Category: Punjab

Jalandhar News: Three Panchayat Secretaries from District Jalandhar have been immediately suspended from their posts for negligence in duty. This suspension has been carried out based on the recommendation of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal.

Providing details, the Deputy Commissioner informed that as per the orders received from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, Panchayat Secretary Prashotam Lal and Dilbag Sahota (Panchayat Samiti Jalandhar West) and Parvinder Singh, Panchayat Secretary, Panchayat Samiti Phillaur, have been suspended from their posts. He informed that during the suspension period, their headquarters will be the office of District Development and Panchayat Officer, Jalandhar.

Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to providing clean and accountable administration, Dr. Aggarwal said that no effort will be spared in providing good and transparent administration to the people of the district. He clearly stated that no leniency will be shown towards those showing negligence in duty, and if any such case comes to light in the future, strict action will be taken.

Jalandhar News: In furrherance to the orders issues by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal to remove garbage from vacant plots, the Jalandhar administration has issued as many as 289 notices to various plot owners across the district.

Providing details, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal said that in view of the risk of disease spread during the monsoon season and for public health safety, all plot owners across the district were directed to remove garbage and other waste from their vacant plots by July 10, 2025. 

Additionally, orders were issued to construct boundary walls or fencing around the plots to prevent illegal dumping of waste. He informed that for violation of these orders, 99 notices were issued by Municipal Corporation Jalandhar, 14 by Nagar Council Adampur, 4 by Nagar Panchayat Alawalpur, 25 by Nagar Council Bhogpur, 8 by Nagar Panchayat Bilga, 9 by Nagar Council Goraya, 14 by Nagar Council Kartarpur, 29 by Nagar Panchayat Lohian Khas, 30 by Nagar Panchayat Mehatpur, 9 by Nagar Council Nakodar, 16 by Nagar Council Phillaur, 5 by Nagar Council Nurmahal, and 27 by Nagar Panchayat Shahkot.

Dr. Aggarwal stated that the notices instructed plot owners to clean their plots and build boundary walls within 2 days from the date of issuance of the notice. He added that if this is not done, government departments will carry out the cleaning, and the cost will be recovered from the plot owners as a penalty. In additional, if anyone failed to deposit the cost, red entry will be made into revenue record. Further, legal action under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-2023, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 will also be taken by the police along with the penalty.

On Thursday, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, along with Municipal Corporation Jalandhar Commissioner Gautam Jain and other officials, visited various city areas, during which he got the garbage removed from a vacant plot near Adarsh Nagar Chowk. He mentioned that cleaning cost to be recovered from plot owners where cleanliness is done by the authorities.

Dr. Aggarwal emphasised that this step is being taken entirely in the public interest to protect the district’s residents from diseases, especially during the ongoing rainy season when vector-borne diseases can spread rapidly. He reiterated Jalandhar administration’s commitment to ensuring a clean environment and protecting residents’ health.

Jalandhar News: Taking new initiatives for women empowerment, the district administration has decoded to launch fresh batches self-defense and free coaching classes for girls in Jalandhar.

Chairing a review meeting, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal said that the Jalandhar Administration will launch fresh batches for self defence training and coaching classes for girls besides other initiatives. 

Dr. Aggarwal emphasized the importance of self-defense and confidence in girls today, which led to the district administration initiating this training. The training will cover techniques essential for self-defense, enabling students to stay safe and respond effectively in any situation. 

The Deputy Commissioner also asked to start free coaching classes girls preparing for competitive exams after completing grade 12. 

Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal highlighted the district administration’s ongoing efforts for the welfare and development of girls. He mentioned that earlier a a special campaign was launched launched by the administration for testing hemoglobin levels in girls across 30 villages in the Shahkot block to prevent anemia, which has yielded positive results.

Reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to providing security, better health, education, and other facilities for the overall development of girls, the Deputy Commissioner assured that no stone to be left unturned in ensuring a bright future for the young girls. He also appreciated the support from the District Social Security, Women and Child Development Department.

PUNJAB TO INSTALL 30MW SOLAR PLANTS ON 390 GOVT BUILDINGS

 

• ₹150-CR project to be executed by March 2026, says Aman Arora

 

• Project will generate clean energy, reduce carbon footprint, and save ₹15 crore electricity expenses annually

Chandigarh, July 10:

In a significant move to harness the state’s natural energy potential, the Punjab Government is all set to install solar power plants with a combined capacity of 30 MW on the roofs of 390 government buildings across Punjab by March 2026, informed Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of New & Renewable Energy Sources, Punjab.

