Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan Calls for Investment in Punjab During US Tour
* Consulate General of India, San Francisco honoured Speaker Sandhwan
Chandigarh, November 11:Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, currently on a tour in the United States, has called upon Punjabis living in America to invest in Punjab, assuring them of the Punjab government's full support in every way.
Speaking at an honor ceremony conducted by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco at the Ghadar Memorial Hall, S. Sandhwan expressed his gratitude to the entire team of the Consulate. He highlighted that the Industries Department of the Punjab Government is providing investment-related services through a single window system, making it easier for investors. He emphasized that Punjab offers a very conducive environment for investment, with all industry-related services available under one roof.
S. Sandhwan reiterated the Punjab government's commitment to addressing all kinds of problems faced by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). He mentioned that a special system is already in place to cater to the needs of NRIs, ensuring their issues are resolved efficiently.
He also spoke about the deep connection Punjabis have with their homeland, regardless of where they live in the world. He invited NRIs to come to Punjab, emphasizing that their heritage and brotherhood are cherished and that Punjabis are renowned globally for their mutual support and camaraderie.
The event saw the participation of several notable personalities, including Consul General Dr. Srikar Reddy, Deputy Consul General Mr. Adhlakha, Mr. Paul Sahota, Dr. Ramesh Yapra, Dr. Harmesh Kumar, Mr. Jaspreet Singh (Attorney at Law), Mr. Gulwinder Gill, and Mr. Gurdeep Singh Gill, who also shared their views.
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Lift airport Kirpan ban immediately, urges Speaker Sandhawan
Calls for Prime Minister's immediate intervention regarding religious rights of baptised Sikh employees
Chandigarh, November 11:Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhawan, on Monday, strongly denounced the BJP-led union government's prohibition on Amritdhari (baptised) Sikh employees wearing the Kirpan at airports, calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's immediate intervention in the matter.
In an official communique, S. Sandhawan said that the union government's restriction on religious articles of baptised Sikhs unacceptable and demanded its immediate revocation. He urged the Civil Aviation Ministry to take swift action to rescind this anti-Sikh directive.
The Speaker said that Sikh community is renowned for both their diligence and proven religious devotion. "India's identity as a diverse nation encompassing various religions, ethnicities and communities. In a country where the constitution guarantees religious freedom to all citizens, restricting religious symbols is unjustifiable", he argued.
S. Sandhawan mentioned that the Sikh community shown extraordinary valour during India's independence movement and made numerous sacrifices for the nation. He expressed dismay, the present dispensation is now imposing limitations on Sikh religious symbols, characterizing such actions as direct interference in Sikh religious affairs that the union government must avoid.
The Speaker demanded the immediate withdrawal of this directive and the restoration of baptised Sikh airport employees' right to wear the Kirpan, their traditional religious symbol.
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Ushering in an era of football development in Punjab
Mahilpur to host I League matches
Sports department signs MoU with MINERVA Football Academy
Chandigarh, November 11-Punjab Sports Department has proudly announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MINERVA Football Academy’s Delhi FC to allow the club to utilise the newly constructed sports stadium in Mahilpur, located in Hoshiarpur district, for the upcoming season of the I-League, organised by the All India Football Federation. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led State Government’s commitment to promoting the development of sports and fostering young talent.
This partnership to organise I-League matches will not only strengthen Punjab’s sports ecosystem but also support young athletes aspiring to professional careers in football. The team will play 12 matches at the venue starting 19th December 2024 until the end of the I-League season in April 2025. As is the culture in Mahilpur, all matches are expected to be full house with some fans even travelling from different states of the country. It is interesting to note that the 2024–25 I-League season has 12 teams competing from various states across India including traditional heavyweights like Dempo SC and Churchill Brothers.
This season, the I-League matches will be broadcast live on TV on Eurosport India with online streaming on the FanCode platform, bringing Mahilpur to the national arena. Minerva FC CEO Ranjit Baja said that all the football fans in the state are very happy with this development and thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Sports Department for their support.
Director Sports Harpreet Singh Sudan said that the state Government remains committed to providing facilities and platforms that nurture talent and uphold Punjab’s legacy in Indian sports.
Mahilpur, the "Mecca & Nursery of Indian Football," has a rich football legacy dating back to the pre-independence era, with many national players hailing from this town. The district of Hoshiarpur has always been at the forefront and contributed significantly to Punjab’s sports culture, not only in football but across multiple disciplines, making it a fitting location for this collaboration. The Punjab Government recognises the potential of Mahilpur and aims to revitalise its historic sports culture through initiatives like this.
