Punjab Government will honor various personalities with state awards on occasion of International Divyang Diwas
State-Level Celebration in Faridkot on December 3
Chandigarh, December 2-Various personalities will be honored with state awards on the International Divyang Diwas on the occasion of the state-level event being organized by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. This was expressed by the Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur here today.
Divulging in this regard Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister said the state level function regarding the International Divyang Diwas will be held on December 3 at the Faridkot.
The Cabinet Minister said that in this state-level event, employees, individuals and non-governmental organizations who have done excellent work will be honored under various categories.
Giving further information, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Divyang persons will be honored for the commendable work.
She appealed to all the Divyang persons to participate in these functions as much as possible and get information about benefiting from the various schemes going on for their welfare.
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PEDA INKS MOU WITH CHANDIGARH UNIVERSITY TO ADVANCE ENERGY CONSERVATION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IN PUNJAB
* Collaboration aims to focus on research & innovative projects related to energy efficiency and conservation in buildings, industry & other sectors
Chandigarh, December 2:Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chandigarh University (CU) to collaborate on research and innovative projects focused on energy efficiency and conservation within the state.
The MoU was signed by Chief Executive Officer, PEDA Mr. Sandeep Hans and Dr. Raj Kumar, Professor of Mechanical Engineering Branch, Chandigarh University at PEDA Office here, on Monday.
Mr. Sandeep Hans stated that this collaboration aims to focus on research and innovative projects related to energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors, including buildings, industry, clean technologies, and energy-efficient appliances across domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and transport sectors in the state of Punjab.
He said that Chandigarh University (CU) will promote the program locally to ensure sufficient participation. Additionally, CU will provide strategic research support, guidance and direction for the development of research and Development (R&D) projects, as well as for the design, testing, performance evaluation and analysis of various technologies.
Director PEDA, Mr. MP Singh, lauded the efforts of Chandigarh University for initiating projects in the field of research and development of energy conservation in Punjab. He also discussed ideas for undertaking research and development projects related to energy conservation following the signing of the MoU.
Project Engineer PEDA Money Khanna, Rohit Kumar and Dr. Harpreet Lubana of CU were also present at the event.
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PVS SPEAKER SANDHWAN ADMINISTERS OATH TO NEWLY-ELECTED MLAs IN THE PRESENCE OF CM
Chandigarh, December 2:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today administered the oath to the newly-elected AAP MLAs from Chabbewal, Dera Baba Nanak and Gidderbaha Assembly constituencies, in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister and Leader of the House S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP Punjab President and Employment Generation, Skill Development Minister Mr. Aman Arora.
The oath taking ceremony took place in Member's Lounge of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, where AAP's elected candidate from Chabbewal Dr. Ishank Kumar Chabbewal, from Dera Baba Nanak Sh. Gurdeep Singh Randhawa and from Gidderbaha MLA Sh. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon sworn in as MLAs.
An official spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha said that on this occasion, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the MLAs on their remarkable victory in the recent by-elections. The newly-elected MLAs were accompanied by their family members and several dignitaries.
Prominent amongst others who attended the oath taking ceremony included Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Water Resources and Mining & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian, Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, Member Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal, MLA Batala and AAP Punjab Acting President Mr. Amansher Singh Shery Kalsi, Bassi Pathana MLA S. Rupinder Singh, Dharamakot MLA S. Devinder Singh Laddi Dhos, Balluana MLA Mr. Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir, Nawan Shahr MLA Mr. Nachhatar Pal besides the Senior officials of the state government including Chief Secretary Mr. KAP Sinha, Advocate General Punjab Mr. Gurminder Singh. Secretary PVS Mr. Ram Lok Khatana conducted the proceedings of the function.
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Women Can Conquer Every Frontier: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Empowering Women Through Health Awareness and Employment Opportunities – The Core Mission of the Camp
Sri Muktsar Sahib/Chandigarh, December 2:“Women are achieving remarkable milestones in every domain, breaking barriers and contributing significantly to society,” declared Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. She was addressing the state-level inaugural event held at village Danewala, Malout, as part of a groundbreaking health and employment camp dedicated to empowering women.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the camp’s primary objective is to protect women from life-threatening diseases like cancer and to create employment opportunities for young girls. Over 500 women registered for cancer screening, showcasing the camp’s impact on raising health awareness. Simultaneously, the camp facilitated a placement drive where 209 young women participated. Remarkably, 134 of them were offered jobs by seven leading companies on the spot.
“This initiative is a one-stop solution, bringing together a range of essential services for women under one roof,” said the Minister. Various departments set up specialized stalls, including those offering healthcare facilities, widow and old-age pensions, employment placement services, yoga sessions, and more. She also highlighted key schemes like the Sponsorship Program, providing widowed mothers with a monthly incentive of ₹4000 for their children, and low-interest loans to support economic independence.
