Punjab to forge strategic partnership with Israel for better water management: Jimpa

Embassy of Israel to collaborate in addressing water & wastewater challenges in Punjab

Punjab to develop 500 smart villages with 24x7 water supply

Chandigarh, June 2 Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa on Wednesday said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government would forge strategic partnership with Israel for developing a better water management system in the state. He said that the Punjab Government would work on making effective use of Israeli technology and indigenous innovations to develop a cost effective and sustainable water supply and sewerage infrastructure in the state.

while speaking at the Roundtable with Dr. Lior Asaf, Water Attache, Embassy of Israel, Mr. Neeraj Gahlwat, Senior Water Resources Specialists, International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), Embassy of Israel, and Dr. Amit Dhir, Professor, Thapar University here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Bram Shanker Jimpa appreciated the role played by Israel in supporting India in addressing water & wastewater challenges. He said that the Punjab Government has been very concerned with the depleting groundwater levels in the state and efforts are being made to improve the water quality of Chappars (ponds) in the rural areas. He said that the ground water availability in the villages has significantly gone down during the last 35-40 years.

Accentuating rainwater harvesting as one of the important aspects of groundwater recharge, the Minister said that the Punjab Government has made it mandatory for all buildings in the State. He also shared his experience of visiting the wastewater treatment plants in Hoshiarpur, where wastewater is being reused for agricultural purposes.

Extending full support to the State of Punjab in adopting new technologies, Dr. Lior Asaf, Water Attaché, Embassy of Israel in India mentioned that in the Israel’s water sources almost half came from desalinated, recycled and recharged water, whereas till 1980s the country was dependent on the use of natural water only. “Israel has developed technologies that enable reuse of 90% of treated wastewater. Every STP in Israel is developed close to agricultural lands and is connected to irrigation”, he added.

Presenting the case studies of IoT solutions developed by Israel, Dr Lior said, “Solutions required in India are similar to the solutions developed by Israel. Community engagement, capacity building of stakeholders, private sector participation plays key role in successfully addressing challenges around water quality, sanitation & groundwater recharge”.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. D K Tiwari, Principal Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation department invited ideas from Israel for low-cost technological solutions in treatment & reuse of wastewater. He shared, “Government of Punjab is developing climate resilient rural water supply schemes by switching to surface water supply. It aims to develop 500 smart villages with 24x7 water supply, sanitation facilities using IoT based infrastructure with an estimated cost of Rs 4,500 crores. The department is also undertaking management of wastewater and solid waste by setting up block level plastic waste management units and material recovery facilities, model bio-gas plants, faucal sludge treatment plants, etc with an estimated cost of Rs 1, 300 crores”.

Mohd. Ishfaq, Special Secretary, DWSS Punjab discussed the strategies used by Israel in operation & management and asset management of the treatment plants. He sought support from Embassy of Israel in water quality improvement under the Indo-Israel Cooperation programme. Meanwhile, Dr. Amit Dhir gave a PowerPoint presentation on the ‘Holistic decentralized model for the reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture at the community scale’.

It was proposed to sign an MoU between Government of Punjab and Embassy of Israel in India to take forward the collaboration in the water & wastewater sector. Dr Lior also mentioned about the ongoing Indo-Israel Collaboration and its various benefits in water sector and possible MOU with the Punjab Government. KPMG was requested to support in the initiative. Visits to R&D centres supported by Embassy of Israel were also proposed for capacity building of the officials of the department.

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PEDAL TO KEEP DISEASES AWAY, HEALTH MINISTER GIVES MANTRA ON WORLD BICYCLE DAY

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

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.

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No shortage of funds to provide state-of-the-art health facilities in Faridkot district: Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Vidhan Sabha Speaker chairs meeting to ramp up healthcare facilities in the district

Says, funds worth crores to be released soon

Chandigarh, June 2:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that there will be no shortage of funds to provide state-of-the-art healthcare facilities in district Faridkot and funds worth crores will soon be released to the district administration to further ramp up health facilities.

He assured this during a meeting with the MLAs of the district, senior officials of the health and finance department and the district health team at Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.

S. Sandhwan said, no stone will be left unturned to provide ultra modern medical and healthcare facilities to the folks of Faridkot.

