IEP Chandigarh, August 27

The second batch of 50 headmasters today left for the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad, as part of the Punjab government’s initiative to bring about an education revolution in the state. On this occasion, the teachers going on training session express their gratitude to Punjab government.

          Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Poonam Puri, Head Teacher, Government High School, Tajpur Bhagwanpur, District Jalandhar said, “I am elated that the Punjab Government led by S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is giving this opportunity to the teachers to attend training at world famous Education Center.” She said, with this training, her professional skills will be further nurtured, which will benefit for the students. She said that this is a very good initiative of the government which reflects the positive thinking of the government towards education. Which will yield positive results in the future.

          Similarly, Puneet Garg, head teacher of Government High School Chauhan Ke Khurd in Barnala district, thanked the Punjab government and said that I have been given the opportunity to become the number one institution in the country, IIM. While training from Ahmedabad will give a new direction to the management of the school, I will be able to understand and deal with all kinds of problems of the students.

          She said that through this training, I will also be able to work towards improving the educational environment in the school.

          Prabhjot Kaur, head teacher of Government High School Basti Bawa Khel in Jalandhar district, said that this training will teach us to make better use of human resources. She said that through this training, she will be able to understand students and teachers better. She said that the better the training of the head of the school, the more the staff and students will benefit.

          Ramesh Singh, head teacher of Government High School Ghanola in Rupnagar district, said that learning new skills is essential. Updation done keeping in mind the future proves to be even more beneficial. He said this training will yield very meaningful results.

          Gurpal Singh, head teacher of Government High School Chak Bakhtu in Bathinda district, said, “If we do not update us with time, we will not be able to teach the children about the importance of time.” What we will learn through this training, we will teach the children, which is expected to yield good results in the future.

          Sometimes we are unable to solve some problems but this training will enable us to solve those problems.

          Gurpreet Kaur, Head Teacher, Government High School, Cheema Kalan, Patti, Tarn Taran district, said, “I am very thankful to the Punjab government for giving me the opportunity to get education in the world’s best educational institution at their  own expense. She said that this training will make them aware of the latest education techniques of the world.

IEP Chandigarh, August 24

Exuberating with results of the Pilot Project of Surface Seeder, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday gave his consent to subsidize Surface Seeders developed by Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana under Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme for better management of crop residue across the state.

Announcing to provide 50% subsidy on this newly developed technique, the Chief Minister said that in view of the results of the pilot project implemented at Satauj (Sangrur), the Surface Seeders proved its worth to manage the crop residue and the state government has decided to include Surface Seeder under CRM Scheme to subsidize the equipment, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a machine costs Rs. 80,000 and after 50% subsidy it will cost Rs. 40,000 to the farmers.

Lauding the efforts of the Agriculture Department and PAU about the Crop Residue Management in a meeting with agriculture officials, the Chief Minister said that Punjab Agriculture University recommended the Surface Seeders to be included under CRM scheme. He informed that the process for empanelment of manufacturers for supplying the machinery under the scheme is being done by PAU, Ludhiana. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the individual farmers/Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies/ Registered Farmers Groups/Farmer Producer Organizations/Panchayats can apply for purchasing various CRM machines and also for establishing Custom Hiring Centre (CHC).

The Chief Minister further said that under the scheme the equipment such as Super SMS, Super Seeder, Smart Seeder, Happy Seeder, Zero Till Drill, Paddy Straw Chopper/Shredder/Mulcher, Hydraulic Reversible Mould Board Plough, Shrub Master/Rotary Slasher, Crop Reaper, Balerand Rakeare available on subsidy @ 50% of the cost of the equipment/machine or a maximum amount approved by Union Government in the guidelines. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the CHC can be established with an investment of Rs.15 lakhs and any of the above machines can be purchased by the CHCs @ 80% subsidy.

The Chief Minister further informed that a total of 65421 applications for 152300 various CRM equipments have been received so far and no stone would be left unturned to save the environment with complete control on crop residue burning. He said that the state government has been strengthening and establishing collection infrastructure, bailing, transportation and handling of large amount of crop residue and creation of storage facilities. He said that the state government has started to utilize the paddy straw in different industries such as biomass power generation units, Biomass co-firing in Thermal Power Plants, Bio-CNG and Bio-Ethanol etc. Bhagwant Singh Mann also announced to organize next edition of Kisan Melas throughout the state soon.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

          Today, Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, unveiled a short film and a poster aimed at raising awareness about the Senior Citizens Act of 2007. The objective behind this initiative is to inform the senior citizens of the state about their rights.

