Due to CM effort parts of automotive giant BMW to be now manufactured in state
*Delegation of Modren automotives Ltd. Call on Bhagwant Singh Mann
*Plant to be installed in Mandi Gobindgarh, to offer jobs to thousands of youth
*CM to lay foundation stone of plant next month
Chandigarh, September 19:Continuing his spree to encourage investment in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday assured fulsome support and cooperation to Modren automotives for their future plans to expand their project in state and manufacture pivotal part of automotive giant BMW from state.
A delegation of the Modren automotives Ltd. comprising Aditya Goyal, Suhail Goyal and Manish Bagga called on the Chief Minister today. During the meeting, he was informed that Modren automotive have become the first Indian company to receive approval for deliveries of Differential
Pinion Shafts to German luxury vehicles manufacturer BMW AG Munich. They said that order has been confirmed for 2.5 million units valued at INR Rs 150 crores adding that models with investment worth hundreds of crore for development and testing adding that they will be executed on the same premises by adding additional lines bringing in more revenue,employment and investment.
Assuring fulsome support and cooperation to the company for their future endeavours, the Chief Minister accepted the invitation of delegation to lay foundation stone of the plant next month. He said that it is matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the parts of leading automotive giant BMW will be now produced in state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this move will give impetus to industrial growth of the state besides highlighting Punjab on the international map.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state has an industrial friendly government with a real single window system for the well-being of investors. He said that Punjab is a land of opportunities and the leading companies from across the world are making a beeline to invest in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has complete communal harmony, industrial peace coupled with congenial atmosphere for industrial growth, which are giving impetus to its overall development, prosperity and progress.
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AYUSHMAN BHARAT MUKH MANTRI SEHAT BIMA YOJNA: PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER DEBUNKS PHANA’S ₹600-CR ARREAR CLAIM, CALLS IT “FALSE AND MISLEADING”
— TOTAL ₹364-CR PENDING AMOUNT FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS, ₹197-CR OWED TO PRIVATE HOSPITALS: DR BALBIR SINGH
— CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT COMMITTED TO ENSURE TIMELY AND EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO PEOPLE OF PUNJAB
— TECHNICAL GLITCHES AROSE FROM FEBRUARY 2024 AFTER SWITCHING TO NEW SOFTWARE FOR CLAIM PROCESSING LAUNCHED BY NATIONAL HEALTH AGENCY, SAYS DR BALBIR SINGH
— HEALTH MINISTER CALLS A MEETING WITH PHANA ON FRIDAY, ALSO FIXES MEETING WITH IMA ON SEPT 25
CHANDIGARH, September 19:Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday strongly refuted claims made by the Private Hospitals and Nursing Home Association (PHANA) Punjab that the state government owes over Rs 600 crore for various treatments availed under the the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna and termed the statement as "false and misleading," revealing that the total pending amount for both public and private hospitals is Rs 364 crores.
As per the official data, the breakdown of pending payments shows that Rs 166.67 crores are owed to public hospitals, while private hospitals are due Rs 197 crores. The clarification comes a day after PHANA announced that it would stop all treatments under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna across empaneled private hospitals in the state.
Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that since April 1, 2024, the government has disbursed Rs 101.66 crores to private hospitals and Rs 112 crores to public hospitals, totalling Rs 214.30 crores.
He explained that technical glitches arose from February 2024 after switching to new software for claim processing launched by National Health Agency (NHA), which resulted in slowing down the claim processing. However, the State Health Agency (SHA) took prompt measures including deputing more staff and working on weekends and holidays, to address the issue.
To resolve the matter, the Health Minister has called a meeting with PHANA representatives on Friday. Additionally, a meeting with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also been fixed on September 25, 2024, at 3:30 PM to address any concerns regarding payments and SHA functioning.
Dr Balbir Singh reaffirmed the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government of providing quality healthcare to citizens and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojna.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister has already ordered the SHA to hire medical professionals to expedite claims processing and ensure timely payments to empanelled hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana.
