Housing and Urban Development Department in Year 2024
Dream of registries without NoC come true in 2024
Boosts revenue growth, and provided relief to builders/promoters
Registries without NoC starts, fulfilled a long-standing demand among the state's people
Successful completion of two e-auctions involving the sale of various properties resulted in a revenue gain of Rs 5060 Cr
178 clearance certificates were issued to developers and promoters in two Mega Camps
Chandigarh, December 23-In 2024, the Punjab Government undertook several initiatives to provide significant relief to the residents of the state, particularly in urban areas, while focusing on the planned development of cities. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the introduction of NoC-free registries has fulfilled a long-standing public demand, enabling property registration without the need for an NoC (No Objection Certificate).
Highlighting the major initiative completed in 2024, Housing and Urban Development Minister Mr. Hardip Singh Mundian said that the Punjab government has fulfilled the decade-old demand of residents by eliminating the requirement for NoCs for land registries under 500 yards as Vidhan Sabha passed PAPRA Act to facilitate this reform. Following its implementation, the Urban Development and Revenue Department notified the public to avail themselves of the benefits of this initiative within the three-month period from December 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025.
Mr. Mundian emphasized the remarkable and transparent execution of two e-auctions, which resulted in a total revenue gain of Rs. 5060 Cr conducted under various development authorities. The e-auctions aided the sale of properties, including group housing, petrol pumps, hotel sites, SCOs, and booths, as well as industrial and residential plots. In August, Rs. 3000 Cr was generated while an additional Rs. 2060 Cr was secured in October. This initiative offered residents the chance to secure a home and embark on their entrepreneurial endeavours.
The minister further elaborated that for the first time ever, the government took the initiative to directly assist promoters and developers by issuing clearance certificates. The government organized two mega camps, one in October and another in December, marking an unprecedented move by any government to achieve this. The first camp issued 51 clearance certificates, while the second camp granted 127. Under the supervision of various development authorities, licenses for colonies, completion certificates, partial completion certificates, letters of intent, zoning plans, building plans, and promoter registration certificates were issued.
Mr. Mundian concluded by emphasizing that, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government remains committed to the betterment of the state’s residents and continues to work relentlessly for their welfare.
The year saw the planning and execution of significant projects, with further initiatives aimed at public welfare in the pipeline. In the upcoming year, the department will organize additional e-auctions and mega camps to issue more clearance certificates.
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Over Rs. 86,000 Crore Investment in Punjab in Two-and-a-Half Years Under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s Leadership: Sond
- Sond invites more businesspersons and industrialists to establish industries in Punjab
Chandigarh, December 23: Punjab’s Industry and Commerce Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, has extended an invitation to national and international industrialists to invest in Punjab. He highlighted that the state’s industry-friendly policies have attracted global investors. Since March 2022, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, investments amounting to Rs. 86,541 crore have been received.
He revealed that since 2022, over 5,300 investment proposals have been received, of which Rs. 86,541 crore has already materialized, creating employment opportunities for nearly 3,92,540 individuals.
Some key projects secured during the current government’s tenure include investments from Tata Steel Limited (Rs. 2,600 crore), Sanathan Polycoat Private Limited (Rs. 1,600 crore), Ambuja Cements Limited (Rs. 1,400 crore), Ruchira Papers Limited (Rs. 1,137 crore), Topan Specialty Films Limited (Rs. 787 crore), Nestle India Limited (Rs. 583 crore), Happy Forgings Limited (Rs. 438 crore), Freudenberg Group (Rs. 339 crore), OEC Metcorp Limited (Rs. 309 crore) and Cargill India Private Limited (Rs. 160 crore).
Sond urged other entrepreneurs to start their industries in Punjab, assuring that the Mann-led government would extend full support to industrialists in every way.
He emphasized that Punjab offers a conducive, suitable, and peaceful environment for investment. The state government is committed to the progress and prosperity of industries with seriousness and cordiality. Its policies are industry-friendly, allowing small and medium enterprises to start their businesses immediately with a simple affidavit, while the necessary documentation process can be completed within three years.
