'Punjab Vision: 2047' Conclave; FM Harpal Singh Cheema Focuses on Cooperative Federalism and Structural Reforms

Raghav Chadha highlights ten areas essential for creating robust and forward-looking Punjab

Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney set tone for two-day 'Punjab Vision: 2047' Conclave

Chandigarh, November 12-Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Punjab's Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, on Tuesday stressed the importance of cooperative federalism and structural reforms by the Union Government. Speaking at the opening session of 'Punjab Vision: 2047' conclave organized by the World Punjabi Organization at Panjab University, Finance Minister Cheema saidn that the nation can only achieve its development goals for 2047 if all states progress together on the path of growth trajectory.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Finance Minister Cheema said that India will celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047 and the Government of India must devise solutions that ensure no state is left behind in this journey. He focused on reforms in GST, agriculture, environment and industrial policies etc while highlighting the significant revenue losses faced by states due to the current GST regime. He pointed out that the GST system, being destination and consumer-based, has led to a substantial revenue loss for Punjab. He added that after implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, state's purchase tax was subsumed into the GST, resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000 crore.

Finance Minister Cheema praised the 'Punjab Vision: 2047' initiative, stating that the discussions and insights from the conclave would help draft policies to ensure the state's overall development. He highlighted the Punjab government's proactive measures, including the Industrial Development Policy, Adventure Tourism Policy, Water Tourism Policy, Biofuels Policy etc. which were implemented to bring about the much-needed regulatory framework aimed at promotion of these sectors.

Reflecting on Punjab's historical contributions, Minister Cheema mentioned the state's pivotal role during the Green Revolution and the establishment of the Agricultural University in 1962, which significantly boosted the country's grain reserves. He acknowledged the setbacks faced during the challenging period post-1980 but expressed optimism about the state's current development trajectory under the Aam Aadmi Party's governance.

In his speech, Raghav Chadha, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) outlined a visionary roadmap for Punjab in 2047, marking the 100th anniversary of India's independence. He envisaged a future where Punjab emerges as a leader in sustainable agriculture, economic diversification, education, green energy, infrastructure, and social equality.

MP Raghav Chadha highlighted ten critical areas that will form the foundation of this vision for Punjab in 2047: including First; Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Resilience, Second; Economic Diversification and Industrial Growth, Third; Education, Skills, and Workforce Development, Fourth; Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Fifth; Infrastructure and Connectivity, Sixth; Governance, Social Equality, and Citizen Engagement, Seventh; Health, Sanitation, and Public Services, Eighth; Fiscal Strategy and Economic Stability, Ninth; Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Global Connectivity, and Tenth; Disaster Resilience and Climate Adaptation. He emphasized that these ten areas are essential for creating a robust and forward-looking Punjab, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Earlier, Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and International President of World Punjabi Organization, set the tone for 'Punjab Vision: 2047' Conclave, emphasizing its role as a catalyst for collaborative dialogue and in-depth discussions. He said that this two-day conclave's objective is to create a platform where diverse perspectives converge to shape Punjab's future. He said that by bringing together experts from various fields including government officials, industry leaders, academics, and civil society members, the event seeks to foster meaningful discussions, identify opportunities, and develop strategies for Punjab's progress toward inclusive, sustainable growth and development.

Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, emphasized the pivotal role of educational institutions, particularly higher education, in driving Punjab's development. She also shed light on the pressing issue of young Punjabis migrating to other states or countries due to various factors. Prof. Y P Verma delivered the vote of thanks.

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Tarunpreet Singh Sond assures to Address Legitimate Demands of Industrialists

* High-level meeting with various industrial federations, chambers, and industrialists of Punjab

Chandigarh, November 12:Punjab’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has assured the state’s industrialists that their legitimate demands will be addressed promptly. Presiding over a meeting at the Udyog Bhawan with prominent industrialists and senior department officials, Sond emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making swift and meaningful efforts for the development of industries and the resolution of their issues.

He stated that for the first time, various industrial federations, chambers, and industrialists are being invited personally to discuss their concerns. Sond promised that all valid demands of the industrialists would be fulfilled very soon. He also mentioned that a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) and some other policy-related decisions require consultation and guidance from the Chief Minister, and after discussions with him, solutions will be provided for these specific issues.

Sond assured that Punjab is establishing better coordination between various departments to create a more conducive and suitable environment for industrialists. On this occasion, the industrialists brought several issues and suggestions related to PSIEC to his attention, and the Minister pledged full support to resolve these issues. He added that the state government is committed to the phased maintenance of all focal points and the prioritization of issues related to the upkeep of industrial areas and plots.

Sond mentioned that since he assumed the role of Minister of Industry and Commerce, he has been holding continuous meetings with senior department officials and Punjab’s industrialists to bring forward meaningful policies and schemes for the advancement and development of the industrial sector. He assured industrialists that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, they would not face any obstacles or difficulties, and the Punjab government would extend full support for establishing new industries.

The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha Member Sanjeev Arora, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industry Department Tejveer Singh, CEO of Invest Punjab DPS Kharbanda, MD of PSIEC Varinder Kumar Sharma, and representatives of various industrial federations, chambers, and prominent industrialists

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DR RAVJOT SINGH URGES SPECIAL EFFORTS TO KEEP PUNJAB'S CITIES GARBAGE-FREE

High-Level Review Meeting Conducted with Local Government Officials in the Presence of Cabinet Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal and MLAs of Respective Constituencies*

*Appeals to Field Officials to Share Development Updates with Their Respective MLAs*

*Instructs Officials to Ensure Proper Sewerage Treatment, Functional Street Lighting, and Clean Water Supply*

*Orders Immediate Utilization of Unspent Funds for Development Projects*

Chandigarh, November 12:Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has stated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing a clean and pollution-free environment for urban residents. The government emphasizes making Punjab’s cities garbage-free, improving sanitation, maintaining street lighting, and ensuring a clean water supply.

