Tag Archives: PUNJAB

Chandigarh

Amity University Punjab signs MoU with Punjab Innovation Mission

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IEP Mohali

In a significant development aimed at fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation among the students of 

 Punjab, Amity University Punjab and Punjab Innovation Mission have joined hands by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“This strategic partnership is set to unleash a new era of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and support for budding entrepreneurs and innovators in the region,” said Prof R K Kohli, Vice Chancellor, Amity University Punjab.
The signing ceremony, held at Amity University Punjab, was attended by key representatives from both Amity University Punjab and Punjab Innovation Mission.  The MoU signifies a commitment to work together in various domains, sharing best practices, knowledge, and resources with each other, to nurture and empower the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Punjab.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Shopkeepers told to strictly adhere to FSSAI Measures

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IEP Chandigarh

In consonance of the directions given by the Deputy Commissioner Mrs Aashika Jain to ensure the quality of food products in wake of festive season, a food safety team led by Sub Divisional Magistrate, Mohali, Ms Chandrajyoti Singh carried out surprise checks at sweetmeat shops of Banur on Wednesday.

Divulging the details, the SDM Mohali said that the inspection was aimed at ensuring the quality and standards of the manufacturing of sweets as per the guidelines laid down under the Food Safety and Standards Act of India. 

Chandigarh

Punjab Vigilance bureau arrests absconding inspector in Rs 20 lakh bribe case

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IEP Chandigarh, August 24

          Amidst the ongoing anti-corruption drive in the state, Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Thursday arrested absconding Inspector Khem Chand Prashar from Ferozepur in connection with a bribery case of Rs 20 lakh for re-nominating a person— who was given a clean chit, in a 2019 murder case of Mahant Dayal Das.  This is a second arrest in the case. Notably, the latter was shot dead by two unknown persons at Dera Baba Harka Das in village Kotsukhia in Kotkapura on November 7, 2019.

          Following this, the murder case was registered at Police Station Sadar Kotkapura against two unknown persons and Sant Jarnail Das Kapurewale and others on the complaint of Sant Gagan Das, who is a disciple of Sant Baba Haridas. Later, accused Sant Jarnail Das was given a clean chit by DSP HQs Moga Ravinder Singh. Later, Punjab and Haryana High Court had summoned IGP Faridkot Range Pardeep Kumar Yadav to file an affidavit in the case. Thereafter, the IGP had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) headed by SP (D) Faridkot Gagnesh Kumar comprising members including DSP Faridkot Sushil Kumar, DSP Baghapurana Jasjot Singh and Inspector Khem Chand Prashar.

          Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that in November 2022, SP Gagnesh Kumar, DSP Sushil Kumar and Inspector Khem Chand had demanded Rs 50 lakh as a bribe from Sant Gagan Das to re-nominate and arrest Sant Jarnail Das Kapurewale and to help him (Gagan Das) in this case. The deal was settled at Rs 35 lakh and the said officers had taken Rs 20 lakh in two instalments— Rs 15 lakh and Rs 5 lakh on November 9, 2022 and November 11, 2022 respectively.

          In this regard, an FIR no. 64 Dated 02.06.2023 under sections of 07, 07-A, 08, 13-1 (B) of Prevention of Corruption Act and 120-B of IPC was registered against SP Gagnesh Kumar, DSP Sushil Kumar, Inspector Khem Chand Prashar, Sant Malkiat Dass, Dera Bir Sikhan Wala and Contractor Jaswinder Singh Jassi at Police Station Sadar Kotkapura on the enquiry of DIG, Ferozepur, he added.

          The spokesperson said that the Police teams from Vigilance Bureau Ferozepur Range have already arrested DSP Sushil Kumar and now, he is in judicial custody. Baba Malkiat Dass also surrendered in the court of Addition District Judge, Faridkot on 23-08-2023. Today VB has arrested absconding Inspector Khem Chand Prashar and he will be produced in the court tomorrow.

          The VB team has launched a manhunt to arrest the remaining accused of the case at the earliest, he added.

