CM FLAGS ISSUE OF PROPOSED WATER CESS WITH HIMACHAL PRADESH CM

SUKHU CLARIFIES THAT WATER CESS WILL BE APPLICABLE ONLY ON HYDROPOWER PROJECTS IN HP

BOTH THE CMS AGREE FOR SETTING UP SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB- NAINA DEVI JI AND PATHANKOT-DALHOUSIE ROPEWAYS

Chandigarh, March 29:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday flagged the issue of proposed Water Cess on Hydropower plants by Himachal Pradesh with his counterpart of hill state Sukhwinder Sukhu.

The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister called on Bhagwant Mann at his official residence this morning.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister expressed the concern of the state over the proposed water cess on Hydropower plants being implemented by the Himachal Pradesh government. Bhagwant Mann said that this should not be implemented as it is against the interests of the state. However, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister clarified that the water cess will be levied only on the hydropower plants within their own state adding that it will not be applicable in Punjab.

Meanwhile, in order to resolve the issue both the Chief Minister agreed that the Chief Secretaries and Power Secretaries of the state will meet after every fortnight to ensure that there is no bickering amongst the states. They said that the top brass bureaucrats of both the states will amicably solve the issues confronting the states so that there is no issue between them. Both the Chief Ministers agreed for mutual cooperation in various fields for benefitting the people of both the states.

Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister batted for Ropeway between Sri Anandpur Sahib and Naina Devi ji to mutually benefit the two states. He said that the ropeway will facilitate lakhs of devotees visiting these two historic and religious sites in a smooth and hassle-free manner. Both the Chief Ministers agreed that the project will ease the travel of devotees visiting the two shrines, which were located quite far from each other, with hilly terrain compounding their problems.

Meanwhile, both the Chief Ministers also expressed concurrence over setting up the Pathankot-Dalhousie ropeway project to boost tourism. They said that besides facilitating the tourists it will also help to boost the socio-economic development of both the states. Both the leaders also stressed on the huge tourism potential in the region and said it was in the interest of both the states in the region to work collectively to facilitate tourism.

The Chief Minister also sought mutual cooperation between both states in the power sector too. He said that Himachal Pradesh can sell excess power available with it to the state during the peak season. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help resolving the issue of power during the paddy season in the state.

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STATE GOVERNMENT HAS SO FAR GIVEN GOVERNMENT JOBS TO 27,042 YOUTH: ASSERTS CM

SAYS ‘IDLE HANDS ARE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP’ SO STATE GOVERNMENT MAKING CONCERTED EFFORTS TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT TO YOUTH

URGES YOUTH TO NOT GET SWAYED AWAY BY THOSE WHO WANT TO RUIN PUNJAB

HANDS OVER JOB LETTERS TO 219 NEWLY RECRUITED YOUNGSTERS IN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, March 29-Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday handed over job letters to 219 clerks and 26 youngsters on compassionate grounds thereby bringing the total tally of jobs given government jobs to 27,042.

“Idle hands are devil’s workshop so we are trying our best to ensure that maximum youth get jobs so that they do not fall prey to the social menaces” said the Chief Minister, while handing over the job letters here during a function at Municipal Bhawan.

The Chief Minister said that unemployment is the root cause of several social problems due to which the state government is focussing on eradicating this malady. He said that so far 27,042 government jobs have been given to the youth within merely one year of assuming the charge of office. Bhagwant Mann said that this spree will continue in the coming days too as the state government is laying major thrust on providing jobs to the youth.

The Chief Minister said that this venue has witnessed a number of such events in which youth have got jobs in various government departments. He said that this reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them. Bhagwant Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that all the youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit.

The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

The Chief Minister said that in order to mitigate the woes of the service providers, the state government will soon issue notification for enhancing their salary by ending the contractual system. He said that the state government is committed for the well being of every strata of society and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Mann said that he hails from a humble background so he is well aware of the woes of the common man.

Citing the example of Baba Sahib Dr. BR Ambedkar, the Chief Minister said that the hardships suffered by the legendary national leader is an inspiration for all the youth to excel in every field. He said that despite several hostilities the Chief architect of the Indian constitution acquired education and scaled new heights in life. Bhagwant Mann said that every youngster must take inspiration from the life and philosophy of this iconic leader to achieve success in life.

