VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS CLERK FOR ACCEPTING RS 7,000 BRIBE
REGISTERS BRIBERY CASE AGAINST HIS AID JUNIOR ASSISTANT ALSO
Chandigarh May 25:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign, has arrested a Clerk Ankit Garg, posted in miscellaneous branch, Tehsil office, Sangrur for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000. In this case another co-accused and his accomplice Krishan Kumar, a Junior Assistant, has also been booked for demanding bribe.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this bribery case has been registered against the above said employees on the complaint of Harkirat Singh, a proprietor of an IELTS Institute at Sangrur.
Giving details he added that the said complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said Clerk Ankit Garg and Krishan Kumar, a Junior Assistant in the same office, have demanded Rs 20,000 as a bribe for giving favourable report pertaining to his institute to get a license from the district administration and the deal has been struck at Rs 12,000. The complainant further informed that the accused have already taken Rs 5,000 as first instalment of bribe and demanding the remaining money.
The spokesperson further added that the VB unit of Patiala range after preliminary investigation into the allegations, laid a trap and accused Ankit Garg has been arrested on the spot while accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a corruption case at VB police station Patiala against the above mentioned both the employees have been registered. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he informed.
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VIGILANCE BUREAU NABS TWO ASIS FOR TAKING BRIBE RS 25,000
Chandigarh May 25 : The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Thursday arrested two Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASI) Baljinder Singh Mand, Incharge Police Post, Phase-VI, SAS Nagar and his colleague, Kuldeep Singh, posted in the same Police Post for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 25,000.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said the above said police officials have been arrested on the complaint of Ravinder Kumar, resident of Mundian Kalan, Ludhiana.
Giving details he added that the said complainant has approached the VB and informed that his friend named Paras was arrested by the said police station Incharge in a liquor case and both the accused police personnel had already taken Rs 45,000 on different dates to help and facilitate the bail of Paras from the court whose marriage was fixed in the coming days. The complainant further informed that the said police officials now demanding Rs 50,000 more not to involve his another friend Harmit Singh along with Paras in the same liquor case.
The spokesperson informed that after preliminary investigation into the allegations, a VB team from flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar laid a trap and the accused Police Post Incharge Baljinder Singh Mand has been arrested on the spot while taking Rs 25,000 as a bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. Meanwhile, his accomplice and investigation officer in this case, ASI Kuldeep Singh was also arrested by the VB. In this regard a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against both the accused police officials at VB police station, flying squad-1, Punjab at SAS Nagar. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he added.
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ENSURE ALL DELIVERIES IN HOSPITALS, HEALTH MINISTER DR BALBIR SINGH DIRECTS HEALTH AUTHORITIES
— Pregnant women should be treated with sympathy and respect in government hospitals, says Dr Balbir Singh
— State level orientation and review meeting organised on various maternal health components
Chandigarh, May 25:With an aim to reduce Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Thursday issued strict instructions against home deliveries, as such deliveries often lead to maternal or child death due to lack of proper medical facilities.
In order to accomplish the sustainable development goal of 70 per lakh live births by 2030, Dr Balbir Singh said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government is committed to make Punjab number one state in terms of providing the best possible health care facilities.
He ordered for early detection of High risk pregnancies, besides, ensuring their follow up medical examinations as stipulated by the guidelines. He said that every pregnant woman should be treated with respect in government hospitals.
Elaborating about Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) program, Dr Balbir Singh said this programme envisages guaranteed maternal health services to the pregnant women which include ambulance services to pick up and drop for delivery, minimum four ante natal check ups, free delivery services etc., the programme also has a time bound grievance redresssal mechanism through 104 call centre.
On the directions of the Health Minister, a state level orientation and review meeting on various maternal health components was organised here at Directorate of Health Services Punjab office on Thursday. The District Family Welfare Officers and District Programme Managers also attended the meeting.
The meeting was presided over by Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Adarshpal Kaur, Director Health Services (Family Welfare) Dr Ravinder Pal Kaur and Director NHM Dr SP Singh. Deputy Director Dr Vijay Kumar, Assistant Director Dr Vineet Nagpal and State Programme Officer (MCH) Dr Inderdeep Kaur had delivered keynote address during the meeting.
