*CM SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR STATE FROM THE FINANCE COMMISSION
*ASSERTS PUNJAB SHOULD BE REWARDED FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN MAKING COUNTRY SELF RELIANT IN FOOD PRODUCTION AND SACRIFICES IN BOTH PRE AND POST INDEPENDENCE ERA
*DEMANDS FUNDS WORTH RS 1,32, 247 CRORE FROM THE FINANCE COMMISSION TO GIVE IMPETUS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE
*BATS FOR MAJOR PUSH TO CROP DIVERSIFICATION FOR BAILING OUT FARMERS FROM ONGOING CRISIS
Chandigarh, July 22:Making a strong case based on financial prudence and facts, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today sought a special package for the holistic development of the state from the team of 16th Finance Commission, currently on a visit to the state.
The Chief Minister, while welcoming the Commission including Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya, Members Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Dr Manoj Panda and Dr Soumyakanti Ghosh besides Secretary Ritvik Pandey, said that due to immense contribution of Punjab in making country self sufficient in food production, obtaining and preserving independence, the state should be given a special economic package. He said that Punjabis have already carved a niche for themselves in every country across the globe and the package will further give impetus to economic growth of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that the Finance Commission will give a sympathetic view to the genuine demands of the state government and generously allot funds to Punjab.
The Chief Minister sought funds worth Rs 1,32, 247 crore from the Finance Commission to give impetus to the development of the state. He said that this includes development funds worth Rs 75,000 crore, Rs 17,950 crore for Agriculture and Paddy Diversification, Rs 5025 crore for Stubble Burning, Rs 8846 crore for tackling narco terrorism and drug abuse besides Rs 6000 crore for Industry Revitalization. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from it Rs 9426 crore should be given for Urban Local Bodies and Rs 10,000 crore for Rural Local Bodies.
The Chief Minister welcomed the Commission to the land of great Gurus, saints, seers and the martyrs. He said that Punjab is known as the food bowl of the country as the hard working farmers of the state had contributed immensely in making the country self-reliant in food production. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that being the sword arm of the country the state has made maximum sacrifices during the freedom struggle of the country and now to defend the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country in the post-independence period.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has embarked on a journey of profound reforms aimed at bringing efficiency, transparent governance, and robust economic growth to Punjab. He said that the state government has undertaken a slew of pro-people reforms designed to improve the lives of our citizens. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with improved sustainability and self-sufficiency, the state has been doing everything in its power to mobilize resources.
The Chief Minister said that in the last two years alone, the major heads of State’s Own Tax Revenue have witnessed an impressive growth by surpassing national growth rates. He said that GST revenue has gone up by 33% and Excise alone has gone up by more than 50%. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this has been possible with robust administration and honest governance, which the state government has provided from day one.
The Chief Minister said that the state Government is also reviewing various expenditure items and looking at rationalising unproductive expenditure. He said that through solarization, the state government intends to rationalize power subsidies in the long-term and improve the reliability of our power infrastructure. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab’s problems are not new and have a legacy nature adding that many of these problems came into existence due to ill-advised political decisions of previous Governments just before the election days.
Citing examples the Chief Minister said that CCL Loan of Rs 30,584 Crore that was taken in March, 2017 or substantial untargeted subsidies given right before elections in 2021 has ruptured the state’s economy. He said that the repercussions of these actions are still being felt today, as we strive to achieve financial consolidation amidst these inherited challenges. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making concerted efforts for carving out Rangla Punjab for which support of the people of state is must.
The Chief Minister said that in addition to legacy problems, the state has unique challenges currently not being faced by any other state. He said that being a border state, Punjab is incidental to narco-terrorism and hostile border activity due to which a large number of Police force is recruited. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Police is defending the unity and integrity of the country by manning more than 500 kilometres of the international border.
The Chief Minister urged the Finance Commission to magnanimously allot funds to the state for modernization of the state Police force so that national duty can be discharged efficiently. He also said that the state government has taken a path breaking initiative of constituting first of its kind Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this force has played a key role in saving more than 1000 precious lives after its launch in February 2024.
The Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had produced food for the country by over exploiting its only available natural resources in terms of fertile soil and water. He said that almost all the blocks of the state have gone in black zone as far as the groundwater is concerned due to which the water of the state is rapidly depleting. Showing deep concern over the gravity of the emerging situation following the fast depleting water table, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is really pathetic to learn that the same high powered motors that are used to extract oil in Dubai and other Gulf nations are being used for gushing out ground water in the state.
Chief Minister said that the only way out to save the water of state is to promote crop diversification adding that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Finance Commission has recently accepted the proposal of state government to incentivize diversification by providing Rs 17,500 per hectare to farmers for other crops adding that this will go a long way in breaking the two-crop cycle. He said that Punjab Agriculture University had pioneered the green revolution in the country and it is now headed by world acclaimed Tissue culture expert, who can play a great role in promotion of crop diversification. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to save the groundwater, the state government is ensuring promoting usage of canal water adding that as compared to earlier 30%, now Punjab is using 70% of canal water for irrigation.
The Chief Minister said that this will save ground water on one hand and the power on other hand thereby reducing burden on the state exchequer. He said that in the industrial sector big industrial giants like Tata steel and others are making a beeline to invest in the state due to investment friendly policies of the state government. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that the tax holiday in other states is acting as an impediment to the industrial growth of the state as industrial units are shifting there.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced several out of the box ideas and has introduced unique colour coded stamp papers, which is a step forward towards ushering a new era of Industrial Revolution in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is the first state to introduce green colored stamp papers to facilitate the entrepreneurs for setting up their units thereby giving much needed fillip to industrial growth of the state. He described it as a revolutionary step aimed at promoting ease of doing business for the entrepreneurs desirous of setting up their units in the state.
The Chief Minister urged the Finance Commission to recognize the unique challenges faced by Punjab and extend the necessary support to enable the state to overcome these hurdles. He said that the help of the commission is crucial for Punjab to make a significant improvement in our state’s finances and to continue its journey towards sustainable development and prosperity for all. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab has always risen to the occasion, no matter how tough the circumstances were.
The Chief Minister said that in the face of adversity, Punjab has always come out stronger than ever and we will continue this glorious tradition. He said that with the support and guidance of the Commission the state government will revitalize Punjab’s economy by making it more resilient and capable of fulfilling its potential. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed for restoring the pristine glory of the state and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests five cooperative society employees involved in obtaining loan on deceased farmer
Chandigarh 22nd July 2024-The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested five employees of Cooperative Society Dhuga Kalan and Cooperative Bank Rupowal, District Hoshiarpur for taking loan in the name of a deceased member. Three accused of cooperative society Dhugga Kalan had already been arrested in this case.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said that among the arrested accused are Yudhveer Singh, former inspector and present assistant registrar, Cooperative Bank Dasuya, Ravinder Singh Clerk cum Cashier, Cooperative Bank Branch Rupowal Tehsil Dasuya, now posted as accountant in Central Cooperative Bank Limited Branch Sikri, Hoshiarpur, Manjit Singh Cashier (Retired), Co-operative Bank Branch Rupowal and Avtar Singh Ex-Manager (Retired) along with Paramjit Singh Ex-Manager (Retired) have been arrested.
He informed that based on the facts revealed during the investigation of a complaint registered in this regard, accused Ajaib Singh, Secretary, Cooperative Society village Dhugga Kalan Hoshiarpur including members Niranjan Singh and Tarsem Singh were arrested by the Bureau in a case already registered under section 409, 420, 465, 466, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of IPC and under section 3(1) (A) read with 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Jalandhar range.
Giving more details he further informed that during investigation of this case the above said cashier Ajaib Singh was arrested for getting a loan of Rs 1,92,000 in the name of deceased member of the society Gulzar Singh, a resident of village Dhugga Kalan, in connivance with other officials of the cooperative society. It was also found that the accused secretary Ajaib Singh had deposited the entire loan to the society in the account of deceased Gulzar Singh and again obtained a loan on his name amounting to Rs 1,90,000 on the same date in connivance with others. Fearing his arrest he had deposited the entire loan along with interest amounting to Rs. 2,26,315 to the said bank during the enquiry.
