Punjab Government seeks Applications for Recruitment of Non Official Members of State Scheduled Castes Commission: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Last Date for Submissions until August 19th

Chandigarh, July 23-The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously striving for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes of state. The Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities has been invited applications until August 19, 2024 for the recruitment of the Non Official Members for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission.

Divulging in this regard, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, stated that the Punjab Government seeks to appoint 5 Non Official Members (One for women) for the State Scheduled Castes Commission to ensure the effective implementation of welfare schemes for the Scheduled Castes thereby ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the full benefits of these schemes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that applicants should be person of ability, integrity and standing, who have served for the welfare and upliftment of Scheduled Castes and should not be over 65 years of age to be eligible for the post.She said that interested candidates can submit their applications to the office of the Director, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department at SCO No:7, Phase-1, SAS Nagar, Mohali until August 19, 2024.

She added that applicants who applied to the advertisements dated 29.8.2023 and 21.10.2023, must reapply, as previous applications will not be considered. Applications received after the specified date or those that are incomplete will not be considered.

=====================================

*Backward Classes May Seek Assistance from BACKFINCO : Chairman Sandeep Saini

*Punjab Government, Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Committed to Welfare of All Sections of State

Chandigarh, July 23-The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is diligently working towards the welfare of all sections of state.

In alignment with this objective and adhering to the directions of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, Now, Chairman of the Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BACKFINCO) Sandeep Saini will be available to address the grievances of the backward classes and ensure their prompt resolution.

Giving more information in this regard Chairman Mr. Saini said that individuals belonging to the backward classes in Punjab can approach to the BACKFINCO office with their issues on office working days every Tuesday from 11 AM to 3 PM located at SCO 60-61, Sector-17A, Chandigarh.

Mr. Saini further Informed that detailed information about the various schemes of the Punjab Government available for the upliftment of the backward classes will be disseminated. He assured that all efforts would be made to address and resolve issues expeditiously, as the government is committed to enhancing the economic status of the backward classes.

In addition, Mr. Saini appealed to organizations associated with the backward classes to engage actively at the grassroots level for the betterment of society. He urged these organizations to widely disseminate information regarding government schemes, aiming to elevate the standard of living of the backward classes across the state.

==========================================

VIGILANCE BUREAU ARRESTS SDE IN PSIEC PLOT ALLOTMENT SCAM CASE

Chandigarh July 23, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau has arrested Savtej Singh, Sub Divisional Engineer (SDE), of Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC), an accused wanted in connection with committing irregularities in allotment of industrial plots.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said in this regard the Bureau had already registered a case under FIR No. 04, dated 08.03.2024 under sections 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of IPC and 13(1)A read with 13(2) at VB flying squad-1 police station, Punjab at Mohali.

He further added that the above mentioned accused had created a fake firm named M/s Gurtej Industries in the name of one Gurtej Singh, using fake documents. Thereafter, he allotted plot No. A-394, Industrial Focal Point, Amritsar in the name of said firm by transferring money from his son Manroop Singh and other relatives' accounts to the PSIEC.

The spokesperson informed that the said accused SDE Savtej Singh has surrendered in the Mohali court today. Subsequently, he has been arrested and has been remanded in three day police remand to the VB, he said.

====================================

Rashtriya Military College offering prime chance for Punjab's youth: Chetan Singh Jouramajra

RIMC Dehradun invites applications for July 2025 Term; Exam to be held in Chandigarh on December 1

Chandigarh, July 23:Punjab government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is making concerted efforts to encourage Punjab's youth to enlist in the Indian Armed Forces, seeking to counter the declining recruitment trend from this historically significant state. While creating numerous job opportunities within Punjab, the Mann administration is also providing crucial information about preparatory studies for defense academies to enhance the chances of the state's young people securing positions in military services.

In this direction, Defence Services Welfare Minister S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra today informed that a written entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College, Dehradun (Uttrakhand) for July 2025 Term, will be conducted at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan Sector-15, Chandigarh on 1 December, 2024 (Sunday).

He further informed that boys and girls both are eligible to apply for the admission to the RIMC, Dehradun. Scholarship amount of RS.48,000 is also granted to the cadets of Punjab per cadet per year by the Punjab government.

S. Chetan Singh Jouramajra said the Candidate should not be born earlier than 2 July, 2012 and not later than 1 January, 2014. They should either be studying in Class VII or passed Class VII from any recognized school. Selected candidates will be given admission in Class-VIII. The Written part of the examination will consist of three papers namely, English, Mathematics & General Knowledge. The viva voce/Interview will be held for only those candidates who qualify in the written exam and the date for the viva-voce will be intimated later.

