ENSURE THAT BENEFITS OF FLAGSHIPS SCHEME OF STATE GOVERNMENT ARE PERCOLATED AT GRASS ROOT LEVEL: CM TO NEWLY INDUCTED PCS OFFICERS

EXHORTS THEM TO SET A NEW BENCHMARK IN PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY

Chandigarh, February 17:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday called upon the newly inducted officers of the Punjab Civil Service (PCS) to discharge their duty with utmost dedication, commitment and integrity so that the benefits of flagship schemes of the state government are further percolated to people at grass root level.

The newly promoted PCS officers from A II and C register called on the Chief Minister here at his official residence.

Interacting with the officers, the Chief Minister, while congratulating the officers, said that it is a matter of immense pride that they have selected for this coveted post adding that they should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that the PCS Officers will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society. He exhorted the officers to ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

The Chief Minister advised the officers to render their services to the best of their ability for delivering the goals of good governance, effective delivery of citizen centric services and time-bound implementation of welfare and development schemes. He expressed hope that these officers, who already have a good experience of public service, will play a pivotal role in taking the state to the zenith of its glory. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these officers will carve a niche for them with their hard work, sincerity, capability and professional acumen.

The Chief Minister appealed to the officers to utilize their experience, education and training for the betterment of the people by becoming their friend and guide. He hoped that the officers will set a new benchmark in public service by dealing with the people in a humane manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is making concerted efforts for carving out a Rangla Punjab adding that the new officers are welcomed to be part of the team working on this mission.

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CM DIRECTS TO FURTHER EXPEDITE THE LIQUIDATION AND MOVEMENT OF FOOD GRAIN STOCKS FROM THE STATE

CHAIRS A REVIEW MEETING OF THE FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT

REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ENSURE THAT FARMERS OF THE STATE DO NOT FACE ANY PROBLEM IN ENSUING RABI SEASON

Chandigarh, February 17:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday asked the Department of Food & Civil Supplies to further expedite the process of liquidation/movement of the food grain stocks from the State so that no problem of storage of food grains arises in the coming seasons and procurement of grains takes place in a smooth and hassle free manner.

Chairing a high level meeting of the Food and Civil Supplies Department here at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that due to persistent shortage of storage space during the previous season, the procurement/lifting of grains from mandis was adversely affected. He said that the State government is already in process of creating new covered godowns to store 60 Lakh Metric Ton of grains in the State in the coming few months. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab produces grain for the National food security and the State government is duty bound that the farmers of the state face no problem in selling of their grains during the procurement season.

The Chief Minister said that it is imperative to ensure that sufficient storage space is created to ensure that farmers do not face any sort of inconvenience. He said that the Government of India is being requested repeatedly to undertake maximum movement of wheat and rice from the State, so that sufficient storage space is available for rice of ongoing KMS as well as wheat during ensuing RMS 2025-26. He said that during the KMS 2024-25, 171.86 LMT of paddy was stored in the State out of which 116.30 LMT of rice was deliverable. Till date, 33.74 LMT (29.02%) of the rice has been delivered and remaining 82.53 LMT has to be delivered by March 31, 2025. For the month of February, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state had requested for 1635 rice specials but FCI has planned only 197 rice specials for the month of February and till date only 109 rice specials have been provided.The Chief Minister said that these issues will be duly raised with the Union government in the coming days so that they are resolved at the earliest in the larger interest of the country. Meanwhile, he said that shortfall of space has been identified only in districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Patiala and Moga and all efforts are being made by district officials/field staff for alternative arrangements/ contingency plans. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the firm commitment of the State government to take every possible step for ensuring smooth and hassle free procurement and lifting of the grains in the coming procurement seasons too.

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Investment of Over Rs. 94,000 Crore in Punjab in Nearly Three Years: Sond

- Green Stamp Paper Transformed the Industrial Landscape of Punjab

Chandigarh, February 17:The Green Stamp Paper initiative, introduced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is a unique move by the Punjab government for industries. This is an online process that has increased transparency and eliminated the possibility of fraud in land acquisition. The Green Stamp Paper is issued only after obtaining the necessary approvals for land acquisition, allowing industries to register their sale deeds seamlessly.

Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that, due to the Green Stamp Paper initiative and the Punjab government’s commitment to industrial growth, the state has received investment proposals worth Rs. 94,203 crore between March 2022 and now, in nearly three years. This investment is expected to generate employment for over four lakh individuals. He also invited other industrialists to invest in Punjab, emphasizing that the state’s industry-friendly policies have attracted major industrial houses to establish their units here.

He further added that Punjab offers a favorable, suitable, and peaceful environment for investment. The government is working with complete dedication towards industrial development. He highlighted that the state’s policies are pro-industry, allowing small and medium-scale entrepreneurs to start their businesses with just an affidavit, while the necessary documentation process can be completed within three years.

Minister of Industries, Commerce, and Investment Promotion, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, mentioned that the Green Stamp Paper initiative has accelerated the legal documentation process for industrialists. The key advantage is that everything is done online, making transactions more efficient and accountable.

Sond also stated that the Green Stamp Paper ensures the rapid issuance of regulatory approvals for industries. Pre-approvals from six departments are granted within stipulated timeframes through a single-window system. These departments include Revenue, Housing & Urban Development, Local Government, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Forests & Wildlife, and Labour & Factories.

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Hardeep Singh Mundian hands over appointment letters to 44 candidates in Water Supply and Sanitation Department

Initiative part of State Government's employment initiative for youth

Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann provided more than 50,000 government jobs to youth so far: Mundian

Chandigarh, 17 February:Undertaking an initiative as part of State Government's commitment to provide employment to youth, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister, Punjab, Hardeep Singh Mundiyan, today gave appointment letters to 44 candidates in the department.

During a simple ceremony held at Punjab Bhavan, S. Mundian, while handing over the appointment letter to the candidates said that the State Government has provided more than 50,000 government jobs so far. He welcomed the newly recruited candidates on the unfolding of a new chapter in their lives.

The Minister said that transparency and honesty is being strictly adhered to by the government in the new recruitment process and he hopes diligence and honesty in duties from the newly recruited candidates. He expressed sympathy with the families of the candidates who were recruited on compassionate grounds. He said that the loss suffered by their families cannot be met, but government job is a humble effort to help the family.

Earlier, the Principal Secretary of Water Supply and Sanitation NeelKanth Avhad informed that the recruited candidates include 8 Junior Map Navis, 4 Clerks, 19 Helper Technical, 12 Servicemen and one Chowkidar. The Director of the department Amit Talwar was also present on this occasion.

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BATHINDA MURDER CASE: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS TWO ASSOCIATES OF DECEASED CRIMINAL OVERSEER SINGH; TWO PISTOLS RECOVERED

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

— ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS HAVE CRIMINAL HISTORY, MULTIPLE CRIMINAL CASES REGISTERED AGAINST THEM: DGP GAURAV YADAV

— BOTH ACCUSED PERSONS HAVE BEEN ARRESTED IN CROSS-FIR CASE, SAYS ADGP AGTF PROMOD BAN

CHANDIGARH, February 17:Carrying forward the investigation in the sensational Bathinda Murder case, Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in a joint operation with Bathinda Police has arrested two associates of the deceased criminal Overseer Singh alias Satinder Singh alias Satti in cross-FIR and recovered two .32 bore pistols along with five cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

Those arrested have been identified as Lakhwinder Singh Gill, a resident of village Burj Gill in Bathinda and Avtar Singh alias Dhillon, a resident of village Bhai Rupa in Bathinda.

The development came two days after Punjab Police has arrested four associates of Gurpreet Sekhon Gang for their involvement in sensational murder of Overseer Singh alias Satinder Singh alias Satti and recovered one .32 bore pistol along with six cartridges from their possession. As per the information, Overseer Singh of Bhai Rupa in Bathinda, a known history sheeter was shot dead at his native village by their neighbour along with his associates due to personal enmity at around 4 am on February 5 this year.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the arrested accused persons have a criminal history, with multiple criminal cases registered against them. Further investigations are ongoing to establish forward and backward linkages in this case, he said.

