Major relief to labourers in Mandis, CM announces to enhance Mandi Labour Charge by Rs 1 per quintal

Directs Ministers and MLAs to undertake visits in Mandis for smooth and hassle free procurement

Orders DCs to make extensive arrangements for tackling glut of paddy during peak of season

Says that genuine demands of millers are being taken with the GOI

CM reiterates commitment for smooth and hassle free

Chandigarh, October 1:In a major relief to labourers involved in loading and unloading of grains in mandis, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced to enhance the Mandi Labour Charge by Rs 1 per quintal.

Chairing a meeting in wake of the ongoing procurement of the paddy, the Chief Minister said that in an unprecedented action, the state government has already enhanced the Mandi Labour Charge by Rs 1 per quintal. He said that this is a big relief for the labour working in the Mandis across the state and will be very helpful in giving impetus to the smooth procurement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will put an additional burden of Rs 18 crore in state exchequer.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister directed the Ministers and MLAs to undertake visits in the Mandis and expedite the process of procurement of the paddy in the ongoing season adding that representative of people should ensure that the produce of the farmers that is brought in the Mandis is purchased and lifted at the earliest. He said that the entire process should be smooth and hassle free so that the farmers do not face any sort of inconvenience. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour to ensure that the entire process of procurement is carried out without any sort of delay.

The Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the Mandis remain encroachment free and clean so as to avoid any sort of glut in the mandis during peak of season. He said that the Deputy Commissioner should ensure that the farmers do not face any sort of inconvenience to the farmers during the ongoing procurement season. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that purchase has already started in the mandis and is expected to pick up pace during the coming times.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government is sympathetic towards the genuine demands of the millers of the state. He said that they are already flagging off these demands with the union government for the early resolution of these demands. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause and every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of every section of society.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is expected to procure 185 LMT paddy to be brought into mandis by farmers during the procurement Season commencing October 1. He said that 32 Lakh hectares of area was currently under paddy cultivation in the state adding that Punjab is targetting procurement of 185 Lakh Metric Tonnes of paddy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that CCL to the tune of Rs. 41,378 Crores for KMS 2024-25 has already been released by the RBI.

The Chief Minister said that the Government of India has fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 2320 per quintal for grade 'A' paddy this season. He said that the State procurement agencies, viz Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, PSWC, along with FCI, will procure paddy on Minimum Support Price as per specification laid down by the Government of India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that entire preparations for the smooth and hassle free procurement of the paddy has been made adding that the state government is committed for smooth and hassle free procurement and lifting of paddy.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements for purchasing the harvest of farmers as soon as it arrives in the Mandis. He said that a viable mechanism has been evolved to ensure on the spot payment to the farmers in their bank accounts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that smooth and hassle free procurement of grains is being ensured in the market so that farmers don’t face any sort of inconvenience.

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Ghungrali biogas plant in Ludhiana will be completely pollution free: asserts CM

Bhagwant Mann interacts with the villagers on telephone

Reiterates zero tolerance policy against environmental pollution

Thanks villagers for setting up an example for rest of the Punjab by amicably resolving issue

Chandigarh, October 1:In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday categorically said that the Biogas plant setting up at village Ghungrali in Ludhiana will be totally pollution free.

During telephonic conversation with the villagers, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state government is committed to check the pollution in Punjab and it has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards it. He categorically apprised the villagers that the plant will be completely pollution free and no one will be allowed to flout the norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has adopted zero tolerance policy against pollution caused by anyone in Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that no one will be allowed to flout the norms and exemplary action will be taken against those who violate it. He informed the villagers that the plant owners have done written agreement with the state government that their plant will adhere to all the environmental norms. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that any sort of violation of environmental norms is totally unwarranted and undesirable adding that it will not be tolerated at any cost.

The Chief Minister profusely thanked the villagers for standing with the state government to restart the operation of plant. He said that through their positive approach the villagers have set a new example of full public cooperation in the functioning of government. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured the villagers that he will soon attend a sports extravaganza being held in the village shortly.

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CM urges GOI to sympathetically consider demands of Millers

Writes letter to Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister

Asserts that demands of millers should be met in larger interest of state

Chandigarh, October 1:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday sought the kind intervention of Union consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister to accept the genuine demands of the millers.

