CM ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR DELIBERATELY NOT INCLUDING TABLEAU OF PUNJAB IN REPUBLIC DAY PARADE
SAYS THIS ANTI-PUNJAB STANCE OF UNION GOVERNMENT IN UNWARRANTED AND UNDESIRABLE
ASSERTS THAT UNION GOVERNMENT HAS HATCHED A CONSPIRACY BY NOT ALLOWING PUNJAB TO SHOWCASE ITS STELLAR ROLE TO THE WORLD
BEMOANS THAT NON-BJP RULED STATES ESPECIALLY PUNJAB AND DELHI HAVE BEEN DELIBERATELY KEPT OUT PARADE BY THE BJP
Chandigarh, January 25-Slamming the BJP government at centre for not including the tableau of state in the Republic Day parade, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said that this anti-Punjab stance of the Union government is unwarranted and undesirable.
In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that every year Republic Day Parade celebrations include a spectacular ceremonious parade, which is a tribute to India, its unity in diversity and its rich cultural heritage through various states’ tableaus. He said that the state of Punjab has also been regularly featuring in the tableau parade showcasing the critical importance of this border state with its rich history, colourful and vibrant culture and pivotal point for defining events which shaped the history of the great nation. Bhagwant Mann said that it is a matter of great disappointment that this year despite the presentation of ideas to the selection committee on important themes like Watan Ke Rakhwale – emphasising the significant role of Punjab in India’s military might and anndata, Nari Shakti- through valour of Mai Bhago ji and the revered events in history of freedom struggle along with tales of bravery and supreme sacrifices through Battle of Saragarhi, the tableau of state of Punjab has not been selected for the Republic Day Parade.
The Chief Minister said that though the selection committee even appreciated the ideas but it is disheartening that the people of this great country along with the whole world will be bereft from the rich cultural and historical tribute, which Punjab will have showcased. He recalled that Punjabis had made enormous sacrifices to free our motherland from its yoke of British imperialism. Bhagwant Mann said that despite of being merely two percent of the country’s population 80% of the martyrs either executed or exiled during the freedom movement were Punjabis.
The Chief Minister said that even after independence the Punjabis have been instrumental in the prosperity and overall development of the country besides safeguarding the borders of the nation from the external aggressions. He said that the state government wanted to showcase this stellar role of Punjabis in the freedom struggle through the Tableau. Bhagwant Mann bemoaned that the Union government had hatched a conspiracy by not allowing Punjab to showcase its achievements to the world.
The Chief Minister lamented that though the country is celebrating 75th year of its independence but due to reasons best known to them, the Union government is skeptical of those patriots who have steered the country to freedom. He said that this reflects the myopic mindset of the BJP led government which is at the helms of the affairs in the country. Bhagwant Mann said that the BJP government is probably hesitant to reflect the contribution of the state in the national freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister said that it is ironical that only BJP ruled states have been allowed to participate in the Republic Day parade from North India. He said that non-BJP ruled states especially Punjab and Delhi have been deliberately kept out of the parade by the BJP. Bhagwant Mann said that this type of discriminatory treatment with Punjab and Punjabis is highly condemnable and intolerable.
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ON EVE OF REPUBLIC DAY, MHA ANNOUNCES NAMES OF PUNJAB POLICE OFFICIALS FOR PPMDS, PMMS AWARDS
— DGP GAURAV YADAV CONGRATULATE AWARDEES, THANKED CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND STATE GOVERNMENT FOR RECOGNISING SERVICES OF PUNJAB POLICE
CHANDIGARH, January 25:Recognising the outstanding services of the Punjab Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (GOI), on the eve of 74th Republic Day announced the names of the Punjab Police officers/officials, to be awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS).
