Dr. Baljit Kaur Highlights Key Achievements in Women Empowerment and Social Welfare

Punjab Government distributed pension of ₹4532.60-CR to approximately 34.09 lakh beneficiaries up to November 2024

Free Bus Travel Benefits Over 1 Crore Women Monthly Across Punjab

Health, Hygiene and Awareness Camps: 596 Women Secure Jobs in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur

Financial Assistance of ₹48.55 Crore Provided to Pregnant and Lactating Women in 2024

Malnutrition Rates Drop Significantly in Punjab: Key Milestones Achieved

Chandigarh, December 27-Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women, and Child Development, highlighted the significant achievements of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, in 2024 towards ensuring the welfare, empowerment, and health of women, children, and senior citizens across the state.

The Minister emphasized that under the Old Age Pension and other financial assistance schemes, beneficiaries receive ₹1500 per month as pension. By November 2024, nearly 34.09 lakh beneficiaries have been supported, with ₹4532.60 crore disbursed transparently through the Public Financial Management System.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “The purpose of the Punjab Government's free bus travel scheme for women is to instill a sense of self-confidence and security among them. Over 1 crore women benefit from this facility every month.”

Cabinet Minister added to enhance employment opportunities and promote health awareness among women, the government launched the “Health, Hygiene and Awareness Camps” initiative on December 2, 2024, beginning in District Sri Muktsar Sahib. These camps will gradually expand to all districts. Sri Muktsar Sahib camp saw participation from seven companies, where 209 women were interviewed, 134 were shortlisted, and 28 secured jobs. Additionally, the camps offered free health checkups for women, promoting awareness about disease prevention and health care.

In the camp held in Barnala district, over 370 women candidates appeared for job interviews with 12 companies. During this event, 88 women registered for free training programs offered by IBM and Microsoft. Companies in sectors like banking and insurance, textiles, computers, and cosmetics participated in the camp. As a result, 241 candidates were shortlisted for interviews, and eight were given appointment letters on the spot.

In a mega placement camp organized in Gurdaspur, 465 women participated, and 356 women were selected for various posts after on-the-spot interviews conducted by different companies. Officials interviewed women for post such as warehouse clerk, machine operator, telecaller, computer operator, security guard, warehouse packer, insurance advisor, loan advisor, and wellness advisor.

Similarly, during the mega placement camp held in Hoshiarpur, companies aimed to fill 400 vacancies. More than 1,500 candidates participated, of which 204 were hired on the spot, and 412 were shortlisted for the final round of interviews. Additionally, 54 candidates registered for IBM and Microsoft programs, while 57 registered for Red Cross initiatives.The PNB Rural Self-Employment Training Institute also provided awareness about loan facilities available for self-employment during the event.

The Minister further highlighted that under the Matru Vandana Yojana, financial aid amounting to ₹25 crore was disbursed to 52,229 pregnant and lactating women earlier this year. In December, an additional ₹23.55 crore was given among 76,895 beneficiaries. These initiatives aim to enhance maternal and child health across Punjab.

Dr. Baljit Kaur highlighted the decline in malnutrition rates across the state, as reported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Between 2022 and 2024, stunting decreased from 22.08% to 17.65%, wasting from 9.54% to 3.17%, and underweight rates from 13.58% to 5.57%, thanks to the department’s relentless efforts.

She further said that the established of state level and district-level branches under the Hub for Empowerment of Women initiative. These branches aim to raise awareness of government schemes and ensure their effective implementation.

“The Punjab Government remains committed to empowering women, improving health standards, and ensuring social security for all. Government focus is on inclusive growth and creating a state where every citizen thrives,” Dr. Baljit Kaur affirmed.

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Harjot Singh Bains and KAP Sinha pays homage on behalf of Punjab Government to Doctor Manmohan Singh

New Delhi, December 27-Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha paid their respects to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, laying floral tributes at his body in New Delhi. They also took a moment to share their condolences with Dr. Singh's family.

S. Bains praised Dr. Singh's remarkable contributions to India's economic development, noting that he skillfully navigated the country out of a difficult economic situation and set it on a path of progress. He also commended Dr. Singh's humility, honesty, simplicity, and ability, which will continue to inspire generations to come.

S. Bains prayed before the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and friends to bear the loss.

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Punjab strengthens prison security infra, enhances inmate rehabilitation efforts in 2024: Laljit Singh Bhullar

Construction of Rs.100-CR high-security jail underway to house 300 high-risk prisoners

AI-based CCTV surveillance system being installed in 8 central jails for detecting contraband throws, wall scaling and unauthorized mobile usage, with plans to expand to six more prisons

Process underway to install V-Kavach jammers across 12 sensitive jails, following successful implementation at Central Jail Bathinda

Enrollment of 2200 inmates in educational courses under the "Sikhya Daat Project"

Addition of 2 new petrol pumps at Nabha and Fazilka, increasing total number of operational petrol pumps to eight

Recruitment of 738 warders and 25 matrons, with additional positions being filled to strengthen prison administration

Chandigarh, December 27:Punjab Jails Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Friday, highlighted the significant strides being made by the Prisons Department in fortifying security measures and improving prisoner rehabilitation during 2024.

"Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is establishing a Rs.100 crore high-security jail near Ludhiana, spanning over 50 acres. Once completed, this facility will accommodate 300 high-risk prisoners," said S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, reiterating the government's commitment to strengthening prison infrastructure.

Giving further details, the Cabinet Minister informed that the department has prioritized technology integration, with AI-based CCTV surveillance being implemented in eight central jails to detect contraband throws, wall scaling and unauthorized mobile usage. This system will be extended to six more jails. Similarly, the V-Kavach jammers are in the process of being installed across 12 sensitive jails, building upon the successful implementation at Central Jail Bathinda, which also received an additional CRPF company for enhanced security.

To modernize communication while preventing illegal mobile usage, the Jails Minister said, more than 750 inmate calling systems are being installated. The department is in the process of equipping all 13 sensitive jails with X-ray baggage scanners and installing CCTV coverage in high-security zones where high risk prisoners are lodged.

The newly established Research, Analysis and Intelligence Wing, operational since October 2023, has strengthened internal security through intelligence-based operations and behavioral analysis of inmates, he added.

On the rehabilitation front, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar noted that 2200 inmates are pursuing educational courses under the "Sikhya Daat Project", while 513 prisoners are being enrolled in various skill development programs including electrical work, plumbing and tailoring, scheduled to commence this December.

He said that the department has also expanded its commercial initiatives by establishing two new petrol pumps at Nabha and Fazilka, bringing the total to eight operational units.

Addressing staffing needs, the Cabinet Minister mentioned that 738 warders and 25 matrons have joined recently, with recruitment ongoing for 179 additional guarding staff positions. The government has approved the revival of 1220 posts across various cadres, with recruitment to begin shortly, he added.

The Jails Minister informed that for psychological support, three counselors have been appointed under the Punjab Prisons Development Board to assist both inmates and staff.

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Sandhwan expresses grief over demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh

Says, the country has lost great visionary leader

Chandigarh, December 27:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has expressed deep grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Paying tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh, S. Sandhwan said that he was a great politician, visionary economist, renowned educationist, who served as Prime Minister of India for 10 consecutive years. He said that the country has lost a great leader.

Recalling the exemplary services rendered by Dr. Manmohan Singh, S. Sandhwan said that Dr. Manmohan Singh, born on September 26, 1932 in village Gah, Pakistan, was served as Professor of Panjab University, Chairman, Planning Commission of India, Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Finance Minister of India, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Prime Minister of India from 2004-2014. He said that during the partition, his family had left Pakistan and settled in Amritsar. Dr. Manmohan Singh was honoured with Padma Vibhushan in 1987.

The Speaker prayed before the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give courage to the family to bear the loss.

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Punjab Government declares seven day State mourning on demise of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh

Chandigarh, December 27:The Punjab Government has declared seven day State mourning till January 1st, 2025 on demise of former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.

An official spokesperson said that as per the letter of the Union Home Ministry, during this mourning period, no official celebrations would be held in the offices of the Punjab Government and the National Tricolour would be flown half mast.

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AMAN ARORA REMEMBERS SUPREME & UNPARALLELED SACRIFICE OF SAHIBZADAS AND MATA GUJRI JI

•Pays obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib along with cabinet ministers

Chandigarh/ Fatehgarh Sahib, December 27:Punjab New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister and President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab, Mr. Aman Arora, on Friday, paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib on the concluding day of the Shaheedi Sabha. He remembered the supreme and unparalleled martyrdom of younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh along with Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s mother Mata Gujri ji.

Mr Aman Arora said that the sacrifice remains etched in the annals of time, an indelible testament to unwavering faith and unparalleled bravery. He said that he has prayed for the development and prosperity of the Punjab to the Akal Purakh. He highlighted the need to create more awareness about the pivotal chapter of the Sikh history, a poignant moment that resonates with the spirit of sacrifice and valour.

He stated that these sacrifices inspire us to raise our voices against injustice and to stand for truth and righteousness without fear. He added that no matter how widespread the lies may be, ultimately, the truth will prevail.

Mr. Aman Arora, along with Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Jai Krishan Singh Rouri, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Dr. Baljit Kaur, partook in langar by sitting in 'Pangat' as per Gur Maryada. On this occasion, Mr. Aman Arora was honored by Fatehgarh Sahib MLA Advocate Lakhbir Singh Rai.

MLA Bassi Pathana Rupinder Singh Happy, MLA Samana Chetan Singh Jauramajra, MLA Samrala Jagtar Singh Dayalpura, former MLA Gurpreet Singh GP, Chairman Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Dr. Sunny Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman District Planning Committee Fatehgarh Sahib Ajay Singh Libra, Chairman Improvement Trust Moga Deepak Sharma, Chairman Market Committee Sirhind Gurinder Singh Dhillon were present on the occasion.