          During the event, the Cabinet Minister highlighted that the government has implemented the Parenting and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act of 2007 to honor and safeguard the rights of the elderly. This legislation includes provisions for obtaining a maintenance allowance for parents and senior citizens who are neglected by their children or blood relatives.

          The Cabinet Minister further explained that the act has established maintenance and appellant tribunals to address the concerns of senior citizens. Any senior citizen facing problems can file a complaint with the sub-divisional officer of the relevant sub-division.

          Moreover, the Cabinet Minister mentioned that the District Social Security Officer has been designated as the Parenting Officer under this act. This role involves ensuring that the basic needs of elderly citizens, such as food, clothing, shelter, and healthcare, are met adequately.

          The event was attended by Ms. Madhvi Kataria, Director of the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department, Mr. Gaurav Toora, AIG (Personnel-2), and Mr. Charanjit Singh, Additional Director of the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department.

IEP Chandigarh

Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wednesday, informed that the Minister’s Flying Squad, formed to combat corrupt practices within the department, has nailed a driver pilfering 20 liters of diesel from government bus, a conductor for embezzling ticket money and not issuing tickets to passengers, while five buses were reported for operating on unscheduled routes and one bus plying sans passengers.

          Further elaborating, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar revealed that the Flying Squad conducted a raid in Jiwan Nagar (Haryana) and caught the driver, Ranjit Singh, red-handed in the act of pilfering 20 liters of diesel from his alloted Bus No. PB-10FF 4952 of PUNBUS Depot Ludhiana.

          During the checking in Dhar Kalan (Pathankot), the Flying Squad caught a conductor Amandeep of Bus No. PB-06AS 8772 of Pathankot Depot for not issuing tickets to passengers despite collecting Rs.545 from them.

          The Flying Squad also reported five buses operating on unscheduled routes. In a check in Goraya, Bus No. PB-02-EG 4673 of Tarn Taran Depot and Bus No. PB-02-EG 3064 of Amritsar-2 Depot were found operating on unscheduled routes. Similarly, during an inspection in Phagwara, Bus No.PB-02-EH 2749 of Amritsar-1 Depot and Bus No. PB-32P 3598 of Nawanshahar Depot were found plying on unscheduled routes, while Bus No. PB-02-EG 9427 of Patti Depot was also found operating on different route than the scheduled one during the checking at Kartarpur. Apart from this, Bus No. PB-06BC 0216 from Batala Depot was found operating without passengers.

          The Transport Minister has instructed the department officials to take appropriate disciplinary action against the employees involved.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

          Cricket legend and Bharat Ratna awardee Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar today began a new innings – as the ‘National Icon’ for voter awareness and education for the Election Commission of India. An MoU was signed with the legend for a period of 3 years at an event organized at Akashvani Rang Bhavan, New Delhi in the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and  Arun Goel. This collaboration marks a significant step towards leveraging Tendulkar’s unparalleled impact with the youth demographic for increasing voters’ participation in the forthcoming elections, especially in General Elections 2024.

          ECI through this partnership aims to bridge the gap between citizens, especially youth and urban populations and the electoral process thereby, trying to address the challenges of urban and youth apathy.

          Sachin Tendulkar, in his role as the National Icon for the Election Commission of India, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to the cause, and said that for a vibrant democracy like India, the youth play a key role in nation building. The hearts that beat for Team India during sports matches, with the unified cheer – ‘India, India!’, shall also beat the same way to take our precious democracy forward. One simple yet most powerful way to do that is to cast our votes regularly.

          Speaking on the occasion he said that from thronging stadiums to thronging polling booths, from taking time out to stand by the National team to taking time out to cast our votes, we shall keep up the spirit and enthusiasm. When youth from the nooks and corners of the country participate in large numbers in electoral democracy, we shall see a prosperous future for our country.

          Speaking on the occasion, CEC Rajiv Kumar said that Sachin Tendulkar, an icon revered not only in India but globally, has a legacy that extends far beyond his cricketing prowess.

          Rajiv Kumar said his illustrious career is a testament to his commitment to excellence, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of success. His influence transcends sports, making him an ideal choice to bat for ECI and drive up voter turn-outs, the CEC added.

          The collaboration will encompass a range of activities, including Tendulkar’s promoting voter awareness in various TV talk shows/ programs and digital campaigns etc, all aimed at raising awareness about the importance of voting and the role it plays in shaping the nation’s destiny.

          During the event, students from National School of Drama also presented an impactful skit on the importance of voting in strengthening of democracy.

          ECI associates itself with renowned Indians from various fields and designates them as ECI’s national icons to motivate voters for participation in the festival of democracy.

