Solar Revolution within 120 Days:Aman Arora

Tuesday: 7 Jan, 2025, 18:21 Development News from Gurjeet Billa//DPR PUNJAB Edit By Karthika Kalyani Singh

Solar Revolution within 120 Days:Aman Arora 

 663 More Agri-Solar Pumps to be installed

*Directs PEDA officials to make all-out efforts to achieve the target of 20K solar pumps

*New & Renewable Energy Sources Revolution in Punjab

*Minister hands over work order to a firm for the installation of solar pumps

Chandigarh:7th January 2025: (Gurjeet Billa//Punjab Screen Desk)::

In order to give further impetus to natural energy for decarbonizing the state’s agricultural sector, the Punjab Government will install additional 663 solar water pumps for agricultural use within the next 120 days. This was announced by Mr. Aman Arora, Minister of New and Renewable Energy Sources Punjab.

 

Mr. Aman Arora, on Tuesday, handed over work order to M/s. AVI Renewables Energy Pvt. Ltd. for the installation of 663 solar pumps for agricultural use in the state. He also mentioned that a work order for the installation of 2,356 solar pumps had already been issued last month.

 

He directed the PEDA officials to make all-out efforts to achieve the target of installing 20,000 agricultural solar pumps in the state for the welfare of the farmers.

 

This company was selected through a transparent and competitive bidding process. A subsidy of 60% is available for general category farmers, while Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers can receive an 80% subsidy for solar pumps with capacities of 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 HP. In dark zones (over-exploited groundwater blocks), these pumps will be  installed to farmers who already have micro irrigation systems, such as drip or sprinkler systems, set up on their bore-wells, he added.<yyw

 

With the installation of these solar pumps, Mr. Aman Arora said that this will not only reduce fuel costs but also lead to zero carbon emissions, promoting more sustainable farming practices. The farmers will no longer need to visit their farms at night for irrigation, as these pumps operate during the daytime.

 

Director PEDA Mr. M.P. Singh, Joint Director Rajesh Bansal and representatives of the respective firm were also present on the occasion.

------ Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab//<dipr.pb.chdsectt9@gmail.com>

Stubble Burning: Red Alert Sounded in Punjab

15th November 2023 at 6:53 PM

 Violators to face the music 

*SPL DGP Arpit Shukla Visits Hoshiarpur & SBS Nagar to Review Status of  Stubble Burning 

*CPs/SSPs Directed to sinsitise farmers, kisan leaders about ill effects of stubble burning 

*SPL DGP Urges Farmers to Refrain from Burning stubble 

Chandigarh/Hoshiarpur: 15th November 2023: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

In order to ensure compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court to put a full stop to stubble burning, Special Director General of Police (Spl DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Wednesday said that a red alert has been sounded in all the districts and legal action will be initiated if anyone found burning stubble. Pertinently, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav had appointed Spl DGP Arpit Shukla as the Police Nodal Officer to monitor action against stubble burning.

He said that CPs/SSPs have been directed to engage farmers, citizens and various stakeholders to sensitise them about the ill effects of the stubble burning, which is also a violation of law and action and action could be initiated against them.

“All DSPs and SHOs have been asked to have discussions with Sarpanches and Kisan leaders to sensitize them about the ill effects of stubble burning, which not only affect the urban people but each and every individual,” said Spl DGP Arpit Shukla, who was on a whirlwind tour to review the stubble burning cases in Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar district.

He also called a meeting of all the gazetted rank officers and Station House Officers (SHOs) in Hoshiarpur and SBS Nagar to review the status of stubble burning in their areas.

The Special DGP urged farmers to cooperate and not put matchstick on crop residue, which will not only lead to deterioration of the environment but will also affect the health of children.

