Punjab government intensifies recovery of possession tax from defaulting motor vehicle dealers

Transport Department deactivated user IDs for Rs.7.85 crore tax arrears, move to regulate motor vehicle dealerships: Laljit Singh Bhullar

Transport Department so far recovered over Rs.17 crore in outstanding dues: State Transport Commissioner

Chandigarh, November 29:The Punjab Government has taken decisive measure to recover Rs.7.85 crore in possession tax arrears from defaulting motor vehicle dealers operating in the state.

Divulging this, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that persistent audit objections and overdue recoveries have necessitated immediate intervention by the Transport Department to uphold compliance and accountability.

"To ensure adherence to Rule-40 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 1989 and as part of the recovery drive, the department has temporarily deactivated the User IDs of defaulting dealers on the VAHAN portal", said the Cabinet Minister, adding that this drive follows a similar initiative in 2022 when defaulting dealers were issued notices, with some dealers facing suspension. Subsequently, in 2023, notices were issued again, but despite assurances from dealers to submit mandatory documents and clear outstanding taxes, many failed to honour these commitments.

The Transport Department is actively working on necessary measures to improve the Motor Vehicle Dealership registration process, he added.

Meanwhile, State Transport Commissioner Mr. Jaspreet Singh informed that the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has submitted a formal request to the Office of the State Transport Commissioner, Punjab, highlighting concerns over the operation of numerous sub-dealers in the market, which adversely impacts their business. Acting on this request, the department conducted an inquiry, resulting in the suspension of several defaulting dealers identified during the investigation. In addition, FADA has proposed implementing a “One GST, One VAHAN” policy to streamline the creation of Motor Vehicle Dealership User IDs on the VAHAN portal.

He said that FADA has further recommended mapping the sale and movement of used cars in the broker market under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notification G.S.R. 901(E). In response, the department has initiated steps to bring second-hand motor vehicle dealerships under the purview of the law, ensuring greater regulation and transparency in this sector.

He said that the during the Public Accounts Committee meeting held on 27 November, 2024, the department was directed to recover all outstanding tax dues up to the financial year 2023-24 and submit a compliance report to the committee within one month. He said that disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned RTOs/RTAs in case of non-compliance.

Notably, as a result of these rigorous efforts, the transport department has successfully recovered ₹4.15 crore from the amount identified by the audit. Additionally, Rs.13.07 crore has been recovered for the period starting from 2017-18 onwards. Dealers who have fulfilled their obligations, including submitting all mandatory documentation and clearing pending dues, have been reinstated and are now permitted to resume vehicle sales through the VAHAN portal.

The State Transport Commissioner urged dealers to promptly comply with all statutory requirements and cooperate fully with the department to avoid any disruption in operations.

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Urban estates will be built in every city on the lines of big cities: Hardip Singh Mundian

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is taking steps to fulfil basic needs of people, including food, clothing and housing

Cabinet Minister Mundian unveils a roadmap of his departments

Chandigarh, November 29:Providing transparent, smooth, and hassle free services to the people of the state is the top priority of the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The government is taking every step to fulfil the basic needs of people, including food, clothing and housing.

It was stated by Punjab Revenue, Housing and Urban Development and Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian while laying bare the roadmap of his departments during a summit related to real estate being organized by a private channel in Chandigarh late last evening.

Mr. Mundian said that continuous efforts are being made to prioritise the planned urban development of the state and to solve the problems of the people associated with this sector especually the city dwellers.

On the lines of big cities, Urban Estates will be created in every city which will be equipped with better basic facilities of the state-of-the-art nature. In this regard, a survey of every city is being done and these will be developed soon by the department. He further said that development authorities have earned Rs. 5000 Crore through e-auction of properties twice in the past in a transparent manner.

The Minister said that the main priority of the government is to provide accountability and transparent services. In this regard, for the first time it was decided to organize special camps for the disposal of long pending cases under which the first camp was organized and 51 promoters/builders were handed over colony licenses, completion certificates, partial completion certificates, letters of intent, zoning plans, building plans, promoter registration certificates and layout plans etc.

Now the second camp is being organized on 3rd December in which more than 100 such certificates will be distributed.

