Finance Minister Cheema Orders Tax Commissioner to Ensure Zero Tolerance Against Harassment of Traders
Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Traders Interests
Urges traders to register their complaints if any at 0175-2921005/2225192
Chandigarh, October 25-Following Punjab government's dedication to fostering a positive and supportive environment for businesses especially during the festive season, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday issued instructions to the Commissioner Taxation to ensure that no officer from the Tax department should harass any of the businessmen or traders.
In a statement issued here, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that he got some reports that some officers of the GST department were harassing businessmen or traders during the festive season. “Taking swift action, I immediately issued instructions to the GST Commissioner to halt any such activities”, said the Minister Cheema while emphasizing that the festivals are a time for everyone to celebrate with joy and unity, and as such, all raids have been ordered to stop immediately.
In addition, Minister Cheema urged traders and businessmen that if they experience any sort of harassment from inspectors or other officers of the State Tax Department, they should immediately report such incidents directly to his office. He said that such complaints can be registered by calling 0175-2921005 or 2225192. Finance Minister Cheema assured that strict action would be taken against any GST tax department officials if found guilty of harassing traders.
Congratulating all businessmen on the occasion of the upcoming festivals, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting their interests. He assured that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will always stand by the business community and ensure they do not face any difficulties.
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IN-A-FIRST, PUNJAB POLICE EXECUTES ORDERS OF PREVENTIVE DETENTION OF TOP SMUGGLER UNDER PIT-NDPS ACT
— THIS MARKS PUNJAB’S FIRST SUCCESSFUL USE OF THE STRINGENT PROVISIONS OF THE PIT-NDPS ACT, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE
— DRUG SMUGGLER AVTARI TARI HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN 231KG HEROIN SMUGGLING CASE, WAS DIRECTLY IN TOUCH WITH PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS
CHANDIGARH, October 25:In yet another effort to root out the drug menace from the state, Punjab Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) and Gurdaspur Police have executed the orders of preventive detention of a top drug smuggler identified as Avtar Singh alias Tari of border village Shahur Kalan in Gurdaspur district for two years using special provisions under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) act, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
This is the first case of preventive detention in which orders have been issued by the competent authority under section 3 (1) and section 10 of PIT-NDPS Act. The section 3 of the PIT-NDPS act empowers the government to take such drug smugglers into preventive custody to prevent them from engaging in illicit traffic of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
“This marks Punjab’s first successful use of the stringent provisions of the PIT-NDPS Act, which allows for preventive detention in narcotics-related cases,” informed DGP Gaurav Yadav in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter).
The DGP said that accused Tari has been detained under PIT-NDPS Act for two years and sent to Central Jail Bathinda, showcasing a strong step in Punjab's ongoing efforts to curb drug smuggling and make the state drug-free.
As per the information, accused Tari while residing in his border village, has been smuggling heroin from the International Border across the State and Country which has led the youth of the State into drug addiction while causing great damage to the State through illegal trafficking of drugs.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the accused Tari has been involved in smuggling of 231kg of heroin and has been actively involved in drug business with Pak-based smugglers. The accused has been convicted and sentenced in two cases registered against him under NDPS Act, he added.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police will made more Preventive Detentions in the coming days to give a crushing blow to the drug traffickers who are involved in the drug smuggling.
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ECI Appoints General Observers, Police Observers and Expenditure Observers for By-elections in 4 Punjab Assembly Seats: Sibin C
* To ensure impartial and transparent elections observers will keep a close watch on every activity: Chief Electoral Officer
Chandigarh, October 25:The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed General, Police, and Expenditure Observers for the by-elections in 4 seats of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, who will play a crucial role in ensuring impartial and transparent elections.
Providing this information, Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C stated that Ajay Singh Tomer (Mobile No. 7290976392) has been appointed as the General Observer for Dera Baba Nanak constituency, Tapas Kumar Bagchi (Mobile No. 8918226101) for Chabbewal, Samitha R (Mobile No. 9442222502) for Gidderbaha, and Naveen S L (Mobile No. 8680582921) for Barnala constituency.
