Category Archives: Punjab

Chandigarh, Punjab

PUNJAB AIMS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK PRODUCTIVITY WITH ALFALFA CULTIVATION

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To improve livestock productivity and promote agricultural sustainability, the Punjab Government will encourage collaborative initiatives to incorporate alfalfa into the state’s forage system, addressing the challenges related to fodder production, said S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Food Processing, Punjab.

He was addressing the Stakeholder Conference on Sustainable Forage Solutions: Alfalfa– Mechanisation, Production & Marketing organised by Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited (PAIC) in collaboration with Namostute Innovators LLP (NSI) and Team Athena here at the CII Northern Region Headquarters.

While emphasising the importance of innovative solutions to tackle fodder scarcity and enhance livestock productivity, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian mentioned that Punjab Agro has cultivated alfalfa forage across 60 acres in Ladhowal (Ludhiana). By promoting its cultivation, the state aims to offer farmers a sustainable and cost-effective feed source, which can result in healthier animals and increased milk production.

Punjab Agro has partnered with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University to help farmers get right nutrition information. Alfalfa forage cultivation offers numerous benefits, including high nutritional value and improved livestock health. Additionally, it enhances soil health by fixing nitrogen and features a deep root system that allows it to access moisture from deeper soil layers. This resilience makes alfalfa more adaptable to drought conditions, ensuring a reliable forage supply even during dry periods, he added.

While reiterating the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and feed solutions, Additional Managing Director of PAIC, Mr. Jagnoor Singh Grewal, emphasised alfalfa farming as a high-nutrition forage crop that complements silage to ensure year-round fodder availability for livestock. Alfalfa is recognised for its high nutritional value, making it an ideal forage crop for livestock such as horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. As a three-year crop that can be cut six to eight times a year, alfalfa can improve the overall health of the farming system. It helps break pest and disease cycles and enhances the yields of subsequent crops.

Dr. Daniel H. Putnam, Alfalfa & Forage Extension Specialist from the University of California, Davis, delivered a keynote address on global best practices in alfalfa cultivation. The event also witnessed active participation from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from dairy farms, stud farms, goat farms, piggery units, and poultry farms. Leading players in the dairy and agri-food industries, such as Nestlé, Amul, Milkfed, ITC, Unilever, and Bani Milk, also attended the conference. Academicians, Scientist and Senior researchers from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University played a pivotal role in the discussions from crop agronomy and animal nutrition perspective.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Officials urged to work diligently and honestly in public service

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Punjab’s Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has instructed senior officials of the department to focus specifically on the cleaning of village ponds. He emphasized that a special campaign should be launched to revamp the ponds in all villages.

While chairing a review meeting with senior officials, ADCs, DDPOS, BDPOS, and officers from various wings of the department at the Panchayat Bhavan, Sond directed that, in the first phase, a list of 25% of villages from each constituency requiring immediate cleaning of ponds should be prepared in consultation with the area’s representatives. He stated that work should begin promptly in these villages and be completed before the monsoon season.

Sond mentioned that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann envisions transforming Punjab into a “Rangla Punjab” and achieving this requires comprehensive rural development. He stressed that Punjab’s villages should be developed as model villages and directed that the benefits of all government schemes and programs should reach the grassroots level to ensure the maximum development of rural areas.

On this occasion, the minister also issued instructions to organize special camps in villages to create job cards under MGNREGA. He suggested that these camps should be commence from religious places in the villages to maximize public participation.

It is noteworthy that under the MGNREGA scheme, over 11 lakh job cards are currently operational. During the financial year 2024-25, approximately Rs. 1,000 crore has been spent, generating more than 2.15 crore person-days of employment and benefiting an average of 7 lakh rural families.

In addition, the minister directed that panchayat lands should be leased transparently to ensure that the revenue generated is used for the development of villages. He highlighted that since the formation of the current government, a campaign to remove illegal encroachments from panchayat lands has been initiated, and over 12,800 acres of panchayat land, worth more than ₹3,080 crore, have been reclaimed so far. Officials informed that leasing approximately 6,000 acres of this reclaimed land has generated ₹10.76 crore in annual revenue for the year 2024-25. Sond instructed that the remaining land should also be leased transparently.