Mr. Mundian further said that our Government is fulfilling all guarantees. For a long time, the work of registering plots without NoC was pending, in which regard the government passed a law and issued a notification. Registration of plots up to 500 yards without NoC will start from 1st December. It will be from which three months will be given from 1st December 2024 to 28th February 2025.

In response to a question, Cabinet Minister Mr. Mundian further said that corruption will not be tolerated at all and if anyone is found guilty or any complaint is received, he/she will not be spared. In this regard, he has also shared his mobile number (84276-90000) publicly on which any resident of the state can file a complaint related to his department. He said that the aim of the State Government is to provide honest and efficient citizen centric services.

Mr. Mundian, who also holds the charge of Water Supply and Sanitation, said that providing clean water to every village is our top priority. About 15 projects related to canal water supply worth Rs. 2174 Crore have been approved in the state.

On this occasion, he also honoured personalities associated with real estate sector.

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Launch of Awareness Camps for Women to Begin from Sri Muktsar Sahib on December 2: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Camps to be Organized Across All Districts to Empower Women and Create Employment Opportunities

State-Level Event to be Held in Faridkot on December 3 on Occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Financial Assistance of Rs 278.17 Crore Provided to Divyang Persons

Punjab Government to be Honor Individuals and Organizations Working for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities

Chandigarh, November 29;The Punjab Government will commence a series of awareness camps aimed at women's health, hygiene, and employment opportunities starting December 2 in Malout, Sri Muktsar Sahib district. This announcement was made today by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the state government will organize a state-level event in Faridkot on December 3 to celebrate the International Day of Divyang Persons, where individuals and organizations dedicated to the welfare of Divyang persons will be honored.

The Cabinet Minister expressed the government's commitment to empowering women and girls and creating a safe environment for them. She emphasized that the purpose of these camps is to provide essential health check-ups for women and raise awareness about various health issues. This initiative is part of the government's comprehensive strategy to empower women through various programs aimed at enhancing their safety and employment opportunities.

She mentioned that free health check-ups will be conducted by expert teams from district hospitals during the camps. Services will include screenings for breast, cervical and oral cancer, blood pressure checks, diabetes tests, anemia assessments and the distribution of necessary medications. The camps will also focus on educating women about important health topics such as contraceptive methods, family planning, urinary tract infections (UTIs), menstrual hygiene and adolescent health.

The Minister noted that these camps will be organized in collaboration with the Employment Generation Department, Skill Development Department, Ayurvedic Department, Rural Development Department and Local Government Departments. Various stalls will be set up during the camps to provide information about government schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, One Stop Center Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, nutrition programs, child-related schemes, 181 Women Helpline and pension schemes.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stressed the importance of these camps in ensuring timely health interventions for women while also providing them with vital information about available resources for their empowerment. She stated that camps will be organized at the district level across Punjab starting from December 2 in Sri Muktsar Sahib. Apart from this, camps will be held in Amritsar on December 4, Barnala on December 5, Bathinda on December 9, Faridkot on December 10, Fatehgarh Sahib on December 11, Fazilka on December 12, Ferozepur on December 13, Gurdaspur on December 14, Hoshiarpur on December 18, Jalandhar on December 19, Kapurthala on December 20, Ludhiana on December 24, Malerkotla on January 2, 2025, Mansa on January 3, Moga on January 7, Pathankot on January 8, Patiala on January 9, Roop Nagar on January 14, Sangrur on January 15, SAS Nagar on January 16, SBS Nagar on January 17 and Tarn Taran on January 18.

The Cabinet Minister also mentioned that during the state-level event in Faridkot on December 3, in celebration of the International Divyang Diwas, a total of nine individuals and four organizations will be honored in four different categories: Best Employee, Best Employer, Best Sports Person and Best Organization dedicated to the welfare of Divyang persons. The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will give a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a certificate to each award winner.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the government's commitment to promoting the comprehensive development of Divyang persons through various initiatives. She announced that a notification regarding free travel facilities for companions of visually impaired individuals will be issued soon. Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses are providing a 50% fare concession for Divyang persons; this year alone, this initiative has benefited over 7.5 users at a cost of Rs 2.19 crore. In the current financial year 2024-25, financial assistance amounting to Rs 278.17 crore has been provided under the state pension scheme, covering 265694 Divyang persons. Additionally, scholarships totaling ₹3.37 crore have been distributed to encourage education among 12,607 children with disabilities.