In a letter to the Union Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that generally FCI receives milled rice by March 31 but during KMS 2023-24, FCI could not provide space for the milled rice and so the delivery period had to be extended upto September 30, 2024. The Chief Minister said that under these circumstances, millers of Punjab are reluctant to lift and store paddy which will be coming to the Mandis during KMS 2024-25. He said that the millers have been emphasising that it is necessary that every month at least 20 lakh MT of rice/wheat is shifted out of Punjab from COVERED STORAGE.

The Chief Minister said that as food godowns all over the country are full and so Government of India will have to come out with some strategic solutions. He said that it is heartening to learn that Union Government has allowed export of rice adding that the Union government should also ask the Consuming States to consider advance lifting of rice for 3-6 months to help FCI to evacuate rice from Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though as 120 LMT rice is expected to be delivered in the Central pool in the forthcoming season, so creation of only 90 LMT space till March 31, 2025 would not be sufficient.

Thus, the Chief Minister suggested that certain other measures like sale of rice to Bio-Ethanol Manufacturing Units at subsidized/reasonable price, liberal lifting under OMSS and others are also required to be taken urgently so that 120 LMT space required to complete timely delivery of rice of KMS 2024-25 is created in the State.

He said that Millers had also informed that in the past they were allotted space for delivery of rice within the same milling centre and such centres were usually within 10-20 km of the mills. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that last year due to space constraints, the FCI allocated space for delivery of rice to them which in many cases was more than 100 kms but no transportation charges were paid to them for this.

The Chief Minister said that the Millers want to be adequately compensated and reimbursed additional transportation charges in case space is allocated outside their milling centre. Flagging another issue, he said that with the last milling season extending beyond March 31, the millers suffered huge losses on account of driage/weight loss/discoloration of paddy due to hot weather conditions and they also had to incur extra labour and other input costs. Bhagwant Singh Mann asked the Union government to compensate millers in case the milling goes beyond March 31 on account of shortage of the space with the FCI.

The Chief Minister also said that millers have also expressed their concern about Out Turn Ratio (OTR) of hybrid varieties adding that they have requested that scientific studies be conducted to ascertain the actual OTR. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that almost all the demands of the millers are genuine so the Government of India should consider these demands sympathetically and resolve these issues on priority. He reminded the Union Minister that the farmers of the State have been contributing nearly

45-50% of the wheat procured under the Central Pool since last three years and thus have contributed significantly in ensuring the food security of the Nation and maintaining the wheat buffer stocks.

The Chief Minister expressed concern that if the issues of the millers are not resolved on priority, the farmers in the State would face undue hardships in the ensuing paddy procurement season. He said that may lead to unwarranted law and order situations, which we should avoid in this sensitive border State.

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PUNJAB POLICE TO BOOST CCTV SURVEILLANCE AT CRIME HOTSPOTS, POINT-OF-SALE OF DRUG HOTSPOTS: DGP PUNJAB

— DGP GAURAV YADAV CHAIRS STATE LEVEL LAW AND ORDER REVIEW MEETING WITH SENIOR FIELD OFFICERS AND HEADS OF OPERATIONAL WINGS

— ‘CURBING PETTY CRIMES’ IN STATE TOPMOST PRIORITIES OF THE PUNJAB POLICE

— CPs/SSPs DIRECTED TO ENSURE ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS

— MAKE MAXIMUM USE OF SECTION 68F OF NDPS TO FREEZE ILLEGALLY ACQUIRED PROPERTY BY DRUG SUPPLIERS: DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, October 1:In a move aimed at curbing petty crimes and drug trafficking in the state, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday said that Punjab Police is all set to intensify Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras saturation at snatching and points of sale of drugs hotspots across the state.

He said that CCTV control rooms are being established at district and sub-divisional levels for real-time monitoring. This move comes after a comprehensive crime hotspot mapping of such crime hotspots and points of sale of drugs over the last three years.

The DGP was chairing a state-level Law and Order review meeting with all the senior field officers and Heads of Operational Wings to evaluate performance of all the 28 Police districts and take stock of the ongoing fight against organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism at the PAP Complex Jalandhar. The meeting was attended by the heads of various special units of Punjab, including the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Railways, Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF), Counter Intelligence, Internal Security, Law & Order, Intelligence, Administration, Bureau of Investigation, Community Affairs Division, and Provisioning. All Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Range IGs/DIGs in Punjab were also present in the meeting.