Three IPS officers including Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Provisioning and Modernisation G Nageswara Rao, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Border Range Amritsar Mohnish Chawla and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sri Muktsar Sahib Opinderjit Singh Ghuman have been awarded President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
Similarly, an IPS officer Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ferozepur Range Ranjit Singh, and four PPS officers including Commandant RTC PAP Jalandhar Mandeep Singh, ADCP City-2 Amritsar Prabhjot Singh Virk, DSP Vigilance Bureau Unit Sangrur Parminder Singh and DSP CID Unit Sangrur Charanpal Singh, are among 15 officers/officials who have been selected for the Police Medal for Meritorious Service. The remaining officials include Inspector Tajinder Singh, Inspector Harjinder Singh, SI Daljit Singh, SI Jagtar Singh, SI Baljit Kaur, SI Jugal Kishore, ASI Raj Kumar, ASI Jaspal Singh, ASI Rakesh Chopra, and ASI Piara Singh.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, while congratulating the awardees, expressed gratitude to the Central Government and State Government for recognizing the services of these officers and boosting the morale of the entire Punjab Police force. He said that such recognition plays a significant role in encouraging the Police force to work with more dedication and devotion, which is very much required in a border state having manifold security challenges.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES NOTIFICATION REGARDING MOTOR VEHICLE TAX REBATE ON PURCHASE OF NEW VEHICLES BY OWNERS OF SCRAPPED VEHICLE: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR
Chandigarh, January 25:The Punjab Government has issued notification to give motor vehicle tax rebate on purchase of new vehicle by the owner of scrapped vehicle.
Disclosing this here today, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that in consonance to the Scrapping Policy introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, regarding registration of new vehicles, the Punjab Cabinet has decided to give Motor Vehicle Tax rebate of up to 15% to the Transport Vehicle Owners and 25% to Non-Transport Vehicle Owners in Motor Vehicle Tax under Section-13 (3) of the Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, 1924.
He said, as per this environment friendly decision, the owners of transport vehicles can take advantage of this scheme up to 8 years from the registration of their vehicles and owners of non-transport vehicles up to 15 years from the registration of their vehicles. When the vehicle is scrapped by the vehicle owner, the vehicle will be purchased by the scrapper who will issue a "Certificate of Deposit" to the vehicle owner, which will be deposited with the concerned Licensing Authority and the owner of the vehicle will get the due exemption on Motor tax.
He said, scrapping of the transport vehicle up to 8 years after registration is optional.
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SUB-INSPECTOR AMONG FOUR PUNJAB POLICE OFFICIALS TO BE AWARDED CHIEF MINISTER'S RAKSHAK PADAK AWARD
— FIVE PPS OFFICERS AMONG 11 PUNJAB POLICE OFFICIALS TO BE CONFERRED WITH CHIEF MINISTER'S MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING DEVOTION TO DUTY
— DGP GAURAV YADAV THANKED CM BHAGWANT LED PUNJAB GOVT FOR RECOGNISING SERVICES OF PUNJAB POLICE
CHANDIGARH, January 2 On the recommendations of the Punjab Government, the Governor of Punjab on Wednesday announced the names of the Punjab Police officers/officials, to be awarded the Chief Minister’s Rakshak Padak award and Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty on the occasion of Republic Day-2023.
The Governor of Punjab announced the names of four officials including SHO Police Station Kotbhai Sri Muktsar Sahib SI Raman Kumar, ASI Harpinder Singh, Head Constable Gurnam Singh, and Head Constable Harinder Singh for Chief Minister’s Rakshak Padak award.
Similarly, five PPS officers including AIG Flying Squad Vigilance Bureau Punjab Manmohan Singh, AIG Excise and Taxation Punjab Gurjot Singh Kaler, DSP Vigilance Bureau Slamudin, DSP STF Ludhiana Range Ajay Kumar and DSP Garhshankar Daljit Singh Khakh are among 11 officers/officials who have been selected for the Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty. The remaining officials include Inspector Sarabjit Singh, Inspector Vivek Chander, Inspector Bhupinder Singh, SI Jujhar Singh, ASI Davinder Singh, and ASI Bhag Singh.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav congratulated the awardees and thanked the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Mann for recognizing the services of the Punjab Police officers/officials. He said that such recognitions play a significant role in encouraging the Police force to work with more dedication and devotion.
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NO COMPROMISE WITH SAFETY OF FOREST DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES: LAL CHAND KATARUCHAK
FOREST AND WILDLIFE PRESERVATION MINISTER PRESIDES OVER MEETING WITH PUNJAB NON - GAZETTED FOREST OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
Chandigarh, January 25:The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of employees. As part of this, the Government would not compromise on the safety of the employees serving in the department. These views were expressed by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak at the Forest Complex in Sector 68 while presiding over a meeting of Punjab Non - Gazetted Forest Officers Association.