Sond also highlighted that Punjab’s “Invest Punjab” portal ranks first among 28 states in terms of efficiency. Nearly 58,000 small and medium new enterprises have registered on the portal, which is a record in itself.
Since taking charge as Industry Minister, Sond has held numerous meetings with businesspersons, associations, industrial chambers, and representatives of industrial groups. He assured that their suggestions and advice would be considered while drafting new policies and schemes. He expressed optimism that, with industry-friendly policies, Punjab’s industrial sector would soon witness exponential growth, attracting even more investments to the state.
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Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Strongly Opposes Inclusion of Air Turbine Fuel Under GST
Says, Decision will Open Door to Transitioning Petroleum Products from VAT to GST
Demands to consider 2015-16 as base year for fixing states share in ‘Negative IGST Settlement’
Chandigarh, December 23 Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly opposed the agenda of bringing Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) under the ambit of Goods and Services Tax (GST), emphasising that including ATF under GST would pave the way for removing petroleum products from the Value Added Tax (VAT). He raised this concern during the 55th meeting of the GST Council held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, under the chairpersonship of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Revealing this in a press communiqué issued here today, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this decision would be detrimental to the states already suffering losses due to the GST regime. He highlighted that Punjab has earned Rs 113 crore in FY 2022-23, Rs. 105 crore in FY 2023-24, and Rs 75 crore till November in the current fiscal year as VAT on Air Turbine Fuel.
Finance Minister Cheema further sought compensation for the Rs. 20,000 crore loss incurred by the state due to the implementation of the GST regime. He warned that once the door to transitioning petroleum products from VAT to GST is opened, states would face an unbearable fiscal crisis. He pointed out that Punjab’s VAT collection on petrol and diesel has been substantial, with Rs 3,600 crore on diesel and Rs 1,800 crore on petrol in FY 2022-23, Rs. 4,400 crore on diesel and Rs. 2,300 crore on petrol in FY 2023-24, and Rs. 3,400 crore on diesel and Rs. 2,000 crore on petrol till November in the current fiscal year. Finance Minister Cheema emphasized that this VAT collection is crucial for the financial health of the states.
On the issue of ‘Negative IGST Settlement’, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema advocated that the GST regime imposes a sudden burden on the states. He urged the Union Government to consider the base year 2015-16, instead of the preceding year, for fixing the states share. Furthermore, Cheema advocated for making the Compensation Cess a continuous process, linking it to capital expenditure to enable states to build their infrastructure.
Punjab has also extended strong support to Andhra Pradesh’s demand for extending the levy of Disaster Cess to the tune of 1 percent for two more years on intra-state movement of goods to provide support to flood-affected areas. Punjab Finance Minister suggested that it should be a continuous feature to help the states facing natural disasters. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also welcomed the changes being introduced in the registration process, stating that these measures would significantly curb the proliferation of bogus dealers.
Additionally, Finance Minister Cheema brought to the attention of the GST Council that removing clause (b) of section 13(8) of the GST Act would bring intermediary services provided on behalf of offshore clients under the exemption, which should not be allowed. The council has deferred this agenda item for further deliberation. The agenda for providing exemption on health and medical insurance premiums has also been deferred following a dissenting note by Punjab.
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GRENADE ATTACK IN GURDASPUR: JOINT OPERATION OF PUNJAB AND UP POLICE LEADS TO ENCOUNTER WITH THREE OPERATIVES OF KZF TERROR MODULE
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE
— TERROR MODULE IS CONTROLLED BY KZF CHIEF RANJEET SINGH NITA AND OPERATED BY GREECE-BASED JASWINDER SINGH MANNU, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— ANOTHER UK-BASED HANDLER JAGJEET SINGH, REPORTED TO BE WORKING IN BRITISH ARMY, USED IDENTITY OF FATEH SINGH BAGHI TO CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY OF GRENADE ATTACK: REVEALS PROBE
— FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS ONGOING TO EXPOSE ALL CONNECTIONS AND MEMBERS OF TERROR MODULE
CHANDIGARH, December 23:In a major breakthrough against Pakistan-ISI’s sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terror module, a joint operation of Punjab Police and Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police has led to an encounter with three module members involved in grenade attack at Police establishment in Gurdaspur, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.