She added that under the sponsorship scheme to combat child labour and violence against children from Divyang persons families attending school receive a monthly stipend of Rs 4,000.

Furthermore, the Punjab Government has allocated Rs 23.16 crore under the SIPDA scheme to enhance accessibility for Divyang persons in 144 government buildings. A special campaign is being launched across various departments to address the backlog of vacant positions for Divyang persons; this includes identifying 1,754 positions for direct recruitment and an additional 556 positions for promotions.

The Cabinet Minister announced that approval has been granted for a TCHV center in Ludhiana to provide specialized education for visually impaired individuals. Additionally, Rs 1.67 crore has been allocated for upgrading schools for visually impaired students in Ludhiana.

The Cabinet Minister concluded by stating that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, the Punjab Government is steadfast in its mission to empower children, women, the elderly and Divyang persons while recognizing their contributions to society.

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Punjab government to renovate canals, minors and water courses to further improve irrigation system: Brinder Kumar Goyal

Says, 100 Percent utilization of dam and canal water for irrigation to be ensured

'State government increased irrigation department budget from Rs.400-CR to Rs.1500-CR'

Water Resources Minister inaugurates new bridges on Sirhind feeder and Rajasthan feeder costing Rs.10.24-CR

These bridges were completed four months ahead of the scheduled timeline: Barinder Kumar Goyal

Chandigarh/Faridkot, November 29:Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is making significant efforts for the state's progress and holistic development and an extensive plan has already been unveiled to channelize canal water to the tail-ends besides ensuring optimal use of dam and canal water to conserve groundwater and electricity, said Punjab Water Resources, Mining & Geology and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal after inaugurating newly constructed two steel-bridges on Sirhind Feeder and Rajasthan Feeder on Machaki Mall Singh Road, costing Rs.10.24 crore.

Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal said that these bridges would significantly improve transportation connectivity for Faridkot and other districts as the previous bridges were extremely narrow, causing numerous commuting challenges.

The Cabinet Minister categorically mentioned that these bridges were completed four months ahead of the scheduled timeline, crediting the district administration and departmental officers for their commendable work.

He further stated that two additional bridges are under construction near Talwandi Bypass, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs.40 crore, with one bridge set to be operational by January.

The Water Resources Minister elaborated that the Mann government has developed a priority plan for efficient water resource utilization, increasing the Irrigation Department's budget from Rs.400-CR to Rs.1500-CR. "The goal is to achieve 100 percent water usage from canals and dams, targeting the renovation of canals, minors and water courses to utilize the 38 percent of water currently being wasted", he specifically mentioned.

He further said that 100 percent canal water usage would significantly reduce dependence on groundwater and result in substantial electricity savings due to reduced tubewell operations. Mann government's this initiative represents a major step towards conserving Punjab's natural resources, addressing a neglected aspect for the past 40 years, he added.

MLA S. Gurditt Singh Sekhon expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Minister for the project, saying that the bridge reconstruction work began in January 2024, originally planned for a year but completed four months ahead of schedule. The bridges were opened for public use two months earlier, considering public convenience, with the formal inauguration happening today.

Earlier, the Cabinet Minister was welcomed by a police guard of honour at the Baba Farid University Guest House.

Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Deputy Commissioner Mr. Vineet Kumar, SDM Faridkot Major Dr. Varun Kumar, Executive Engineers and representatives from the Aam Aadmi Party.

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Delay in the settlement of dispute-free mutations will not be tolerated, pending cases should be completed within a month: Mundian

Special campaign will be launched in villages and cities to settle the pending cases

Strict action will be taken against the concerned officer if any case remains pending after 31st December

Chandigarh, November 29-On the directions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Revenue department has decided to start a special campaign for the immediate settlement of mutation cases and to end the hassle of the people.

In a press communique released here today, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Hardip Singh Mundian said that as per the instructions of the government, it is mandatory to decide on dispute-free mutations within 45 days. He said that a special campaign will be launched in this regard and all such cases will be disposed of within a month. He said that after 31st December, if any dispute-free mutation is found pending in any Tehsil/Sub-Tehsil beyond the time limit of 45 days, strict action will be taken against the concerned officer/employee responsible for it.

Mr Mundian further said that it has come to the notice of the department that despite the clear instructions of the government, many mutations are pending for more than 45 days. Some mutations are pending for more than a year. This serious lapse will not be tolerated at all. In this regard, the Revenue Department has issued a letter to the DCs, SDMs, DROs, Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars of the state and directed them to launch a special campaign and decide on the disposal of all pending dispute-free mutations by 31st December.

The Minister said that if any person faces any problem in registering or getting the dispute-free mutation approved or any officer/employee demands bribe from them in this regard, then he/she can inform on helpline number 1100.

Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr Anurag Verma will hold a meeting with the DCs on 16th December and 31st December to review the work in this regard.

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Margin money of depot holders increased to double after 8 years: Lal Chand Kataruchak

Over 14000 depot holders benefitted

Depot holders getting Rs. 90 Per Quintal now in place of earlier Rs. 50 Per Quintal

Over 9000 new depots to be allotted across Punjab, last date for applying is December 5th

Chandigarh, November 29:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to uphold and protect the interests of all the sections of the society especially those connected with the food security sector. Hence, keeping the interests of depot holders in mind, their margin money has been increased to almost double after 8 years, disclosed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak here today during his interaction with the media.

On the occasion, the Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Mr. Vikas Garg was also present.

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Harjot Singh Bains lays foundation stone of Punjab's largest lift irrigation scheme

Transforming the fate of Changar region through lift irrigation scheme: Cabinet Minister

Announces project worth Rs.90-CR completion within six months

'Changar area will see transformations in roads, schools, health centers and sports grounds under Mann government: Bains

10 pump sets to irrigate around 3300 acre land with canal water: Bains

Deliberations on cards with World Bank for Rs.300-CR projects to provide potable water to every household of Changar area

Sri Anandpur Sahib/Chandigarh, November 29:Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains today laid foundation stone of Punjab's largest lift irrigation scheme to bring canal water for irrigation in the villages of Changar region, a semi-mountainous area under the Sri Anandpur Sahib Assembly Constituency. The foundation stone for this Rs.90-CR project was laid in Samlah village, considered as the capital of Changar region.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, when he first came to this area, he had a deep desire to resolve the water scarcity issue in Changar villages, when God would grant him the strength. He expressed immense happiness that his heartfelt wish has been fulfilled. He said that after obtaining permissions from 23 departments and the union government, work on this project could finally commence. He mentioned that obtaining union government approval had already taken more than a year and a half.

Bains said that through 10 pump sets, agricultural land spanning approximately 3,300 acres in the Changar region would receive irrigation water. He committed to completing the project within six months.

Addressing a mammoth gathering of over a dozen villages, he said that for decades, local people had suffered due to lack of basic irrigation infrastructure.

He explained that due to water scarcity, Changar residents were forced to abandon their homes and fields during summer, traveling to areas near the Sutlej river in Sri Anandpur Sahib, which resulted in crop damage by wild and stray animals behind, causing annual losses to farmers.

Bains stated that his dream of bringing water to Changar's fields had materialized. To transform the region's landscape and the fortune of its residents, a Rs.300 project is being prepared to provide clean drinking water to every household and set up irrigation infrastructure. He said that discussions are ongoing with the World Bank for this project, with hopes of swift implementation.

He also mentioned that four deep tube wells, which had been non-functional for over two decades, have been reactivated and two new tube wells have been installed. Bains mentioned that the country's best "School of Happiness" is being developed in the Lakhed area of Changar, which will provide education up to the primary level.

He further stated that a Primary Health Center is being constructed in Kiratpur Sahib with an investment of Rs.2.50 crore and Aam Aadmi clinics are successfully providing health services.

Describing the region as a picturesque area bordering Himachal Pradesh, Bains lamented that previously, no representative had made efforts for the region's progress and prosperity. He said that this naturally resource-rich area could have been developed as a tourist hub and they have now initiated work towards this goal.

Highlighting plans to develop the area around Sri Anandpur Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib and near Mata Naina Devi mountains as a tourist destination, Bains said that within the next two years, this region would become Punjab's most beautiful and prosperous area, with roads at least 18 feet wide.

During the function, special felicitation was accorded for families who donated land free of cost for this irrigation scheme.