Showing utmost seriousness over the issue of the employees especially the Forest Guards, the Minister emphasized that patrolling in groups at night should be preferred at the range level. He also said that the anti social elements causing harm to the property of the Forest Department, must be strictly proceeded against.
Exhorting the field employees of the department to wear uniforms on duty, Mr. Kataruchak said that this would not only accord them a distinct identity but also prove beneficial from the security point of view. The Minister directed the officers of the department to consider the proposal to institute an award besides conferring a Medal on the employees who have been victims of attacks by unruly elements. This would go a long way in boosting the morale of such employees, said the Minister.
On the various demands put forward by the Union such as changing the name of the post of Forest Guard to the Forest Beat Officer/Beat Incharge, separate transfer policy, giving conveyance allowance, speeding up the process of promotion and filling up the 74 posts of Forest Rangers, the Minister assured to give sympathetic consideration.
Among others present on the occasion included the PCCF R.K. Mishra and the APCCF (Admn) Dharminder Sharma.
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VIGILANCE BUREAU ARRESTS FORMER SARPANCH, PANCHAYATS SECRETARY FOR MISAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
Chandigarh, January 25:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption, has arrested former Sarpanch Gurjit Singh and Panchayat Secretary Balraj Singh, of village Verowal Baviya, block Khadoor Sahib, Tarntaran district for misappropriation in panchayats funds.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the VB said on the basis of a vigilance enquiry, a technical team of Bureau has conducted an investigation regarding embezzlement in development funds received by the gram panchayat Verowal Baviya, district Tarntaran from the year 2013 and 2017. It has came to light that during the above said check period, the gram panchayat had received total government funds amounting to Rs. 47,47,373 and Rs. 24,75,000 from contract farming on shamlat land of the village panchayat.
He further added that that during the assessment period, the said Panchayat had received total amount Rs. 72,22,373 and spent Rs. 63,62,522 which shows that ex-Sarpanch Gurjeet Singh, in connivance with Panchayat Secretary Balraj Singh have misappropriated Panchayat funds to the tune of Rs. 8,59,851.
In this regard a case under sections 13 (1) (a), 13 (2) of prevention of corruption act and under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201, 102-B of IPC at VB police station, Amritsar. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he informed.
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MANN GOVT AIRLIFTS 25 LAKH VACCINE DOSES TO PROTECT CATTLE FROM LUMPY SKIN DISEASE: LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR
STATE LEVEL FREE VACCINATION CAMPAIGN TO START FROM FEBRUARY 15
Chandigarh, January 25:Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Wedesday, informed that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government has airlifted 25 lakh doses of Goat Pox vaccine to carry out free mega vaccination campaign for early prevention of cattle from lumpy skin disease (LSD).
He said, keeping in mind last year situation when state faced loss of livestock due to this disease spread in Punjab from neighbouring states, hence the state government has made foolproof strategy to ensure that this disease could not affect farming community, livestock and agri-subsidiary occupations in the state.
“Complying to the decision of the Group of Ministers constituted for the prevention of LSD and to make future strategy, the state level mega vaccination campaign will be started from February 15, 2023, said the Animal Husbandry Minister, adding that all arrangements have been made to carry out mega vaccination drive, which will last for about 45 days and free vaccination will be administered to all the cattle in the state till March 31, 2023.
S. Bhullar said that 25 lakh vaccine doses have been procured from government institution i.e. “Telangana State Veterinary Biological and Research Institute, Hyderabad". These doses have been stored at Punjab Veterinary Vaccine Institute, Ludhiana for dispatching to all districts of the state easily. He said that special care has been ensured to maintain the cold chain for the quality of the vaccine while transporting the vaccine from Telangana.
FOOLPROOF ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEGA VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that for effective implementation of the vaccination campaign, a Joint Director level officer will be appointed as a nodal officer at directorate level, who will monitor day-to-day progress and maintainn coordination with other staff. As per the instructions issued earlier, vaccination will be administered by forming teams at the level of animal hospital/institution and special attention will be paid to maintain cold chain during vaccination.
He said that in order to strengthen the administrative structure of the department to carry out vaccination drive effectively, 77 Veterinary Officers were promoted as Senior Veterinary Officers/Assistant Directors in December 2022 to ensure smooth monitoring of vaccination campaign and other departmental schemes at district/tehsil level across state. Besides this, the recruitment process of 418 veterinary officers is being completed swiftly.
