Tag Archives: PUNJAB

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

EXPERIENCE CLAUSE ABOLISHED TO ENCOURAGE NEW ENTERPRENEURS

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 22, 2022

Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann for revamping the various policies/procedures in the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, the Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today gave approval to the revised Tender specifications for purchase of Tarpaulins used to protect paddy stocks against inclement weather.  

The revised tender Terms and Conditions have now been brought broadly in sync with the Terms and Conditions approved by the FCI for its own purchases across the country. 

In order to encourage new entrepreneurs, the policy has now done away with the experience clause, opening the doors for new industrial units to bid for the tenders. Further, in order to encourage wider participation, suppliers, who are authorised by the Principal Manufacturers, have also been allowed to participate in the tender process.  This is expected to increase the competition since it was felt that manufacturers, who are located far away, often did not participate in the tender process. 

The minimum quantity of tarpaulins to be offered by the bidder has  been reduced in order to encourage smaller industries to participate in the tender process. The tenders shall continue to be called on the e-tendering website of Punjab Government to ensure complete transparency. 

Comprehensive inspection protocols have also been introduced to check the quality of the Tarpaulins being supplied. These include inspections in both factory premises as well as delivery point, making these protocols even more stringent than those adopted by FCI.

Recognising the monetary benefit of the existing specifications for Tarpaulins, which provide for usage of 2 years,, the state specifications have been retained. It may be noted that for the past many years, the Punjab Government has it’s own specifications for Tarpaulins, which offer a significant financial saving to the Government over Tarpaulins purchased with FCI specifications, which having a life span of only one year. 

Herein it may be noted that a few months back, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had, in a meeting to review the working of the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, directed the department to comprehensively review and revamp the existing policies and purchase procedures existing within the department to make these more transparent and competitive. He had also directed that the Department should encourage new entrepreneurs, wherever possible, in order to encourage new industry. In compliance with these directions, the Department has already revised the Custom Milling Policy, which has introduced landmark initiatives, and was subsequently approved by the Cabinet. The Department has also revised its Labour Policy and the Transportation Policy, both of which are due to be placed before the Cabinet in its next meeting for approval.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Major reforms initiated in higher education to make youth employable : Meet Hayer

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 21, 2022

Major reforms have been initiated in the higher education sector in order to make the youth of Punjab employable within the country.  Stating this here today, Higher Education Minister, Punjab, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today said that under the leadership of  Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, school,  medical and technical education sectors are being focused upon to ensure a robust educational structure.

The minister was speaking during a state-level seminar on Higher Education in Punjab and New State Government: Hopes, Aspirations, Visions, and the Road Ahead at Rayat Bahra University, Mohali organised by Association of Unaided College Teachers (AUCT), Punjab and Chandigarh. The seminar was attended by around 400 unaided teachers from colleges across the state and the UT.

Meet Hayer said that with the reforms initiated by the State Government, not only will the exploitation of teachers end, but higher education will be made affordable, and skill-based thus making the teachers employable in the country with provision of jobs. Career oriented higher education is the great need of the present time, said the Minister adding that a committee will be formed to identify and resolve the issues of higher education institutions of Punjab.

The minister called upon the students of colleges and universities to actively participate in the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Deya’ a two day sporting extravaganza being organized by the state government from August 29th. .

Renowned educationist Dr. Piyara Lal Garg delivered the key-note address while  Former Advocate General Anmol Rattan Singh Sidhu, Senior Journalist Jatinder Pannu and Vice Chancellor Rayat Bahra University Dr. Parvinder Singh also participated in the deliberations. The vote of thanks was presented by spokesperson of the AUCT Prof. Tarun Ghai.

The objective of the seminar was to bring the academia, intelligentsia and the government on a common platform to discuss and deliberate upon the burning issues concerning higher education in Punjab and devise a roadmap for its upliftment.

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Punjab

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, visited PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur

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INDIAEPOST CHANDIGARH AUGUST 21, 2022

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, visited PGIMER Satellite Centre, Sangrur and reviewed its progress today.  

Expressing satisfaction at the pace of the execution of the Project, the Hon’ble Minister stated, “With the pace at which the work is being executed, including procurement of medical devices and equipment, the Satellite Centre will be fully functional by January, 2023 and will provide a huge relief not only for the local population but for those far and wide.”   Updating about the success of the ‘free precaution vaccination drive’ launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 15th July for 75 days to mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Hon’ble Union Health Minister shared, “Already over 13 crore people have leveraged this facility by getting vaccinated under this initiative in one month and three days till date.”

The Minister urged the people of Punjab and country in general, especially the vulnerable population, to get vaccinated in the balance of 75 days and equip themselves to face the COVID crisis.” Lauding healthcare workers for their commendable role in containing the COVID crisis, the Hon’ble Minister stated, “Our country has been appreciated across the globe for two things; for COVID management by adhering to the guidelines and vaccination drive by crossing the mark of over 200 crore doses.”  

