CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF EXPANSION OF THE DAC, MOGA BY CONSTRUCTING THIRD AND FOURTH FLOOR

TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT A COST OF RS 10.31 CRORE THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN COMING EIGHT MONTHS

Moga, January 19:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday laid the foundation stone of expansion of the District Administrative Complex (DAC) by constructing the third and fourth floor of the building at a cost of Rs 10.31 crore.

The Chief Minister said that it is a red letter day in the history of district as construction of additional two storey of Block B in DAC has commenced today. He said that the DAC building consisting of four blocks viz. A block, B block, C block and D block were constructed in 2004. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in order to ease the space crunch being faced by various offices and to shift some government offices that are being run from other places, additional two storeys are being constructed.

The Chief Minister said that the project will be completed in around eight months by August this year. He said that total of 48 rooms will be constructed on both the floors and there will be provision of separate toilet blocks for gents and ladies on both the floors. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that new lift with a carrying capacity of 13 persons will be installed in the complex adding that both the floors will have CCTV camera system for safety and security.

The Chief Minister said that this ultra modern building will also be equipped with fire Detection/Emergency evacuation and Public Address system. He also said that a 95 KW Solar Power Generation System will be installed in the building for adequate use of renewable energy. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the previous governments had hardly paid any heed towards such initiatives to serve the people in a better manner.

The Chief Minister said that earlier the reigns of the state were in the wrong hands earlier due to which the state had suffered adversely. However, he said that ever since assuming the charge of office his government has been according top priority to such works of immense public importance. Bhagwant Singh Mann that such buildings are being constructed while keeping in-view the future needs of people.

==========================================

A Nation Prospers When Its Citizens Are Happy": Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar

Punjab Government Empowers PRTC Employees with Historic Salary Hike

Patiala/Chandigarh, January 19-Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the leadership and special efforts of Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and the dedicated endeavors of PRTC Chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana, the salaries of 1148 employees, who have been working continuously for over a year, have been increased by ₹2500 along with an additional 10% hike.

It is noteworthy that a meeting between the PRTC Contract Workers union under the leadership of Ranjodh Singh Hadana held with Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar. During the meeting, officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) D.K. Tiwari, MD Bikramjit Singh Shergill, GM Maninderjit Singh Sidhu and other senior officials were present.

Speaking on the occasion, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar emphasized, “A nation progresses when its citizens are happy.” With this vision, the Punjab government is committed to introducing unique initiatives to enhance the quality of life for its employees. Bhullar stated that the salary increment proposal was presented during the Board of Directors meeting, where it is unanimously approved. Copies of the directive have been issued to seven departments.

Additionally, a consensus was reached to frame a policy for regularizing employees under service rules and the related file will be sent to the Advocate General of Punjab. A follow-up meeting will be held with senior officials and unions to finalize the policy.

Minister Bhullar further stated that the primary demands of contract employees, particularly salary uniformity, were discussed in a previous meeting held at the Chief Minister's office in Chandigarh. The government, under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, agreed on uniform salaries and assured the resolution of other demands such as adding new buses to the corporation, regularizing contract workers, removing employees from the waiting list for active duties and increasing commissions for advance bookers.

Chairman Ranjodh Singh Hadana, during his address, highlighted that PRTC has increased wages for drivers by ₹2500 and and this ratio other employees a further 30% increment to according to Punjab Roadways. Employees hired after September 15, 2021, were earlier given only minimum wages. To address this disparity, the Board of Directors has decided to increase their wages by ₹2500 and an additional 10%, applicable only to those continuously working for over a year. This increment in wages will be prospective and no arrears of any kind will be paid.

Prominent members of the PRTC Azad Union, including State General Secretary Manjinder Kumar Babbu Sharma, Patron Gurdhyan Singh Bhanra, Gurpal Singh Sangrur and Khushwinder Singh Budhla, also participated in the meeting.

========================================

PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE ATTEND BHOG & ANTIM ARDAS OF MLA GURPREET BASSI GOGI

SPEAKER, CABINET MINISTERS PAY LAST TRIBUTE TO DEPARTED SOUL

Ludhiana/Chandigarh, Jan 19-People from all walks of life today paid last tributes to the late Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, MLA from Ludhiana West who passed away on Jan 10, during his Bhog and antim ardas at Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha in Model Town Extension locality on Sunday.

Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Punjab CM's Wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur and several leaders across party lines remembered Gogi for his lifelong commitment to public service.

In their address, they added that MLA Gogi was a source of inspiration and motivation for society. They said that presence of people from all walks of life, who have converged here on the Bhog and Antim Ardas of MLA Gogi, reflects how much he was respected by the people in the region.

They added that Gogi was a hardworking, dedicated and committed colleague. They stated that it was a huge personal loss for them and an irreparable loss for the Aam Aadmi party, as Gogi was a committed foot soldier of the party.

On behalf of the family, MLA Gogi’s son Swaraj thanked everyone for standing rock solid with the family.