Will ensure exemplary punishment to person who tried to damage statue of Baba Sahib Ambedkar at Amritsar- CM
Chandigarh, January 27:Describing it as a very very unfortunate and tragic incident, the Chief Minister said that it has bruised the psyche of everyone who respect Baba Sahib Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of Indian constitution. Urging the people to exercise restraint, he said that exemplary action will be ensured against the miscreants indulging in these types of dastardly acts. Bhagwant Singh Mann unequivocally said that no one will be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace in the state and evil designs of anti-Punjab forces to create communal strife will be nipped in bud.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is fully vigilant and committed to crush the nefarious designs of anti-social and anti-national elements who try to create unrest in Punjab. He said that exemplary action will be taken against any person who tries to disturb the law and order situation in the state through such acts. Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation of the people, Bhagwant Singh Mann requested them to play a proactive role in cementing the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood to make Punjab the most peaceful and communally harmonious state.
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Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak unfurls National flag on Republic Day at Sri Muktsar Sahib
- More than 50000 recruitments made by State Government on transparent basis
- 90 percent domestic consumers getting zero bill
Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 27:The Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Forest & Wildlife Preservation Minister, Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak unfurled the National flag at Sri Guru Gobind Singh sports stadium (Sri Muktsar Sahib) and took salute from the parade on the occasion of country’s 76th Republic Day.
Greeting the people of the State on the occasion, the Minister said that the Nation became a Republic on January 26th, 1950 with the constitution coming into force. Remembering the contribution of the architect of the constitution Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the Minister added that it is due to the constitution that all the citizens of the country are living their lives in a peaceful manner rising above the considerations of caste, creed, race and religion.
Elaborating the measures undertaken by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government towards eradication of unemployment, Mr. Kataruchak divulged that more than 50,000 youth have been recruited in various departments in a transparent way. Adding more, the Minister said that the State Government has increased the Ex-Gratia amount for martyred soldiers hailing from the state to Rs. 1 Crore from earlier Rs. 50 Lakh. The Agniveers have also been included in the said scheme of financial assistance. Furthermore, 90 percent of the domestic consumers of the state are getting zero electricity bills.
Disclosing more, the Minister said that last year, the State Government purchased Sri Goindwal Sahib Thermal Power Plant at a cost of Rs. 1080 Crore which made it the first time in the annals of Indian history that a State Government bought a private plant. The plant has been named after Sahib Sri Guru Amardass Ji. Also, the facility of free power to the farmers has been continued by the Punjab Government with the provision of Rs. 9330 Crore being made for free power amenity for the current financial year. In respect of the Financial Year 2024-25, the Punjab Government has till now paid subsidy to the tune of Rs. 9251 Crore to the PSPCL.
Coming to the sugarcane growers, the State Government is giving its sugarcane growers the highest rate i.e. Rs. 401 Per Quintal. In order to encourage the sugarcane cultivation, the State Government transferred the amount of Rs. 242.43 Crore as subsidy directly into the accounts of the sugarcane growers and has also made the due payments in full concerning the year 2023-24 crushing season.
He further added that with a view to ensure paddy management with scientific methods, the PEDA has operationalized 4 Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects having 85.23 Tonnes of per day capacity with 7 more set to get started by the end of this year.
In order to make sure that the ration is distributed in a fair as well as hassle free manner, 14420 e-PoS kits were purchased alongwith IRIS scanners and Electronic Weighing Machines. Also, tenders for a time period of 5 years have been allotted to ensure proper maintenance of the e-PoS and the Electronic Weighing Machines. Now, every ration depot has been provided with an e-PoS Kit with the installation of Electronic Weighing Machines.
Reiterating the priority of the State Government to protect the trees as well as the environment from pollution, Mr. Kataruchak divulged that ‘Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Government and Public Lands 2024’ has been accorded approval. Under the State authority CAMPA and Hariyali Punjab Mission, 2.84 Lakh saplings have been planted and also, 3153.33 Hectare area has been brought under the forest cover. As per the policy of planting atleast four saplings per tubwell, 28.99 Lakh saplings stand planted per tubewell. Apart from this, 46 Pavittar Van and 268 Nanak Bagichis have been set up. In the nurseries of the department, 78 toilets are also being constructed for female staff members.
In order to achieve the target of bringing 7.5 percent area under forest cover by 2030, the State Government has collaborated with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and implement a central government approved Rs. 792.88 Crore worth project which would be implemented in 5 years. Besides, the forest department has directly recruited 276 persons in the cadre of Deputy Ranger, Forester, Forest Guard and the Clerk during the past two years.