Terming ‘curbing petty crimes’ as the topmost priorities of the Punjab Police, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that field officers have been directed to use all the mechanisms to make our action effective and to address crimes affecting citizen security especially extortion calls, snatching, theft, and burglary, and action against drugs at point of sale. CPs/SSPs have been directed to deal with such criminals with iron hand and make maximum use of section 68F of the NDPS to freeze illegally acquired property by the drug suppliers, he said.

Ahead of Panchayat elections in state, the DGP also reviewed the security arrangements across the state and directed all the officers to ensure free and fair elections. He asked the officers to lay effective nakas to keep vigil on the movement of anti-social elements, drug smugglers and bootleggers.

In wake of forthcoming festival season, he also stressed on the need to enhance vigilance and dominance in the areas with high footfall while ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public.

During the meeting, SSPs and CPs have been directed to prepare history-sheets, take exemplary action against violent crimes, enhance surveillance, utilise technology for crime detection, and ensure the seizure of properties belonging to drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, the DGP Punjab also took feedback from all the CPs/SSPs to understand practical issues being faced at ground level. He asked CPs/SSPs to hold weekly crime review meetings with all the sub-divisional DSPs and station house officers (SHOs). He also asked CPs/SSPs to make sure inspection of Police Stations formally or informally frequently.

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PUNJAB POLICE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CII HOST 1st STAKEHOLDERS CONFERENCE ON PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCIES REGULATION ACT

— CONFERENCE HELD UNDER GUIDANCE OF DGP GAURAV YADAV AIMED AT FOSTERING COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCIES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

— PRINCIPAL SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS PUNJAB GURKIRAT KIRPAL SINGH INAUGURATES THE STAKEHOLDERS CONFERENCE

— PRINCIPAL SECRETARY GURKIRAT KIRPAL SINGH APPRECIATES ROLE OF PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCIES IN PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT TO YOUTH

— CONFERENCE AIMED AT PROMOTING SECURE AND REGULATED ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PUBLIC, PRIVATE SECURITY AGENCIES, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TO WORK TOGETHER EFFECTIVELY: ADGP SECURITY SS SRIVASTAVA

Chandigarh, October 1:In a significant move to streamline the private security industry in the state, Punjab Police in partnership with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Tuesday, have organised the 1st Stakeholders Conference on Private Security Agencies Regulation (PSAR) Act at CII Northern Region Headquarters here.

The conference was organised under the guidance of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav aimed at fostering collaboration and cooperation between private security agencies and law enforcement.

Principal Secretary Department of Home Affairs Punjab Gurkirat Kirpal Singh accompanied by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Security SS Srivastava inaugurated the conference at CII Northern Region Headquarters here. Secretary Industries, Commerce and Investment Promotion Punjab DPS Kharbanda, ADGP Traffic AS Rai and Chairman CII Punjab Abhishek Gupta were also present on the occasion.

Principal Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, while addressing the gathering, assured fulsome support of the Punjab Government to the Private Security Agencies while ensuring mandated requirements under the act. Rules are being updated under the PSAR act, he said.

The Principal Secretary also appreciated the role of private security agencies in providing employment to youth.

ADGP SS Srivastava, while addressing the inaugural session, said that this conference aimed at promoting a secure and regulated environment for the public, private security agencies, and law enforcement to work together effectively.

Emphasising private security's crucial role in supporting law enforcement, he highlighted the key aspects of the PSAR Act, including rules and regulations, and concerns regarding uniform misuse.

The ADGP, while appreciating their role, said that the Private security and their role in security architecture is pivotal. “We want you all (private security forces) to work as a force multipliers. Our motto is to collaborate and cooperate,” he added.

Later, in this day long conference, various sessions on different topics including Private Security: Emerging Trends & the Road ahead; Training & Skill Development; Role of Women Force in Private Security Sector; Employee Rights and Welfare issues; Concerns regarding potential challenges in the Private Security Industry; Industry Collaboration & Partnership Opportunities; and Innovations & Technology advancement in Private Security Sector were held. Experts from the private security industry, law enforcement, and government agencies shared their expertise, exploring challenges and best practices.

Meanwhile, this initiative reflects Punjab Police's commitment to regulating and enhancing the private security sector.

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Punjab ITIs witness unprecedented 25% surge in admissions

Chandigarh, October 1:In a significant boost to vocational education in Punjab, the state ITIs have witnessed unprecedented 25% surge in admissions.

Disclosing this here today, Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed that admissions to Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state have surged by an impressive 25%, rising from 28,000 to 35,000 in the current academic year.