On this occasion, the minister urged all officials to work diligently and honestly in public service and directed that ongoing projects should be completed within set timelines. He emphasized achieving all targets by March 31, 2025, to mark the next financial year as a landmark year for transforming Punjab’s villages. He also issued guidelines for planting more trees in villages, noting that over 95 lakh saplings have been planted this year by the department.

Additionally, the minister directed expediting the construction of sports grounds in villages and accelerating the work under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). He also urged field officers to focus on solid and liquid waste management to enhance the appearance and sanitation of villages.

The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary Dilraj Singh, Director Parmjit Singh, JDC Dr. Shena Aggarwal, senior officials from the headquarters, ADCs (Development), DDPOs, BDPOs, and officers from various wings across Punjab.

Chandigarh, Punjab, Punjab

Mahakumbh is eternal and collective proclamation of unity in the diversity of India: Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary

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Mohali, December 30

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is dedicated to making Mahakumbh 2025 a global symbol of India’s cultural unity. As part of thisendeavor and vision, CabinetMinister, Sugarcane Development and Sugar Industry, Shri Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Shri Dharmveer Prajapati with Minister of State (Independent Charge), Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Minister of State, Agriculture,Agricultural Education, Agricultural Research, Shri Baldev Singh Olakhled a grand roadshow in Mohali. They highlighted the Mahakumbh as a uniquecelebration of unity within India’s diversity and extended an invitation to theHon’ble Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and the esteemed people ofPunjab to participate in the Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025. Shri Lakshmi NarayanChaudhary emphasized that the government is taking significant steps to ensurethe event is historic, featuring international participation andstate-of-the-art facilities. Speaking to the media after the roadshow, hestated that the Mahakumbh embodies the spirit of India’s cultural and spiritualconsciousness and is a divine and vibrant representation of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshth Bharat-Samaveshi Bharat (One India, Great India, Inclusive India)

.’Duringthe press conference, the Cabinet Minister reminded, “Many of you may havewitnessed the ‘divine and grand’ experience of the Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019,which became an indelible symbol of India’s cultural pride on the global stage.The world widely acknowledged the efficient management of the event.” Hefurther emphasized that this year’s Mahakumbh will surpass the previous one inboth grandeur and divine essence. Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025 is expected towelcome over 450 million pilgrims, saints, ascetics, and tourists. Inpreparation, the Uttar Pradesh government has made meticulous and timelyarrangements. Duringhis address to the press, the Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary stated,”Under the inspiration and guidance of Honorable Prime Minister ShriNarendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, theMahakumbh will take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025, onthe sacred banks of the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, theMahakumbh will once again be held on the holy land of Prayag after a gap of 12years.” Swachh,Swasth, Surakshit and Harit MahakumbhAddressing the media regarding thepreparations for the Mahakumbh, the Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi NarayanChaudhary informed, “It would be a clean, healthy, safe and digital  Mahakumbh. A pledge has been taken to makethe event environment friendly by declaring it a single-use plastic-freeMahakumbh. As part of this initiative, various shops of dona-pattal vendorswill be allocated within the Mela area, and meetings have been conducted withprincipals of 400 schools to discuss cleanliness and the initiative of a cleanMaha Kumbh is being communicated to 4 lakh children and 5 times the populationof Prayagraj.