He said that depending on the area and size of the Police Station, a sufficient number of additional patrolling parties are already activated, while, flying squads have also been keeping vigil on stubble burning. Strict legal action will be taken against violators, he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Spl DGP Arpit Shukla accompanied by SSP Hoshiarpur Sartaj Singh Chahal also visited the venue of a rally, scheduled to be held on November 18, to review the security arrangements.

CM gives befitting reply to the Governor with statistics

Chief Minister’s Office, Punjab// Saturday 26th August 2023 at 4:33 PM

Punjab government has been working diligently

*War against drugs: Over 23,518 drug smugglers arrested, 17,623 FIRs registered and recovered 1,627 kg of heroin in Punjab so far

*According to a report, Punjab ranks second among the states with better law and order

*records investment of Rs 50,871 crore under his government due to cordial environment for investors, says CM Mann

*Says, Union Minister admitted in the Rajya Sabha that the MSME Punjab leads north India in registrations

*Punjab government working for people while the Governor is busy in appeasing his bosses through these letters

Chandigarh:26th August 2023:(Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen)::

Giving a befitting reply to whims and fancies of Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that Punjab government has been working diligently for the welfare of the people, which is yielding positive results.

The Chief Minister said that the law and order situation is intact in the state under his regime.  Citing an example of the congenial atmosphere in the state, the Chief Minister said that since March 2022, an investment of Rs 50,871 crore has been recorded in the state and 3,420 projects were approved. He said that Tata Steel is setting up the country's second steel plant in Ludhiana.

 Similarly, the Chief Minister said that investments are being made by Sanathan, Nestle, Nabha Power Plant.

He said that a record 2.70 lakh registrations of micro, small and medium enterprises have been registered in the state and Punjab has secured the first position in north India and these figures were presented by none other than the Government of India in the Rajya Sabha. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a leading magazine of the country has ranked Punjab second in its report on better law and order situation.

 The Chief Minister bemoaned that though his government has been working for the development of the state and implementation of welfare schemes, but the Governor was appeasing his masters through such nasty letters. Rejecting the calumnious attacks by the Punjab Governor on the drug situation in the state, the Chief Minister said his government has launched a crusade against drugs. He said that Over 23518 drug smugglers were arrested after registering 17623 FIRs and seizing 1627 kg heroin while Rs 13.29 crore has been recovered from smugglers and properties of 66 drug smugglers have been seized and action is underway to confiscate the rest to make the state drug free.

Referring to the action taken against gangsterism in the state, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government had constituted an anti-gangster task force and so far 753 dreaded gangsters have been arrested and a large quantity of arms and vehicles have been seized.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his government is taking more stringent steps to wipe out the menace of drugs from state. Listing other pro-people initiatives, the Chief Minister said the people are getting 600 units of free electricity and 90 per cent of the people have been getting zero bills. He said that so far more than 31,000 youth of the state have been given government jobs and more than 12,000 jobs of contractual teachers have been regularised.

Highlighting the steps taken for the welfare of farmers, the Chief Minister said it was for the first time that the cooperative sugar mill had cleared all the dues of sugarcane growers. He said that on one hand the state government has been taking strenuous efforts to ensure progress of state and prosperity of people but on the other hand the Governor is conspiring to derail this pace of development. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will not be tolerated at any cost and any attempt to thwart the peace, progress and prosperity of state will be given a befitting reply.

CEO Thanks People of Punjab for Ensuring Peaceful Poll

 20th February 2022 at 9:04 PM

63.44 Voting percentage recorded till 5 PM 

Chandigarh: 20th February 2022: (Kartika Singh//Punjab Screen):: 

It was like festtive event. Nearly 70 per cent voters turned out to elect the 16th Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Sunday. The usual hustle-bustle at polling booths was missing.Young and older both were happy. First time voters were enjoying it too. They were participating in the process to elect new govt.

The Punjab on Sunday witnessed overall peaceful single phased poll to elect 117 representatives for assembly constituencies of state. Till 5pm, 63.44 voting percentage was recorded in Punjab. 