Presiding over the meeting, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan asked the health department officials to ensure the renovation of the dilapidated buildings of the health institutions in the district. He directed to complete the work of 30 beded MHC new building, being built at a cost of Rs.6.33 crore in the district hospital of Faridkot in a stipulated time-frame and special attention should also be paid on the need to establish a blood bank in this hospital.

He said that the process of upgrading Community Health Center (CHC) Jaito to a sub-divisional hospital should be speeded up. With this, there will be two sub-divisional hospitals in the district as a sub-divisional hospital is already functioning at Kotakpura.

Principal Secretary Health Mr. Vikas Pratap Singh assured that the process of upgrading CHC Jaito as a sub-divisional hospital will be completed soon.

Speaker S. Sandhwan asked the Deputy Commissioner Faridkot to provide hot-line power facility to Civil Hospital, besides asking the officials to complete the required number of employees in the health institutions of the district.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh informed that the reconstructing of the department across the state, is on the anvil, after which there will be no shortage of medical, paramedical and other staff in government health institutions. He announced that health officers and employees with good performance will also be honoured on the occasion of Independence and Republic Day.

Earlier, Civil Surgeon Faridkot Mr. Anil Goyal apprised about the work being done in the district and the required medical equipment.

MLA Faridkot S. Gurdit Singh Sekhon, MLA Jaito S. Amolak Singh, MLA Ferozepur Rural Sh. Rajnish Dahiya, MLA Ferozepur City Sh. Ranbir Singh, MLA Guru Har Sahai S. Fauja Singh Sarari, MLA Zira Sh. Naresh Kataria, MLA Dharamkot S. Devinderjit Singh Laddi Dhos, MLA Baghapurana S. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA Moga Dr. Amandeep Kaur and other officers were also present in the meeting.

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Dr. Baljit Kaur hands over appointment letter to 25 clerks at Social Justice Department

Congratulats to new appointees, exhorts them to serve people with dedication and honesty

Chandigarh, June 2 Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Friday handed over the appointment letters to newly selected 25 clerks in the Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department at her office in Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.

Congratulating the newly appointed employees, the Cabinet Minister emphasized the importance of working diligently and sincerely to increase public confidence in Government offices . The state Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann prioritizes providing employment opportunities to the youth. The Minister further stated that Government will continue to create more job opportunities for the youth in the state.

The Cabinet Minister appealed to the newly appointed clerks to carry out their duties in the interest of the public with diligence and sincerity. She emphasized that their dedicated service could contribute to the welfare of the society.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Ramesh Kumar Genta, Director of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Department, Jaspreet Singh and Superintendent Amarjit kaur were present.

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Agricultural projects worth 3300 crore rupees started in Punjab under successful implementation of AIF scheme: Jauramajra

Agriculture gets major fillip in Punjab with 5500 projects under AIF scheme: Chetan Singh Jauramajra

Chandigarh, June 2nd 2023:The Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab organized Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) conclave at MGSIPA, Sec-26 Chandigarh, to share progress made by the state during last financial year (2022-23) and recognize the contributions made by Government as well as Private sector stakeholders for promotion of AIF scheme in the state of Punjab.

It is pertinent to mention here that AIF scheme launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India was launched in July 2020. The objective of the AIF scheme is to create post-harvest management infrastructure across agriculture and horticulture value chains. The Department of Horticulture, Government of Punjab is the state nodal agency to implement AIF scheme in the state.

The cabinet minister for horticulture Chetan Singh Jauramajra said taking forward the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to increase farmers' income , Punjab has made tremendous progress under the AIF Scheme , wherein investment worth more than INR 2877 crore has been attracted from 3480 projects, during the last financial year (2022-23). Loans worth Rs. 720 crores have already been sanctioned, out of which loans worth Rs. 591 crores have already been disbursed by various lending institutions. Leading districts in availing the benefits of the scheme from Punjab are Bathinda (326), Sangrur(326), Patiala (315), Sri Muktsar Sahib (294) and Fazilka (283).

Jauramajra informed that Major agricultural infrastructures created in the State through the scheme includes Cold Rooms & Cold Stores, Primary processing Centers, Custom Hiring Centers, Warehouses, Sorting & grading unit, and Solar Panels on existing agriculture infrastructures. Punjab currently stands at 11th position across 35 states and UTs participating in the implementation of the scheme. (As on 31st March 2023).

Talking about the progress under AIF scheme in Punjab in the current year the Minister said there is consistent upward trend for the past one year. The recent figure of total applications uploaded on AIF portal from Punjab is more than 5500 and project investment more than INR 3300 crore has been attracted. As I understand from the deliberations as part of AIF conclave today, this scheme has helped micro, small & medium entrepreneurs to set up projects closer to production areas.

During the AIF conclave, top performing districts and banks were felicitated. District Patiala is recognized with highest sanctioned amount of project loans under AIF Scheme, State Bank of India received felicitation for highest amount of loans sanctioned and disposing maximum applications within stipulated period of 60 days. In the category of stipulated time period, Union Bank of India and Punjab Gramin Bank have also been felicitated. The district in-charge from Department of Horticulture in Bathinda and Sangrur have been felicitated for extraordinary effort in creating awareness and uploading maximum applications on AIF portal. The Punjab National Bank has been felicitated for encouraging the diversity of projects under AIF scheme. The Managing Director of Moga District Central Cooperative Bank along with DDM NABARD have been recognized for supporting maximum cooperative societies in Punjab.

In addition to above categories, the nodal officers of other schemes like PMFME, NHM, PMKSY and MoNRE, Sh Rajnish Tuli, Sh SK Dubey, Smt. Shailendra Kaur, Sh MK Singh respectively have been recognized for their contributions.

Pilot Farmers from Ferozpur under project PHASE, which was launched by Government of Punjab on 17th March 2023, were falicitated for encouraging efforts in development of Chili cluster.

Towards the end, Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, expressed an urgent need to progressively work together in order to bring more benefits to farming and entrepreneurs’ community of Punjab.

Minister Horticulture, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, while appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders re-assured commitment of Department of Horticulture to take the agenda of diversification forward and create sustainable linkages for the farmers.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Agriculture & Farmers welfare, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian congratulated the Department of Horticulture on achieving remarkable success during last financial year under AIF scheme and expressed keenness to closely monitor progress in current financial year.

The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) KAP Sinha (IAS) recognized the effort made by state nodal agency i.e. Department of Horticulture and suggested to take cluster development approach to fill the gaps in value chain. The speakers emphasized the need to seek convergence with other schemes so that central and state level schemes can be leveraged for larger good of public of Punjab.

There has been tremendous encouragement from the State Government Leadership, to launch initiatives like project PHASE (Punjab Horticulture Advancement and Sustainable Entrepreneurship) which will not only increase utilization of AIF scheme in Punjab but also create specific crop clusters. The seeds of project PHASE were sown in November 2022, during a state level AIF conference, where Kultar Singh Sandhwan visualized the role of Horticulture sector as a game changer for the state of Punjab. Under the able leadership of Horticulture Minister Mr. Chetan Singh Jouramajra & Agriculture Minister Sh Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Punjab is set to achieve new heights as far as diversified crop value chains and agribusiness is concerned.

AIF conclave was attended by Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Minister Horticulture, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Minister Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Food Processing, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian along with officers, K.A.P. Sinha, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) cum Financial Commissioner, Horticulture, Anurag Agarwal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) cum Financial Commissioner Cooperation, Arshdeep Singh Thind, Secretary-Horticulture, Karnail Singh, IAS, MD Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, Girish Dayalan, IAS, MD Markfed, Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers Commission and Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The state level representatives of banking & other lending institutions and concerned officials from the private and non-government sector, were also present during the event.

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Meet Hayer visits Bhakra-Nangal project, inspects Dam and Reservoir

Bhagwant Mann led State Government is giving better network to farmers for irrigation

Water Resources department to complete flood prevention works in June before next monsoon season: Meet Hayer

Chandigarh/Nangal, June 2-The State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is ensuring a robust network to provide canal water for irrigation to farmers in Punjab. The flood prevention works in the state will be completed by June before the upcoming monsoon season. It was stated by Water Resources Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer after visiting the infrastructure and management of Bhakra Beas Management Board at Bhakra-Nangal Dam.

Meet Hayer, who visited the Bhakhra Dam for the first time, was briefed about the infrastructure under the aegis of institution, water regulations and share of various posts from the partner states. He got information about ongoing works and future projects and also inspected water storage at Bhakra Dam. While inspecting the level of the dam, he instructed the officials that the arrangements to be made during the monsoon season should be completed on time. Presently the water level in Bhakra Dam was 1563.90 feet.

The Water Resources Minister said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had reviewed the flood prevention arrangements in the past, in which, according to the instructions given by him, the department will complete all the arrangements to deal with the possible threat of floods during the upcoming monsoon season by June. He said that this time the water resources department has made canal water available to the farmers as per their demand, which has happened for the first time in the state.

Meet Hayer also planted a sapling in the complex. He also paid homage at the martyrdom monument located on Bhakra Dam.

Chief Engineer Bhakra Dam (BBMB) Charanpreet Singh was also present on this occasion.

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Sports Minister Meet Hayer congratulates Indian team for winning Junior Hockey Asia Cup

India wins fourth title by defeating Pakistan 2-1 in final

Araijeet Singh Hundal became second top scorer with 8 goals

Chandigarh, June 2:The Indian Junior Hockey team won the Junior Hockey Asia Cup played in Salah, Oman. India won the Junior Asia Cup for the fourth time by defeating Pakistan 2-1 in the final match played last night.

With this, India became the first country to win the tournament the most (four times) so far. Earlier, India won the Junior Asia Cup in 2015, 2008 and 2004.

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer congratulated the entire Indian team on this title victory and said that the boys have brought great pride to the country by displaying an excellent game. The victory of the Indian team in this junior competition of Hockey game shows that the future of India in Hockey is in safe hands. He said that it was a victory of the team's joint efforts and every player showed better performance. The Indian team's performance throughout the tournament was commendable. Meet Hayer also wished the Indian team All The Best for the Junior World Cup to be played at Kuala Lumpur in December this year and hoped that the Indian team would perform well.

It is worth mentioning that in the Junior Asia Cup played at Salah, the Indian team stood first in Pool A with 10 points in four matches in the group stage. India defeated South Korea by 2-1 in the Semi Final match and defeated Pakistan in the Final by 2-1.

Angad Singh scored field goals in the 13th minute and Araijeet Singh Hundal in the 20th minute. Araijeet Singh Hundal was the second top scorer in the tournament with 8 goals. India's goalkeeper HS Mohith was declared the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

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Department of Health & Family Welfare, Punjab

Media Bulletin COVID-19

02nd June 2023 (02:00 PM)

Sr. No.

Description

From 1st April 2022

Till Date

1

Total Samples taken

2674202

21664866

2

Total No. of patients Tested Positive

33059

793585

3

No. of patients discharged

32708

772982

4

Total Deaths reported

263

20566

5

Sample collected on the day

3838

6

Test conducted on the day

3485

7

Positive cases on the day

0

8

Number of active Cases

37

9

No. of Patients on oxygen support

1

10

Patients at critical care Level-3 facilities

0

11

Patients who are critical and on ventilator support

0

12

Healthcare Workers vaccinated with 1st dose on the day

0

13

Total Healthcare Workers vaccinated with 1st dose

218926

14

Frontline Workers vaccinated with 1st dose on the day

0

15

Total Frontline Workers vaccinated with 1st dose

1117993

16

Healthcare Workers vaccinated with 2nd dose on the day

0

17

Total Healthcare Workers vaccinated with 2nd dose

212165

18

Frontline Workers vaccinated with 2nd dose on the day

0

19

Total Frontline Workers vaccinated with 2nd dose

1019689

20

Above 45 Vaccinated with 1st dose on the day

0

21

Total Above 45 Vaccinated with 1st dose

8349261

22

Above 45 Vaccinated with 2nd dose on the day

0

23

Total Above 45 Vaccinated with 2nd dose

7659727

24

18-44 years age group Vaccinated with 1st dose on the day

0

25

Total 18-44 years age group Vaccinated with 1st dose

12674821

26

18-44 years age group Vaccinated with 2nd dose on the day

0

27

Total 18-44 years age group Vaccinated with 2nd dose

10729035

28

15-17 years age group Vaccinated with 1st dose on the day

0

29

Total 15-17 years age group Vaccinated with 1st dose

1117487

30

15-17 years age group Vaccinated with 2nd dose on the day

0

31

Total 15-17 years age group Vaccinated with 2nd dose

878039

32

12-14 years age group Vaccinated with 1st dose on the day

0

33

Total 12-14 years age group Vaccinated with 1st dose

684135

34

12-14 years age group Vaccinated with 2nd dose on the day

0

35

Total 12-14 years age group Vaccinated with 2nd dose

497387

36

Precautionary dose given on the day

0

37

Total Precautionary dose given

1890582

38

Total Vaccination 1st dose on the day

0

39

Total Vaccination 2nd dose on the day

0

40

Total Vaccination 1st and 2nd dose on the day

0

On 02nd June 2023

1.