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Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO Hands Over Appointment Letters to 17 New Assistant Engineers
Says, PSPCL & PSTCL Recruit 5,094 Candidates, 3,888 More Posts Up for Grabs
Chandigarh, September 19-Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday handed over appointment letters to 17 newly recruited Assistant Engineers (AEs) (Mechanical) of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
Warmly welcoming them to the Punjab Government team, the Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO congratulated the newly appointed Assistant Engineers and encouraged them to serve the state with unwavering dedication, diligence, and honesty, emphasizing the significant responsibility that comes with their new roles. The Minister expressed confidence in their ability to serve the state's residents with integrity, leveraging their skills to make a positive impact
Highlighting the initiatives taken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to empower youth through job opportunities, the Power Minister said that a total of 3,097 appointment letters have been issued to candidates recruited directly by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). This includes 17 newly appointed Assistant Engineers (on training) who received their letters today. Additionally, 782 jobs have been provided in the Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL), demonstrating the government's commitment to employment generation, he added.
The Power Minister further added that since April 1, 2022, 1,215 jobs have been provided on compassionate grounds, comprising 272 Group C and 943 Group D positions. As of today, this brings the total number of candidates recruited directly and on compassionate grounds in PSPCL and PSTCL to 5,094.
The Minister announced that PSPCL has already issued advertisements for direct recruitment of 3,888 posts, which will be filled soon. Notably, 100 Assistant Engineers/OTs (Electrical) positions are slated to be filled in October this year. The Minister expressed optimism that these new recruits would significantly enhance PSPCL's functioning, emphasizing that a skilled workforce is essential for the success of any organization, public or private.
"The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people. In addition to providing free power supply to the public - a promise that was fulfilled with the introduction of 300 units of free electricity for Punjab residents since July 1, 2022- the government is dedicated to generating employment opportunities for deserving individuals, selecting candidates based solely on merit, qualifications, and capabilities”, said the Power Minister.
Prominent amongst others Director Commercial Er. R.S Saini , Chief Engineer HRD Er. Inderjit Singh, Dy CE HRD Er. Suresh Bansal and SE Mohali Er. Sukhjit Singh were also present on this occasion.
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FOUR TEAMS CONSITUTED TO CHECK ILLEGAL TAGGING WITH FERTILISERS, SAYS GURMEET KHUDIAN
•Adequate supply of DAP/NPK/SSP for the upcoming Rabi season, Agriculture Minister assures Majha Kissan Sangarsh Committee
* Meeting of Sugar Cane Control Board on September 27
Chandigarh, September 19:To check the practice of boosting sale of other products by illegally tagging them with fertilisers, Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department has formed four teams, each overseen by officers at the Joint Director level.These teams have been tasked with combating this illegal practice.
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed the formation of these teams following a meeting with the Majha Kissan Sangarsh Committee here at his office on Thursday.
The Agriculture Minister assured the Majha Kissan Sangarsh Committee delegation, led by it president Balwinder Singh, that Punjab has an adequate supply of DAP/NPK/SSP for the upcoming Rabi season as Punjab is receiving sufficient quantities of DAP and other phosphatic fertilisers.
On the matter of forcefully tagging of other agricultural products with fertilisers, raised by the Farmers' delegation, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann will not tolerate any exploitation of our farmers. He emphasised that any unscrupulous individuals attempting to coerce farmers into buying additional products along with fertilisers will face legal action.
Meanwhile, Special Chief Secretary Agriculture Mr. KAP Sinha mentioned that Punjab anticipates sowing wheat over an area of about 35 lakh hectares, necessitating around 5.50 lakh metric tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertiliser. He shared that he had a meeting with the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers and Union Fertiliser Secretary last month to secure sufficient supply of fertilisers for Punjab farmers for the upcoming Rabi season.
The Agriculture Minister responded to the demand for an increase in sugarcane prices by stating that the state has scheduled a meeting of the State Sugar Cane Control Board on September 27, and all mills will commence crushing on schedule. He also mentioned that the capacity of the Cooperative Sugar Mill in Batala has been raised to 3500 Ton Crushing per Day (TCD) from its previous capacity of 1500 TCD.
MD Sugarfed Ms Senu Duggal, Director Agriculture Mr Jaswant Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present in the meeting.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests Anurag Batra, an accomplice of deputy director RK Singla accused in food grains scam
Chandigarh September 19, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has apprehended accused Anurag Batra, distributer of firm namely Batra Pharmaceuticals, who was an accomplice of Rakesh Kumar Singla, a proclaimed offender (PO), former Deputy Director, Food and Civil Supplies Department Punjab, for exchanging his ill-gotten money into white. He has been sent for one day police remand by the Ludhiana court today.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said during investigation of case FIR No 11 dated 16.08.2022 under sections 409, 420, 467, ,468, 471, 120-B of IPC and under sections 7, 7A, 8, 12, 13 of Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Ludhiana range registered against Bharat Bhushan Ashu, former Food and Civil Supplies Minister and others, it had came on record that aforementioned Deputy Director Singla had purchased 12 properties on his and his wife's name from unknown sources. He was later declared Proclaimed Offender (PO) in the above mentioned case.