The spokesperson informed that based on the enquiry the VB had arrested three accused Ajaib Singh and members Niranjan Singh and Tarsem Singh. After this a thorough investigation was conducted in which it was found that the above mentioned five accused in connivance with each other had made a fraud with the cooperative society Dhugga Kalan and Cooperative Bank branch Rupowal for approval of this loan in the name of a deceased person.
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Punjab Seeks Rs 9,426.49 Crore from 16th Finance Commission for Urban Development
Chandigarh, July 22-The Department of Local Government, Punjab, presented a comprehensive proposal to the 16th Finance Commission, seeking Rs 9,426.49 crore to enhance civic amenities in urban areas.
The department outlined specific funding for strengthening fire services (Rs 1,626 crore), Storm Water Disposal Systems (Rs 4,067.49 crore), Sewerage systems and STPs (Rs 3,133 crore), Sustainable Urban Transport (Rs 500 crore), and State Institute of Urban Affairs (Rs 100 crore)
The presentation, 'Augmenting Urban Infrastructure to Cater for Rapid Urbanisation,' highlighted the department's initiatives on progressive reforms, process improvements, and technology advancements.
The department also provided an overview of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Punjab, covering categorization and population distribution, Urbanization trends besides highlighting the Performance on key indicators including major revenue sources and growth.
Additionally, the department reported on the status of grants and notable projects executed under the 15th Finance Commission.
ACS Local Government DK Tiwari said that funding will be instrumental in transforming urban infrastructure in Punjab and the department looks forward to a positive response from the Finance Commission.
On the occasion, MLA Patiala Urban and former Mayor Ajitpal Singh Kohli, President Municipal Council Bhadaur Manish Kumar and President Municipal Council Mandi Gobindgarh Harpreet Singh Prince also shared their valueable inputs with the Finance Commission requesting to incorporate these while submitting their recommendations to GoI.
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Punjab's Political Parties Unite to Voice Concerns to 16th Finance Commission
Chandigarh, July 22-In a rare show of unity, political parties of Punjab joined forces to present a united front before the Finance Commission, highlighting the state's pressing concerns and seeking special grants and schemes.
The parties urged the Commission to incorporate recommendations for Punjab's benefit in its report to the Union Government, focusing on economic development and growth, agricultural diversification, sustainability and farmers' welfare, industrial development, and infrastructure development besides special grants for social welfare and education, and healthcare and medical infrastructure development.
The parties emphasized Punjab's significant contributions to the nation's food security, military sacrifices, and cultural heritage, stressing the need for reciprocal support from the Centre.
By presenting a united front, Punjab's political parties demonstrated their commitment to the state's well-being, setting aside ideological differences for the greater good.
It is worth mentioning here that the Finance Commission's recommendations will be crucial in shaping Punjab's future, and the parties look forward to a positive and supportive response.
Representatives of the political parties of Punjab who presented the state case in front of Finance Commission includes Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, MLAs, Kulwant Singh, Jagroop Singh Gill and Gurinder Singh Garry Warring for AAP, former Cabinet Minister Vijay Inder Singla, former MLA Kuldeep Singh Vaid and Hardeep Singh Kingra from INC, former Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal from SAD, Dr. Jagmohan Singh Raju and Harjeet Singh Grewal from BJP, and BSP State President Jasbir Singh Garhi and party MLA Dr. Nachhatar Pal.
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Punjab Seeks Enhanced Funding for Rural Development from 16th Finance Commission
Chandigarh, July 22-The Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Punjab, in the meeting with the 16th Finance Commission sought increased funding for the development of local bodies in the state.
In its presentation, the department highlighted its key focus areas, including Groundwater Recharge, Wastewater Management, Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Energy, and Maintenance of Community Assets,
These initiatives aim to ensure robust and sustainable growth for rural communities in Punjab, improving their quality of life while aligning with national and international sustainability goals (SDG and Net Zero).
