IEP CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, August 18

          Three days after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vowed to make Punjab a drug-free state by the next Independence Day, Special Director General of Police (Spl DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Friday, chalked out a foolproof strategy with the Border Security Force (BSF) to completely break the supply chain of drugs and to counter the Drone operations at Punjab borders, which have emerged as the new modus operandi to smuggle drugs from across the border.

          The Special DGP accompanied by IG Frontier Headquarters, BSF Jalandhar Dr Atul Fulzele was holding a Joint coordination-cum-review meeting with senior officials of BSF, Punjab Police, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and other Central Agencies at Frontier Headquarters of BSF Jalandhar to further strengthen the security at the state border to prevent the cross border smuggling. IGP Law and Order Pradeep Yadav, DIG Ferozepur Range Ranjit Singh Dhillon and six DIGs of BSF were among the other senior officials, who attended the meeting.

          Giving a call for total synergy and teamwork between BSF and Punjab Police, Spl DGP Arpit Shukla said that it was high time that both the elite forces should work as one team and activate good old human intelligence by gathering and sharing real-time information.

          He said that CM Bhagwant Mann had already sanctioned Rs 20 crores for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras in the border areas to further strengthen the second line of defence and keep vigil against drug smugglers and anti-social elements.

          Additionally, Rs 10 crores are being spent to strengthen the police infrastructure including Police Stations, he said, while adding that additional police force and vehicles are also being provided to the Border Police.

          Notably, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav had already announced a reward of ₹1 lakh for providing information on drone movement leading to the recovery of weapons/narcotics.

          Special DGP Arpit Shukla ordered DIG Border range and DIG Ferozepur range to direct SSPs and other gazetted rank officers of border districts to ensure staying overnight in the border villages at least once or twice in a month as part of the confidence-building measure.

          He also directed CPs/SSPs to identify and forfeit properties of big narco smugglers caught with commercial quantity of drugs. This year as many as 30 properties worth Rs 12.99 crores were seized and forfeited by the Punjab Police, he informed.

          He also stressed on the need to implement Civic Action Programme to transform border villages into model villages by upgrading facilities including infrastructure, education, transportation, communication, etc. “We should establish parks and grounds in all the villages to promote sports culture among the youth and channelise their energy in the right direction,” he said.

          Meanwhile, Special DGP Arpit Shukla also directed Police officers to tighten the noose around the mining mafia and take strict action against anyone found carrying out illegal mining.

IEP Chandigarh, August 18

          The campaign to promote crop diversification in the state launched by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government got a major push after the state has witnessed at least 16 per cent increase in the area under the Basmati cultivation this Kharif season, said Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian here on Friday, while adding that district Amritsar tops the chart with 1.35 lac hectares area sown under this long-grain rice.

          The Agriculture Minister, in a press communiqué issued here, informed that during this Kharif Season, the Basmati has been sown at 5.74 Lac hectares till August 14, out of the total paddy area of 31.88 Lac Hectares. “During the Kharif Season 2022-23, total area sown under Paddy was 31.68 Lac Hectares, out of which area under Basmati was 4.95 Lac Hectares,” he added.

          Listing district wise figures of Basmati cultivation, S. Khudian said that Amritsar, followed by Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka and Tarn Taran registered maximum cultivation of Basmati in 90,000 Hectares, 78,800 Hectares and 52,000 Hectares respectively. He further added that Amritsar district registered an increase of 24,000 Hectares in area under Basmati cultivation whereas 21,500 Hectares and 18000 Hectares increase has been witnessed in Sri Muktsar Sahib and Gurdaspur districts respectively.

          Reiterating the commitment of CM S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to make a agriculture profitable venture, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that this surge has been witnessed in Basmati cultivation as CM Mann had assured farmers that the state government will make every effort to ensure that they do not suffer any sort of loss in cultivation of Basmati.

IEP Chandigarh, August 18

          Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today visited the flood-affected areas of Patti Constituency to assess the situation and relief efforts. He supervised the rescue operation carried out by the NDRF and district administration in areas where people are stranded due to waterlogging and ensured their safe evacuation.

          S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, along with Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran Ms. Baldeep Kaur and other officials of the concerned departments, visited village Muthianwala, Sito Mahi Jhuggian, Bhangala, Toot, Jhuggian Peer Baksh, Jhuggian Natha Singh and Kot Buddha and listened to the issues faced by people in the flood-affected areas. He assured that no efforts will be spared to alleviate their hardships during this challenging time.

          He mentioned, the state government had already issued specific directives to conduct Special Girdawari to address losses suffered by people due to floods, adding that steps will be taken to assess and compensate for losses in crops, livestock, houses and other property due to fresh floods in order to provide proper relief to those affected.

          He informed that due to release of water from Bhakhra and Pong Dams, the water level in rivers Beas and Sutlej has been increased, but district administration is closely monitoring the situation and keeping a constant watch on water levels.

          The Cabinet Minister also urged the people residing along the embanks to immediately contact on District Flood Control Room No. 01852-224107, if water levels rise.