During the parade, the Parade Commander DSP Avtar Singh led contingents of Punjab Police, Punjab Police (Women), Punjab Home Guards, NCC and Scouts saluted the National Flag and presented the march past. The band of Punjab police played the National Tune and children from different schools presented a mesmerizing cultural programme.
The family members of the freedom fighters were specially honoured on the occasion. As many as 20 needy women were given sewing machines by the red cross with the active assistance of the District Administration. The employees from multitude of the departments rendering exceptional services were felicitated and tableaus by various departments showcasing the development were also the centre of attraction.
On the occasion, Sukhcharan Singh (Nikka Brar) and Constable Udaikaran (Retd.) showered flower petals on the gathering with their Paraglider.
Among others present on the occasion included MLA from Sri Muktsar Sahib Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, District & Sessions Judge Raj Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Tripathi, DIG Ashwani Kapoor, SSP Tushar Gupta, ADC Gurpreet Singh Thind, ADC (Development) Sukhdarshan Lal Kundal, SDM Baljit Kaur, Chairperson Hospital Welfare Institution Nishtha Tripathi and officers of various departments.
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PUNJAB POLICE AVERTS POSSIBLE TARGET KILLING WITH ARREST OF SIX MEMBERS OF KAUSHAL CHAUDHARY GANG; SIX PISTOLS RECOVERED
— TWO SHOOTERS INVOLVED IN MURDERS OF KABBADI PLAYER SANDEEP NANGAL AMBIAN AND SUKHMEET DEPUTY ALSO HELD
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE
— THIS GANG WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN OPENING FIRE AT HOTEL IN RAJASTHAN TO DEMAND EXTORTION OF ₹5-CRs, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— ARRESTED ACCUSED PERSONS WERE EVADING ARRESTS SINCE THE LAST THREE YEARS: DGP PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 27:Striking a major blow to the organised crime, Counter Intelligence Amritsar has foiled a possible target killing with the arrest of six members of Kaushal Chaudhary Gang, including two key shooters identified as Puneet Lakhanpal and Narinder Kumar alias Lalli, who were involved in the murders of Kabaddi player Sandeep Singh Nangal Ambian and Sukhmeet Singh alias Deputy, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.
The other four arrested members have been identified as Harpreet Singh alias Happal of Guru Har Sahai in Ferozepur, Gurbhinder Singh of Chattiwind Lehal in Amritsar, Sandeep Singh of Village Rajdhan in Amritsar and Maninderjit Singh alias Shinda of Badowal Jhande in Ludhiana. Police teams have also recovered six .30 bore foreign-made pistols along with 40 rounds from their possession.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the same gang was also involved in firing indiscriminately at the Highway King Hotel in Rajasthan and demanding an extortion of Rs 5 crores in September 2024. All the arrested accused persons have a criminal history and they were evading arrests since the last three years, he added.
He said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested persons are professional shooters of organised criminal network of Kaushal Chaudhary gang, which is active in Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, etc, and they execute criminal activities on the directions of their foreign based handlers.
Sharing operation details, the DGP said that on Sunday, a team from Counter Intelligence Amritsar received a reliable input about members of the Kaushal Chaudhary Gang, including Amarjit Singh alias Amar, Jagjit Singh alias Gandhi, Balwinder Singh alias Doni, Prabhdeep Singh alias Prabh Dasuwal, and others, were orchestrating a target killing in the state by sitting abroad with the assistance of local operatives.
The information further elaborated that local members of the gang were reportedly roaming near Haveli restaurant in Jandiala Amritsar and are equipped with lethal weapons, he said, while adding that acting swiftly, police teams laid a special checkpoint and arrested six members of the gang and recovered six pistols and ammunition from their possession.
He said that further investigations are ongoing to uncover deeper links within their criminal network, which spans multiple states and involves illegal activities including extortion, arms smuggling, and organised violence.
In this regard, a case FIR No. 05 dated 26.01.2025 has been registered under sections 25, 25(1), 25(1) (d) and 25(8) of the Arms Act and sections 111 and 61(2) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act at Police Station State Special Operations Cell (SSOC), Amritsar.
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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Strongly Condemns Desecration of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar's Statue
Chandigarh, January 27-Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly condemned the incident of desecration of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar's statue in Amritsar on the 76th Republic Day. He said that the Punjab Government and Punjab Police are committed to bringing the culprits to justice and ensuring they face the law of the land to pay for their most dastardly act.
In a press statement issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that a thorough investigation is underway to identify and arrest the real conspirators behind this heinous crime. "The accused has been arrested, and the Punjab government will ensure strict action against him. We will not rest until all the conspirators are brought to justice," he added.
