Punjab Government Committed to Holistic Progress and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities- Dr. Baljit Kaur

State-Level Event on International Day of Persons with diabilities has been organised to honour Outstanding Institutions, Individuals, Athletes and Officials

Special Camps to be organized across the State to address issues of Persons with Disabilities

Faridkot/Chandigarh, December 3- In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, Punjab, organized a state-level event today at Nehru Stadium in which Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur participated as the chief guest and others dignitaries present on the occasion were Faridkot MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon, Director Shena Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner Vinit Kumar and SSP Dr. Pragya Jain.

Addressing the persons with disabilities from across the state, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government is fully committed to the progress and all-around development of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable sections. She highlighted that the Government is not only creating employment opportunities but also ensuring the implementation of reservation quotas in both government and private institutions. She announced that the appointment of mates under MGNREGA would also be done according to the reserved quota for persons with disabilities.

Dr. Baljit Kaur mentioned that special employment camps are being organized to provide job opportunities for persons with disabilities. Companies have been invited to participate so that qualified candidates can secure employment based on their merit. She remarked, “No human is perfect in this world. Everyone has their shortcomings. The government aims to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream and provide them with ample opportunities for employment. The Punjab Government is dedicated to boosting the morale of all sections of society.”

She further added that the government is committed to promoting the holistic development of persons with disabilities through various initiatives. Soon, a notification regarding free travel facilities for visually impaired persons will be issued. Subsidies of 50% on bus fares for persons with disabilities on Punjab Roadways and PRTC buses have already benefited over 7.5 lakh individuals at a cost of ₹2.19 crore in 2023-24. During the current fiscal year 2024-25, ₹278.17 crore has been provided as financial aid under the State Pension Scheme to 265,694 persons with disabilities. Scholarships worth ₹3.37 crore have also been granted to 12,607 disabled students to encourage education.

The Cabinet Minister explained that outstanding employees, employers, athletes and institutions working for the welfare of persons with disabilities were honored at the state-level event. Each awardee was given ₹10,000 and a certificate by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. She also highlighted the Sponsorship Scheme under which families of persons with disabilities receive a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 per school-going child to combat child labour and violence.

MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for organizing the state-level event in Faridkot on International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He acknowledged the immense talent of differently-abled children and their remarkable performances at the event. He urged everyone to respect persons with disabilities and pledged to work for their progress and development.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Vinit Kumar welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries, emphasizing the importance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He assured that the district administration of Faridkot would ensure respect, dignity and progress for persons with disabilities across all relevant departments and institutions.

The event featured cultural performances by persons with disabilities from various parts of the state. The program was coordinated by Jasbir Jassi.

Other notable attendees included former MP Prof. Sadhu Singh, Chief Judicial Magistrate Gurpreet Kaur, Deputy Director of Social Security Department Amarjeet Singh Bhullar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Chander Shekhar, SDM Varun Kumar, Planning Board Chairman Sukhjeet Singh Dhillon and several other prominent personalities.

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Punjab Government committed to the development of all villages in the State - Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur

Priority to be given to village development works without bias," Says the Minister

Announces Special Grant to the tune of ₹2.06 crores for 10 villages in the district

248 elected Sarpanches and 1,908 elected Panches of the district administered the Oath

Chandigarh/Shri Muktsar Sahib, December 3:The Punjab Government is committed to the development of all villages in the state. This was announced by Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur during a district-level oath-taking ceremony at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium of Government College, where 248 newly elected sarpanches and 1,908 panches of the district's panchayats were administered the oath. Accompanying the Minister were constituency MLA Shri Muktsar Sahib Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Tripathi, District Police Chief Tushar Gupta and other prominent dignitaries.

During the ceremony, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur congratulated the district administration for conducting fair and transparent elections and welcomed the newly elected sarpanches and panches.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kaur emphasized that decisions related to village development should be made in Gram Sabhas, highlighting the democratic foundation of these newly elected panchayats.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking commendable steps to ensure unbiased development of villages. She mentioned that villages with more than 50% Scheduled Caste population are being provided special grants, under which 10 villages in the district have been selected to receive a total of ₹2.06 crore.

Encouraging the newly elected panches and sarpanches, Dr. Baljit Kaur urged them to fulfill their responsibilities with dedication and honesty, emphasizing that they have the power to transform their villages. She appealed to them to contribute wholeheartedly to this noble initiative and stressed that panchayats should make decisions in consultation with villagers to ensure holistic development.

