Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Directs Administrative Secretaries to Boost Capital Creation and Revenue Generation
Facilitates Financial Commissioner Taxation Krishan Kumar for Exceptional Services
Chandigarh, December 5-Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with all Administrative Secretaries of the Punjab Government, emphasizing the need to intensify efforts for capital creation and revenue generation. He said that strategic moves aimed on further accelerate the growth of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are the need of the hour.
The meeting held here at Punjab Bhawan also saw the facilitation of IAS officer Krishan Kumar for his exceptional services as Financial Commissioner Taxation.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed the officers to identify potential areas for capital creation within their respective departments. He also stressed the importance of exploring neglected sectors where the state government can generate revenue. To ensure optimal utilization of funds, the Minister directed the officers to timely utilize the development funds for various developmental projects, thereby preventing any lapse of funds.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Principal Secretary Finance Ajoy Kumar Sinha engaged in discussions with the administrative secretaries, highlighting areas where efforts can be made to create capital and generate revenue. They also proposed initiatives to efficiently utilize the development funds, particularly in the fields of education and road network.
While felicitating the Financial Commissioner Taxation Krishan Kumar, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that it would serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the state's administrative officers in achieving significant milestones. The Minister attributed the remarkable growth rate of 62.93 percent in net GST collection during the last month to the concerted efforts of FCT Krishan Kumar and his team. He said that this achievement has resulted in a record net GST collection of Rs 2,477.37 crore in November this year.
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SEC issues the list of documents to file the nomination papers in the general elections of 5 Municipal Corporations and 44 Municipal Committees
Chandigarh, 5 December 2024:The Punjab State Election Commission is making preparations and likely to shortly announce the general elections of five Municipal Corporations namely Amritsar, Jalandhar, Phagwara, Ludhiana and Patiala and 44 Municipal Committees and Nagar Panchayats. Besides this, some by-elections of wards of various Municipalities and Corporations are also to be conducted.
For the general information of the public, Punjab State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri said that any aspirant who wishes to file the nomination papers as a candidate for any of these elections is required to submit the documents such as nomination paper in Form 20 and affidavit (Annexure-II), duly filled in completely, wherein details of moveable and immoveable assets, details of cases pending in courts, (if any), educational qualifications, details of assets and liabilities, duly attested from Oath Commissioner, Executive Magistrate of 1st Class, or Notary Public and Certificate of SC/ BC (if applicable) besides sponsorship by the authorized signatory of the political party, if being nominated on party ticket, before the concerned Returning Officer designated for the purpose on or before the last date of the filing of nominations.
He further informed that specimen of nomination form, affidavit and sponsorship form are available for download on the website of the Commission (https://sec.punjab.gov.in) and would also be available in the office of the Returning Officer concerned.
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PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS THREE PERSONS IN BID TO DELIVER HEROIN CONSIGNMENT; 5KG HEROIN, ₹4.45L DRUG MONEY RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE
— HEROIN CONSIGNMENT WAS DROPPED USING DRONES BY PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ARE ON ESTABLISH FORWARD AND BACKWARD LINKAGES, IDENTIFY PAK-BASED SMUGGLERS
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 5:In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing decisive war against drugs, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has apprehended three drug smugglers and recovered 5 kg heroin and Rs 4.45 lakh drug money from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.
Those arrested have been identified as Husanpreet Singh, a resident of Prime City at Chheharta in Amritsar, Karandeep Singha alias Manna and Maninder Singh, both residents of Attari Mandi in Amritsar. Apart from recovering heroin and drug money, Police teams have also impounded their Honda Activa (PB02DK8780) and Hero Deluxe HF (PB02EP5854), which they were riding.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that team of CI Amritsar has received a tip-off that accused Karandeep Singh and Maninder Singh are indulged in the smuggling of heroin and recently retrieved a huge consignment of heroin dropped with the help of drones by Pakistan smugglers and are going to supply it further to drug smuggler Husanpreet Singh.
The tip further revealed that both the accused persons are coming at the Amritsar-Attari Road near Punjabi Bagh Palace on a white Honda Activa to deliver this drug consignment to drug smuggler Husanpreet Singh, who is also reaching there on his black Motorcycle Hero Deluxe HF, he said.
The DGP said that acting swiftly, teams from CI Amritsar laid a special naka near Punjabi Bagh Resort at Attari Road and arrested all the accused persons after recovering heroin consignment and drug money from their possession. Further investigations are to establish forward and backward linkages in this case and identify Pak-based drug smugglers, he added.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 67 dated 04.12.2024 has been registered under section 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar. Due to the recovery of drug money in this case from the accused, the severity of the offence in this FIR has been enhanced by incorporating section 27-A of the NDPS Act.
