CM’s efforts bear fruit, GOI accedes to major demands of Millers and Aarthias

CM keeps his word with Millers and Aarthias of Punjab, Flags their issues with GOI

Centre agrees to create space by shifting 120 LMT foodgrains till March 31, 2025 for additional storage space

GOI to reimburse extra transportation cost incurred in the process of delivery of rice to FCI depots

Demands restoration of Driage of grains to 1% of MSP to be considered sympathetically

Union Minister hails Punjab for introducing new less water guzzling varieties of paddy

Centre to consider Demands of restoration of commission of arthias@ 2.5% of MSP

New Delhi/ Chandigarh, October 14:In a major reprieve to the millers and Aarthias of the state, the Union government on Monday acceded to majority of demands raised by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during a meeting with Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister.

The Chief Minister, who called on Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Parhlad Joshi, apprised him that procurement of paddy is like a festival in the state. He said that the economy of the state depends on this season and it is also important for ensuring food security in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that during the ongoing KMS 24-25, 185 LMT paddy is expected to be procured in the State and 125 LMT of Fortified rice is likely to be delivered.

However, the Chief Minister said that due to persistent shortage of storage space during previous season and availability of only about 7 Lakh MT storage space as on date, there is resentment amongst the rice millers of the State for carrying out milling. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is adversely affecting the procurement/lifting of paddy from mandis thus leading to resentment amongst farmers. Therefore, he urged Parhlad Joshi to ensure smooth procurement operations, movement/ thereby ensuring liquidation of at-least 20 LMT foodgrains per month from the State till March 31, 2025 by augmenting movement plan under OMSS/Ethanol allocation/Export/Welfare Schemes and others.

Responding to issues raised by the Chief Minister, Joshi agreed to transport 120 lakh metric ton paddy from outside the state by March 2025.

Flagging the issue of payment of Transportation Charges to Millers for delivery of Rice, the Chief Minister said that due to non-availability of storage space at the linked milling centers, many a times, the FCI offers space to the millers to deliver rice at their depots which are in majority of the cases located at a distance ranging from 50-100 Kms. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that sometimes such depots are even located outside the State, which puts extra financial burden on the miller in terms of cost of over-transportation. He said that such costs are neither envisaged nor incorporated in the bilateral agreement between the miller and the SPAs.

The Chief Minister said that as such, there is merit in their demand for compensating them with reimbursement of extra transportation cost so incurred in the process of delivery of rice to FCI depots. He requested the Union Minister that in order to ensure fair play for the millers and encourage them adding that transportation charges for actual distance travelled for delivery of rice be reimbursed to the milers without any deduction of backward charges and others. Replying to the issue the Union Minister assured Bhagwant Mann that centre will bear the transportation cost incurred by millers in this regard.

Flagging the issue of Driage in paddy, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the driage in paddy was allowed @ 1% of MSP since decades which was reduced to 0.5% of MSP during last season unilaterally by the DFPD in the PCS issued for KMS 23-24 without any discussion/scientific study in this regard. The Chief Minister said that this has resulted in undue financial losses to the rice millers, who were already under financial strain due to space crunch adding that it has aggravated resentment amongst them. Further, he said that as the previous milling season had extended beyond March 31 due to space crunch, it resulted in more losses on account of driage/weight loss/discoloration of paddy due to hot weather conditions prevailing from April to July 24. Therefore, Bhagwant Singh Mann urged that the Driage may be restored to 1% of MSP as was prior to KMS 23-24 and further adequate compensation may be allowed to millers for delivery after March 31 where the moisture content in CMR/FR delivered to FCI was less than 14%.

On the issue of Driage, the Union Minister said that the centre was already getting a study conducted on it at IIT Kharagpur adding that Punjab’s view point will also be made a part of this study.

Raising the issue of Out-Turn Ratio of hybrid varieties of paddy, the Chief Minister said that Out-turn Ratio for Grade A paddy has been fixed at 67% by the GOI. He said that Considering the significant water consumption associated with traditional varieties of Grade A paddy, the State has promoted cultivation of certain hybrid varieties in the State. Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised the Union Minister that these varieties are less water consuming and have shorter duration with higher yield thus contributing towards increase in farmers earnings.