Endorsing the need for ‘affordable health for all’, the Hon’ble Minister shared about the initiatives by the Govt. to promote generic medicines which include over 8500 Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country which are visited over 20 lakh people daily in the country, awareness campaign by engaging with National Medical Council and launch of an app ‘Jan Aushadhi Sugam’ to make people aware about the salt in the medicine to enable them make considered choice between generic and branded medicine. The Hon’ble Minister also shared that ‘a Jan Aushadhi Kendra will also be opened in the Satellite Centre , Sangrur.’   Earlier, the Minister was accorded a warm welcome by Director PGIMER Prof. Vivek Lal, Deputy Director(Admin), Kumar Gaurav Dhawan, IRS, Sh.Jitendra Jorwal, IAS, DC Sangrur, Medicsl Superintendent, Prof. Vipin Koushal amongst others. The Hon’ble Minister chaired a meeting which was attended by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, senior faculty members and senior administrative officers including Sh. Dhawan (IRS), DDA, Prof. Vipin Koushal, MS, Sh.Kumar Abhay, FA, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Addl.

Medical Superintendent, PGIMER & Nodal Officer, Satellite Centre, Sangrur.A detailed presentation was made before the Hon’ble Minister wherein the dignitary was apprised that the Satellite Centre, comprising a 300 bed hospital, was envisaged with an intent to reduce the overcrowding in PGIMER, Chandigarh and reduce travel time of patients.Prof. Vivek Lal informed “Spread over a land of 25 acres, the project cost of this Satellite Centre is Rs. 449.00 crores. The phase 1 has already been executed with the construction of Temporary OPD, Guest House and Boundary Wall and Phase 2 of the execution is being  fast tracked.

The Satellite Centre is expected to be fully functional early next year.”Detailing the Minister about the patient care at Satellite Centre, Prof. Vivek Lal further shared that with a temporary OPD being functional since October 2016in the Satellite Centre, 2,78,416 patients have already been examined in these OPD facilities till date.” Later the Hon’ble Minister visited the Temporary OPD  where he interacted with doctors, paramedics and patients and enquired about the facilities being provided to patients there.

Chandigarh, Punjab

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER DETECTED IN SWINE SAMPLES OF PATIALA; PUNJAB DECLARED ‘CONTROLLED AREA’

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Friday, informed that after ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal has confirmed African swine fever in swine samples of district Patiala, the whole state of Punjab is declared as “Controlled Area” with the object of preventing, controlling, eradicating scheduled disease-African Swine Fever (ASF), exercising the powers u/s 6 of Chapter III of “The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.”

He said that a notification has been issued is this regard and it has come into force with immediate effect.

The Cabinet Minister said that a village Bilaspur and Sanauri Adda in District Patiala are hereby notified as “Epicenter” of the disease, adhering to the u/s 20 of Chapter III of the same Act.”

Mr. Bhullar further said that in compliance to Chapters 7 & 8 of “National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever (June 2020)” of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India; these areas are hereby declared “Infected Zone” (0-1 Km area around epicenter of disease) and “Surveillance Zone” (1-10 Km area around epicenter of disease). No live/dead Pig (including feral or wild pigs), unprocessed Pig Meat, Feed or any material/goods from the piggery farm/backyard piggery shall be taken out of or brought into the Infected Zone and no person shall bring or attempt to bring into market any pig or pig products which is known to be infected with the scheduled disease, said the Minister quoting notification, while adding that inter-state movement of any pig or its belongings should be strictly ban.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Jigyasa IAS Institute Launches A New Centre in Mohali

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20,2022

Delhi-based Jigyasa IAS, a premier IAS/PCS Coaching Academy based in the hub of IAS Coaching, Rajendra Nagar, has launched its Regional Centre in Industrial Area, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali. It is one of the highly-acclaimed institutes in Delhi with an experience of more than 5 years and it’s commitment in delivering results. 

The launching ceremony of the regional centre of Jigyasa IAS took place on 20th August, 2022 at F-469, Phase VIII B, Industrial Area, S.A.S Nagar, Mohali. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Sh Amit Talwar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, S.A.S. Nagar as the Chief Guest and other distinguished guests including Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura, Chancellor, Lamrin Tech Skills University, Sh Lalit Sharma, Founder, Jigyasa IAS, Sh Rakesh Kumar from Chitkara University, Sh Suraj from Degraphics Agency, Sh Gaurav Sharma & Smt Paramjeet. Addressing the gathering, Sh Amit Talwar said, “When you join the Civil services, one gets the opportunity to work for the welfare of the society. It becomes your utmost duty to provide accountable and responsible administration to the people. I am glad that Jigyasa IAS is opening in Mohali to produce more responsible administrators who will work for the betterment of the country.”

