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.

IEP Sangrur, January 11

Taking a jibe over the defamation case filed by SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann welcomed it by saying that it will give him another chance to expose the anti-Punjab stance and misdeeds of the Badal family.

Addressing the gathering after dedicating 14 libraries to the people here today, the Chief Minister said that he will make a plea for daily hearing of the case to ensure that people are apprised about the sins of Badals. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Badals ignored the interests of the state only for the sake of constructing a canal to their farm house by Haryana as reward for his treachery with the state. He said that not only this the business of Badals in terms of Hotels, vilas, transport and others have flourished at the cost of the progress of the state, which will be told to the people in detail.

The Chief Minister said that Sukhbir is contesting the case for saving his property whereas he will go to the court to save the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he will tell the world about all the misdeeds of the Badal family due to which the state had lagged behind in various fields. He said that the hands of the Badal family are drenched with the blood of the Punjab and Punjabis adding that people of the state can never forgive them for their sins.

The Chief Minister said that those people who used to claim that they will rule the state for 25 years have been totally rejected by the people. He said that these leaders have not been able to get their 25 MLAs elected as they have been trounced by the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these haughty leaders have been shown a door by the people and have been sent to political oblivion.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous government the quotas of the political leaders had usurped the interests of the common man. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that after assuming the charge of office he has accorded top priority to end all such quotas and usher a new era of empowerment of common man. He said that the main motive is to ensure the welfare and progress of the people and ensure comprehensive development of the common man.

The Chief Minister said that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family and is working tirelessly to ensure welfare of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had always believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government has maliciously stalled the Mukh Mantri Teerth Yatra Scheme by not giving the trains to us. He said that the trains scheduled on December 7 and 15 have not been given to the state despite payment done in advance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the sole motive is to deprive people of not paying obeisance at revered places adding that these designs of union government will not be successful as he will resume this yatra through airplane.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government has insulted the great martyrs including Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Mai Bhago, Ghadri Baabe and others by rejecting the tableau of the state. He said that the union government is trying to belittle their contribution and sacrifice of these heroes by not including their tableaus in the Republic Day parade. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this cannot be tolerated as it is the grave insult of these great patriots and national leaders adding that the state government will showcase this contribution in tableaus across the state.

The Chief Minister predicted that the people are so fed up with corrupt leaders of these parties that we will sweep all the seats in the state during the coming general elections. He said that people have made up their mind to give all the 13 seats of the state in upcoming general elections to them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the tally in coming Lok Sabha elections will be 13-0 where 13 will be in the favor of them and the other parties will not even be open to their accounts.    

The Chief Minister said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power. He said that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as coal from Pachwara coal mine can be used only for government power plants so with purchase of this power plant this coal can be aptly utilized for producing power to provide it to every sector of the state.

The Chief Minister said that now complete transformation is being witnessed in hospitals, schools and new medical colleges are coming up for the well being of the common man adding that 90% of the consumers are getting zero power bill .  He said that these decisions are being taken only by those who are aware about the problems of the people at grass root levels. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the traditional political parties have ruined the state and now they are shamelessly making huge talks of morality.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has earmarked more than Rs 29 crore for development of villages in Dhuri. He reiterated that Dhuri will emerge a hub of state politics and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a major push is being given to the overall development of the state in general and that of the Dhuri assembly segment in particular.

The Chief Minister said that gone are the days when the head of the state was confined to big rooms of their palaces whereas now he is always amongst the people. He said that all the promises made with the people by his government are being fulfilled in the right earnest to give boost to development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is easily accessible to all due to which every issue of the state is now resolved promptly to the satisfaction of people.

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

Aiming to promptly address the issues and grievances of NRI Punjabis, the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is organizing four ‘NRI Punjabian nal milni’ programs across the state.

Punjab NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the ‘NRI Punjabian nal Milni’ programs will commence on February 3 in Pathankot. This event will focus on resolving the concerns and complaints of migrant Punjabis from districts such as Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, etc.

The minister outlined the schedule, while holding a meeting that meeting on February 9 will encompass SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, and SAS Nagar. On February 16, issues related to NRI Punjabis from Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Malerkotla, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Mansa districts will be addressed in Sangrur. February 22 will address issues of NRI concerns in Ferozepur, Faridkot, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Moga and Sri Mukatsar Sahib at Ferozepur.

S. Dhaliwal said that NRI Punjabis can register their complaints on the department’s website: nri.punjab.gov.in and WhatsApp numberL 9056009884 from January 11 to January 30, 2024.

Mr. Dhaliwal urged NRI Punjabis to attend these gatherings in large numbers, highlighting the success of five meetings organized in December 2022, during which 605 different complaints were lodged and resolved. He also mentioned the efficient resolution of online complaints received by the NRIs police wing at 15 NRI police stations, district, and state levels.

On this occasion Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Department Mr. Dilip Kumar, ADGP NRI Mr. Praveen Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary NRI Mrs. Kanwalpreet Brar and Mr. Paramjit Singh and senior officials of the NRI department were present.

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing better civic services to the state’s people. To achieve this, the government is conducting development works across Punjab, as expressed by Balkar Singh, Minister for Local Government.

