IEP Chandigarh, January 19

          Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, is committed to providing better civic services to the people of the state. To fulfill this objective, the state government is undertaking development projects across Punjab, as expressed by Balkar Singh, Minister for Local Government.

          Today at Municipal Bhawan, Sector-35, Chandigarh, Minister for Local Government Balkar Singh conducted a review meeting with Commissioner Municipal Corporation Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and Phagwara, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development/General), Jalandhar and Kapurthala. The review included Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat, Nakodar, Adampur, Alawalpur, Bhogpur, Kartarpur, Nurmahal, Phillaur, Gorayan, Lohia Khas, Mehatpur, Shahkot, Bilga, Sultanpur Lodhi, Bhulath, Begowal, Nadala and Dhilwan. During the meeting, officials were informed about the high level of quality in ongoing works and given instructions to maintain it.

          Member of Parliament Mr. Sushil Kumar Rinku, MLAs, and Constituency Incharges of Aam Aadmi Party participated in this review meeting, where the minister shared detailed information about the funds allocated by the government to the constituencies.

          Local Government Minister discussed various projects under Swachh Bharat Mission, Amarut Mission, such as unutilized funds under Swachh Bharat Mission 1 and 2, availability of space for sewage treatment plants under construction, and space for water treatment plants under Amarut 2. Discussing the current status of ongoing development works, the minister emphasized completing them within the stipulated time frame.

          He urged officials to start work promptly after completing the necessary office processes for approved DPRs. Additionally, he stressed initiating the approval process for other works without delay.

          Regarding issues with space for sewage and water treatment plants, the minister urged quick resolution in coordination with the MLA of the concerned constituency and the district administration for a cleaner environment.

          Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh directed officials to spend unused funds under various schemes promptly, warning of strict action against non-compliance with guidelines.

          He emphasized special attention to sanitation, park maintenance, street lights, and proper disposal of heritage waste.  Minister assured adequate funds for development works and requested a detailed action plan if additional funds were required.

          Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh provided detailed information to MLAs about works under various schemes and the allocated funds. He emphasized establishing contact with MLAs for development works and sharing all information to ensure timely and orderly progress.

          He encouraged officials to resolve any difficulties in development work by bringing them to the attention of the concerned MLAs and district administration for immediate resolution.

          Present at the occasion were MLAs Raman Arora, Sheetal Angural, Inderjit Kaur Mann, CEO of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Malwinder Singh Jaggi, CEO of PMIDC Deepti Uppal, EOs of Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats, Aam Aadmi Party constituency in-charge, and other senior officials.

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

          The Punjab Information and Public Relations Department on Friday organized the second religious congregation and Guru Ka Langar to mark the birth anniversary of the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The event was held with profound devotion and religious fervour at Gurdwara Sahib, Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 here.

          The head Granthi of Gurdwara Sahib Sector-11 Bhai Tarsem Singh recited Sukhmani Sahib and Hazuri Ragi Bhai Manjinder Singh of Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib performed Shabad Kirtan. Following the spiritual activities, the sangat partook langar, prepared by Gurdwara Sahib Shahpur Sector-38.

          The religious event was attended by Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Balbir Singh, OSD (Media)/Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Adil Azmi, MLA Dr. Inderjit Kaur Mann, Secretary Information and Public Relations Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director IPR S. Bhupinder Singh, Additional Director (Admin) Mr. Sandeep Singh Garha, Special DGP (Law & Order) Mr. Arpit Shukla, ADGP (Traffic) Mr. A.S Rai and the staff of the Information and Public Relations Department and Punjab Civil Secretariat.

          A large number of members from the media fraternity, retired officials of DIPR and other staff from various departments and from Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 and 2, CISF and Punjab Vidhan Sabha participated in this event.

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 17 

District Administration has marked Gurpurab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji with a distinction in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, which has been carved out in the name of the eldest Son of Guru Sahib, Sahibzada Ajit Singh. Divulging details, the Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Aashika Jain who has been the instrumental in making the idea practical on the previous day by visiting multiple Gurdwara Sahiban in the district, said that special camps were held at all the Gurdwara Sahiban to keep the people well aware and enrolled as voter for Gurudwara Board (SGPC) Elections.

She said that the Patwaris in rural areas and Municipal Staff in urban areas were put on duty to set up help desks at all Gurdwara Sahiban to get maximum mileage from the sacred occasion of Gurpurab as the hundreds of people thronged the Gurdwaras on this day to pay obeisance. The Deputy Commissioner said that at most of the places, the people were informed well before organising the camps through announcements from the Gurdwara Sahiban. She said that the idea to capture the eligible voters has worked well and we have got a very good response.

