Punjab Achieves 98% Aadhaar Verification of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers in POSHAN Tracker for Ayushman Health Card Issuance: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, September 12-Punjab's Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur is proud to announce a significant achievement in the Aadhaar verification of Anganwadi workers and helpers. With 98% of our dedicated workforce is now Aadhaar verified, the path is clear for issuing Ayushman Bharat health cards, ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for essential workers, she said.

This milestone reflects the Punjab Government’s strong commitment to the welfare of Anganwadi workers and helpers, who play a critical role in the development and well-being of women and children across the state. By facilitating access to quality healthcare through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, this initiative will empower these workers to continue their invaluable service to society.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur lauded the team for their hard work and dedication. She said, "This is a moment of pride for Punjab. With nearly complete Aadhaar verification, we are now able to move swiftly towards issuing Ayushman Bharat health cards to our Anganwadi workers and helpers, ensuring they receive the healthcare support they rightfully deserve. Their tireless service to society is immeasurable, and we are committed to safeguarding their well-being."

She explained that the Ayushman Bharat scheme provides up to ₹5 lakh in annual health coverage per family, and this initiative will ensure that Anganwadi workers and helpers can benefit from cashless healthcare services. The Department of Women and Child Development is closely collaborating with the Health Department to expedite the issuance of these cards, leaving no worker behind.

She further said that the Department remains dedicated to reaching 100% Aadhaar verification in the coming days. She stated that Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with continued efforts focused on improving the welfare of women and children in the state.

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Saragarhi Warriors martyrdom will never vanish from our memories, Dr. Baljeet Kaur

Inaugurates "Saragarhi War Memorial" at Ferozepur

Chandigarh/Ferozepur, 12 September 2024 :Punjab Government will not leave any stone unturned to keep martyrdom of 21 Sikh warriors of 127 years old Saragarhi War afresh in the hearts of people. This was stated today by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljeet Kaur after inaugurating the ‘Saragarhi War Memorial’ at historic Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib in Ferozepur Cantt.

Addressing the gathering after the Akhand Path Sahib in the memory of the martyrs, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s able guidance large-scale work is being done to connect the residents of the state with such historic developments.

“Our aim is to connect the masses especially the young generation with their proud and glorious heritage”, she said.

Under these projects, all-round development of places of historical and heritage importance in the state is being highlighted during such events. She stated that under this series, the first memorial dedicated to the battle of Saragarhi of India has been built at Ferozepur.

She said that according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Saragarhi war is one of the eight important wars in the world. It is a matter of great pride that martyred soldiers were awarded the "Indian Order of Merit" (highest medal) i.e. Victoria Cross.

Throwing light on the background of this memorial, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the foundation stone of this memorial was laid by the Chief Minister on the same day today last year.

Appreciating the tireless efforts of the entire team of the district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman, she said that this memorial is being completed within the stipulated time at a cost of about Rs 2 crore.

An important contribution of Rs 50 lakh has also been made by Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni for this project.

She said that this memorial will inspire not only the Sikh community but the youth of entire country. She said that most of the soldiers who died in this war belonged to Ferozepur.

She stated that that earlier too a museum dedicated to this war was built at Gurudwara Saragarhi with a cost of Rs 2 crore. She said that in this museum, the artifacts, equipment, coding- decoding of the signaling technology used during the Saragarhi War have been displayed. Apart from this, the weapons used in the war at that time have also been shown and people are being made aware about this historic war through videos, which has become the center of attraction.

This war memorial is dedicated to the honor and sacrifice of those 21 heroes of 36 Sikh Regiment who fought with ten thousand Afghani tribesmen to defend the fort of Saragarhi and got martyrdom on the battlefield.

She said that the concept of the Saragarhi War Memorial was inspired by the memorial built at Afghanistan.

Beautiful lights have been installed on this memorial which will give the memorial an even more attractive look at night, she said. This historical monument will be a center of attraction for the tourists of the country and abroad. She thanked CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for installing the 8 feet tall statue of Sardar Ishar Singh, the hero of the Saragarhi War which is displayed at the entrance of the memorial. Apart from this, a 41 feet long wall (mural wall) has also been constructed depicting the war scene of that time.

She further said that the all-round development of such places of historical importance in Punjab will also attract tourists from the country and abroad. This will also boost the economic development of the state.