The Chief Minister said that as runways at the airports facilitate an Airplane for its smooth take off in the same manner the state government will help the youth to realize their dreams. He asserted that every effort will be made to give wings to the ideas of youth and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Mann made a fervent appeal to youth to make all out efforts for carving an identity of their own to make a place in society.

The Chief Minister further called upon the youth to be grass rooters instead of being parachuters. He said that the grass-rooters are those who arise from the ground to conquer the entire world adding that for these hard-workers only the sky is limit. Bhagwant Mann said that, whereas the parachuters come from sky and are doomed to fall on ground later or sooner.

The Chief Minister further said that he has asked the officers especially the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to maximize their field visits, especially in villages, and interact with the people by going to villages. He said that it is the need of the hour to facilitate the people in getting their day-to-day works done easily besides ensuring good governance to them. Bhagwant Mann said that this will help in better functioning of the offices along with better acquaintance with the ground realities.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that some people are trying to divide the state on sectarian lines for the sake of their own vested interests. He said that such self proclaimed leaders of religion have nothing to do with the state and its people adding that these leaders just want to disturb the peace and amity in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that Punjabis should not sway away from the ideas of such self proclaimed preachers who have no emotional bonding with the state and its people.

However, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government is duty bound to maintain peace, amity and communal harmony in Punjab at all costs. He said that today is the era of education and across the globe the people with knowledge and expertise are recognized due to which the state government is making strenuous efforts to promote education in Punjab. Bhagwant Mann said that they want to see books, laptops, jobs, medals and progress in the hands of youth.

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BHAGWANT MANN GOVERNMENT SETS WHEELS IN MOTION FOR RABI PROCUREMENT SEASON

CM HOLDS REVIEW MEETING WITH OFFICERS AFTER APPROVAL OF CCL

DIRECTS OFFICERS TO ENSURE FOOLPROOF ARRANGEMENTS FOR PURCHASE OF WHEAT

SAYS FARMERS SHOULD NOT FACE ANY SORT OF INCONVENIENCE

ASSERTS THAT EVERY GRAIN WILL BE PROCURED AND FARMERS WILL GET ON THE SPOT PAYMENT

RBI APPROVES CCL LIMIT WORTH RS 29000 CRORE

Chandigarh, March 29-Due to concerted efforts of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cleared a sum of Rs. 29,000 crore towards Cash Credit Limit (CCL) for the procurement of Wheat in Punjab during the ensuing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS).

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that the Union government has already released Rs 25,445 crore as CCL for the coming season. Bhagwant Mann said that with this, the bulk of the CCL sought by the state government for the purchase of Wheat for this season has been released by the central bank. Expressing gratitude to the Centre for timely release of CCL, he said that it will go a long way in ensuring seamless procurement of Wheat during the current marketing season.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, while chairing a meeting of Food and Civil supplies department, directed the officers to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement of every single grain of the farmers. He categorically said that payment to the farmers for their produce must be ensured from the very first day of procurement i.e. April 1, 2023. Bhagwant Mann reiterated the commitment of the state government to procure every single grain of the golden harvest of the farmers.

The Chief Minister said that elaborate arrangements will be made for the procurement of the wheat so that farmers do not face any sort of inconvenience. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is duty bound to ensure procurement of the grains in a smooth and hassle free manner. Pertinently, the procurement of wheat will begin from April 1 and culminate on May 31 during the current RMS.

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Punjab government will provide all possible assistance to unemployed persons

Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh/Malout : March, 29The Punjab Government is striving to end unemployment and is giving all possible assistance to the unemployed to stand on their own feet. It was said by Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Punjab Dr. Baljit Kaur, while inaugurating the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Punjabi Shoe Making Course at Valmiki Bhavan, Guru Ravidas Nagar, Malout.

On this occasion while addressing the audience SDM Malout S. Kanwarjit Singh said that it is a very good initiative of the Punjab government, therefore the unemployed should take maximum advantage of this training course.

Sarabjit Singh Gulati, Block President Karamjit Sharma, Satgurdev Singh Pappi from Doric Multimedia Pvt Ltd were present on this opening ceremony.

On this occasion, Cabined Minister said that this course has been implemented by Punjab Skill Development Mission and Doric Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. Ludhiana and under this course free training will be given to the unemployed to promote the profession of shoes so that after receiving the training one can start his own business.

The Cabinet Minister said that under this course, the person who will get training in making shoes will be given a certificate by the Punjab Skill Development Mission and on the basis of this certificate, the unemployed person will be able to get a loan from any bank or organization and start their own business.

