Dr. Baljit Kaur reviews welfare schemes being run by Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities
State Government to utilize Dr. Ambedkar Bhawans in districts for gyms and libraries for public convenience
Chandigarh, January 10-Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, on Friday, chaired a special meeting with officials in Chandigarh to review various welfare schemes and initiatives being run by the department.
During the meeting, the Minister had an in-depth discussion with the Additional Chief Secretary of the department, Mr. Alok Shekhar and the Director, Mr. Sandeep Hans, regarding the functioning of the department and the outreach of its schemes to the public. The officials provided detailed information about the implementation of welfare schemes under the department.
The Minister discussed several key schemes during the meeting, including the Ashirwad Scheme, Post-Matric Scholarship, Adarsh Gram Yojana, Prime Minister's Abhyudaya Yojana, hostel-related schemes, and the buildings of Dr. Ambedkar Bhawans. She directed the officials to ensure that Dr. Ambedkar Bhawans in districts be used for gyms and libraries to benefit the public.
The Minister also emphasized that schemes such as low-interest loans under self-employment programs, the N.B.C. Scheme, and N.M.D. Welfare Schemes are being implemented to improve the social and economic standards of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, and minorities. She instructed that awareness camps be organized to ensure the direct benefit of these schemes reaches the people. Every citizen in the state should be made aware of these schemes to ensure they are not left behind.
The meeting was attended by the Director-cum-Joint Secretary of the Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities, Raj Bahadur Singh, Deputy Director Ravinderpal Singh Sandhu, and other officials.
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- Food sector in Punjab holds an Immense Potential for Investment : Sond
- High-Level Meetings with Representatives of Food Sector Companies at Indus Food Fair
Chandigarh, January 10:Punjab’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Investment Promotion, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, extended an invitation to domestic and international food companies to invest in Punjab. Addressing nearly 40 Managing Directors and CEOs of food sector companies during the 8th Indus Food Fair in Noida, organized in collaboration with the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) and the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, he highlighted the bright prospects for investment in Punjab’s food sector.
He stated that Punjab holds immense potential in the food sector, given the global recognition of its culinary heritage. He emphasized the worldwide appeal of Punjabi cuisine and flavors, which attract people from across the globe. Sond mentioned that the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Mann, aims to elevate the state’s food sector to a global level. The Punjab government is making special efforts to establish brands like Verka, Sohna, Five Rivers, and others on an international platform. He also noted the growing global demand for Punjabi food and food products.
On this occasion, he shared information about the single-window system and initiatives undertaken by Invest Punjab to facilitate investors and industries. He assured that the Punjab government is fully committed to supporting investors in every possible way. Several company representatives expressed interest in investing in Punjab and promised to present proposals soon, focusing on spices, food processing, and fruit and vegetable processing.
The Industry Minister also held separate meetings with investors from Canada, Australia, China, and the USA, encouraging them to invest in Punjab. He interacted with representatives from renowned companies, including Manohar Lal, owner of Haldiram’s.
Later, Tarunpreet Singh Sond visited several stalls among the approximately 1,500 exhibitions at the fair. He also explored food stalls from Lebanon, Portugal, China, and Turkey, savoring the flavors of their cuisines. He was accompanied by Punjab Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma, Invest Punjab CEO DPS Kharbanda, and TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla.
Additionally, notable participants in the meeting included Suresh Vaidhyanathan from Abu Dhabi Food Hub, Rupesh Mehta from Khimji Ramdas (Oman), Kallai Meyyappan Ramalingam from Murugan Group (Singapore), Alferova from Auchan (Russia), Ananda Kumar from Al Madina Group (UAE), Ashok Kumar from Zepto, Himanshu Wahi from Swiggy, Ashish Agarwal from Bikanervala Foods, Akash Shah from Everest Spices, Sanjay Singhal from Wagh Bakri Tea Group, Mithun Apaiya from Wow! Momo, and other representatives from leading food companies.
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PUNJAB STATE INFORMATION COMMISSION IMPOSES ONE-YEAR BAN ON FILLING APPLICATION BY MANJINDER SINGH
Chandigarh, January 10:Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, State Information Commissioner of the Punjab State Information Commission, issued an order today imposing a one-year ban on Manjinder Singh, resident of Kharar, District Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, from filing any further applications under the Punjab State Information Commission.
This order follows the instructions of the RTI Commission, in which on January 8, 2025, State Information Commissioner Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal was conducting hearing about 70 cases related to RTI appeals filed by Manjinder Singh under the second appeal category. During the hearing, it was revealed that Manjinder Singh had been using RTIs of a fabricated nature to blackmail government employees and officials, influencing government work through corrupt practices. The Commission had repeatedly questioned the use of these RTIs in public interest, but no response was provided by Manjinder Singh.
The Commission further stated that in light of previous decisions by various higher courts concerning similar cases, and after considering these facts, the State Information Commissioner has imposed the one-year ban on filing applications with the Commission. Additionally, the fines and compensations imposed on officials in different RTI cases have been cancelled. Public authorities have been advised that if any future applications filed by Manjinder Singh under Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, 2005, are repetitive or excessively burdensome on the office, they should be ignored.