The encounter has taken place in the jurisdiction of Police Station Puranpur in Pilibhit, UP between the joint police teams of Pilibhit and Punjab after three module members opened fire at the police party.
The development came in less than week after some unknown persons hurled a hand grenade at Bakshiwala Police Post under the jurisdiction of Kalanaur Police Station in Gurdaspur on December 18, 2024. Pertinently, terrorist organisation KZF had used social media platform to claim the responsibility for this act of terror.
DGP Gaurav Yadav has identified three operatives as Varinder Singh alias Ravi of Agwan in Kalanaur, Gurwinder Singh of Bhaini Bania Mohalla in Kalanaur and Jashanpreet Singh alias Partap Singh of Shur Khurd in Kalanaur. Police teams in UP have also recovered two AK-47 rifles and two 9MM Glock pistols from their possession, he added.
He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that this terror module is controlled by Pak-based Ranjeet Singh Nita, the chief of KZF, and operated by Greece-based Jaswinder Singh Mannu, a native of village Agwan village in Kalanaur.
Notably, accused Varinder alias Ravi, who was leading the module, also belongs to Agwan village and he was being further controlled and masterminded by UK based Jagjeet Singh, reported to be working in the British Army and using assumed identity Fateh Singh Baghi, using which he also claimed the responsibility of the grenade attack, he added.
Terming this operation as a classic example of inter-state cooperation in which police forces of UP and Punjab worked together, the DGP said that the information, which was received by the Punjab Police, was immediately shared with the UP police and joint operation was launched against the perpetrators.
Sharing operation details, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Satinder Singh said that following reliable inputs about suspects fled to UP and taking shelter somewhere there at Pilibhit, Gurdaspur Police immediately informed the Pilibhit Police and also moved police teams from Gurdaspur to Pilibhit to launch a joint operation.
Police teams had successfully traced the accused persons and when confronted they opened fire at the police teams, prompting police parties to retaliate, he said, while adding that during the exchange of fire trio accused persons had sustained bullet injuries and were immediately taken to CHC Puranpur for urgent medical treatment.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurdaspur Harish Dayama said that further investigations are going on to expose all connections and members of this terror module and more arrests and recoveries likely in coming days.
A case FIR no. 124 dated 19/12/2024 was registered under sections 109 and 324 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 4 (5) of the Explosive Act at Police Station Kalanaur. While, sections 13, 16, 17, 18-B, 20, 35 and 40 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act have been added in the FIR.
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Punjab school education department touches new horizons in 2024
Mann Government transforms the fate of government schools
Chandigarh, December 23:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab School Education Department has achieved remarkable milestones in 2024, with education being designated as a priority sector.
The Punjab Government initiated various training programs to modernize the skills of government school teachers and principals. Over 200 principals and education administrators received specialized training at the Principal Academy and Institute of Singapore International.
Besides this, 150 headmasters underwent training at IIM Ahmedabad, focusing on leadership, school management, AI integration in education and collaborative participation. Advancing further in training initiatives, 72 teachers, including BPEOs, CHTs, HTs and ETT teachers received specialized training at the University of Turku (Finland) to strengthen primary education.
To ensure proper maintenance, security and cleanliness of government schools, approximately Rs. 82 crore was allocated. This facilitated the recruitment of 1,689 campus managers and 1,265 security guards through PESCO for 689 high and senior secondary schools.
Likewise, arrangements were made for cleaning staff in 8,286 schools and 1,734 watchmen were recruited for government senior secondary schools.