While imparting some words of encouragement, Dr. Sandeep Singh Kaura said, “I am delighted that Jigyasa IAS which has already made its name in Delhi will now be helping the IAS and Civil Services aspirants of the region. There are a lot of things that one needs to focus on while preparing for UPSC which is why it becomes important to get the right guidance.” Jigyasa IAS is well-known for its experienced faculty, highly-enriched content, guidance by field and subject experts, domain knowledge experts and having serving and retired officers on its various panels for interviews and other interaction programmes. 

Mr Lalit Sharma, Founder & Director, Jigyasa IAS added, “Integrity is our value. We deliver the promises we make. We make sure that the students of Jigyasa IAS get the right guidance, infrastructure and an amazing learning environment.” Jigyasa IAS is the producer of 30+ success stories and is aiming for more in UPSC 2023 with its new branch in Mohali. Apart from the UPSC preparations, the centre will also concentrate on the State specific PCS exams and other govt exams. 

Sh Amit Talwar said, “I am glad that Jigyasa IAS is expanding its horizons so that more and more students get closer to their dream of cracking UPSC. I hope that all it’s students do well and work for the welfare of the nation.”

After everyone’s address, momentoes were distributed to the distinguished guests. The ceremony was concluded with high tea and group interaction. The batches start from 27th August onwards….

Chandigarh, Punjab

AMAN ARORA PAYS GLOWING TRIBUTES TO SHAHEED SANT HARCHAND SINGH LONGOWAL BY DONATING BLOOD ON HIS 37th DEATH ANNIVERSARY

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Punjab Information and Public Relations, Housing and Urban Development and New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr Aman Arora today donated blood to pay glowing tribute to Shaheed Sant Harchand Singh Longowal during a mega blood donation camp organized at Anaj Mandi, Longowal to mark his 37th death anniversary.

While addressing people on this occasion, the Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Mann, a mega blood donation camp has been organised which is a befitting tribute to the martyrdom of Sant Harchand Singh Longowal. He added that the blood donated by the donors will be used to save the precious lives of the needy who will be fighting for life in hospitals.

The Minister, while paying tribute to Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, said that the martyrdom of those who sacrificed their lives for the service of humanity should never be forgotten. He said that the purpose of this blood donation camp organised by district administration and the district Red Cross Society was also to serve the humanity as every single drop of donated blood will be helpful in saving precious lives.

On this occasion, Mr. Aman Arora said that CM Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has started several initiatives for the all-round development of Sunam Udham Singh Wala assembly constituency and the results would be visible soon on the ground. Longowal town will also be revamped as the development works would be accelerated here too, he added.

During the blood donation camp held at Anaj Mandi Longowal, Mr. Aman Arora also distributed certificates to the blood donating volunteers and encouraged them for the noble cause.

On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Anmol Singh Dhaliwal, SDM Navreet Kaur Sekhon, freedom fighter Bibi Shaminder Kaur Longowal, Civil Surgeon Dr. Parminder Kaur, Secretary Red Cross Society Krishna Kumar Mittal along with a large number of volunteers, leaders, workers and dignitaries also offered floral tributes remembering Sant Harchand Singh Longowal.

Chandigarh, Punjab

PATIALA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY CONDUCTING E-AUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SITES

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Patiala Development Authority (PDA) is conducting e-auction of residential and commercial sites situated in different cities i.e. Patiala, Sangrur, Nabha and Amargarh. The auction commenced on 15th August, and  bidding will end at 3 pm on August 25.

Giving this information, an official spokesperson of the Housing and Urban Development Department said that this is an opportunity to own a house or start a business in these cities.

Details of the properties and process to participate in the e- auction is available on the e-auction portal www.puda.e-auctions.in, he added.

He informed that total of 280 properties have been put up for the e-auction. Out of this, commercial properties available for bidding include 58 shops, 55 booths, 33 SCOs, 6 single storey shops and 3 Shop-cum-Flats, besides 124 residential plots and one house.

Chandigarh, Punjab

1494.76 crore rupees pension amount has been distributed to 20.78 lakh elderly beneficiaries till the month of July: Dr. Baljit Kaur

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20,2022

Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has distributed Rs 1494.76 crore of old age pension to pensioners till the month of July.

Giving more information in this regard, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development Department Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the government is committed to the welfare of people of all classes. She said that there are a total of 30,67,927 beneficiaries of various categories that  includes the elderly, disabled, widows and destitute women and dependent children.

The Cabinet Minister said that there are a total of 20,78,886 senior beneficiaries in the state, to whom 1494.76 crores of pension amount has been distributed till the month of July.

She said that the state government has reserved a total budget of Rs 4647.82 crore for various pension schemes, out of which a budget of Rs 3100.27 crore has been provided for old age pension during the current year.

