Chandigarh, January 9:

The Punjab Government will construct 1419 Anganwadi centers to promote the holistic development of women and children. These centers will be established at a cost of ₹200 crore and existing Anganwadi centers will be upgraded to improve their infrastructure. This announcement was made by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development.

During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan today, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is committed to the overall development of women and children across the state. The plan includes constructing new Anganwadi centers, upgrading existing ones, providing improved sanitation facilities, and equipping centers with furniture and other necessary amenities. She also mentioned that grafity will be done at these centers to enhance the development of children. Dr. Kaur emphasized that this initiative is not just about building structures but about creating a conducive environment for the physical, cognitive and emotional development of children.

The Minister informed that in the first phase of this project, 1000 Anganwadi centers are being constructed. Out of these, 56 have been completed and 644 are under construction. Additionally, work on 300 centers will begin soon, as approvals for 156 of these have already been granted.

Dr. Kaur further shared that apart from constructing new centers, the Punjab Government is upgrading 350 existing Anganwadi centers across the state. A budget of ₹7 crore has been allocated for these upgrades, which will include enhanced facilities to better serve beneficiaries. The government aims to complete the upgrades promptly, demonstrating its commitment to improving basic infrastructure.

The Minister announced the construction of 2162 new toilets at Anganwadi centers, with ₹7.78 crore allocated for the purpose. Furthermore, ₹35.30 lakh has been earmarked to provide drinking water facilities at 353 centers.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that 100 Anganwadi centers in Moga and Ferozepur districts will be transformed into “Saksham Anganwadi Centers” with a total budget of ₹94.80 lakh. These centers will feature upgraded infrastructure, RO units, LED lighting, furniture and Poshan Vatika.

She also noted that the  Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program was launched in Punjab in 1975 from Block Nurpur Bedi in Rupnagar district and is nearing its 50th anniversary. For 21,851 Anganwadi centers in the state, ₹21.85 crore has been allocated to purchase furniture.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government will continue its efforts to improve the basic infrastructure of Anganwadi centers in the current year.

In response to a query, the Minister revealed that 3000 Anganwadi workers and helpers will be recruited soon. She also mentioned that last year, 5000 workers and helpers were recruited purely on a merit basis.

On this occasion, Deputy Directors of the Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Sumandeep Kaur and Gulbahar Singh Toor were also present.

Chandigarh January 9, 2025

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state has apprehended Aniksha Devi, Clerk (Front Desk Executive), posted at Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) Ludhiana for receiving a bribe of Rs 1500 through google pay.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused Aniksha Devi, a resident of Dashmesh Nagar, village Iyali Khurd , Ludhiana has been arrested following an enquiry of a complaint filed by Abhijeet Singh Verma, a resident of New Deep Nagar, Hebowal Kalan, Ludhiana on the Chief Ministers’ anti corruption action line.

He further stated that as per the complaint the dealing clerk Aniksha Devi  told the complainant to pay online fee of Rs 4251 to get NOC required for sale of plot. In addition to this, the lady clerk has demanded a bribe of Rs 1500 through Google pay to issue the NOC.

The spokesperson further added that during verification of this complaint, the allegations levelled by the complainant have been found correct as the same have been supported by oral and documentary  evidence. Subsequently, a case has been registered against the accused clerk under prevention of corruption act at VB police station Ludhiana range. The accused would be produced in competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, January 8

 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday released the diary and calendar of the Punjab Government for the year 2025 at his official residence this morning.

 Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the layout design of the calendar and diary had been conceptualized and prepared by the Information & Public Relations Department and printed by the Controller Printing & Stationery Punjab.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Secretary Information and Public Relations Malwinder Singh Jaggi and others.

SAS Nagar, January 08, 2025

In continuation its tirade against the smuggling of liquor and other liquor related illegal activities, Excise Department, SAS Nagar has recovered 250 cases (224 of whisky label 111 ACE and 26 RUM label 111 ACE) both for sale in Chandigarh from a Bolero Pickup bearing registration number; PB-31L-3924. Divulging the details, Assistant Commissioner (Excise), Mohali Ashok Chalhotra said that in compliance with the strict directions issued by Additional Chief Secretary Excise, Punjab Vikas Pratap and Excise Commissioner, Punjab Varun Roojam, a special campaign has been launched in Sahibzda Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali) district since last couple of days to curb the incessant menace of illegal smuggling of liquor from Chandigarh (U.T.) side. Giving details of action taken on intervening night on 07.01.2025, he said that under the direct supervision of Naresh Dubey, Additional Commissioner (Excise), Punjab, the team led by Excise Officer Sarupinder Singh along with Excise Inspector Vikas Bhateja acting on a tip-off, set up a naka near village Gharuan on the Ludhiana-Chandigarh road, near flyover naka with DSP Kharar (Mohali) Karan Singh Sandhu.