Earlier, MLA Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar thanked the dignitaries and congratulated the newly elected panches and sarpanches, motivating them to make significant contributions to the development and progress of their villages.

On this occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur distributed approval letters to six beneficiaries for the construction of toilets in their homes, a part of the government’s efforts to improve village infrastructure.

Other dignitaries present included Jagdev Singh Bam, Chairman of Cooperative Bank Punjab; Sukhjinder Singh Kauni, Chairman of the District Planning Board, Shri Muktsar Sahib; Jasheen Brar, Vice Chairman of PUNCED Punjab; Additional Deputy Commissioner Gurdarshan Lal Kundal; SDM Shri Muktsar Sahib Baljit Kaur; and Gurbaz Singh Vanwala, along with other prominent personalities

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Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains showcases transformative education model of Punjab at UNESCO Forum in Korea

Chandigarh/Gyeonggi -do, December 3:Representing India at the prestigious UNESCO Forum on the Futures of Education, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, on Tuesday, unveiled the state's groundbreaking approach to educational transformation, stressing education as the fundamental solution to global challenges.

Addressing the gathering during the international conference at Suwon Convention center in the city of Gyeonggi -do of the Republic of Korea, Harjot Singh Bains said that Punjab government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development mission, focusing on creating robust educational ecosystems, which includes constructing thousands of new classrooms, erecting boundary walls for school security, providing bus services to students, installing Wi-Fi in schools and deploying security guards to ensure student safety.

"These comprehensive measures have been placed to create a secure and technologically enabled learning environment", said the Cabinet Minister, adding that Punjab's educational strategy is an unprecedented focus on teacher empowerment and global learning. The state has initiated comprehensive teacher training programs, sending educators to premier global institutions. Principals have been trained at the Singapore Principals Academy, while elementary teachers have received specialized training in Finland's renowned education model, bringing world-class pedagogical insights to Punjab's schools.

He said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has introduced innovative school concepts that go beyond traditional educational frameworks. "Schools of Eminence" focus on professional training, "Schools of Applied Learning" stress vocational skills and the pioneering "Schools of Happiness" represent a unique child-psychology-based learning approach designed to create joyful educational experiences.

Bains articulated a profound philosophy that education transcends academic learning, emphasizing that education is a comprehensive approach to addressing global challenges like climate change, terrorism and social inequities. The government's mission is unequivocal which ensure that no child is left behind and every child has access to quality education that prepares them for future challenges, he added.

"During the UNESCO Forum, I had the privilege of not just presenting Punjab's educational innovations, but also sharing the rich cultural and philosophical heritage that underpins our approach to learning and social development. I took this global platform as an opportunity to highlight the historic significance of Sri Anandpur Sahib, a place that symbolizes the profound principles of brotherhood and universal harmony. I shared how the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji transcended conventional boundaries of colour, race and caste, offering the world a transformative message of partnership and collective humanity", the Cabinet Minister categorically shared.

He said that my representation went beyond educational strategies to emphasize the deeper cultural symbols of our identity. I explained the significance of the turban - not merely as a traditional attire, but as a powerful symbol of pride, preparedness and an dedicated commitment to truth and justice.

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ECI Announces Media Awards for “Best Campaign on Voter Education and Awareness 2024”

- ECI invites entries from media houses for best campaign on voters education and awareness 2024: Sibin C

- Four Awards one each for Print Media, Television, Radio and Online/Social Media

- last date to submit entries is 10th December 2024

Chandigarh, December 3:The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced special media awards to recognize the outstanding efforts of media houses in promoting voter education and electoral awareness throughout 2024.

The awards will honor campaigns that have contributed significantly to increasing voter participation by raising awareness about the voting process, accessible elections, election-related IT applications, and other key election topics. The awards, which will be in the form of a citation and plaque, will be presented on National Voters’ Day, 25th January 2025.

Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that the awards will be given across four categories: Print Media, Television, Radio, and Online/Social Media. He emphasized that the evaluation will be based on the quality of voter awareness campaigns, the accuracy and balance of the information presented, and the extent of the campaign’s reach.

“We are looking for campaigns that effectively highlight accessible elections, ECI’s IT innovations, and combat misinformation while making a measurable impact on public awareness,” as per the ECI letter.

A spokesperson elaborated on the key requirements for each category:

* Print Media: “Entries must include a summary of the work carried out, the number of articles published, the total print area, and any public engagement activities. A soft copy, web link, or hard copy of the relevant articles should be provided.”

