IEP Chandigarh, September 17

Modern architecture should  be focused on making a comfortable living and working environment, where the building structures need to be environment-friendly, stated Mr. Aman Arora, Minister for Housing and Urban Development.He was presiding over a function to launch PHD Chamber’s first of its kind: Architecture Excellence Recognition at Ins & Outs: 8th Edition ArchiBuild Show 2022, at Hotel Mountview here, on Friday late evening. The theme of this show was “Towards Smart and Sustainable Spaces’.Architects shape buildings, and afterwards these buildings shape life of people, said Mr. Aman Arora while adding that architecture industry has a big responsibility on its shoulders.Calling the architect industry to be a torch bearer in shaping up smart and sustainable cities, the Cabinet Minister said that Punjab is one of the fastest urbanizing states in the country with immense opportunities available for this industry. SAS Nagar (Mohali) and it’s peripheral areas have massive potential and the state government needs support and guidance of architecture community to create iconic infrastructure, he added.The architecture of city beautiful Chandigarh and heritage buildings such as Khalsa College, Amritsar designed by Bhai Ram Singh and other famous religious buildings and quilas of the state may be used as concept models, said the minister.The Cabinet Minister said that PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s this initiative would recognize brightest Architects for their work. During the function, Mr. Aman Arora and other dignitaries felicitated Lifetime Achievement awards in different categories i.e. Educator Architect to Prof. (Dr.) S S Bhatti, Practicing Architect to Ar. Shivdutt Sharma and Public Service Government Architect to Ar. Kaushal Sham Lal.Architects accorded awards for Residential Designs under Group Housing with Open Spaces Project to Ar. Sushil Sharma, Small Independent House Project to Ar. Ajay Gulati, Large Independent House Project to Ar. Badrinath Kaleru, Affordable Group Housing Project to Ar. Ponni M Concessao, Commercial Design for Office Building Project to Ar. Mohita (Garg) Vashisht, Industrial Building Design Project to Ar. Ashish Rathee, Retail Design Project to Ar. Gurpreet Singh Shah, Hospitality Design– Hotels, Project to Ar. Sheetal Sharma, Hospitality Design – Resorts, Project to Ar. Ponni M Concessao, Contextual Design Project to Ar. Kanwar Preet Singh, Harbinger of Change – Architect under 40 to Ar. Badrinath Kaleru.On this occasion, Mr. Madhu Sudan Vij, Chair Chandigarh Chapter, PHDCCI, Mr. Anand Sharma, Chair Architecture & Interiors Forum,PHDCCI, Suvrat Khanna, Co-Chair Chandigarh Chapter, PHDCCI, Mr. Kapil Setia, Chief Architect, Punjab Ms Sapna and Mr. R.S. Sachdeva were also present.

IEP Chandigarh September 14, 2022

     Prof. Dr. M.S. Sandhu, Head, Deptt. of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, PGI, Chandigarh  and Prof. Paramjeet Singh, Professor, Deptt. of Radiodiagnosis were both honoured by the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association”  (IRIA) National  body on Teachers Day 5^th September, 2022 in  recognition  of their outstanding services  and in recognition of their hard work, dedication and teaching over last more than 3 decades.

     Prof. M.S. Sandhu is a Senior Professor at PGI working in the Higher Administrative Grade. He has over 35 years of teaching, research and work experience. He has over 225 Research Publications/Presentations/ Chapters in Books.  He is the current President of the Chandigarh Chapter of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) and also the Current President of the North India Chapter of Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR). He has previously been honoured with a Fellowship of the Indian College of Radiology in view of his outstanding services to the field of Radiology.  He has been awarded a Certificate of Completion of Specialist training by the Royal College of Radiology, London, UK.  Prof. Sandhu has also been awarded the Dr. M.L. Aggarwal Oration by the Indian College of Radiology and Imaging.

        Prof. Paramjeet Singh who is the senior faculty in Neuro Radiology Section is convener of DM Neuro Radiology course,  has over 30 years research, work, and teaching experience. He has published over 180 research presentations/ chapter in Books. He is former President of Chandigarh Chapter of Indian Radiological and Imaging Association and also former President of Chandigarh Chapter of ISVIR. He has previously  been awarded a certificate of Completion of specialist training by the Royal College of Radiology, London, UK. He has been honoured with a Fellowship of the Indian College of Radiology in view of his outstanding services to the field of Radiology.   He has also been awarded the Sir JC Bose Oration by IRIA, and  is former President of the Indian Society of Neuro Radiology.