While presenting the the case, ACS Rural Development and Panchayats Alok Shekhar has requested the 16th Finance Commission to provide additional grants worth Rs 10,000 crore, comprising Rs 8,000 crore as tied funds and Rs 2,000 crore as untied grants, to support critical initiatives taken by the department.
This funding will be instrumental in driving rural development and sustainability in Punjab, and the department looks forward to a positive response from the Finance Commission.
During the interaction with the team members of Finance Commission, Former Sarpanch of Village Manak Khana (Bathinda) Shushandeep Kaur Sidhu, Former Sarpanch of village Chhina (Gurdaspur) Panthpreet Singh and former Sarpanch of village Chahar (Sangrur) Pritam Singh shared the ground level challenges and requested for assistance from the Finance Commission to meet the same.
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PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL REVIEW MEETING ON PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF VECTOR BORNE AND WATER BORNE DISEASES
— UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF INTER DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION
— 'DENGUE/MALARIA FREE VILLAGE ' CAMPAIGN TO BE STARTED SOON: DR BALBIR SINGH
— RO SYSTEMS IN VILLAGES TO BE MADE FUNCTIONAL
Chandigarh, July 22:Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday chaired a high-level meeting via video conferencing (VC) to review the preparedness for prevention and control of water and vector borne diseases in the state. The water-borne diseases include Diaohrrea, Cholera and Hepatitis -A, while, vector-borne diseases are malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
Deputy Commissioners, Civil Surgeons, Senior Officers from Urban local bodies (ULB), Water Supply and Sanitation Department and Rural Development Department from across the state participated in the meeting.
Terming it as the collective responsibility to prevent and control such diseases, the Minister instructed the officials to make district level inter-departmental coordination committees along with IMA members. A WhatsApp group should be created at district level where concerned Civil Surgeons will post the cases of fever, diaohrrea, cholera, dengue or malaria diseases to update the concerned department so that they can timely intervene to take appropriate preventive measures in the particular area from where such cases are coming into light.
The Minister further added that in case of an outbreak, concerned water supply agency should find the fault where the potable water is getting polluted and should rectify the fault at the earliest. Till the time fault is not rectified potable water should be supplied from an alternative source to the general public to prevent further escalation of cases, he added.
Taking serious note of the non-functional RO systems in the villages, the Minister directed the officials to make these ROs fully functional so that people can get safe drinking water.
“Community support is critical to stop the chain of vector transmission. There is a need to promote awareness among the community about the prevention and control of water borne and VBDs,” said the Health Minister.
Stressing on the need to educate school children, he said that they can play a pivotal role in identification of the mosquito larvae and to further sensitise people around them to help identifying larvae to stop the breeding of mosquitoes in their surroundings.
The Minister also announced to initiate 'Dengue/Malaria Free village' campaign in the state under which if any ASHA worker declares her village as Dengue/Malaria Free will be honoured by the Health Department.
To prevent spread of vector borne diseases, Dr Balbir Singh said simple steps can be taken for keeping the surroundings clean and free from mosquitoes. Stagnant water should be checked and larvae sites should be effectively neutralised. "Success of the Vector Control Programme is related to community participation and ownership,”he added.
The Minister informed that dedicated dengue wards have been established in the government hospitals for management of dengue cases. As many as 47 Sentinel Surveillance Hospitals have been established for free dengue diagnosis in the State, besides free treatment is also being provided to the dengue patients at all the Government Hospitals. The staff of Aam Aadmi Clinics and Gram Sewaks of the panchayat department are being trained to undertake preventive measures to control the spread of WBDs and VBDs.
The Health Minister directed the Local bodies department to carry out fogging in the cities and towns at regular intervals and the fogging schedule be shared with the health department on advance basis.
On this occasion a comprehensive presentation was given by Assistant Director Dr Gagandeep Singh and State Programme officer Dr Arshdeep Kaur pertaining to these diseases, in which facts of recent years were analysed thoroughly and measures taken by the health department were explained in detail.
MD PHSC Varinder Sharma, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur and Director PHSC Dr Anil Goyal were also present during the meeting.