During the event, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur also honored the family members of the soldiers who got martyrdom in the war.

Besides others, MLA Ferozepur Urban Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Rajneesh Dahiya, MLA Guruharsahai Fauja Singh Sarari, Commissioner Ferozepur Division Arun Sekhari, Major General Yogi Sheoran GOC, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bamba, Brigadier Bikram Deputy GOC, Chairman District Planning Board Chand Singh Gill, Shaminder Singh Khinda Chairman Punjab Agro, Jagdev Singh Bam Chairman Cooperative Bank, Dr. Malkit Singh District President Aam Aadmi Party were present on the occasion.

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Punjab Government Launches 'Kitchen Greens' to Boost Nutrition at Anganwadi Centres: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, September 12-The Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and under the leadership of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, is announced the "Kitchen Greens" initiative aimed at enhancing the nutrition and well-being of women and children across the state. This new initiative will transform all Anganwadi centres into vibrant hubs of sustainable nutrition by cultivating a range of medicinal and nutritional plants.

Divulging in this regards, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “The Kitchen Greens POSHAN VATIKA initiative is a major stride towards improving the nutritional status of women and children in Punjab. By promoting the cultivation of these essential herbs and plants, we are not only addressing malnutrition but also empowering communities to lead healthier lives.”

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated the "Kitchen Greens" initiative focuses on growing a variety of nutrient-dense and medicinal herbs such as moringa, aloe vera, ashwagandha, methi (fenugreek), neem, lemon grass, brahmi, haldi, amla (Indian gooseberry), tulsi (holy basil), and mint. These plants were selected for their exceptional nutritional content and their potential to boost the health and well-being of children, women and communities at large. Apart from this, local communities will also be encouraged to cultivate these plants at home to benefit from their nutritional value.

Cabinet Minister further said that the Statewide Implementation of the initiative will be rolled out across all Anganwadi centres in Punjab, ensuring that every community benefits. Nutritional Benefits of Each plant has been carefully chosen for its high nutritional value. Moringa, for example, is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and proteins-making it a powerful supplement for malnourished children and pregnant women. Other plants such as methi and amla are rich in essential nutrients like iron and Vitamin C, respectively.

She explained that the program promotes sustainable farming practices, fostering environmental consciousness and eco-friendly habits among children and their families. Community Involvement of Local communities will be actively involved in setting up and maintaining the kitchen gardens, ensuring a sense of ownership and participation. Health and Wellness Education of the Kitchen Greens initiative will also serve as a platform to educate women and children about the health benefits of these plants and how to incorporate them into daily diets.

She informed that the Department, is committed to ensuring the success of this initiative and will work closely with all stakeholders to achieve its objectives. The Kitchen Greens initiative is in alignment with the broader goals of the POSHAN Abhiyaan, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the people of Punjab.

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Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Outlines Vision and State Concerns at 16th Finance Commission Conclave

Punjab Advocates for Greater Fiscal Autonomy and Equitable Resource Distribution at Finance Ministers’ Meet

Chandigarh/Thiruvananthapuram, September 12-Punjab Finance Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday addressed the 16th Finance Commission Conclave of Finance Ministers at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he eloquently articulated the pressing concerns affecting states and succinctly outlined Punjab's vision, aspirations, and expectations, setting the tone for a productive and insightful discourse

Delivering his address at the morning session of the Conclave, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema began by extending his heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Kerala for graciously hosting the esteemed gathering and lauded the state's visionary leadership. He then proceeded to share Punjab's constructive engagement with the 16th Finance Commission, shedding light on pressing concerns such as the stark disparity between social and developmental expenditures, and the constrained fiscal autonomy resulting from the implementation of GST.

Finance Minister Cheema emphasized the imperative for the Commission to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by each state, while also advocating for a significant enhancement of vertical devolution from the current 41% of the divisible pool to a much higher share. Furthermore, he recommended the inclusion of cesses, surcharges and select non-tax revenues in the divisible pool to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources. Additionally, Cheema urged the Commission to develop a nuanced formula that allocates resources based on a state's developmental performance and provides targeted support to underperforming states, thereby fostering a more inclusive and balanced growth trajectory.