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Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Unveils 2025 Calendars of PSPCL and PSTCL
Chandigarh, January 10-Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO unveiled the 2025 calendars for Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) here today.
The PSPCL calendar showcases captivating image of the Sri Guru Amardas Thermal Plant, Goindwal Sahib, alongside picture of function organised to induct the newly appointed personnel within the corporation. Additionally, it features a striking solar tree, symbolizing the corporation's dedication to renewable energy. The PSTCL calendar, on the other hand, spotlights innovative initiatives aimed at strengthening the state's power transmission infrastructure.
while releasing these calendars, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO extended congratulations to both PSPCL and PSTCL for their commendable initiative. He expressed unwavering confidence that each day represented in these 2025 calendars will serve as a testament to the relentless efforts and dedication of both corporations.
Power Minister said that the initiatives taken by PSPCL and PSTCL are not just about dates on a calendar, but about their ongoing commitment to the development and welfare of the people of Punjab. He praised the corporations for their continued pursuit of excellence and their pivotal role in advancing the state's power sector, ensuring that every day brings tangible progress and benefits to the people of the state.
Principal Secretary (Power) Ajoy Kumar Sinha, CMD PSPCL Er. Baldev Singh Sran and Director Admin PSPCL Jasbir Singh Sursingh were also present on this occasion.
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Punjab Cabinet Ministers Meet Janglat Workers Union to Address Their Issues
Chandigarh, January 10-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema and Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak held a detailed meeting today with the Janglat Workers Union. The meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Cheema, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to address employee issues, focused on the pressing demands and challenges faced by the Janglat Workers and finding tangible solutions for the same.
During the discussions, Finance Minister Cheema directed the Forest Department to convene a subsequent meeting with the union to address their services related issues. He emphasized the need for a positive approach in resolving these issues and instructed that the case concerning financial obligations be forwarded to the Finance Department for further action. Finance Minister Cheema assured the union representatives that their legitimate demands would be addressed promptly, highlighting the government's commitment to the welfare of its employees.
Additionally, Finance Minister Cheema directed the Forest Department to organize training programs for class four employees to enhance their skills and improve their work efficiency. This initiative is aimed at empowering the employees with better skill sets, thereby contributing to their professional development and overall job satisfaction.
Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak echoed these sentiments, reiterating the government's dedication to resolving the issues faced by the Janglat Workers Union. He assured the union that their concerns are being taken seriously and that the department is committed to finding sustainable solutions.
The Forest Workers Union delegation, comprising Makhan Singh Wahidpuri, Jaswinder Singh Sauja Patiala, Satnam Singh Sangrur, Amandeep Singh Chhat Bir, Ravikant Ropar, Sulakhan Singh Mohali, and Ravi Kumar Ludhiana, expressed gratitude to the Punjab government for the productive meeting. The Union enthusiastically welcomed the Finance Minister's assurance to address their legitimate demands and the Forest Minister's commitment to their welfare.
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Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department celebrates "Dhiyan Di Lohri" in Khanna
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond presides over event
Chandigarh, Jan 10:Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Friday stated that celebrating 'Dhiyan Di Lohri' can significantly improve the sex ratio in the Punjab.
While presiding over the "Dhiyan Di Lohri" event at A.S College (Women), Khanna organized by the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Sond emphasized the importance of such gatherings in supporting girl children to live their lives with dignity and pride. He highlighted that this, in turn, will contribute immensely to the socio-economic development of the state.
Sond described 'Dhiyan Di Lohri' as a vital initiative that can transform the destiny of girls in society. He underscored the necessity of holding such sustainable efforts throughout the year to effectively spread this message. He further stated that these functions align with the teachings of the great Sikh Gurus, who advocated for the respect and honour of women, as they give birth to kings and future leaders.
Sond noted that girls today are excelling in several fields including academics, medical, science, sports and etc. He remarked that the country is making progress, with more girls reaching new heights in their careers.
The Minister also mentioned that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is implementing numerous initiatives aimed at women's empowerment. He added that efforts are underway to raise awareness about improving the gender ratio, with many girls currently holding top level government jobs and other prestigious positions.
Present at the event were Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Information and Public Relations, Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director Tourism and Cultural Affairs Amrit Singh, senior district officials and other dignitaries.
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Ashwani Chawla becomes President of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee
Amit Pandey elected Vice President & Deepak Sharma as Secretary
Chandigarh, January 10:In the Annual polls of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee 2025, journalist Ashwani Chawla (Sach Kahoon) today got elected as the President. During the course of polls, the entire journalist fraternity expressed unanimity on the name of Ashwani Chawla and decided to elect him as the President unopposed.
In the aftermath, the names of Mr. Amit Pandey and Mr. Deepak Sharma were proposed for election to the posts of Vice President and Secretary of the Press Gallery Committee, respectively. They too were declared elected unopposed as no other candidate came forward to contest against them. Hence, they were elected with unanimity.
The Vidhan Sabha Press Gallery Committee advises the Speaker of the State's Vidhan Sabha to resolve any issues being faced by the journalists and facilitate them. On the advice rendered by the committee, the Speaker takes the decisions for the welfare of the journalist fraternity.