IEP Chandigarh, September 13

The Governor of Gujarat, Sh. Acharya Devvrat said that the central and state governments are working to implement the schemes aimed at connecting the farmers of the country with natural farming. The need of the hour is to increase the interest of farmers towards natural farming. This will reduce the cost of the farmers and increase the income of the farmers from the first year itself.

Governor Acharya Devvrat was interacting with the mediapersons in the auditorium of Gurukul Kurukshetra on Tuesday

He said that on a large scale, a programme is being organized on September 15 & 16 in Gurukul Kurukshetra regarding natural farming. In this programme on September 15, Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Sh. Kailash Choudhary, Director General of ICA, Union Agriculture Secretary along with Vice Chancellors of various Agricultural Universities will participate in the programme. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, Gujarat Chief Minister, Sh. Bhupendra Patel, Haryana Agriculture Minister, Sh. JP Dalal, Gujarat Agriculture Minister, Sh. Raghav Bhai Patel along with top officers of Agriculture Department of both the states will attend the programme at Gurukul Kurukshetra, at 10 am on September 16. On these two days, all the dignitaries will also observe the natural farming being done in 200 acres near village Kainthala of Gurukul Kurukshetra.

Sh. Devvrat said that through such programmes, people and farmers can be made aware of natural farming easily. Natural farming will improve the health of the earth and people will also be able to get good quality products. He said that the Central and State Governments are moving forward in the field of natural farming in the country. A natural agriculture training centre has been established here with the help of the government. In this training centre, along with training, practical knowledge is also being given to the farmers. During this training, the difference between natural and organic farming is also being explained in detail.

He said that today natural farming is the need of every living being. Keeping this subject in mind, work is being done to advance natural farming. With natural farming, 33 quintals of crop can be obtained in one acre and more yield can be obtained from the first year itself, but training is needed to adopt this technology. The indigenous cow will play an important role in this technology.

IEP Chandigarh, September 13

As a result of the strenuous efforts of the Chief Minister, Haryana, Sh. Manohar Lal, the International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav has been globally celebrated for the last six years and in this series this year the Gita Mahotsav will be celebrated at the Living Art Centre Mississauga, Canada. Being organized from September 16 to 19 it would have 104 religious and social organizations of the country and abroad to brainstorm on the teachings of Bhagavad Gita.

        Giving this information, a spokesperson of the Haryana Government said that for the first time on a foreign soil, so many institutions will be seen collaborating on one platform for organizing this Mahotsav. The representatives of these institutions will brainstorm and discuss the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. It is noteworthy that along with the seminar, an exhibition on the history of the Bhagavad Gita and Kurukshetra 48 Kos will also be held.

        It is noteworthy that, the celebration of International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav is inspired by the selfless service and commitment towards the Nation by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has taken the commitment to disseminate the message of ‘Shrimad Bhagavad Gita’ globally, and he has successfully delivered the message across the world. 

He informed that a delegation led by Urban Local Bodies Minister, Dr. Kamal Gupta is going to Canada on behalf of the Haryana Government for the successful organization of the function. The preparations for International Gita Mahotsav Canada-2022 are almost complete. These preparations are being done under the inspiration of Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand ji Maharaj and GIEO Gita supervision. The Associations of Haryanavi’s in Canada along with more than 100 Social Charitable organizations have played key role in organizing this programme.

According to the Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, various programmes will be organized which includes Gita Park Bhoomi Pujan on September 19, Brampton City Ontario. Gita Park will be built within the area of 3.75 acres and Shri Krishna-Arjuna Rath will also be established on the lines of Kurukshetra in this park.

IEP Chandigarh, September 13

Haryana Government has proposed a next-gen cost effective Personalised Rapid Transport (PRT) based on POD Car to provide shortest and most cost effective connectivity between old Chandigarh International Airport and the new Airport located in Mohali.

The POD Car proposal was submitted by Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal at a recent meeting in Punjab Raj Bhawan convened by Chandigarh Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit and attended by senior officers of Haryana and Chandigarh.

The proposal on implementation will cut down on the long road travel which residents of Chandigarh Tricity comprising of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali besides neighbouring states have to take at present.

Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said that Haryana Metro Rail transport Corporation (HMRTC), a wholly owned company of Haryana Government , under HSVP, has proposed POD car system to connect Old Airport Terminal to New Airport Terminal which is cost effective, convenient and requires only about 6 acres of land along the boundary of Chandigarh International Airport. The ownership of this land will remain with the Air Force.

He said that a preliminary study has been got conducted by HMRTC to provide connectivity between old Airport Terminal and New Airport Terminal of Chandigarh International Airport wherein the total land involved is approximately 6 acres only.

Sh. Kaushal said that 77 numbers of pods are initially envisaged to be placed in service for transporting passengers as well as goods. It will be a guided transit system fully secured with only two stoppages. Pods cannot be forcefully stopped in between and thus it addresses any security concern. The time travel will be only 8 to 10 minutes, he added.

        The project cost is just Rs 231.50 Crore, including Rs 116 Cr Infra Cost, Rs 77 Cr Control System and Rs 38.50 Cr Cost of vehicles/PODs as compared with over Rs 1,000 Cr in other alternatives. The Operation Cost is Rs 25 lakh in POD Cars as against Rs 2.90 Cr to Rs 7 Cr in other alternatives including Metro, Metrolite and Metroneo. The infra cost per km is also Rs 20 Cr in POD Cars as compared with Rs 115 Cr in Metro, Rs 110 Cr in Metrolite and Rs 52 Cr in Metroneo. Vehicle rolling cost and Control System cost of POD Cars are much less as compared to other alternatives.

        Chandigarh U.T. Administration is already in the process of providing road connectivity from Chandigarh to New Airport Terminal. Two alternative alignments have been suggested and submitted to Indian Air Force, as Chandigarh being the Defence Airport. The proposals are under consideration in the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Chief Secretary, Haryana explained that the two options of road connectivity under consideration are very costly and time consuming due to involvement of acquisition of land and removal of unauthorized structures.

        U.T., Administration may continue with its proposal to provide road connectivity to the New Chandigarh International Airport  and in addition, HMRTC may get the DPR of POD connectivity from Old Airport Terminal to New Airport Terminal prepared in next three months and submit complete/concrete proposal for consideration of U.T. Administration, Indian Air Force and CHIAL– the airport managing body.

The meeting also decided that UT administration will support the POD Car proposal and Haryana can go ahead for its implementation. The necessary clearances from Indian Air Force and involvement of CHIAL may be made accordingly.

Chandigarh International Airport Limited (CHIAL) is a joint venture company incorporated under companies Act, 2013 by Airports Authority of India (AAI) in association with Governments of Punjab and Haryana.  The airport runway is located in Chandigarh while the international terminal is located on the south side of the runway in the village of Jhiurheri, Mohali.

To cut down the distance and travel time two proposals – Underpass connectivity and Road Connectivity are under consideration since a long time.

A Techno feasibility study was conducted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for the Underpass and the estimated project cost was Rs. 1357 Crore. An underpass was proposed to be constructed in the airport area that would have reduced the distance by around 10 km for people coming from Panchkula or Himachal Pradesh.

However the project was dropped due to its huge capital cost investment citing its severe economic stress. Proposal also faced objections from the Indian Airport Authorities because an underpass below operational surface of IAF station would not be acceptable for security reasons.

Road connectivity along the boundary wall of the IAF station was also proposed after clearing all obstruction within its 100 mtrs. This would have reduced distance by 8-9 kms. However, it involves acquisition as well as demolition of illegal construction. Due to this & various other reasons the road connectivity projects also hangs in air. 

Sh. Kaushal said that in view of the delay in implementation & non-finalisation of any proposal despite various meetings between the stake holders, Haryana Government had proposed the POD Car connectivity at a much less cost, including of land. He said that the current connectivity to International terminal is such that Passengers coming from the Himachal Pradesh, Panchkula, Ambala side to International Airport have to cover much longer distance to reach to the new international terminal. They have to cross a choke point where at times one has to waste 30-45 minutes.

        Sh. Kaushal said that the POD Car proposal is easy to implement and less time consuming for the passengers to reach new terminal from the old terminal. Thus, it is proposed to connect old terminal with international terminal by PRT POD Car. Passengers will take 8-10 minutes by PRT to reach International terminal from Domestic terminal.