However, the Chief Minister said that millers have informed that the OTR of these varieties is lesser than 67% and needs to be re-assessed adding he requested the Union Minister to depute the Central teams to study the OTR of these varieties of paddy. Meanwhile, the Union Minister appreciated the Punjab government for taking out of the box initiative of introducing less water guzzling varieties of paddy. He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for promotion of more such varieties.

Raising another issue, the Chief Minister vehemently pleaded the Allowance of Commission to Arhtias as per the Punjab APMC Act. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the commission being paid to the Arhtias has not been increased since the last five years/2019-20 whereas their expenses have increased manifold over these years. He said that while the MSP of crops is increased every year by the GOI, the arhtias are being paid commission @ Rs 45.38 to 46/- per quintal only since 2019-20, despite the fact that the Punjab State Agriculture Produce Market Committee Act, Rules, Bye-laws provide for a commission of 2.5% on MSP, which comes out to be Rs58/- per quintal in the current Kharif season.

The Chief Minister said that it is pertinent to mention that despite challenges in procurement during the last four years, like COVID 19 pandemic, shortage of labour, weather disturbances during the season and quicker pace of arrival in mandis due to mechanical harvesting, the Arhtias have been ensuring smooth procurement of foodgrains under Central pool. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the State has contributed 45-50% of wheat in Central pool every year since last three years and thus contributed towards Food security of the Nation. He said that This has helped maintain wheat buffer stocks, control prices of wheat and atta in open market and also curb inflation.

The Chief Minister said that there is huge resentment amongst the arthias at the ground level due to no increase in their commission since many years. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Union Minister to ensure that the commission of arthias is allowed @ 2.5% of MSP. The Union Minister also assured Bhagwant Singh Mann that centre will sympathetically consider this demand of the state government and Arthias in its next meeting.

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

CM hails verdict of High court paving way for panchayat polls

Urges people to exercise their franchise in a free and fair manner

Extends best wishes to candidates for the polls

Chandigarh, October 14:Expressing gratitude towards Punjab and Haryana High court for paving way to Panchayat elections, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday appealed the people to exercise their franchise freely and fairly.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the verdict by Punjab and Haryana High court has cleared the path for smooth conduct of these polls. He profusely thanked the Punjab and Haryana High court for allowing the people to freely participate in the polls at this grass root level. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on October 15 Panchayat polls will be held across the state.

The Chief Minister appealed the Punjabis to take part in these polls in a free and fair manner without any sort of fear. He asked the people to participate in these polls by cementing the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that people should strengthen brotherhood in the villages during the poll and use their right to vote judiciously.

The Chief Minister asked the people to elect good representatives in the villages and become an active partner in its development. Extending good wishes to all the participants taking part in these elections, he said that hoped that they would take their respective villages on zenith of glory after victory. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the state government is committed for conduct of these polls in a free, fair and impartial manner.

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

Special camp will be held for the first time on 16th October to settle the pending works of colonizers: Hardeep Singh Mundian

Environmental pollution and Unauthorized colonies will not be tolerated during the planned development of cities

Housing and Urban Development Minister holds a marathon meeting with CREDAI

Chandigarh, October 14-Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led State Government is organizing a special camp for the first time on 16th October to settle pending cases of citizens and colonizers, in which certificates will be given in at least 50 cases of colonizers. It was stated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian during a meeting with the officials of CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India) at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh today.

S. Mundian further said that on the directives of the Chief Minister, zero pendency is being ensured with regard to the works of colonizers and citizens in order to provide smooth and timely services. He said that after the first camp on 16th October, a second such camp would be organized in the end of November in which all out efforts would be made to settle as many pending cases as possible.

The Housing and Urban Development Minister further said that if any officer of the department demands bribe related to the cases of colonizers, then complaint should be sent immediately to the department's email transparency.hud@gmail.com which will be addressed directly to him and the Secretary. He said that the officials of the department have been instructed that whenever the citizen or colonizers come for work in any office, their issues should be listened to and sorted out on priority basis.

S. Mundian said that the State Government is committed to the planned development of the cities in which the real estate sector is likely to be a major contributor. Besides, Strict action is being taken by the government against unauthorized colonies. Apart from this, from October 18 to 29, the government is starting the second auction of government properties. He said that no one would be allowed to play with the environment while carrying out the development centric works.

