Tag Archives: PUNJAB

Punjab to rationalise staff in Rural Development & Panchayats Dept

IEP Chandigarh, June 4

          Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Sunday, said that the rationalization of the staff of Rural Development and Panchayats department will be done soon to speed up the work at the ground level.

          Rural Development and Panchayats Minister said, it has come to his notice that additional staff was deployed in many districts, whereas other districts are struggling to complete their task in a timely manner due to lack of staff.

          The Cabinet Minister directed the Finance Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Mr. K. Siva Prasad and Director RD&P Mr. Gurpreet Singh Khaira to provide lists of staff of all the wings within two days so as to ensure the deployment of staff in required number in all the districts.

          S. Bhullar said that 73 regular BDPOs are working in total 153 blocks in the state, while 80 posts of BDPOs are vacant. Likewise, 97 blocks of the state are sans Senior Assistant (Accounts).

          S. Laljit Singh Bhullar also asked the authorities to provide the lists of DDPOs and BDPOs working in the same district for past several years. Besides this, the officials have also been asked to provide the number of vacant posts of BDPOs of direct and promotional quota and make arrangements at the earliest to fill these posts.

Spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” showcases in Telangana Foundation Day Celebration at Punjab Raj Bhawan

IEP Chandigarh, June 2

Fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat” (One India, Great India), the Telangana Foundation Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm at Punjab Raj Bhawan. 

The event organized jointly by Punjab Raj Bhawan and the Administration  of  UT, Chandigarh, served as a platform to celebrate the oneness of India and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh Banwari Lal Purohit, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh emphasized the significance of promoting cultural exchange and fostering harmonious coexistence. He said that the strength of our country lies in its unity, where each state contributes to the rich fabric of our collective identity.

He said that Telangana is the youngest state in the country. The formation of Telangana marked a historic moment in our country’s journey towards decentralization and inclusive governance. He added that Telangana is a state where traditions and customs blend seamlessly with modernity. The region is known for its Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb culture (Hindu-Muslim culture being practiced together).

The evening unfolded with a vibrant cultural extravaganza that showcased the rich heritage of Telangana through mesmerizing dance performances and melodious music. The attendees were captivated by the graceful movements of the traditional folk dances, such as Gussadi and Lambadi, which resonated with the soul of Telangana. The melodies of the classical Carnatic music and the energetic beats of the dappu drum enthralled the audience, filling the air with an atmosphere of joy and celebration.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Arun Sood, President, BJP, Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India and Mr. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator, UT, Chandigarh.

Punjab Health Department to Organise Cycle Rallies across the state today: Dr. Balbir Singh

IEP Chandigarh, June 2

          To sensitise people about the benefits of adopting healthy lifestyle to keep the various lifestyle diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Stroke away, the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has directed to organise cycle rallies at all district headquarters and Health & Wellness Centres across state.

          It is pertinent to mention here that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are accounting for more than 63% deaths in the country. Out of which Cardiovascular diseases cause 27%, Cancer causes 9%, Respiratory Diseases 11% and Diabetes contributes to 3% of deaths in India. Most of these NCDs are strongly associated with major behaviour risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and air pollution.

          Dr. Balbir Singh said that in order to promote and inculcate a healthy lifestyle and to prevent such diseases, a Cycle Event would be organised on Saturday in all the districts of Punjab. The Health Minister has also instructed the Mass Education and Media wing of the Health Department to conduct various awareness activities regarding the importance of physical activity for good health at all Health & Wellness Centres on the occasion of “World Bicycle Day’ to promote physical and mental well-being through eco friendly conveyance.

          Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Adarshpal Kaur informed that “Cycling is a low-impact exercise and incorporating cycling into our exercise routine or as a recreational activity can benefit people of all ages and improve their quality of life. Cycling can also help us beat a sedentary lifestyle. “The activity in the state shall be organised under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and theme of the day will be ‘Cycle for Health’.” She added.

          Assistant Director cum State Programme Officer Dr. Sandeep Singh Gill said that the focus has now shifted from communicable diseases to the non communicable diseases as NCDs are now more prevalent and cause more deaths. These diseases can be prevented by following healthy lifestyle habits.