He said the prospectus-cum application form and booklet of old question papers can also be obtained by making Online Payment of Rs.600 for General Candidates and Rs.555 for SC/ST candidates on RIMC website www.rimc.gov.in. On receipt of the payment, the prospectus-cum-application form and booklet of old question papers will be dispatched by Speed post only.

Besides this, the prospectus-cum application form and booklet of old question papers can also be obtained by sending a written request with demand draft of Rs.600 for General Candidates and Rs.555 for SC/ST candidates alongwith caste certificate in favour of "THE COMMANDANT RIMC FUND", Drawee Branch, HDFC Bank, Ballupur Chowk, Dehradun, (Bank Code-1399) Uttarakhand. The Address should be typed/written clearly in capital letters with pin code and contact number.

Meanwhile, Brig. BS Dhillon, Director, Defense Services Welfare, Punjab informed that applications are to be submitted in duplicate. The documents which are required to be attached are Birth Certificate, State Domicile Certificate, SC/ST Certificate, three passport size photographs, photocopy of Aadhar Card of Candidate (both sides) and a certificate from the principal of the current school, in original with photograph affixed on it duly attested, stating date of birth and class in which student is studying. Completed applications must reach Directorate, Defense Services Welfare Punjab, Punjab Sainik Bhawan Sector 21-D, Chandigarh on or before 30 September, 2024, he added.

====================================

UNION BUDGET HAS ABANDONED AGRICULTURE & PUNJAB; "MOST DISAPPOINTING" SAYS SANDHWAN

CHANDIGARH, JULY 23:Calling it a major disappointment for all sections of society, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh on Tuesday said that Punjab and Agriculture, both mainstays of the country have been completely ignored and sidelined in the Union Budget announced today.

Reacting strongly to the dismal recognition of the most urgent needs of Agriculture support and revival across the nation, Sandhwan said that the Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman was a mere ritual and the document was devoid of any concerte measures on this front.

Why Punjab's needs and aspirations have been sidelined by the Union Government, which has provided financial packages to other states, the Senior leader asked. Punjabis have given their blood for the nation and their sacrifices are inspiration for the whole nation, Sandhwan said adding that it was Punjab which anchored the nation by heralding the Green Revolution to feed the nation at that critical juncture.

Dubbing the Budget as most disappointing, Sandhwan said the FM has spelled no real measures to alleviate the burden of unprecedented price hike in the last 10 years. The middle class has been left dejected too and there are no tax exemptions for the salaried class in real sense.

This regime is only concentrated on giving benefits to Corporates, he added while people who pay taxes honestly have been given no benefits.

=============================================

Punjab makes a strong case before 16th Finance Commission for industrial development package at par with Jammu & Kashmir to control flight capital

Amritsar/Chandigarh, July 23:Putting up its case in a most emphatic and convincing manner, Punjab has sought a special package of incentives for rapid industrial development in it's Border Districts, equivalent to those offered in Jammu & Kashmir in order to control flight capital from Punjab.

In a presentation here today before the 16th Financial Commission led by Chairman Arvind Panagariya, the Additional Chief Secretary (Industries & Commerce) Tejveer Singh outlined the industry friendly eco system of Punjab needing the requisite support in order to ensure development at accelerated pace across the industrial spectrum.

Among other features of the presentation, a One-time compensation was sought for mitigating the economic losses incurred due to the trade embargo at Attari-Wagah Border, along with annual compensation until its reopening. Besides, a dedicated Special Economic Export Zone to enhance exports of agri-products and Basmati rice was also sought.

With a view to salvage the industrial sector, Freight subsidy was sought to offset high logistics costs for industries, particularly in Border Districts. Similarly, a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to promote diversification, competitiveness, and employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, Subsidized interest rates on term loans and working capital to stimulate industrial growth, competitiveness, modernization, and expansion was also sought. The Special tax benefits, akin to those provided to hill states, to support the border industry were sought too.

The industrialists from multiple sectors on the occasion conveyed to the Commission the need for giving incentives for boosting the MSMEs in the State apart from ensuring a robust infrastructure at the ports to avoid the delay in shipping consignments to Punjab, good medical infrastructure in the form of hospitals in Majha and Doaba, ESI hospitals in every city, One Nation One Tariff policy, Taking industry in loop before signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), package to farmers to incentivize them for stop burning paddy stubble, Grants to the Municipal Corporations in Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar to boost urban infrastructure, National level fund for MSMEs, Grant of industry status to the hospitality sector, Cold chambers at the airports for preserving perishable export fruit products, boosting crop diversification, water resources and tourism.

The Director of M/s. Savi International Jalandhar Mukil Verma highlighted the need for giving much needed boost to the sports industry as our neighbouring country is far ahead in sports exports.

On the occasion, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar honoured Mr. Arvind Panagariya.