Similarly, Siddharth Kaushal (Mobile No. 8360616324) has been appointed as the Police Observer for Dera Baba Nanak and Chabbewal constituencies, while Uddandi Udaya Kiran (Mobile No. 8331098205) will serve as the Police Observer for Gidderbaha and Barnala constituencies.
For Expenditure Observers, Pachiyappan P. (Mobile No. 7588182426) has been appointed for Dera Baba Nanak, Nishant Kumar (Mobile No. 8800434074) for Chabbewal, Dipti Sachdeva (Mobile No. 9794830111) for Gidderbaha, and Joseph Gouda Patil (Mobile No. 9000511327) for Barnala.
Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C mentioned that these observers are responsible for conducting the elections in a neutral, transparent, and peaceful manner, adhering to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
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EXPANDING PUBLIC OUTREACH: UNDER SEHYOG PROGRAM, CPs/SSPs TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS AT VILLAGES AND MOHALLAS TO GATHER FIRSTHAND FEEDBACK
— DGP GAURAV YADAV CONTINUES WITH GROUND-ZERO TOURS, HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING IN JALANDHAR
— DGP GAURAV YADAV ALSO VISITS FUTURISTIC INTEGRATED COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE (ICCC) IN JALANDHAR
— AS MANDATED BY NEW LAWS, PUNJAB POLICE FOCUSES ON RECORDING VIDEOS USING E-SAKSHYA MOBILE APP
— PUNJAB POLICE SUCCESSFULLY DISPOSES-OFF 4.10L COMPLAINTS OF TOTAL 4.5L RECEIVED AT PGD PORTAL, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PUNJAB POLICE ADOPTED ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY AGAINST BLACK-SHEEP IN DEPARTMENT: DGP PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH/JALANDHAR, October 25:In order to further expand the Punjab Police’s public outreach program ‘Sehyog’ at grassroot level, Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) will visit villages and mohallas to hold public meetings, gathering firsthand feedback from locals. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between police and public.
“In second phase, we have issued directions CPs/SSPs to visit villages and mohallas to hold public meetings. This approach will help authorities understand ground-level situations and foster a stronger police-public relationship,” said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.
The move comes amidst DGP Punjab's ongoing ground-zero tours to improve community ties and gather feedback from people on their experiences with the police. The DGP was addressing a district level public meeting organised by the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police as part of their “Sehyog— A Police-Public Partnership Initiative” program.
DGP Gaurav Yadav, during an informal interaction with the people from different walks of life, has taken firsthand feedback from them on city's law and order situation. He assured to resolve majority of their issues. The DGP was accompanied by Commissioner of Police (CP) Jalandhar Swapan Sharma.
He assured the gathering that in coming few months, the Jalandhar city will get an effective manpower as the Punjab Government has announced to create as many as 10,000 new posts in the Police department. Meantime, he directed CP Jalandhar to pull out force from other heads and double the strength in the traffic wing to smoothen the traffic movement in the city.
On cyber frauds, the DGP asked the gathering to make maximum use of the ‘Golden Hour’ to immediately report the crime at ‘1930 Cyber Helpline’ number, which will help in quickly freezing/lien marking funds moved out of victims’ accounts by cyber fraudsters.
Later, DGP Gaurav Yadav also visited the futuristic Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police having the access to at least 6000 CCTV cameras installed in the city.
Terming technology as the “force multiplier”, he said that by equipping the Punjab Police with modern technology they are focusing on preventive policing.
Pertinently, the ICCC combines Traffic and Police Control Room (PCR) units to enhance public safety and efficiency. It has yielded impressive results with the PCR response time has significantly decreased from 15 minutes to just 5 minutes. This centre also helped in improving coordination between agencies, increasing efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and a single-point reporting system for citizens.
Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the event, DGP Gaurav Yadav said that since the newly introduced law Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) made it mandatory to record the video of the crime scene in case of offences made punishable with seven years or more, Punjab Police are focusing on recording videos using E-Sakshya mobile App.