Mr. Aman Arora, along with Chairperson PEDA Dr. Sukhchain Gogi and Principal Secretary New & Renewable Energy Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, reviewed ongoing projects being executed by the Punjab Energy Development Authority (PEDA).

Sharing the details, Mr. Aman Arora informed that the project worth Rs 150 crore is projected to yield annual savings of Rs 15 crore in electricity costs for various government departments. The tendering process has been completed, paving the way for implementation of the ambitious project, he added.

Notably, the project will cover prominent buildings of 25 major departments, including Health & Family Welfare, Technical Education & Industrial Training, Transport, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Home Affairs & Justice, Medical Education & Research, Local Government and Water Resources, among others.

The Minister noted that Punjab has already registered impressive progress in renewable energy in past three years, with 1098 government buildings equipped with solar rooftops with collective capacity of 7.7MW, which demonstrates the state government’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and fiscal prudence, Mr. Aman Arora stated, “By harnessing renewable energy, the state aims to reduce its carbon footprint, mitigate climate change impacts and ensure a more sustainable future for its citizens. This initiative marks a substantial stride towards transforming Punjab into a cleaner, greener and more energy-efficient state.”

During the meeting, Mr. Aman Arora directed the department officials to explore ways and means to further increase the production of clean energy.

Chief Administrative Officer (CEO) PEDA Ms. Neelima, Director Mr. MP Singh and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Led by CM, Punjab Cabinet Approves Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to Provide Cashless Treatment Worth ₹10 Lakh to Residents*

 

*Punjab Becomes the First State in the Country to Launch This Historic Initiative*

 

Chandigarh, July 10 :

The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Thursday approved the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna — a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country to provide cashless medical treatment worth Rs 10 lakh to residents of the state.

 

A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the Council of Ministers held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his official residence.

 

Disclosing this today, a spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office said the scheme will be rolled out on October 2, providing significant relief to the people of Punjab. Under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, every family in the state will now be eligible for cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh. With this, Punjab has become the first state in India where every household is entitled to such comprehensive healthcare coverage.

 

The scheme will benefit the entire population of three crore residents and more than 550 private hospitals have been empaneled for the scheme so far and the number will be enhanced to 1000 in coming days. Previously, a family could avail of treatment only up to ₹5 lakh; this limit has now been enhanced to ₹10 lakh. By launching this initiative, Punjab has set a new benchmark for the rest of the country, becoming the first state to offer free healthcare, education, electricity, and bus travel to its citizens.

 

Following the principle of Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all), as advocated by the great Gurus, the Punjab Government is taking inclusive steps to ensure the well-being of every section of society. Under this scheme, every citizen of Punjab — including government employees and pensioners — will be entitled to free healthcare, regardless of income level. Previously, only select families qualified for benefits under income-based criteria, but now the scheme covers all residents.

 

Health cards under the scheme will be issued at Seva Kendras or Common Service Centers (CSCs). Additionally, citizens can register online using their Aadhaar card or Voter ID to obtain a health card. Treatment under the scheme will be available at all government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals and no resident of Punjab will now have to forgo medical treatment due to financial constraints.

 

*Big relief to investors*

 

In view of difficulties faced by investors, the Cabinet has decided to implement the notification to collect CLU, EDC, LF and others from the projects developed under the popular act or mega project policy w.e.f. June 4,2025. In Punjab, these charges were implemented wide notification dated 04.06.2025, on all new real estate projects to be set up in the State and on new extensions to ongoing projects with effect from April 1, 2025. However, now the Cabinet has decided to implement this notification w.e.f. 04.06.2025 thereby stipulating that project submitted up to 04.06.2025 will be charged as per the previous policy and applications submitted after 04.06.2025 will be charged under the new rates which will be effective from 04.06.2025.

PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA PAYS TRIBUTES TO DEPARTED SOULS

Chandigarh, July 10:

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on Thursday, paid tributes to departed souls including the deceased of Ahmedabad plane crash, who had passed away since the last session of the Assembly.