Since 2022, the Punjab government has been taking various progressive steps for the development of sports. Its key initiatives include the launch of the Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan in 2022, a grassroots sports festival involving over 445070 participants across various age categories and sports, demonstrating Punjab’s emphasis on inclusive sports development. This year, Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan is also being organised for Para Athletes for the first time.
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PUNJAB POLICE INKS MoU WITH GUJARAT-BASED RASHTRIYA RAKSHA UNIVERSITY TO ENHANCE SKILLS OF POLICE PERSONNEL
— MoU SIGNED BETWEEN ADGP TECHNICAL SERVICES AND PRO VC RRU IN PRESENCE OF DGP PUNJAB GAURAV YADAV
— RRU TO PROVIDE DIVERSE RANGE OF PROGRAMS, INCLUDING CLASSROOM-BASED SESSIONS, VIRTUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
— DGP GAURAV YADAV TERMS THIS COLLABORATION AS SIGNIFICANT STEP TOWARDS FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING
— TRAINING PROGRAMS INCLUDE CYBER CRIME INVESTIGATION STRATEGIES AND BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY
CHANDIGARH, November 11 In a significant step towards enhancing the skill sets of Police personnel in Punjab, Punjab Police on Monday has entered into a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This collaboration aims to bolster the capabilities of law enforcement personnel through a series of comprehensive programs designed to address contemporary challenges in policin
The MoU was signed between Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Technical Services Ram Singh and Pro-Vice Chancellor RRU Prof (Dr) Kalpesh H Wandra in the presence of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav at Punjab Police Headquarters here.
Under this agreement, RRU will provide a diverse range of programs, including classroom-based sessions, virtual learning opportunities, and hybrid models that combine both approaches. The focus of these programs will be on several critical areas including Women Empowerment and Role in Policing, Cyber Crime Investigation Strategies, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, Financial Fraud Prevention Techniques, Drone Training for Surveillance, Counterterrorism Methods, VIP Security Protocols and other training as proposed by the Punjab Police.
DGP Gaurav Yadav, while terming this collaboration as a significant step towards fostering excellence in law enforcement education and training, said that this partnership will also facilitate joint initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in policing and security. He also emphasised the importance of such partnership in shaping the future of policing in India.
Emphasising the importance of this partnership in facilitating the upskilling of Punjab Police personnel, the DGP said that this collaboration will be beneficial for enhancing performance in various operational areas where law enforcement officers require advanced skills and knowledge.
Prof (Dr) Kalpesh H Wandra expressed his heartfelt gratitude for this partnership and underscored the long-term benefits that will arise from this collaboration for both institutions involved. He articulated that this MoU is pivotal in fostering collaborative learning between RRU and Punjab Police, particularly in light of future developments within India’s security ecosystem.
Meanwhile, this initiative demonstrates Punjab Police’s dedication to improving public safety and security as per the changing requirements of law enforcement agencies. As Punjab Police maintains its focus on excellence in Public safety, Crime prevention, Community policing, Counter terrorism, National security, Cyber Crime Prevention and equip its personnel with latest technologies, this collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University exemplifies its commitment to effectively serve and protect communities.
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Horticulture department playing vital role in resolving agricultural crisis: Mohinder Bhagat
Punjab Horticulture Minister orders study of other states' subsidy policies for horticulturists
Says, Mann Government striving to expand area under horticulture
Chandigarh, November 11:Punjab Horticulture Department is playing a crucial role in transforming Punjab's increasingly unprofitable agriculture sector into a lucrative enterprise and resolving the farming crisis, said Punjab Horticulture Minister Sh. Mohinder Bhagat while speaking with the journalists here today.
The Horticulture Minister said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is making concerted efforts to increase area under horticulture in the state. While describing the horticulture department as an advisory body for farmers, providing environmentally friendly and economically beneficial guidance, Sh. Bhagat listed that through the department's initiatives, Punjab's farmers have established extensive orchards under crop diversification. This has not only increased the availability of health-promoting fruits but also improved the state's environment by expanding forest cover through orchards.\
He said that the department's primary objectives are conserving groundwater, purifying the environment and increasing farmers' income. He revealed that while most crops, including wheat and paddy, generate income between Rs.30,000 to Rs.55,000 per acre, farmers can earn between Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh per acre through horticulture.
