CM calls on Nadda, seeks complete supply of DAP fertiliser allotted to state by November 15
Asserts procurement season going on smoothly in state as 4 LMT paddy procured today
Quips that born with golden spoon in mouth Union Minister Bittu is not aware of basic dynamics of agriculture
Advises farmers that ‘excess of everything is bad’
Says agitation in mid of season is unwarranted and undesirable
Slams SAD for running away from by-polls sensing it’s inevitable defeat
New Delhi/ Chandigarh, October 26:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday impressed upon the Union Chemical and Fertiliser minister JP Nadda to ensure complete supply of DAP fertiliser allotted to state by November 15.
The Chief Minister, who called in Nadda here at his residence, said that state contributes around 50% of supply of wheat in national food pool. He said that DAP is the basic ingredient required for the cultivation of wheat and this year 4.80 lakh metric ton of DAP is required in state for sowing of wheat. Bhagwant Singh Mann so far state has received 3.30 lakh metric ton of DAP fertiliser which is too inadequate for the state.
The Chief Minister said that it is understandable that as 70% of DAP is imported from other countries so due to Ukraine war and other international reasons there is shortage of DAP. However, he said that the need of DAP in state is primarily till November 15 so the Union government should accord priority to allot DAP to state in comparison to other states that need it later. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will help in smooth sowing season of wheat in the state and will be in the larger interest of national food security too.
The Chief Minister said that the procurement of paddy was growing smoothly in the state due to elaborate arrangements made by the state government. He said that though some hiccups are being created due to non transportation of earlier procured grains by FCI but he has been raising the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Food Minister Parhlad Joshi. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today four lakh metric ton of paddy was procured in the Mandis across the state and the process is going on smoothly.
Reacting sharply on baseless statements being issued by Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, the Chief Minister said that those ‘born with golden spoon in mouth’ are not aware of ground realities of state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has spent his entire life in Mandis and is well aware of the problems faced by the farmers and labourers in the Mandis. Contrary to this he said that wealthy, privileged and affluent Bittu is not even aware about the basic dynamics of agriculture adding he quipped that the Union Minister has no knowledge about yield leave aside anything else.
The Chief Minister also advised the farmers union that ‘excess of everything is bad’ and blocking road almost every day without any reason is not justified. He said that the state government has already solved the problems of Arthias and have vehemently raised issues of Millers with Union government due to which procurement has picked up pace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that agitation during mid of season that too at cost of inconvenience to people is not justified adding that if the union government doesn’t pick the produce of millers by June 2025 then the state government will do it on its own.
Training guns against Akali Dal, the Chief Minister said that in last ten years those leaders who were boasting to rule for 25 years have now ran away from contesting the by-polls in state. He said that Jathedar Sahib had never debarred Akalis to contest poll but fearing debacle they have decided not to contest the elections. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that sycophant Akalis are describing Sukhbir as Jarnail (commanders) whereas his command has ruined the 125 year old party by breaking its backbone.
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One-day Stress management training program organised for Animal Husbandry Dept’s officials
• Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian urges officials to adopt healthy lifestyle
Chandigarh, October 26:To enhance the efficiency of its officials, Punjab Animal Husbandry Department organised a one-day stress management training program at MGSIPA.
Presiding over the training program, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential for leading a successful and happy life. He encouraged participants to dedicate time to hobbies, family and relaxation to recharge their mental batteries, highlighting that stress management is crucial for living a healthy and fulfilling life.
He further stated that effective time management can significantly reduce stress, so tasks should be prioritised by setting realistic deadlines. He urged them to adopt healthy lifestyle by maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly and ensuring that they get enough sleep.
“Whenever anyone faces work-related problems, I am always available and happy to help and support,” S. Khudian stated. He also urged them to create awareness among the people of Punjab about the department’s schemes regarding livestock so that their economical condition can be strengthened.
Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry Mr. Rahul Bhandari, highlighted the importance of family time, work, simple living and a positive attitude in stress management. During the training, the resource persons explained various measures for stress management and emphasised the importance of family, society, time and personal consideration in the stress management. They provided valuable insights to help the officials to effectively handle stress in their professional and personal lives.
Director Animal Husbandry department Dr. G.S. Bedi expressed his gratitude and stated that the Department of Animal Husbandry is dedicated to service of the state’s cattle farmers under the able leadership of the Minister of Animal Husbandry and the Principal Secretary. The dignitaries also appreciated the efforts of Gagandeep Sharma, Course Director and Prabhjot Singh, Course Coordinator at MGSIPA.
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Punjab government ensures timely distribution of arrears and festival advances to PUNBUS employees: Laljit Singh Bhullar
Releases Rs.1.15 crore as first installment of annual increment arrears benefiting 3,189 workers
Minister announces festival advance of Rs.10,000 for over 4,000 contractual and outsourced employees
Chandigarh, October 26:Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Saturday, said that the state government has successfully executed the timely distribution of arrears and festival advances to PUNBUS employees, with Rs.1.15 crore being disbursed as the first installment of annual increment arrears to 3,189 workers.
The Transport Minister reiterated that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of the employees and has implemented substantial measures to address the workforce's financial requirements.
Elaborating further, the Cabinet Minister said that PUNBUS has sanctioned the disbursement of 5 percent annual increment arrears covering October 2022 to August 2023 for contractual and outsourced employees.
The disbursement will proceed in three phases, with the initial installment of approximately Rs.1.15 crore is being transferred to 3,189 workers. The remaining installments are scheduled for January and March 2025. He said that enhanced salaries for the period following September 2023 have been released within the designated timeframe.
In another employee-focused initiative, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar announced that following the Punjab Government's directive, PUNBUS has decided to provide festival advance of Rs.10,000 for each of its approximately 4,052 outsourced and contractual employees. This advance will be provided from their October 2024 salary and subsequently adjusted against the same month's wages.
"These financial measures will safeguard the interests of the employees," said the Transport Minister, highlighting that Mann government's sustained efforts to support its workforce.
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Amritsar-Kolkata Corridor project: VB arrests Sri Muktsar Sahib ADC (D) Surinder Dhillon in land compensation scam
•Faces charges of embezzlement in compensation funds related to land acquired for Amritsar-Kolkata Corridor project
Chandigarh, October 26:Amidst its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) arrested Surinder Dhillon, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) of Sri Muktsar Sahib, on Saturday. He is accused of embezzling funds from grants released for compensation related to land acquired for the Amritsar-Kolkata Corridor Project in Patiala district.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) stated that Surinder Dhillon, who was posted as the District Development and Panchayat Officer (DDPO) at the time, was named in FIR No. 12, dated 26.05.2022. He faces charges under sections 406, 420, 409, 465, 467 and 120-B of IPC, as well as section 13(1)(A) read with section 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended by the PC (Amendment) Act, 2018. These charges pertain to embezzlement and failure to perform his duties regarding a grant of Rs 285 crores released for compensation related to 1,103 acres of land acquired for the Amritsar-Kolkata Corridor project, specifically in the villages of Akkri, Sehra, Sehri, Takhtumajra and Pabra in the Shambhu Block of Patiala district.
During the investigation, the VB found that 30% of the funds allocated was supposed to be deposited in the account of Secretary wages of the BDPO Office, which was not done properly. Also as per rules, only 10% of the remaining funds was intended for the development of these five villages, while the accused infact overspent significantly, using around Rs. 65 crores on papers for development projects. Some of these projects existed only on papers and the actual work completed did not meet the required technical specifications, he added.
Earlier, some Sarpanches and Members of the Panchayats from these villages were also arrested during the investigation of this case. Apart from this, former MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur, along with his son and their associates, were also named and arrested as part of the inquiry.
The spokesperson said that a team from the VB Patiala Range arrested the accused, Surinder Dhillon, today in Sri Muktsar Sahib and the further investigation is currently ongoing in this case.