CM orders lifting of grains from Mandis on war footing
Direct officers to ensure speedy lifting of paddy in Mandis
Asserts that anyone trying to disrupt procurement and lifting of grains will not be spared
Chandigarh, October 21:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday directed the officers to ensure speedy lifting of the paddy being procured in the Mandis across the state.
Chairing a meeting to review the procurement operations in the state, the Chief Minister said that the paddy should be lifted at the earliest in the state so that farmers do not have to face any inconvenience. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that farmers of the state have played a key role in making the country self reliant in food production.
The Chief Minister said that in this process the food growers have even over exploited the only available natural resources of the state in terms of water and fertile soil. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this year also the farmers of state are expected to contribute 185 lakh Metric Ton of paddy in the national food kitty. He said that farmers should not be allowed to face any sort of inconvenience in the Mandis.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is committed to protect the interests of the farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for smooth and hassle free procurement of paddy in Punjab. He categorically said that distress sale of the paddy in the Mandis will not be allowed and severest of severe action will be taken against officers found responsible for it.
The Chief Minister said that state government has made elaborate arrangements for procurement of paddy for which 2651 Mandis have been set up across the state. 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 and farmers are being issued payment in time. He directed the officers to expedite the process on war footing mode for lifting the paddy from Mandis.
Meanwhile, it was also informed informed in the meeting that the state Mandis recorded the arrival of 24.88 LMT so far, of which 22.22 LMT had been procured. The Food and Civil Supplies Department already cleared the amount of Rs. 4027 crore for payment to the farmers.
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Punjab government to host third mega parent-teacher meet across 20,000 schools on October 22
School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains invites parents for Mega PTM
Over 20 lakh parents will participate
Chandigarh, October 21:The Punjab government has announced that the third Mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) will be held on October 22, with an anticipated participation of over 20 lakh parents across 20,000 government primary schools and upper primary schools.
Divulging further, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the comprehensive program will run from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, bringing together teachers, students, parents, school management committees and community leaders to deliberate on educational advancement strategies. The PTM will facilitate meaningful dialogue between educators and parents, enabling them to share feedback about students' academic progress, behavioral patterns and overall development both in and outside the school environment, he added.
The Cabinet Minister said that under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, this extensive engagement will be held in all government primary and upper primary schools throughout Punjab, wherein teachers will share the September examination results and discuss individual student performance, while parents will have the opportunity to evaluate school facilities and voice their concerns or suggestions regarding their children's education.
S. Harjot Singh Bains extended a special invitation to parents to witness firsthand the transformative changes implemented in Punjab's education system, which includes the introduction of Campus Managers, enhanced security measures, modernized classrooms and laboratories, state-of-the-art playgrounds, transportation services and the prestigious Schools of Eminence program.
He informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is scheduled to participate in the event, while the school education department expects to participate more than 20 lakh parents in this Parents-Teachers meeting.
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65TH POLICE COMMEMORATION DAY: DGP GAURAV YADAV PAYS RICH TRIBUTES TO POLICE MARTYRS
— DGP GAURAV YADAV URGES PEOPLE TO REPORT ALL BIG OR SMALL CRIMES, ORDERS CPs/SSPs TO CONVERT THEM INTO FIRs PROMPTLY
— DATA REVEALS THAT OVER 80% OF EXTORTION CALLS ARE MADE BY LOCAL CRIMINALS PRETENDING TO BE NOTORIOUS GANGSTERS: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— SAFETY AND SECURITY OF COMMON CITIZENS ARE TOPMOST PRIORITIES OF PUNJAB POLICE
— DGP PUNJAB MEETS FAMILIES OF MARTYRS’, ASSURES THEM EVERY POSSIBLE HELP FROM PUNJAB POLICE
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, October 21:The 65th state-level Police Commemoration Day was observed at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters here on Monday to pay tributes to the brave Police personnel, who had sacrificed their lives, fighting militants and criminals for the unity and integrity of the nation.
Paying glowing tributes to the martyrs of the police, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said the Punjab Police is an exceptional force which served the country both in times of peace and disturbance. He said that the members of the force had laid down their lives to maintain the unity of the nation and give security to the citizens. He said the state Police had sacrificed its 1799 officials, including two police personnel in this year, since September 1981.