          He said that the embankment of Dhusi Bandh is being strengthened with the support of local residents to protect it from erosion at sensitive areas. Along with the safe evacuation of the people of the villages affected by the floods, ration, drinking water, medicines and other essential items are being provided in the relief centers.

IEP Chandigarh, August 18

          On Friday, Local Government Minister S. Balkar Singh, at Municipal Bhawan in Sector-35 Chandigarh, held meeting regarding the progress of development works in Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats including Guraya, Bilga, Shahkot, Bhogpur, Begowal,Dhillwan, Nadala, Bhulath, Mahilpur and Balachor, While assessing ongoing development projects under various schemes, he instructed officials to expedite these works.

          S. Balkar Singh provided further details, stating that Amrut, Swachh Bharat Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission-2, Urban Environment Improvement Program-3, and the expansion of development projects are underway in Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats. He emphasized careful consideration and urged officials to take personal interest in completing these tasks promptly. He also advised the Executive Officers and Executive Engineers of the Sewerage Board to collaborate with the district administration in identifying suitable sites for sewerage and water treatment plants.

          The Cabinet Minister informed Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat officials that if they require machinery to maintain cleanliness in their areas, such equipment should be procured on a priority basis. This commitment stems from the Punjab Government’s dedication, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to ensure essential services and a clean, pollution-free environment for the state’s residents.

          S. Balkar Singh instructed the executive officers and executive engineers of the Sewerage Board to share all information about the design of new projects with the respective Constituency MLAs. This approach ensures that development projects consider the local people’s challenges and needs.

          He further conveyed that our government is unwavering in delivering a corruption-free administration to the people of the state. Those found engaging in corruption will not be exempt from consequences.

          During this event, Deputy Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Jai Krishan Singh Rodi, MLA Inderjit Kaur, Secretary of the Local Government Department Mr. Ajoy Sharma, CEO of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Mr. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director of the Local Government Department Mr. Uma Shankar Gupta, relevant Additional Deputy Commissioners, all Chief Engineers from the Head Office, and concerned EO’s and other officials were in attendance.

IEP Chandigarh, August 17

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today felicitated eight specially able players and their coach who had recently brought laurels for the state during Special Olympics World Summer Games-2023 held in Berlin.

The Chief Minister congratulated these players who had won three gold, one silver and four bronze medals in various events. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these players have played an important role in the best performance of the Indian contingent in the recently concluded Special Olympics World Summer Games-2023 in Berlin. He said that the state is proud of these players who have bagged medals for the country in these special Olympics.

The Chief Minister said that it is significant that these children with special needs have participated in sports and excelled in them with their hard work and perseverance. He said that despite several hardships and difficulties these specially able players have won medals for the country. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to promote sports in the state, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the recently introduced sports policy major thrust has been laid on Special Olympics/Deaf and Blind Games players along with para sports.

 The Chief Minister felicitated players including MD Nisar who won a gold medal, Renu who bagged two bronze medals and Sita one bronze medal in roller skating event. He also honoured Jatinder Singh and Harjeet Singh won gold in traditional football, Priya Devi who won silver in basketball and Jyoti Kaur who won bronze medal in unified football. Pertinently, as many as 9 members from Punjab including 7 special players, one unified partner and one coach were part of the Indian contingent.

 On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Special Chief Secretary Sarvjit Singh, Special Principal Secretaries to CM Ravi Bhagat and Kumar Amit besides others were also present on the occasion.

IEP Dehradun

उत्तराखण्ड ग्लोबल इन्वेस्टर्स समिट-2023 के सफल आयोजन हेतु नीतिगत आधार तथा मार्गदर्शन उपलब्ध कराये जाने के लिए गठित मुख्यमंत्री सलाहकार समूह की पहली बैठक सुभाष रोड स्थित एक होटल में आयोजित की गई। इस बैठक में राज्य में औद्योगिक निवेश बढ़ाने, रोजगार को बढ़ावा देने एवं राज्य की आर्थिकी में वृद्धि के लिए आगे की कार्ययोजनाओं पर चर्चा की गई। राज्य में निवेश बढ़ाने के लिए और क्या बेहतर प्रयास किये जा सकते हैं, इसके लिए औद्योगिक जगत से जुड़े लोगों से सुझाव लिये गये। मुख्यमंत्री ने अधिकारियों को निर्देश दिये कि राज्य में निवेश बढ़ाने के लिए निवेशकों द्वारा जो भी सुझाव दिये जा रहे हैं, उन सभी सुझावों को गंभीरता से लेते हुए उनको कार्यरूप में लाया जाए। मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि राज्य सरकार का प्रयास है कि इन्वेस्टर समिट होने तक राज्य में निवेश की अच्छी ग्राउंडिंग हो जाय। इसके लिए नीतियों का सरलीकरण के साथ उन पर तेजी से क्रियान्वयन के लिए अधिकारियों को निर्देश दिये गये हैं। मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि निवेशकों को सभी अनुमतियां समय पर मिल जाएं इसके लिए समय सीमा

IEP Chandigarh, August 17

In a bid to make the rural roads in the state more safe and secure for commuters, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed officials concerned to complete the road safety project before arrival of winter season. He was chairing a meeting of the Executive Engineers and District Mandi Officers of Punjab Mandi Board.

