister that all out efforts shall be made to fulfil the expectations of the Government.

          Chairman of Punjab Pollution Control Board Dr Adarsh Pal Vig, while appreciating the personal involvement of the Environment Minister, said that environmental protection is a significant aspect.

          Board Member Secretary Engineer Karunesh Garg welcomed everyone and shared the agenda of the meeting. Representatives of industries and members of the society were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Punjab

State Government all set to provide single window approvals for setting up industry in Punjab: Anmol Gagan Mann

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 25, 2022

The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued directions to formulate transparent and hassle free investment policy to attract investors in order to make ‘Rangla Punjab’. This was stated by the Punjab Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann who today held a meeting in this regard with the officials of Invest Punjab Department. She gave clear cut instructions to implement the directions issued by the Chief Minister without any delay so that maximum investment can come in the state to ensure prosperity and overall development.

Anmol Gagan Mann asked the officials to ensure all approvals to the investors without any delay hassle. She said that the State Government is committed to make Punjab a leading state in the industrial sector and as part of the process, has created a mechanism where all approvals would be given through a single window for setting up industries in the state. The Minister also said that investors willing to invest in Punjab could apply online for approvals which would be given at the earliest.

The cabinet minister said that this is a common people’s government in which there is zero tolerance to corruption and if any officer or employee is found indulging in such malpractices, stringent action would be taken against them.

Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included senior officers of the Invest Punjab Department.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Chief Minister congratulates Neeraj Chopra for winning silver medal in World Athletics Championships

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 24, 2022

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has congratulated golden boy Neeraj Chopra for creating history by winning a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships. He said that Neeraj Chopra of Haryana is the pride of the country. He has become the first male player from India to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. Sh. Manohar Lal said that Neeraj Chopra has once again brought laurels to the country and Haryana.  The Chief Minister spoke to Neeraj’s uncle Bhim Chopra and congratulated him.

Goal to make Haryana a sports hub

        The Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that our aim is to make Haryana a sports hub.  For this, promising players like Neeraj Chopra will work to inspire the younger generation. The Chief Minister said that it is because of youth like Neeraj Chopra that Haryana’s flag is waving high in sports at the world level.  The Chief Minister said that today we have taken a step forward in the world of sports.  The policies of the state government and the performance of the players of Haryana are being discussed all over the world.  Haryana gives its sportspersons the highest number of awards and facilities in the country for winning medals in Commonwealth, Asiad and Olympics.

        He said that the Haryana Government has formulated ‘Haryana Outstanding Sportspersons Rules-2018’ to ensure secure employment for the outstanding sportspersons.  For them 550 new posts have been created in the sports department.  Apart from this, 156 sportspersons have been given government jobs till May 7, 2022.

        Provision for reservation has been made for sportspersons in direct recruitment to posts from class one to class four. The honorarium of sportspersons who won Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand awards has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month.  Amounts of Rs. 20,000  per month are being given to Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award winners and Rs. 5,000 per month to Bhim Award winners.

10 day boarding and 8 residential academies started to train players

The Chief Minister said that Haryana Government is working continuously for promotion of sports in Haryana and for all round development of sportspersons.  As a result, the sons and daughters of the state making the nation and state proud.  In this series, now the Sports and Youth Affairs Department has started 10 day-boarding and 8 residential academies to train the players.  All the trainees of these academies will be given diet at the rate of Rs. 400 per day per player.

Haryana is the power house of sports in the country

        At present Haryana is the sports powerhouse of the country.  The performance of our sportspersons in the Olympics and Paralympics – 2021 is a living example of how Haryana is emerging as a pioneer for other states in the field of sports.  In addition, Haryana recently hosted the Khelo India Youth Games – 2021 in which players from Haryana won the maximum number of medals.  Players and coaches from all over the country experienced the sports culture of Haryana closely and learned how the soil of Haryana is spewing gold not only in agriculture but also in sports.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Mohali Industrial Economic Zone on BTR a boon for pharma industry

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 24, 2022

Mohali Industrial Economic Zone (MIEZ) coming up on the Banur-Tepla Road (BTR) spread over 250 acres of land, will be the first of its kind planned industrial park of the region. Its best-in-class infrastructure, connectivity to the international airport, National Highways, skilled workforce, easy access to vendors and storage facilities make MIEZ BTR an ideal destination for pharmaceutical players.

“MIEZ-BTR has the connectivity advantage. Its proximity to Mohali and Chandigarh also addresses the concern of skilled workforce while semiskilled workers will have the advantage of affordable and quality life in and around Banur. Tax exemptions and other benefits from the Government of Punjab will be another boon for MIEZ BTR,” said Neenu Mittal,  Forgo Pharmaceuticals, Baddi.

While Baddi in Himachal Pradesh located near Chandigarh is known for being a hub for pharma big wigs, the upcoming option in the form of MIEZ -BTR could become a centre of attraction for those interested in putting up their pharma units in the economic zone.