Finance Minister Cheema said that the state has also made certain suggestions to make the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act more inclusive during the discussions with the Commission. He also underscored the critical need for robust disaster management, a resilient federal structure, and harmonious Centre-State relations. He passionately appealed to the Commission to revitalize and fortify the federal framework, guaranteeing that every state is an integral part of India's growth narrative and that no region is relegated to the periphery of progress.

In his closing remarks, Finance Minister Haqrpal Singh Cheema reiterated the imperative for synergistic cooperation and collective advancement among states, underscoring that India's true potential can only be unlocked when all regions progress in tandem, united in their pursuit of a brighter future.

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Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains spearheads digital satellite mapping initiative for Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency villages

Chandigarh, September 12:Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains has launched an innovative initiative to conduct comprehensive digital satellite mapping of villages within the Sri Anandpur Sahib Vidhan Sabha constituency. This pioneering project, overseen by the Rural Development and Panchayat Department, will encompass the mapping of various village features, including streets, ponds, boundaries, temples, gurdwaras, schools, community centers and hospitals.

The mapping endeavour will streamline development processes by eliminating the need for repeated on-site visits by government departments, providing accurate, up-to-date information on the condition of public spaces and infrastructure.

The digital satellite mapping will offer numerous benefits, including significant time savings for government officials and panchayats by reducing redundant survey work and facilitate efficient planning for drainage systems and water supply networks by providing precise digital elevation data and street measurements, said the Cabinet Minister.

He said, besides this the initiative will enable accurate cost estimation for village development projects and implement a standardized numbering system for houses and streets. Perhaps most importantly, it will create a permanent, updatable database of village infrastructure and topography.

This groundbreaking effort will prove a significant step towards modernizing rural planning and development in the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, said the Cabinet Minister, adding that by leveraging advanced technology, the initiative will aim to enhance efficiency and accuracy in government operations, ultimately leading to more effective and targeted development strategies for the region's villages.

He said that the resulting data will serve as a valuable resource for future planning and development efforts, ensuring that government interventions are based on precise, up-to-date information about the local landscape and infrastructure.

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Punjab State Commission for Women Takes Strict Notice of Rape Incident in Jalandhar, Accused Arrested

Mann government will not tolerate any kind of crime against women: Says Chairperson Raj Lali Gill

Chandigarh, September 12-The Punjab State Women Commission took cognizance on news published in the media in which a 20-year-old girl working in the postal department did not return home as usual. The next day, this girl was found by the Delhi police in nearby area in unconscious condition.

The girl was later brought back to her home in Jalandhar by her family with the help of the police. During this incident, it is found that girl was mistreated.

The Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill took serious notice of this news published in the media and issued a notice to the Jalandhar police to take strict action in this matter. Chairperson Mrs.Gill also spoke to the victim girl's family and assured them of all possible help by the state government.

The Chairperson informed that, following the issuance of the notice the Jalandhar police took immediate action and the accused, Balwinder Singh, has been arrested.

The Chairperson Mrs. Gill assured that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will not tolerate any crime against women. She highlighted the government’s dedication to creating a safe and respectful environment for all women in the state. Mrs. Gill emphasized that any acts of violence or discrimination will not be tolerated. She added that the state government aims to foster a culture of respect and security across the state.

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Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak condoles demise of veteran CPM leader Sitaram Yechury

Calls it an end of an era

Chandigarh, September 12:The Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, and Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak has expressed profound shock and grief over the demise of Veteran leader of Communist Party of India (Marxist) Sitaram Yechury who passed away today at AIIMS, New Delhi after a prolonged illness. He was 72. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.

Condoling the demise of Mr. Yechury, Mr. Kataruchak said that right from his student life till the very end, Sitaram Yechury always worked for the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden sections of the society with dedication.

Calling the passing away of the deceased leader as the end of an era, Mr. Kataruchak recalled that he is proud to have worked under the leadership of Mr. Yechury for sometime and learnt a lot from him. Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak said that Mr. Yechury inspired many youth to join welfare centric politics.

Describing the late CPM leader as the man of the masses, Mr. Kataruchak said that during his two terms as Rajya Sabha MP, Mr. Yechury always championed the cause of the people and raised their issues. It is noteworthy that Mr. Yechury also served as the General Secretary of the CPM for a long period.