           Last year, the Commission recognised famous actor Pankaj Tripathi as the National Icon. Earlier, during the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, stalwarts like M.S.Dhoni, Aamir Khan and Mary Kom had been the ECI National Icons.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains today announced holidays in all government/affiliated/private/recognized schools in the state due to heavy downpour up till August 26.

          He said that complying to the directives of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, holidays have been declared in all the government/private/recognized schools due to heavy rainfall in various parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

          Punjab government is actively implementing various schemes to promote the economic empowerment of women. Social Security, Women and Child Development  Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur shared that the government is earnestly working to enhance the economic status of women in the state.

          Cabinet Minister stated that as part of this endeavor, a training workshop was organized for nodal officers assigned in different departments to facilitate the implementation of the Gender Budget at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MAGSIPA).

          During the workshop, the processes and systems related to the seamless execution of ongoing schemes aimed at empowering women were thoroughly discussed.

          Minister said the various departments to collaborate in order to efficiently implement women’s welfare programs at the grassroots level, ensuring transparency and maximum benefit to eligible recipients. Representatives from diverse departments actively participated in the workshop.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted that a comprehensive process has been initiated through a training workshop focused on Gender Budget. The aim is to sensitize departmental staff to effectively implement Gender Budget across the state of Punjab.

          She emphasized the need to properly structure schemes and programs operated by different departments to enable women’s empowerment. Minister stressed that gender budget is a potent tool that will contribute to reducing gender-based inequality and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has congratulated Amanpreet Singh who became the World Champion.

          Amanpreet Singh, the emerging shooter from Patiala, has won the Gold Medal in the men’s standard pistol event at the ISSF World Championships with a score of 577. This is the fifth gold medal won by India at the World Championships in Baku.

          While congratulating Amanpreet Singh, Meet Hayer said that he made the state and the country prous by achieving great success at a young age. He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led State Government is giving special attention to taking the players to the international level so that more and more players can brought glory to the name of the state. Amanpreet Singh recently won the Gold Medal in the Junior World Cup in Germany. The Sports Minister congratulated Amanpreet Singh’s coach Ankush Bhardwaj and his parents for this achievement.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

          Amidst its ongoing campaign against corruption in the State, Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Naib Tehsildar and Patwari for preparing fake documents and vasiyat khangi of 14 kanal 11 marla land situated at khanouri.

          Arrested accused Naib Tehsildar has been identified as Darshan Singh, currently posted at Bareta, District Mansa, and accused Patwari has been identified as Balkar Singh.

          These arrests have been made and an FIR no. 29 dated 23.8.23 under sections 409, 465, 467, 468, 471 and 120 B of IPC and 13(1)(A), 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at Police Station VB, Patiala  Range.

          An official spokesperson of the VB said that the then Kanoongo Darshan Singh, now Naib Tehsildar Bareta and Patwari Balkar Singh along with Tehsildar Vipan Bhandari in collusion with Deepak Raj of Khanauri Kalan prepared fake documents and vasiyat khangi of 14 kanal 11 Marla land situated at Khanouri.

          The VB teams from Patiala have arrested Patwari Balkar Singh and Naib Tehsildar Darshan Singh, while raids are being conducted to nab the third accused, the spokesperson said while adding that further Investigation is going on.

IEP Chandigarh, August 23

          Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Wednesday issued directions to the Deputy Commissioners of Sangrur and Kapurthala districts to take an immediate action to ensure that the private sugar mills falling in their districts make payment of all the pending dues to the cane farmers at the earliest.

          Mr Gurmeet Singh Khudian along with Special Chief Secretary Agriculture Mr. KAP Sinha lent a sympathetic ear to the grievances of cane farmers from Malwa and Doaba regions during the marathon meetings here at his office.

          Responding to the concerns raised by the cane farmers from Doaba region, Mr. Khudian directed the Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Captain Karnail Singh to identify all the properties related to the defaulter owner of Golden Sandhar Mills Ltd, Phagwara so that the same could be attached and if default continues, to be sold to make payments of pending dues to the cane farmers.

          Earlier, during a meeting with cane farmers from Malwa region, the Agriculture Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner Sangrur Mr. Jitender Jorwal to take all possible steps to ensure that Bhagwanpura Sugar Mill Ltd., Dhuri makes payment to the tune of at least Rs 1 crore out of total pending dues to the farmers immediately. He also asked the Deputy Commissioner to make it sure that all the pending dues of these farmers should also be cleared in a time bound manner. 

          Reiterating that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government would not let the farmers of the state to be exploited by anyone, Mr Khudian asked the Deputy Commissioners of both districts to set an example for others by taking stringent actions in both these cases.