Secretary, Rahul Tewari said that camps will be held every month for the clearance of pending cases. Till now 1000 pending cases of various types in the department have been reduced to 100 due to the hard work of the officers of the department and the aim is to eliminate it completely in the future.

On the occasion, the CREDAI officials welcomed the Cabinet Minister and honoured him along with the officials. Appreciating the first such camp being organized by the government, he said that it is a novel step. Cabinet Minister S. Mundian said that such meetings would be held regularly with a view to ascertain the demands and feedback of the colonizers.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Administrator (CA) GMADA Moneesh Kumar, CA PUDA and Director Town and Country Planning Neeru Katyal Gupta, and ACA PUDA Innayat.

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

Vigilance Bureau arrests former Patwari, his associate taking Rs 65000 bribe in instalments for mutation of plot

Chandigarh October 14, 2024 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, has registered a corruption case against former Patwari Gurnam Singh, posted at revenue halqua Gill, his associates Buta Singh and Rana Singh, resident of village Gill, Ludhiana district for accepting bribes in connivance with each other amounting to Rs 65000 in instalments. The VB has arrested Patwari Gurnam Singh and his assistant Rana Singh who would be produced in the court tomorrow.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against the above said accused based on an enquiry of a complaint lodged by Sarabjit Singh, a resident of village Dulley in Ludhiana district.

The complaint has alleged in his complaint that two private persons namely Buta Singh and Rana Singh had arranged his meeting with Patwari Gurnam Singh who had demanded Rs one lakh for mutation (Intqal) of his plot. He further informed that said Patwari had taken bribe in three installments of Rs 15000, Rs 35000 and Rs 15000 totalling Rs 65000, through his above mentioned associates (Karinda) Buta and Rana. The complainant had recorded the phone calls with Patwari and his associates.

The spokesperson informed that during enquiry the allegations levelled in the complaint for taking bribe of Rs 65000 were proved. In this regard a case has been registered against the Patwari Gurnam Singh, his associates Buta Singh and Rana Singh. Further investigation into this case was under progress.

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

PUNJAB POLICE CRACKS RAJASTHAN-BASED SUBHASH SOHU’S MURDER CASE AS ARRESTED WEAPON SUPPLIERS TURNED OUT TO BE KILLERS

— REVELATIONS CAME FOLLOWING SUSTAINED FOLLOW-UP IN ARREST OF WEAPON SUPPLIERS, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— AGTF PUNJAB AND SAS NAGAR POLICE HAD ARRESTED THREE RAJASTHAN BASED WEAPON SUPPLIERS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DELIVER WEAPON CONSIGNMENT IN DERA BASSI

— ROLE OF FEW MORE PERSONS COMING TO FORE IN CARRYING OUT THIS MURDER: SSP DEEPAK PAREEK

CHANDIGARH/SAS NAGAR, October 14:In a significant breakthrough, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab in a joint operation with SAS Nagar Police has cracked the sensational daylight murder of Subash alias Sohu, who was brutally shot five times in the head by two unidentified persons in Sangriya in Jodhpur, Rajasthan on October 8 this year, with arrested Rajasthan-based weapon suppliers turning out to be the murderers, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

“The revelations came following the meticulous investigations and sustained follow-up of backward and forward linkages in the arrest of three Rajasthan-based weapon suppliers identified as Bhanu Sisodia, Mohammad Asif and Anil Kumar, all residents of district Balotra in Rajasthan,” he said.

The weapon suppliers were arrested by the teams of AGTF and SAS Nagar Police on Friday along with accused Navjot Singh alias Jota, while they attempting delivery of a weapon consignment containing two pistols and eight live cartridges in Dera Bassi. Accused Navjot alias Jota is a key operative of foreign based handlers Pavitar USA and Manjinder France and has been facing over 21 cases of heinous crimes.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that all four arrested accused persons are currently in police remand at Police Station Dera Bassi, and the investigation is progressing swiftly.

He said that the mastermind Bhanu Sisodia has confessed to planning the murder as an act of revenge for the killing of his associate, Anil Lega, in February 2024. Accused persons Mohammad Asif and Anil Kumar played pivotal roles as handlers in executing the crime, he added.

The DGP said that further investigations are going on in this case and more revelations are expected in coming days.