The Cabinet Minister said that  men aged 65 or above and women aged 58 or above, whose annual income does not exceed Rs 60,000, are eligible to avail the benefit of this scheme.

The minister said that the financial assistance is paid directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, which are being linked with Aadhaar. She said, so far 96 percent of the bank accounts have been linked with Aadhaar.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Meet Hayer calls sports department and associations to work together to make Punjab a leading state in sports

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Saturday called the sports department and sports associations to work together to make Punjab again a leading state in sports. 

He said this during a meeting with office bearers of Punjab Olympic Association at Punjab Olympic Bhawan, Mohali today. 

The Sports Minister said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also a keen interest in the sports and he is leaving no stone unturned to make Punjab the number one state again.

Best wishing the sports contingent of Punjab in the 36th National Games to be held in Gujarat next month, Sports Minister handed over a check of Rs 50 lakh for National Games and assured to take up the matter with CM Mann for further assistance. 

The Sports Minister said that the state government is formulating a new sports policy in which emphasis will be given on giving cash prizes to sportsmen, providing jobs, encouraging young sportsmen. Under the commitment, ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ is being organized by the Sports Department, which will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister at Jalandhar on August 29. About 5 lakh players will participate in these sports competitions, after which the pool of winning players of the state level tournament will be formed who will go on to compete at the national and international level. 

He also extended an invitation letter to the Punjab Olympic Association and all sports associations.

Meet Hayer said that Punjab was number one in national sports in 2001 but then the state continued to lag behind. The state government will now formulate a new sports policies and 220 coaches are being recruited and more posts of coaches will be created and posted at the village, block and sub division level to booster sports department. 

He further said that there is no shortage of talent in Punjab, only skills need to be polished. Sports budget is being increased by the state government. Priority will be given to providing sports equipment. 

A review is being done to see the sports structure at the ground level. He said that the solution to the drug problem will be only by creating a sports environment. The sports  department is paying special attention to channelize the energy of the youth towards sports. The players who win medals at the national and international level will be given permanent employment. The diet is being increased. If necessary, the sports department will take the services of foreign coaches.

Earlier, the president of Punjab Olympic Association Brahm Mahindra announced that Sports Minister Meet Hayer will be made the pattern of the association, after which the sports minister was honored by the association. The executive of the association passed an unanimous resolution on this.

The Senior Vice President of the Association, Rajdeep Singh Gill, praised the Sports Minister, Meet Hayer, for personally encouraging the players and showing interest in sports and spoke of taking efforts together with the Sports Department and the Association to take Punjab forward in sports.

Punjab Olympic Association Secretary General Raja KS Sidhu welcomed the Sports Minister by thanking him on his arrival at the Olympic Bhawan.

On this occasion, Vice President of Punjab Olympic Association Sikandar Singh Maluka, Treasurer Karamveer Singh Sidhu, Executive Member Teja Singh Dhaliwal, Arjuna Awardee Surinder Singh Sodhi, Kushaldeep Singh Kikki Dhillon, K.P.S. Brar, Santosh Dutta, Prabhjot Singh, Maninder Kaur Virak, Ashok Rouni, RK Bali, Arjuna Awardee Jagjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Director Rajesh Dhiman and District Sports Officer Gurdeep Kaur were also present.

Chandigarh, Punjab

No question of handing over probe of post matric scholarship scam to any central agency: says CM

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IEP CHANDIGARH AUGUST 20, 2022

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today unequivocally said that investigating  agencies of the state are fully capable of carrying out any investigation and there is no question of handing over investigation of the post matric scholarship scam to any central agency.

Interacting with the leaders of the Valmiki community during a meeting here at Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister reiterated the firm commitment of his government to ensure stern punitive action against perpetrators of the Post matric scholarship scam. He said that the perpetrators of SC scam will not be spared and severe action will be taken against them. Bhagwant Mann categorically said that the agencies of Punjab are capable of everything so there is no question of handing over the probe to CBI or any other central agency.

The Chief Minister reiterated  that out of the total panchayat land being reclaimed from affluent people, 33% will be given to SC community.

During the meeting it was decided that the matter pertaining to the dispute regarding management of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal will be resolved by the Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar. Regarding the issue of appointment of law officers, Bhagwant Mann categorically said that no other state has reservation in these posts. However,  he said that the state government is consulting the legal experts and soon good news will be given to the community.

The Chief Minister said that services of safai sewaks are being regularised. Bhagwant Mann said that he has started the drive from Ludhiana and in coming days the contractual system for safai sewaks will be abolished in state. He said that in future all out efforts will be made to ensure regular recruitment of safai sewaks will be done on regular basis.

He said that state of the art Ambedkar Bhawan will be constructed at Mohali for imparting quality education and competitive training to SC students. Bhagwant Mann also asked the DGP to act strictly against those putting offensive posts on social media.