Furthermore, under the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign, the message ofa single-use plastic-free environment is being delivered to every household.”Hehighlighted that special emphasis has been placed on making Mahakumbh Mela 2025both clean and green. Approximately three lakh plants have been cultivatedacross Prayagraj, with the Uttar Pradesh government pledging to ensure theircare and maintenance even after the conclusion of the Mela. Comprehensivehealthcare services for pilgrims, sadhus, saints, and touristsThe Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi NarayanChaudhary informed that the preparations for the Mahakumbh Mela are being madewith a focus on health and hygiene. This includes making healthcarearrangements for pilgrims, sadhus, saints, those observing Kalpwas at Mahakumbhand tourists. A large number of specialist doctors have been deployed. A100-bed hospital has been set up at the Parade Ground. Two more hospitals with20 beds each and smaller hospitals with 8 beds have also been prepared. Two10-bed ICUs have been set up by the Army Hospital at the Mela area and Arail.These hospitals will have doctors on duty 24 hours a day. In total, there willbe 291 MBBS doctors and specialists, 90 Ayurvedic and Unani specialists, and182 nursing staff. Moreover, separate wards for male, female and children havebeen set up in these hospitals. Delivery rooms, emergency wards and doctors’rooms will also be available. Devotees will also experience thedigital Mahakumbh – Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary Addressing the press, the Cabinet MinisterShri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary stated that the Uttar Pradesh government iscommitted to organizing a divine, grand, and digital Maha Kumbh.

Thepreparations include the launch of a dedicated website and app, an AI-poweredchatbot in 11 languages, QR-based passes for people and vehicles, amultilingual digital lost-and-found center, ICT monitoring for cleanliness andtents, software for land and facility allocation, multilingual digital signage(VMD), an automated ration supply system, drone-based surveillance and disastermanagement, live software for monitoring 530 projects, an inventory trackingsystem, and integration of all locations on Google Maps.
Smart parking facilities will beprovided for the convenience of tourists – Cabinet Minister Shri LakshmiNarayan Chaudhary Cabinet Minister ShriLakshmi Narayan Chaudhary informed that arrangements have been made to ensuretourists do not face parking issues. In this regard, 101 smart parkingfacilities have been created, capable of accommodating up to five lakh vehiclesdaily. The parking area spans 1,867.04 hectares, which is 763.75 hectareslarger compared to the 1,103.29 hectares allocated for parking in 2019. Theseparking facilities will be monitored through the Integrated Control CommandCenter. Arrangementsfor clean drinking water, an Integrated Control Command Center, and flowershowers at 44 ghats, including the riverfrontDuringthe press conference, the Cabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary provideddetails about the arrangements for the Mahakumbh. He informed that 35 existingpermanent ghats and 9 new ghats have been constructed in the Mahakumbh city tofacilitate bathing for devotees. Aerial flower showers will be carried outacross all 44 ghats spread over a 12-kilometer area. He further mentioned thata riverfront, modeled after Mumbai’s Marine Drive, has been developed along a15.25-kilometer stretch on the banks of the Ganges, extending from the Sangamto Nagvasuki Temple, Surdas to Chhatnag, and near Curzon Bridge to Mahavir Puri.Additionally, the Integrated Control Command Center has been upgraded toenhance crowd management. Four viewing centers, equipped with 52-seater setups,have been established for real-time CCTV monitoring. Headcountof pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh will be done through technologyTheCabinet Minister Shri Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary stated that approximately 450million devotees are expected to attend Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025, marking asignificant milestone. Three technical methods will be used to count everyindividual.Thefirst method is attribute-based search, where tracking will be conducted usingperson attribute search cameras. The second method involves RFID wristbands,which will be provided to pilgrims.

Through these wristbands, entry and exittimes will be tracked using RFID readers. The third method is mobile apptracking, where, with the consent of the pilgrims, their location will betracked through GPS using a mobile application. Mahakumbhis an eternal and unified proclamation of India’s unity in diversityTheMinister ofState (Independent Charge), Shri Dharmveer Prajapati statedthat the Kumbh is not merely a fair or a ritualistic dip in the holy waters butan eternal and unified proclamation of India’s unity in diversity. The Mahakumbhis a grand festival that immerses all differences, disputes, and divisions inthe sacred flow of the river, serving as a unique example of social harmony.This festival holds special significance not only for the entirety of India butalso for followers of Indian culture worldwide.TheMinister ofState, Shri Baldev Singh Olakh emphasized that underthe guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of ChiefMinister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh’s double-engine government is uniquelyshowcasing the cultural, spiritual, traditional, and mythological essence ofthe rare and highly distinguished religious event of Mahakumbh on the globalstage. The state government is extending invitations for Mahakumbh-2025, thegrand festival of Sanatan Indians, to all states across India and the entireworld. In this context, we have come to you with a humble request toparticipate in this sacred pilgrimage.Around 80 esteemed personalities activelyparticipated in the event held in Mohali, including senior journalists fromleading media houses, travel and tour operators, travel bloggers, influencers,and a few industrialists from the region

