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.

 IEP Chandigarh, January 5

          The Punjab government has declared holidays for children aged 3-6 years till January 14, 2024 in view of the winter weather across all the Anganwadi centres of state.

          Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that it is very difficult for small children to come to Anganwadi centres due to the extreme cold season. She directed that children aged 3-6 years should be given ration that could be taken to their homes from Anganwadi workers during holidays.

          The Cabinet Minister directed Child Development Project Officers to report daily on the nutrition tracker and ensure that the benefits of other schemes apart from pre-school education are given to the beneficiaries as before.

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 5

          Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Friday encouraged the teachers in government schools to enhance students’ learning levels across the state.

          Education Minister Punjab, S. Harjot Singh Bains, addressed the inaugural ceremony of a day-long workshop analyzing the data from baseline testing and mid-line testing of ‘Mission Sampath.’ This initiative, conducted by the School Education Department, aims to qualitatively improve students’ learning levels in government schools.

          The workshop witnessed participation from District Education Officers (Primary and Secondary Education), Deputy DEOs, and Block Primary Education Officers from all districts of the state.

          During the workshop, Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains interacted with officials, discussing class-wise and subject-wise results across different districts. He expressed satisfaction over the improvements in students’ learning levels under ‘Mission Samrath.’

          S. Bains highlighted that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government is dedicated to enhancing the state’s education system, ensuring qualitative improvements in the education sector. The goal is to make students studying in ‘Mission Saksham’ schools proficient in language, mathematics, and science subjects.

          Reflecting on last year’s outcomes, Education Minister Mr. Harjot Singh Bains said that there is an increase in self-confidence among students in government schools. He emphasized the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government to improving the education system and making students in ‘Mission Samrath’ schools proficient in language, mathematics, and science subjects.

          Mr. Bains also mentioned the rising interest among students in government schools towards medical, engineering, civil services, and army recruitment. Visits are organized to provide them with opportunities in these fields.

          Meanwhile, District Education Officers took the opportunity to share the best education training techniques from their respective districts with the participants.

IEP Chandigarh, January 5

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, on Friday, unveiled the book titled “S. Tarlochan Singh: Historic Journey”, shedding light on the life of the former Member of Parliament and Padma Bhushan Awardee S. Tarlochan Singh, here at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration.

          During the ceremony, the chief guest S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan hailed S. Tarlochan Singh as an individual whose capabilities have solidified his legacy. “As a stalwart in politics, religion and journalism, S. Tarlochan Singh stands out as a prominent figure in the Punjabi community, providing a distinctive identity to the global Sikh community”, he added.

          S. Sandhwan said that capturing the tireless work, substantial struggles and numerous achievements of Tarlochan Singh’s life within a book seemed an impossible feat. However, Dr. Prabhleen Singh admirably accomplished this task, unveiling countless facets of S. Tarlochan Singh’s commendable life.

          Notably, S. Tarlochan Singh served as the Press Secretary to President of India Giani Zail Singh from 1983 to 1987. He held the post of Chairman of the National Commission on Minorities and remained Rajya Sabha Member from 2005 to 2011. S. Tarlochan Singh voiced his concerns in Parliament on December 14, 2009 against the Sikh massacre of 1984. He passionately expressed his anger over the injustice done to the Sikh community nationwide, demanding justice. He had also advised Giani Zail Singh for the construction of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Marg during Giani Zail Singh’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Punjab. Ex-MP’s significant contributions spanned across various positions at both the Punjab and national levels, where he executed his duties with distinction, rendering exemplary service. Through his sheer determination, he ascended to the Parliament in Delhi and left an indelible mark in various fields worldwide.

          The Speaker stated that S. Tarlochan Singh himself is a distinguished writer, who enlightened our path by penning various serious issues related to history, religion, administration and politics, adding that upon reading the book, it becomes apparent that not only does it shed light on the personal life of Tarlochan Singh, but it also illuminates many significant events in the country’s history and their impact on his life.

          S. Sandhwan stated that Sardar Tarlochan Singh forged his destiny by embracing the philosophies of the great Sikh Guru Sahiban. His dedication as a true disciple of the Gurus is evident in his journey.

          Referring to his personal association with S. Tarlochan Singh, the PVS Speaker mentioned the strong bond between his grandfather Giani Zail Singh and former MP Tarlochan Singh. He noted that Giani Zail Singh, during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab to his presidency, held deep trust in S. Tarlochan Singh. In turn, the former MP also served with selflessness, integrity and sensitivity, as outlined in the sequence of events in this book.

          Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State Mr. Som Prakash said that Mr.  Tarlochan Singh always raised his voice for Punjab and Punjabiat.  He said that this book will prove to be a source of inspiration for the coming generations.

          While speaking on the occasion, S. Tarlochan Singh said that after facing homelessness during the partition, he resorted to child labour in Patiala for one and half year to sustain his family, he saved a portion of his earnings to enroll in Khalsa School. In 1949, he passed the tenth standard and later obtained an MA in Economics in 1955.

