BHAGWANT MANN GOVERNMENT SETS NEW BENCHMARK IN PUBLIC DELIVERY, MULTI STOREY SUB DIVISIONAL COMPLEX DEDICATED TO PEOPLE IN 18 MONTHS

CM ANNOUNCES TO CONSTRUCT MORE SUCH ULTRA MODERN COMPLEXES ACROSS THE STATE

SAYS SPREE TO GIVE GOVERNMENT JOBS TO YOUTH TO FURTHER CONTINUE

ASSERTS THAT PEOPLE HAVE ROUTED INEFFECTIVE, INCAPABLE AND INEFFICIENT OPPOSITION IN THE BY-POLLS

Dirba (Sangrur), November 30:Setting a new benchmark in public service delivery, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday dedicated an ultra modern multi storey Sub Divisional complex constructed within a record period of 18 months at a cost of Rs 10.80 crore.

Dedicating the four storey building which will house offices of SDM, Tehsildar, BDPO, DSP, CDPO and others, the Chief Minister said that he had laid the foundation stone of this project in May 2023 and it has been completed in a record time span. He said that spread over nine acres of land this project will immensely benefit the masses by delivering them citizen centric services in a time bound manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that such modern tehsil complexes are being built across the state to facilitate the people.

The Chief Minister said that the earlier governments had never paid any heed towards such initiatives to serve the people in a better manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that previously the reign of the state was in the wrong hands earlier due to which the state had suffered adversely. However, he said that ever since assuming the charge of office his government has been according top priority to such works of immense public importance.

The Chief Minister announced that such buildings are being constructed while keeping in-view the future needs of people. He said that the state government has saved Rs 1.5 crore while constructing this building against the estimated cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the same manner the Sub divisional complex in Cheeme was under construction and would be dedicated to the people soon.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that so far 49427 government jobs have been provided to youth and 700 more would be given on December 3 at Patiala. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these youth have got jobs completely on the basis of merit. He said that the entire recruitment process has been carried on in a fair and transparent manner.

The Chief Minister said that due to this reverse migration is being witnessed in Punjab as youth are leaving foreign land to join government jobs in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that transparent recruitment has increased the faith of youth in working for the state government due to which they have shunned the idea of moving abroad and are preparing for government jobs here. He said that it is on record that contrary to the earlier trend of moving abroad, the educational institutions in the state are witnessing a huge surge in admissions by the youth.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working zealously to facilitate the people and in one such initiative a complete facelift is being given to rural roads. He said that these Link Roads act as a catalyst in commuting besides smooth transportation of the goods and services to people adding that these link roads give impetus to the economic growth of the state and facilitate the people residing in rural areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined the need for construction of these roads as majority of them have remained unattended even after passing their life of six years.

The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used in the state. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 84% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government the ground water level has started increasing and as per a report of the Union government it has witnessed an upward enhancement of one metre.

The Chief Minister exhorted the farmers to adopt crop diversification by coming out of the rut of wheat/ paddy circle. He said that the Union government must give MSP to the farmers on alternate crops to boost the crop diversification. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is unfortunate that the state contributes 180 lakh Metric Ton rice in the national food pool thereby ensuring food security in the country.

However, the Chief Minister said that after taking the grains from the state, the farmers of Punjab are blamed for creating pollution by paddy straw burning. He said that this is unwarranted and undesirable as the hard working and resilient farmers of the state have played a key role in making the country self-sufficient in food production.

The Chief Minister said that health, education, power, water and infrastructure are top five priorities of his government. He said that these facilities are not free of cost as the people pay hefty amounts in the form of taxes, adding that the state government has only repaid money to the public in the form of these facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that earlier this money was going to the houses of politicians but now it is being used for public service.

Taking a jibe at opposition, the Chief Minister said that the results of by-polls have proved that the people have full faith in the state. He said that the wise people of state have ousted the political leaders indulging in theatrics and have chosen those who are their well wishers. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family.

The Chief Minister said that these leaders who believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people since long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a fact that these convent educated political leaders are not even aware of the basic ground realities of the state.

Earlier, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

===============================
Deputy CEO Bharat Bhushan Bansal retires after 36 years of service
Chandigarh, November 30:Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Bharat Bhushan Bansal has retired today after 36 years of service from the office of CEO. On the occasion of his retirement, Bansal was honored by the Office of CEO and his services were remembered.

Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C and Additional Chief Electoral Officer Harish Nayar wished Bansal all the best for the future and prayed for his good health.

Bharat Bhushan Bansal joined as a clerk in 1989 and retired as Deputy CEO, the highest post of departmental promotion. During his service, Bansal has conducted 7 assembly elections, 10 Lok Sabha elections, SGPC elections, Presidential elections and bar council elections in addition to many by-elections.

On this occasion, Joint CEO Sakkatar Singh Bal, Election Officer Anju Bala and the staff of the CEO office were present.

==================================

PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS TWO PERSONS IN BID TO DELIVER WEAPON CONSIGNMENT; 8 SOPHISTICATED PISTOLS RECOVERED

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— ARRESTED PERSONS WERE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DELIVER WEAPON CONSIGNMENT, SAYS DGP GAURAV YAD

— CI ASR TEAMS ALSO IDENTIFIES KINGPIN OF MODULE, MANHUNT ON TO NAB HIM: DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, November 30:In a major blow to illegal arms smuggling networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state, Punjab Police’s Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has apprehended two persons when they were waiting for another operative to handover the weapon consignment smuggled from Pakistan, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

Those arrested have been identified as Jagjit Singh alias Nikku and Gurwinder Singh alias Gandhi, both residents of village Kaulowal in Amritsar.

Police teams have also recovered consignment of eight sophisticated pistols including four Glock Pistols (Austria made), two Turkey 9mm Pistols and two X-Shot Zigana .30 bore Pistols along with 10 cartridges from their possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that in an intelligence led operation, teams from CI Amritsar got to know that some persons have been indulged in the smuggling of heavy consignments of weapons from Pakistan into India. Acting swiftly, police teams laid a trap and arrested accused persons Jagjit alias Nikku and Gurwinder alias Gandhi from Nurpur Padhri near Gharinda in Amritsar when they were waiting for someone to deliver the consignment, he said.

The DGP said that CI Amritsar has also identified the main kingpin of this module and several teams have been constituted to apprehend him.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the kingpin of this module was is in contact with Pakistan-based weapon smugglers via encrypted apps, he said, while adding that further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages.

A case FIR No 66 dated 29.11.2024 has been registered under section 25 of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar. The arrested accused will be presented before the local court to seek police remand.

===================================================

SIX CADETS OF MRSAFPI PASS OUT FROM NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY KHADAKWASLA

•Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh reviews passing out parade

•Cadet Gurkirat Singh secures top position in the Arts stream

•Cabinet Minister Aman Arora wishes the cadets all the best for future

Chandigarh, November 30:Making the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar (Mohali) proud yet again, six more cadets of the Institute on Saturday passed out from the National Defence Academy (NDA) Khadakwasla (Maharashtra) as part of the 147th NDA Course. The passing out parade was reviewed by Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, PVSM, AVSM.

After completing three years of rigorous training, these six cadets—Gurkirat Singh, Barjinder Singh, Sukhdev Singh Gill, Yuvraj Singh Tomar, Vinayak Sharma and Kush Pandeya—will now proceed to various service training academies to become commissioned officers within a year. Gurkirat Singh, the son of a retired Lance Naik from the Army, made the state proud by securing the top position in the Arts Stream of the passing out course. He received recognition from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lucknow, who was the Chief Guest at the Convocation of the Course.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora congratulated the cadets on their outstanding achievement and wished them all the best for a bright future in the Defence Services. He mentioned that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has been working diligently to fulfil the aspirations of youth who wish to join the Armed Forces as commissioned officers. He also expressed satisfaction with the results being achieved by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute.

Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, the Director of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Institute, congratulated the cadets on their passing out, while mentioning that currently, 20 cadets from MRSAFPI are awaiting call-up letters to join various service training academies. Additionally, 43 cadets will soon be heading for their Service Selection Board (SSB) interviews.

====================================

PSPCL Achieves Landmark Savings of Rs 1000 Crore with Pachwara Coal Mine Initiative: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Punjab Power Corporation Saves Rs. 11 Crore per Lakh Metric Tonne of Coal from Pachwara Mine

PSPCL Receives 92 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Coal from Pachwara Mine

Chandigarh, November 30-Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced on Saturday that the Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) has achieved substantial savings of approximately Rs 1,000 crore due to the procurement of cheaper coal from the Pachwara coal mine.