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DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN PUNJAB: SARPANCHS, NAMBARDARS & MCs EMPOWERED TO VERIFY APPLICATIONS ONLINE
•From now onwards, application for high demand services including Caste certificate to be processed online, says Aman Arora
•Punjab becomes first state to take this initiative by reaching out to grassroot level
• Move to help in creating a truly Digital Punjab, allowing people to access services from the comfort of their homes
Chandigarh, December 5:Marking a new era of digital governance in the state, Punjab Governance Reforms Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Thursday unveiled a pioneering project that will enable Sarpanchs, Nambardars and Municipal Councillors (MCs) to verify applications online for various certificates. Punjab takes the lead by launching this innovative initiative aims to save citizens from the hassle of making multiple visits to obtain signatures from Sarpanchs, Nambardars and MCs.
As part of this digital initiative, applications for key high demand services – Residence certificate, Caste (SC, BC/OBC) certificate, Income certificate, EWS certificate, Old Age Pension and Dogra certificate – will be sent online to concerned Sarpanchs, Nambardars and MCs for verification. These services require verification from Sarpanchs and Nambardars in rural areas, as well as MCs in urban areas. With the launch of this project, Patwaris will now send applications online to the Sarpanch, Nambardar, or MC for verification. These local representatives will receive information via WhatsApp and can provide their recommendation through WhatsApp.
“This streamlined process is expected to reduce the burden on citizens, who previously had to navigate a time-consuming and cumbersome process involving multiple visits to obtain signatures from Sarpanchs, Nambardars or MCs,” said Mr Aman Arora.
To ensure a seamless transition, he said that comprehensive training and support is being provided to all stakeholders at the district level. Sarpanchs, Nambardars and MCs have been asked to contact their respective Deputy Commissioner offices’ Governance Reforms branch to register themselves on the e-Sewa portal and obtain login IDs, said Governance Reforms Minister, while adding that in case of any issues, they can reach out to the DC office, visit the nearest Sewa Kendra, or call 1100 for assistance.
On the occasion, a presentation was shown to the Sarpanchs, Nambardars and MCs to familiarise them with the online verification process. The presentation demonstrated the step-by-step procedure for online verification, highlighting the benefits of the digital initiative and addressing any potential concerns.
The Governance Reforms Minister stated that previously, citizens had to have their identity and documents verified by Patwaris. After that, Patwaris would asked them to obtain signatures from the concerned Sarpanch, Nambardar or MC. This process was time-consuming and required multiple visits to get their documents signed by the Patwari, MC, Sarpanch or Nambardar. In some cases, citizens were even exploited by agents to get their documents signed.
Now, no citizen needs to visit any office to get their documents signed as mandated by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Governance Reforms department has also onboarded all the Patwaris to verify documents online, and as of now, over 8.65 lakh applications have been processed online by the Patwaris in the last six months across the state.
Mr. Aman Arora said that this move will help in creating a truly Digital Punjab, allowing people to access services from the comfort of their homes. Citizens can now apply at a Sewa Kendra or simply by calling the helpline number 1076. Certificates will be sent directly to their phones via SMS or WhatsApp.
Special Chief Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. Sarvjit Singh, Director Mr Girish Dayalan and other senior officers of the department and Sarpanches.
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PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS TRANS-BORDER NARCO SMUGGLING MODULE; THREE HELD WITH 5KG HEROIN
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE
— PROBE ON TO UNEARTH WHOLE NETWORK OF DRUGS SUPPLIERS, DEALERS AND THEIR BUYERS: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO ASCERTAIN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NARCOTICS PROCURED BY ARRESTED ACCUSED: CP GURPREET SINGH BHULLAR
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 5: In a big blow to trans-border narcotic smuggling cartel amidst the ongoing decisive war against drugs, Commissionerate Police (CP) Amritsar has busted a trans-border narco-smuggling module with the arrest of three persons after recovering 5 Kg Heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.
Those arrested have been identified as Harpartap Singh alias Happy (29), a resident of village Rorewali in Amritsar, Karandeep Singh (21), a resident of village Nagal Sohal in Amritsar and Jagpreet Singh (19), a resident of village Dharamkot Randhawa in Batala. Apart from recovering heroin consignment, police teams have also impounded their motorcycle, which they were riding.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a first information report (FIR) has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Further investigations are ongoing to establish backward and forward linkages to unearth the whole network of drug suppliers, dealers and their buyers, he added.