During the operation, 250 cases (224 of whisky label 111 ACE and 26 RUM label 111 ACE) both for sale in Chandigarh were seized from a Bolero Pickup bearing registration number: PB-31L-3924. Two accused namely Amandeep Singh and Joginder Singh @ Raju, r/o of Baghapurana have been arrested on the spot. This is one of the 05 major catches of liquor in recent past where-in liquor was being smuggled into the state of Punjab from Chandigarh. A FIR no. 7 dated 08.01.2025 has been registered under section 61.01.14 and 78(2) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 at police station kharar Sadar. He mentioned that as per provisions of The Punjab Excise Act 1914, the smuggling of liquor is illegal and a punishable offence and at the same time, it is is detrimental to the revenue of the State. Assistant Excise Commissioner, Ashok Chalhotra, while giving the details of the operation, reiterated that the Excise Department, Mohali has been adopting zero tolerance policy towards smuggling of liquor. This crusade of the Excise Department, Mohali against liquor smuggling will be further accelerated in future in collaboration with Mohali Police and nobody involved in liquor smuggling would be spared and strict action would be taken as per law.

Chandigarh, January 8:

          Army Service Corp, Ambala will start AgniVeerVayu recruitment registration drive for eligible unmarried youth from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh (UT), Jammu and Kashmir (UT) and Ladakh (UT) from 07 January, 2025. This registration will continue till January 27, 2025 and the online exam will be held on March 22, 2025.

          Giving more information, the government spokesperson said that children born between January 01, 2005 and July 01, 2008 (both dates inclusive) are eligible for this registration campaign. For this recruitment drive, 12th passed youth in Science subject with Mathematics, English and Physics subjects or diploma or vocational course holder with 50% marks can register themselves for this recruitment campaign.

          More information about this recruitment drive can be obtained from agnipathvayu.cdac.in.

Chandigarh/ Khanna, January 6

          In a bid to make Punjab garbage free, Cabinet Minister Punjab Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond today inaugurated the first pilot project of door-to-door collection and segregation plant in Khanna city.

          Cabinet Minister Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that this pilot project with a cost Rs. 4 crore would continue for a year. After the success of this pilot project, it will be started in other areas of Punjab as well.

          Giving more information, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann is striving to make the state garbage-free and to fulfill this goal, first pilot project of the state has been started from Khanna city. He said that wet and dry garbage/solid waste will be collected separately from every household of every ward of Khanna city.

          Mr. Sond said that with the start of this project, garbage will not be dumped at any other point of Khanna city, due to which garbage will be eliminated from all the wards of Khanna. He said that under this project, all the residential/commercial/street vendors of Khanna will be issued a unique identification number which would be linked to an app. A nominal bill for garbage collection will be sent to each user on their mobile through a message.

          Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond further informed that the city residents can pay the user charges both online and offline. The Minister said that a complaint cell has also been set up in this regard, the toll free number of which is 1800-121-5721. He said that any complaint regarding garbage received on this toll free number will be processed within 60 minutes. He also said that there will be GPS tracking of all the vehicles collecting garbage in Khanna city. The details of all these vehicles will be displayed live on the screen of the established control room.

          The Cabinet Minister said that his dream was to make Khanna city clean and beautiful, so this effort is being made for the fulfilment of this goal. He also thanked the Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann and cabinet colleagues for their immense contribution for this noble work.

          He said that after the  success of this project, it will be replicated not only in the entire Punjab but also in all the states of India. Through this project, after segregation of solid waste, fertilizer will be made from wet waste and electricity will be generated from plastic waste.

          He has appealed to the residents of Khanna to make this project successful so that we can contribute in making our state ‘Rangla Punjab’ by making it garbage-free.

Bhatha Sahib (Ropar), January 6

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday renewed his pledge to serve the state with renewed vigor, passion, dedication and commitment while following the footsteps of Dashmesh Pitaah Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

The Chief Minister, who paid obeisance at Gurudwara Bhatha Sahib, greeted people on the sacred occasion of Parkash Purb of Tenth Sikh Master Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji. He said that the great Sikh guru had taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on this sacred day all of us must should take pledge to discharge our duty with utmost sincerity, dedication and commitment to serve the people.

The Chief Minister said that the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji was a binding force to unite the entire country. He said that Guru Gobind Singh ji’s universal message of peace, humanism, love and brotherhood has a lot of relevance in the current times. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is following the path shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji to ensure the well being of every section of society.