While addressing the gathering after paying floral tributes to the bravehearts, who laid down their lives for the sake of the country, the Punjab Police Chief said it was because of these martyrs we all are enjoying the freedom. He said that the Punjab Police is known for its bravery, courage, and successfully rooting out militancy. He said that the Punjab Police had always remained at the forefront to save the motherland from the enemies. He said that Punjab Police would continue to work harder towards maintaining peace and communal harmony in the border state.
DGP Gaurav Yadav, while interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the event, said that street crime and sale-of-drugs are the two areas identified, which directly affect the common citizens. To combat the street crime, a strategy has been devised to identify crime hotspots using crime mapping, and intensify police patrolling and deployment accordingly at such areas, he said.
He said that, similarly, to break the cycle of drugs, drug hotspots are being identified with the help of people, and CPs/SSPs are organising public meetings to gather firsthand information about drug sale points.
"Our topmost priority is common citizens. We are identifying what affects them the most and working on to solve them,” the DGP said, while reiterating, “We want to give people friendly and effective policing to the people of Punjab.”
Replying to a query on extortion calls, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the analyses by the Punjab Police revealed that over 80 percent of such calls are being made by local criminals pretending to be notorious gangsters, while less than 20 percent come from actual so-called gangsters. He urged citizens to report such crimes promptly, directing CPs/SSPs to convert each and every extortion call or any other petty crime including snatching into an FIR to carry out thorough probe.
He said that Punjab Police has adopted a proactive approach against organised crime, with officers/officials instructed to retaliate in self-defence if any criminal opens fire at the police team.
He said that Punjab Police has also started a health insurance scheme for police personnel under which 300 hospitals have been empanelled across the state, where police personnel can avail medical facilities at subsidised rates.
Post event, DGP Gaurav Yadav also met the families of martyrs and listened to them sympathetically and assured fulsome support and cooperation from the Punjab Government and Punjab Police to the families of martyrs.
“We will not let the sacrifices of our Heroes go in vain. I assure you that the Punjab Police will continue to serve with full dedication and bravery to ensure peace and harmony in the border state,” he said.
Meanwhile, a well-organised commemoration parade was held at the Police Martyr’s memorial constructed inside the PAP campus. After giving a general salute to the DGP Punjab, the names of all 213 police martyrs, including Constable Amritpal Singh and PHG Jaspal Singh of Punjab Police— who died during law and order duty, of this year were read out by Commandment 75th Battalion PAP Jalandhar Vivek Sheel Soni. A two-minute silence was observed, and later, senior officials laid wreaths at the martyr’s memorial.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special DGsP, several ADGsP and IGsP, and others senior police officers/officials.
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Previous dispensations neglected to transform prisons into correction centres: Laljit Singh Bhullar
Jails Minister conducts surprise inspection of Central Jail Ludhiana
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, October 21: Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Monday, conducted surprise inspection of Central Jail, Ludhiana.
During the inspection, he addressed the concerns of the prisoners, ordering the officials to enhance medical services within the prisons. He inspected the prison's kitchen facilities and promised to address all the inmates' demands.
S. Bhullar lamented that earlier regimes failed to transform prisons into correction facilities. Prisons were often ruled by gangsters in the past but the Punjab government, under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has been working to transform prisons into true reformative places. The prisons are now being developed with a focus on rehabilitation.
The Cabinet Minister also mentioned that measures are being implemented to curb the use of mobile devices within the prisons. High-tech closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) cameras are being installed to provide constant surveillance.
Pointing fingers at the previous regimes, he stated that they did not prioritize the improvement of basic infrastructure within the prisons.
Jail Superintendent Mr. Shivraj Singh Nandgarh, SDM Dr. Baljinder Singh Dhillon and others were also present during the visit.
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ON DIRECTIONS OF SUPREME COURT AND CAQM, PUNJAB POLICE ACTS TOUGH AGAINST STUBBLE BURNING; REGISTERS 874 FIRs, IMPOSES PENALTY WORTH ₹10.55L
— DGP PUNJAB GAURAV YADAV PERSONALLY REVIEWING SITUATION OF STUBBLE BURNING IN STATE
— RED ENTRIES HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE IN REVENUE RECORDS OF 394 FARMERS, SAYS SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
— 471 DDR ENTRIES WERE ALSO MADE
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO CURB STUBBLE BURNING IN THE STATE
— SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA URGES FARMERS TO COOPERATE AND NOT PUT MATCHSTICK ON CROP RESIDUE
CHANDIGARH, October 21:In order to ensure a full stop on stubble burning, Punjab Police jointly with Civil Administration has initiated a massive campaign to educate farmers about harmful effects of burning stubble and also taking legal action against those found putting matchstick to paddy straw, said Special Director General of Police (Spl DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla here on Monday.