Sharing operation details, CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that Police teams have reliable inputs that some persons have received a drug consignment from a unknown person from area of Fatehgarh Churian and coming towards Verka bypass on their motorcycle.
Acting swiftly, police teams from CIA Staff-1 led by Inspector Amolakdeep Singh under supervision of DCP Investigation Alam Vijay Singh, ADCP City Investigation Navjot Singh and ACP detective Harminder Singh launched a special operation and arrested the accused persons near the area of Escort Hospital in Amritsar, he said.
The CP further said that efforts are being made to ascertain the total amount of narcotics procured by the arrested accused till date.
A case FIR no. 272 dated 03.12.2024 has been registered under sections 21-C, 23 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Sadar, Amritsar.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests ASI for accepting Rs 20,000 bribe
Chandigarh December 05, 2024 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Thursday has apprehended Arjan Singh, Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI), posted at Anti Human Trafficking wing of Commissionerate Amritsar for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Rohit, a resident of mohalla Islamabad, in Amritsar city.
He informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged in his complaint that the above said accused had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 for submitting a report favouring the complainant in a case related to sending him abroad and lodging an FIR on the immigration agent.
The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry into this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was caught red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant in the presence of official witnesses.
He added that in this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at VB Police Station, Amritsar range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigations into this case was under progress.
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All hurdles in planned urban development will be removed: Hardeep Singh Mundian
Housing and Urban Development Minister and Chief Secretary hand over certificates to 127 promoters/builders
Special camp organized for issuing real estate clearance certificates for the second time
Chandigarh, December 5-Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is actively removing obstacles in the planned development of cities. Committed to providing transparent, seamless, corruption-free, and hassle-free services to the residents of Punjab, a special camp was organized today for issuing clearance certificates related to real estate. During this camp, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha handed over clearance certificates to 127 promoters/builders.
Mr. Mundian stated that the Punjab government is making efforts to boost investment opportunities in the state. As part of this, a second camp was organized today to prioritize and resolve the cases of promoters/developers. In the first camp held on October 16, 51 certificates for various services were issued. In today’s camp, 127 certificates for licenses of colonies, completion certificates, partial completion certificates, letters of intent, zoning plans, building plans, promoter registration certificates, and layout plans were issued. Similar camps will be organized in the future as well.
The Minister emphasized that the department is committed to resolving the issues of promoters/developers on a priority basis with complete transparency. An email ID, transparency.hud@gmail.com, has also been set up for promoters/developers to report their grievances, which will be addressed promptly.
He further assured that the government will ensure promoters/developers face no difficulties while encouraging them to provide maximum and high-quality facilities to the residents of their projects. Efforts are also being made to improve public facilities at reception/single-window counters of various development authorities, such as water arrangements, proper seating areas with sofas and chairs, and token systems for services.
Mr. Mundian highlighted that the department recently conducted two e-auctions with complete transparency, generating revenue of around ₹5,000 crores, which will be utilized for the development of cities. Development works worth ₹639 crores have already been completed in various cities, and new projects worth ₹283 crores are being initiated.
Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, while addressing the gathering, stated that providing transparent and seamless citizen services is the government’s top priority. The Punjab government is taking the issue of pending work seriously, and today’s camp is an effort to clear pending cases in real estate by issuing certificates on the spot. This initiative will not only benefit residents but also significantly boost the economic growth of the state. Similar camps will be held to resolve pending cases in other departments related to public services.
Rahul Tiwari, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, added that the department has introduced various online services for allottees, achieving zero pendency for the first time. Promoters and developers, being integral to urban development, will now no longer have to face difficulties in getting their work done.
Moneesh Kumar, CA of GMADA, expressed gratitude to the chief guest, special guests, development authorities, promoters, and builders present at the event. Also in attendance were Special Secretary Apneet Riyat, CAs of BDA and PDA Manisha Rana, CAs of ADA and JDA Ankurjeet Singh, CA of GLADA Harpreet Singh, CA of PUDA Inayat, and representatives from the Confederation of Real Estate led by Jagjeet Singh.
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PUNJAB DEFENCE SERVICES WELFARE MINISTER MOHINDER BHAGAT PAYS TRIBUTES TO MARTYRS ON ARMED FORCES FLAG DAY
Chandigarh, December 5-Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat, on Thursday paid tribute to the martyrs on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day.
The Cabinet Minister observed Armed Forces Flag Day to honor the sacrifices and valor of the Armed Forces, acknowledging their immense contributions to safeguarding the nation. The solemn event, held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, was attended by senior officials and dignitaries.
Presiding over the ceremony, Mr. Mohinder Bhagat emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and extending support to their families. He remarked, “Armed Forces Flag Day is a reminder for us to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives to safeguard the nation. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of their families and express our gratitude in meaningful ways.”