Police teams have recorded videos in as many as 9171 cases, he said, while adding that approximately 70 percent of the total video recordings are being done via E-Sakshya mobile App.
The DGP that the PGD portal— an online Public Grievances Redressal system— launched by the Punjab Police has been receiving an overwhelming response since its launch in July 2022. He said that till now the portal has received at least 4.5 lakh complaints, of which, 4.10 complaints have been disposed-off successfully. The PGD portal “www.pgd.punjabpolice.gov.in" empowers citizens to submit their complaint online without even going to the police station.
DGP Gaurav Yadav has also reinforced the Punjab Police's zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt officials, also known as "black sheep," within the department. "Punjab Police is the only department where anyone indulging in wrongful activities will have to face the law," he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the DGP also inaugurated the newly constructed Gazetted Officers’ Mess at Police Lines, Jalandhar.
BOX: DGP GAURAV YADAV MAKES SURPRISE VISIT AT JALANDHAR’S RAMA MANDI POLICE STATION
Earlier in the morning, DGP Gaurav Yadav made a surprise visit to Police Station Rama Mandi in Jalandhar, where he inspected the facilities and interacted with police personnel. He emphasised the importance of diligence and accountability in ensuring prompt administration of justice, while also reviewing ongoing case management.
During his visit, the DGP took the opportunity to taste the food served at the police station mess, displaying his commitment to understanding the everyday experiences of his personnel. This unannounced inspection is part of the DGP's ongoing efforts to boost police efficiency and transparency.
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Village-Level Camps to Be Organized to Motivate Farmers to use Surface Water for Irrigation : Barinder Kumar Goyal
Chandigarh, October 25,Punjab farmers will be encouraged to use surface water for irrigation organizing village-level camps. This was announced by Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal during a departmental review meeting.
During the meeting, Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision is to supply water to every farm and efforts are being accelerated to achieve this goal. Presiding over the meeting, Mr. Goyal reviewed the department's progress with Principal Secretary of Water Resources, Mr. Krishna Kumar.
Principal Secretary Mr. Krishna Kumar informed the Water Resources Minister that a total of 401 projects are being undertaken by the canal administration of the department during the financial year 2024-25. He also briefed the minister in detail about the progress of Chakbandis (water distribution systems), flood prevention and ongoing works related to bamboo plantation in the state.
The minister directed the officials to complete the ongoing works in a timely manner. He also emphasized the need to utilize the MGNREGA scheme for activities such as maintenance of canals, tree planting and the lining and cleaning of water bodies.
Mr. Goyal reviewed the department's work progress and instructed the officials to ensure that the projects meet quality standards and complete in stipulated time frame.
During the meeting, senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Mr. Krishan Kumar, Chief Engineer of Canals Sher Singh, Chief Engineer of Drains Harinder Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer of Design Pawan Kapoor, Chief Engineer of Vigilance Hardeep Mahindiratta and Superintendent of Dams and Executive Engineer were present.
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VB nabs Food Supply Inspector for damaging public property to cover up misappropriation
Chandigarh, October 25:Amidst its ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) nabbed a Food & Civil Supply Inspector, Vinod Khosla, on Friday. He is accused of setting fire to a godown in Batala to cover up the misappropriation of gunny bags stored by the Punjab Government.
An official spokesperson of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) revealed that the accused Inspector was arrested following the verification of Vigilance Enquiry no. 3 of 2017. It was established that a significant fire destroyed Godown number 5 at the Food Supply Centre, Batala in September 2016. The Inspector, who was the custodian for the godown, intentionally set it ablaze to conceal the misappropriation in gunny bags belonging to the Punjab government, resulting in wrongful loss to the state government.
He further said that an FIR no. 48 has been registered under sections 408 and 435 of the IPC, along with 13(1)(a) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and section 4 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, at the Police Station of the Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar.
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WITH A DREAM TO FLY SUKHOI SU-30MKI; PUNJAB’S ARMAANPREET TOPS NDA MERIT LIST
* 14 more cadets of MRSAFPI make it to the merit list
* Aman Arora wishes the cadets best for future
Chandigarh, October 25:Bringing laurels to the state of Punjab, Armaanpreet Singh, a student of the 12th course in Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI) in SAS Nagar (Mohali), has topped the All India merit list for the NDA.