He cited an example of a Ludhiana district farmer earning Rs.20 lakh per acre annually through polyhouse farming, while explaining that various fruit estates established by the state government are significantly benefiting horticulturists by providing proper guidance on orchard maintenance and fertilizer usage, resulting in higher yields and preventing economic losses from excessive fertilizer use, which further saves approximately Rs.7,000 per acre for horticulturists.
The Cabinet Minister announced that guava, litchi and pear estates have been established in the state, which will soon be dedicated to the public.
Sh. Bhagat informed that departmental officials have been instructed to study subsidy policies of other states to develop farmer-friendly policies for Punjab's horticulturists. He also directed officials to explore possibilities of establishing polyhouses on one kanal of land.
The Horticulture Minister informed that the state's horticulturists have already secured orders to export 600 quintals of litchi in the coming year.
He said that all vacant posts in the department are being filled promptly to strengthen its operations.
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Vigilance Bureau arrests contractor for misappropriating public funds in construction of judicial complex
Chandigarh 11 November, 2024 - The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested accused Lakhwinder Singh, Managing Director of M/s Tung Builders Private Limited, Gurdaspur, who is a resident of village Tung in Gurdaspur for misusing public funds allocated for construction of district judicial complex at SBS Nagar. He had been absconding for more than three months.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the Public Works Department (PWD) had issued tenders in 2017 for construction of the Judicial Court Complex in SBS Nagar and it was awarded to the said Tung Builders Private Limited, Gurdaspur, on 03.08.2017. This project was to be completed within 18 months at a cost of Rs. 35,19,18,620. Later, the PWD had increased the project’s scope by adding parking and residential quarters for judges within the complex, raising the cost to Rs 65,91,47,000. However, the contractor Tung Builders, failed to complete the work within the stipulated time. Despite this, the officials/employees of the PWD, Nawanshahr, colluded with the said accused Lakhwinder Singh, the MD of Tung Builders, and made payments of approximately Rs 53,00,00,000 upto March 2023.
He further informed that due to the non-completion of this project within the agreed timeline, the allotment was terminated in May 2023 by the department, and a four-member committee was constituted to investigate the misuse of allocated funds.
The spokesperson added that the committee report had revealed that due to the negligence of eight officials/employees of the PWD, an excess payment of Rs 11,50,00,000 was made to aforementioned Tung Builders.
Based on this report, a case has registered against eight officials/employees of the Public Works Department along with said contractor of Tung Builders Private Limited under FIR No 98, dated 01.08.2024, under Sections 406, 409, 420 IPC, and Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act at Sadar Police Station, Nawanshahr.
In this case further investigation was under progress and raids are being conducted at the residential and other locations of the remaining absconding accused, he said.
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-The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, on Monday has apprehended SDO Neha, and her Assistant Naitak for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.
Chandigarh November 11, 2024 -The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its drive against corruption in the state, on Monday has apprehended SDO Neha, and her Assistant Naitak for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by Sushil Kumar, a resident of Gagandeep Colony, Bhatian Bet, in Ludhiana and working as General Manger in Pitamaas Pvt. Ltd. Company, Ludhiana.
\According to the complaint the said company is providing services as IEC Consultant to Ludhiana Smart City Project, under Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and the tender was allotted to the firm from 01-10-2023 to 30-09-2024. The complainant has approached the VB and informed that an annual bill totaling Rs 7,08,000 of the said company, was submitted in the office of Smart City at Municipal Corporation Zone-D, Ludhiana.
The complainant further alleged that when he visited the office Madam Neha, SDO, she demanded a bribe of Rs 15000 or 2 percent of the total amount for passing the said bill and the complainant has made recording of his conversation with SDO Neha.
The spokesperson added that after verification of the allegations levelled in the complaint, a VB team laid a trap during which an Assistant, namely Naitak, of SDO Neha, was apprehended red handed, who has been sent by her to collect the bribe money of Rs 15000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. Thereafter, SDO Neha was also arrested in this case.
In this regard a case has been registered against both the accused at VB police station Ludhiana range. Both accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under progress.