Thanking the people of Punjab

Shahi Imam Punjab Maulana Usman
Ludhianvi after casting his Vote

for coming out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right , Dr S Karuna Raju, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab said that by conducting themselves responsibly the people of Punjab have set an excellent example. He said that focus of ECI was to ensure peaceful poll in a free and fair manner. He said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that 196 all Women polling stations also saw large numbers of voters. Dr Raju said that the main feature of this election was deputition of 8784 micro-observers in addition to 65 General Observers, 29 Police observers and 50 expenditure observers by ECI.

He said that in the morning during mock poll 146 ballot units, 152 control units and 433 VVPAT machines were replaced, while 72 ballot units, 64 control units and 649 VVPATs were replaced during the conduct of poll.

 

He also said that there was not a single case of disruption of poll and inducement of voters that was brought to the notice of the Commission during the day.

 

Dr Raju thanked all the Polling Personnel,  Security Personnel and Punjab Police Personnel for working day and night to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls in the State.

 

He also thanked 25000 Booth Level Officers (BLO), PWD coordinators, Asha Workers, Aanganwadi workers, Mid-Day-Meal workers and Village Chowkidars for their contribution in the election process.

 

On Law & Order situation, Dr Raju said that some minor poll related incidents witnessed in the state and a total of 18 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered on day of polling to avert any untoward incidents.

Valuables Worth Rs 305 Crores Seized-CEO Punjab

31st  January 2022 at 5:48 PM                     Office of  Chief  Electtoral Officer Punjab

Actions during Punjab Assembly Elections 2022 after code

Symbolic Photos

Chandigarh: 31st January 2022: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

After the Model Code of Conduct came into force in the state for Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections, various enforcement teams have seized valuables worth Rs 305 crores in violation of code till January 30, 2022.

Giving details in this regard, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab Dr S Karuna Raju today said that the surveillance teams have seized 26.64 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 12.11 crore. Similarly, the enforcement wings have also recovered psychotropic substances amounting to Rs 273.13 crores besides confiscating unaccounted cash of Rs 18.48 crore, he added.

The Chief Electoral Officer revealed that as many as 1197 vulnerable hamlets have been identified. Besides this, 2860 persons have been identified as probable sources of trouble, he said adding that out of these persons preventive action had already been initiated against 1835 persons while the remaining would also be brought to book. He also informed that from a security point of view 696 persons have been bound down under preventive sections of CrPC act.

He informed that as many as 2630 cases of non-bailable warrants have been executed, while execution in 58 cases is under process. As many as 14997 nakas are operational across the State, he added.

As per the directions of the election commission, Dr Raju said that of total 3,90,275 licensed weapons in the state 376451 weapons have been deposited till date. Whereas, 65 without licenses weapons were seized in the state.

Vigilance nabs ASI for taking bribe Rs.15,000

 21st October 2021 at 7:23 PM

Vigilance team from Jalandhar laid a trap 

Chandigarh: 21st October 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Punjab Vigilance Bureau today nabbed an ASI Santa Singh posted at Sadar Police Station, Nakodar, Jalandhar district red handed accepting bribe of Rs 15,000.

Disclosing this here an official spokesperson of the State Vigilance Bureau said accused Assistant Sub-Inspector was arrested on the complaint of Kuljit Singh employee of a gas agency at Nakodar. The complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above mentioned accused police official was demanding bribe of Rs. 20,000 in lieu of not to involve him in a police case. He further said that he had already paid Rs. 5,000 as a first installment to the accused ASI.

After verifying his information, a vigilance team from Jalandhar laid a trap and the accused ASI was arrested on the spot while taking bribe of Rs. 15,000 as 2nd  installment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

He informed that a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against him at VB police station, Jalandhar and further investigation is under progress.