The Chief Minister paid obeisance at Gurdwara  Sahib and prayed to almighty for the peace, progress and prosperity in the state. He also prayed that the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood are strengthened in the state with every passing day and Punjab leads the country in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted people to celebrate this sacred occasion with utmost devotion and dedication rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, January 6

          Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh inspected the ongoing works being taken up by Rajya Sabha MP and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal along with his Kar Sevaks to clean ‘Buddha Dariya’ near Gurdwara Gaughat Sahib on Monday.

          MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, MC Additional Commissioner Paramdeep Singh Khaira, Punjab Pollution Control Board officials and sewerage board officials were also present during the inspection.

          Rajya Sabha member Sant Seechewal said that Dr. Ravjot Singh is the first cabinet minister who has inspected the Buddha Dariya project for the third time in last few days. This shows that he is concerned about the environment of Punjab and he will take serious steps for it. Sant Seechewal apprised the cabinet minister that 70 percent of the work for establishing the temporary pumping station has been completed. In a few days, motors would be installed and the sewerage waste would then be pumped from Gaushala point to Jamalpur sewer treatment plant.

          Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to the cleaning of Buddha Dariya. Appreciating the work done by MP Seechewal, cabinet minister Dr Singh said that this temporary pumping station will help a lot in reducing pollution in the Dariya. He assured that the panels and electricity connections for the temporary pumping station would be provided by the administration as soon as possible.

          Apart from this, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh and Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal also inspected different sewer treatment plants (STP) of the city, which are not being able to function properly due to inflow of cow dung and untreated industrial waste. Strict instructions were issued to the officials to stop the inflow of untreated industrial waste into the STPs.

          Dr. Ravjot Singh and MP Sant Seechewal directed the officials that strict action should be taken against those damaging the STPs and polluting the Dariya. The plants have been established by using the taxes paid by public and these funds cannot be wasted.

Chandigarh, January 3

Taking a leap forward in Livestock care with digital initiative, the Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, on Friday, launched the department’s official YouTube channel and Facebook page under the name of “Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab”. This initiative aims to increase the flow of accurate and authentic information, guiding state livestock farmers on proper management and care of animals.

The Animal Husbandry Minister said that experts will also be holding a live session every Monday dedicated to livestock farming. During these sessions, all livestock farmers will be encouraged to participate and ask questions. The direct communication between experts and farmers will enhance the overall productivity and welfare of livestock in the region.

The primary objective of this digital initiative is to assist livestock owners and stakeholders in achieving more economical and ethical livestock farming practices in Punjab, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said while adding that it will facilitate easier access and improved communication for farmers regarding daily activities, vaccination, biosecurity measures, prevention of livestock diseases and better feeding practices for animals.

He further said that the platforms will also cover essential information on clinical signs of significant livestock diseases, prevention and control measures, and prevention of common zoonotic diseases in animals. Additionally, livestock farmers will be informed about common laboratory tests available for different species of animals at District Polyclinics and Animal Health Institute in Jalandhar.

S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the livestock farmers will be sensitised about the common laboratory tests available for different species of animals at the District Polyclinics and Animal Health Institute in Jalandhar. They will also receive timely suggestions from experts on pressing issues including summer stress, the calving season, regular deworming of animals, common parasitic diseases, mastitis, brucellosis, repeat breeding and other economically significant infectious and management problems affecting animals.

Principal Secretary of the Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, apprised the Cabinet Minister that 4 to 5 videos will be posted on these platforms every week to keep livestock owners updated and online sessions with experts will also be organised for the livestock farmers.

Director Animal Husbandry Dr. GS Bedi, Deputy Director Dr. Bikramjit Singh, Assistant Directors Dr. Parampal Singh and Dr. Lakhwinder Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, January 3

          The Punjab Government has launched first-of-its-kind initiative ‘Online NRI Meeting’ across the country to resolve complaints of NRIs. Under this service, the state government is resolving various complaints received by NRIs quickly and appropriately and efforts will be continuously continued for immediate resolution of complaints.

          Disclosing this, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that today he listened more than 100 complaints of NRIs and gave instructions to the concerned civil and police officers to resolve them on the spot. He said that the complaints received today were related to Punjabis living in America, Canada, England, Australia, Germany, Austria, Italy and Africa, which were related to property, illegal possession and marriage matters.

          On the occasion of the second online NRI meeting held at 11:00 am today, S. Dhaliwal said that through this unique service, the Punjab government will continuously resolve the complaints of NRIs. He said that an online meeting will be held in the first week of every month to hear the complaints of NRIs.

          S. Dhaliwal said that the DCs and SSPs of all districts have been asked to resolve the complaints of NRIs on priority basis. He said that orders have been issued to all the Deputy Commissioners to coordinate with various departments at the district level to resolve the issues of migrants.

          On this occasion, ADGP NRI Wing Punjab Mr. Praveen Kumar Sinha, AIG Mr. Ajinder Singh and senior officers of the NRI department were present.