Announcing this Achievement, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora stated that Armaanpreet Singh, the son of a Physics Lecturer Satbir Singh from village Bhandal in Gurdaspur district, has made Punjab proud by securing the All India 1st Rank in the NDA-153 Merit List declared by UPSC on Thursday evening.
He further shared that Armaanpreet is the third cadet from the Institute in the past 12 years to achieve the All India 1st rank. A brilliant student, Armaanpreet Singh has opted for the Air Force and aspires to fly the SUKHOI SU-30MKI in the near future.
Apart from Armaanpreet Singh, 14 additional cadets out of the 24 who went for the SSB from the Institute have also made it to the merit list. Cadet Keshav Singla has secured the 15th rank. As of now, a few of these cadets are undergoing their medical examinations before receiving their call-up letters for joining, he added.
Congratulating Armaanpreet Singh and the other cadets, Mr. Aman Arora stated that this is the first step for them to become future officers in the Defence Forces of India. He wished them all the best for their future.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh AFPI Director Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, while congratulating Armaanpreet and the other cadets, encouraged them to make Punjab and the country proud. He noted that this is one of the highest numbers of cadets who have cleared for the NDA Course starting in December. As of now, a total of 238 cadets from this Institute have joined different Service Training Academies since its inception and 160 alumni have been commissioned as officers in the Defence Services till date. He also mentioned that the Institute is eagerly awaiting the release of the Technical Entry Merit List, which is likely to be released shortly.
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By eliminating condition of NoC for registry of plot, long-standing demand of residents has been fulfilled: Hardeep Singh Mundian
· Minimum two months will be given for registration of plots up to 500 sq. yards without NoC
· Revenue and Urban Development Minister calls it CM's Diwali gift to people of state
· People were suffering for more than a decade due to laxity of previous governments
Chandigarh, October 25:In Punjab, now there is no need of NoC for the registry of plots up to 500 square yards. A notification will be issued after approval of LR and other competent authorities and after that at least two months will be given to the residents of the state to take advantage of this facility.
It was disclosed by Revenue, Rehabilitation and Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh today. He described this novel measure as Diwali gift for the people of the state by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. The requirement of NoC has been abolished, which has fulfilled the long-standing demand of the residents of the state. He said that people were suffering for more than a decade due to the laxity shown by the previous governments in this matter.
Secretary Housing and Urban Development Rahul Tewari and PUDA CA and Town and Country Planning Director Neeru Katial Gupta were also present during the Press Conference.
S. Mundian further said that the current government has taken a big decision in this direction as a consequence of which ‘The Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (PAPRA) Amendment Act, 2024’ was passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on 3rd September to eliminate the need of NoC, which has now been approved by the Governor. Now after completing the paperwork, a notification will be issued after approval of LR and other competent authorities. In response to a media person's query, he said that at least two months will be given to the residents of the state to take advantage of this facility.
The Minister further said that with this decision, while the screws will be tightened on the illegal colonies, there will be relief to the small plot owners who were facing problems in getting their plots registered. He said that as per the amendment any person who upto July 31, 2024, for an area upto 500 square yard situated in an unauthorized colony, has entered into a power of attorney, agreement to sell on stamp paper, or any other such document, will not require any No Objection Certificate for registration of land. In response to a question he said that now any registered person or promoter or his agent and any other promoter who, without any reasonable cause, fails to comply with or violates the provisions of Section-5 of the Act shall be held guilty. He can be fined at least Rs. 25 lakh which can be increased up to Rs. 5 Crore. Along with this, he will be sentenced to imprisonment for a minimum of five years which may extend to ten years.
The Minister said that the illegal colonizers looted the people and they sold the colonies without permission while these colonies were devoid of street lights, sewage and other basic facilities. Destitute people struggled to get the necessary facilities in these colonies and Illegal colonies flourished during the mismanagement of previous governments because the previous rulers patronized illegal colonizers.