During the 9th (special) session of the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the House paid respects to the departed soul of MLA Tarn Taran Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal, former Union Minister S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Eminent Writer Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi, Martyr Naik Sh. Surinder Singh, Martyr Lance Naik Sh. Baljeet Singh, Martyr Lance Naik Sh. Gurpreet Singh, Abohar businessman Sh. Sanjay Verma and the deceased of the recent plane crash at Ahmedabad.

A two-minute silence was observed in the memory of departed souls as a mark of respect during the obituary references.

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NATIONAL FISH FARMERS DAY: FISHERIES FLOURISH IN PUNJAB AS FISH PRODUCTION SOARS TO 2L MT

• ₹30.64-CR assistance provided to 637 beneficiary farmers under various fish farming projects, says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
• On National Fish Farmers Day, Fisheries Minister invites Punjab’s youth to tap into fish farming’s economic potential

Chandigarh, July 10:

Making a notable stride in the fish farming sector, Punjab has been producing 2 lakh metric tons (MT) of fish annually from natural waters, private and panchayati ponds, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, on the occasion of National Fish Farmers Day, on Thursday.

Highlighting recent developments in the fisheries sector, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that Punjab currently has over 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming and 985 acres to shrimp farming, which is showcasing the state’s growing aquaculture landscape.

He further informed that 16 government fish seed farms, 11 fish feed mills, and 7 laboratories have been actively serving the state farmers to promote fishing sector. Additionally, 637 fish farmer beneficiaries have received financial assistance worth Rs 30.64  crore for fish farming projects including pond construction for fish & shrimp farming, fish feed mills, Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Biofloc-Culture Systems, insulated vehicles, motorcycles & auto-rickshaws with ice boxes, with subsidies ranging from from 40% to 60%.

Apart from this, 8 private fish kiosks have also been set up to facilitate the sale of fish and fish products in a hygienic environment, he added.

Extending warm greetings to the state fish farmers, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the fisheries sector has been flourishing under the dynamic leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. These efforts have created vast potential for growth in fish farming and allied industries, with significant scope for development in fish and shrimp processing. This growth will, in turn, generate new employment opportunities to further boost Punjab’s economy.

The Fisheries Minister urged the state’s youth to explore fish farming as a lucrative self-employment opportunity, contributing to the state’s economic growth by embracing this promising venture.

Power Minister Administers Oath to Er. Ravinder Singh Saini as Member of PSERC

Chandigarh, July 10 :

 Power Minister Punjab Harbhajan Singh ETO today administered the oath of office to Er. Ravinder Singh Saini, who has been appointed by the Punjab Government as a Member of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) In a dignified ceremony held at Punjab Bhavan.

While briefing the media after the oath taking ceremony Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that Er. Saini brings with him a wealth of experience and deep understanding of Punjab’s power sector, which will significantly strengthen the functioning of PSERC. He expressed confidence that with this appointment, the Commission now at full strengthwill be better equipped to ensure fair regulations, promote transparency, and safeguard the interests of consumers, utilities, and stakeholders. “Saini’s contribution to the power sector has been exemplary, and his inclusion in the Commission will certainly enhance its regulatory efficiency,” the Minister remarked.

Powe Minister further stated that the appointment reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to empowering institutions and ensuring efficient governance in the power sector. With Saini’s vast technical knowledge and hands-on experience, the PSERC is expected to take more timely, consumer-centric decisions, aligning with the government’s vision of providing reliable and affordable electricity to the people of Punjab.

Adding, Harbhajan Singh ETO said with this appointment, the PSERC now has its full sanctioned strength of three members: Chairperson Viswajeet Khanna (Retd. IAS), Member Paramjeet Singh, and Member Er. Ravinder Singh Saini. The second member position had been lying vacant for some time, and Saini’s joining is expected to expedite regulatory processes and pending matters.

Er. Saini was appointed Director/Commercial, PSPCL in February 2023 and relinquished the charge in February 2025.

Sh. Ajoy Kumar Sinha IAS Principal Secretary Power, Er.Harjit Singh Director Generation, Er. Hira Lal Goyal Director Commercial, Er.Sanjeev Sood Director Technical PSTCL,Sh. S k Beri Director Finance and Sh. Vinod Kumar Bansal Director Finance PSTCL, Director Admin S.Jasbir Singh Sur Singh was present on the occasion.

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