Notably, the infectious virus, Lumpy Skin Disease had prevalent among cattle in the state on a large scale in July 2022. About 1.75 lakh cattle were affected across the state and about 18 thousand cattle were died during this period.
In wake of the seriousness of LSD and to save the economy of the livestock farmers, a Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising Finance Minister S. Harpal Singh Cheema, Agriculture Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Animal Husbandry Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar was formed, which held regular meetings with the experts of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana and departmental officials and took required decisions to devise future strategies for the prevention of disease, animals treatment and prevention of future attack of the disease.
It is pertinent to mention here that the government had airlifted 10.16 lakh doses at a cost of Rs.1.54 crore last year and 9.2 lakh eligible cattle were vaccinated free of cost. Apart from this, Rs.1.34 crore was released to the districts for purchasing medicines for the treatment of the affected animals.
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PUNJAB POLICE ARREST TWO ASSOCIATES OF ARMENIA BASED GANGSTER LUCKY PATIAL; PISTOL RECOVERED
— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKE PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER VISION OF CM BHAGWANT MANN
CHANDIGARH/MOHALI, January 25:As part of the ongoing war against anti-social elements launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar of Punjab Police has arrested two associates of Armenia based gangster Lucky Patial during a special operation. Lucky Patial, who is presently heading Bambiha gang, is most wanted gangster by the Punjab Punjab Police.
Those arrested have been identified as Kuldeep Singh Kingra of Mandi Dabwali in Sirsa, Haryana and Harinder Singh of Kotakpura, Faridkot.
Divulging details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Ashwani Kapur said that an FIR under sections of Arms Act and Extortion has already been registered at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.
During investigation raids were conducted and police party SSOC SAS Nagar arrested Kuldeep Singh Kingra on Sunday. He said that accused Kingra was helping the criminals and associates of Bambiha gang by providing them hideouts in Sirsa and nearby areas.
Developing the leads obtained from the interrogation of Kingra, Police teams have also arrested his aide Harinder Singh on Tuesday after recovering one country made pistol and four live cartridges from his possession.
During preliminary investigation of both the arrested accused it has been learnt that Kuldeep Kingra and Harinder Singh were working at the behest of Jackpal Singh alias Laali resident of Moga. Jackpal Laali is an old associate of gangster Lucky Patial.
On directions of foreign based operatives, accused Harinder Singh was involved in threatening some Punjab based businessmen and other prominent people for extorting money from them while Kuldeep Kingra was providing hideouts to the accused’s involved. Some of the gang members of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang residing in the area of Sirsa, Haryana were also on their target. It was Jackpal Laali who provided the arms and ammunition to Harinder Singh.
Earlier, Jackpal Lalli had also provided two illegal weapons to Harinder Singh which he further delivered to his associates. The weapons are yet to be recovered. Further investigation in under process.
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STATE LEVEL NATIONAL VOTER'S DAY EVENT HELD IN PATIALA
— 'YOUTH MUST EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE’, SAYS DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER ARUN SHEKHADI
— ADDITIONAL CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER CALLED UPON YOUTH TO ENSURE 100% VOTING IN 2024 LOK SABHA POLLS
• ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA RELEASES 'MAIN BHARAT HOON' SONG
CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, January 25:The state level National Voter's Day event was celebrated with great fanfare at the Punjabi University Patiala on Wednesday.
Divisional Commissioner Patiala Arun Shekhadi graced the event as the chief guest in the function, while, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Vipul Ujwal presided over the function. District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney welcomed the guests and shed light on the ongoing SVEEP activities of the district.
The function was commenced with a cycle rally led by paracyclist-cum-district SVEEP icon Jagwinder Singh in which Additional Chief Electoral Officer and Electoral Officer Punjab also participated along with hundreds of students and officials. The youth on Harley Davidson super-bikes added to the vibrancy of the event.
National/ international level archery players aimed at the target of "I will vote" to give the message of importance of voting.