Pertinently, complying with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to bring down stubble burning cases to zero, DGP Gaurav Yadav had appointed Spl DGP Arpit Shukla as the Police Nodal Officer to monitor action against stubble burning.
The DGP Punjab has also been holding meetings with all the senior officers, Range Officers, CPs/SSPs and Station House Officers (SHOs) to personally review the cases of stubble burning in the state on day to day basis.
Spl DGP Arpit Shukla said that Police teams along with Civil Administration have been making untiring efforts at the ground level to curb the menace of stubble burning in the state.
He said that DCs/SSPs and SDMs/DSPs have been conducting joint tours at villages, which have been identified as stubble burning hotspots and holding public awareness meetings with various farmer/kisan unions at district and sub-divisional level.
As many as 522 joint tours were made by DCs/SSPs and 981 joint tours were made by SDMs/DSPs in last few days, during which they held 2504 public awareness meetings, while, 2457 meetings were organised with the Farmer/Kisan Unions.
The Spl DGP said that legal action is being initiated against those found burning stubble.
Till now, 1393 farm fires were detected by satellites in the state, and joint teams were sent for inspection on the spot, he said, while adding that police teams have registered FIRs in 874 cases, while, no case of stubble burning was found at 471 spots. However, daily diary report (DDR) entries of 471 cases were made at the concerned Police Stations.
Apart from registering FIRs, he said that penalties worth Rs 10.55 lakh were imposed in 397 cases and red entries have also been made in revenue records of 394 farmers.
Spl DGP Arpit Shukla exhorted farmers to cooperate and not put matchstick on crop residue, which will not only lead to the deterioration of the environment but will also affect the health of children and elderly people.
Meanwhile, depending on the area and size of the Police Station, a sufficient number of additional patrolling parties are already activated, while, flying squads have also been keeping vigil on stubble burning.
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All ongoing development works must be completed within stipulated time: Dr. Ravjot Singh
On occasion of Diwali, a Cleanliness Fortnight will be observed from October 24 to November 7 in 19 districts of state
Local Government Minister held a review meeting with Municipal Corporation Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Executive Officers of MCs
Punjab Government is consistently working to provide improved civic facilities for state's residents
Instructions have been given to officials to utilize pending funds under various schemes as soon as possible
Chandigarh, October 21 Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has directed all Municipal Corporation Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Executive Officers of MCs to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing development works in the state.
During a meeting held today at the Municipal Bhavan, Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is dedicated to providing better civic facilities to urban residents.
Dr. Ravjot Singh further announced that on the occasion of Diwali, a Cleanliness Fortnight will be observed from October 24 to November 7 across 19 districts of Punjab, including Amritsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Moga, Malerkotla, Patiala, Pathankot, Rupnagar, Sangrur, SBS Nagar, SAS Nagar and Tarn Taran. The goal of this cleanliness campaign is to keep the cities of Punjab clean. He instructed Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners to coordinate with local MLAs and organizations to ensure the success of the campaign. He also urged the public to support the initiative, stressing that no effort can be fully successful without the cooperation of the general public.
The Cabinet Minister reviewed the unutilized funds from various schemes, including the 15th Finance Commission, Central Government-sponsored schemes and SNA. He examined the available balances and instructed officials to promptly use the allocated funds for development works aimed at public welfare. He also warned that appropriate action would be taken against officials who fail to spend the allocated funds within the specified timeframe.
Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized the importance of ensuring both quality and transparency in development works. He discussed with officials the availability of suitable land for sewerage and water treatment plants in Urban Localities.
The Local Government Minister instructed officials that, where there are challenges in identifying locations for sewerage and water treatment plants, coordination with district administrations should be made to ensure appropriate sites are selected.
He also emphasized that uninterrupted access to drinking water must be guaranteed for city residents. Additionally, the Minister reviewed arrangements for property tax collection and street lighting, directing officials to provide door-to-door services to residents.
The Minister urged district officials to hold weekly meetings to monitor ongoing development projects in urban areas and ensure efficient utilization of allocated funds so that the city's work proceeds smoothly.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department, Tejveer Singh, emphasized the need to provide a clean and pollution-free environment to city residents. He instructed field officers to ensure daily cleanliness in their respective jurisdictions.
PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal highlighted the importance of regular sewer maintenance to prevent blockages and ensure that wastewater does not overflow onto streets.
