FOLLOWING FOOTSTEPS OF GREAT GURUS, SAINTS, SEERS, PROPHETS AND MARTYRS FOR THE WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE: SAYS CM
PARTICIPATES IN JAIN BHAGWATI DIKSHA MAHOTSAV
EXHORTS PEOPLE TO STRENGTHEN THE ETHOS OF SECULAR, SOCIAL AND COMMUNAL HARMONY IN THE SOCIETY
Mubarikpur (SAS Nagar, Mohali), November 21:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that the state government is following the footsteps of the great gurus, saints, seers, prophets and martyrs for the welfare of the people and development of the state.
Addressing the gathering Jain Bhagwati Diksha Mahotsav here today, in the presence of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chief Minister said that as the head of state he is duty bound to safeguard the interests of all the residents. He said that Punjab is the blessed and sacred land where people from all the religions, languages and sections of society reside peacefully and harmoniously. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he has been given a whopping mandate by people to serve this land and no stone is being left unturned by him for this noble cause.
The Chief Minister said that the variety of flowers soothes the eyes of everyone so the people throng to see them. In the same manner, he said that harmonious and peaceful co-existence of every religion in every society is important for the progress of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is committed to this noble cause and every step is being taken to strengthen the ethos of communal harmony in the state.
The Chief Minister said that religion teaches us the principles of simple living, high thinking and non-violence to attain salvation through the path of spirituality. He said that the eternal message of every religion is universal brotherhood, communal harmony and peace that is still relevant in the context of today’s materialistic society. Bhagwant Singh Mann called upon the people to follow the path shown by great religious leaders to further strengthen the ethos of secular, social and communal harmony in the society.
The Chief Minister said that such occasions related to our great Gurus, Saints and Seers has a profound importance for us as it offers an opportunity to acquaint ourselves and our younger generation with our religious and social values that binds the entire humanity in one cord thereby strengthening the bonds of communal harmony. He also called upon the people to follow the path shown by these spiritual and religious leaders adding that the AAP government is fully committed to maintain peace, communal harmony and Brotherhood in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is fully dedicated for the welfare of the society and progress of the state.
Recalling his old association with the community, the Chief Minister said that he had always enjoyed the blessings of the saints of Jain community. He also announced fulsome support and cooperation to the community for setting up a state of the art hospital in the region. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that it will go a long way in imparting quality health services to the people of the entire northern region.
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Dr. Baljit Kaur’s prompt action prevents child marriage
Chandigarh, November 21-Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur received information about a child marriage being arranged for a minor boy by his family in Rupnagar. Taking action promptly, the Minister directed department officials to investigate the matter and take necessary action.
The Cabinet Minister revealed that a complaint was received through Childline about a 17-year-old boy from Aaspur Kotla village in Rupnagar district being married off, violating the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. Acting swiftly on the Minister's instructions, the District Child Protection Unit, Rupnagar, in coordination with the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, intervened immediately and successfully stopped the child marriage.
She said that the DCPU and DMPO team intervened in Aaspur Kotan village, involving the panchayat members, the families of the bride and groom, and the palace owner, to stop the wedding preparations. Statements from both parties were recorded on the spot. The team counseled the boy and girl and the families assured the team that the child would resume school from the tomorrow.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the Punjab Government's commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure the welfare of children. She appealed to citizens to immediately report any incidents of child marriage to district authorities. She also urged parents to understand that child marriage is a curse for society. She stated that childhood is a critical period for a child's development and advised parents not to arrange child marriages.
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MINING MINISTER BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL'S CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL MINING
ENSURE AFFORDABLE SAND SUPPLY TO PUBLIC
PREVIOUS PARTIES LOOTED THE STATE
HEARS GRIEVANCES OF CONTRACTORS, ASSURES EARLY RESOLUTION
Chandigarh, November 21:In order to provide sand and gravel at affordable prices to people of the state, Punjab Mining and Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Thursday, convened crucial meeting with contractors of the commercial mining sites (CMS), wherein he emphatically asked contractors to ensure sand and gravel are made available to the public at reasonable rates.
While interacting with the contractors, Sh. Goyal said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has eradicated the sand mafia which had flexed its muscles in the past, to ensure that people get cheap sand. He said that now the sand is being sold at just Rs.5.50 in public and commercial mining sites thereby giving a major reprieve to the people.
He informed that so far 73 public mining sites and 40 commercial mining sites clusters have been operationalized in the state for ensuring pit head price of sand at Rs.5.50 per cubic feet.
He informed that the total extracted quantity to date is 18.38 LMT out of the total capacity 47.19 LMT from 73 public mining sites. Whereas, 40 commercial mining sites clusters have a planned extraction quantity of 138.68 LMT, with 34.50 LMT of sand and gravel already extracted. Over 132.99 LMT of sand and gravel is still available on both PMS and CMS sites, he added.