The Mann government has developed 118 government schools as state-of-the-art Schools of Eminence and allocated Rs.29.3 crore for high-speed fiber WiFi internet connections across all government schools. Similarly, Rs.120.43 crore was provided for constructing toilets, additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries and other facilities. The state government has also allocated Rs.93.48 crore for classrooms and laboratories.
This year, free uniforms and books were distributed to students at the beginning of the session. To ensure excellent academic performance, programs like CEP, Mission Samarth and Mission Arambh were launched along with initiatives like Mega PTM to ensure parent participation.
The Punjab Government introduced transport facilities for 118 Schools of Eminence and 17 girls' senior secondary schools, significantly benefiting students.
School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains highlighted that the government is continuously working to fulfill its promise of providing quality education. He said that district-level events have been initiated to gather suggestions from teachers and school heads for further improvements in government schools.
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GoP Invites Applications for Chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission
Chandigarh, December 23-The Government of Punjab has invited applications from distinguished individuals with impeccable integrity, high caliber, and administrative experience to fill the vacant position of Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission, Pa Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Punjab Government said that as per the eligibility criteria, the applicants must have held office for at least 10 years under the Government of India or the Government of State. Additionally, they should be less than 62 years of age on the date of issue of public notice in this regards. Candidates who have applied against the advertisement dated 26.11.2024 and 14.12.2024, need not to apply again.
The interested applicants are required to submit their complete bio-data, including an undertaking, to the office of Secretary Personnel, Government of Punjab (PP-3 Branch), Room No. 14, 6th floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat, Sector 1, Chandigarh. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:00 PM on January 15, 2025.
A Search Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, will shortlist the names of eligible candidates. These names will then be considered by the High-Powered Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister of Punjab.
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Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains writes letter to Manohar Lal Khattar demanding construction of 5 new bridges
Chandigarh, December 23:Punjab cabinet minister and MLA from Anandpur Sahib constituency Harjot Singh Bains, on Monday, wrote a letter to Union Cabinet Minister Manohar Lal Khattar urging construction of 5 new bridges on BBMB rivers.
The cabinet minister said that people of Shri Anandpur Sahib constituency, particularly in areas like Nangal, Kiratpur Sahib, and Anandpur Sahib, whose area fall under the jurisdiction of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) were facing critical infrastructure challenges due to lack of road connectivity.
He added that the construction of these new bridges would not only improve the road connectivity but also pave the way for holistic development and boost tourism in the region.
Minister Bains urged the union minister to construct bridge over Sarsa-Nangal, reconstruction of 60-year old bridges in Brahampur and Darauli, bridge for Attari and adjoining villages and proper bridge for village Bhaowal. He added that the construction of these bridges require immediate attention as it would pave the way for progress and prosperity in this historically significant region.
The minister said that their forefathers sacrificed their precious land-land, that was as dear to them as their mother, for the construction of the Bhakra Nangal Dam, canals, and powerhouses.
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He added that monumental sacrifice was instrumental in the development of modern India and was rightly hailed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as the "Temple of Modern India."
“However, after more than 60 years, the infrastructure created during that era has deteriorated significantly, and no substantial development has been undertaken in recent years. Shri Anandpur Sahib is a sacred land where Dashmesh Pita Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji created the Khalsa. It is blessed by the sacred soil of Mata Naina Devi and other revered temples,” wrote Bains.
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SHAHEEDI SABHA: 20 PARKING SPACES, 100 SHUTTLE BUSES FOR CONVENIENCE OF DEVOTEES COMING TO PAY OBEISANCE IN FATEHGARH SAHIB
— SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA REVIEWS SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN FATEHGARH SAHIB AHEAD OF SHAHEEDI SABHA
— DRONES ARE BEING USED TO MONITOR TRAFFIC AND PARKING ARRANGEMENTS, SAYS SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA
— ALSO BRIEFS POLICE FORCE DEPLOYED TO ENSURE FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS OF THE SHAHEEDI SABHA
CHANDIGARH/FATEHGARH SAHIB, December 23:Ahead of Shaheedi Sabha, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Monday visited Fatehgarh Sahib and reviewed the security arrangements at the spot to ensure that the event would be conducted in a smooth and secure manner in the district.