He said that for better and efficient utilization of PRT system, multi-level car parking and cargo terminal can also be given the connectivity. Some cargo PODs can be deployed to carry cargo. PRT will be a safe and secure transit as it will move non-stop between two terminals. It can’t be forced stop in-between hence it addresses any security concerns, he added.

HMRTC has submitted the proposal in September last year to Chandigarh International Airport Ltd. (CHIAL) that HMRTC can take up this project as implementing agency. Chandigarh International Airport Ltd. (CHIAL) may give seed money and user charges only as CHIAL shall be the major beneficiary of the ibid project.

Board of HMRTC in its 46th Board meeting held on 08.10.2021 accorded the approval to the proposal submitted by HMRTC and further resolved that, “in the light of the directions of the Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court given while taking suo moto cognizance with respect to further development plans of Chandigarh, to develop public transport system in the form of Mono Rail / Metro Rail etc. which would effectively and seamlessly connect Chandigarh with adjoining towns / cities, a DO reference from Chairperson HMRTC-cum-Chief Secretary Haryana may be sent to His Excellency Governor of Punjab-cum-Administrator Chandigarh Administration for taking up of the project under Tricity Council.”

According to the proposal POD car capacity is of 6 seater with ample space for luggage. However, the capacity can be changed as per the requirement.

The Chandigarh International Airport caters to six domestic airlines and connects Chandigarh to 18 domestic destinations besides International connectivity to Dubai and Sharjah

IEP Chandigarh, September 13

Highlighting the salient features of Punjab’s industrial friendly policies, Punjab Investment Promotions Minister Anmol Gagan Mann today sought a special industrial package for Punjab.

          Addressing the Board of Trade meeting held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Ms. Mann said that being a border state, Punjab is facing hardships which will be mitigated by opening old land trade routes with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. She asserted that it is the need of the hour to open new and old trade routes to further bolster the country’s economy as this is convenient and affordable for all traders of the region. Besides, this will also provide much needed marketing opportunities swiftly for perishable goods. She apprised that Punjab is predominantly an agrarian economy with a large number of its populace dependent on agriculture and opening the land trade routes with neighbouring countries will immensely benefitted for our trade communities as well as farmers.

          The Cabinet Minister also laid thrust on the need for solutions to remove pesticides residues in crops so that our crop of Basmati will dominate again in Europian and other markets. She also addressed various pertinent topics for Punjab like immediate approvals for the various proposals from Government of India. While extending red carpet welcome towards industrial honchos, Ms. Mann said that Punjab’s connectivity in terms of road, railways and airways, friendly labour relations with no domicile restrictions and uninterrupted power supply are conducive for entrepreneurs to set up their operations in Punjab. She said that the simplified single window systems of Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion and time-bound incentives have enabled the Punjab Government in creating a liberal and industry-friendly environment in the State. She said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as the most preferred destination for investment in the country.

          Punjab Investment Promotion Minister emphasised on logistics support from Railways for Kinnow Growers if Fazilka. She demanded special train to transport these types of perishable goods. She exhorted to import special wax to preserve fruits and vegetables for long period.

          Notably, this meeting was aimed to discuss ways to boost the country’s exports. The Board is an advisory body on the foreign trade policy.

IEP Chandigarh, September 13

Highlighting the salient features of Punjab’s industrial friendly policies, Punjab Investment Promotions Minister Anmol Gagan Mann today sought a special industrial package for Punjab.

          Addressing the Board of Trade meeting held in New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Ms. Mann said that being a border state, Punjab is facing hardships which will be mitigated by opening old land trade routes with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. She asserted that it is the need of the hour to open new and old trade routes to further bolster the country’s economy as this is convenient and affordable for all traders of the region. Besides, this will also provide much needed marketing opportunities swiftly for perishable goods. She apprised that Punjab is predominantly an agrarian economy with a large number of its populace dependent on agriculture and opening the land trade routes with neighbouring countries will immensely benefitted for our trade communities as well as farmers.