Sharing more details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that during further investigations in the case, the role of duo arrested persons came to fore and police teams have arrested both of them from village Bhai Rupa in Bathinda.

He said that arrested accused persons Lakhwinder Gill and Avtar Singh alias Dhillon are the associates of deceased Overseer Singh and had opened fire on the other party. Both the accused persons have been arrested in cross FIR case, he added.

In this regard, a case FIR No. 11 dated 05.02.25 had been registered under sections 125 and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Phul in Bathinda. While, section 109 of the BNS was added as part of the cross-FIR.

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Punjab Government’s big action on corruption; Muktsar DC removed and Suspended

Vigilance Enquiry marked against the officer, pertaining to acts of corruption

Action taken in light of the Order released by the Punjab Govt two days back directing officials to check corruption, work with efficiency

Chandigarh, February 17-In a major action against corruption in the state, the Bhagwant Mann Government has removed and suspended the Deputy Commissioner of Sri Muktsar Sahib following the serious complaints of corruption.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Govermmnemnt said that in consonance with the ‘zero tolerance towards corruption’ of the Mann Government, the state government had recently issued detailed instructions to all the officers. As per the instructions, the Punjab government had directed that officers function in a responsive and accountable manner, feedback about each Deputy Commissioner, SSP, SDM, Tehsildar, Naib Tehsildar, SP, DSP, SHO and other field officers/officials will be taken not only from the general public but also from the elected representatives like MPs and MLAs. It was further directed that the said feedback will automatically lead to rewards and punishments for the officers.

Further, based on the said feedback the state government has taken action against Deputy Commissioner Sri Muktsar Sahib. The state government had received serious complaints of corruption against the Deputy Commissioner after which a thorough enquiry was conducted against the officer. Based on the preliminary enquiry the state government has suspended the Deputy Commissioner Sri Muktsar Sahib with immediate effect.

The Deputy Commissioner has been removed from his post and a Vigilance enquiry has been marked against him. This reflects the unwavering commitment of the Punjab government to ensure full transparency, accountability and integrity in public service delivery. As corrupt practices undermine public trust, weaken institutions and hinder state’s growth, hence top priority is being accorded to check this menace.

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Local Bodies Minister emphasizes further Improvement in basic amenities in the city

Directs MCJ officials to coordinate with counselors to complete key ward works within three months

Says, Punjab Government committed to transforming the state's cities

Also asks for beautification and cleanliness at city entry points, proper implementation of dog sterilization program

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, February 17:Punjab Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, today emphasized further improvement in basic amenities like cleanliness, beautification, construction of roads, lighting, water supply, and sewage systems in the city. He directed Municipal Corporation Jalandhar officials to coordinate with counselors and complete the key ward works within three months.

Presiding over a review meeting at the premises of Jalandhar Municipal Corporation with Municipal Commissioner Gautam Jain, Mayor Vineet Dheer, officials, and counselors, the Cabinet Minister urged for equal distribution of sanitation workers across the city's wards to implement an effective sanitation system. He directed the officials to solve issues related to cleanliness, sewer overflow, water supply, and lighting in the field.

While reviewing the ongoing waste management measures, Dr. Ravjot Singh stressed the importance of scientifically managing waste by reducing the dumping sites in the city. He also directed Municipal Corporation officials to strengthen garbage collection from homes and ensure daily street cleaning, thereby providing a cleaner environment for the city's residents.

The cabinet minister instructed officials to improve street lighting by repairing old street lights and accelerating the installation of new ones. Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is continuously working to provide better basic amenities and make the cities cleaner and more beautiful. He also gave directions for beautification and cleanliness at the city's entry points, ensuring proper lighting and the maintenance of dividers.

Considering the upcoming monsoon season, Dr. Ravjot Singh instructed officials to ensure measures like rainwater drainage, cleaning of drains, sewer lines, checking water supply pipes for leaks, and arranging necessary machinery before the rains, to avoid any difficulties for the city's residents.

To address incidents of dog bites, he directed the Municipal Corporation officials to ensure the more effective implementation of the dog sterilization program.

The Minister asked the Municipal Corporation officials and counselors to work in close coordination and cooperation to provide better amenities for the city’s residents.