Unequivocally slamming the previous governments for producing and patronising the sand mafia in the state, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that everyone knows that these leaders were hand in glove with sand mafia that plundered the state during their long misrule.
The Mining Minister said, crackdown has been launched against the sand mafia, which was patronised by the previous regime leaders, adding that Mann government has taken myriad of steps to eradicate the sand mafia which had flexed its muscles in the past.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government has set a target to open total of 150 public mining sites and 100 commercial mining sites in the state.
Sh. Goyal said that public mining sites allow the public to excavate and sell sand at their own, contributing to increased supply and subsequently reducing market rates.
Divulging the details of the measures taken to check the illegal mining, the Mining and Geology Minister said, "We are taking strict action against illegal mining activities and so far, 1360 FIRs have been lodged from April 2022 to October 2024 as per the provisions of mining Act and rules in the state."
The Mining Minister also carefully listened to contractors' issues and assured their prompt resolution. "People should not be harassed at any cost," the Cabinet Minister clearly stated, while urging cooperation in completely preventing illegal mining.
The Cabinet Minister said that stringent measures would be implemented on overloaded vehicles transporting mineral resources from other states and the Transport Department would be instructed to take action against overloaded vehicles, which will further ensure that contractors can continue their operations as they are providing employment opportunities for local people.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary, Mines & Geology, Punjab, Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, Director Mining and Dr. Harinder Pal Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer, Mining.
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Women Commission Raises Awareness Among Students About the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Physical Abuse Act, 2013
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar/Chandigarh, 21 November-The Punjab State Women Commission raised awareness among students about the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act 2005 and the Prevention of Physical Abuse at the Workplace Act 2013.
During today’s event at Rattan College of Nursing in Mohali, the Chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission, Mrs. Raj Lali Gill, informed the students, emphasizing the importance of being aware of our rights to avoid many hardships.
She stated that the Government of India has implemented the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Prevention of Physical Abuse of Women at the Workplace Act, 2013, nationwide to protect women rights, which are proving to be instrumental in empowering women. She added that women are the most affected by domestic violence and provided information about legal assistance and avenues to protect their rights.
Mrs. Lali Gill stated that the Punjab Government has established Sakhi One Stop Centers across the state to assist women victims of domestic violence, providing them with legal support.
On this occasion, speaking about the Prevention of Physical Abuse of Women at the Workplace Act 2013, she stated that the act protects women from both direct and indirect physical abuse at the workplace. She said that it is necessary to form a committee under the said Act to ensure the protection of the interests of women at the workplace.To whom a complaint can be made in case of such an incident.
Deputy Director of Punjab Child Rights Commission, Mr. Rajwinder Singh Gill shared information about the children's rights.
On this occasion, Mrs. Raj Lali Gill also released a booklet to make women aware of their rights. Apart from this, Mrs. Rupinder Pal Kaur of the District Legal Services Authority also presented the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 and the Prevention of Physical Abuse of Women at Work Places Act, 2013. Also shed light on
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PUNJAB DISMISSES FIVE VETERINARY OFFICERS FOR ABSENTEEISM
* Negligent behaviour towards duty won’t be tolerated, Gurmeet Singh Khudian warns
Chandigarh, November 21:in a bold move to address negligence and absenteeism, Punjab Animal Husbandry department, on Thursday, terminated the services of five Veterinary Officers with immediate effect.
Following the directives of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Principal Secretary of the Department, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, has issued an order to dismiss the services of five Veterinary Officers Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Dr. Anupreet Kaur, Dr. Arshdeep Singh, Dr. Jagdeep Singh and Dr. Harmanpreet Singh Bal, who were posted in different districts across the state. Mr. Bhandari stated that these veterinary officers had been absent from duty for the past three to five years.
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian categorically stated that strict action will be taken against officials who have been absent from duty without proper leave approval. Such negligent behaviour will not be tolerated at all.
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Create comfortable and conducive environment for investors: Mundian and Sond direct officers
Housing and Investment Promotion Departments will work together to attract investors in the state
Housing and Industry Ministers hold crucial meeting regarding matters related to both the departments
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), November 21-As part of the steps being taken towards creating an investment-friendly environment in Punjab, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardip Singh Mundian and Industry, Commerce and Investment Promotion Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Thursday held an important meeting to expeditiously resolve matters related to both the departments.
In the meeting held at PUDA Bhawan Mohali, both Ministers directed the officials to create a comfortable and conducive environment for investors. They said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led state Government has taken big decisions for industrialists and investors, for which coordination between the concerned departments is very important.
Mr. Mundian and Mr. Sond said that investors will get the link of the Housing Department on the Invest Punjab portal for clearance. They directed the officers of both the departments to establish such a single window clearance system on the Invest Punjab portal from where the process of getting any kind of clearance from the Housing Department along with other departments or getting any approval related to that department is more effective and easy.