* Television and Radio: “Entries should provide material on a CD, DVD, or Pen Drive, including details of the duration, frequency, and total broadcast time. Any other activities like direct public engagement should also be highlighted.”

* Online/Social Media: “We are seeking a summary of posts, blogs, tweets, or campaigns, along with relevant links or PDFs. The impact of the campaign, as well as any additional activities, must also be detailed.”

All entries must have been published, broadcast, or posted during 2024. Submissions in languages other than English or Hindi should include an English translation. “Entries should carry the media house’s name, address, and contact details, and must be submitted by 10th December 2024 to Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Under Secretary (Communication) Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001 and email is media-division@eci.gov.in.

CEO Sibin C expressed his gratitude to media houses for their continued efforts in creating electoral awareness and encouraged them to sustain their contributions during future elections.

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Comprehensive plan to provide drinking water to 100% of urban population - Dr. Ravjot Singh

Phagwara/Chandigarh December 3:Local Bodies Minister of Punjab Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday stated that the Punjab government has developed a comprehensive plan to ensure that 100% of the urban population has access to drinking water.

During the foundation-laying ceremony for a water supply project worth Rs. 4.35 crore in Phagwara, Dr. Singh stated that all municipal corporations and councils have been instructed to conduct special surveys to identify areas facing water supply shortages. These areas will be prioritized for coverage.

Rs. 4.35 crore project aims to benefit over 8,000 residents by providing water supply to neighborhoods including Santokhpur, Kothra, Gobindpura, Nakodar Road, Purewal Nagar, and Khalwara Road.

The project will involve the installation of a 9-kilometer-long pipeline and the provision of more than 1,000 household water supply connections.

Dr. Singh also urged MC Commissioner Navneet Kaur Bal to closely monitor the project to ensure its timely completion.

Notable attendees at the event included former minister and AAP leader Joginder Singh Mann, District Planning Board Chairperson Lalit Saklani, Improvement Trust Chairman Kashmir Singh, and AAP spokesperson Harnoor Singh.

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Punjab's first PRTC sub-depot with cost of Rs.3.36-CR to come up in village Daula in Gidderbaha: Laljit Singh Bhullar

Project will be completed and operationalizated by January 31, 2025

Patiala old bus stand revitalized, bus services connecting within a 30-kilometer radius

Sustainable infrastructure initiative in PRTC headquarters and depots on cards

By installing 775 KW solar project, PRTC to annually save around Rs.97 lakh

Chandigarh, December 3:The Punjab Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) is all set to achieve a significant milestone with the development of its first sub-depot at Village Daula in Gidderbaha for enhancing public transportation infrastructure.

Divulging further details, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Tuesday, said that in line with the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government's commitment to further improving transportation accessibility, this project will be completed and operationalizated by January 31, 2025 with the estimated cost of Rs.3.36 crores.

He said that this project will not only address the infrastructural needs but also respond directly to the longstanding demands of local people.

S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that in addition to this, the Old Bus Stand at Patiala has been revitalized, with bus services now connecting to nearby towns within a 30-kilometer radius, including Cheeka, Samana, Nabha, Rajpura, Ghanaur and Pehowa.

The Cabinet Minister said that the Transport Department is further expanding its fleet and creating economic opportunities through the Kilometer (KM) Scheme. A total of 85 new buses will be introduced, with Letter of Intents (LoIs) already issued to 81 individuals, which is fulfilling state government's commitment to generating self-employment and empowering local entrepreneurs.

In a progressive move towards sustainable infrastructure, PRTC is finalizing a comprehensive solar plant installation project, said the Transport Minister, adding that the ambitious plan includes setting up solar facilities at the Head Office, all depots and bus stands.

With a proposed 775 KW solar installation estimated at Rs.2.87 crores, the project is expected to generate annual electricity cost savings of approximately Rs.97 lakh, with a projected payback period of less than three years, he added.

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Ensured fairly successful procurement season despite challenges: Lal Chand Kataruchak

· Around Rs. 39000 Crore credited into accounts of farmers

· Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister exhorts beneficiaries to go in for e-KYC verification

Chandigarh, December 3:The Punjab Government propelled by the visionary approach of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann always stands shoulder to shoulder with the Arhtiyas, Farmers, Millers & Labourers who are closely connected with the economy of the State and are the most important factor in ensuring success of wheat and paddy procurement seasons.