He further emphasized that regular reviews would be conducted for the work being done by the Municipal Corporation. Dr. Ravjot Singh directed officials to carry out work related to the city’s infrastructure with full seriousness, warning that any negligence would be dealt with strictly. Assuring the department’s support, the Minister urged the newly elected Municipal Corporation team to work diligently for the city's improvement.

Joint Director Local Government Jagdeep Sehgal, Senior AAP Leader Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Dinesh Dhall, Senior Deputy Mayor Balbir Singh Dhillon, Deputy Mayor Malkeet Singh, as well as Municipal Corporation officials and counselors were present in the meeting.

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Punjab Government Posted G. Nageswara Rao as Chief Director of Vigilance Bureau

Chandigarh, February 17-The Government of Punjab has posted Mr. G. Nageswara Rao, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1995 batch, as the Chief Director of the Vigilance Bureau. Mr. Rao was currently serving as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Provisioning, Punjab.

According to information shared by the Spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau, Mr. Rao will be taking over the reins from Special Director General of Police Mr. Varinder Kumar, an IPS officer of the 1993 batch. Mr. Varinder Kumar has been relieved from the charge of Chief Director of the Vigilance Bureau and will report to the Director General of Police, Punjab, Chandigarh, for further duties.

It is pertinent to mention here that Mr. G. Nageswara Rao brings with him a wealth of experience, having served in various significant positions, including Special Principal Secretary, Department of Home Affairs and Justice, Punjab, Director of the Vigilance Bureau, Punjab and DIG/HoB, CBI, ACB, Visakhapatnam, and DIG/HoB, CBI, ACB, Chennai. A distinguished Civil Engineering graduate, Mr. Rao has been honoured with several prestigious awards. He was awarded the United Nations Medal for his service as a CIVPOL officer in the United Nations Mission in Kosovo in 2004. He also received the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2011 during his deputation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the occasion of Republic Day, and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2023, also on the occasion of Republic Day.

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Inhuman behaviour with Indians deported from America is highly condemnable, says S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan

Chandigarh, 17 February:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan strongly condemned the inhuman behaviour given to Indians recently deported from America. The act for not allowing Sikh youths to wear turbans is very unfortunate and putting the Indians handcuffed and legs chained is extremely condemnable.

Speaker appealed to the youth of Punjab to stay in their own country and learn vocational courses which will enable them to start their own work as well as they will also become job creators. He emphasized that it is not wise to become servants in abroad and leave the fertile land of Punjab by spending their hard earned money of 50 lakhs rupees and putting their valuable lives at risk.

Sandhwan further stressed that I am very much proud of youth of Punjab who are known for their hard work can live a better life in their own country by learning many vocational courses like Computer Hardware, Software, Electrician, Draftsman, Mobile Repair, Art and Craft, Jewellery Designing, Automobile Testing and Repair, Tool and Die, Multi Media, Photography, Interior Designing, Beautician, Fashion Designing, Cutting and Tailoring, CAD-CAM, Tourism and Hospitality, Medical and Health Care, etc.

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Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar Discusses Policy for Regularizing Temporary Employees of Roadways and PRTC with Advocate General, Punjab

Punjab Government, Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Committed to Public Welfare

Chandigarh, February 17-Transport Minister, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, met with Advocate General, Punjab, S. Gurminder Singh today to discuss the policy for regularizing temporary (contractual/ad-hoc) employees of Punjab Roadways and Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC).

Additional Chief Secretary Shri D.K. Tiwari and other senior officials of the department were also present at the meeting.

The Transport Minister stated that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working swiftly to ensure job security and stability for employees who have been serving in the Transport Department for a long time.

He further mentioned that the discussion with the Advocate General focused on various aspects of the regularization process for temporary employees. He emphasized that the Punjab Government aims to create a policy that is not only beneficial for the employees but also legally sound, ensuring a smooth implementation without any obstacles.

Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar reiterated the Punjab Government's commitment to safeguarding the rights of employees of Roadways and PRTC. He acknowledged their long-standing dedicated service and affirmed the government’s responsibility to secure their future.