In her address, Dr. Adarshpal kaur asked the health officials to focus on various causes of high risk pregnancies out of which anaemia is a major cause of concern which needs to be addressed on priority. She exhorted everyone including ASHA and ANMs to work collectively for reduction of MMR. She also underlined the strengthening of media and IEC activities.
She said Health department has successfully implemented various health improvement measures in the field of Maternal and child care such as the operationalization of 34 dedicated Mother and Child hospitals in Punjab, Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), Surakshit Matritva Ashwasan (SUMAN), Labour Room Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karaykram (JSSK), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).
Dr Ravinder Pal Kaur emphasised that the messages or instructions received in this review meeting should percolate to the staff working at the ground level so that various maternal health programs should be implemented successfully. During the meeting an interactive experience sharing session was also conducted.
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Education revolution of Bhagwant Mann government: Punjab government schools outshine private schools in class 12 results: Harjot Singh Bains
The first positions of science, commerce and vocational groups clinched by students of government schools
The impact of the government's education reform policies of the Mann government is now evident in Punjab: Bains
Chandigarh, May 25: The policies of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann towards school education have started showing their strength. As a result of which, the students who are getting an education in different subjects in the government schools of Punjab have set a benchmark in the 12th class results declared by the Punjab School Education Board yesterday.
Giving information in this regard, Punjab School Education Minister Mr Harjot Singh Bains said here today that the leading positions of science, commerce and vocational groups have been clinched by the students of government schools.
Mr Bains said that the credit for this proud achievement goes to the hardworking staff of the government schools of the state those worked hard for the students by obtaining information about the learning level of each student under the "Mission Hundred Percent" campaign in December last year.
He said that in the commerce group, student of Government Senior Secondary School, Paras Ram Nagar, Bathinda Simranjit Kaur, daughter of Mr Ashok Kumar and Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Muktsar Sahib, student Khushi Garg, daughter of Hari Om Garg, both secured 494/500 marks and bagged first position in state; Shubkarmanjot Kaur Sandhar, daughter of Paramjit Singh Sandhar, a student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School Samrala (Ludhiana) secured the second position by securing 493/500 marks.
Similarly, Navneet Singh, son of Gurbachan Singh, a student of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Civil Lions, Patiala, with 496/500 marks, got the first position. Khushpreet Kaur, daughter of Sukhwinder Singh a student of Government Girls' Senior Secondary School, Samrala (Ludhiana) and Arshpreet Kaur, daughter of Maninder Singh, a student of Shaheed Harpal Singh Government Senior Secondary School Jethuwal (Amritsar) secured the joint second position with 495/500 marks respectively.
Avantika Sharma daughter of Brij Mohan Sharma, a student of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Railway Mandi Hoshiarpur secured first position with 491/500 marks in the vocational group, Dilpreet Kaur daughter of Iqbal Singh, a student of Government Senior Secondary School Ghuda (Bathinda) secured 489/500 marks and got Second place and Harpreet Kaur daughter of Rajinder Singh, a student of Government Victoria Girls Senior Secondary School, Patiala and Ajay Singh son of Surjit Singh, a student of Government Model Senior Secondary School Dina Nagar, secured the third place jointly with 488/500 marks.
Education Minister said that the impact of Chief Minister Punjab Mr Bhagwant Mann Government's education reform policies has started showing its strength. He said that the "Mission Hundred Percent" campaign was a complete success to bring good results.
Mr Bains said that in the results of the fifth and eighth classes announced by the Punjab School Education Board recently, the students of the government schools had demonstrated excellent performance by securing the first positions.
Reiterating the firm commitment of the Mann Government towards making the government school and education system of world-class standards, the Education Minister said that his department will continue to make persistent efforts to obtain this goal in the future as well.
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EFFORTS OF CABINET MINISTER ANMOL GAGAN MAAN LEADS TO ₹45.36 CRORE SANCTION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF KHARAR CITY
Says, Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to raise the standard of living of the people of the state
Chandigarh- May 25,The Punjab Government has sanctioned Rs 45.36 crore for the comprehensive development of Kharar city. This significant sanction comes as a result of the commendable efforts made by Anmol Gagan Mann, Minister of Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Labour, Hospitality and Investment Promotion. The Department of Local Bodies has also issued the necessary approval for the same.
Giving more information in this regard, Cabinet Minister Anmon Gagan Mann said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is continuously striving to develop the state, provide transparent administration to the people and raise their standard of living. She informed that Rs.45.36 crore has been approved by the Punjab government for the development of Kharar city. The Minister added that the long-pending demands of the people of Kharar city regarding the development of the city have been given priority by the Punjab government.