Sharing more details on preliminary investigations, SSP Deepak Pareek said that Rajasthan-based trio accused revealed that they had struck a deal with Navjot Singh Jota for either Rs 1 Lakh or a safe hideout for them in Punjab in exchange for the weapons used in the crime. These weapons were procured from Madhya Pradesh by them, he added.

He said that role of few more persons are coming to fore in carrying out this murder and coordination with Rajasthan Police is underway to arrest the remaining accused involved in this case.

A case FIR no 313 had been registered under sections 25(6) and 25(7) of Arms Act at Police Station Dera Bassi.

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

GRAM PANCHAYAT POLLS: HOLIDAY DECLARED IN SEWA KENDRAS OF PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 14:Punjab Government has declared a holiday in all the Sewa Kendras of the state on October 15, 2024 (Tuesday) for the Gram Panchayat elections.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Governance Reforms and Public Grievances Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that all Sewa Kendras will be closed on October 15 to allow the staff to exercise their right to vote.

He maintained that except October 15, the Sewa Kendras will continue to remain operational as per their existing timings i.e. from 9am to 5pm.

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

"Sade Bazurag Sada Maan" campaign to be launched in Patiala District on October 23: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Healthcare camps for elderly to be organized across Punjab

Chandigarh, October 14-The Punjab Government will launch the "Sade Bazurg Sada Maan" campaign, aimed at the welfare and healthcare of the elderly, from Patiala District on October 23. In honor of the International Day of Older Persons, celebrated on October 1, special health camps will be organized in every district of Punjab to provide free healthcare services to senior citizens.

Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, informed that under this special campaign, the elderly will receive geriatrics check-ups, eye exams, distribution of spectacles, and other free services, including eye surgeries. Additionally, senior citizen cards will be issued, and old age pension forms will be filled at these camps.

Cabinet Minister appealed to senior citizens to attend these camps and avail the healthcare services. She also detailed the schedule of the health camps, which will be held in various districts of Punjab, including Patiala on October 23, Bathinda on November 5, Faridkot on November 7, Sri Muktsar Sahib on November 8, Ludhiana on November 11, Jalandhar on November 12, Kapurthala on November 13, SAS Nagar (Mohali) on November 14, Ferozepur on November 20, Fazilka on November 21, Pathankot on November 22, Gurdaspur on November 25, Amritsar on November 26, Tarn Taran on November 27, SBS Nagar on November 28, Hoshiarpur on November 29, Rupnagar on December 5, and Fatehgarh Sahib on December 9.

Minister further emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is dedicated to the welfare of senior citizens and continues to work towards addressing their health and other concerns.

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

PUNJAB'S 'CYBER HELPLINE 1930' GETS A BOOST AS DGP GAURAV YADAV UNVEILS ENHANCED CALL CENTRE

— DGP PUNJAB ALSO LAUNCHES ‘CYBER MITTAR CHATBOT’ FOR PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO QUERIES RELATING TO CYBER CRIMES

— DGP GAURAV YADAV MAKES TRIAL CALL DURING INAUGURATION TO ENSURE ITS EFFECTIVENESS

— CYBER HELPLINE 1930 ALLOWS CYBER FRAUD VICTIMS TO FREEZE THEIR MONEY IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE ACCUSED/SUSPECTS IMMEDIATELY, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ESTABLISHMENT OF 28 NEW CYBER POLICE STATIONS LEAD TO REGISTRATION OF 168 FIRS ACROSS STATE: ADGP CYBERCRIME V NEERAJA

CHANDIGARH, October 14:In order to further improve the potential of the ‘Cyber Helpline 1930’, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday inaugurated the enhanced call centre of 1930 Helpline to help people in reporting cyber financial frauds in real-time and also launched ‘Cyber Mittar Chatbot’ for providing assistance to queries relating to cyber crimes.

To ensure the helpline's effectiveness, the DGP made a trial call to 1930 during the inauguration and interacted with the representative to understand the working of the helpline.

Pertinently, Cyber Helpline 1930 is a Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) of the Ministry of Home Affairs under Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which allows victims of cyber financial frauds to freeze their money in the accounts of the accused/suspects immediately after the registration of complaint on this helpline. In Punjab, Helpline 1930 was made operational from September 2021.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that these cutting-edge innovations will enhance cybercrime reporting and ensure rapid resolution of financial frauds, empowering citizens in the digital world. Cyber Mittar Chatbot will ensure instant info access with 24x7 assistance and swift response which will ensure confidential reporting to protect details of citizens, he added.