Among others present on the occasion included the Deputy Commissioner Amritsar Ghanshyam Thori, CEO Invest Punjab and Director Industries and Commerce DPS Kharbanda, Chairman CII Punjab Abhishek Gupta, Regional Chairman of PHDCCI Punjab Chapter R.S. Sachdeva, Chairman M/s. PHDCCI Punjab Chapter Karan Gilhotra, President of Federation of India Export Organization & Director Victor Tools & Fargings Jalandhar Ashwani Kumar Victor, General Secretary of sports goods manufacturer and Exporters Association Jalandhar, Director of M/s. Savi International Jalandhar Mukil Verma, President of Printing and Processing Association Amritsar Krishan Sharma, President Punjab Rice Millers & Exporters Association Amritsar Ashok Kumar Sethi, Arvinder Pal Singh (Lal Quila), Finance Secretary CICU Ludhiana Ajay Bharti, President of Hotel & Restaurant Association Amritsar Arvind Pal Singh Chattha, President of Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal (Regd) Amritsar Piara Lal Seth, President of Bal Kalan Welfare Association Amritsar Sandeep Khosla, President of Focal Point Industrial Welfare Association Amritsar Kamal Dalmia, President of Sangrur Industrial Chamber of Commerce Ghanshyam Kansal, MD of M/s. Sukhjit Starch Phagwara, MD of M/s. Ganga Acrowool Ludhiana Amit Thapar and Chairman of M/s. Vardhman Group Sachit Jain.

=====================================

Disproportionate Assets Case : EO Girish Verma's son Vikas Verma arrested by VB

Mohali court grants police remand for 3 days

Three accomplices of Girish Verma were already arrested

Chandigarh July 23, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Tuesday has arrested Vikas Verma, son of Girish Verma, a sacked Executive Officer (EO), of Local Bodies department Punjab, who was absconding in a disproportionate assets case registered against him, his father and others. The Mohali court has granted his police remand for 3 days to the VB.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said in this case Girish Verma and his three accomplices namely - Sanjiv Kumar, a resident of Kharar, Pawan Kumar Sharma resident of Panchkula, a coloniser, and Gaurav Gupta, ex-Municipal Councilor Kurali had already been arrested by the VB.

Giving more details he informed that in this regard the VB had registered a case FIR no. 18 in the year 2022 for accumulating disproportionate assets against Girish Verma and others. During investigation it was found that Girish Verma had purchased 19 prime residential/commercial properties in the names of his wife Sangeeta Verma and his son Vikas Verma.

He further revealed that said accused Girish Verma had remained posted as EO in the Municipal Councils of Zirakpur, Kharar, Kurali, Derabassi etc. and used to pass on wrongful benefits to the local builders/developers and in lieu of that he obtained illicit money in the form of bank entries in the names of his wife and son from the accounts of the said builders as unsecured loans. Further, this money was utilised to purchase properties. Vikas Verma and Sangeeta Verma did not have any lawful source of income other than rent from properties purchased with tainted money, he added.

The spokesperson informed that the said Vikas Verma had became partner in year 2019-20 in the real estate firms - 'Balaji Infra Buildtech' and 'Balaji Developers' by laundering black money of his father and changing its colour by availing bank entries as unsecured loans from other partners in these firms and returning money to them in cash.

Revealing the modus operandi, he said Vikas Verma's partners, now co-accused in this case namely- Sanjiv Kumar, Gaurav Gupta and Ashish Sharma, all residents of Kurali, indulged in fraudulent activities by preparing antedated agreements to sell of plots and getting residential colonies regularised in a clandestine manner.

He added that the accused Gaurav Gupta was founder of these firms and a major partner, having 80 percent share, in Balaji Infra Buildtech, who had invested crores of rupees as his shares alongside other partners to purchase agricultural land in Kharar and then unlawfully got residential colony regularised on this land. Thereafter, 15 percent of his share was finally transferred to the accused Vikas Verma, son of Girish Verma.

He informed that anticipatory bail of Vikas Verma were earlier dismissed by the High Court. Thereafter, Mohali court has declared Vikas Verma as Proclaimed Offender and fearing his impending arrest by the VB, he has surrendered before the court today. Further investigation into this case was under progress.