Chandigarh

SPEAKER CONVENES HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO SPEED UP PROCESS FOR THE EARLY SETTLEMENT OF CASE RELATED TO DEWAN TODER MAL HAVELI

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IEP Chandigarh, June 13

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today directed the officials of the Culture, Archaeology and Museums Department to speed up the process for the early settlement of the case, currently pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, related to the historical haveli of Diwan Todar Mal in Fatehgarh Sahib.Presiding over the meeting to ensure proper upkeep and preservation of the haveli in Vidhan Sabha, the Speaker emphasized that Diwan Todar Mal raised the voice for the protection of human rights following the ideology of our great Guru Sahib. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned to preserve the haveli in it’s original form.S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan also assured the Secretary, Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee Bhai Sukhwinder Singh and his legal team that besides taking action for the early resolution of the case, the state government will file a application in the court for the preservation of the haveli in the upcoming monsoon season.The Speaker directed the Secretary of the Culture, Archaeology, and Museums Mr. Gurkirat Kripal Singh that considering the seriousness of the matter, he should take appropriate action for ensuring prompt hearing of the case in the High Court. Deputy Commissioner of Fatehgarh Sahib Smt. Praneet Shergill was also directed to make arrangements including boundary wall, parking, and cleanliness for the sangat coming to the haveli. The Deputy Commissioner apprised that district administration is making arrangements for the drainage of rainwater as per the directions of the High Court.S. Sandhwan asked the Additional Advocate General Mr. Sumandeep Singh Walia to designate a dedicated advocate from the Advocate General’s office for the proper follow up of the case.Bhai Lakhwinder Singh Kahneke, President, Diwan Todar Mal Virasati Foundation brought to the notice that if the restoration work of this heritage building is not done expeditiously, the building itself might deteriorate rapidly.Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included; MLA Fatehgarh Sahib S. Lakhbir Singh Rai, MLA Bassi Pathana S. Rupinder Singh, Shiromani Committee lawyer Ms. Puneet Kaur Sekhon, Additional Advocate General Mr. Sumandeep Singh Walia.

Uncategorized

CM BATS FOR LAUNCHING A MASS MOVEMENT TO PRESERVE WATER AND ENVIRONMENT IN THE STATE

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IEP SAS Nagar (Mohali), June 5

Underlining the need for providing a sustainable environment to the future generations, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday gave a clarion call for launching a mass movement to preserve water and environment in the state.

The Chief Minister, while chairing a state level function to mark World Environment Day, expressed deep concern over the depleting ground water table and polluting environment in the state. He said that immediate remedial steps are required to save the only precious and scarce natural resource of Punjab in terms of water along with checking the environmental pollution. Bhagwant Mann said that this cannot be done by the government alone but people’s participation is must by launching a vigorous mass awareness campaign to sensitize them about its significance especially in wake of global warming.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus and saints, who have shown us the way to preserve the environment. While quoting the Gurbani, he said that the verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ explains how our great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Unfortunately, Bhagwant Mann said that the words of the great Gurus have not been honoured by us, as we have polluted all these three, he added. 

The Chief Minister said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in letter and spirit to restore the glory of the state. While slamming the opposition parties for blatantly ignoring the environmental issues, He said that as water, air and land had no votes so these leaders ignored them. Bhagwant Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society adding that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment.

Showing deep concern over the gravity of the emerging situation following the fast depleting water table, the Chief Minister said almost all the blocks in the state are in the dark zone as far as the groundwater is concerned. Bhagwant Mann said that it has happened due to reckless pumping of water in fields adding that the trend needs to be checked immediately so that our future generations do-not have to strive for water.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is taking massive steps for optimum utilisation of the canal water to save the groundwater. He said that at present Punjab is using only 33%-34% of its canal water adding that this will be enhanced in the coming days. Bhagwant Mann envisioned that if Punjab can enhance the canal water utilisation to 60% in first phase then nearly four lakh tubewells out of total 14 lakh can be stopped thereby helping in saving water.

The Chief Minister also cited the example of Telangana for water conservation and said that it is a revolutionary model that is aimed at recharging the water table holistically. He said that the Telangana government has constructed small dams in the villages for conserving the ground water across the state. Bhagwant Mann said that as a result of this the ground water level has increased upto four metres in the villages.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister dedicated the newly constructed ultra-modern building having world class instrumentation to the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator (PBTI) in Knowledge City. He envisioned that the unique facility will be extensively used for testing of food, agri, water, environment and health sectors for pesticides residues, heavy metals, food additives/adulterants etc. Apart from this, Bhagwant Mann also flagged off a Mobile van for onsite testing of food and water samples, developed by PBTI under Mission Tandrust Punjab.

In addition, an amount of Rs. 50 Crore for undertaking various Eco-Restoration Works was also allotted by the Chief Minister to the Department of Local Government (Rs. 45.45 Crore), Department of Rural Development & Panchayats (Rs. 3.92 Crore) and Department of Punjab Pollution Control Board (Rs. 63 Lacs). He also virtually inaugurated the Electricity Gallery at Pushpa Gujral Science City, Kapurthala and a Paddy Straw based Palletization Unit, Patiala developed with the technical and financial support of Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST).