She further stated that the sanctioned amount for the development of different wards of Kharar city includes 284 works. These works will mainly include the repair of necessary pipes, roads, streets, installation of new interlocking tiles, development of parks, installation of swings in parks and construction of toilets, etc.
The minister stated that the Punjab government will not allow any deficiency in the development of Kharar city. She assured that all necessary basic facilities would be provided to the residents here. Minister said that the Punjab government is fully committed to change the face of the cities of the state.
On this occasion, Minister Anmol Gagan Mann thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijhar for accepting the long-standing demands of the people of Kharar city and sanctioning Rs. 45.36 crores for the development of Kharar city.
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PUNJAB POLICE LAUNCH CRACKDOWN AGAINST DISTRIBUTORS/AGENTS SELLING SIM CARDS ON FAKE IDs; 52 FIRs REGISTERED, 17 ARRESTED
— OVER 1.8 LAKH SIM CARDS ACTIVATED USING FAKE IDs BLOCKED IN PUNJAB, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKE PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER VISION OF CM BHAGWANT MANN
CHANDIGARH, May 25:In order to curb the menace of issuing SIM cards on fake identities which have become the major threat to security, Punjab Police have got blocked over 1.8 lakh SIM cards allegedly activated using fake identities/forged documents, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Thursday.
Pertinently, Internal Security wing of Punjab Police in association with Department of Telecom (DoT) has begun an aggressive crackdown against distributors/agents indulged in selling SIM cards on fake identities as majority of cyber-crimes and anti-national acts are being carried out using mobile numbers subscribed on false documents or in third parties' names.
DGP Gaurav Yadav said that stern action is also being initiated against Point of Sales (PoS) distributors/agents and other persons involved in issuing SIM cards on fake IDs. Police teams have arrested 17 such persons, who were found indulged in sale of SIM cards on fake documents, besides, registering 52 first information reports (FIRs) under sections 420, 465, 467 and 471 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) across state in the last three days, he added.
Divulging more details, Special DGP Internal Security RN Dhoke said that he had taken multiple meetings with DoT and Telecom Service Providers, subsequent to that action came into being. He said that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Counter Intelligence Rakesh Agrawal has been made nodal officer in this regard and drive is on to further identify the SIM cards issued on fake IDs. He said in one case as many as 500 SIM cards have been issued with same photograph but in different names by forging the documents.
The special DGP also warned retailers across Punjab of stern action for failing to comply with the Know Your Customer (KYC) norms, a lapse that resulted in the activation of thousands of SIM cards fraudulently. “Special teams of the Counter Intelligence Wing have been coordinating with the district police to zero in on SIM card retailers, who activated different mobile phone numbers with the same proof of identity,” he said, while adding that they are also taking up the matter with the Telecom Authorities to blacklist such agents.
Meanwhile, Police are further investigating the actual user of these SIM cards issued on fake IDs.
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PUNJAB'S NEW AGRICULTURE POLICY TO SOLVE FARMERS' PROBLEMS: KULDEEP SINGH DHALIWAL
- Punjab government is trying to export vegetables and other crops to neighboring countries
- Reiterates the commitment to give jobs to the family members of martyred farmers
- Presides marathon meeting with Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political)
Chandigarh, May 25:Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the new agricultural policy to be released on June 30 this year will help to solve many problems of the farmers. He said that the new agriculture policy is being prepared with the suggestions of farmers, agricultural experts, farmer leaders, common people and representatives of different sections.
Dhaliwal while presiding over the nearly 4-hour long meeting regarding the demands of the Sanyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) at Punjab Bhavan, said that the new agricultural policy is being prepared with the aim of boosting the economy of the farmers. Apart from this, the state government is also making continuous efforts to solve many problems of the farmers. He said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government is exploring the opportunities to export vegetables and other crops grown by farmers to neighboring countries. The Punjab government is working sincerely to fulfill this purpose, he added.
Regarding the demand made by the farmer leaders to release the dues of the sugar mills, Dhaliwal said that after meeting with the Chief Minister, the due amount would be disbursed to the sugarcane growers very soon. He assured the farmer leaders that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is taking significant steps to improve the economic conditions of the farmers and all the legitimate demands of the farmers will be met. During meeting, many other matters, suggestions and demands were discussed and Dhaliwal issued instructions and directives to the officers of the concerned departments to solve the problems.