She said that district administration would continue the move till February 29 to benefit the maximum number of people with the right to vote for Gurdwara Board Elections. Mrs Jain said that the Gurdwara Elections made it mandatory to have fresh electoral rolls before the election, so we are registering the voters by approaching them with innovative ideas. The Deputy Commissioner repeatedly appealed to the eligible Sikh voters to come forward and register themselves as Voters for Gurdwara Board Elections. The eligibility criteria for becoming a voter for Gurdwara Board Elections is to be Keshadhari Sikh with minimum age 21 years or above, non-drinker, non-smoker and non-trimmer, as mentioned in Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, Section 49, she added.

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 17

Punjab scripted a history with launching its’ first Human Milk Bank (Comprehensive Lactation Mangement Centre), at Dr B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali with the support of Rotary Club of Chandigarh.  

     The World President of Rotary International Dr. Gorden R. McInally inaugurated the State’s first Human Milk Bank, at Mohali.

     Dr. Gordon R. McInally commended Rotary’s endeavors in establishing this Center which also supports Rotary’s commitment to empower women, improving their health, and well-being, by protecting their children. 

      Dr Avnish, Director Research and Medical Education Punjab endorsed and appreciated the efforts of Rotarians for expediting the setting up of the plant by financial support of nearly Rs 38 lakh to buy vital equipment for the plant which would help the women provide best possible nutrition to their new born through this human milk bank. It is an example of a Public Private Partnership. S. Kuljit Singh MLA Dera Bassi also attended the function and appreciated the efforts made.

    AIMS Director-Principal Dr. Bhavneet Bharti informed that at the initiative of the Past President Rotary International Mr Rajender Saboo, President Rtn Anil Chadda and  Rtn. Abha Sharma, Director Special Projects and who shall also be the club President in 2025-26, an MoU was signed in July last year  with the Rotary Club of Chandigarh for setting up this unique facility in Punjab. 

     Also called as Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (CLMC), Human Milk Bank is a vital health facility that offers lactation support and management for all mothers within the hospital, said Dr. Bharti.  She said that the Centre has facilities for collection, screening, processing, storage and dispensing of donated human milk for babies without access to their own mother’s milk and expression and storage of  mother’s own breast milk for consumption of her baby. 

    Former World President of Rotary International Rajendra K. Saboo was also present on the occasion who said that this project symbolizes the Rotary’s theme given by Dr. McInally, Create Hope in the World. 

A senior Rotarian and past district governor Subhash Garg, owner of Ruchira Papers Limited of Yamunanagar, was felicitated for providing Rs.31 lakh from CSR funds to make this project possible. 

    Dr. Bhavneet Bharti informed that this is the first milk bank to be operationalised in Punjab. AIMS Mohali is proud to be at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative – the establishment of the First Human Milk Bank in our city.

    There is a dire need for human milk especially for the preterm babies (born before 37 weeks of gestation) and their estimated global prevalence  is 9.9 percent  which  translates to 13·4 million preterm live births in the world .

    In this region, we too have similar requirements because as per a study, 10 to 20 percent of the babies who are in the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit]  may require donor human milk, Dr. Bharti said. The milk is obtained from lactating mothers voluntarily, which will be stored and preserved, pasteurized, and preserved, she said. It was emphasized that this would be accomplished with the state-of-the-art facility including firsthand knowledge of the advanced technology and stringent protocols in place to guarantee the highest standards of safety and quality

       Mrs Abha, Director, Special Projects and President Rotary Club Chandigarh 2025-26 also acknowledged the setting up of the first Human Milk Bank as a momentous occasion, and said it will play a vital role in amplifying awareness about the importance of human milk donation and its transformative impact on infant healthcare.

        Mrs Aashika Jain DC Mohali lauded this landmark initiative that underscores our commitment to advancing maternal and infant healthcare in the state of Punjab.

    Prof ON Bhakoo, former Head of the department of Pediatrics and Neonatology also known as father of neonatology  appreciated the efforts made in setting up a Comprehensive Lactation Management Center in true spirit. The function was attended by many senior officials, SMO DH Mohali Dr HS Cheema, Senior Rotarians, President of Human Milk Banking Association Mr Rajender Gulati, President IAP Chandigarh Chapter, Sahibzada Academy of Pediatrics Mohali. Senior Pediatricians and other dignitaries.