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also conferred first edition of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Annual Environment Award today to four organizations namely Gram Panchayat, Village Balloh, District Bathinda in the category of “Gram Panchayat”; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar in the category of “Institution”; ITC Ltd (Foods Division), Kapurthala in the category of “Industry” and Kheti Virasat Mission, Jaitu, District Faridkot in the category of “NGO/Social Organization”. The Award included a cash prize of Rs. 1 Lac, a certificate of appreciation and silver plate memento to each organization. Bhagwant Mann also felicitated six grass root level innovators involved in development of low cost indigenous technologies and processes with their own ingenuity and know-how and also.

The Chief Minister also distributed Allotment Letters under the internship scheme of PBTI for skilling students of life sciences stream in latest high end techniques & instrumentation facilities and under PBTI’s Incubation Scheme for boosting startup ecosystem in the area of life sciences, biotechnology and allied sectors to transforms their ideas into commercially viable solutions.

On the occasion Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Rajya Sabha MP Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and others were also present.

Punjab

Punjab govt to make policy against exploitation of women in abroad: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Send the women of Punjab to foreign countries that the exploitation of them is being taken seriously by the state Government.  In this regard, the state Government is holding a discussion with the victims under the chairmanship of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on June 11 in Jalandhar to draw up a state-level policy to prevent the exploitation of women.

           Giving more information, the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to protect the rights of women of Punjab who are willing to go abroad, have settled there or have returned.  Special attention is being given by the Punjab Government.

           She said that some agents are giving fake jobs and falsely sending the women of the state to foreign countries illegally. By making statements, they are exploited in various ways.  Efforts are being made by the Punjab Government to prepare a state level policy to overcome this situation.  She said that to listen to the tragedies of women who have suffered all kinds of exploitation in this policy and to include their suggestions in the policy, a discussion is being organized on June 11 at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar from 11 AM to 1 PM.

           The minister explained that incidents of exploitation of women are reported especially from America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Middle Eastern countries like Kuwait, Dubai, Oman etc.  She said that such bad behavior has been taken seriously by the state Government.

           The minister said that women who have been duped by NRI persons/agents/relatives have been given an open invitation to join this discussion.  She said that various Deputy Commissioners of the state have also written letters to such women from their districts, who have been victims of exploitation abroad, to participate in this discussion.  For more information contact phone number: 0181-2253285, 70092-39158 and Sakhi One Stop Centre, Jalandhar 90231-31010.

Punjab

Cabinet Minister Anmol Gagan Mann reviews the development works of different wards of Kharar city

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Investment Promotion and Hospitality Minister Anmol Gagan Mann on Monday reviewed the development works of various wards of Kharar city.  On this occasion, the residents of Kharar informed the minister about their various problems.  Taking the problems of the people seriously, the minister solved most of the problems on the spot.  Apart from this, the officials of various departments were asked to take quick action by issuing necessary guidelines to solve the remaining problems.

          Giving more information in this regard, the minister said that efforts are being made by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to develop the Kharar constituency. Referring to the development works of Kharar city, the minister said that adequate arrangements have been made for the drainage of rainwater in Kharar city, so that water will not enter people’s houses during the rainy season.

          Speaking about the scarcity of drinking water in Kharar city, the minister said that the project of providing canal water to Kharar city is progressing rapidly and will be completed very soon. She also mentioned that water supply to Zone A of Kharar will start soon. Furthermore, the work of setting up 5 sewerage treatment plants in Kharar city is about to begin. In addition, 6 tube wells in Kharar city, which have been running on generators for the past three years, have now been connected to the electricity. Moreover, tenders have been published for the installation of 6 new tube wells and the process is expected to be completed soon.

          She informed that more than 20,000 saplings will soon be planted by the forest department to make Kharar city greener. Minister assured that the development project will not face any shortage of funds.

          The minister appealed to the people to actively participate in the development of Kharar. She emphasized the importance of people monitoring the government’s development works to ensure that they are carried out according to the prescribed standards. She also stated that any form of corruption in development works will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against any such cases that come to light.

          On this occasion, SDM Kharar Ravinder Singh, Executive officer of Kharar Gurdeep Singh, Chairman of the Market Committee Hakam Singh, Labour Coordinator Raghbir Singh, Avtar Singh, Daljit Singh Jhungian and other dignitaries were present.