Number of New patients admitted in ICU

Nil

2.

Number of New patients put on ventilator support

Nil

3.

Number of New patients discharged

3

(Hoshiarpur-1, Ludhiana-2)

4.

Number of New deaths reported

Nil

Death attributed to COVID-19

--

Death attributed to Comorbidities

--

Patients reported Positive on 02nd June 2023 – Nil

District

Number of Cases

Positivity

Case

Details

Remarks

Amritsar

0

0.00%

Nil

222 Samples Tested

Barnala

0

0.00%

Nil

67 Samples Tested

Bathinda

0

0.00%

Nil

108 Samples Tested

Faridkot

0

0.00%

Nil

48 Samples Tested

Fazilka

0

0.00%

Nil

58 Samples Tested

Ferozepur

0

0.00%

Nil

67 Samples Tested

FG Sahib

0

0.00%

Nil

94 Samples Tested

Gurdaspur

0

0.00%

Nil

120 Samples Tested

Hoshiarpur

0

0.00%

Nil

111 Samples Tested

Jalandhar

0

0.00%

Nil

313 Samples Tested

Kapurthala

0

0.00%

Nil

49 Samples Tested

Ludhiana

0

0.00%

Nil

1079 Samples Tested

Malerkotla

0

0.00%

Nil

7 Samples Tested

Mansa

0

0.00%

Nil

32 Samples Tested

Moga

0

0.00%

Nil

73 Samples Tested

Muktsar

0

0.00%

Nil

92 Samples Tested

Pathankot

0

0.00%

Nil

149 Samples Tested

Patiala

0

0.00%

Nil

48 Samples Tested

Ropar

0

0.00%

Nil

229 Samples Tested

Sangrur

0

0.00%

Nil

171 Samples Tested

SAS Nagar

0

0.00%

Nil

173 Samples Tested

SBS Nagar

0

0.00%

Nil

122 Samples Tested

Tarn Taran

0

0.00%

Nil

53 Samples Tested

On the Day Punjab

0

0.00%

Cumulative Cases:-

S. No.

District

Total Confirmed Cases

Total Cured

Total Deaths

Total Active Cases

From 1st April 2022

Till Date

From 1st April 2022

Till Date

From 1st April 2022

Till Date

1

Ludhiana

4057

114533

4011

111500

52

3031

2

2

SAS Nagar

7214

102903

7197

101730

22

1170

3

3

Jalandhar

3427

81692

3361

79699

50

1990

3

4

Patiala

2832

64912

2802

63185

14

1725

2

5

Amritsar

1917

61472

1912

59620

9

1849

3

6

Bathinda

2188

53055

2174

51617

8

1431

7

7

Hoshiarpur

1748

42857

1695

41427

28

1428

2

8

Gurdaspur

506

27433

489

26562

7

871

0

9

Pathankot

740

25242

705

24720

5

522

0

10

Fazilka

1002

24434

1008

23811

0

621

2

11

Muktsar

574

23126

567

22577

4

543

6

12

Kapurthala

727

22756

712

22153

11

603

0

13

Ropar

1397

19335

1389

18872

6

461

2

14

Ferozepur

752

18645

742

18102

4

541

2

15

Mansa

289

17514

284

17120

2

393

1

16

Faridkot

526

17360

525

16946

5

414

0

17

Sangrur

435

14869

427

14000

9

869

0

18

SBS Nagar

635

14037

640

13628

0

409

0

19

FG Sahib

939

12854

937

12417

1

437

0

20

Moga

433

11432

426

11157

9

275

0

21

Tarn Taran

228

11128

221

10726

3

401

1

22

Barnala

405

7905

399

7537

10

367

1

23

Malerkotla

88

4091

85

3876

4

215

0

Total

33059

793585

32708

772982

263

20566

37