Gurpreet Singh Khaira, Director of the Local Government Department, said that, as per the Cabinet Minister’s instructions, review meetings will be held regularly to track progress.
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Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee Directs PSPCL to Prioritize Employee Safety
Cabinet Sub-Committee Meets with 4 Employee Unions to Address Concerns
Chandigarh, October 21-The Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee, comprising Cabinet Ministers Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Mr. Aman Arora, Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Mr. Harbhajan Singh ETO directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to ensure that no hazardous work is carried out by any employee without the necessary safety kit. This directive came during a meeting with various employee unions at Punjab Bhawan on Monday.
Administrative Secretary (Power) Mr. Rahul Tiwari, Secretary Finance Mr. Basant Garg, Chairman-cum-Managing Director PSPCL Mr. Baldev Singh Sran, and Director Distribution Mr. DIPS Grewal were also present in this meeting. The Cabinet sub-committee engaged in detailed discussions regarding the demands presented by the union in its memorandum and emphasized their commitment to resolving these issues. The Cabinet Sub-Committee assured the PowerCom & Transco Contract Employees Union that their legitimate demands would be considered sympathetically.
Following this, during a meeting with the Mid Day Meal Union, Director General School Education Mr. Vinay Bublani apprised the Cabinet Sub-Committee that an insurance plan for mid-day meal workers is under process. Under the proposed plan, mid-day meal workers will be insured for Rs 16 lakh in case of accidental death, Rs 1 lakh in case of natural death, and Rs 2 lakh in case of the death of a spouse in an accident. The Cabinet Sub-Committee assured the union that other raised demands would also be resolved soon.
During meetings with representatives of ‘Beruzgar Sanjha Morcha’ and ‘Purani Pension Prapti Front’, the Cabinet Sub-Committee reiterated that the Punjab government is actively working on their legitimate demands and issues. The committee emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is striving for the betterment of the state. They are focused on providing employment to the youth and ensuring the well-being of its employees, despite facing various fiscal challenges.
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Punjab to implement industry-friendly policies with the advice of industrialists: Sond
• Industry Minister appeal to industrialists to contribute to the development of Punjab
* Efforts to take the IT industry to new heights are intensified
* Suggestions taken from industrialists during CII program, with assurances of quick resolution
Chandigarh, October 21: Punjab’s Industry and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, and Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, attended a meeting with industrialists as the chief guest at a program organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Monday. He assured the industrialists that industry-friendly policies in Punjab would be implemented with their advice to ensure that industrialists can work without any hassle.
During his address at the CII office in Sector 31, Sond said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is making serious efforts for the growth of industries in the state. He mentioned that soon the Invest Punjab portal will be linked with the websites of other related departments to make it easier for industrialists to obtain various approvals without difficulty.
He said that in the past two and a half years, approximately ₹88,000 crores worth of investments have come into Punjab, and this momentum is continuing rapidly. Sond stated that Punjab’s policies for investment are among the best in the country. He urged the industrialists to contribute to the development of Punjab, assuring that the Punjab government is committed to ensuring no industry leaves the state and will fulfill all the needs of industrialists.
He announced that efforts have been intensified to take Mohali to new heights in the IT industry. During the event, industrialists shared several suggestions and discussed their challenges with the Minister. Sond assured that the government takes the suggestions from CII representatives seriously and is committed to resolving these issues in the shortest possible time. Regarding some policies, suggestions, and demands from industrialists, Sond , said that the relevant issues would soon be addressed after discussing them with the Chief Minister.
He added that the entire team of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann follows the “Sarkar Tuade Dwar” scheme, where they go directly to the people to listen to their problems, and the same approach will be applied to industries. Industrialists will no longer need to visit government offices with their issues, as the government will go to them and resolve their problems.
Sond encouraged all CII members to become brand ambassadors of Punjab and attract more investment to the state. He also urged industrialists to take full advantage of the worker-friendly schemes offered by the labour department. He mentioned that there are many schemes from the labour department that can benefit industrialists.
Earlier, CII Punjab Chairman Abhishek Gupta welcomed the Minister of Industry and praised the efforts being made for the progress of industries. The meeting was attended by prominent industrialists from across the state, as well as Invest Punjab CEO DPS Kharbanda, Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation MD Varinder Kumar Sharma, Labour Department Managing Secretary Manvesh Singh Sidhu, and CII Punjab Vice Chairman Amit Jain.