Housing Minister Mr. Mundian said that nodal officers will be appointed in the Housing Department regarding the matters related to investors or industrialists, who will resolve the matters by holding monthly meetings. He said that the area near the airport will be beautified and basic infrastructure facilities will be strengthened to establish it as an IT hub.
Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Sond said that the Rs 89,000 Cr investment was done in just two and a half years. The purpose of today's meeting was to increase industrial investment and create better coordination between the two departments so that industrialists do not face any problem in getting all kinds of approvals. He said that the aim is to create such an environment for investors in IT City which is aimed at managing more than 50,000 jobs in the coming one year.
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary Industries and Commerce Tejveer Singh said that the Commerce and Industry Minister had held meetings with industrialists, industrial chambers and associations in which some matters came to his notice that there are obstacles in the process of getting some kinds of approvals and allocating land for setting up new industries. Today's meeting will find meaningful solutions to these matters.
Secretary Housing and Urban Development Rahul Tiwari said that while the department is continuously working for the planned development of cities, it is also committed to creating a conducive environment for investors through administrative reforms.
Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included CEO Invest Punjab DPS Kharbanda, CA GMADA Monish Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Mohali Ashika Jain, CA PUDA Neeru Katial, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Mohali T. Benith.
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Dr. Ravjot Singh, Holds Meeting with Sanitation Workers and Sewermen Union
*Assures Resolution of Genuine Demands
Chandigarh, November 21:Local Government Minister, Dr. Ravjot Singh, held a meeting today with representatives of the Sanitation Workers and Sewermen Union at Municipal Bhawan in the presence of Gurpreet Singh Khaira, Director of Local Government Department. The Minister assured the union representatives that their legitimate demands would be addressed promptly.
Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to the welfare of all sections of the society, including sanitation workers and sewermen. He stated that consistent efforts are being made to ensure their well-being.
The meeting was held in a cordial and positive atmosphere. During the discussion, the Minister lauded the sanitation workers and sewermen, calling them the backbone of the department. He reiterated Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision of making Punjab's cities garbage-free and praised the workers for their contribution toward achieving this goal.
After listening to the union’s demands, the Minister assured that all legitimate issues that can be resolved at the committee/corporation or department level would be addressed at the earliest. For demands that require action at the state government level or involve other departments, necessary steps will also be taken to ensure their resolution.
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Vigilance Bureau registers corruption case against SDO, Agriculture Sub Inspector for taking Rs 15 lakh bribe during Panchayats elections
SDO arrested, VB searching other accused
Chandigarh, November 21, 2024 –The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero-tolerance policy against corruption adopted by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has registered a corruption case against Gulab Singh, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Irrigation department Ferozepur, and Davinder Singh, Agricultural Sub-Inspector, Ferozpur for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000,00. Both the accused were were Returning Officer (RO) and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) respectively during the recently held Panchayats elections who had taken the bribe money from a candidate. In this case one of the main accused Gulab Singh, SDO has been arrested and VB teams searching for the other accused.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against both the aforementioned public servants following an investigation into a complaint lodged by Gurpreet Singh, a farmer from village Mana Singh Wala, block Ghall Khurd, in Ferozpur on the Chief Minister’s Anti-Corruption Action Line.
He informed that during the investigation, it was found that the complainant, Gurpreet Singh had filed his nomination papers to contest election for the position of Sarpanch in the recently held Panchayats elections of 2024 from his village.
As per the complaint accused, S.D.O. Gulab Singh, being RO at block Ghall Khurd, had demanded and accepted a bribe of Rs. 10,00,000 from the complainant on 04.10.2024 in the presence of above said Davinder Singh, Sub-Inspector, Agriculture, who was deployed as ARO at block Ghall Khurd.
Additionally, on 05.10.2024, an unknown individual collected another Rs 5,00,000 on behalf of Gulab Singh, at a petrol pump, close to his residence on Baghi Road, Ferozepur. The complainant further alleged that despite paying the bribe his nomination papers for the Sarpanch position were rejected on 06.10.2024.
Subsequently, the aforementioned ARO Davinder Singh, contacted SDO Gulab Singh to return the bribe money. This conversation was recorded by Davinder Singh on mobile phone and sent it to the complainant, who in turn had provided it to the VB as an evidence.
He further informed that the recording had revealed that both the above mentioned accused Gulab Singh and Davinder Singh, had conspired to extort a bribe from the complainant in exchange for not rejecting his nomination papers.
The spokesperson added that based on these findings, a case has been registered against both the accused, Gulab Singh, S.D.O. and Davinder Singh, Sub-Inspector under Prevention of Corruption Act, at VB police station Ferozepur range. In this case accused SDO Gulab Singh has been arrested and the other accused would be arrested soon. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he said.