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Incredible Act of Generosity: Family of Accident Victim Raveesh Kunwar Malik Chooses Organ Donation, Giving Hstrytyuioope and Life to Six Recipients with the transplantation of Heart, Liver, Kidneys and Corneas at PGIMER

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Chandigarh: In a heartwarming display of compassion and humanity, the family of Raveesh Kunwar Malik, a 36-year-old lawyer who tragically lost his life in a road accident, made the profound decision to donate his organs. This selfless act saved the lives of four individuals in desperate need of transplants, including a heart, liver and two kidneys, and restored the sight of two more through corneal transplantation, thereby impacting six lives in a significant gesture of hope and renewal at PGIMER today.

Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER , paid homage to Raveesh Kunwar Malik and his family, stating, “This incredible act of generosity not only reflects the selflessness of the Malik family but also sheds light on the critical need for organ donation in our society.”

“At PGIMER, we are dedicated to honouring Raveesh’s wish and preserving his legacy as a life-saver. I commend our dedicated teams from the Departments of Neurosurgery, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Hepatology, General Surgery, Nephrology, Renal Transplant Surgery, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Hospital Administration, Forensic Medicine, Testing Labs including Immuno-pathology and Biochemistry, along with our allied departments, for their swift and sensitive handling of this donation. Their efforts exemplify our unwavering commitment to delivering life-saving treatments,” stated the Director,PGIMER.

Raveesh Kunwar Malik, affectionately known as Rony , was a beloved son, brother, and friend who dedicated his life to his profession and the service of his community. On December 4th at 2:40 PM, he was fatally injured  in a tragic bike accident while traveling from Chandigarh to Panchkula, colliding with a four wheeler  in Sector 16. Initially taken to a GMSH, Sector 16, he was later transferred to PGIMER as an unidentified patient on 4th December only.

However, destiny had willed otherwise and all the incessant efforts of the medical team and fervent prayers of the family and friends proved futile and Raveesh was declared brain dead on December 9th at 12:56 PM. His untimely passing leaves a void that will be felt by many. However, his legacy lives on through the lives he has touched, even in death.

As Rony’s body was being handed over at PGIMER’s mortuary, his father, Advocate Mr. V.S.T. Malik, shared emotionally, “Rony was always inclined towards helping others. In his memory, we wanted to do something that would honor his spirit, and what better way than to give life to others? We hope this act of kindness will inspire more families to consider organ donation.”

His brave-heart mother, Advocate Mrs. Naveen Malik, expressed her sentiments poignantly: “Though we have lost our dear son, knowing that he can give a second chance to others brings some solace to our hearts. We could never imagine that in our darkest hour, we would be able to illuminate the lives of those in need. It is a bittersweet moment.” 

Raveesh’s brother, Suhail Pratap Malik, added, “We are proud of Rony. He may not be physically with us anymore, but through this act, he is a hero. He always believed in helping others, and now he is continuing to do so.”

The donation process was facilitated by the dedicated team at PGIMER, known for their cutting edge expertise in organ transplantation. Following the family’s consent, all relevant teams swiftly swung into action, retrieving Rony’s heart, liver, kidneys, and corneas to be transplanted to matching recipients at PGIMER.

