Punjab Government Releases ₹12.66 Crore for Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Under the Ashirwad Scheme, 2483 Beneficiaries from 15 Districts Will Receive Benefits

Punjab Government, Led by Chief Minister S.Bhgwant Singh Mann, Committed to Welfare of Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections

Chandigarh, January 28-The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of backward classes and economically weaker sections. Expressing this, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government has released ₹12.66 crore under the Ashirwad Scheme during the current financial year for their benefit.

Providing further details, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that the amount has been released under the Ashirwad Scheme to beneficiaries from the districts of Barnala, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Mansa, Patiala, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Malerkotla and Tarn Taran. The amount will cover pending applications from backward classes and economically weaker sections for the years 2023-24 and 2024-25, received through the Ashirwad Portal during the financial year 2024-25. A total of ₹12.66 crore has been sanctioned for 2483 beneficiaries belonging to backward classes and economically weaker sections.

Dr. Baljit Kaur provided district-wise details, stating that the beneficiaries include 45 from Barnala, 19 from Faridkot, 198 from Ferozepur, 82 from Fatehgarh Sahib, 175 from Fazilka, 656 from Gurdaspur, 277 from Hoshiarpur, 34 from Jalandhar, 102 from Mansa, 144 from Patiala, 5 from Rupnagar, 3 from SAS Nagar, 38 from Sangrur, 60 from Malerkotla, and 645 from Tarn Taran.

She further stated that to avail the benefits of the Ashirwad Scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to families living below the poverty line and be from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or other economically weaker sections. Additionally, the total annual family income should not exceed ₹32,790, and up to two daughters from such families can benefit from the scheme.

The Minister emphasized that the Punjab Government is consistently working for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and economically weaker sections. She also highlighted that the financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.

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PUNJAB COLLABORATES WITH IIM-AHMEDABAD TO EMPOWER PRINCIPALS OF ITIs, POLYTECHNICS

•IIM-Ahmedabad experts to visit Punjab for engaging with stakeholders aimed at refining training programs

•Punjab Technical Education Dept in collaboration of IIM-Ahmedabad, plans specialised Management Development Program for Principals of ITIs, Polytechnics, says Harjot Singh Bains

• Principals to be sent for residential training at IIM- Ahmedabad

Chandigarh, January 28:To enhance leadership, managerial competencies and academic performance among the Principals of ITIs and Polytechnic Institutes in Punjab, a team of experts from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, will visit Punjab in February. The team will engage with key stakeholders and assess training requirements to further refine the training program, revealed S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab.

Notably, the IIM-Ahmedabad, ranked number one in NIRF rankings and globally renowned for its excellence, is a leader in management education. Known for its innovative teaching methodologies, pioneering research and unwavering commitment to academic and professional excellence.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the Technical Education and Industrial Training department, in collaboration with IIM-Ahmedabad, has devised a specialised Management Development Program (MDP) for the Principals of ITIs, Polytechnics and senior officials of the department. He said that the IIM-Ahmedabad faculty members will visit Punjab from 12th to 15th February, 2025, to engage with key stakeholders and assess training requirements. This transformative program shall help the department to elevate technical and vocational institutions into Centres of Excellence.

To advance Punjab’s technical education ecosystem and equip its leaders to meet the evolving demands of the sector, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the Management Development Program will gather thirty Principals from ITIs and Polytechnics, along with key departmental officials, for a five-day residential training at the prestigious IIM-Ahmedabad campus. During this period, participants will engage in twenty carefully curated interactive sessions, gaining dynamic learning experiences facilitated by distinguished IIM-Ahmedabad professors, including Prof. Ambrish Dongre and Prof. Neharika Vohra.

The training program is specifically designed for empowering participants to lead and manage technical education institutions effectively. It will also help to enhance strategic planning and budgeting capabilities, foster conflict resolution skills, improve team and time management and strengthen communication strategies, he added.

Additionally, the program will promote the exchange of knowledge and the adoption of best practices in vocational education and skill development. Aligned with the vision to upgrade the state’s technical and vocational education institutions, this initiative is set to deliver significant benefits to Punjab by cultivating leadership capacity among senior officials. The program will foster robust collaborations with industry partners and enhance opportunities for skill development in the region, S. Bains said.