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PSPCL JE Suspended for Irregularities Committed in Performing Duties: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Says, no place in department for employees of any rank or position indulging into illegal and corrupt practices
Chandigarh, October 25Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has placed under suspension Gurmeet Singh, a Junior Engineer (JE) working at Distribution Sub Division Bariwala under Distribution Division Sri Muktsar Sahib, with immediate effect due to the lapses, omissions and irregularities committed by him in the performance of his duties.
Giving this information here on Friday, Power Minister Punjab Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the suspended JE has errected a new 11 KV Transformer on 24 Hrs supply system in open fields on road from Village Harike Kalan to Asa Buttar Road under Bariwala Subdivision of District Sri Muktsar Sahib to facilitate a domestic connection and to extend facility of free 300 units against the PSPCL rules.
As per preliminary enquiry the intended domestic connection was to be released in an open space with one room without kitchen, washroom or boundary wall. Due to this illegal activity the JE concerned has not only worked against PSPCL rules but have also rendered financial loss of about 1 Lakh to the Corporation. The illegal errected transformer has also been ordered to be dismantled and further suitable disciplinary action is also being initiated against the suspended employee.
The Minister categorically stated that there is no place in department for employees of any rank or position indulging into illegal and corrupt practices. He strictly warned officers and employees of the PSPCL to work with complete honesty otherwise they shall have to face strict action.
Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO reaffirmed the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's commitment to providing a corruption-free administration driven by a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
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VB ARRESTS PROCLAIMED OFFENDER GULSHAN JAIN IN MULTI-CRORE PADDY SCAM
* Accused was declare PO in 2019; VB secures 5-day police remand of accused
Chandigarh, October 25:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has made a significant breakthrough by arresting Gulshan Jain, a proclaimed offender (PO) linked to the multi-crore paddy scam exposed in Amritsar district. Gulshan Jain had been declared proclaimed offender by the court in 2019.
An official spokesperson of VB disclosed today that Gulshan Jain, a resident of Jandiala in Amritsar district, was arrested in connection with case FIR No. 44, dated 05.04.2018. This case was registered under various sections of the IPC, including 406, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, and 120-B, as well as under section 13 (1) (D) read with 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at the Police Station in Jandiala Guru (Amritsar Rural).
He further stated that the case had been registered against 10 accused individuals, including the Directors/Owners of the Veeru Mal Mulkh Raj Rice Mill, who are family members of Gulshan Jain. Additionally, officials from the Department of Punjab Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs were also booked for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation and pilferage of paddy allotted to the mill by state government procurement agencies, amounting to approximately Rs 33.6 crores.
The spokesperson informed that the accused DFSO Raminder Singh Bath, AFSO Ms. Vipan Sharma, Inspector Gurjinder Kumar, Statistic Technical Assistant (STA) Parminder Singh Bhatia and DFSC Amritpal Singh have already been arrested and a challan has also been presented in the concerned court against them.
He also mentioned that the Directors/Owners of the Mill had also allegedly defrauded the Punjab National Bank in Jandiala Guru for approximately Rs. 200 crores. The investigation of the case was handed over to the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on 24.04.2018. Currently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Vigilance Bureau is conducting further investigations under the supervision of the Additional Inspector General (AIG) of the Economic Offences Wing (EoW) in Mohali.
Five of the accused, including Gulshan Jain, had been declared proclaimed offenders (PO) by the competent court in 2019.
While setting aside his proclamation and Look Out Circular (LOC) on 03.07.2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered Gulshan Jain to surrender before the concerned court on or before 30.09.2024. In compliance with the High Court's orders, the office of AIG, EoW, Punjab, provided intimation regarding this matter to the Director Bureau of Immigration, he added.
Meanwhile, the accused Gulshan Jain was arrested by the CBI from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, New Delhi in connection with other cases registered against him by the agency. The spokesperson said that the Vigilance Bureau (VB), after obtaining his production warrant, arrested him in the aforementioned case on Thursday. The Court has granted a 5-day police remand of the accused.