The three-day annual Shaheedi Sabha to pay homage to the martyrdom of Chotey Sahibzade— Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the youngest sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh, will be held at Fatehgarh Sahib from December 25 to December 27, 2024.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla, accompanied by DIG Ropar Range Harcharan Singh Bhullar and SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Dr Ravjot Grewal, briefed all the DSP and SP rank officers and 3200 police force deployed to ensure foolproof security arrangements of the Shaheedi Sabha. He asked them to adopt the utmost humble approach towards the sangat and work with full dedication and determination to make this even successful.
Reviewing all the security arrangements, he said that many new initiatives have been implemented by the Fatehgarh Sahib police to ensure peaceful and smooth conduct of the Shaheedi Sabha this year so that the pilgrims would not face any kind of hassle in paying obeisance to the Chotey Sahibzade.
The Special DGP said that a total of 20 parking spaces have been earmarked and Shuttle bus service between the parking area and Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib has been expanded to 100 buses for the convenience of the devotees. The entire city has been converted into a one-way traffic route, he added.
He said that the arrangement of the area has been divided into five sectors, and a clear VIP route, which also serves as the emergency route, has been delineated. Extensive use of volunteers from Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Khalsa Aid, National Cadet Corps (NCC), and other NGOs is being made, he said.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla said that drones are being used to monitor traffic and parking arrangements. Six help centres, which include a police desk, an information desk, and medical aid, have also been set to assist devotees coming from all over the country, he added.
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PUNJAB GOES GREEN: 66 SOLAR POWER PLANTS TO REDUCE RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS
•Will add 264MW in green energy by December 2025: Aman Arora
• New & Renewable Energy Minister hands over LoA to M/s. V.P. Solar Generations Pvt. Ltd. for setting up grid-connected solar power plants
• Solar plants to generate approx. 400 MU power annually and draw investment of around Rs.1056-CR in Punjab
- Move will save around Rs. 176-CR agriculture subsidy annually
- PSERC approves tariff of Rs.2.38/kwh for evacuation of solar power for 25 years
Chandigarh, December 23:With an aim to make the state a leading state in clean energy production and diminish reliance on fossil fuels, the Punjab Government will set up 66 solar power plants, each with a 4 MW capacity (total 264MW capacity), informed Punjab New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr. Aman Arora here on Monday.
He also handed over a Letter of Award (LoA) to M/s. V.P. Solar Generations Pvt. Ltd. for setting up solar power plants at 66-KV substations of PSPCL in the State.
This company has been selected through a transparent and competitive bidding process. Thereafter, Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) had approved a tariff of Rs. 2.38/kwh for evacuation and sale of the solar power to PSPCL for 25 years under long term PPA.
Mr. Aman Arora said that this ambitious clean energy project will be completed by the end of December 2025. Upon completion, these solar plants will generate approximately 400 Million Units (MU) of electricity annually. By implementing feeder level solarisation, these solar power plants will also help in compensating the state around Rs. 176 crore agricultural subsidy bill annually. This will contribute significantly to the region's renewable energy capacity, besides, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Energy Generated from these Solar Power Plants shall be counted towards achieving the targets under Distributed Energy Component of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) in the State.
Mr. Aman Arora directed the PEDA officials to put their every effort in smooth and timely execution of the project. This endeavour will attract investments around Rs. 1,056 Crore in the state, paving the way for the creation of job opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled individuals in the realm of non-conventional energy within the State, he added.
Director PEDA Mr. M.P. Singh, Joint Director Mr. Rajesh Bansal, Directors of M/s. V.P. Solar Generations Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Parmodh Chaudhary and Mr. Harpal Singh Sandhu were also present during the issuance of Letter of Award.
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