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Government Officials Delaying Public Services to Face Penalty up to Rs.5000: V.K. Janjua

Chief Commissioner Punjab Transparency and Accountability Commission holds Key Meeting with ADCs to Ensure Timely Delivery of Public Services

ADCs to display boards at all Sewa Kendras, showcasing list of notified services available

Chandigarh, January 28:A significant meeting was held by the Chief Commissioner of Punjab Transparency and Accountability Commission Mr. V.K. Janjua, with all Additional Deputy Commissioners (General) (ADCs) of Punjab to discuss the timely delivery of services under the Punjab Transparency and Accountability Act. Dr. Nayan Jassal, Secretary of PBTRAC, was also present at the meeting.

Mr. Janjua highlighted the critical role of the ADCs as Appellate Authorities under the Act. He explained that citizens have the right to file appeals with the ADCs, who can also take suo-motu notice against any designated official who is found to be delaying or refusing services. He further emphasized that ADCs have the authority to impose penalties of up to Rs. 5000 on officials responsible for delaying services to the public.

During the meeting, A PowerPoint presentation was shared, outlining how ADCs play a vital role in ensuring the efficient delivery of government services at the district level. Mr. Janjua instructed all ADCs to provide monthly reports to the Commission regarding the pendency of all notified services in their respective districts. Additionally, the ADCs were asked to submit monthly reports detailing the actions taken by their office against officials who have failed to comply with service timelines.

To ensure greater public awareness, Mr. Janjua also directed the ADCs to display boards at all Sewa Kendras, showcasing the list of notified services available, along with details of the designated officials and appellate officers for each service.

This comprehensive approach aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in the delivery of public services across Punjab, reinforcing the government's commitment to efficient governance.

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ATTACK AT GUMTALA POLICE POST: PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS PAK-ISI BACKED NARCO TERROR MODULE; TWO HELD WITH HAND GRENADE, TWO PISTOLS

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS WERE BEING HANDLED BY USA-BASED HAPPY PASSIAN AND DRUG SMUGGLER SARWAN BHOLA, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO NAB THE REMAINING MEMBERS OF THIS MODULE: AIG SSOC ASR SUKHMINDER SINGH MANN

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 28:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s SSOC Amritsar has busted a Pak-ISI backed narco terror-module being operated by USA-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian and USA-based notorious drug smuggler Sarwan Bhola with the arrest of its two members for their involvement in lobbying hand-grenade on Gumtala Police Post in Amritsar, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Tuesday.

Those arrested have been identified as Bagga Singh of Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar in Sirsa, Haryana and Puskaran Singh alias Sagar of Amarkot in Amritsar. Police teams have also recovered one hand grenade and two sophisticated pistols along with ammunition from their possession.

As per the information, some persons hurled a hand grenade at Gumtala Police Post in Amritsar Commissionerate on January 9 this year. Following the incident, terrorist organisation BKI had used social media platform to claim the responsibility for this terror act.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that investigations have revealed that arrested accused Bagga Singh is a relative of Sarwan Bhola, who is the brother of notorious smuggler Ranjit Singh alias Cheeta— currently lodged in Bathinda jail in 532 kg heroin recovery case. Pertinently, accused Sarwan Singh is also wanted in 532 kg heroin recovery case and carries Rs 2 lakh reward announced by National Investigation Agency (NIA).

He said that Accused Sarwan Bhola, who has been operating drug smuggling network from USA, has handed over his relative Bagga Singh and his associate Pushkaran to Happy Passian and Harvinder Rinda to carry out terror activities in the border state.

The DGP said that investigations are in progress in scientific manner to establish forward and backward linkages in this case and unveil the entire terror module.

Sharing operation details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said following the attack at Gumtala Police Post, police teams have launched an intelligence operation and arrested Bagga Singh from Sirsa in Haryana and Pushkaran Singh from Amritsar area leading to recovery of explosives and weapons. Further efforts are being made to discover the previous crimes committed by the accused persons and arrest remaining members of this module, he added.

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6586 recruitments made in PSPCL and PSTCL since April 2022: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Says, 4864 more recruitments to be made in PSPCL in year 2025-26

Handover Appointment letters to 35 Assistant Engineers

Chandigarh, January 28-Punjab Power and Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO announced today that since April 2022, a total of 6,586 recruitments have been completed by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL). The Power Minister also revealed that during the year 2025-26, an additional 4,864 recruitments will be made in PSPCL.

While handing over appointment letters to 35 Assistant Engineers, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that out of these total recruitments, 4,444 youths were recruited in PSPCL and 782 in PSTCL through direct recruitments. Additionally, 1,360 persons have been recruited on compassionate grounds. "The primary objective of these recruitments is to provide maximum employment opportunities to the youth and to enhance the human resources of the power department, ensuring better and uninterrupted electricity services for the people of Punjab", he added.