The heart was transplanted to a 30-year-old female, marking the 10th Heart Transplant at PGIMER . Similarly, three patients with organ failure received second chances at life with the transplantation of the liver and two kidneys, while two individuals were gifted the sight through corneal transplants.

The emotional send-off of Raveesh Kunwar Malik took place at PGIMER, where a guard of honour was presented to commemorate his outstanding gesture and the determination of his family to honor his memory.

As the  family, friends, and healthcare professionals gathered to pay their final respects, the Pastor, delivering remarks at the service, stated, “Rony’s life may have been cut short, but his spirit shines brightly through his ultimate gift to humanity. Let this remind us of the fragility of life and the eternal significance of giving.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, who was personally present at Rony’s final send-off, emphasized the significance of organ donation. “Today, we witness a powerful reminder of the impact organ donation can have. Through their loss, the Malik family has given life to others, an extraordinary gift that we hope will inspire many to come forward and support this noble cause.”

This act of organ donation not only provides a

 chance at life for recipients but also serves to inspire others in the community to consider this generous option. While the tragedy of Raveesh Kunwar Malik’s passing has left a deep wound in the hearts of his family and friends, their decision to donate his organs offers hope and the promise of life to others, concluded Prof. Koushal.

Punjab

Dr. Ravjot Singh Distributes Appointment Letters to 85 Individuals under Mission Rozgar

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Chandigarh/Amritsar, December 7

          Under the Mission Rozgar launched by Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, today, the Punjab Minister for Local Government, Dr. Ravjot Singh, handed over appointment letters to 85 individuals at the Municipal Corporation office. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ravjot Singh expressed that the Punjab Government is committed to providing more employment opportunities for the youth. He highlighted that during the tenure of the current government, nearly 51,000 individuals have been provided with government jobs.

          Dr. Ravjot Singh, while handing over the appointment letters, urged the newly appointed employees to recognize their vital role in the social and economic development of Punjab. He emphasized that continuous hard work and dedication are essential to achieving success and attaining one’s life goals. He encouraged them to perform their duties with sincerity and honesty. Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed that these jobs have been given based on merit, without any recommendation, favoritism, or nepotism. He added that under Mission Rozgar, a total of 1,255 employees have been appointed in the Local Government Department, and the process is ongoing. He expressed hope that the new recruits would use their positions to assist the underprivileged and marginalized communities.

          On this occasion, the Minister for Local Government distributed appointment letters to 19 Executive officers, 18 drivers/operators, and 48 sanitation workers, Peons, and labourer

          Cabinet Minister, S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, congratulated the newly appointed employees, urging them to maintain cleanliness in the holy city, which attracts around 1.25 lakh pilgrims daily. He emphasized that it is their duty to keep the city clean and ensure a steady supply of clean water. S. Dhaliwal further stated that the Punjab Government is dedicated to the welfare of the common people and that jobs are being provided across all departments through a transparent recruitment process based solely on merit.

          Following the event, Cabinet Ministers Dr. Ravjot Singh, S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Mr. Gulpreet Singh, traveled by BRTS bus from the University to Bhandari Bridge. Dr. Ravjot Singh mentioned that the number of BRTS buses would be increased soon. He reassured that the government has sufficient funds to ensure the smooth operation of the BRTS system.

          The event was also attended by MLA Ajay Gupta, MLA S. Jasbeer Singh, MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar, MLA Jeevanjot Kaur, SDM S. Mankawal Singh Chahal, AAP City President Mr. Munish Agarwal, Mr. Ravinder Hans, XEN Sandeep Singh, Dr. Kiran Kumar, and other officials.

Caption: Minister for Local Government, Punjab Dr. Ravjot Singh handing over appointment letters to newly appointed employees, accompanied by Cabinet Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and others.

Minister for Local Government, Punjab Dr. Ravjot Singh and Cabinet Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal traveling by BRTS bus.