During the event, citizens were urged to contribute generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which supports various welfare schemes such as financial assistance for widows and dependents of deceased personnel, medical aid for non-pensioners, sustenance allowances for orphaned children and higher education grants for the children of ex-servicemen. The fund also provides immediate relief for families of martyrs during Antim Ardas and Bhog ceremonies.
Prominent dignitaries, including Brig. B.S. Dhillon Director, Defence Services Welfare Punjab, Cdr. Baljinder Virk Deputy Director HQ, Col. Jarnail Singh Officer on Special Duty and Manjit Singh Supdt Grade 2 attended the event.
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Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission to take strict action in School Gate Incident involving 4-year-Old Girl: Chairman Kanwardeep Singh
Child Rights Commission summons the Principal and staff of Delhi International School
Chandigarh, 5 December:In light of the news circulating on various news channels and social media platforms, claiming that a 4-year-old girl was removed from the gate of Delhi International School, Mahalpur, the Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, Shri Kanwardeep Singh, has taken suo-motu notice of the matter.
Shri Kanwardeep Singh, Chairman of the Punjab State Child Rights Protection Commission, explained that the Commission is a statutory body under Section 17 of the Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, which works for the protection of child rights. The Commission has the authority to monitor and take action under the JJ Act, 2015, POCSO Act, 2012, and RTE Act, 2009. Under the provisions of Section 14 of the Act and the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, the Commission has the powers of a civil court to hear cases.
In this particular case, the Commission has issued an order summoning the Principal and relevant staff of Delhi International School, Mahalpur, to appear at the Commission's office on 12th December 2024 at 11:00 AM. They have been directed to present the facts of the case along with a full report.
The Commission will thoroughly investigate the matter and address any violation of the child's rights.
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SEC HOLDS A REVIEW MEETING PERTAINING TO THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE UPCOMING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WITH PUNJAB POLICE: R. K CHAUDHURI
ARPIT SHUKLA, SPECIAL DGP LAW & ORDER PUNJAB APPOINTS TO SUPERVISE ALL THE SECURITY AND LAW & ORDER RELATED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE ELECTIONS
Chandigarh, 5 December 2024:A review meeting was held today on 5.12.2024 by Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, State Election Commissioner, Punjab to review the security arrangements for the upcoming Municipal Elections. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Home Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Special DGP, Punjab, Arpit Shukla and Jagjit Singh, Secretary, State Election Commission.
Disclosing this here today, State Election Commissioner Raj Kamal Chaudhuri said that Municipal elections would be held for 5 Municipal Corporations, 44 Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats, and Bye-elections for 43 wards of Municipal Councils, as well as for 6 Wards in other Municipal Corporations. There are total 1609 polling locations and 3717 polling booths; out of these, 344 are declared as hypersensitive and 665 as sensitive polling locations.
He further informed that adequate police force would be deployed in all the polling locations and booths as per the security norms. In all, about 20,486 Police personnel of Punjab Police and Home Guard Jawans would be deployed for these elections. 500 patrolling parties and 283 Striking Reserves (DGP Punjab, Range & District Headquarter, Sub-division GO and Police Station) would be deployed to secure the area, round the clock and for taking prompt action in case of any emergency. All Sub-Division GOs would supervise their area of jurisdiction to ensure smooth conduct of these elections and to avoid any untoward incident, he added.
In addition to above, there would be 74 Second Line of Defence Nakas, 87 Interstate Nakas and 257 Inter District/Intra District Nakas all over the stateround the clock, to check the movement of illicit liquor, cash, drugs and anti-social elements.
He further highlighted that Arpit Shukla, IPS, Special Director General of Police, Law & Order, Punjab has been appointed to supervise all the security and law & Order related arrangements for these elections. State Election Commissioner desired that the Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendents of Police be detailed to ensure maintenance of law and order and take steps to keep tabs on and catch hold of notorious persons, trouble-makers, boot-leggers, bail/parole jumpers, proclaimed offenders and absconders, etc. on day to day basis.
Furthermore, he said that Fool proof security arrangements in all storage/counting centers in the state of Punjab would be made to secure in and around premises of building, where counting of votes will be done. It was decided to ensure strict vigil and carry out checking of vehicles during the 3 days before the date of poll to check the entry of undesirable elements, and to prevent the smuggling or distribution of liquor or drugs.
Raj Kamal Chaudhuri added that District Magistrates to take steps and initiate all preventive measures including issue of prohibitory orders to ensure that voters are not intimidated or obstructed from exercising their right to vote.