Appealing to the residents of Punjab to maintain peace and harmony while upholding the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and preserving the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that we must honour Baba Saheb's legacy by standing united against such acts of hatred and division. "Punjab, the revered land of gurus and pirs, will never let the seeds of hatred take root," he affirmed while adding, "Our community, with its rich cultural heritage, has thrived for centuries and will continue to flourish forever."
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Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan strongly condemns the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue in Amritsar
Sandhwan describes the statement issued by former BJP MP Vijay Sampla is highly condemnable in which Sampla sought an explanation from the SGPC
Chandigarh, 27 January 2025:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan described the desecration of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue in Amritsar is highly painful. In this regard, he said that the accused has been arrested and would be punished in accordance with prescribed law. The incident site is about one kilometer away from the Sri Darbar Sahib corridor, but the statement issued by former BJP Member of Parliament Vijay Sampla is highly condemnable in which Vijay Sampla has sought clarification from the Akal Takht Jathedar and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Sandhwan called his statement is very unfortunate.
He further said that his statement is a clever ploy to create division between the Sikh and SC community, but the people of Punjab will not allow the BJP's plan of polarisation to succeed. He said that those who are trying to disrupt the peace and harmony of Punjab, would not succeed in their plans. S. Sandhawa appealed to the people of Punjab to maintain mutual brotherhood and peace so that the nefarious intentions of such mischievous elements could be foiled.
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Harbhajan Singh ETO Strongly Condemns Desecration of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar's Statue
Chandigarh, January 27-Punjab Power and Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO has strongly condemned the desecration of the statue of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar in Amritsar on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. The Cabinet Minister expressed his outrage over the incident, stating that such acts are aimed at creating instability in society.
"Baba Saheb is the crown of our head. Baba Saheb's vision and dedication in drafting the Indian Constitution laid the foundation for equality, justice, and liberty in the country," said Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO in a press statement issued here. "We will not tolerate such incidents, and the culprits and conspirators will be given the strictest punishment", he added.
Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab Police in line with the instructions of the Punjab Government, took swift action and apprehended the accused involved in this deplorable act. He said that further investigation is being conducted to arrest the real conspirator behind this serious case.
Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO appealed to all residents of the state to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, emphasizing that the Punjab government and Punjab Police are investigating the matter thoroughly. He reiterated that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.
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'Project to rejuvenate Buddha Dariya' : Local Bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Seechewal meets dairy farmers for unanimous solution of cow dung
Dairy farmers appealed to dump cow dung at designated sites till MC hires contractor for door to door lifting of cow dung
Local Bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh also directed the authorities to expedite the process of establishing bio-gas plants
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, January 27:For finding unanimous solution to stop the dumping of cow dung in 'Buddha Dariya', Local Bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal conducted meetings with the dairy farmers in Tajpur road dairy complex and Haibowal dairy complex on Monday.
The meeting with the dairy farmers of Tajpur road complex was held at 225mld Jamalpur STP of the civic body, while the meeting with dairy farmers of Haibowal dairy complex was held in the complex only.
Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, late MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi's wife Sukhchain Bassi Gogi and son Savraj Bassi, MC Additional Commissioner Paramdeep Singh, Chief Engineer Ravinder Garg, PPCB Ludhiana Chief Engineer RK Ratra, councillor Indu Munish Shah, Executive Engineer Ekjot Singh among others were present during the meetings.
Local Bodies minister, Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal said that during these meetings, interactions were held and feedback was also taken from the dairy farmers for finding a unanimous solution for the problem. The aim is to stop dumping of cow dung in 'Buddha Dariya'.
Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said that Municipal Corporation (MC) has already floated a tender for hiring a contractor for door to door lifting of cow dung from the dairy units. Till that time, temporary arrangements have been put in place and the dairy farmers have been appealed to dump the cow dung at designated sites in their respective dairy complexes.
The dairy farmers agreed to the terms and assured that they will dump the cow dung at the designated sites only, till the civic body hires a contractor for door to door lifting of cow dung. The dairy farmers also agreed to pay a certain amount/fee, if arrangements are made for door to door lifting of cow dung. Meanwhile, the Cabinet minister also listened to the grievances of the dairy farmers and issued directions to resolve the same as soon as possible. Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal also inspected an ETP established to treat the dairy waste on Tajpur road.
Dr Ravjot Singh further directed the authorities to expedite the process of establishing two bio-gas plants in Tajpur road and Haibowal dairy complexes. The authorities stated that one bio-gas plant is already operational in Haibowal dairy complex, but due to its low capacity, an additional plant is being established in the complex. In bio-gas plants, cow dung is used to generate bio-gas.