In a press communiqué issued here, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the initiative launched by the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in December 2022, has proven to be a cost-effective alternative to sourcing coal from Coal India Limited. He said that the Pachwara coal mine was inoperative since 2015.

Giving details of the financial benefits of obtaining coal from the Pachwara coal mine, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the coal from Pachwara is Rs 11 crore cheaper per 1 lakh metric ton compared to obtaining coal from Coal India Limited. “To date, PSPCL has procured 92 lakh metric tons of coal from Pachwara, transported through a total of 2,400 rakes”, he added.

The Power Minister said that as a result of this initiative, the thermal plants in Punjab are no longer facing any coal shortages. He said that the Guru Gobind Singh Super Thermal Power Plant in Ropar has a coal stock sufficient for 35 days, the Sri Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant in Lehra Mohabbat has a 26-day stock, and the Sri Guru Amardas Thermal Power Plant in Goindwal Sahib has a 28-day stock.

Further emphasizing the state's advancements in the power sector, Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO highlighted the acquisition of the 540 MW GVK Thermal Plant, now known as the Sri Guru Amardas Thermal Plant in Goindwal Sahib. “Purchased at a rate of ₹2 crore per MW, this plant alone is generating annual savings of ₹350 crore. Since the acquisition, the plant's power generation capacity, measured by the plant load factor, has doubled, increasing from 35 percent to 77 percent”, said the Power Minister.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO attributed these significant achievements to the proactive initiatives of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that such measures have enabled the state government to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to domestic consumers across the state.

======================================

PANCHAYATS OF KHARAR CONSTITUENCY SHOULD WORK TO UPLIFT THEIR VILLAGES: ANMOL GAGAN MAAN

— Orders to set up open gyms in all the grounds in the villages of the constituency

— Also orders to begin cleaning of ponds, streets and drains of the villages

— Anmol Gagan Maan redresses majority of complaints and demands of Panchayats on the spot

Chandpur (Block Majri) November 30:MLA Kharar Anmol Gagan Maan on Saturday appealed to newly elected Panchayats of Block Majri and Kharar Block to work for upliftment of their village.

While presiding over the Sewa Samagam organized for 110 panchayats of Block Majri and Kharar at village Chandpur near Block Majri here today, Anmol Gagan Maan said that the people of the constituency have given us a big mandate and handed over the service. She appealed to the panchayats to maintain full coordination with the officials and administration of the panchayat department for the development of their villages and if they face any problem, they should contact her directly.

On this occasion, she instructed officials to set up open gyms at grounds in the villages of the constituency and also clean the ponds and streets of the villages.

Anmol Gagan Maan instructed the officials due to its proximity to Chandigarh, the lands of this area have been encroached on a large scale, which should be released as soon as possible and handed over to the village panchayats. On this occasion, she also clarified that strict action should be taken against any person occupying Shamlat lands and using my name because we have no connection with those doing illegal work.

She said that it has also come to her notice that some people were using her name to encroach on government property. She instructed the police officers and civil officers to take legal action against such persons.

Anmol Gagan Maan said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has been working in the direction of making the state Rangla Punjab.

She appealed to the panchayats to work sincerely and diligently to solve the problems of their villages.

On this occasion, the Panchayats of different villages apprised her about the problems of their respective villages.

Anmol Gagan Maan directed the officials to remove illegal encroachments in the constituency as well as stop illegal mining completely.

On this occasion, most of the complaints and demands of many panchayats were solved on the spot by Anmol Gagan Mann. Apart from this, after listening to the problems of the people, they were also solved on the spot.

During the event, many Government services were also provided to the people, which were benefited by the residents of the constituency.

On this occasion Harish Rana Chairman Market Committee Kurali, Amandeep Singh, Shubham Giri, Sarpanch Jaspreet Singh, Jaggi Kadimajra, Satwinder Singh, Sudagar All Block President, Hardeep Arora, Sukhwinder Singh Bittu, Vikas Mohan, Maninder Singh, Harpreet Kaur Teur and Jagdeep Rana were also present.

---------

MP Arora meets Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister assures for expediting work at Halwara Airport on IAF side

Chandigarh, November 30:Member Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sh. Sanjeev Arora met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi and requested for expediting work at Halwara Airport by Indian Air Force (IAF).

Giving this information here, he added that during his meeting, he apprised the Defence Minister about the ongoing relaying work of the airstrip at Halwara Airport, which is operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). He opined that this project is crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of the airport and facilitating civil aviation activities.