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PUNJAB POLICE SHINES AT ALL INDIA POLICE DUTY MEET; BAGS ONE SILVER, TWO BRONZE MEDALS
— DGP GAURAV YADAV CONGRATULATES WINNERS, CONFERRED THEM WITH DGP’S DISC AND CASH REWARDS
— PUNJAB POLICE’S NARCOTIC SNIFFER DOG BINGO BRINGS HOME BRONZE MEDAL
— POLICE TEAMS BRING GREAT PRIDE TO PUNJAB POLICE AND SET A REMARKABLE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE: DGP GAURAV YADAV
CHANDIGARH, November 11:Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Monday, congratulated the dedicated Punjab Police team for their exceptional achievements at the 67th All India Police Duty Meet 2023-24 held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in February 2024.
The Punjab Police teams had made a remarkable impression at the meet after securing one silver medal and two bronze medals in different categories.
Notably, Constable Manpreet Kaur secured a Silver medal in Police Observation in Scientific Aids to Investigation Category, Inspector Mohit Dhawan clinched a Bronze medal in Medico-Legal Test in Scientific Aids to Investigation Category, and Constable Rupinder Singh and Bingo, the narcotic sniffer Belgian Malinois, brought home a Bronze medal.
DGP Gaurav Yadav awarded the trio with the prestigious DGP's Disc and cash rewards, acknowledging their outstanding performance. He was accompanied by Director Punjab Police Academy Anita Punj, SSP Khanna Ashwini Gotyal, and Staff Officer Darpan Ahluwalia.
“They (Police teams) have brought great pride to #PunjabPolice and set a remarkable standard of excellence. Their commitment and perseverance continue to inspire the entire force and strengthen our resolve to serve with distinction,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter).
The 67th All India Police Duty Meet was organized by the All India Police Sports Control Board, New Delhi, at the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Lucknow, and witnessed participation from over 30 forces, including state police and paramilitary forces. The event was aimed to promote excellence and collaboration among police officers towards scientific detection and investigation of crimes.
Meanwhile, police teams have participated in this meet under the supervision of Team Manager Dr Jaswinder Singh of PPA Phillaur.
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Dr. Ravjot Singh Directs Officials to Expedite Development Projects
Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s Top Priority is to Make State Cities garbage-Free*
*High level Review Meeting held in the presence of Cabinet Ministers Lal Chand Kataruchakk, Dr Balbir Singh and MLAs with Municipal
Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Executive Officers*
Chandigarh, November 11:Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, in the presence of Food, Civil Supplies and consumer affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, held a meeting with municipal commissioners from Patiala, Jalandhar, and Amritsar; additional deputy commissioners from Patiala, Mohali, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran; and Executive officers from various municipal councils and panchayats, including Raja Sansi, Narot Jaimal Singh, Khemkaran, Tarn Taran, Sanaur, Devigarh, Ghanaur, Ghagga, Bhadson, Gharuan, Goraya, Shahkot, Bhogpur, and Bilga. During the meeting, he instructed officials to accelerate the completion of ongoing development projects across the state.
At the start of the meeting, Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh reviewed the progress of projects under various schemes like the Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT Mission, and the 15th Finance Commission, gaining insights into the current status of these projects. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality standards in development works.
The cabinet minister instructed that tenders should be called promptly for sewerage and water treatment plants whose Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been completed, so work can commence at the earliest. He also emphasized identifying Panchayati land for these projects in coordination with the district administration, and if Panchayati land is unavailable, alternative private land should be identified and rates finalized as per government guidelines.
Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh highlighted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision is to make cities in Punjab garbage-free. He stressed to the field officials that no garbage piles should be present anywhere and emphasized effective waste management, focusing on door-to-door waste segregation.
Minister also directed officials to ensure daily cleanliness in their respective areas, including timely cleaning of sewer systems to prevent wastewater from flooding streets and alleys during the rainy season. He emphasized providing clean drinking water to residents, keeping street lights operational, and focusing on the cleaning and beautification of ponds.
Dr. Ravjot Singh further mentioned that there is no shortage of funds for development projects. Therefore, if any urban local bodies require additional funds for other projects, they should prepare a complete proposal and submit it to the headquarter.
Present at the meeting were MLAs S.S. Ahluwalia, Gurdev Singh Mann, Gurlal Ghanour, Ajit Pal Singh Kohli, Dr. Charanjit Singh, Inderjit Kaur Mann and Raman Arora and Jeevan Jot Kaur and Dalbir Singh Tong as well as Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Government Department Tejvir Singh, Director of the Local Government Department Gurpreet Singh Khaira, PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal, Halka incharges and other officials from the department.