Punjab

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY:

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Rs 166 Crore released for Solid Waste Management and Liquid Waste management in villages of Punjab: Jimpa

IEP Chandigarh, June 05

          On World Environment Day, Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been committed to protect the environment and has so far released Rs. 166 crore for Liquid Waste Management and Solid Waste Management in the villages of the state.

          While celebrating World Environment Day here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa said that the water supply and sanitation department has been playing a pivotal role in checking solid and liquid pollutants by opting various initiatives in the villages of the state. He said Rs 13496.33 lacs has been released so far for Liquid Waste Management in the 2950 villages of the state. “To manage the solid waste Rs. 3116.89 crore has been released for Solid Waste Management in 4374 villages”, he added.

          Stressing on the significance of waste management in protecting environment, Mr. Jimpa said that the waste produced nowadays includes non-biodegradable and inorganic elements, and if this waste is disposed of in landfills, it will decompose unnaturally and will take a lot of time. “Waste management is important as it saves the environment from the toxic effects of inorganic and biodegradable element present in waste. Mismanagement of waste can cause water contamination, soil erosion and air contamination”, he added.

          Later, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa led the team of officials and employees of the Water Supply and sanitation department in taking the pledge to bring every possible change in their routine habits for protecting the environment besides encouraging others to follow environment-friendly practices. He said that the climate change and global warming are the main challenges before the world and mankind, and it can be tackled only with the contribution of everyone in per own capacity. He said that most people were well aware of the causes of environmental pollution, thus, everyone should contribute in the protection of the environment by bringing changes in daily activities and behaviours. He appealed to the employees of the department to set an example for the people around them by saving water, ensuring the timely repair of water leaks, proper waste management, stopping single-use plastic, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D K Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mohd. Ishfaq were also present on this occasion.

Punjab

Jimpa directs Water Supply and Sanitation Department to complete all schemes in timebound manner

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IEP Chandigarh, June 5

          Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa during a meeting with the employees of the head office of Water Supply and Sanitation Department in Patiala, gave instructions to ensure the completion all the schemes of the department in a timebound manner. On this occasion, Mr. Jimpa rejected the apprehension expressed by these employees regarding shifting of the head office of the department and entire staff from Patiala to SAS Nagar.

          During this meeting held here at Punjab Bhavan on Monday, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa asked the employees posted at the head office to boost their performance. He said that any delay in the completion of the schemes initiated by the department to provide better services to the people of the state would not be tolerated.

          Meanwhile, reiterating the commitment towards the welfare of the employees of the department, the Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that the employees can meet him anytime to resolve any of their issues. He noted with concern that 95 cases of the jobs at the compassionate ground were pending since long at the head office along with the cases related to the promotion of employees of C and D categories. He said the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of every section of the society and any undue delay in such cases would not be tolerated.  He directed the employees of the head office to take swift action in all such cases.

          On this occasion, rejecting the apprehension of the employees of the head office that this office and its entire staff were being shifted from Patiala to SAS Nagar, Mr. Jimpa said that there is a proposal to build Jal Bhavan at Mohali where HoD office would be shifted. “Apart from the setting up conference hall and digital presentation of the department, arrangements will be made for important meetings with the persons visiting state capital for work related to the department in this Jal Bhawan”, he added.

          Prominent amongst others, Principal Secretary DWSS Mr. D.K. Tiwari and Special Secretary DWSS Mr. Mohammad Ishfaq were also present in this meeting.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Universities of Punjab shines in Khelo India University Games

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IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          In the Khelo India University Games held in Uttar Pradesh, the Universities of Punjab have shined. Four Universities of the State occupied the first five places in the final medal tally. Panjab University Chandigarh became the overall champion while Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar was the runner-up. Punjabi University Patiala secured the fourth position and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib secured the fifth position.

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hare congratulated all the winning players and Universities for this achievement and attributed it to the students, their parents, coaches and higher officials of the Universities and sports departments.

          Meet Hayer said that this is a big boost to the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to again make Punjab number one state in the country in the field of sports. Under the directives of the Chief Minister, a platform has been provided to the sportspersons to progress in the form of Khedan Watan Punjab Deya in the state.

          Panjab University Chandigarh, won a total of 69 medals with 26 gold, 17 silver and 26 bronze medals. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, which came second, bagged a total of 68 medals with 24 gold, 27 silver and 17 bronze medals, Punjabi University, Patiala, which came fourth, bagged a total of 34 medals with 12 gold, 14 silver and 8 bronze medals and Guru Kashi University Damdama Sahib, which came in fifth place, won a total of 28 medals with 9 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals.