INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB DGP DINKAR GUPTA GOES ONLINE, INTERACTS WITH PEOPLE DURING AN HOURLONG FEEDBACK SESSION ASSURES THEM PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY THANKS PEOPLE FOR COOPERATING WITH POLICE IN WAR AGAINST COVID19 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7: With a view to ensure better delivery of police services during the Covid 19 lockdown, the Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta on Tuesday engaged with people eliciting their views and answering their queries during an hourlong Feedback Session online, with over 1500 live viewers attending from across the state. DGP answered over 50 different questions, during the Facebook session viewed by over 88500 viewers, asked by viewers from most districts of Punjab on various issues including online e-Pass system launched by Punjab Police, functioning of DIAL 112 Helpline, migrant labour issue, besides surveillance of curfew enforcement through Drones and supply of food, medicines and essential goods during curfew. The session 'How can the police support you better during the statewide COVID- 19 curfew’ has already reached upto 2.5 lakh people with an engagement of more than 52000. Mobilization of NCC cadets for assisting the Police in various curfew related duties, functioning of OPDs of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes were other questions answered by the DGP. In response to one concern, the DGP allayed any apprehension about the security of the shops and business establishments which were closed during curfew. Expressing his gratitude to the people of the state for cooperating with the administration and the Police in enforcement of curfew by staying indoors, he also lauded the untiring efforts of the Punjab Police officers and men in working 24/7 on the roads and streets of the State for containing the spread of COVID-19 even at the risk of exposure to coronavirus. Dinkar Gupta appealed to the people to be calm and patient and assured them that the government and the Police was committed to their health and welfare. He also appealed to the viewers to join the Punjab Police in its campaign against rumours and fake news called ‘FAKE DI KHAIR NAHIN’. Process of delivery and distribution of food was being streamlined all across the state by working closely with the social and religious organizations as well as the Food and Supplies department of the State government, the DGP assured Jaspreet who raised her concern of food beign wasted by people. Responding to complaint of high-handedness by Moga Police, DGP categorically said the Punjab Police was adopting a zero tolerance policy as regards police
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INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
DGP DINKAR GUPTA GOES ONLINE, INTERACTS WITH PEOPLE
DURING AN HOURLONG FEEDBACK SESSION
ASSURES THEM PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO PUBLIC HEALTH
AND SAFETY
THANKS PEOPLE FOR COOPERATING WITH POLICE IN WAR
AGAINST COVID19
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7: With a view to ensure better delivery of police
services during the Covid 19 lockdown, the Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta on Tuesday
engaged with people eliciting their views and answering their queries during an
hourlong Feedback Session online, with over 1500 live viewers attending from
across the state.
DGP answered over 50 different questions, during the Facebook session viewed by
over 88500 viewers, asked by viewers from most districts of Punjab on various
issues including online e-Pass system launched by Punjab Police, functioning of
DIAL 112 Helpline, migrant labour issue, besides surveillance of curfew
enforcement through Drones and supply of food, medicines and essential goods
during curfew.
The session 'How can the police support you better during the statewide COVID-
19 curfew’ has already reached upto 2.5 lakh people with an engagement of more
than 52000.
Mobilization of NCC cadets for assisting the Police in various curfew related
duties, functioning of OPDs of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes were other
questions answered by the DGP.
In response to one concern, the DGP allayed any apprehension about the security
of the shops and business establishments which were closed during curfew.
Expressing his gratitude to the people of the state for cooperating with the
administration and the Police in enforcement of curfew by staying indoors, he also
lauded the untiring efforts of the Punjab Police officers and men in working 24/7
on the roads and streets of the State for containing the spread of COVID-19 even at
the risk of exposure to coronavirus.
Dinkar Gupta appealed to the people to be calm and patient and assured them that
the government and the Police was committed to their health and welfare. He also
appealed to the viewers to join the Punjab Police in its campaign against rumours
and fake news called ‘FAKE DI KHAIR NAHIN’.
Process of delivery and distribution of food was being streamlined all across the
state by working closely with the social and religious organizations as well as the
Food and Supplies department of the State government, the DGP assured Jaspreet
who raised her concern of food beign wasted by people.
Responding to complaint of high-handedness by Moga Police, DGP categorically
said the Punjab Police was adopting a zero tolerance policy as regards police
behavior and conduct and all Punjab Police personnel had been directed to remain
polite and courteous. Assuring Payal Dhawan of Ludhiana who raised the issue of
difficulties being faced in connecting to DIAL 112 Helpline due to the heavy rush
of calls, the DGP highlighted the call taking capacity of DIAL 112 had already
been ramped up from 32 to 83 and it was being augmented further also.
The Session was also aimed to boost and bolster the morale and confidence of the
people in the Police, augment public support and their involvement in enforcement
of the curfew.
Amongst the questions asked by viewers included whether such live session by the
DGP Punjab would be conducted in the future also, besides a student asking the
DGP about the probable date of opening of Schools in Punjab.
Many live viewers appreciated the role and work of the Punjab Police officers
during the ongoing curfew. Mamta, a resident of Gurdaspur specially appreciated
the work of the women officers of the Punjab Police.
Another resident from Rajpura asked whether the de-addiction centres & OOAT
centres were operational.
Paramjit Singh stated that DIAL 112 Helpline was providing very useful during
curfew and they were getting their medicines by calling the Helpline.
Dhanwant Singh of Malerkotla asked what did the government and the police plan
to do to ensure the smooth procurement of wheat crop. Vikramjit from Ludhiana
requested that the morning Bus service should be started to facilitate the
commuters.
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CHIEF MINISTER'S OFFICE, PUNJAB
CAPT. AMARINDER LAUDS MEDICAL FRATERNITY FOR
STUPENDOUS WORK IN COVID-19 BATTLE
CHANDIGARH, April 7:
Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh has lauded the stupendous
efforts of all doctors, paramedics and health workers who are relentlessly working
to save lives and check the spread of COVID-19 across the State.
In a message on the World Health Day, Capt. Amarinder said that it was a
matter of great satisfaction that the entire medical fraternity across the world was
diligently working day and night to cure and take care of the people inflicted with
Coronavirus amid this global pandemic, with utmost dedication and professional
commitment.
They were putting their lives at stake in this fight against the deadly
pandemic, said the Chief Minister, thanking them for supporting the state
government in its endeavour to keep the spread of Coronavirus under check.
The Chief Minister said the hard work, commitment and unwavering support
of the medical fraternity will help humanity overcome the crisis successfully.
--------------------
INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
STATE MEDICAL SPECIALISTS DELIBERATE WITH AIIMS EXPERTS TO
STRENGHTHEN COVID RESPONSE STRATEGY
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7: With an aim to further fortify state's overall strategy to
deal with rising Covid 19 threat more effectively, medical specialists from across
the state deliberated with AIIMS experts on wide ranging issues including line of
treatment, supportive management and testing of the cases.
As many as 92 medical heads of district hospitals, isolation facilities and Govt
Medical Colleges on Tuesday
took part in a webinar held here in the presence of experts including former PGI
Director Dr. KK Talwar besides doctors from AIIMS New Delhi, DMC Hospital and
Govt Medical Colleges for Management of Covid-19, the Additional Chief
Secretary Vini Mahajan disclosed.
The first of such meeting in the wake of pandemic outbreak would be a
continuing feature with the sole aim to ensure best possible medical care,
treatment and practices for the patients.
Early lockdown and strict adherence to curfew restrictions have helped Punjab in
containing the spread of virus, the expert panel opined adding that there was no
time yet to lower our guard. On management of suspected and confirmed Covid-
19 cases, it was suggested to pace up the testing number to thwart any instance
of sudden rise at a later stage.
The Experts Group, which would be submitting its recommendations based on the
discussions before the Chief Minister, expressed satisfaction at the rate of
recovery of patients in Punjab which was infact double than the national average.
It may be pointed out that 14 out of 90 patients admitted in Punjab have fully
recorded which comes to over 15%, while less than 9% that is 382 out of 4421
cases so far have recovered nationally.
Analysing the state response, experts deliberated on management of suspected
and confirmed cases of COVID-19 reporting to Govt hospitals of the State.
Dr Ambuj, Dr Mohan, Dr Anand from AIIMS with Dr Bishav Mohan, Dr Sandeep
Puri and Dr Sarju of DMC Hospital besides Dr Satpal Aloona from GMC Amritsar,
and Dr Raminder Sibia of GMC Amritsar completed the expert panel.
--------
Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Punjab starts supply of Milk, Eggs and Poultry to Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir: Bajwa
Minister directs PS Animals Husbandry to take necessary action for insurance cover of Rs. 50 lakhs for doctors, inspectors and field staff of the
department.
Chandigarh, April 7 In order to safeguard the interests of the livestock farmers, Punjab has initiated the supply of milk, eggs and poultry to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. This was disclosed by Punjab Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister Mr. Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa after a meeting with the officials of the department on Tuesday here. He informed that state government would not leave any stone unturned to provide every possible help to livestock farmers in this difficult time. The minister said tahta all veterinary hospital are open and doctors are available round the clock for any emergency. In addition to this instructions have been issued to issue curfew pass to the retired doctors and inspectors of the Animal Husbandry Department so that they could provide their services at the door steps of livestock farmers. Mr. Bajwa said that Food & Civil Supplies Department has given nod to provide 3000 tonnes of wheat as first installment at the price of Rs.1987 per quintal to the poultry farmers for feed. The supply of the wheat to the poultry farmers would start soon. The Minister directed the officials to provide fish seed (Poong) on time to the fish farmers so that they can continue their occupation. Mr. Bajwa also directed the officials to contact the Deputy Commissioners regarding the transportation of fish seed to the farmers. The Officials apprised the Minister that the required fish seed is available in the department fish farms and it would be supplied to the fish farmers at their farms. He also directed the Principal Secretary of the department to take necessary step to bring the Doctors, Inspectors and field staff of the Animal Husbandry departmentunder the cover of 50 lakh insurance engaged in COVID-19 activities, in the line of health and police department. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Mr. Jaspal Singh, Director, Animal Husbandry Mr. Inderjit Singh, Director Dairy Development Mr. Inderjit Singh and Director Fisheries Mr. Madan Mohan.
------- Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Tript Bajwa directs Panchayat Department to follow COVID19 preventive measures during annual open auction of village Shamlats lands
• 550 saplings planted in each village to be maintained through MGNREGA workers
Gives nod to hold DPCs through video conferencing for departmental promotions • Order to release MGNREGA dues to the beneficiaries
Chandigarh, 7 April: The Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa on Tuesday directed the department officials to chalk out a plan for annual open auction of the village shamlat lands. The Minister asked the officials to take all preventive measures issued by the health department to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. Notably, the Punjab Panchayats department holds auction for 1.40 lakh acres of village shamlat land annually. Presiding over a meeting with officials of the department here, Mr. Bajwa also appealed to the general public that only the auctioneers should participate in the proceedings and the Department officials would also ensure strict compliance of social distancing protocol and other preventive measures. Appreciating the Department's efforts to save the villages from the pandemic, the Minister said that the Department has completed the 3rd round of sanitization campaign in villages and the next round of the spray of disinfectant in villages would be scheduled after the consultation and advisory from with the Health Department. Giving instructions for taking care of the 550 saplings planted in each village of the state on the auspicious occasion of the 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Mr. Bajwa said that MGNREGA workers would take care of these plants. Congratulating the Department officials and staff working in the field to check the spread of COVID-19, Mr.Bajwa gave his nod to hold meetings through video conferencing for Departmental promotions. He also stressed that the lockdown should not be allowed to create hindrance in the promotions. He also directed to immediately release the arrears of MGNREGA. On this, the authorities apprised the minister that all MGNREGA payments, which are due till March 31, would be released soon. The meeting was attended by Financial Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats Ms. Seema Jain, Director Mr. DPS Kharbanda, JDC Mr. Vipul Ujwal, Additional Director Mrs. Ramider Kaur Butter, Deputy Directors Mr. Joginder Kumar and Mr. Sanjeev Garg.
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Information and Public Relations Department Punjab
REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEES ACQUIRES TAG OF
‘SARVAN PUTTAR’ WITH DEED TO SERVE MANKIND • Undertaking funerals of Corona infected patients • These dedicated employees and officers will be befittingly honoured: Kangar Chandigarh, April 7 In the situation of crisis due to Covid 19, employees and officials of the Revenue
Department raised the bar to serve the mankind apart from their official duty.
In a press communiqué issued from here today, Minister of Revenue and Disaster
Management Punjab, Mr.Gurpreet Singh Kangar said that when people are
refusing to take the bodies of their beloved ones who ware died due to Corona 19,
official of Revenue Department such as Patwari, Kanungo, Naib Tehsildars,
Tehsildars and Registrar are going beyond to horizons to serve the populace of the
state with undertaking the funerals of Corona infected patients. Disclosing that Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh had also lauded the work
being done by the employees and officers, Mr. Kangar said that officers and staff
of the department in Ludhiana and Amritsar had shown their supreme devotion
with their deeds. He also said that the employees also maintaining all health
protocols during this service. The Minister further said that the officers and employees who sets up examples of
service during the war against Corona will be befittingly honored at the state level
function after the crisis will over. ------
Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Notices issued to 22 schools for demanding fee during lockdown: Education
minister
Necessary action also being ensured against schools following complaints on e-
mail by parents: Vijay Inder Singla
Chandigarh/Sangrur, April 7:
Following the complaints lodged by the parents on the email id of Punjab
Education Minister, the education department has issued show cause notices to as
many as 16 more schools across the state. Education minister Mr. Vijay Inder
media and asked the parents to directly submit their complaints against the private
schools which are demanding fees during lockdown period. Mr. Singla said that
necessary action has been taken for all emails received in his account and till date
22 schools have been served notices.
The Gurukul World School Zirakpur and Mohali, Shishu Niketan Public
School Mohali, Dikshant International School Zirakpur, Green Land Convent
School Ludhiana, Dehradoon Public School Patiala, Sunflower Public School
(Tripuri) Patiala, Milestone Smart School (Tripuri) Patiala, Dasmesh Public School
Mukerian and Siprian (Hosiarpur), Dalhousie Public School Badhani (Pathankot),
LRS DAV School Abohar, APJ Public School Jalandhar, MCM Public School
Dugri Ludhiana, Cambridge International School Phagwara and SD Model School
Mandi Gobindgarh have been sent show cause notices. Earlier on Sunday,
Education minister had told that 6 schools were served notices for demanding fees
during curfew.
The cabinet minister said that as the state government has already issued
directions to all the schools to reschedule the admissions for academic session
2020-21 and not to charge any late fees from parents for not submitting fees during
lockdown period.
Mr. Vijay Inder Singla said, "No school will be allowed to flout any
guidelines of the state government and strict action will be ensured against the
violators. In the case of schools under Punjab School Education Board, the
affiliations will be cancelled and for CBSE or other boards, we will cancel No
Objection Certificates (NOCs) given to the school managements."
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INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
ARORA THANKS CAPT AMARINDER FOR BRINGING MUCH NEEDED RELEIF TO INDUSTRY
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7: Terming it as a great relief to Industry, the Punjab Industries Minister Sunder Sham Arora has expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for reducing fixed charges for electricity consumers, and deferment of deadline for payment of bills. The decisions taken by the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh would benefit the industry great deal who have been hit hard by the Covid outbreak, Arora said adding that extension in due date of electricity bills of all the Domestic & Commercial consumers without any late payment surcharge was a timely step. Lauding the Chief Minister for coming to the rescue of industry at this time, Arora said it was only state government under Captain Amarinder Singh's leadership is committed to ensure its overall development for which it had undertaken several initiatives in last three years. Notably, one month extension had been allowed to all electricity bills payable by Industrial consumers – Medium Supply (MS) and Large Supply (LS) Industrial Consumers on or after 20th March, 2020 originally. The fixed charges of the industrial consumers will also be exempted for the next two months, w.e.f 23.3.2020, and Energy Charges may be fixed commensurate with reduction in Fixed Charges (single rate). Further, 1% rebate will be given to the consumers (exclusive of any previous arrears) who will pay electricity bills online through digital modes by original due date.
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CHIEF MINISTER’s OFFICE, PUNJAB
CAPT AMARINDER LED PUNJAB GOVT. RELEASES Rs. 183 CR FOR
SOCIAL SECURITY PENSIONS, RS. 296 CR TOWARDS MGNREGA
PAYMENTS
RS. 89 CR ALSO RELEASED AS 2ND INSTALMENT OF RS. 3000
EACH FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AMID COVID-19 CRISIS
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7:
The Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab Government on Tuesday released
Rs 183 crore for disbursement of social security pensions, Rs. 296 crore for
MGNREGA related payments and Rs 89 crore towards the second instalment of
the special assistance announced for construction workers to tide over the COVID-
19 exigency.
The social security pension amount will benefit nearly 24.69 lakh
beneficiaries including elderly, widow and disabled, according to an official
spokesperson.
Of the Rs 296 crore released by the Finance Department under MGNREGA,
Rs 71 crore would be spent on material and the remaining Rs 225 crore would be
paid as wages to 1.30 lakh workers. Notably, the wage rate of MGNREGA
workers has recently been increased from Rs. 241 to Rs. 263 for the current fiscal
to provide enhanced benefits rural job card holders.
The sum of Rs 89 crore has been sanctioned for the Labour Department for
disbursement of financial assistance @ Rs 3000 each to about 2.98 lakh registered
construction workers, said the spokesperson. Notably, the Labour Department has
earlier transferred around Rs 86 crores through DBT in the bank accounts of nearly
2.86 lacs construction workers registered with the Punjab Building and Other
Construction Workers Welfare Board on March 22.
It may be recalled that in the light of the COVID-restrictions, the State
Government had decided to distribute social security pensions and benefits to the
beneficiaries in villages through business correspondents to the extent possible.
The State Government has also approached the Department of Posts, which
provides the facility of disbursement of social security benefits through India Post
Payments Bank (IPPB). With Aadhaar Enabled Payment Service (AEPS) provided
by IPPB, any bank account holder can withdraw amount upto Rs. 10,000 at a time
through 4639 post offices across Punjab. The Deputy Commissioners have been
asked to get in touch with the officers of Department of Post in their districts for
disbursement of benefits through IPPB.
-----------------
INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
PUNJAB HEALTH DEPT GIVES 24-HOUR DEADLINE TO UNTRACED TJ
NIZAMUDDIN PARTICIPANTS TO COME OUT OF HIDING OR FACE CRIMINAL
PROSECUTION
Chandigarh, April 7:
Punjab Health Department on Wednesday gave a 24-hour deadline to all Tabligh
Jamaat (TJ) participants of the Delhi Nizamuddin Markaz event, who were hiding
out in the state, to report to the nearest police station, or else face criminal
prosecution.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the department said all those who
had attended the TJ event at Nizamuddin Markaz and were currently in Punjab
should report and appear for Covid-19 screening within the next 24 hours.
Of the 467 Tabligh Jamaat workers who had reportedly come to Punjab from
Nizamuddin, police had so far traced 445 participants, with 22 yet to be tracked.
Samples had been collected and tested for 350 of those traced, and of these, 12
had been found positive and 111 negative. The results for the remaining 227 were
awaited, said the spokesperson.
While taking care of the sensitivity of the issue, the remaining TJ participants have
been asked to come out for testing and join hands with the Punjab Government
to eliminate this disease from the country. The spokesperson cited reports that
the Markaz of TJ had emerged as a hotspot of Covid-19 positive patients, with
subsequent confirmation of many positive cases among TJ workers.
It may be recalled that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has already issued an
advisory on March 28 and, in its continuation, reiterated its directions to all the
Chief Secretaries/Advisors to Administrators of all States/UTs and DGPs in this
regard on April 4.
----------------------
*Amended*
CHIEF MINISTER's OFFICE, PUNJAB
30-MEMBER MANDI BOARD CONTROL ROOM TO COORDINATE
HARVESTING & PROCUREMENT SEASON IN PUNJAB
CM ASKS FOOD & AGRICULTURE DEPTS TO COME OUT WITH
SOPs, FURTHER INCREASE PURCHASE CENTRES TO 4000
WRITES TO MAMTA FOR URGENT REVIVAL OF
MANUFACTURING AT JUTE MILLS TO MEET PUNJAB’S
ORDERS FOR GUNNY BALES
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7:
The Punjab Government has set up a 30-member control room at the Mandi
Board for coordination and providing logistic support during the ensuing wheat
harvesting and marketing season, set to begin on April 15 under a tight blanket of
unprecedented security and safety measures to ensure smooth operations amid the
COVID-19 clampdown.
Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday again reviewed the
arrangements for the Rabi operations at a video conference with top officials from
various departments, including Food & Civil Supplies, Agriculture, Police, among
others.
The Chief Minister ordered the Food and Agriculture departments to
immediately come out with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Mandis
and the purchase centres. He directed the departments to scale up the number of
purchasing centres to 4000, from the current 3761, which is already double that of
last year. While 1820 mandis had been notified so far, the remaining were expected
to be notified later today.
The Chief Minister today also wrote to his West Bengal counterpart Mamata
Banerjee, seeking her personal intervention to revive manufacturing and loading at
the jute mills in her state against the pending indents for gunny bales placed by the
Government of Punjab. This was essential given the emergent situation, to enable
smooth procurement of wheat for Central Pool for onward distribution in the
country under National Food Security Act and other Public welfare schemes, he
said.
The Chief Minister said indents had been placed for 3.40 lakh jute bales
from December 2019 to March 2020, and approximately Rs. 1000 crore had been
transferred in advance in the escrow account of Jute Commissioner of India,
Kolkata. As per the status available on the Jute Smart Portal of the JCI, out of 3.40
lakh bales indented by Punjab, 2.46 lakh bales had been cleared in inspection, and
2.30 lakh bales had been dispatched till date. Another 10,000 bales were ready
with the Mills for inspections, but the nationwide lockdown disrupted the entire
supply chain, he observed.
Captain Amarinder pointed out in his letter that the Union Ministry of Home
Affairs had already provided exemption from lockdown for the manufacturing
units of packaging of food items, as well as agencies engaged in procurement of
agriculture products, including MSP operations. He further noted that in Punjab
too, such units have been allowed to run their operations while observing the
prescribed health safeguards.
The chief minister also directed the Food department to ensure that
payments for the procurement are released to the ahartiyas within 48 hrs and they
in turn make the same to the farmers within 2 days. The state government has
already secured a CCL of Rs 23000 crore.
Meanwhile, to further check overcrowding at any place during the
procurement operations, the Chief Minister today directed that Arhtiyas should
make their own individual arrangements for water and food rations, and no water
coolers should be allowed to be set up. However, all proper facilities should be in
place to minimize hassle for the farmers and others involved in the operation.
The Chief Minister was informed during the video conference that there was
no shortage of labour, with 14.2 lakh workers available to join the operations.
Details of MGNREGA workers would be shared with the Arhtiyas, he was further
told.
Further, to ensure smooth procurement, retired employees of Mandi board
and state procurement agencies were being recalled, and dedicated staff of four
state procurement agencies (total of 1800) would also be in place to oversee the
process. There will one Inspector to look after 2-3 centres.
In his presentation, ACS, Development, Vishwajit Khanna, informed in
order to maintain social distance, ground space at the Mandis is being divided into
30’x30’ areas for heaps of 50 quintals each. Every day, one-third of the farmers
will be issued coupons, with holograms and the number of the trailer allowed to
bring in the produce on that day. More coupons will only be issued after the earlier
produce is lifted. It may be recalled that the state government has already
prohibited night harvesting, with harvesters allowed to be operational only from 6
a.m. to 7 p.m.
Police personnel will be deputed at all the centres to maintain order, said
DGP Dinkar Gupta, adding that adequate force would be deployed and nodal
officers will be appointed for proper coordination.
Health Secretary Anurag Aggarwal disclosed that guidelines were being
prepared to ensure that the Mandis are protected from COVID-19. Farmers and
labourers will be checked for influenza like symptoms, masks (including cloth
masks) would be made compulsory and multiple hand washing arrangements shall
be set up in each Mandi. All trucks/ harvesters going from one village to the others
would be required to be cleaned regularly.
In response to concerns expressed by Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer
Affairs Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, the Chief Minister meanwhile said that he
would also again take up with the Prime Minister the issue of incentives for
farmers to encourage them to delay bringing their product to the Mandis in order to
prevent overcrowding. The procurement season has already been extended by the
state government till June 15, 2020, and the state has sought incentive to farmers
bringing in their grain in May and June instead of April.
--------------------
CHIEF MINISTER's OFFICE, PUNJAB
PUNJAB CM ANNOUNCES REDUCTION IN FIXED ELECTRICITY
CHARGES IN VIEW OF COVID-19 CRISIS
ALSO DEFERS DUE DATES FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS, ORDERS
NO DISCONNECTION FOR NON-PAYMENT DURING THIS
PERIOD
ORDERS POWER DEPT TO ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED POWER
SUPPLY TO HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS
Chandigarh, April 7:
To further mitigate the hardships faced by the people amid the COVID-19
crisis and clampdown, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on
Wednesday announced reduction in fixed charges for electricity consumers, along
with deferment of deadline for payment of bills, while instructing the Power
department to provide uninterrupted 24x7 supply to all Health Care Institutions.
The PSPCL will have to bear additional burden of Rs.350 crore due to the
various reliefs announced for the consumers, an official spokesperson said, adding
that the Chief Minister also lauded the employees of PSPCL and PSTCL for their
untiring efforts in maintaining continuous supply of power in this time of crisis.
No new disconnection shall be carried out against non-payment till
restrictions are withdrawn by the Authority, the Chief Minister has further ordered.
The reliefs have been announced in view of the unprecedented situation in
which consumers are unable to pay their dues to Punjab State Power Corporation
Limited (PSPCL), according to the spokesperson.
As per the Chief Minister’s directives, due date of electricity bills of all the
Domestic & Commercial consumers, having current monthly/bimonthly bills up to
Rs. 10000/- payable on or after 20th March, 2020, has been extended up to 20th
April, 2020, without levy of late payment surcharge. Further, 1% rebate will be
given to the consumers (exclusive of any previous arrears) who will pay electricity
bills online through digital modes by original due date.
The same applies to all electricity bills payable on or after 20th March, 2020
of all the Industrial consumers – Medium Supply (MS) and Large Supply (LS)
Industrial Consumers. The fixed charges of the industrial consumers will also be
exempted for the next two months, w.e.f 23.3.2020, and Energy Charges may be
fixed commensurate with reduction in Fixed Charges (single rate), the Chief
Minister has instructed.
Since the Revised Energy Charges will be paid by consumers and will not be
considered for subsidy, the MS and LS Industrial Consumers whose units remained
closed during this period will not be required to pay any electricity dues.