During the state-level function, the election officials were felicitated for their exemplary services during the Vidhan Sabha Elections 2022. The recipients included Director Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab Sonali Giri, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar Jaspreet Singh and Director Food and Civil Supplies Department Ghanshyam Thori, SSP Rupnagar Vivek Sheel Soni, State Icon PwD Voters Dr Kiran, Paracyclist-cum-District SVEEP Icon Jagwinder Singh, District Icons including Ujagar Singh Antal, Gurpreet Singh Namdhari and Jagdeep Singh, who is also a PwD Coordinator. In addition, Principal Dr Navneet Walia, District Nodal Officer SVEEP Patiala Gurbakshish Singh, and SVEEP Consultant Manpreet Singh Aneja were also felicitated for their contribution in SVEEP activities.
Meanwhile, SDM Nabha Damanjit Kaur, Nodal Officer Satbir Singh Gill, and Election Tehsildar Ramji Lal, and Election Officer Rajpura Satinder Kaur were also honored for best performance at the district level.
On this occasion, cultural programs were presented by children with special needs from Blind and Deaf School, Saifdipur, Patiala. The orchestra of folk instruments led by Vijay Yamla Jatt made everyone groove. A painting made by Gurpreet Singh Namdhari depicting the special app 'Saksham-ECI' created by the Election Commission of India for the disabled was released by the chief guest. Special needs student Lovepreet Singh participated in the event as Punjab Elections mascot 'Shera'. National Anthem presented in sign language by children with special needs. State and District Disability Coordinators who volunteered their services in the elections were also felicitated.
The entire event was overseen by Additional District Election Officer-cum-Additional Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Thind and Shri Gurbakshish Singh Antal, District SVEEP Nodal Officer.
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UNIQUE INITIATIVE OF EM; LIST OF MARVELLOUS ACHIEVER TEACHERS SENT TO CONCERNED DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS FOR FELICITATION
These teachers will be honored by the district administration on Republic Day
Chandigarh, January 25:Taking a special initiative to acknowledge the best performers teachers achievement, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday sent lists of more than 50 marvellous achiever teachers and school heads to concerned Deputy Commissioners to honor them. He instructed the Deputy Commissioners to felicitate them at the district level Republic Day functions.
Mr. Bains said that the teachers are the nation builders and it was the prime duty of the state government to acknowledge these achievements and honour the achievers. The Education Minister said that when he came to know about the teachers from all over Punjab who brighten up the name of the department by doing their unique work, he immediately asked the Deputy Commissioners to honor them.
Mr. Bains said that the practice of honoring teachers and school principals will remain continue in the future and these teachers would be felicitated on Independence and Republic Day fictions. He informed that the department will prepare lists on the basis of the performance of teachers and send to the Deputy Commissioners.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that he has given strict instructions to the officials of the department that teachers should be accorded full respect during the field visit and laxity in this regard simply unwarranted and unbearable.
Mr. Bains said that the teachers have the greater role in creating a model society and he will take every possible step to restore the dignity of this much important section of the society.
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RED ALERT SOUNDED IN PUNJAB IN VIEW OF REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS
— DGP GAURAV YADAV REVIEWS SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN STATE, DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL FORCES AT SENSITIVE POCKETS
— ON DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT MANN, PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO ENSURE PEACEFUL CELEBRATIONS OF REPUBLIC DAY-2023
— ADGP LAW AND ORDER ARPIT SHUKLA CAMPING IN JALANDHAR TO ENSURE FOOLPROOF SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS DURING STATE-LEVEL FUNCTION
CHANDIGARH, January 25: A red alert has been sounded across the state on Wednesday to ensure peaceful celebrations of Republic Day-2023 in the border state of Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, while reviewing the security arrangements with all the CPs/SSPs of the state, asked the district heads to ensure foolproof security arrangements in their concerned jurisdictions. He also asked all the Station House Officers (SHOs) and Gazzeted Officers to remain in the field till the culmination of the Republic Day event.
He informed that senior officers from Chandigarh have also been deputed to review security arrangements in important districts of the state and additional forces have also been deployed at the sensitive pockets.
Divulging more details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who himself is camping in Jalandhar to ensure foolproof security arrangements at state-level Republic Day function, said that extensive checking of vehicles and suspicious people have also been ordered by the DGP Punjab. All the inter-state and inter-district boundaries in the state have been sealed, he added.
He also urged the people of Punjab to remain alert all the time, and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious. “People can inform the Police on 112 or 181 helpline numbers,” he added.
Meanwhile, Governor of Punjab Banwarilal Purohit will unfurl the national flag and take the salute during a state-level Republic Day function to be held in Jalandhar on Thursday.