The farmer leaders brought to the notice of the Minister that some of the family members of farmers who had attained martyrdom during the farmers' movement have not been given government jobs yet. Dhaliwal immediately instructed the top officials of the agriculture department to complete the process and give the jobs to the eligible family members of farmers. He said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to provide jobs and compensation to the members of farmers who attained martyrdom during the farmers' movement.
Dhaliwal further said that as per the announcement made by the Chief Minister, canal water will be released to all parts of the state until the paddy crop is planted. He said that Punjab government is paying special focus to strengthening the canal system. A detailed discussion was also held with the farmer leaders about the use and conservation of rain water. Senior officials of Agriculture Department, Mandi Board, Revenue Department, Animal Husbandry Department and Police were present in the meeting.
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CABINET MINISTER LISTENED TO PEOPLE'S PROBLEMS IN MALOUT
Punjab Government is Committed to Fulfilling Basic Needs of Common People - Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, 25 MayMinister of Social Security, Women and Child Development of Punjab, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today listened to the problems of the people in her native Vidhan Sabha constituency of Malout and resolved the legitimate issues on the spot.
Cabinet Minister stated that the Punjab Government is prioritizing the resolution of people's problems to ensure they do not face any difficulties. Speaking to the Media Persons, she mentioned that the problem/issues faced by the people are a result of previous Governments. The Punjab Government, led by the Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, is dedicated to addressing sewerage problems and providing clean drinking water as top priorities.
Additionally, significant attention is being given to healthcare facilities.
She further affirmed that the Punjab Government is committed to fulfilling the basic needs of the people and is actively working on delivering on the promises made to them.
During her visit, the Cabinet Minister instructed the officials of the concerned departments to ensure clean drinking water, resolve the sewerage issues, and raised electric wires.
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GHAGGAR RIVER BANK CLEANED AS PART OF 'SWACHHATA ACTIONS' OF MISSION LIFE
ACTIVITY CARRIED OUT BEFORE MONSOON TO ENSURE ZERO SOLID WASTE FLOW INTO GHAGGAR: MEET HAYER
Chandigarh, May 25:Under the directions of Science Technology and Environment Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer a cleanliness drive was conducted under the 'Swachhata Actions' of Mission Life, for cleaning of bank of river Ghaggar near the bridge of National Highway.
Disclosing this, the Minister said that the activity has been carried out before the monsoon season with a view to ensure that no solid waste goes into river Ghaggar during peak flow of rainwater. The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accords top priority to ensuring a clean and green environment.
Around 100 people from nearby industries, MC Derabassi and Local NGOs were part of the abovesaid cleanliness drive along with a JCB machine and tractor trolley. Large quantity of solid waste dumped along the river bank was cleaned by the volunteers and 10 trolleys were filled and sent to MC Derabassi dumping site.
Apart from this, Boards were also installed at the site with the directions not to dump the waste at this site. Drone coverage of the entire activity was also done.
Refreshments and cloth bags were distributed to all the volunteers of the cleanliness drive.
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PAN PUNJAB PLACEMENT DRIVE FROM NEXT MONTH, AMAN ARORA ASKS OFFICIALS TO PULL UP SOCKS
• EMPLOYMENT GENERATION MINISTER ALSO INTERACTS WITH WINNERS OF "STARTUP CHALLENGE" COMPETITIONS
Chandigarh, May 25:In a bid to ensure employment opportunities to the youth of state as per the vision of Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr Aman Arora directed the department officials to gear up for organising a pan Punjab placement drive from next month.
Chairing a meeting of the department officials here at PEDA Complex, Mr Aman Arora asked the officials to tie up with local industry to get their job requirements. He emphasized that their focus should be to convert the registered manpower into an employed workforce rather than stressing only on increasing registration numbers.
He asked the officials to make the Placement Cell and District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises (DBEEs) popular amongst the youth to encourage them to register themselves with these centres so that they can be tracked and keep updated regarding the new employment opportunities available in the different sectors, while directing them to keep ready recokner the skilled manpower data on the job portal.