          Authored by Dr. Prabhaleen Singh and published by Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, this book delves into the life’s struggle and work done by S. Tarlochan Singh. The author meticulously gathered exceptional information about S. Tarlochan Singh through extensive research from around eight prominent writers.

          Dr. Sarabjinder Singh, Dean, Faculty, Humanities & Religious Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Prof. Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala, Mr. Sandeep Gosh, Editor Outlook, Mr. Suresh Kumar, IAS (Ret.), S. Rupinder Singh, Senior Associate Editor (Retired) The Tribune and author Dr. Prabhleen Singh also spoke and shed light on various aspects of the life of S. Tarlochan Singh, describing him the Encyclopedia of Sikhism.”

          Prominent amongst others who were in the event, Dr. SP Singh Oberoi, Managing Trustee, Sarbat Da Bhala Charitable Trust, Politician S. Balwant Singh Ramuwalia, Former Finance Minister S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University, Former MLA S. Kanwar Sandhu and others.

SPEAKER SANDHWAN CONDOLES DEMISE OF JATHEDAR BALWANT SINGH NANDGARH

         Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, on Friday expressed deep grief over the sad demise of Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh.

          In a press communique issued here, the Speaker stated that due to the demise of Bhai Balwant Singh Nandgarh, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda), Panth has suffered a great loss. He said that the memorial services performed by Jathedar Sahib in the religious field will always be remembered with respect.

          The speaker prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul  and to grant strength to the entire Sadh Sangat including the family to beer the loss.

 IEP Visakhapatnam, January 5

 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday extended Red carpet welcome to the pharmaceutical companies for making huge investments in the state.

 The Chief Minister, who visited the Jawahar Lal Nehru Pharma city here today, said that there is a huge potential of pharmaceutical sector in the state. He said that the companies should come forward for making big investments in the state to propel its economic growth on one hand and to expand their business on the other. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will help in emerging the state as a front runner in the pharmaceutical sector.

The Chief Minister also had detailed deliberations with the officers of the pharma city for setting up same venture in the state. He said that such pharmaceutical city can prove to be a boon for the state and can generate a lot of employment opportunities for the youth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for exploring the feasibility of setting up this city in the state.

 The Chief Minister also undertook a tour of the pharmaceutical city and minutely observed functioning of the pharma companies by visiting their units. He said that the state government is committed for ensuring holistic development of the state and prosperity of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such projects are the need of the hour for carving out a rangla and vibrant Punjab.

IEP Derabassi (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar), January 04

Starting a novel initiative, Deputy Commissioner Mrs Aashika Jain along with SSP Dr Sandeep Garg inaugurated an infrastructure Upgradation done at Government Middle School Bhagwanpur (Bhagwas) under CSR activities in Derabassi today evening.

       Appreciating the Industry Associations of Derabassi for joining hands with the District Administration to meet the infra needs of educational institutions, she said that the industries can bring a remarkable change by adopting nearby government institutions under a corporate social responsibility program.

     Referring to the infra changes done by various industries under CSR activities at Government Middle School, Bhagwanpur, she said that the construction of three rooms, installation of five touch Penal LEDs to transform classrooms into smart Classrooms and tiling of assembly ground will inspire others too to come forward for contributing to other institutions too.

      She categorically mentioned that PCCPL  and Usha Yarns have spent Rs 15 lakh for building two rooms while Kansal Industries Rs 3.5 lakh for the third room. Similarly, Jai Parwati installed five touch panel LEDs for a smart classroom at Rs 5 lakh while Bhagwati Steels Rs 3.5 for tiling works in the assembly ground.

     The Deputy Commissioner said that now the number of rooms has risen to 13 in the school and we hope the school will soon get the status of ‘School of Happiness’ under which a grant of Rs 40 lakh would be provided by the Punjab Government to add more Class Rooms, Office Room, Lab, Open Gym etc in addition starting of meditation class. She said that the concept of the School of Happiness is to provide more than mere job-based education viz quality of life, values of life to make the personality of students by keeping free of stress etc.

     The Deputy Commissioner said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government of Punjab is committed to strengthening the education and health institutes in the public sector. Schools of Eminence have been introduced to make the government school children at par with private schools so that they can compete at all levels. 

    Assuring the Industry Associations’ representatives for providing a conducive environment for the smooth running of their plants, she added that the long pending demand for repair of two main roads; one from Derabasai to Barwala and another in front of Chatha Foods in Lalru have been approved by the Punjab Chief Minister as per the commitment made at Sarkar Sanyatkat Milni held way back in Mohali in mid of September last year. Work on Barwala Road has been started while the other road will be started soon as all formalities have been completed by MC Lalru.

      Apart from that the approach roads of the Railway Under Pass in Derabassi on Mubarakpur road would also be repaired soon as the rest of the amount has been demanded from the PWD Department after getting approved Rs 60 lakh under District Mineral Foundation funds. She also gave assurance to the villagers to resolve issues of sewer and phirni road.