After this Dr. Baljit Kaur visited the unseasonal rain and hailstorm affected villages Danewala, Rathadi, Kingra and Malwala, Eena Khera and village Thehri and took stock of the damage.

Talking to the farmers, she said that the Punjab Government is helping the needy to compensate for the damage caused by rain and storm and they will be compensated by the Government as soon as possible.

On this occasion, she issued instructions to the top officials that without any delay, the crops damaged by rain and hail should be checked so that the farmers can be compensated immediately.

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Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest

- A separate number for complaints of artificial fertilizers and pesticides will be launched soon

- Instructions to increase the cotton area, cotton seed will be available at 33 percent subsidy

Chandigarh, March 29:Punjab Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has ordered all the field officers of the Agriculture Department to send the actual data of crops damaged due to rain in the past at the earliest. During a meeting with top officials of the Agriculture Department and Chief Agriculture Officers at Punjab Bhawan, Dhaliwal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already announced that compensation for crop damage will be started around Baisakhi, so Chief Agriculture officers should present the real picture of the problem before the state government. He said that it should be ensured that the actual data is sent quickly without any recommendation and without causing trouble to the farmers.

On this occasion, Dhaliwal, taking serious notice of fake fertilizers and fake pesticides, announced that soon a separate complaint number will be issued for the convenience of farmers, where they can file a complaint in this regard. He issued special instructions to the officials to resolve such complaints in a timely manner. He said that there will be no compromise on the quality of fertilizers and pesticides and the culprits will not be spared at any cost. He ordered the officials to sensitize the farmers to buy quality seeds recommended by Punjab Agricultural University which have the capacity to withstand natural calamities.

Dhaliwal also gave special instructions to the officials for the upcoming wheat procurement season. He said that farmers should be encouraged not to burn stubble and also ensure that straw is used only for fodder. He also asked to organize awareness camps for farmers.

He said that the Punjab government is making serious efforts to increase the area of cotton and the farmers of cotton belt will be given seeds at 33 percent subsidy. He asked the officials that maximum number of farmers should be encouraged to buy seeds on subsidy and cultivate cotton. He said that according to the announcement made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, irrigation water will be given to the farmers of cotton on time.

Apart from this, the Minister of Agriculture instructed that maximum number of farmers should be encouraged to plant seeds of PR 126 variety of paddy which requires less time and less water. He said that the field officials should intensify their efforts from now to bring maximum area under PR 126 variety of paddy this year. He said that the authorities should select the areas which are more suitable for direct sowing of paddy and encourage the farmers there for direct sowing.

Dhaliwal said that the agricultural policy of the state is being prepared under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to strengthen the welfare of farmers and the economy. For this purpose suggestions have been sought from the general public. He told the field officers that if there is a successful or progressive farmer in their area, suggestions should be sought from him.

On this occasion, he categorically asserted that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the corrupts said no corrupt or bribe-taking official will be spared at any cost. He said that the welfare of farmers should be the priority of all officials.

Principal Secretary of Agriculture Department Sumer Singh Gurjar, Director Gurvinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officers of all districts and other senior officials of the Head Office were present on this occasion.

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JIMPA FELICITATES PEOPLE ON RAM NAVAMI

Chandigarh, March 29: Punjab Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa today extended his warm greetings to the people of state on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami, the birthday of Maryada Pushotam Lord Rama.

In his message, the Minister said that Lord Ram is the embodiment of tolerance, justice and high moral values, who showed us the path of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a prosperous and harmonious society. “Lord Rama’s philosophy and teachings inspire all of us to rededicate ourselves to the cause of a just society” added Jimpa.

Exhorting the people to follow the teachings of Lord Rama in the true spirit, the Revenue Minister said that these were still relevant in the present materialistic society. He said that such pious occasions not only promote a sense of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst the people but also showers bountiful joy and prosperity on them.

Jimpa called upon the people to celebrate this auspicious day collectively rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON TILL APRIL 4

Chandigarh, March 29:The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme of irrigation for the Rabi Season through canals from March 28 to April 4, 2023. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala Feeder respectively.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Water Resources department said that direct distributaries of Bhakhra Main line group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent. Balanced water available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and P.N.C. in Group 'B' respectively.