During the meeting, the Employment Generation Minister Mr Arora along with Principal Secretary Ms Jaspreet Talwar and Director Ms Deepti Uppal also interacted with the winners of "Startup Challenge" competitions held at SAS Nagar, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Patiala to familiarise with the challenges faced by them and their expectations from the government. He assured them every possible support to fulfil their aspirations.
Mr Aman Arora also reviewed the role of incubators and mentorship in providing correct guidance to the upcoming Startups.
Joint Director Startup Punjab Mr. Deepinder Dhillon, Executive Chamber of Industry & Commerce (CII) Ms Achint Kaur, CEO Innovation Mission Punjab Mr Somveer Singh, Assistant Director ASSOCHAM
Ms Priyanka, Director Munjal BCU Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Ludhiana Mr Shibananda Dash and Industrialist Mr Rajnish Dhawan were also present in the meeting.
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TRANSPORT MINISTER LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR BECOMES FIRST PUNJAB CABINET MINISTER TO DONATE EYES
FILLS EYE DONATION FORM WITH ROTARY EYE BANK & CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION SOCIETY HOSHIARPUR
Chandigarh, May 25:Punjab Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today became the first cabinet minister of Punjab for taking pledge to donate eyes as he filled eye donation form during meeting with representatives of Rotary Eye Bank and Corneal Transplantation Society, Hoshiarpur.
During the meeting at his office at Punjab Civil Secretariat, the Cabinet Minister also urged the people of Punjab to participate in maximum numbers in this noble cause.
The representatives of delegation of Rotary Eye Bank and Carnial Transplantation Society led by Chairman Mr. JB Bahl, said that their organization motivates people to donate eyes after death and so far, they have given eyesight to more than 3800 people, which included about 400 persons aged between 6 months and 16 years.
They said, the Government of India has issued a notification, after which the process has started in India on the lines of European countries that the applicant of license will be enabled to fill his agreeing/disagreeing in the form to donate his organs/eyes in case of death in road accident.
On this, the Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar directed the officials of the department to issue a letter to all the Secretaries, Regional Transport Authority to encourage each applicant coming to new or renewal of driving license for donating his/her eyes in case of death in road accident so that Punjab could become the first state in India in terms of eye donation.
I will also discuss this with the Health Minister for taking this noble task for further heights, he added.
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CHIEF SECRETARY DIRECTS TO COMPLETE THE PENDING WORKS FOR NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAY PROJECTS IN THE STATE
15 GREENFIELD EXPRESSWAYS OF 1173 KM LENGTH AND 9 BROWNFIELD EXPRESSWAYS OF 436 KM LENGTH TO BE CONSTRUCTED: VIJAY KUMAR JANJUA
CHIEF SECRETARY REVIEWS THE LAND ACQUISITION WORK FOR THE PROJECTS WITH THE SENIOR OFFICIALS AND ALL THE DCS
Chandigarh, May 25:Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua on Thursday gave orders to complete the National Highways and Railway Projects work in a timely manner. While reviewing the ongoing projects of the National Highways Authority (NHAI), all the Deputy Commissioners were asked to complete the land acquisition process immediately and pay compensation to the concerned persons so that the construction of the roads could be completed on time.
During the meeting with the senior officers of the concerned departments and NHAI and Deputy Commissioners of the districts, Mr. Janjua said that following the instructions of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to complete the national projects in the state on time, they should be completed fast and no laxity will be tolerated in this matter. He said that the farmers of the state are to get an amount of Rs. 15,000 Cr as compensation and construction of roads costing Rs. 40,000 Cr is to be done. With the construction of the new Expressway, the pace of development in the state will be faster and investors will get a big boost.
The Chief Secretary took stock of the actual work of each project while reviewing the same district wise and gave instructions to complete them. If there was any problem related to the department, he directed to remove it. He asked the Revenue Department and Deputy Commissioners to depute officers as per requirement. He also asked NHAI to complete the remaining work related to them.
Mr. Janjua further informed that 15 Greenfield Expressways with a length of 1173 km and 9 Brownfield Expressways with a length of 436 km are being constructed in the state. Delhi-Amritsar-Kattra Expressway, Amritsar-Bathinda, Ludhiana-Bathinda, Mohali-Bathinda and Ludhiana-Ropar, Jalandhar Bypass, Amritsar Bypass, Mohali Bypass and Ludhiana Bypass are prominent among them. On the issue raised by the Traffic Police in the meeting, the Chief Secretary asked the officials that the entry and exit points in the new highways should be marked keeping in view the local needs so that people do not face any problems later.