FATEHGARH SAHIB DACOITY CASE: PUNJAB POLICE’S AGTF ARRESTS TWO MAIN ACCUSED AFTER BRIEF EXCHANGE OF FIRE; THREE PISTOLS RECOVERED

CHANDIGARH/FATEHGARH SAHIB, June 1:

          Amidst the ongoing drive against anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) of Punjab Police in a joint operation with Fatehgarh Sahib Police have successfully cracked the daylight dacoity in Fatehgarh Sahib with the arrest of two criminals after a brief exchange of fire, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Gurpreet Singh of village Johal Dhai Wala in Tarn Taran and Harpreet Singh of village Bantara in Tarn Taran. Both the accused persons were involved in the loot of Rs 40.8 lakh from an employee of a petrol pump in Bhatmajra village of Fatehgarh Sahib.

          Police teams have also recovered three .32 bore pistols along with live cartridges from the possession of both the accused persons.

          Giving details, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a team of AGTF headed by ADGP Promod Ban got a reliable input that persons involved in the daylight dacoity are expected to visit village Macchli Khurd to pick their car, which was used to commit the crime.

          Following the information, a team from AGTF led by AIG Sandeep Goel, DSP Bikram Brar and DSP Rajan Parminder along with local Fatehgarh Sahib Police laid a trap and signalled the car to stop. “Instead of stopping the car, people sitting in the car opened fire at the police party, prompting Police parties to retaliate,” he said.

          After a brief exchange of fire, the DGP said that Police teams have managed to overpower both the accused persons, who have sustained bullet injuries on their legs. Both the accused persons have been undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he added.

          Meanwhile, a fresh case FIR no. 115 dated 1-6-2023 has been registered under sections 307 and 473 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Kharar.

State-Level Event for Women Journalists to be Held in Patiala Next Year: Chetan Singh Jaura Majra

Chandigarh, June 1

          The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, remains committed to granting women their due status and respect. In line with this objective, Chetan Singh Jaura Majra, Minister of Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, Information and Public Relations, and Minister of Horticulture, along with Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, and Social Security, Women and Child Development, attended the National Women Journalist Conference at the Press Club Chandigarh today.

          During the event, Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra emphasized the indispensable role of women in society. The aim of this conference is to instill courage and enthusiasm among women who are successfully excelling in the field of journalism today. He announced that a state-level event for women journalists will be held in Patiala next year. The purpose of this gathering is to create a platform for women journalists to discuss the challenges they encounter in their profession and foster an environment conducive to finding solutions.

          Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra further expressed his profound respect for women, emphasizing their pivotal roles as mothers, sisters, and wives in society. He stressed that the progress of society is unattainable without the active involvement of women and urged everyone to honor and respect them.

          Regarding women’s safety, Minister Chetan Singh Jaura Majra acknowledged that even fathers, including himself, feel insecure about their daughters’ safety, regardless of their own professional roles. He condemned those who disregard the dignity of women and affirmed that the government is making comprehensive efforts to ensure women’s safety.

          Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, highlighted that today’s era is no longer dominated by males, as women are increasingly participating in various fields. She commended women for their exemplary contributions, whether in their domestic duties or outside responsibilities. Dr. Baljit Kaur viewed the present era as an opportunity for women to excel in all spheres of life. Encouraging women journalists, she emphasized their diverse skills and urged them to step forward and elevate their reputation in society.

          During the event, women journalists shared their experiences, addressing the challenges they face in their profession, and presented a list of demands to Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jodi Majra. The minister assured them that their legitimate demands would be met. Additionally, women journalists from Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Delhi, and Odisha were honored.

PUNJAB-HARYANA MEETS OVER GRANTS FOR PANJAB UNIVERSITY

Chandigarh, June 1

          Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to avert any change in the nature and character of the Panjab University, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the university is heritage of the state and any sort of change in it will not be tolerated.

          The Chief Minister, who participated in a meeting with the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Banwari Lal Purohit and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar here today, said that the Punjab government is committed to safeguard the rights of the state and its people. Bhagwant Mann, who firmly placed on record the facts pertaining to the university, said that this premier educational institute has an emotional place in the hearts of the people of Punjab on account of historical, cultural and provincial reasons. He said that Panjab University is a symbol of Punjab’s legacy and is synonymous with the name of the State.

           The Chief Minister said that the University caters only to the state of Punjab and its capital Chandigarh. Citing the history of the University, its constitution, its ethnic, socio-cultural and historical roots as well as its faculty and students who hail primarily from the state of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann said that it is important that the present legal and administrative status of the Panjab University should be preserved. He reminded that at the time of the reorganization of the State of Punjab in 1966, Panjab University was declared as an ‘Inter State Body Corporate’ under section 72(1) of the Punjab Reorganization Act 1966 enacted by the Parliament.