Appreciating the dynamic role played by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in ensuring a successful procurement season, the Minister concerned Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak lauded the fact that the officers and employees at both the Headquarter and District worked hard to ensure the success of the present paddy procurement season despite some challenges.

Talking to the media persons after chairing a meeting with the DFSCs here today, the Minister apprised that the paddy season is almost over now and the State Government has procured 173.50 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) paddy out of the total arrival of 173.65 LMT. Also, more than Rs. 39000 Crore have been credited into the accounts of the farmers, said the Minister adding that the milling process has already commenced in Pathankot, Mohali and Rupnagar Districts.

Regarding the storage space issue, the Minister added that the State Government has emphatically taken up the matter with the Union Government and said that the Central Government should help Punjab in the creation of more storage space. He further divulged that at present 15 LMT of rice is being moved out of the State every month.

The Minister also disclosed that E-KYC survey is currently going on with regard to the verification of the ration cards. He mentioned that out of the total 1.57 Crore beneficiaries, the e-KYC process of verification has been completed pertaining to 1.06 Crore beneficiaries and appealed to the remaining beneficiaries to go for the e - KYC procedure so as to make sure that the genuine and needy beneficiaries are not devoid of the benefits of receiving 5 Kg wheat per person per month.

Exhorting the departmental officers to do even better during the next season, Mr. Kataruchak said that the present season has been a learning experience and the department would apply in the next season, the outcomes of the experience gained this time.

On the occasion, Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Vikas Garg, Director Puneet Goyal, other senior officers and the DFSCs were present.

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Panchayats to come forward for eradication of social menaces: Dr. Ravjot Singh

• Administers oath to newly elected 9314 panches/sarpanches of 1403 panchayats of district

• Says no dearth of funds for development works in villages

• Play pivotal role in wiping out drugs: Jai Krishan Singh Rouri to Panchayats

• Ensure holistic development of villages, foster harmony too: Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal

Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur, December 3:Punjab Local Government and Parliament Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh on Tuesday gave a clarion call to panchayats for its active participation in wiping out the social menaces as well as focusing on all round development of villages.

While administering oath to newly elected 9314 panches and sarpanches of 1403 panchayats across district here at local Lajwanti Stadium, the cabinet minister Dr. Ravjot Singh panchayts could play a significant role to further promote constructive activities in their respective areas thus purge away such menaces. Of total, 1403 panchayats as many as 273 are elected unanimously in the district, which reflects strong bonding amongst the sections of the society, said the Minister adding that this practice should be carry forward in future too.

Addressing the panches and sarpanches, Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the State Government was fully committed to further strengthen the panchayats and there would be no dearth of funds for development works. He also called upon the newly elected panchayats to deliver their duties with utmost dedication so that the villages could get requisite facelift. He mentioned that panchayats should coordinate withe department concerned to start works in villages so that the people could timely get the benefit of welfare schemes and development projects.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha's Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri greeting the panches and sarpanches urged them to actively participate in the campaigns against drugs and other menaces. He said that Punjab Government was firmed to ensure record development in villages vis-a-vis eradication of drugs from the state. He also assured that the state government would extend all possible help and cooperation to panchayats so as to ensure overall development in rural areas.

Congratulating the panchayats, Member Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal emphasised that development should be motto of the panchayats without any bias. He also endorsed that wiping out drugs and promotion of sports was the call of the day with participation of all sections of society. He said there was no paucity of funds for development works to panchayats as these bodies are bridge between the government and villages.

Earlier welcoming the dignitaries, Deputy Commissioner assured that the district administration would all possible cooperation to panchayats to further accelrate the pace of development works. She also lauded the residents of villages for ensuring peaceful conduct of panchayats elections. The district administration also honoured Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, Member Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, MLAs namely Jasbir Singh Raja Gill, Karambir Singh Ghumman, Dr. Ishank Kumar and other diginitaries.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mayor Surinder Kumar, Deputy Mayor Ranjit Chaudhary, Chairman Improvement Trust Harmeet Singh Aulakhm, Chairperson District Planning Committee Karamjit Kaur, Chairman Zila Parishad Dev Raj, Member Gau Sewa Commission Jaspal Singh Chechi, AAP leaders Gurvinder Singh Pabla, Gurdhian Singh Multani and Dr. Jatinder Kumar. Apart from these Chairman Punjab State Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation Sandeep Saini, Punjab State Industrial Corporation's vice chairman Harminder Bakshi, Chiarman Cooperative Bank Vikram Sharma and others.