Stray Dog Sterlisation Drive to be Ramped up in state: CS

 16th September 2021 at  01:38 PM

 Cruelty against animals would not be tolerated at any cost 

*Vets at town level to intensify ABC, AR programme; 

*Separate campaign to check street dog menace

*over 1.7 lakh street dogs already sterilised

Chandigarh: 16th September 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Adopting a humane approach towards the growing stray dog menace, the Punjab Government has decided to further ramp up the ongoing drive to sterilize street dogs in the state for controlling their population and checking the human-animal conflicts.

For this purpose, the Local Government department will engage veterinary doctors at the municipality level to give further impetus to the animal birth control and anti-rabies (ABC/ AR) programme in a humane manner.

Besides undertaking the extensive sterilisation drive, a separate campaign will also be launched soon to create public awareness and solicit their cooperation to not only check the stray dog menace but also control the cruelty against animals, especially dogs.

These decisions were taken at a meeting, chaired by the Chief Secretary, Ms Vini Mahajan, here, to review the progress of the measures being taken to control the menace of stray dogs and check cruelty against animals in the rural and urban areas of the state.

The Chief Secretary asked the Local Government department to ensure that all the civic bodies engage only those animal welfare organisations/ NGOs having requisite permission from the Animal Welfare Board of India to carry out the ABC/ AR programme while adopting humane approach in the state.

"This is required to ensure that the animal welfare organisations/ NGOs undertaking the dog sterilisation are having requisite infrastructure, experience, and expertise required as per the ABC (Dogs) Rules, 2001, in adherence to the relevant guidelines of AWBI to prevent cruelty to dogs,” she asserted.

Ms Mahajan was informed that over 1.7 lakh street dogs have so far been sterilised in the cities and villages across the state.

Principal Secretary, Local Government, Ajoy Kumar Sinha, apprised the Chief Secretary that the department has already constituted the monitoring and implementation committees at state as well as district levels for effective management of stray dogs, controlling rabies and putting brakes on the stray dog population while working under the ambit of law with a humane approach.

The Chief Secretary directed the ACS-cum-Financial Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats, Seema Jain, to take steps to further control the stray dog population in the rural areas. Ms Jain apprised the Chief Secretary that the Rural Development and Panchayats department has already sterilised 1,041 dogs in the rural areas of Muktsar, Jalandhar and Amritsar districts.

"Cruelty against animals, including stray dogs, would not be tolerated at any cost," asserted the Chief Secretary, while warning of strict action against all those involved in such inhuman acts.

Punjab CM Orders High Alert

 15th September 2021 at  7:23 PM

Police Nab 4 More in Oil Tanker IED Tiffine Bomb Blast Case

4th Case of Pak-Backed Terror Module Busted in 40 Days 

Seciurity Being Beefed up in busz areas and sensitive installations, says DGP

Symbolic Photo

Chandigarh: 15th September 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered high alert in the state following the arrest of four more members of an ISI-backed terrorist module involved in a bid to blow up an Oil Tanker with an IED tiffin bomb last month, making it the fourth case of a Pakistani terror module being busted in the state in the past 40 days.

Two Pak-based terrorists, including a Pakistani Intelligence Officer, have also been identified and nominated in the case (FIR no.260 dated 11.8.2021, PS Ajnala), in which one person was arrested earlier, DGP Dinkar Gupta disclosed on Wednesday.

Taking a serious note of the increased attempts by terror groups to disturb the state’s peace, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has directed the police to be on high alert, particularly in view of schools and educational institutions reopening, as well as the festival season and the Assembly polls ahead. The Chief Minister has asked the DGP to ensure high level of security arrangements to be put in place, especially in busy places, such as markets etc, as well as at sensitive installations across the state.

Giving details of the arrests, the DGP identified Pak-based ISYF Chief Lakhbir Singh and Qasim, a resident of Pakistan, and Lakhbir Singh Rode @ Baba, a native of village Rode, PS Samalsar, Moga district, who is currently based in Pakistan, as being behind the terror module. Those arrested yesterday have been identified as Rubal Singh, r/o Village Bhakha Tara Singh, , Vicky Bhutti, r/o Ballharwal, Malkeet Singh, r/o Ugar Aulakh, and Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi r/o Uggar Aulakh. While Rubal, also wanted in a murder case of September 1, 2021, was picked up from Ambala around 5 pm yesterday, the other three were nabbed from their villages in Ajnala, Amritsar. Their fifth accomplice, Gurmukh Brar, was arrested earlier by Kapurthala Police, on 20th August, 2021.

The DGP said the Pakistani intelligence officer, identified as Qasim, and International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) Chief Rode had promised to transfer over Rs 2 lakh to the terrorist module for carrying out the blast. Investigations into the financial aspects are also being carried Oil Tanker out to unravel the money trail, he added. Rubal and Vicky Bhutti were in touch with Qasim, who was working in close collaboration with Rode. Rode and Qasim had reportedly tasked the 4 members of a terrorist module to blast an Oil Tanker for causing maximum damage to people and property.

The terror attempt was made on 8th August, 2021, when, at about 11:30 pm, the Ajnala police received information that an Oil Tanker (PB-02 CR 5926) parked at Sharma Filling Station Ajnala, located on the Amritsar-Ajnala Road near village Bhakha Tara Singh, had caught fire. The fire was controlled by a Fire Brigade and FIR no.260 was registered at PS Ajnala on the statement of Ashwani Kumar Sharma, r/o Ajnala.

Analysis of the CCTV footage at the filling station showed that four unknown persons had come near the Petrol Pump at about 11 pm and had stayed there for a few minutes, before going towards Amritsar side. The suspects returned at about 11:19 pm and placed some suspicious material on the fuel tank of the Oil Tanker before fleeing. Then, at about 11:29 pm, two of the suspects again returned, and within a minute, there was an explosion and the fire.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Gurmukh had placed the tiffin IED at Hambowal on Jalandhar-Amritsar highway, from where, on 6th August, 2021, Vicky, Malkeet and Gurpreet Singh picked it up on the directions of Rode and Qasim. The trio hid the bomb near a canal in the Rajasansi area. A pen-drive was attached with the Tiffin box, which contained an Instruction Manual in the shape of the video with detailed steps on how to operate the Tiffin Bomb IED. After retrieval of the Tiffin Bomb IED, Vicky and Rubal were tasked by Rode to place the Tiffin Bomb on an Oil tanker to create a big explosion and cause maximum damage.

On 8th August, 2021, these terrorist operatives carried out  recce of Sharma Filling Station during the day and placed the IED at about 11:00 pm, with the timer of the Tiffin Bomb IED set to 8 minutes. The blast took place at about 11:30 pm, leading to the fire in the tank of the Oil Tanker.

All the five arrested operatives, alongwith Rode and Qasim, have been booked in FIR no. 260 dated 11-8-2021 registered under section U/S 436,427 IPC, 13, 16, 18, 18 B, 20 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 and Section 3, 4, 5 of Explosive Substances (Amendment) Act 2001.

As mentioned earlier, this is the fourth major Pak-backed terror module busted by Punjab Police since August.

On 8.08.2021, Amritsar (Rural) Police had recovered a sophisticated Tiffin bomb IED from village Daleke, PS Lopoke. The Tiffin bomb IED contained about 2-3 kg RDX and had 3 different trigger mechanisms, including switch, magnetic and spring for operational flexibility.

Around the 15th of August, the police had arrested two militants, followed by the recovery of a cache of weapons, hand grenades etc.

Another terror module was busted on 20.08.2021, when Kapurthala police recovered one Tiffin bomb IED besides 5 hand grenades, 1 box of detonators, 2 tubes suspected to contain RDX, one .30 bore Pistol, 4 Glock Pistol magazines and 1 high explosive wire from Gurmukh Singh Rode and Gagandeep Singh.

Recently, on 07.09.2021, Ferozepur Police arrested one Darvesh Singh r/o Ferozepur who disclosed that he had been in constant contact with Lakhbir Singh Rode and had collected consignments of weapons, Tiffin bomb IEDs, RDX and heroin, which had been dropped over drones from across the border in Ferozepur district. Darvesh Singh has been arrested in a criminal case registered at PS Mamdot u/s NDPS Act, Explosives Substances Act and UA (P) Act.

Vigilance nabs lady Patwari/accomplice for taking bribe

 7th September 2021 at 8:11 PM

Red handed while accepting bribe of Rs.6,000

Chandigarh: 7th September 2021: (Gurjit Billa//Punjab Screen)::

Punjab Vigilance Bureau today nabbed a revenue Patwari and a private person red handed while accepting bribe of Rs.6,000.

Disclosing this here an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said Amandeep Kaur, Revenue Patwari, posted at Bajewala in Mansa district and a private person Harjeet Singh, who is working as his assistant and driver, were nabbed red handed by Vigilance team for accepting bribe of Rs. 6,000 from complainant Raja Singh of village Bajewala, Mansa.

The complainant has approached the VB and alleged that the above said Patwari was demanding Rs. 12,000 for mutation of his land but the deal was struck at Rs. 10,000. He further informed that he had already paid Rs. 4000 as a first installment to the accused lady patwari.

After verifying his information, a team from Vigilance bureau Mansa laid a trap and the accused Patwari and her accomplice Harjeet Singh were arrested on the spot while accepting bribe of Rs. 6,000 of second installment from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

He informed that a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Bathinda and further investigation was under progress.

More than 71 lakh e-cards generated for free treatment

 24th August 2021 at 5:05 PM

 13,940 Heart surgeries have been conducted free of cost 

Free treatments worth Rs. 912 cr. provided to 8.06 lac beneficiaries 

Disclosed by Health Minister Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu

Mohali//Chandigarh: 24th August 2021:

Free treatments worth Rs. 912.81 crores provided to 8.06 lakh entitled beneficiaries in 2 years under the Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna (SSBY). It was disclosed by Health Minister Mr Balbir Singh Sidhu during a state-level function held at Kisan Vikas Chamber, Mohali to mark the beginning of the scheme's third year.

While speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu said that SSBY had successfully completed its 2 years of implementation under which Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh led Punjab Government has made unstinted efforts for building a healthy Punjab. He said that SSBY is an initiative to move from a sectoral and segmented approach of health service delivery to a comprehensive need-based health care service.

Giving details regarding treatment services provided to patients, Mr. Sidhu said that Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojna was launched in the state to holistically address the healthcare needs at the secondary & tertiary level and more than 8 lacs beneficiaries got free treatment. Of these, heart surgeries of 13,940 patients have been conducted free of cost. Similarly, knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries of 4,964 patients, treatment of 12,133 cancer patients and dialysis of 2,03,175 patients and treatment of other diseases have been provided free of cost.

Revealing further, Mr. Balbir Sidhu said that e-cards were issued to more than 71 lakh beneficiaries under this scheme in last 2 years. 898 hospitals were listed for providing treatment to entitled beneficiaries, including government hospitals as well as large private hospitals. In these empanelled hospitals the entitled beneficiaries can avail the cashless treatment under the scheme for indoor hospitalization for around 1579 treatment packages.

He extended heartiest congratulations to all the 23 District teams and SHA team for their committed efforts and hard work for ensuring the scheme’s success in reaching out to the poorest and most vulnerable population in the State in less than two years since its launch. He emphasized that the focus this year will be on expanding the reach of the SSBY network and services to other left-out population groups.

The Health Minister also said that benefits were being provided to the families listed in Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011, farmers holding J forms and sugarcane weighment slips holders, registered construction workers, small traders and yellow cardholders or accredited journalists. He appealed to the eligible beneficiaries under the scheme, who have not yet made their cards, to check their eligibility at the nearest empanelled hospital, CSC center, service center or visit the department's website www.sha.punjab.gov.in.

Speaking on the occasion, PSH, Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Alok Shekhar, IAS, said, “SSBY along with the Health & Wellness Centres will accelerate State’s progress towards achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Universal Health Coverage by providing access to both primary and secondary as well as tertiary healthcare to around 40 lakh entitled families of the State that constitute 65% of the population. These Health & Wellness Centers along with Health Insurance Cover for indoor hospitalization together will extend the continuum of care by bringing essential and critical services closer to the beneficiaries and by addressing the needs of the most marginalized.”

Reflecting and assessing the journey of SSBY so far, Shri Kumar Rahul, Chief Executive Officer, State Health Agency said, “Today, as we mark the two years of SSBY, One of the State’s biggest Schemes has achieved several milestones, including 8 lakh hospital admissions. This was achieved in 24 months since the launch of the scheme. I am pleased to report that 8.06 lakh hospital admissions, worth Rs 912 crores have been provided through a network of 898 hospitals across 23 Districts. The scheme has generated a savings of approx. Rs. 900 crores to its beneficiaries.

Ms Amaninder Kaur Joint CEO SHA, representatives from the Participating Departments (PMB, ETD, BoCW, Punmedia), SBI General Insurance Company Ltd were present on the occasion. Apart from the above-mentioned dignitaries, Dr. GB Singh Director Health Services, Mr. OP Gojra Director ESI, Senior Deputy Mayor Mohali, Deputy Mayor Mohal Kuljit Singh Bedi, OSD to Health Minister Dr. Balwinder Singh, OSD Sh. Harkesh Sharma, Chairman District planning committee and others were also present.

Man, whose ID used to rent flat for slain gangsters’

Saturday 12th June 2021 at 7:11 pm

Jaipal Bhullar and Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi in Kolkata

Chandigarh: 12th June 2021: (Punjab Screen Bureau)::

Punjab Police has today arrested the Haryana-based man whose credentials and documents were used to hire a flat for the hideout of slain gangsters-turned-drug smugglers Jaipal Bhullar and Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi in Kolkata. The arrested person has been identified as Sumit Kumar, a resident of Meham in Haryana.

The development came three days after Jaipal Bhullar and Jaspreet Jassi were neutralised by the STF West Bengal Police, after they fired on the West Bengal Police party when they raided their flat in Kolkata. 

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Counter Intelligence and Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU) Amit Prasad said that they have managed to nab Sumit, a close associate cum business partner of Bharat Kumar, who helped Jaipal Bhullar and Jassi in escaping from Morena, Gwalior and arranged hideout for them in Kolkata, after they killed two ASIs Bhagwan Singh and Dalwinderjit Singh of Jagraon Police at grain market, Jagraon on May 15, 2021 evening.

Bharat was arrested with .30 bore pistol and Honda Accord car from near Shambhu Border in Rajpura area on June 9 and on his disclosures, Punjab Police gave information to the West Bengal Police that the gangsters duo, Jaipal and Jassi, that they were holed up in a rented apartment in Kolkata.

The ADGP said that preliminary investigations had found that both Sumit Kumar and Bharat Kumar, who were business partners since 2015, were involved in illegal sale of fancy mobile numbers, including mobile numbers of foreign based telecoms, purchased from different countries and other states, and they used to sell them across Punjab, Haryana at exorbitant rates.

He said that Bharat was also found to be in possession of an official ID of Constable Amarjit Singh, which was being used to evade toll plazas while escaping from Gwalior. “Although, Bharat claimed that Constable Amarjit is his and Sumit’s mutual friend, the Police are investigating why he was having possession of Amarjit’s official ID and if the latter had any knowledge about his official ID being misused by Bharat,” said ADGP Amit Prasad.

Meanwhile, further investigations are being carried out to investigate the role of Bharat and Sumit in criminal actions and activities.