          The Cabinet Minister also laid thrust on the need for solutions to remove pesticides residues in crops so that our crop of Basmati will dominate again in Europian and other markets. She also addressed various pertinent topics for Punjab like immediate approvals for the various proposals from Government of India. While extending red carpet welcome towards industrial honchos, Ms. Mann said that Punjab’s connectivity in terms of road, railways and airways, friendly labour relations with no domicile restrictions and uninterrupted power supply are conducive for entrepreneurs to set up their operations in Punjab. She said that the simplified single window systems of Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion and time-bound incentives have enabled the Punjab Government in creating a liberal and industry-friendly environment in the State. She said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government Punjab has today emerged as the most preferred destination for investment in the country.

          Punjab Investment Promotion Minister emphasised on logistics support from Railways for Kinnow Growers if Fazilka. She demanded special train to transport these types of perishable goods. She exhorted to import special wax to preserve fruits and vegetables for long period.

          Notably, this meeting was aimed to discuss ways to boost the country’s exports. The Board is an advisory body on the foreign trade policy.

IEP Chandigarh, September 12, 2022

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday issued directions to compile data about the total number of outsourced employees and their contractors/outsourcing agencies hired by all the departments of the Punjab government.`        During a meeting held in a pleasant atmosphere with the ‘Theka Mulazam Sangharsh Morcha’ at his office here, the Finance Minister discussed their issues and demands with the concerned officials on the spot so that appropriate solutions could be worked out at the earliest.          Hearing the grievances of the outsourced employees, Cheema issued directions to compile a complete data base of the employees outsourced by all government departments and corporations, societies and committees etc. He said that the qualification and experience of these employees shall also be included in the data. The Finance Minister also asked to provide complete information regarding total financial expenses incurred on hiring these employees through outsourcing including the commission of the concerned outsourcing companies or agencies.          During the department wise discussion with the representatives of Morcha, the finance minister assured them that all their legitimate issues will be resolved soon. He said that he will discuss their issues with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after receiving compiled information from all the departments.          Rajat Agarwal, Secretary Personnel, Mohit Tewari, Special Secretary Finance, Vipul Ujwal, HoD, Water Supply and Sanitation were also present in the meeting.

IEP SAS Nagar/ Chandigarh September 12, 2022

Aman can achieve a big goal with his perseverance and hard work.  You are all natives of Punjab, and the Punabis are known for their hard work who have marked their identity in every field at the national and international level.  I have full hope that in the next few years the players of Punjab will raise the name of their state and country in the whole world by winning medals at the national and international level.  This is the first time that this large-scale sports tournament is being organized by the Aam Aadmi Party government in the state.  This statement was made by Madam Anmol Gagan Mann, Minister of Tourism and Culture Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour and Grievance Redressal today at Multi Purpose Sports Stadium Sector 78 of SAS Nagar   while inaugurating the district level tournaments under ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Deyan 2022’ being organized by the Punjab Government.Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer Sports Minister also participated in this event.  He encouraged the children and said that such an environment for sports had never been created in Punjab before.  He said that the success of these games can be estimated from the fact that in the block where there were not more than 200 players, now about 3500 players have been registered in these games at the block level, while in Derabasi block alone 4200 players have registered themselves for particiapting in the games.  He congratulated the district administration, coaches, teachers and district sports department for successfully organizing these games.  He said that seeing the enthusiasm of the players, we hope that in the next 5-7 years, big players of international level will emerge from Punjab.  He said that the Aam Aadmi Party government is trying day and night to revive the spirit of sports in Punjab and we hope that Punjab will soon become the number one state in the field of sports in India.On this occasion, MLA Derabassi Mr. Kuljit Singh Randhawa also addressed and congratulated the participating players, coaches and their teachers.  Deputy Commissioner Mr. Amit Talwar welcomed the chief guest and special guests who arrived at the function on this occasion. An oath was also taken by the players for the purpose of playing games with sportsmanship.  During the program, a cultural program was also presented by Jugni Culture and Welfare Club, under which Punjab’s martial art Gatke performance and Bhangra, Giddha were also presented.           On this occasion Additional Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Amaninder Kaur Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner ( Urban Development) Ms. Pooja S Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Mrs. Avneet Kaur, SDM Mohali Mrs. Sarabjit Kaur, District Sports Officer Mrs. Gurdeep Kaur, Chairman of Youth Development and Sports Board Parminder Singh Goldi,  Aam Aadmi Party district in-charge Madam Prabhjot Kaur, school students, coaches, teachers and city residents were present in large numbers.