The meeting was attended by Financial Commissioner Revenue KAP Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary Forest Vikas Garg, Secretary Public Works Neel Kanth Avhad, Adviser NHAI Hussan Lal, ADGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, ADGP Traffic AS Rai, Divisional Commissioner Jalandhar Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, Divisional Commissioner Ropar Indu Malhotra and the project directors of NHAI were also present. Apart from this, the Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts also attended the meeting through video conferencing.
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NEW 40 FEET WIDE BRIDGE WILL BE BUILT AT VILLAGE AKHARA ON JAGRAON-RAIKOT ROAD: HARBHAJAN SINGH ETO
• ESTIMATED COST WILL BE RS 780 LAKHS
Chandigarh, May 25: A new 40 feet wide bridge will be constructed on the branch of Abohar canal at village Akhara under Jagraon assembly constituency by the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Rs 780 lakh will be spent on the construction of this bridge.
Divulging this, Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the people of the area have been demanding to build a new wide bridge in place of the old one. He said that this demand will be fulfilled by the approval of this bridge. He said that under NABARD scheme RIDF-28, an approval letter has been issued for the reconstruction of this bridge with the cost of Rs. 780 lakh.
It is worth mentioning that there is a very old 12 feet wide bridge (Akhara Bridge) on Abohar Kanal near village Akhara on this 33 feet wide Jagraon-Raikot road, which is in dilapidated condition. This road connects many important cities like Jagraon, Raikot, Barnala, Khanna, Malerkotla etc. Due to this narrow bridge, traffic jams are the routine matter on the road and it posed great risk of accidents. The construction of this bridge will solve this long-pending problem of traffic jams.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER DR NIJJAR HELD A MEETING WITH CHAIRMEN OF IMPROVEMENT TRUSTS TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT WORKS
Chandigarh, 25 May -The Minister for Local Government, Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar, chaired a meeting with Chairmen of Improvement Trust to address various issues and demands pertaining to the functioning of the Trusts. The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and strategize effective measures for the development of Punjab.
During the meeting, a wide range of issues concerning the chairmen of Improvement trusts were discussed. Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar provided valuable guidance and insights to the chairmen, enabling them to overcome challenges faced in their respective areas. He said that Improvement Trusts play an important role in improving the appearance of the cities of the state and providing proper civic services to the city dwellers.
The Minister stressed the importance of expediting ongoing projects in diverse sectors, enhancing transparency and accountability, and ensuring optimal utilization of resources. The chairmen of the Improvement Trusts also presented their agendas and proposals for upcoming initiatives focused on fostering the overall development of Punjab.
Dr. Nijjar highlighted that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, aspires to transform Punjab into a vibrant and prosperous state. Accordingly, the minister advised the chairmen of Improvement Trusts to work in coordination with each other to achieve this vision.
Dr. Nijjar underlined the significance of community involvement and public participation in the decision-making process. He emphasized the need to create sustainable and inclusive urban spaces that cater to the diverse needs of all residents.
The Ministry for Local Government remains committed to driving the development agenda in Punjab and will continue to collaborate with the chairmen of Improvement trusts to ensure progress and prosperity in the state.
On this Occasion, Mr Ajoy Sharma, Secretary Local Government and Mr Uma Shankar, Director Local Government were present in the meeting.
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PVS SPEAKER CONDOLES SAD DEMISE OF EMINENT SCHOLAR PROF. PIARA SINGH BHOGAL
Chandigarh, May 25:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today expressed deep grief over the sad demise of eminent Punjabi literary and journalist Prof. Piara Singh Bhogal.
In the press communique issued here, the Speaker said that Prof. Bhogal (92) had imparted education to needy students for decades and enabled thousands of poor and needy students to reach prominent positions in various fields.
The nonagenarian Punjabi litterateur Prof. Bhogal penned down over three dozen books including plays, stories and novels, and was also active member of Jalandhar Lekhak Sabha and the Kendriya Lekhak Sabha. He was bestowed with Shiromani Sahitkar award by the Language Department, Punjab for his contribution in the field of literature.
S. Sandhwan said that Punjabi literary world has suffered a huge loss with the passing away of Prof. Bhogal. The Speaker prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to bereaved family for bearing the irreparable loss.
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