Chandigarh, Punjab

SAS Nagar Police Arrested Four Robbers Involved in Dhakoli Liquor Shop Robbery

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Mohali: SAS Nagar Police Arrested Four Robbers Involved in Dhakoli Liquor Shop Robbery

Deepak Pareek, SSP SAS Nagar, informed the press about the successful

arrest of four unidentified motorcyclists who carried out a robbery at a Liquor Shop, in

Mamata Enclave, Dhakoli on the night of 01-11-2024. These individuals used illegal

weapons and knives during the robbery and were traced and arrested by SAS Nagar

Police.

SSP Pareek further shared that under the directions of Gaurav

Yadav IPS, DGP Punjab, and Smt. Nilambari Vijay Jagdale IPS, DIG Ropar Range, a team of

CIA Staff and Dhakoli Police Station was tasked to trace the suspects involved in this

robbery. The operation was supervised by Dr.Jyoti Yadav IPS (SP Inv.),Sh. Manpreet Singh

PPS (SP, Rural), Sh. Talwinder Singh PPS (SP, Investigation), and Sh. Jaspinder Singh, PPS

(SP Zirakpur). The team led by Insp. Harminder Singh (CIA Incharge) and Insp. Deepinder

Singh (SHO Dhakoli) utilized both technical and human intelligence to successfully arrest

the four suspects along with weapons used in the robbery.

 Case Background

On 02-11-2024, based on the statement of Manoj Kumar, resident of Nawan Pind

Tappian, PS Balachaur, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, a case (FIR No. 89 dated 02-11-

2024 under Sections 309(4), 309(6), 311, 109(1), 332(B), 115(2), 3(5) BNS, and Arms Act 25/27-

54-59) was registered at PS Dhakoli. Manoj Kumar, an employee at a Liquor Shopin Mamata

Enclave, Dhakoli, reported that around 11:00 PM on 01-11-2024, three masked individuals

entered the shop, while a fourth person waited outside on a motorcycle. Two suspects

approached Manoj at the counter—one held him from behind and pressed a pistol against his

back, demanding all valuables. Another suspect forcibly took ₹10,000 from the cash drawer.

During the robbery, one of the suspects fired a shot, which struck the wall in the basement.

Hearing the gunshot, Deepak Sandhu, the owner of the establishment, came out to intervene.

The robbers then fired again, hitting Deepak Sandhu in the chest, before fleeing the scene with

weapons. Deepak Sandhu is currently receiving treatment at PGI Chandigarh.

 Details of the Arrested Accused

1. Nishant Rana (20 years, resident of Devi Nagar, Panchkula, Haryana) – 12th-grade pass,

unmarried, previously involved in a fraud case registered at PS Chandimandir, Haryana.

Arrested from Sector-1, Panchkula.

2. Manveer (22 years, resident of Old Panchkula, Haryana) – 8th-grade pass, unmarried,

previously involved in an Excise Act case at PS Sector-07, Panchkula. Arrested from

Sector-1, Panchkula.

3. Vishal Kumar alias Karandi (19 years, resident of KharakMangoli, Panchkula, Haryana) –

6th-grade pass, unmarried, previously involved in a brawl case registered at PS Mansa

Devi, Panchkula. Arrested from KharakMangoli, Panchkula.

4. Pankaj alias Nikhil (19 years, resident of KharakMangoli, Panchkula, Haryana) – 10th-

grade pass, unmarried, with no criminal history. Arrested from KharakMangoli,

Panchkula.

 Recovered Items

1. Two pistols (.315 bore) with one live cartridge and two empty cartridges.

2. Two knives.

3. Motorcycle used in the crime.

 Investigation and Interrogation

During interrogation, the accused confessed to procuring illegal weapons from Uttar

Pradesh with the intent to commit robberies. They are being presented in court today to seek

police remand. Further investigation may reveal their involvement in additional robbery cases.

Punjab

VB Arrests Market Committee Employee for Taking Rs 30,000 Bribe

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IEP Chandigarh

          The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state on Wednesday nabbed Hari Ram, Auction Recorder of Market Committee Ludhiana, red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned official has been arrested on the complaint of Sonu, a resident of Ashok Nagar, Salem Tabri, Ludhiana who is secretary of Gill Cooperative Labour and Construction Society Ludhiana.