    Rotary Club of Chandigarh is in 65 years of its existence in the city and has to its credit setting up of Rotary PGI Serai, state-of-the-art blood bank in Sector 37, a Rotary Vocational Training Centre in Sector 18, international dolls museum in Sector 23, besides having done over 700 free heart surgeries of children, informed Rtn President Anil Chadha.

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the death of three cops in a road accident near Hoshiarpur, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced Rs 2 crore as financial assistance to their families.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that these cops had lost their lives in a road mishap adding that this is a huge loss for the state in general and for the aggrieved families of the cops in particular. He said that out of this Rs 2 crore, Rs 1 crore will be given as ex-gratia by the state government whereas another payment of insurance cover worth Rs 1 crore will be made by the HDFC bank. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that financial assistance to family of cops is in consonance with the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of the soldiers (from Armed forces, paramilitary and Police) and their families.

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

To strengthen the infrastructure and take new initiatives to provide quality education to the students of the state in Government Schools, On the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the action plan of SAMAGRA Sikhya Abhiyan Authority was approved for the next two academic sessions.

          In a meeting of the executive committee of the authority under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma, the action plan approved in principle for two years includes strengthening the infrastructure of Government Schools, boosting commerce and science education, environmental initiatives, Free uniforms and books, libraries and sports being given priority.

          Divulging the details of the meeting, Chief Secretary Mr. Verma said that education is the top priority of the State Government. On the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, revolutionary reforms are being carried out in Government Schools. He said that in the next two academic sessions, commerce is being started in 35 schools and science in 10 schools, the list of which will be finalised by the Chief Minister. Similarly, 1096 new classrooms at a cost of Rs. 92.70 Crore and the renovation of 360 classrooms at Rs. 14.85 Crore are proposed in the next two years.

          The Chief Secretary further informed that 2623 toilets for girls will be repaired at a cost of Rs.18.35 Crore and 215 toilets will be constructed for girls at a cost of Rs.2.72 Crore. Also, 876 toilets will be constructed for children with special needs at a cost of Rs.17.52 Crore and solar panel will be installed too. To give a boost, an action plan has been made to install 2190 solar panels at the cost of Rs. 29.58 Crore.

          Giving more information, Mr. Verma said that in the next two years, Rs. 182.06 Crore has been proposed to be spent on giving free uniforms to 30 lakh students and Rs. 44.86 Crore to give free books to 14 lakh students. Similarly, an action plan of Rs. 32.91 Crore for Libraries and Rs. 20.90 Crore for Sports and Physical Education, Rs. 18.66 Crore for Rani Lakshmi Bai self-defence and Rs. 1.47 Crore for the education of adolescent girls has been made for the next two years.

          Similarly, all 19,120 Government Schools will be provided internet facility in a phased manner to boost digital education and strengthen the Eduset system while presiding over the meeting of the Board of Governors of PICTES. In this regard, the MoU has been signed with BSNL. The Chief Secretary said that 6300 Government Schools will be provided with internet in the first phase.

          Apart from this, the action plan was also approved for boys’ toilets, rainwater harvesting, Science lab, Art Craft room, Library room, Transport, in service teacher training and ICT.

          The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Social Security and Women and Child Development Raji P Srivastava, Principal Secretary Employment Generation Jaspreet Talwar, Principal Secretary Finance AK Sinha, Secretary Education Kamal Kishor Yadav, Secretary Planning Amit Dhaka, Director General School Education Vinay Bublani, Director Rural Development and Panchayat Kanwalpreet Kaur.

IEP Chandigarh, January 13

Punjab Water Resources Department has decided to close the water outflow from Ranjit Sagar Dam for 31 days for urgent work and water filling in reservoir of Shahpurkandi Dam.

Disclosing this here, the official spokesperson said that keeping in view the weather condition and status of crops, it is notified that water outflow from Ranjit Sagar Dam will remain closed for 31 days from January 15, 2024 to February 14, 2024 (both days inclusive) to complete the urgent work including plugging of under sluices and impounding of Shahpurkandi Dam. 

The notification in this regard has been issued under the Rule-63 of Rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act No. VIII of 1873).

IEP Chandigarh January 13

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Saturday, arrested Rajinder Singh, posted as Senior Assistant in the office of Assistant Registrar, Punjab Cooperatives Department, Kharar, district Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 10,000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB, said the aforementioned accused official, a resident of Garden Colony, Kharar, has been arrested on a complaint lodged by Jaspal Singh, a resident of village Bagindi, tehsil Kharar, who has been working as Secretary in the milk collection society in village Seonk, tehsil Kharar.

He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the said accused Rajinder Singh was demanding Rs 10,000 as a bribe in lieu of clearing a file pertaining to the election of said milk collection society of village Seonk, which was pending in his office.