In a meeting held today at Municipal Bhawan in the presence of Cabinet Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal and the respective MLAs of concerned constituencies, along with Municipal Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners (Urban Development) of Ludhiana, Additional Deputy Commissioners (General) from districts such as Fatehgarh Sahib, Mansa, Bathinda, Sangrur, and representatives from Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats of Sardulgarh, Bhikhi, Bariwala, Rampura Phul, Talwandi Sabo, Cheema, Moonak, Dirba, Khanuri, Maloud, Mullapur Dakhan, Sahnewal, Machhiwara, and Amloh, Dr. Ravjot Singh directed officials to prioritize cleanliness. He instructed them to promptly clear garbage piles at dump sites and ensure scientific disposal to keep the cities clean and green. He also urged officials to maintain sewerage systems to prevent blockages that could lead to water accumulation on streets and roads.

Dr. Ravjot Singh highlighted the government's commitment to providing clean drinking water to urban residents and directed officials to complete daily tasks related to urban local units efficiently and on time.

Cabinet Minister urged field officials to keep the MLAs of their respective constituencies informed about ongoing development projects to ensure these projects align with the needs of city residents.

Emphasizing a commitment to a corruption-free administration, Dr. Ravjot Singh warned that any officer or employee involved in corrupt practices would face strict action. He also appealed to officials to maintain transparency and quality in executing development projects.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed detailed updates on ongoing projects under various schemes and directed officials to immediately allocate any unused funds for development purposes. He warned that failure to utilize public funds for development projects would lead to disciplinary actions. He assured officials that there is no shortage of funds for development work and advised them to submit comprehensive proposals for any additional funds needed.

The Minister also reviewed progress on Sewage Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant projects, directing officials to expedite their completion. He suggested that if suitable panchayat land is unavailable for these facilities, officials, in compliance with government regulations, should collaborate with the district administration to secure a private site for prompt acquisition.

Present at the meeting were Director of the Local Government Department Gurpreet Singh Khaira, CEO of PMIDC Deepti Uppal, and other senior department officials.

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CANADA BASED ARSH DALLA BEHIND GRENADE ATTACK AT MANSA PETROL PUMP TOO; KEY ACCUSED HELD

— PUNJAB POLICE SUCCESSFULLY DISMANTLES ARSH DALLA’S NETWORK IN THE STATE

— ARRESTED ACCUSED SHIMLA SINGH ALSO PROVIDED LOGISTIC SUPPORT TO SHOOTERS INVOLVED IN GURPREET SINGH HARI NAU’S MURDER CASE, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— IN APRIL 2023, ACCUSED SHIMLA SINGH WAS HELD WITH THREE PISTOLS: DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH/MANSA, November 12:Delivering yet another blow to the Gangster-turned-Terrorist Arsh Dalla’s network in the state, Counter Intelligence (CI) Bathinda in a joint operation with Mansa Police have solved the Mansa grenade attack case with the arrest of key accused identified as Shimla Singh, who hurled the grenade at petrol pump on the directions of the former, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

The development came in less than 72 hours after the arrest of two shooters identified as Anmolpreet Singh alias Vishal of Barnala and Navjot Singh alias Neetu of Kharar for their involvement in the murder of Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau alias Bhodi, who was also killed at the behest of terrorist Arsh Dalla on October 9, 2024.

As per the information, on the intervening night of 26th and 27th October, 2024, a hand grenade attack was carried out at a Jio Petrol Pump station located at Sirsa Road, Mansa. Following the explosion, the owner of the petrol pump had also received a threatening call from a foreign mobile number, wherein the caller claimed responsibility for the attack and demanded extortion of Rs 5 crore.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Shimla Singh, while confessing his role in the Mansa grenade attack, has disclosed that he obtained the grenade from Garhshankar area on instructions of terrorist Arsh Dalla.

“Preliminary investigations have also revealed that accused Shimla Singh had also provided logistical assistance to the shooters involved in the Gurpreet Singh Hari Nau Murder incident,” he said.

The DGP said that accused Shimla Singh had also previously been involved in various criminal activities and in April 2023, CI Bathinda had pre-empted his plans to target an Uttrakhand-based person when he was arrested along with three pistols. Further investigations are ongoing to expose further links in the conspiracy and more arrests are likely, he added.

Sharing more details, SSP Mansa Bhagirath Singh Meena said that following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the chairmanship of SP Investigation Mansa Manmohan Singh Aulakh to further investigate the above said case. The SIT in coordination with CI Bathinda took immediate action and carried out the investigation in a scientific manner.

AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that teams of CI Bathinda and Mansa Police jointly arrested accused Shimla Singh from Khokhar road in Mansa, when he was going somewhere on foot.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 139 dated 27.10.2024 had already been registered under sections 308 (4) and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), section 3 of the Explosive Substance Act and section 10 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act at Police Station City-1 Mansa.

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Joga Singh posted as DSP Dera Baba Nanak

Chandigarh, Nov 12:Election Commission of India has approved the name of Sh. Joga Singh, 345/BR (currently posted as DSP, Hqrs. Kapurthala) from the panel for the post of DSP, Dera Baba Nanak.

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