In a significant move, the Minister distributed cheques worth ₹67.32 lakh under the Ashirwad Scheme to 132 beneficiaries, each receiving ₹51,000.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring they are aware of the numerous benefits available to them. She announced that similar camps would be organized in every district to ensure every woman get government services and schemes.
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Adding a cultural touch to the event, schoolchildren performed captivating programs, earning applause from the audience. The Minister also distributed track suits to 149 athletes, school bags and water bottles to 100 girls, and T-shirts and bags to beneficiaries under the Sponsorship Program.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of senior officials and community leaders, including Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava, Special Secretary Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajesh Tripathi, SDM Malout Dr. Sanjeev Kumar and several other dignitaries, alongside a large gathering of residents.
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Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Advocates for Extension of GST Compensation Cess Regime Beyond 2026
Strongly Presents Case of Revenue Loss Caused By Subsumation of Various Taxes Into GST
Chandigarh, December 2-In a strong push for the continuation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation cess regime, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday strongly recommended the continuation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Compensation Cess regime beyond March 31, 2026, to ensure that states can mitigate the revenue loss caused by the subsumation of various taxes into GST. This recommendation was made during the Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting on Compensation Cess, which Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema attended via video conferencing.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized that the GST Council, as per the Goods and Services (Compensation to States) Act 2017, has the mandate to recommend extending the compensation period beyond five years. He highlighted the significant and permanent revenue loss faced by Punjab due to the subsumation of the purchase tax on foodgrains into GST. This tax was a crucial contributor to the state's revenue in the pre-GST era, he added.
Finance Minister Cheema further pointed out that the rate of tax on goods under the Value Added Tax (VAT) regime was significantly higher than the rate applicable under GST. He said this discrepancy has resulted in considerable revenue loss for the state. He stressed that the continuation of the GST Compensation Cess regime is essential to address these financial challenges and ensure the fiscal stability of states like Punjab.
Finance Minister Cheema's call for action reflects the broader concerns of many states that have experienced similar revenue losses due to implementing GST. His recommendation aims to ensure that states are adequately compensated for their financial setbacks and can continue to provide essential services and development initiatives for their citizens. The Finance Minister's strong advocacy for the extension of the GST Compensation Cess regime also underscores the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's commitment to safeguarding the state's financial interests.
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Silk Expo-2024 from December 4
Main objective is to encourage silk producers and artisans: Mohinder Bhagat
Chandigarh, December 2-Silk Expo-2024 is being organized with the aim of encouraging and enhancing the income of sericulture farmers and silk artisans, self-help groups and especially women related to the silk trade in Punjab.
Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat informed that the Silk Expo is being organized from December 4 to December 9, 2024 at Kisan Bhawan Sector-35 A, Chandigarh. He said that this Expo is being organized in collaboration with Silk Mark Organization of India and Horticulture Department Punjab.
Mr. Bhagat further informed that in this event, artisans, traders, registered institutions of the Silk Board and societies from all the states of India will set up stalls of various types related to silk.
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Vigilance Bureau nabs JE PSPCL taking Rs 10000 bribe to adjust fine
Accused JE had previously taken Rs 10,000 bribe
Chandigarh December 2, 2024 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, on Monday apprehended Narinder Singh, Junior Engineer (J.E), posted at Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) office Nabha in Patiala district red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 10,000.
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 Bhola Chand Singla, a resident of Shiva Enclave Nabha.
He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the accused Narinder Singh JE has been demanding a bribe of Rs 10000 for adjusting the pending fine against the load of a electricity meter installed at his residence. The complaint informed that the said JE had already taken Rs 10,000 and demanding more bribe of Rs 10,000.
The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry on his complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Narinder Singh J.E. was arrested while he was accepting the bribe money from the complaint in presence of two official witnesses and the tainted bribe amount was recovered from him. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the said accused at VB police station Patiala range and further investigation into this case was under progress.
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Vigilance Bureau apprehends Patwari for accepting Rs 10,000 bribe for mutation
Accused previously taken Rs 10000 bribe for transfer of land
Chandigarh, December 2, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested a revenue Patwari, Gaurav Gupta, posted at revenue halqua Saloh and additional charge at Fambra, in SBS Nagar district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned revenue official has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Kesar Singh, a resident of village Garhi Sheru, in Ludhiana district.
He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that the aforementioned Patwari has been demanded a bribe of Rs 20000 for execution of land transfer case of family and had already taken Rs 10000 in this regard. He further alleged that the accused Patwari has demanded the remaining money for mutation of same land and he had recorded the conversation held with Patwari for demanding the bribe.
The spokesperson added that after preliminary enquiry into this complaint the VB team laid a trap and the accused Patwari has been arrested while he was accepting the bribe money from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered at VB police station Jalandhar range. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.
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