Minister for Local Government Balkar Singh reviewed the ongoing development works today at Municipal Bhawan Sector-35 Chandigarh in Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat areas like Mansa, Boha, Budhlada, Breta, Bhikhi, Joga, Sardulgarh, Malot, Giddarbaha, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bariwala, Faridkot, and Jaito. During the meeting, officials were instructed to expedite ongoing works.

In the review meeting, the Local Government Minister assessed various projects under Swachh Bharat Mission, Amrut Mission, allocated funds, and work status. He emphasized Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s dream of making the state “Rangla Punjab,” urging officials to coordinate and work together to realize this vision.

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

The minister urged officials to focus on sewage cleanliness and proper disposal of heritage waste for a clean, pollution-free environment. He assured adequate funds for development works and instructed officials to submit a comprehensive action plan if additional funds are needed.

Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh briefed MLAs about various works and allocated funds under different schemes, emphasizing the goal of comprehensive state development. He urged officials to share development information with MLAs, addressing any difficulties promptly.

The minister stressed the importance of ensuring quality and transparency in development works. MLAs Buddha Ram, Amolak Singh, Gurpreet Singh Bananwali, Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, representative of MLAs, CEO of PMIDC, Deepti Uppal, EOs of Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats, and other senior officers attended the occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

Commending the entire department for braving numerous challenges and ensuring a successful Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2023-24, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that this is the result of the Department staff working hard day and night and he expressed confidence that this positive trend would continue in KMS 2024-25 also. 

Presiding over a high level meeting of the department to review the Kharif Marketing Season 2023-24, the Minister the department is closely connected with the farming sector which is the backbone of the agrarian economy of Punjab. “The farmers just want two things, timely lifting of their crops and prompt payments,” said the Minister adding that it is a matter of pride that the department has fulfilled the expectations of the farmers in this respect. 

On the occasion, the Minister awarded the three Districts for showing exemplary performance in ensuring a successful Kharif Procurement Season 2023-24. The District Food Supply Controller (DFSC) Pathankot Gurinder Singh bagged the 3rd prize. The DFSC Fazilka, Himanshu got the 2nd prize while the DFSC Mansa, Mandeep Singh won the top honour.

The entire department celebrated Lohri on the occasion by dancing to the beats of Dhol.

Among others present on the occasion included the Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Director Puneet Goyal, MD PUNSUP Sonali Giri, MD Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Kanwalpreet Kaur Brar and other senior officers of the department.

IEP Chandigarh/Amritsar, January 9

Stating that illegal mining will not be tolerated under any circumstances, Punjab Water Resources, Mining & Geology and Soil and Water Conservation Minister S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra on Tuesday categorically said that stern action will be initiated against the officials involved in illegal mining and those are not collecting royalties.

During a marathon meeting with MLAs from Majha and officials from the water resources, mining & geology and soil & water conservation departments in Amritsar, the Cabinet Minister said that royalties of soil being used for major projects should be ensured to be deposited in the government treasury. He highlighted that despite the construction of hundreds of kilometers of national highways in the state; their actual royalties have not been collected and asked officials for vigilance and proper attention to these projects. In a firm tone, he warned of departmental action against any officer showing negligence in addressing issues related to illegal mining and royalty.

While reviewing the supply of canal water to fields during the last Kharif season, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is dedicatedly working towards preserving groundwater for future generations. He emphasized that utilizing canal water is crucial for this endeavour and insisted that no laxity will be tolerated in addressing this issue.

S. Jauramajra pointed out that previous government had consistently overlooked this critical issue, resulting in near destruction of the entire canal water infrastructure. Assuring corrective measures, he announced that the upcoming Kharif season would witness the restoration of the canal water system, ensuring its availability to tale end and every field.

The Cabinet Minister also instructed that during the off-season when water flows into the canals, caution must be exercised as excess water can be detrimental to crops. He asserted that impeccable plans should be devised to utilize the water for recharging groundwater. He ordered that department officers should promptly address pending tasks and, for those beyond their jurisdiction, maintain consistent communication with higher officials to ensure timely canal water distribution to every field.

Regarding canal and drain cleaning, the Cabinet Minister said that the government has acquired ten large machines for the task. He said that if the need arises, additional machinery will be purchased to complete the work. He said that earlier the governments used to get this work done by outsourcing but now by purchasing the machines, 60 percent of the cost has been saved while amplifying the efficiency of the work.

On this occasion, MLA Mr. Sherry Kalsi, MLA S. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Chairman Mr. Raman Bahl, Mr. Jagrup Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Sukhjinderraj Singh Lali Majithia, Chairman Mr. Baldev Singh, Chairman Ranjit Singh Cheema, Chairman S. Balbir Singh Pannu, Mr. Samsher Singh Dinanagar, Mr. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and other senior leaders participated in the meeting and shared the issues of their respective areas with the Cabinet Minister.

Meanwhile, all the MLAs and leaders commend the proactive initiative taken by the Cabinet Minister in addressing crucial departments, marking a significant milestone after a long time. They expressed their wholehearted support.