Among the 35 Assistant Engineers who received their appointment letters, 22 are specialized in Electronics and Communication, while 13 are specialized in Electrical. During an interaction with each candidate, the Cabinet Minister inquired about their educational qualifications and their preferences for working for the department. He congratulated the newly selected Assistant Engineers and encouraged them to perform their duties with dedication and commitment. He expressed his confidence in the newly recruited Assistant Engineers and their ability to contribute to the state's power sector.

Reiterating the Punjab Government's commitment to providing employment opportunities to the youth, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO stated that since the formation of the government in March 2022 under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, over 50,000 youth have been provided with employment opportunities. He emphasized that PSPCL and PSTCL are making significant efforts to deliver the best electricity services to the people of Punjab. He assured that the government will continue to focus on creating more job opportunities and improving the infrastructure and services provided by the power department.

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Two-day State Level Basant Festival concludes leaving indelible memories

Kite flying competition winners honoured with cash prizes

MLAs Advocate Rajnish Dahiya and Ranbir Singh Bhullar made special visit

Punjabi folk singers Alap Sikandar and Sarang Sikandar mesmerised the audience

Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma congratulats kite flying competition winners and district folks on the success of Basant festival

Chandigarh/Ferozepur, January 28:The two-day state-level Basant festival at Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, Ferozepur, today concluded leaving indelible memories. A large number of state folks thoroughly enjoyed the festival.

During the festival, MLA Ferozepur Rural Advocate Rajnish Dahiya, MLA Ferozepur Urban S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar and Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma honoured kite flying competition winners with prize money. Both the MLAs congratulated the district administration and all district residents on the success of festival, stating that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting culture and tourism in Ferozepur. For this purpose, the Punjab government is celebrating the state-level Basant Panchami event in Ferozepur. Commending the district residents and administrative officials for this achievement, they mentioned that Ferozepur is now progressing in every aspect.

Both the MLAs also honoured district officials, employees and representatives of voluntary organizations for successfully organizing this state-level Basant festival.

While congratulating the kite-flying competition winners and district residents on this state-level Basant Festival, Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur Mrs. Deepshikha Sharma noted that Ferozepur's Basant is world-renowned and the Punjab government has taken this unique initiative in Ferozepur district to encourage youth's interest in kite-flying.

Praising the efforts of the state government and district administrative officials, she said that Punjab and Ferozepur's name would be recognized worldwide as not only local youth but also participants from across India and abroad demonstrated their kite-flying artistry at the state-level Basant Festival.

She announced that Bharat Bhushan won in the largest kite-flyer category. In the under-10 age group, Aditya won among boys and Kirti among girls, while in the above-10 category, Jagjit and Prerna secured first place among boys and girls, respectively. She said that all the winners received cash prizes.

Deputy Commissioner said that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, the district administration would spare no effort in elevating this festival to national and international prominence.

Popular Punjabi singers Alap Sikander and Sarang Sikander, who were special guests at the festival, entertained the audience with their hit songs. Other Punjabi folk singers also performed, while students from various schools presented Bhangra and folk dances, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Besides this, emerging artists from Ferozepur captivated the audience with their performances. A blood donation camp was also organized at the festival, where many people enthusiastically participated and donated blood.

The event was attended by senior district officials, representatives from various departments, NGOs and a large number of local residents.

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Vigilance Bureau nabs PSPCL Lineman, Meter Reader taking Rs 5000 bribe as second instalment

Accused previously received Rs 20000 bribe to install meter

Chandigarh January 28, 2025 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Kamalpreet Singh, Lineman, and Kuldip Singh, Meter Reader, both posted at Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) office Focal Point Ludhiana red handed while accepting second instalment of bribe of Rs. 5000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused have been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Sandeep Singh, a resident of Jamalpur, in Ludhiana.

He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said accused Lineman has demanded a bribe of Rs 30000 for installing new electricity meter by replacing burnt meter at his showroom. The complaint informed that the said Lineman had already taken Rs 20000 for this purpose and demanding the remaining bribe money of Rs 10000.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry on his complaint a VB team from Ludhiana unit laid a trap during which the accused Lineman and Meter Reader have been arrested red handed while accepting the second instalment of bribe money of Rs 5000 from the complaint at his showroom in presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused official at VB police station Ludhiana range and further investigation into this case was under progress.