=======================================

VENGEFUL BUDGET TOWARDS PUNJAB; FOCUS ONLY TO SAVE LAME GOVT: AMAN ARORA

* BJP acts vindictive against Punjab as it failed to win even single seat in parliamentary polls

* Silence on MSP is a cruel joke with ‘Annadata’

Chandigarh, July 23:Terming the Union Budget vengeful towards Punjab and ‘Annadata’, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the budget has revealed the vindictive face of the BJP-led Central Government, which were even failed to win a single seat in the state during the recently held Parliamentary Polls. The budget once again proved that the Modi government's primary focus is on targeting opposition ruled governments rather than addressing real issues.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan on Tuesday, Mr. Aman Arora said that Punjab is known as the Granary of India, which made the nation independent in food security but the border state has been overlooked and there was nothing on agriculture, rural and urban development, while on the other hand sops have been announced for BJP ally TDP and JD(U)-governed Andhra Pradesh and Bihar to just save the Langri Sarkar (lame government).

He further said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann sought funds worth Rs 1,32,247 crores from the Finance Commission yesterday to give impetus to the development in the state but today Punjab has been totally ignored in the union budget as no special grant has been allocated to the state for disaster management, crop diversification, industry or MSMEs. The Budget is a stark betrayal of their oft-repeated slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." This budget is not just disappointing; it's a glaring example of the government's apathy towards the common people of India, particularly those in Punjab" uttered Mr. Aman Arora, while accusing the central government of once again demonstrating its inability to address the pressing issues. This budget offers nothing substantial for women, farmers, youth or the poor.

Farmers have been protesting for legal guarantees to their produce but the central government failed to even utter a word on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and fertilisers subsidy has also been slashed to further burdened the farmers, which is a cruel joke with our hard working farmers. While the union government makes vague promises about farmer credit cards in five states, they conveniently avoid specifying which states will benefit or what the credit limits will be, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that this ambiguity leaves our farmers in a state of uncertainty and anxiety about their future.

He said that the BJP had announced as many as two crore jobs to youth every year but the youth is grappling with severe unemployment. Instead of terminating the controversial Agniveer scheme and reinstating the traditional army recruitment process, the government chooses to turn a blind eye to their plight.

Mr. Aman Arora said that in a clear indication of the budget's failure, the stock market plummeted following its announcement, reflecting the widespread discontent among the masses. Their penchant for temporary fixes instead of presenting a comprehensive, long-term vision for the nation is alarming, he added.

=============================================

PUNJAB FINANCE MINISTER TERMS UNION BUDGET AS "COMPLETELY DISAPPOINTING"

SAYS, PUNJAB DELIBERATELY IGNORED

BUDGET NEGLECT CONCERNS OF WOMEN, POOR, AND FARMERS

Chandigarh, July 23-Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly criticized the Union Budget for FY 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for neglecting the concerns of women, poor, and farmers. He also lamented that Punjab's interests have been completely disregarded in the Budget.

In a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the alarming consequences of slashing fertilizer subsidies in FY 2024-25. This drastic reduction will not only burden farmers of the nation but also adversely affect the Punjab economy, where agriculture is a vital sector. “This move is particularly concerning given the Union Government’s proclaimed commitment to prioritizing farmers' welfare and doubling their income. Moreover, the budget fails to provide a crucial Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee for farmers, further exacerbating their uncertainty”, he added.

Finance Minister Cheema expressed disappointment that the Budget fails to provide any additional, targeted support for Punjab's farmers, who grapple with distinct challenges such as water management, crop diversification, and sustainability. He noted that, despite Punjab's susceptibility to flooding, the Budget neglects to allocate substantial, specific funds for flood management and irrigation projects that cater to the state's unique requirements.

Finance Minister Cheema held the Union Government accountable for perpetuating financial disparities and regional imbalances. He said that the Punjab, already vulnerable to regional disparities due to the preferential treatment of neighboring hill states, has once again been subjected to discriminatory treatment by the Union Government. “Unlike states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which received additional financial packages, Punjab was denied any special financial assistance”, said Cheema and cautioned that this inequality could worsen regional imbalances and impede Punjab's development trajectory.

Cheema condemned the Union Government for deliberately ignoring Punjab's development needs, particularly in the tourism sector, where no projects have been allocated. He also noted that the Budget favors the Eastern region, neglecting the Northwestern border states, including Punjab. "Moreover, the Union Government has failed to provide Punjab with any targeted support or extra funding for its SMEs, which are essential drivers of local employment and economic growth," he added.

Cheema also exposed the anti-poor character of the Budget, highlighting the lack of relief from direct taxes for the common man. He criticized the meagre relief offered to middle-class taxpayers through a modest increase in Standard Deduction from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. He said that even the health of common man is ignored in this budget and there is only a minor increase in the national health budget.

Concluding his statement, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that the lack of dedicated funds would severely impede the state’s progress in critical areas, including agricultural development, industrial growth (particularly for MSMEs), and infrastructure expansion, while also compromising the rapid growth of health and education sectors in the state. Drawing parallels with Delhi, Finance Minister Cheema said that Punjab's urban local bodies are also vulnerable to challenges arising from inadequate central support for urban development initiatives.