Harjot Singh Bains said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is actively working to provide vocational education to the youth in order to address the issues of unemployment and brain-drain which further led to migration. He mentioned that efforts are being made under a focused mission in this direction, with the number of ITI seats increased during the current academic session and plans to expand the total seats to 50,000 in the next two academic years.

Harjot Singh Bains said, "This remarkable increase in ITI admissions reflecting the growing recognition of skill-based education among our youth. We are not stopping here. Our target for the next two years is to reach 50,000 admissions and we are committed to strengthening placement opportunities for ITI graduates."

The Technical Minister noted, prior to the 2023 academic session, many of the 28,000 seats in state-run ITIs remained vacant, adding that the goal for the 2023 session was to achieve 100 percent enrollment in ITIs and numerous efforts were made to reach this objective. As a result, an additional 7,000 seats had to be added during the current academic session.

Highlighting key achievements, he said that the state government increased seating capacity in 137 government ITIs from 28,880 to 35,000 for the 2024-25 academic year. He said that the ITIs are now offering 86 trades, including both engineering and non-engineering options, catering to a wide range of career aspirations, besides introducing cutting-edge courses such as Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Electric Vehicle Mechanics, Industrial Robotics, Digital Manufacturing and Drone Technology.

Taking about gender equality push in the ITIs, the Cabinet Minister said that 33% reservation for women across all trades has been implemented, resulting in increased female participation in vocational training. He informed that pilot programs in women's ITIs offering engineering courses like Electrician and Mechanic Diesel Engine, in partnership with leading companies such as ITC Ltd. and Swaraj Engines Ltd.

Disclosing future plans, Harjot Singh Bains said that the state government aims to expand seating capacity to 50,000 in next two years, with a focus on introducing more engineering courses in women's ITIs.

Minister Bains said, "The expanded capacity and diverse trade offerings, along with our focus on gender inclusivity, are vital steps toward equipping Punjab's youth with the skills needed for the future.

" We are committed to bridging the skill gap and enhancing employability in our state", he added.

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Mann Government Committed to Ensuring a Smooth and Safe Business Environment for Traders: Vineet Verma

Chandigarh, October 1- The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and secure environment for traders in the state. In a meeting held today with the Mohali Beopar Mandal and various market representatives from Mohali, Vineet Verma, a member of the Punjab State Trader’s Commission, emphasized the government's commitment to supporting traders, particularly during the festive season. The meeting was convened under the direction of Anil Thakur, Chairperson of the Punjab State Trader’s Commission.

Vineet Verma reaffirmed that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mann, is focused on creating a trader-friendly environment and resolving any concerns faced by the business community. Several issues raised by the traders were discussed, and immediate steps were taken to address many of them. The government remains dedicated to working closely with traders to enhance the business ecosystem in Punjab, ensuring safety and prosperity for all.

Key attendees at the meeting included Sital Singh, Chairman of Beopar Mandal; Suresh Goyal, Patron Beopar Mandal; Fouja Singh, Cashier of Beopar Mandal and Market President of Phase 1 Kamla Market; Akbinder Singh Gosal, Market President of Phase 3B2; Rajpal Singh Choudhary, Market President of Phase 5; Harish Singla, Market President of Phase 1 & Aggarwal Samaj Mohali; Suresh Verma, Market President of Phase 7; Rattan Singh, Market President of Phase 3B1; Sarabjit Singh Prince, Booth Markets Incharge, Mohali; Neeta, Market President of Sector 55; Jaswinder Singh, Market President of Janta Market, Sector 60; along with representatives from the Market Association of Sector 60, including Harpreet Lakra, Atma Ram Aggarwal, and Karamjit Singh.

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GURJANT SINGH, FIRST FARMER TO RECEIVE PAYMENT OF PADDY FOR KHARIF MARKETING SEASON 2024-25

PAYMENT RELEASED ON FIRST DAY ITSELF

NO FARMER TO FACE ANY PROBLEM : LAL CHAND KATARUCHAK

Chandigarh, October 1:Sh. Gurjant Singh of Rajpura (District Patiala) today became the first farmer in the State to receive MSP payment for paddy pertaining to Kharif Season 2024-25.