“The major issues which pharma players face, in particular those falling in MSME category, are the problems related to receiving and storing raw materials, shrinking manufacturing process areas, locational constraints of quality control section, problems of storing finished and rejected drugs etc. Most of them do not have enough space for offices.  Pharma MSMEs’ need a one point solution to every issue related to the pharma industry,” said Vaneet Jain of Ultratech Pharmaceuticals, Baddi.

Piyush Kansal, a Director with Royale Estate Group(REG), promoter of MIEZ BTR, while talking about the benefits of establishing an enterprise in the planned Industrial zone said, “Pharmaceutical industries will get  a resolution to all issues they face. We will have smooth systems of receiving raw materials and adequate storage for these, elaborate manufacturing process areas, quality control mechanisms etc. MIEZ will provide all these aspects.”

Neeraj Kansal, MD, REG SAID , “MIEZ BTR is going to be a state-of-the-art industrial park. It is much suitable for the pharmaceutical cluster. The site of the park is just 21 kms away from the International Airport Mohali and in the vicinity of Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC). The Industrial Park is powered by wide roads, efficient power supply, common effluent treatment, solid waste management, business and exhibition centre, R&D centre etc.”

“It is true that Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) enjoys the sobriquet of being Asia’s biggest pharmaceutical hub, however Punjab government is making concerted efforts to promote Mohali as a pharma destination. To attract key players, the state government is coming up with a new industrial policy, looking forward to continuing a lot of incentives and exemptions. Infrastructure facilities like MIEZ BTR will certainly attract pharma investors,” added Ashwani Mehta of Asterisk Health Care, Una.

 Ashish Mittal, also a Director with REG said, “With the growth potential and in a competitive ecosystem, around 115 pharmaceutical companies are already in Mohali and its periphery. An investor under the Invest Punjab will have the advantage of 100 per cent exemption of stamp duty, 100 per cent exemption of electricity duty for seven years, and 100 per cent exemption from property tax. There will be an investment subsidy too.”

 Punjab has several bulk drug manufacturers of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Key Starting Materials (KSMs). Several pharma players such as Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries, DSM, Ind-Swift, Nectar Lifesciences and some other formulation units have established their base in Mohali. Affordable facility and regulatory ease will make an infra hub like MIEZ BTR a bright spot for pharma players.

Chandigarh, Punjab

GRAND FINALE OF “UJJWAL BHARAT UJJWAL BHAVISHYA-POWER @2047” PROGRAMME TO BE DEDICATED TO SHAHEED UDHAM SINGH: HARBHAJAN SINGH URGED UNION GOVERNMENT

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 24, 2022

Punjab Public Works and Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh has urged the union government that the grand finale of the scheduled programme “Ujjwal Bharat Ujjwal Bhavishya-Power @2047”, which is being celebrated under “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” from July 25-31, 2022, should be dedicated to Shaheed Udham Singh Ji, who sacrificed his life for the India’s independence.

In a letter to union minister for Power & NRE Mr. R.K. Singh, the Cabinet Minister said that it would be a befitting tribute to the great revolutionary and son of soil. The letter reads that India is celebrating “Ujjwal Bharat, Ujjawal Bhavishya-Power @2047”, wherein achievements of Central and State Governments in the transformation of power sector including renewable energy sector will be showcased thorugh the celebrations in all the districts of the country.

“I had earlier requested you to commemorate the grand finale of these celebrations in the memory of the great martyr and freedom fighter Shaheed Udham Singh Ji, whose Martyrdom Day is observed on 31st July every year”, requested the Cabinet Minister quoting July 21st meeting with the union minister. He urged that commemorating legendary martyr’s great contribution and sacrifice in the cause of India’s independence through these programmes, would be a befitting tribute, if the grand finale of these programmes is dedicated as a tribute to Shaheed Udham Singh Ji.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA TO REVIEW WORKING OF ALL URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES ACROSS PUNJAB

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 24, 2022

With an aim to put a full-stop on haphazard development in the state, Housing & Urban Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora, on Sunday, said that he will visit all the Urban Development Authorities to assess development being carried out in urban areas at ground level besides streamlining and improving the functioning of the department.

The Minister said that he has held threadbare meetings with the senior officials of the Housing & Urban Development department recently, “Now, I will start the Punjab tour this week onwards as the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann led state government has mandated for ensuring balanced growth in urban areas and planned development of residential, commercial & industrial spaces using ultra-modern technology in Punjab.”

As per the schedule, the cabinet minister will visit Patiala Development Authority (PDA) this week.

To feel the pulse, he will also hold meetings with Residents Welfare Associations, Real Estate Developers and other stakeholders to bring them on board to propel the Punjab on a path of sustainable development, said the Cabinet Minister, reiterating that the previous governments’ lackadaisical approach towards illegal colonies and failed to bring new planned townships are the main reasons behind the haphazard urban development in the state but Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann government will not leave any stone unturned to ensure the best possible basic civic amenities in the approved colonies, besides bringing new planned townships in urban areas of the state.