      SSP Dr Sandeep Garg while interacting with the industry association said that the District Police would not let the industries face any difficulty. may it be related to the monopoly of transportation or gangsters or any other law and order problems. He sought cooperation from the industries and the general public to provide information to the police regarding drug trafficking and any other law order-related problems.

     The other officers presented on this occasion included SDM Derabasai Himanshu Gupta, ASP Derabassi Dr Darpan Ahluwalia, representatives of the industries, School Head Master Kuljinder Singh, Village Sarpanch Karamjit Kaur, School Management Committee members Ranjit Singh Rana, Sukhwinder Singh and Sewak Singh.

IEP Chandigarh, January 4

          In order to ensure adequate space for farmers to sell their produce near their homes, Punjab Government will construct two new grain markets (Mandis) at village Saneta of SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Arniwala Sheikh Subhan in Fazilka district, said Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.

          Chairing a meeting of Punjab Mandi Board officials here at Kisan Bhawan, Mr Khudian said that the grain market at Arniwala will be spread over 12 acres, while, Saneta Mandi will be established at over 5 acres land. He said that there are total of 1872 grain markets in the state.

          The Cabinet Minister asked the Joint Secretary Punjab Mandi Board to expedite the process to set up these grain markets at the earliest.

          Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has not been leaving any stone unturned to facilitate farmers, besides, ensuring welfare of the Annadata.

          MLA SAS Nagar Kulwant Singh, MLA Jalalabad Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy and MLA Shutrana Kulwant Singh Bazigar, Special Chief Secretary (Development) Mr KAP Sinha, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ms. Amrit Kaur Gill, Additional Secretary Agriculture Rahul Gupta, Joint Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ms. Geetika Singh and other senior officials of the mandi board were also present in the meeting.

IEP CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 4

          In a big blow to trans-border narcotic smuggling networks amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police have busted a cross-border drug and arms smuggling racket being operated by Pakistan-based smugglers with the arrest of a key person after recovering 2 Kg Ice Drug (Methamphetamine), said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          The arrested smuggler has been identified as Simranjit Singh alias Simar Maan, a resident of Village Gaggarmal in Amritsar. Apart from seizing a consignment of Ice Drugs, Police teams have also recovered a highly sophisticated .30-bore Chinese Pistol along with five live cartridges from his possession.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused was directly in touch with Pakistan-based smugglers Pathan and Amer, who were supplying him with Ice drugs and weapons from across the border using a drone.

          The arrested accused further used to supply the Ice drugs across the state, he said, while adding that investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar following reliable inputs about the attempt to influx of large quantity of Ice drug and weapon consignment by Pak-based smugglers in the state, Police teams from CIA Staff-1 under supervision of DCP Harpreet Mandher, ADCP CITY-3 Abhimanyu Rana and ACP West Kamaljeet Aulakh carried out an extensive operation at in Chheharta area here.

          He said that Police teams had managed to arrest the accused Simar Maan, when he was waiting for someone to deliver this consignment.

CP Bhullar said that further investigations are being conducted to unearth the whole network of drug suppliers, dealers and their buyers. Efforts are being made to ascertain the total amount of narcotics procured by the arrested accused so far, he added.

          A case FIR no. 2 dated 3.1.2024 has been registered under sections 21 and 22 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar Commissionerate. It is pertinent to mention here that the commercial quantity of Heroin is 250 Grams, whereas, the commercial quantity of Ice Drugs is 50 Grams.

IEP Chandigarh

       The Ayushman Card Diwali Bumper Draw— a special initiative of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to enrol the maximum people under health insurance cover, is all set to be held on January 9, 2024. The draw will be held at the Camp Office of Punjab State Lotteries, Zila Parishad Complex, Ludhiana in front of the public.

          Pertinently, a special Diwali Bumper Draw was launched by the Punjab State Health Agency on the directions of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on October 16, under which anyone registering themselves for the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana will have a chance to win a reward upto Rs 1 lakh.

          The scheme, which was earlier planned till November 30, 2023, was further extended till December 31, 2023, so that maximum people can take advantage of this scheme.

          Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Agency Mrs Babita said that the initiative has garnered an overwhelming response, with more than 3.21 lakh cards generated.

          She said that 10 lucky winners will be selected through a random draw and the first prize will be worth Rs 1 lakh, a second prize will be worth Rs 50000 and a third prize worth Rs 25000 will be given. Similarly, the fourth prize is worth Rs 10000 and the fifth prize is Rs 8000, while, the sixth to tenth prizes will be Rs 5000 each, she added.

          She said that beneficiaries who obtained their cards during this draw period can visit the departmental website www.sha.punjab.gov.in for additional details about the draw. The department will inform the winners, and the list will be available on the website and through various media sources, said the CEO, while adding that, the general public is cordially invited to witness the draw.