Disclosing this today, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that Sh. Gurjant Singh, hailing from Rajpura in Patiala District, had brought 58.5 quintals paddy today in Rajpura Mandi and it was cleaned and purchased on the very first day of procurement i.e. 1st of October. He added that today, within 4 hours of purchase, the Department has transferred the farmer’s payment, amounting to Rs. 1.357 lakh (1,35,720/-) directly into his bank account. He further said that 703 MT paddy has been purchased in the State by Govt agencies at MSP today in different mandis of the State today.

Responding to a question regarding arrangements of transport and labour, he said that all labour and transport contracts have been completed well before the start of the season. He added that that all arrangements, for purchase of paddy in the Mandis, are in place. He appealed to the farmers to harvest only mature and dry crop so that the moisture is within the specified limit so that their produce is procured expeditiously in the mandis.

The Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government will leave no stone unturned in buying every grain that is offered for sale by the farmer.

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NOT A SINGLE PENNY DIVERTED OR MISUSED, CENTRAL GOVT OWES RS 249-CR TO PUNJAB UNDER AB-MMSBY: HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH

— DR BALBIR SINGH REAFFIRMS THAT FUNDS ARE BEING UTILISED SOLELY FOR PUBLIC WELFARE AS PER GUIDELINES OF NATIONAL HEALTH AGENCY

— DELAY IN PAYMENT TO HOSPITALS WAS DUE TO TECHNICAL GLITCHES AFTER SWITCHING TO NEW SOFTWARE LAUNCHED BY THE NHA AND NON RELEASE OF FUNDS BY CENTRAL GOVT, SAYS PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER

— HEALTH MINISTER OFFERS UNWILLING PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO OPT OUT OF SCHEME, SAYS WILL AUTHORISE HOSPITALS WILLING TO DO ‘SEVA’

— URGES UNION HEALTH MINISTER JP NADDA TO SIT ACROSS THE TABLE TO SORT OUOT ISSUES

— PREVIOUS GOVTS MESSED UP THE SCHEME BY ABRUPTLY CANCELLING CONTRACT WITH ENTRUSTED INSURANCE COMPANIES, SAYS DR BALBIR SINGH

CHANDIGARH, October 1:Setting the record straight on the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna (AB-MMSBY), Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday made it clear that there has been no diversion of central government funds, and rather, the Central Government owes Punjab Rs 249 crores under the scheme.

The Health Minister was addressing a press conference at Punjab Bahwan here to clear all the facts about the AB-MMSBY so that people should know the truth.

Launched on August 20, 2019, AB-MMSBY (AB-MMSBY) provides an entitlement-based cashless health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. Punjab has made significant progress under the scheme, covering 44.99 lakh families and empaneling 772 hospitals - 210 public, 556 private, and six central government hospitals. The budget is shared between the Central and State Governments in a 60:40 ratio only for 16.65 lakh Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) families, while the state bears the budget for the remaining over 28 lakh families.

Dr Balbir Singh explained that the previous governments were running this scheme under Insurance Mode under which they used to pay premium and on December 29, 2021, they had abruptly cancelled the contract with the entrusted insurance company leading to chaos. “Our government has inherited the broken system and had to bring this scheme under the trust mode,” he added.

It is mentioned that government of Punjab gets share to the ratio of 60:40 percent for the 16.65 lakh SECC families and for the treatment under trust mode claims of approximately Rs 585 Crore raised under SECC families for which Center Government has to pay about Rs 350.74 Crore against which State Health Agency (SHA) has received only 169.34 Crores under trust mode.

The Health Minister said that the amount of Rs 249.81 crores, which includes Rs 51.34 crores administrative charges and Rs 17.07 crore previous balance, is pending with the central government.

He informed that team of senior officers from the State Health Agency had a meeting with Union Health Minister JP Nadda requesting him to release the instalment of pending payment so that we can pay to private hospitals. “Even, I’ve personally wrote to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, for a meeting to request him the release of pending payments but in vain,” he said.

He reassured that there has been no diversion of central government funds and all the funds are being utilised solely for public welfare.

The Minister attributed the delay in payment to hospitals to technical glitches after switching to new software launched by the National Health Agency (NHA) in February 2024. However, the State Health Agency took prompt measures to address the issue.

Dr Balbir Singh stated that the government will authorise private hospitals willing to do ‘Seva’ by providing treatment under the scheme. He also offered private hospitals, which are unable to provide treatment under this scheme, to opt out of this scheme.

He mentioned that Punjab Government has been mutually cooperating with the private hospitals in every aspect, wether it is regarding providing security or extending the validity of fire safety certificate from one year to three years.

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