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Punjab State Cooperative Bank takes leap forward for women empowerment
Joins hand with Patiala Foundation , for digital inclusion and economic empowerment for women
Chandigarh, November 21- In a leap forward towards women empowerment, the Patiala Foundation, OMED e.V. Germany, and the Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd., joined hand towards significant milestone in driving digital inclusion and economic empowerment for women.
During the function to mark historic tie up Chairman, The Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Mr Jagdev Singh Bam and Managing Director, The Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Ms Anindita Mitra along CEO, OMED e.V. Germany Dr. Jens H. Fischer and CEO, Patiala Foundation Ravee Singh Ahluwalia were present.
Divulging details Ms Anindita Mitra said that this initiative seeks to provide SHGs with the tools, skills, and a secure digital platform to help them market their products, exchange ideas, and address challenges collaboratively. She said that leveraging digital tools and strategies, the project aims to bridge the digital divide, enabling SHGs to reach broader markets and improve their livelihoods. She said that under this project SHG members will be provided with secure, password-protected digital spaces to communicate, collaborate, and share resources.
Likewise, Ms Anindita Mitra said that this initiative fosters a barter system where members can share tips, strategies, and resources to collectively grow and innovate. She said that the platform allows members to raise issues and highlight fraudulent activities, creating an environment of trust and vigilance. She said that the women will be trained in digital marketing, product presentation, and content creation to establish a strong online presence and expand their networks.
Ms Anindita Mitra said spaces will be shared for discussions, idea exchange, and showcasing success stories to inspire and empower SHGs. She said that this project is expected to impact hundreds of women across 10 SHGs initially, with plans to scale and include more groups in the future. She said that by combining digital literacy with collaborative support, it aims to create a replicable model for sustainable development and women’s empowerment across the region and beyond.
Ms Anindita Mitra envisioned that This project creates a safe and inclusive space for women SHGs to grow, communicate, and support each other. By fostering collaboration and providing them with tools to navigate the digital landscape, we are enabling them to take charge of their economic futures, she added.
Meanwhile, Chairman, Punjab State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Mr Jagdev Singh Bam Commended the efforts that went behind the conceptualization of this Project. He said that such projects are the need of the hour and we should encourage such initiatives which empower women. ‘Economic independence is the best way to empower women and we should promote such projects’,he added.
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Punjab to explore Global Markets for Horticulture Exports: Mohinder Bhagat
Cabinet Minister presides over high level meeting with Agriculture and Horticulture Experts
Chandigarh, November 21-Punjab Horticulture Minister, Shri Mohinder Bhagat has instructed officials of the department to accelerate efforts aimed at exporting the state's fruits and vegetables to international markets.
Presiding over a meeting with agriculture and horticulture experts, including scientists from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and officials from related organizations, Mr. Bhagat emphasized Punjab’s favorable geographical and environmental conditions for horticulture. He highlighted the potential for cultivating high-demand crops suited to European markets and other global destinations.
During the meeting, the cabinet minister instructed the officials to work towards bringing 10 percent of the total Panchayat land in Punjab under horticulture. Meanwhile, care should also be taken to ensure that the land designated for this purpose receives adequate water.
He said that the Horticulture Department and Panchayati Raj Department will monitor this work and explore the possibilities of horticulture on this land through MGNREGA.
The Cabinet Minister said that if we adopt agricultural practices based on the demands of the European market, we can increase farmers' income while keeping the environment clean.
During the meeting prominent horticulture expert of USDA ARS Subtropical Horticulture research centre SHRS Dr. Sukhwinder Singh shared insights on American sugarcane cultivation, which contains 25% sugar, compared to the 9% sugar content in Punjab's sugarcane. He identified immense potential for cultivating crops like avocados and cocoa in Punjab.
On this occasion, he gave information about the type of sugarcane being grown in America and said that the amount of sugar in this type is 25 while in the sugarcane being grown in Punjab, this amount is 9. He said that there is immense potential for avocado, cocoa farming in Punjab.
Additional Chief secretary Chief secretary Mr. Anurag Verma asked if high sucrose varieties of sugarcane can be brought to India The expert from USDA suggested that cane varieties can be imported but Government to Government protocols need to be examined
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Horticulture, Mr. Anurag Verma; Chairman, Punjab State Farmers Commission, Dr. Sukhpal Singh; Chairman, MARKFED, Amandeep Singh Mohi; Chairman, Food Commission, Bal Mukand Sharma; Chairman, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, Mangal Singh Bassi; Director, Horticulture, Shalinder Kaur; Chief, Fruit Science, PAU, Dr. H.S. Ratanpal; Additional Director, Extension Education, Dr. Tarsem Singh Dhillon; and Head, Floriculture and Vegetable Science Department, Dr. Kulbir Singh, were specially present.