A comprehensive mechanism is now being put into place to stop the unauthorised colonies and to ensure the planned development of residential, commercial & industrial spaces using state-of-the-art technology, he added.

Chandigarh, Punjab

CM ASKS WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION DEPARTMENT TO EXPEDITE PROCESS FOR SETTING UP SOLAR POWERED WATER SUPPLY SCHEMES IN STATE

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 24, 2022

The Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has asked the Water Supply and Sanitation Department to expedite the process for setting up Solar Powered water supply schemes in the state.

Chairing a meeting here to review the functioning of the department, the Chief Minister said that tapping of solar energy for water supply schemes will be very beneficial for the state. He said that this initiative will go a long way in saving electricity on one hand and ensuring regular water supply in the villages on the other. The Chief Minister was informed that through this innovation department is mulling to install Solar-powered schemes in 1,508 villages to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency by generating 8708 kW capacity at a cost of Rs. 60.50 crore.

Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister also gave nod for digital adaptation in 1,731 villages where schemes will be linked with Internet of Things (IoT) and remote monitoring and operation of water supply will be done. He approved launching of this Pilot Project worth Rs. 106 crore in 93 villages and 100% coverage in 23 blocks. Bhagwant Mann also asked Department to roll on digital initiative, mGram Seva – an application which was launched as pilot project in 100 villages to ensure transparency and accountability in revenue collection and financial management.

The Chief Minister was informed that 99.63 % of rural households have tap water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission and 20 out of 23 district have achieved 100% coverage whereas on sanitation side also state is open defecation free. He said that as state is facing water quality issues such as heavy metals, arsenic, fluoride, iron, uranium, TDS and others, Large Surface water projects coming up in Patiala, Amritsar, TarnTaran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Hoshiarpur, Sri Anandpur Sahib at cost of Rs. 2,081 crore covering over 1,800 villages should be accomplished and operationalised soon. Bhagwant Mann said that Special Mitigation works for Arsenic and Fluoride affected areas should also be accorded top priority for ensuring potable supply of water to people.

The Chief Minister also said that works being executed for community sanitary complexes in rural areas/ compost pits/ storage for plastic waste/renovation of village ponds and construction of soak pits at a cost of Rs. 145 crore should also be expedited. He also directed the officers to finish the ongoing projects at the earliest so that public can be benefited from them. Bhagwant Mann said that safe water supply is directly linked to the health of people and their economic upliftment.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Principal Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation DK Tiwari and others were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

OPIUM RECOVERY FROM AMBULANCE: DIG ROPAR RANGE TO TAKE UP MATTER WITH HEALTH, CIVIL AUTHORITIES

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IEP CHANDIGARH JULY 24, 2022

Taking a cognisance of the matter related to arrest of three persons misusing an Ambulance to smuggle drugs, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ropar Range Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that he will take up this issue with Civil, Health and concerned regulatory authorities.

Pertinently, amid the ongoing war against drugs on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Mohali Police on Sunday have busted an inter-state drug smuggling racket after recovering 8Kg opium concealed in a pillow placed under the head of a fake patient lying in an Ambulance during a special Nakabandi on Ambala-Chandigarh Highway near village Dapper. The arrested accused have been identified as Ravi Shrivastav (28) of Rampur, (UP), presently residing at Ram Darbar in Chandigarh; Harinder Sharma (47) of village Naya Gaon in SAS Nagar; and Ankush (27) of village Khudda Ali Sher in Chandigarh.

The DIG said that as the Punjab Police have strict directions from the Chief Minister to root out drug menace from the state, the Mohali Police have busted an inter-state module which has raised serious concern about misuse of emergency services. “This has come to the fore during the investigation that how accused persons had purchased a second hand Ambulance and started using it for smuggling of drugs,” he said. This was at least for the 10-12th time accused persons have used the Ambulance to smuggle opium from Bareilly, reveals the investigations.

Besides taking up matter with all the concerned authorities, DIG Bhullar said that he has also asked all the three SSPs in the range to hold meeting with representatives of all the Hospitals and NGOs in their concerned districts and get the list of Ambulances assigned to them, so that the police could provide safe passage to genuine patients, while nabbing the anti-social elements using the Emergency Services for criminal activities.

          He also suggested using a special beacon on top of the ambulance which could signify whether there was a patient in the Ambulance or not.

          Divulging more details about the drugs recoveries in his Range since April 1, 2022, the DIG said that they have recovered a total of 2.41Kg Heroin, 20.42 Kg Opium, 2.10 quintal poppy husk, 200grams charas, 7.29Kg Ganja, 40945 intoxicant injections, 870590 intoxicant tablets besides seizing drug money worth Rs 8.08 lakhs. He said that the Police have registered a total of 211 FIRs including 14 commercial after arresting 307 drug smugglers/suppliers. The Police have also arrested 11 Proclaimed Offenders, he added.

          Meanwhile, DIG Bhullar said that the War against drugs waged by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will continue till drug menace is not wiped out from the state.