The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozepur head works i.e. all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group ‘A’ being in the first preference will run to their indent and the balance water supplies available will be utilised in the Abohar Branch Lower off- taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in Group ‘B’.

The spokesman also said that the channels off-taking from Upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available will be utilized in Main Branch lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabhraon Branch and with their distributaries respectively.

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PIS Trials for residential sports wings from 3rd April: Meet Hayer

Decision to hold trials at 11 places while increasing their scope

Final trials of players selected from districts will be held from April 24 to 26

1700 players to be selected for 18 sports wings, 450 seats increased for new session

Selected players to get free coaching, accommodation, diet, medical and insurance facilities: Meet Hayer

Chandigarh, March 29:Trials for the selection of players for the residential sports wings of the Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS) are starting on 3rd April and will continue till 25th of April. This time, increasing the scope of the trials, the trials of different sports will be conducted at 11 places, after which the final trials of the players selected from these trials will start on April 24 and will conclude on April 26.

Giving information through a press statement here today, Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that continuous efforts are being made by the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make Punjab a leader in sports again. ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Deya’ , held for the first time last year in Punjab, got a big thumbs up. Around 3 lakh players participated in these games after which it was decided to increase the scope of trials of sports wings for the new season.

In different sports, the trials of six age groups under 10, under 12, under 14, under 17, under 19 and under 21 will be held in zones created district wise and after that, the final trials of the players selected from the districts will be held at one place. There will be trials for around 1700 seats in 18 sports with 450 seats increased for a new session. These sports are Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Hockey, Gymnastics, Judo, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Handball, Archery, Cycling, Swimming, Table Tennis, Fencing, Shooting and Rowing.

This will bring out the best players. The concerned District Sports Officer has been placed as in charge of the district where the trials are held. The selected players will get free coaching, accommodation, diet and medical and insurance facilities.

Divulging the details, trials of various sports will be held in the Amritsar district on April 3 and 4 in which players from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Tarn Taran will participate. Similarly, the trials of Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur districts in respect of various sports will be held at Jalandhar on April 6 and 7. Trials for various sports in Ludhiana, Moga, Malerkotla and Nawanshahr districts will be held at Ludhiana on April 9 and 10.

The trials of Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Sangrur districts of various sports will be held at Patiala on April 12 and 13, the trials of Bathinda, Barnala and Mansa districts of various sports will be held at Bathinda on April 15 and 16, the trials of Faridkot, Mukatsar Sahib, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts will be held at Faridkot on April 18 and 19, and those of the SAS Nagar and Rupnagar districts of various sports will be held at SAS Nagar on April 21 and 22.

Apart from this, there will be trials for all districts for Rowing on April 3 and 4 at Rupnagar, all districts for Table Tennis on April 24 and 25 at Barnala and all district trials for Football on April 24 and 25 at Mahilpur (Hoshiarpur).

Players participating in tryouts will report at 8:30 a.m. on the day of tryouts. The player should be a resident of Punjab state and should have won medals in district/state/national level tournaments in the last three years, whose parents are UT (Chandigarh) residents but posted in government institutions of the state of Punjab, children can also participate in the trials. TA/DA will not be given to the players participating in the trials. Participating players should bring an Aadhaar card, birth certificate and 2 passport size photographs with them. In case the number of players increases during the trials, the date of the trials will be extended by one more day at the respective place. More detailed information is available on the department's website www.pispunjab.org.

The final trials of hockey players (boys) selected from different districts will be held at Jalandhar on 24 and 25 April. Similarly, the final trials of athletics players will be held on April 24 and 25 at Jalandhar, the final trials of basketball players will be held at Ludhiana on April 24 and 25, the final trials of volleyball players will be held at Mohali on April 24 and 25, the final trials of swimming will be held at Mohali on April 24 and 25, and the finals of handball will be held at Mohali.

The Weightlifting Final Trials would be held at Mohali on 24th and 25th April, Wrestling Final Trials at Mohali on 24th April, Boxing Final Trials at Mohali on 24th April, Judo Final Trials at Mohali on 24th April , Table Tennis Finals Trials will be held on 26 April 2023 at Barnala and final trials of football players will be held at Mahilpur Football Academy (Hoshiarpur) on 26 April 2023.

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Media Bulletin COVID-19

29^th March 2023 (05:00 PM)

On 29^th March 2023

Patients reported Positive on 29^th March 2023 – 62

Cumulative Cases:-