Cabinet Minister directed the officials of the Transport Department to finalize the policy at the earliest and present it to the Government. He added that providing job stability to employees would also enhance the efficiency and quality of transport services.

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Chairman BACKFINCO Appeals to Punjab Youth to Utilize Low-Interest Loan Schemes for Self-Employment

Chandigarh, February 17-The Punjab Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation (BACKFINCO) Chairman, Mr. Sandeep Saini, has urged the youth of Punjab who have been deported from abroad to take advantage of the low-interest loan schemes provided by BACKFINCO. He emphasized the importance of these schemes in helping them establish their employment within the state. In his statement, Mr. Saini also expressed strong disapproval of the treatment meted out to the deported youth, who were sent back from America in handcuffs, and condemned the decision to land the plane in Punjab.

Mr. Saini highlighted that, under the leadership of Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, BACKFINCO is dedicated to offering low-interest loans to support self-employment initiatives. He said that these schemes aim to uplift the economic standards of backward classes, economically weaker sections, and minority groups, including Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, and others in the state. He urged the youth to prioritize local employment opportunities over the pursuit of opportunities abroad and encouraged them to reach out to the field offices of BACKFINCO located in all districts for assistance in establishing their employment.

Referring to the efforts being made by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to provide employment opportunities to the youth, Mr. Saini said that over 50,000 jobs have been provided to the youth in the past three years, and the state government is committed to creating thousands more jobs in the coming days. Mr. Saini also criticized the Union government, alleging that it is attempting to tarnish Punjab's image by deporting youth from America, including individuals from other states such as Gujarat and Haryana, to Punjab.

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Mohinder Bhagat Advocates for Ex-Servicemen's Welfare: Directs Officials to Ensure Efficient Service Delivery

Minister Visits Defence Services Welfare Office to Review Functioning and Assess Progress

State Government Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann Committed to Welfare of Ex-Servicemen

Chandigarh, February 17,The cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat today visited the Defence Services Welfare Office here to review its functioning and assess the progress of various initiatives and schemes aimed at the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. During his visit, Minister Bhagat interacted with several key officials and observed the operational procedures at the office.

Emphasizing the importance of efficient and transparent services, Minister Bhagat directed the officials to expedite the resolution of pending cases and enhance the implementation of welfare schemes for ex-servicemen. He stressed that a proactive approach in addressing grievances is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary.

During the visit Minister praised the dedication and hard work of the office staff and encouraged them to continue their efforts in serving the defense community with utmost diligence. He urged the officials to work diligently and with unwavering commitment, just as defense personnel serve the nation with dedication. He emphasized that the same spirit of discipline and responsibility should reflect in their efforts to support the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.

Minister Bhagat reiterated the state government's commitment to the welfare of ex-servicemen, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has always prioritized the needs and well-being of those who have served the nation. He assured that all possible support would be extended to ensure the effective implementation of welfare schemes.

During the visit of the Defence Services Welfare Minister, prominent among those present were Director Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, Deputy Director (HQ) Cdr. Baljinder Virk, OSD Col. Jarnail Singh, Superintendent Sukhchain Singh Khehra, Naresh Rattan, Anil Gupta and other officials.

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NRI Punjabis can apply online on E-Sanad portal for countersigning their documents from their homes, Says Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

Chandigarh, 17 February 2025:In a bid to make the verification process easier for Non Resident Indian(NRI) Punjabis, the Government of Punjab under the visionary leadership of S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Chief Minister of Punjab has operationalised E-Sanad portal in September, 2024 all over Punjab through which NRI Punjabis can apply for countersigning their documents from their homes. In this connection, 6481 applications have been received for countersigning on this portal from 1 January 2025 to till date.

Minister of Administrative Reforms and NRI Affairs Department, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that 200 applications of NRIs are sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India on daily basis. It becomes very easy to track and find the status of applications through this portal, resulting in reducing the wastage of precious time of NRIs.

He further informed that E-Sanad portal facilitate NRI Punjabis to obtain various documents such as birth certificate, unavailability of birth certificate, late birth entry, police clearance, medical certificate, educational qualification certificate, driving license, death certificate, marriage/divorce certificate, decree, adoption deed, affidavit, fingerprint and other certificates, etc.

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