Thereafter a case of disproportionate of assets was registered against against said Rakesh Kumar Singla and his wife Rachna Singla under FIR No. 08 dated 19.04.2023 under section 13(1) (b) read with 13(2) under Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Ludhiana range.
He further informed that during the probe it had came on record that accused RK Singla had collected huge bribe money during his posting in the Food and Civil Supplies Department and in criminal connivance of his wife Rachna Singla, he had purchased number of properties in her name which are disproportionate to his known sources of income. The VB came to know that accused Singla had purchased 12 properties to the amount of 5 crore approximately. Out of these 12 properties, 4 properties are situated in City Ludhiana, 5 SCOs at Khanna, 01 at Chandigarh and 2 properties (SCOs) are at New Chandigarh in Mohali. He further added that proceedings under section 18A of Prevention of Corruption Act are under process in the Ludhiana court for attachment of all 12 properties.
The spokesperson informed that during investigation of above said case, it has also came on record that Anurag Batra, a resident of SCO 360, Sector 32D, Chandigarh had helped RK Singla by exchanging his black money into white money. He had transferred Rs 9,0,3450 lakh and 19,05750 lakh (Total Rs 28,09,200) in the bank account of said Rachna Singla during the year 2021. The accused Anurag Batra failed to submit plausible explaination as to what kind of help was rendered by Rachna Singla for getting 5 orders from Haryana Government. It has also been revealed by the accused Batra during investigation that on those days when money was transferred, she was at abroad and not in India. The spokesperson revealed that during the investigation, the said accused Batra has confessed his guilt and disclosed that one of his friend had him asked to make the black money of RK Singla into white. Further investigation was under progress, he said.
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VB arrests Patwari for accepting Rs 5000 bribe
Chandigarh September 19, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested a revenue Patwari Joginder Pal, posted at revenue halqua Jahanpur, tehsil Mukerian in district Hoshiarpur for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 5000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this above mentioned revenue official has arrested based on a complaint lodged by Sarup Singh, a resident of village Jahanpur, in Hoshiarpur on the Chief Minister's anti corruption action line.
He further informed that the complainant has alleged in his complaint that the said Patwari has taken illegal gratification of Rs 5000 on three different occasions in lieu of entering mutation of ancestral land.
The spokesperson added that during verification of allegations levelled in the complaint have been found correct for taking Rs 5000 bribe. On the basis of this verification report a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said Patwari at VB police station Jalandhar range. The accused Patwari has been arrested and would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into this case was under progress.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests Assistant Town Planner for accepting Rs 50,000 bribe
Chandigarh September 19, 2024 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Thursday apprehended Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Harjinder Singh, posted at Municipal Corporation (MC) Amritsar while he was demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned accused has been arrested on a complaint lodged by Sai Kiran, a resident of Sandhu Avenue, Batala Road, Amritsar city.
He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged in his complaint that the accused had earlier taken a bribe of Rs 5 lakhs for issuing no objection certificate (NOC) for the colony being constructed by the complainant at Kot Khalsa, Amritsar. "The accused again demanded a bribe of Rs. 2 lakhs for completing the NOC formalities", he added.
The spokesperson informed that after a preliminary enquiry the VB laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed by VB team while accepting a bribe of Rs.50,000 in the presence of two official witnesses.
He added that in this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the ATP at VB Police Station, Amritsar range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigations was under progress, he added.
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PUNJAB POLICE’S ANTF BOOKS DSP VAVINDER MAHAJAN FOR CONNIVING WITH DRUG SUPPLIERS
— PUNJAB POLICE ADOPTED ZERO TOLERANCE AGAINST CORRUPTION AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN
—ANTF UNCOVERED SHOCKING BRIBERY SCHEME INVOLVING DSP VAVINDER MAHAJAN AND HIS ACCOMPLICE AKHIL JAI SINGH FROM LUCKNOW: DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PROBE REVEALS THAT ACCUSED DSP MAHAJAN ACCEPTED ₹45L BRIBE FROM PHARMA COMPANY TO PROTECT THEM FROM LEGAL CONSEQUENCES: DGP PUNJAB
— RAID WAS CONDUCTED AT DSP MAHAJAN'S RESIDENCE IN AMRITSAR, BUT HE REMAINS AT LARGE: SPL DGP ANTF KULDEEP SINGH
CHANDIGARH, September 19:With Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has adopted zero tolerance against corruption, Punjab Police’s Anti Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) has booked Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Vavinder Kumar Mahajan under charges of corruption after probe revealed that the latter has allegedly been supporting drug suppliers by engaging in corrupt practices, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.
In this regard, an FIR has been registered under Sections 7 and 8 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 59 (2) of the NDPS Act, highlighting the severity of the offences committed and the abuse of power.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the ANTF has taken decisive action against corruption within its own ranks after recent investigations into a case pertaining to the seizure of 1.98 crore Alprazolam tablets and 40 kilograms of raw Alprazolam registered in February 2024, revealed that DSP Vavinder Kumar Mahajan, who was posted by DSP ANTF and his accomplice Akhil Jai Singh from Lucknow, were involved in a shocking bribery scheme. Presently, DSP Mahajan is posted as DSP in 9th Battalion PAP, Amritsar.
The DGP said that during a joint inspection at M/s Smilax Pharmachem Drug Industries in May 2024, the ANTF team discovered serious NDPS Act violations. “Preliminary investigation of this case revealed that DSP Mahajan had accepted a bribe of ₹45 lakhs from M/s Aster Pharma to protect them from legal consequences,” he said.
Sharing more details, Special DGP ANTF Kuldeep Singh said that after the two vital witnesses given voluntary statements before the judicial officer and further corroborated by financial and technical evidence exposed misconduct by the accused DSP Mahajan, ANTF decided to take legal action against the latter.
A raid was conducted at the residence of accused DSP in Amritsar by the ANTF team but he could not be apprehended and he is on run, he said, while adding that further investigation is under progress.
Meanwhile, this bold action underscores the Punjab Police’s resolve to create a Punjab where integrity and the rule of law prevail, even in the face of challenging circumstances.
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PUNJAB: 26% INCREASE IN STAMP SALE AND REGISTRATION REVENUE IN AUGUST 2024: JIMPA
Chandigarh, September 19:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has registered 26 percent more income under the head "stamp and registration" in the month of August 2024.
Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that providing transparent, hassle-free and corruption-free services to the people of Punjab is the main goal of the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and due to this, the revenue of the state is continuously increasing. He said that the increase in income by 71 percent in July 2024, 42 percent in June, 22 percent in May 2024 and 26 percent in August 2024 shows that our state is taking steps towards becoming ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Divulging the details, Jimpa said that in July 2024, the state exchequer has received an income of Rs. 463.08 crore under stamp and registration, which is 71 percent more than July 2023. In July 2023, this income was Rs. 270.67 crore. Similarly, in August 2024 Punjab has received an income of Rs. 440.92 crore under stamp and registration, which is 26.24 percent more than July 2023. In August 2023, this income was 349.26 crore.
He further said that from April to July 2024, the state exchequer has received an income of Rs. 1854.12 cr, whereas this income was registered Rs. 1461.87 cr from April to July 2023.
Jimpa said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is taking feedback from Punjabis by visiting the government offices time to time and on this basis guidelines are issued to the departments so that people do not face any problem.
He said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan is committed to provide hassle and bribe free services to the people.
He said that as soon as the government was formed, efforts were initiated to eradicate corruption from Punjab. Revenue Department also issued a helpline number 8184900002 for filing complaints regarding the functioning of Revenue Department. NRIs can register their complaints on 9464100168. These numbers are for written complaints only.
Jimpa appealed to the people of Punjab not to give any bribe to any officer or employee of the revenue department and if anyone asks for a bribe then it should be reported immediately. He said that corrupt officers and employees will not be spared at any cost.
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VB registers case against ASI for taking Rs 15000 bribe
Chandigarh September 19, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has registered a corruption case against an Asistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of Police, Karamvir Singh, posted at police station, Sadar Kharar, in Mohali district for taking a bribe of Rs. 15000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the above police official based on a complaint lodged by Sukhwinder Singh, a resident of Maloya Colony, Chandigarh on the Chief Minister's anti corruption action line.
He further informed that the complainant has alleged in his complaint that the said accused ASI had taken a bribe of Rs 15,000 in lieu of facilitating the bail of his relatives in a case registered at the police station Sadar Kharar.
The spokesperson added that during verification the allegations levelled in the complaint have been found correct for taking Rs 15000 bribe. On the basis of this report a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said police official at VB police station, flying squad, Punjab at Mohali. Further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.