          The Chief Minister said that ever since its inception, the Panjab University has been continuously and uninterruptedly functioning in the State of Punjab. Bhagwant Mann recalled that it was shifted from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab, to Hoshiarpur and then to Chandigarh the present capital of Punjab. He said that at present 175 colleges of Punjab situated in the districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib and S.B.S Nagar are affiliated with the Panjab University.

Mool Chand Sharma to unfurl the national flag in Palwal on R-Day

IEP Chandigarh

The Haryana government has made some changes in the programme of guests unfurling the national flag at various places in the state on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26.

        An official spokesperson said that Transport Minister, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma will unfurl the national flag in Palwal, Cooperative Minister, Sh. Banwari Lal in Narnaul, Minister of State for Labour, Sh.  Anoop Dhanak in Jind, MP Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar in Uchana, MP Sh. D.P. Vats in Fatehabad, MLA Sh. Narender Gupta in Hathin and MLA Sh. Amarjeet Dhanda in Jullana.

        Similarly, MLA Sh. Sanjay Singh will unfurl the national flag in Bawal, MLA Sh. Jogi Ram Sihag in Ratia, MLA Sh. Bishamber Singh Balmiki in Bawani Khera, MLA Sh. Abhe Singh Yadav in Nangal Chaudhary, MLA Sh. Gopal Kanda in Manesar and MLA Sh. Satya Prakash Jrawta in Pataudi.

        The spokesperson further said that MLA Sh. Sitaram Yadav will unfurl the national flag in Beri, MLA Sh. Dharampal Gondar in Nilokheri, MLA Sh. Vinod Bhayana in Siwani, MLA Sh. Laxman Napa in Narnaund, MLA Smt. Seema Trikha in Faridabad and Divisional Commissioner, Faridabad in Nuh. In case of any dignitaries/officers not able to reach the said places due to any reason; the concerned Deputy Commissioner/Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil/Tehsildar) would unfurl the national flag there, he added.

Chandigarh, January 22: Israel’s Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon said that the Centre of Excellence in horticulture set up under the Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project in Loharu’s Gignow village will also strengthen the democratic ties between the political relations of the two countries. Ambassador Naor Gilon was addressing on Sunday at the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for semi-arid horticulture built in about 50 acres of land at a cost of Rs 12.5 crore in Gignow village.

        He said that the farmers of Haryana are very hardworking; as a result of which priority is being given to establish the Centers of Excellence in India, especially in Haryana. “The main objective of setting up such centers is to develop new resources in the agriculture sector for the farmers. Now Israel’s technology and knowledge is being transferred and manufactured in India, giving further boost to the Make in India initiative,” he said, adding that through this centre, Israel-based agricultural techniques produced in India such as drip irrigation, mulching, green houses, etc will be demonstrated.

        Ambassador Naor Gilon further said that more than four crore plants of quality vegetables and five lakh plants of quality fruits are being prepared in the Centers of Excellence in horticulture built on Indo-Israel technology in India. Every year more than 1.20 lakh farmers are also getting training at these centers.

        Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Sh. JP Dalal said that Israel, despite being a small country, is a leader in many fields including agriculture and security. “Today other countries are also adopting the technology of this country. Israel has made its country a paradise by making the barren land fertile. Israel has given the whole world the technique of drip farming,” he added. He said that the budget for horticulture in Haryana has been increased 100 times from Rs 8 crore to Rs 800 crore. A target has been set to establish 500 FPOs in the state.

        Sh. JP Dalal said that by the year 2030, a target has been set for horticulture on 17 lakh acres of land. “The world’s largest vegetable market is being set up in Ganaur, which will be spread over 500 acres at the cost of Rs 2.5 thousand crores and will provide employment to thousands of people,” he asserted. He said that to reduce the risk in horticulture, Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana has been implemented, under which 46 crops have been covered. Apart from this, 21 horticulture crops have been included under Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.

        The Agriculture Minister further said that a maximum number of schemes for farmers in the country have been implemented in Haryana. He said that the Centre of Excellence at Loharu’s Gignow village would prove to be a milestone for the future of the farmers as well as the youth. Best quality varieties of guava, almond, date, pomegranate, pear, citrus, plum, dragon fruit, strawberry, avocado etc will be prepared in this centre. From this center, high quality vegetable seedlings will be available to the farmers at affordable rates. In this hi-tech green house, 30 to 40 lakh plants of vegetables will be prepared.

        He said that apart from this, mother blocks are being prepared for fruit plants. Besides, date palm, pomegranate, guava, almond, pear, citrus, jujube, pomegranate, dragon fruit and red blood malta plants are being planted in 20 acres. On the occasion, Madhya Pradesh’s Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister, Sh. Kamal Patel said that on the call of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the central government is laying emphasis on poison-free farming. Israeli Embassy’s agricultural expert Yair Eshel and Director General, Horticulture Dr. Arjun Singh Saini also addressed during the programme.