"Till date, as many as 26,625 complaints regarding various cyber frauds have been reported on 1930 Helpline and NCRP portal in Punjab, acting swiftly on which, the Cybercrime Cell proactively freezed/ lien marked funds moved out of victims’ accounts by cyber fraudsters with a success rate of 17% in 2024,” said the DGP, while adding that an amount of Rs 57 crore of victims have been lien marked in the bank accounts of the suspect fraudsters.

ADGP Punjab Cybercrime Division V Neeraja apprised the DGP Punjab the Punjab State Cybercrime Division has made significant strides in combating cybercrime, enhancing public awareness, and strengthening police capabilities. The establishment of 28 new Cyber Police Stations across the state, notified by the Government of Punjab in March 2024, has led to 205 FIRs being registered and investigated, she said.

WHAT IS CYBER MITTAR CHATBOT?

The Cyber Mittar Chatbot is an innovative initiative of the Punjab Police’s Cybercrime Division, which anyone can access by logging in at “https://cybercrime.punjabpolice.gov.in" to get instant information pertaining to cybercrime prevention and reporting queries.

Cyber Mittar Chatbot offers several key benefits, including 24/7 support, allowing citizens to reach out at their convenience, rather than being limited to police station hours. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space for reporting cybercrimes or seeking help. Additionally, the chatbot communicates in various languages, including the vernacular language of Punjab, breaking down language barriers.

Soon, Cyber Mittar Chatbot will be integrated with the WhatsApp platform within the next 15 days, expanding its reach and accessibility.

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

Punjab Government issues regulations for sale and use of firecrackers during festive season

Chandigarh, October 14:The Punjab Government has issued comprehensive regulations governing the sale and use of firecrackers in the state during the festive seasons of Diwali, Gurpurab, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

An official spokesperson of the state government said today that these festivals typically involve the use of firecrackers, which can detrimentally impact the respiratory health of vulnerable groups, including the elderly.

The spokesperson cited orders from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India and the National Green Tribunal, issued periodically for state compliance regarding firecracker use. In accordance with these orders, the State Government, exercising powers delegated by the Central Government under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has implemented prohibitions, restrictions and regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers in Punjab.

He said that a statewide ban has been imposed on the manufacture, stockpiling, distribution, sale and use of joined firecrackers (series crackers or laris). Only "green crackers" (those free from barium salts or compounds of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead or strontium chromate) are permitted for sale and use. Sales are restricted to licensed traders dealing exclusively in permitted firecrackers and storing, displaying or selling firecrackers exceeding permissible decibel levels is prohibited.

The government has established limited time windows for firecracker use during festivals. On Diwali (October 31, 2024), firecrackers are allowed from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. For Gurpurab (November 15, 2024), the permitted times are 4:00 AM to 5:00 AM and 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Christmas Eve (December 25-26, 2024) and New Year's Eve (December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025), firecrackers can be used from 11:55 PM to 12:30 AM.

The spokesperson said that e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart and Amazon, are prohibited from accepting online orders or facilitating sales within Punjab.

Besides this, Deputy Commissioners are instructed to conduct extensive public awareness campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of firecrackers. Law enforcement agencies are tasked with ensuring that the sale and use of permitted green firecrackers occur only during designated times and at approved locations.

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

Administration accords Guard of Honour to Local bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, October 14:Local Bodies Minister Dr Ravjot Singh, on Monday, was accorded guard of honour at local Circuit House by the district administration and Municipal Corporation (MC) Ludhiana during his maiden visit to the city after assuming the charge.

Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal, MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal received and welcomed Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh. MLAs Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Ashok Prashar Pappi, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Madan Lal Bagga, Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, and other senior district administration officials were also present.

Cabinet minister also took a salute from the guard of honour given by the Punjab Police at the circuit house.

Singh held a brief meeting with local MLAs, Deputy Commissioner, MC Commissioner among other officials and took stock of the ongoing projects.

Later Cabinet Minister Dr Singh alongwith local MLAs and senior officials also participated in Bhagwan Valmiki Shbha Yatra organised in old city areas on Monday.