MP Seechewal appreciated Cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh for his concern over the project to clean 'Buddha Dariya' stating that the cabinet minister has visited the city for this project for the fifth time in a period of around a month.
Cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh, MP Seechewal and MLA Grewal said that the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is committed to make 'Rangla Punjab'. They appealed to the residents to join hands with the government and administration, so that combined efforts can be made for saving the environment for the coming generations.
Cabinet Minister said that the government or administration is not against the dairy farmers, but no one can be allowed to pollute 'Buddha Dariya', which holds religious importance. Dumping of cow dung in sewer lines is also affecting the working of sewer treatment plants (STP) and effluent treatment plants (ETP).
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Sond presides a High-Level Meeting for the Restoration and Maintenance of Jahaz Haveli in Fatehgarh Sahib
- Ancient and historical buildings are an integral part of our heritage and culture; the Punjab government is committed to restoring their lost glory, says the Tourism Minister
Chandigarh, January 27:A high-level meeting was held at the Tourism Department’s office in Sector 38 for the restoration and maintenance of Jahaz Haveli in Fatehgarh Sahib, under the chairmanship of Punjab’s Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Tarunpreet Singh Sond.
During meeting, it was decided that a committee will visit the haveli this week on Thursday, January 30, to assess its current condition and submit a report. Following this, a design committee of 8 experts will review the findings. Minister Sond stated that if there are no obstacles, the restoration and maintenance work of the historic Haveli of Dewan Todar Mall will commence promptly.
Minister Sond emphasized, "Ancient and historical buildings are vital to our heritage and culture. The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to restoring their lost glory." He further added, "Dewan Todar Mall is held in great reverence in Sikh history, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve the haveli associated with him."
It is noteworthy that the dignitaries present at the meeting expressed their gratitude to Minister Sond for scheduling the restoration and maintenance work for Jahaz Haveli.
The meeting was attended by Malvinder Singh Jaggi, Secretary of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Amrit Singh, Director of the Department, other senior officials from the Tourism Department, Secretary of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, President of the Dewan Todar Mall Heritage Foundation and other relevant stakeholders.
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PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER ORDERS POWER AND FIRE SAFETY AUDIT AT GOVT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
ON DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN, DR BALBIR SINGH CONVENES HIGH-LEVEL MEETING WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS
— UPS-BASED POWER BACKUP AT ALL CRITICAL CARE UNITS, FULLY FUNCTIONAL GENSET AT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY, SAYS DR BALBIR SINGH
— HEALTH MINISTER ORDERS CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEES AT GOVERNMENT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
— ALSO ORDERS FIRE SAFETY AUDIT, AVAILABILITY OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
CHANDIGARH, January 27:Following the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure uninterrupted power supply at Government Healthcare Facilities, Punjab Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education and Research Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Monday, ordered power supply and fire safety audit at all the Medical Colleges, Civil Hospitals, Sub-Divisional Hospitals and Block level Hospitals across the state.
The Health Minister was addressing a high-level meeting with all the Civil Surgeons of Civil Hospitals and Medical Superintendents of Medical Colleges. Administrative Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, Secretary Public Works Department (PWD) Ravi Bhagat, Managing Director Punjab Health System Corporation (PHSC) Varinder Kumar Sharma, CMD PSPCL Er Baldev Singh Sran, Director Health Dr Hitinder Kaur and Director Research and Medical Education Dr Avnish Kumar also attended the meeting.
As per the directions issued by the Health Minister, all critical care units, including operation theatres, labor rooms, emergencies, SNCUs, and NICUs, must have UPS-based power backup for at least 30 minutes in case of a power outage. Additionally, a fully functional generator set with an adequate supply of diesel must be present at all healthcare facilities.
Dr Balbir Singh has also ordered that the constitution of committees at all levels including District, Sub-Division and Block level Hospitals.
The committee, which will comprise representatives from the Health Department/Medical College, PSPCL, and PWD-Electrical, will be responsible for ensuring uninterrupted power supply at all health facilities. The committee members will coordinate with each other and provide reports on the functionality status of UPS and other power backup systems available at the health facility level.
“These committees will make frequent visits at their respective hospitals to ensure that there is availability of power backup and fully functional Genset,” he said.
The Health Minister has directed all Civil Surgeons to ensure that backup power supply should start immediately in case of a power cut, so that critical services are not hampered. Effective communication linkage must also be established with the person responsible for switching on the backup power supply to ensure prompt action, he added.
He also ordered to create a Whatsapp group comprising all the members of the above committees to ensure prompt response in case of any power outage situations.
The Health Minister also directed the concerned officers to immediately conduct Fire Safety Audit and ensure availability of fire extinguishers, especially, at all critical care units.