Chief Secretary instructs to prepare a comprehensive plan to explore ways and means of using paddy straw as animal fodder

IEP Chandigarh, January 20

The Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua has instructed to prepare a comprehensive plan to find ways and means to use the straw as animal fodder to dispose of the paddy straw in a proper manner and to make the farmers aware of it.Today, the Chief Secretary at the Punjab Civil Secretariat in a meeting with the officials of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, Cooperation, Agriculture, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary University for Animal Sciences, Ludhiana and Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, said that State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan is making in situ and ex situ arrangements for paddy straw management. In the same direction, straw is being used as a substitute for animal fodder.The Chief Secretary asked the expert representatives of the three departments and the two universities to form a committee to work in this regard by establishing contact with the progressive dairy farmers at different places in the state. He said that feedback should be taken from the livestock keepers who are already using it.Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Vikas Pratap briefed the Chief Secretary that by using this method, the management of stubble will be done in a smooth manner and the livestock farmers will also benefit financially. The Chief Secretary said that the farmers should be made aware through training centres of dairy development, Krishi Vigyan centre and Milk unions in this regard.The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Cooperatives Anurag Agarwal, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Vikas Pratap, MD Milkfed Amit Dhaka, Vice Chancellor Guru Angad Dev Veterinary University for Animal Sciences, Ludhiana Dr. Inderjit Singh, Director Animal Husbandry Department Ram Pal Mittal, Joint Director Agriculture Department Jagdish Singh and Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana Forage Breeder Incharge RS Suhu.

VIGILANCE ARRESTS THREE ABSCONDING AGENTS COLLUDING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTOR JALANDHAR

IEP Chandigarh November 27

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Saturday arrested three absconding accused agents who colluded with Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI), Jalandhar Naresh Kaler for issuing/receiving fitness certificates by taking huge bribes without conducting inspection of commercial and private vehicles. The VB has confiscated mobile phones and SIM cards of all accused which would be sent to data experts for getting more information about this case.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the arrested accused agents have been identified as Pankaj Dhingra @ Bholu resident of New Kailash Nagar, Sodal Road Jallandhar, Brijpal Singh @ Ricky resident of Kirshna Nagar, Jallandhar and Arvind Kumar @ Bindu resident of Upkar Nagar, Jallandhar. They would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and the VB would plead police remand for further investigation in this case, he added.

          Giving details he informed that the Bureau had conducted a surprise check in the office of MVI, Jalandhar and exposed an organized corruption for issuing fitness certificates for vehicles on a large scale in connivance with private agents.

          The spokesperson further added that the Bureau on the basis of sufficient evidence registered a case no 14 dated 23-08-2022 under section 7, 7A of prevention of corruption act and 420, 120-B of IPC at VB police station Jalandhar. In this case total 6 accused have already been arrested and in the jail which includes Naresh Kaler, Rampal alias Radhe, Mohan Lal alias Kalu, Paramjit Singh Bedi, Surrjit Singh and Harvinder Singh (All private agents). Further investigation of this case was under progress and the remaining absconding accused would be arrested soon, he added.

PUNJAB POLICE ARREST TWO RAJASTHAN-BASED DRUG SMUGGLERS WITH 13KG HEROIN IN AMRITSAR

IEP CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, November 21

          As part of the ongoing decisive war against drugs launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Police on Monday arrested two Rajasthan-based drug smugglers after recovering 13 Kg heroin from their possession near Verka Bypass in Amritsar, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here.

          Those arrested have been identified as Sukhvir Singh alias Kala and Binder Singh alias Bindu, both resident of Rajasthan.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the Counter Intelligence Amritsar had received information from a reliable source that two persons traveling in a bus were trying to smuggle a huge quantity of heroin to Rajasthan and they are expected to depart from a bus near Verka Bypass. Following inputs, a case on secret information was registered under relevant sections of the NDPS act, he added.

          He said that the Police team led by AIG CI Amarjit Singh Bajwa conducted a Special Police Naka near Verka Bypass to lay a trap and successfully arrested both accused persons when they alighted from the bus with a bag carrying 13Kg heroin.

          AIG Amarjit Singh Bajwa said that further investigations, in this case, are on to find out the source and where the drug haul was supposed to be delivered.

          Meanwhile, a case FIR no. 34 dated 21.11.2022 has been registered under sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.