He further apprised Defence Minister that he has been closely monitoring the progress of this project and have regularly conducting site visits and meetings with the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, the Airport Director of Ludhiana, representatives from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), officials from the Indian Air Force, the State Public Works Department (PWD) and other allied agencies. He added, “Despite our collective efforts, there are certain works, approvals and formalities pending from the IAF that are causing delays in the completion of the project.” 100 percent work has been completed at the civil side of the airport. The Halwara Airport will be operational after completion of work pending on IAF side.

Sh. Arora requested the Defence Minister to direct the concerned officials from the IAF to expedite the necessary approvals and formalities. This will ensure that the civil operations at Halwara Airport can commence at the earliest, thereby benefiting the region's connectivity and economic growth.

Defence Minister has assured an immediate action and has instructed concerned to speed up the work.

It may be mentioned here that Sh. Arora had already held a meeting in August this year with a high-level team sent by N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, the holding company and promoter of all Tata Group companies, with regard to possibilities of starting flights from the upcoming Airport at Halwara, after completion of entire work of the airport in the near future.

Meanwhile, Sh. Arora reiterated that the Halwara airport has the capacity to accommodate 300 passengers in one go. The airport has the provision for expansion in the future. Two wide bodied aircrafts can be parked at one time.

Sh. Arora reiterated that the Airport Project is the “dream project” of Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann who sanctioned funds for it.

The airport is being set up in an area measuring 161.28 acres. Of this area, the built-up Terminal area is 2,000 square meters. The total civil terminal cost excluding land is around Rs.70 Crores.

==========================================

Barinder Kumar Goyal for strategic water conservation and farmer outreach

Chandigarh, November 30:Punjab Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal stressed for critical need for innovative water management strategies and comprehensive farmer awareness programmes.

In a maiden review meeting at the MGSIPA here with the officials of the Soil and Water Conservation department, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal called for an aggressive and holistic approach to water conservation, directing department officials to accelerate ongoing projects and develop a robust communication strategy to ensure maximum penetration of government initiatives at the grassroots level.

Sh. Goyal reiterated Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government's commitment to maximizing surface and canal water utilization, with a specific focus on ensuring water reaches tail-end agricultural regions to progressively reduce groundwater dependency.

The Cabinet Minister particularly accentuated the importance of farmer engagement, recognizing a significant information gap regarding departmental programmes. He mandated the development of a comprehensive and strategically crafted water conservation awareness programme, stressing direct and personal communication approaches to effectively disseminate information and programme benefits. The Cabinet Minister clearly directed department officials to expedite ongoing works and implement innovative water conservation methodologies.

The high-level meeting, attended by Sh. Anurag Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture, comprehensively reviewed the state's water availability challenges and current departmental programmes.

Highlighting the department's strategic priorities, Sh. Verma emphasized the underground pipeline irrigation programme, stressing the need to mobilize funding from diverse sources.

S. Mohinder Singh Saini, Chief Conservator of Soils, presented key initiatives including the revival of two strategic programmes: irrigation through village ponds and check dam construction in the Kandi region to facilitate in-situ rainwater harvesting.

=============================

PUNJAB WITNESSES 70% DROP IN FARM FIRES THIS KHARIF SEASON

* Agriculture Minister attributes the significant reduction to increased mechanization in farming sector

•Farmers procured 16,125 CRM machines out of the 22,582 sanctioned

Chandigarh, November 30:Punjab has recorded a significant 70 percent reduction in farm fires during the current Kharif season, announced Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian here, on Saturday.

As of November 30, 2024, the last day of Kharif season 2024, the Punjab has reported 10,909 incidents of paddy straw burning, a significant decrease from the 36,663 fire incidents reported during the 2023-24 season, he added.

The significant reduction in farm fires can be attributed to increased mechanisation in the agricultural sector, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated while adding that 22,582 sanction letters have been issued to farmers for subsidised Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, with 16,125 machines already procured by the state farmers. Additionally, 722 Customer Hiring Centres (CHCs) was set up to provide small and marginal farmers with access to CRM machines.

Lauding the farmers who chose to refrain from using matchsticks this year, the Agriculture Minister said, “It’s our collective responsibility to save the environment for our future generations, as stubble burning not only causes air pollution but also reduces the fertility of soil.”