          He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that their above said society used to take the cleaning contract of Mandis, Fish Markets etc falling within Ludhiana city. The cleaning contract of Kara-Bara Chowk, Bahadurke Road, near Sabji Mandi Ludhiana has been allotted to the said Society by Market Committee Ludhiana for the period from 01-04-2023 to 31-03-2024.

          He further alleged that the market committee employee Hari Ram has been demanding a bribe of Rs. 30,000 every month in lieu of getting the monthly bills of Society passed from Secretary Market Committee. He managed to record the conversation with the said accused employee while he was demanding the bribe and handed over to the VB as an evidence.

          The spokesperson added that after preliminary investigation of this complaint a VB team from Ludhiana range laid a trap in which the above said accused was arrested while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 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 accused at VB police station Ludhiana range and the accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress and role of other officials would also be probed, he said.

Punjab

ENSURE OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF MULTI SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES TO OPEN NEW JOB AVENUES FOR YOUTH, AMAN ARORA TO EMPLOYMENT GENERATION DEPT OFFICIALS

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IEP Chandigarh

          With an aim at open new job avenues for the youth of the state by honing their skills, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, on Wednesday, directed the department officials to ensure optimum utilization of the Multi Skill Development Centres (MSDCs).

          Chairing a high-level meeting here at Punjab Bhawan, he also took inputs from representatives of Sector Skill Councils, Training Partners, Industry Associations and officials of the state departments concerned to bring out the best from these centres.

          Stressing on the need to ensure optimum utilization of all the five MSDCs situated in Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, Mr. Aman Arora said that courses must run in the MSDCs according to requirements of the Industry. Apart from this, there are three Health Skill Development Centres and 198 Rural Skill Centres in the state. He also asked the officials to focus on bridging the gap between industrial requirements and skilled manpower.

          He further informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is all set to introduce state’s own Skill Training Scheme to further enhance youth employability, besides, equipping college, ITI and polytechnic students with the life & soft skills. 

          Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Ms Jaspreet Talwar, Director Ms Amrit Singh, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Jaspreet Singh, officials from the departments of Industry, Technical Education, Medical Education, Higher Education, School Education and representatives of Leather Sector Skill Council, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India, Water Management & Plumbing Skill Council, Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), Rubber, Chemical & Petrochemical Skill Development Council, Capital Goods & Strategic Skill Council, BFSI Sector Skill Council of India, IT-ITeS Sector Skills Council, Jalandhar Focal Point Extension industrial association, Sports Goods Manufacturers & exporters association, Khel Bharti and Jalandhar MSME association also attended the meeting.

Punjab

CM ASKS OFFICERS TO PULL UP THEIR SOCKS FOR STRICT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL COLONISERS

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IEP Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asked the officers to prepare draft of a bill to act sternly against the illegal colonisers for checking the mushrooming up of illegal colonies in the state in future.

Chairing a meeting in wake of recent decision of state government to away with clause of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for registration of land and property, the Chief Minister said that this decision is aimed at facilitating the general public. However, he said that noose around illegal colonisers need to be tightened for which fresh law must be enacted. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the officers to draft the new bill before the next session of the state assembly so that it can be duly approved in the Vidhan Sabha.

The Chief Minister said that the illegal colonisers dupe the people by showing them green pastures and sell their unapproved colonies to them. He said that the hapless people have to then run pillar to post for getting the basic civic amenities in these colonies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the colonisers mint the money illegally but people have to bear the hardships due to their misdeeds.

The Chief Minister said that this will not be tolerated at any cost and strict action will be taken against the colonisers who are selling the plots before not getting it duly approved. He said that the state government will not allow the mushrooming up of illegal colonies in the state and severest of severe action will be taken against those indulging in this crime. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that strict law will be framed against the illegal colonisers so that it acts as a deterrent for them to develop any illegal colony in the state.