          Reviewing the ongoing projects along with Punjab Mandi Board Chairman Mr. Harchand Singh Barsat, the Agriculture Minister said that as many as 13,832 link roads have been identified to undertake road safety measures worth Rs 132.65 crores, while directing officials that this project must be executed before arrival of foggy season of this winter to curtail the road accidents.

           During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed the the status of construction of new sheds, auction platforms and other development works being carried out in grain markets of the state.

          The Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Barsat informed that various initiatives including allotment of vacant flats, installation of ATMs in mandis, and using vacant sheds for other purposes are being taken to increase the income of Mandi Board. Apart from this,  as many as 50,000 saplings are being planted in various mandis for a greener environment. Notably, Punjab Mandi Board had contributed Rs 47.58 lacs in CM Relief Fund for flood relief and rehabilitation works.

          Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Ms. Amrit Kaur Gill apprised the cabinet minister that all projects are being carried out at fast pace. Chief Engineer cum State Nodal Officer for Rural Link Roads Er. Jatinder Singh Bhangoo informed that Broken Centre Line (18 feet and 16 feet metalled width), Edge Line on both sides along curves, warning signs, caution sign boards and informatory boards are also being installed, besides, road studs (cat-eyes) on both sides of sharp curves and rumble strips along schools and hospitals falling on link roads are also being installed. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has been making concerted efforts to make the roads safe. He also implored the Punjab Mandi Board staff to work diligently and all projects should be completed on time. Engineer-in-Chief Mr Gurdeep Singh and other officials of the Board were also present in the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, August 17

 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday patted the players of Indian Hockey contingent from the state who had lifted the recently held Asian Hockey Championship by defeating Malaysia.

 Congratulating the players, who had called on the Chief Minister at his official residence today, Bhagwant Singh Mann rreiterated the firm commitment of his government to make Punjab drug free by promotion of sports. The Chief Minister vowed to make all out efforts for restoring the pristine glory of the Hockey in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis have always excelled in the field of Hockey and have brought several laurels for the state.

 The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of sheer honour and pride that in the Indian Hockey squad that won medals in Olympics after 41 years during the sports event at Tokyo, 12 players including Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vice Captain Hardik Singh belonged to the State. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that likewise the Indian contingent that won the lone world Cup for the country in 1975 was also led by Punjab’s son Ajitpal Singh.

 The Chief Minister said that this momentum and spirit needs to be maintained so that more medals are bagged in the coming times. He bemoaned that due to constant neglect of previous governments, despite being our national game, hockey had lagged behind in the sports arena. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the state government is making all out efforts to ensure that Hockey gets its due place in the field of sports.

 The Chief Minister said concerted efforts will be made by his government to eradicate the curse of drugs by promoting sports especially Hockey. He said that more resources will be pumped in to make sure that Hockey is revived in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every effort will be made to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive manner especially in the field of sports. On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and others.

IEP Chandigarh, August 17

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that B.Sc (Agriculture) course in Government Brijindra College Faridkot has been re-started and now onwards, admissions will be done for 60 seats every year.

          Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that meetings were held with senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, Higher Education, Punjabi University and Agriculture University over the past months to resume the discontinued B.Sc. Agriculture Course at Government Brijindra College Faridkot. He said that now the necessary requirements for resuming the studies of this course have now been completed. He said that at the college, admissions will be done on 60 seats for the agriculture course.

Sandhwan said that Government College Faridkot is an prominent educational institution of the Malwa region, where B.Sc. (Agriculture) course was being studied. He said that during the year 2019, the last batch of students took admissions in B.Sc. (Agriculture) in the college, which was currently in the final year of the course. He said that now the agriculture course is being restarted to save the future of the students who were desirous to study in the agriculture sector.

Sandhavan said that with the continuation of this course will achieve far-sighted results, under which the economically weaker section of the youth of the area will get the idea of doing agriculture in a scientific manner, at the same time the farmers will also be benefited indirectly

IEP Chandigarh, August 17

Punjab Labour Minister Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan today directed to expedite the registration process of construction workers in the state.

          Presiding over a meeting with the officials of the labour department, Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government was committed for the welfare of the construction workers. She categorically said, any lackadaisical approach in registration-related tasks would not be tolerated at any cost, adding that the administrative action should be taken against those officials who neglect registration duties and the processing of applications submitted by workers to access government schemes. The higher officials of the department were also instructed to evaluate the work related to the registration every week.

          The Cabinet Minister instructed the officials to ensure the effective delivery of benefits of all schemes introduced by the state government to eligible construction worker beneficiaries.

          Instructing to organize weekly camps for registration of construction workers, Ms. Anmol Gagan Maan said that the contractors and house-owners should also register their workers online with the Punjab Labour Assistant Board. Apart from this, she directed to hold state level evaluation meeting every month.

          During the meeting, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Secretary Labour, Mr. TPS Phoolka, Labour Commissioner and several other officials were present.