Captain Amarinder has further directed A Venu Prasad, Principal Secretary
to Government of Punjab, Department of Power, to provide uninterrupted 24x7
supply to all Health Care Institutions such as Medical Colleges, Hospitals,
Dispensaries and other Medical Establishments and Quarantine Centres across the
States for their smooth functioning.
He has also directed that PSPCL shall ensure continuity of supply, and
complaints related to safety and restoration of supply shall continue to be attended.
However, for other non-essential services which require visiting consumer
premises for meter reading, billing, release of new connections etc. may be
discontinued during the lockdown period.
--------------------
Information & Public Relations Department, Punjab
Cooperation Department extends Norms for Scale of Finance fixed for Short term Loans
Step taken to bail out members of Cooperative Societies in wake of COVID-19: Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
Chandigarh, April 7
On the directives of Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the Cooperation Department has decided to extend norms already fixed for the year 2019-20 with regard to scale of finance fixed for short term crop loans for 2020-21 also amid COVID-19 restrictions.
According to Mr. Randhawa, members of the cooperative societies could avail the scale of finance prevailing in 2019-20 during the current year also, subject to the conditions of giving undertaking that they have neither sold nor purchased land during the last fiscal.
In case any member has either purchased or sold land during last financial year then such member would also have to furnish undertaking to this effect and in such cases the scale of finance would be reworked.The members of Cooperative Agricultural Societies would be crop loans by the Central Cooperative bank on the basis of document already submitted by them.
Adding, Mr. Randhawa said that the requisite resolutions/documents would be get collected from the societies after the lockdown/curfew period
The Cooperation Minister further pointed out that every member under Bhai Ghanya Sehat Sewa Scheme (BGSSS) would also be entitled to special limit of loan equivalent to its balance agricultural/non agricultural installment.
Mr. Randhawa further stated that the instructions have already been issued by the department with regard to crop loans in case of cultivation being done on the land taken on lease.
The Cooperation Minister further instructed the Managing Directors of Punjab State Cooperative Banks and all Joint, Deputy and Assistant Registrar of Societies to ensure strict compliance of these guidelines.
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CHIEF MINISTER’s OFFICE, PUNJAB
NO TIME OR NEED FOR ALL-PARTY MEET, STATE GOVT. ALREADY
WORKING ON ISSUES RAISED: CAPT AMARINDER TO SUKHBIR
BUT SAYS SAD WELCOME TO CONTINUE GIVING
SUGGESTIONS, HOPES FOR CONTINUED AKALI SUPPORT TO
STATE GOVT’S COVID-19 BATTLE
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7:
While thanking the Akali chief for giving suggestions to combat the current
crisis, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said there was
neither any time nor the necessity to hold an all-party meeting as demanded by
Sukhbir Badal.
The Chief Minister said the state government was already taking all possible
steps effectively on the issues raised by Sukhbir in his letter of April 5.
Responding to the demand raised by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)
President for convening ‘All Party Meet’, the Chief Minister said that the state was
passing through a difficult phase as the Coronavirus pandemic had shattered the
entire public life. The battle against COVID-19, which had posed a colossal
challenge for all, was at its peak, he pointed out.
The entire state administration, NGOs, social and religious organisations, as
well as all the political parties and the citizens of the state were enormously
contributing towards state Government’s endeavour to keep the spread of the
Coronavirus under check, Captain Amarinder further pointed out.
Apart from this, the State Government is already making necessary
arrangements on war footing to ensure seamless harvesting of wheat crop and its
procurement, which is also a big challenge, said the Chief Minister. Further,
adequate arrangements for the sowing of paddy would also have to be put in place
well before the onset of the Kharif season, as the state’s economy solely depends
on the smooth and hassle-free lifting and procurement of crops, he pointed out.
However, Captain Amarinder said he would always welcome any suggestion
to overcome the prevailing crisis and challenges ahead, and assured Sukhbir that he
would give due consideration to all such suggestions with sincerity. He hoped that
SAD would continue to extend its unstinted support and cooperation to the State