The spokesperson further added that the flying squad unit of VB, after a preliminary inquiry of this complaint, laid a trap and the said accused has been arrested on the spot while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said official at police station, flying squad-1, Punjab, SAS Nagar and further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.

IEP Chandigarh, January 11

On the directions of Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, the Animal Husbandry department has issued an advisory to protect the livestock from bone-chilling cold weather accompanied by severe winds, which could prove hazardous for livestock and cause significant problems to their owners.

Under extreme winter storm conditions, the advisory suggests, simple shelters alone cannot be effective in protecting livestock so livestock farmers have been advised to use ‘pallis’ made from gunny bags in animal sheds. Keep animals indoors during extreme cold conditions and monitor them often. Monitor the temperature under the sheds, use heaters if required. Keep bedding as dry and clean as possible in order to avoid increased ammonia fumes. Blankets can be used on individual animals if required as Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops well below normal. In general terms, with cattle, mild hypothermia occurs with a body temperature of 30°C-32 (86°F-89°F), moderate hypothermia at 22°F-29°C (71°F-85°F) and severe hypothermia below 20°C (68°F). Cows are not able to return to normal temperature without assistance through warming and the administration of warm fluids.

In the advisory, it has also been recommended not to graze cattle in extreme cold weather and maintain a larger feed storage. Very young, very old or sick animals will typically have additional nutritional needs during winter as compared to healthy, middle aged animals. Having abundant and accessible feed will help animals maintain body temperature and survive cold temperatures. Farmers have been asked to ensure that stored winter feed is of good nutrient quality.

Apart from this, consuming enough water is pivotal for animal health and well-being during the winter season. Livestock will not consume an adequate amount of water if it is too cold. Therefore, the livestock farmers have been advised to ensure access to fresh water for livestock.

It has been recommended to seek veterinary treatment immediately to address any concerns especially for pregnant and very young or very old animals, which require special attention.

IEP Sangrur, January 11

Continuing his spree to set up ultra modern libraries in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday dedicated 14 new ultra modern libraries in the Sangrur districts constructed at a cost of 4.62 crore.

The Chief Minister envisioned that these libraries will act as a harbinger of growth and prosperity in the state adding that this path breaking initiative is aimed at inculcating reading habits amongst the youth of the state. He said that this step will go a long way in empowering the youth and making them an equal partner in the social-economic development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these libraries will go a long way in transforming the destiny of the youth and produce bureaucrats, scientists, Doctors, technocrats and others.

The Chief Minister said that these world class libraries are equipped with ultra modern facilities to ensure that they act as a paradise for book lovers. He said that hi-tech facilities like Air conditioners, Invertors, CCTV cameras, Wifi and others.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these libraries are a true repository of knowledge and literature adding that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction for all of us that this state of the art libraries houses precious books on varied subjects, which attracts the book lovers.

The Chief Minister said that the collection of libraries includes some of the rare and precious books, which would be a big asset for the book lovers. He envisioned that these libraries will prove to be a game changer for transforming the destiny of the students. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the motive is to make sure that the youth excel in every field and gems are produced from the state for proving the mettle of state in varied fields.

Later, the Chief Minister dedicated the Weight Lifting centre constructed at a cost of Rs 14 lakh and Astro Turf constructs at a cost of Rs 92 lakh in the War Heroes stadium. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he said that the Punjab government has laid major thrust on the promotion of games in the state thereby utilizing the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time the state government has given funds to the players for the preparation of games so that they excel in sporting events.

The Chief Minister said that the result of this is that Punjabis have bagged 19 medals in the Asian games held last year, which is the highest tally of states in Asiad, since its inception. He further said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for all as 10 players in the Indian Hockey contingent are from Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that due to the strenuous efforts of the state government, the players of state are bringing laurels for the state adding that the state government is incentivizing the players with the cash awards and other facilities.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government has decided that no parade of Republic Day will be held in any ground, with synthetic track, across Punjab.He said that during the parade a number of tableaus and other events are organised to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state and country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during the functions the movement of vehicles and other machinery during the parade cause damage to the track.

The Chief Minister further said that the damage caused to track causes a lot of inconvenience to the players which is not justifiable. He said that to avoid this state government has consciously taken a decision to not hold the Republic Day parade in any stadium with the synthetic parade. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as per this only the function slated to be held at Ludhiana on Republic Day will also be held at the PAU adding that the state government is committed for promotion of sports in the state and any sort of loss to players or sporting infrastructure is unimaginable.