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Punjab govt employees will now be on call all the time, 24×7, 365 days

April 29, 2025, 1:16 am

In a move ostensibly aimed at ensuring swift administrative response and improved governance, the Pun- jab government has issued strict instructions mandat- ing that all state employees remain available on their mobile phones at all times, even after office hours, dur- ing weekends and on public holidays.

The directive, issued by the Personnel Department through Special Secretary (Personnel) Prabhjot Singh, emphasises that all officers and employees must keep their phones switched on, stay within network cover- age areas, and be ready to respond promptly to any official call or administra- tive requirement. The or- ders came into effect imme- diately following the official communication sent across various government departments. According to the directive, secretaries, heads of departments, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners have been tasked with ensuring compliance with these instructions within their respective departments and jurisdictions. Officials failing to adhere could face administrative action, although specific penalties were not mentioned in the initial order.

The government justified the step by citing instances where urgent administrative work requiring immediate attention was delayed because responsible officers or employees were unreachable. The order highlights that on several occasions, officers’ phones were found switched off, unreachable, or diverted to alternative numbers, leading to disruption in critical operations, particularly during emergencies. “There are situations where quick decisionmaking and immediate administrative action become necessary. However, the non-availability of officers due to their phones being switched off or being out of reach adversely affects the smooth conduct of government work,” the circular stated. Sources within the government stated that the directive is particularly important given the increased need for rapid coordination among various departments, especially in times of natural disasters, law and order issues, or urgent health emergencies. Officials are expected to respond promptly to calls from senior officers, district authorities, or departmental heads, ensuring that vital public services are not hampered at any time.

However, the move has sparked concerns among government employees across different departments, many of whom feel that the directive blurs the line between professional and personal time. Speaking anonymously, several employees pointed out that while they understand the need for responsiveness during emergencies, a blanket expectation of 24×7 availability could lead to additional stress, fatigue, and an erosion of work-life balance. A senior officer from a major department, requesting anonymity, said, “We are committed to serving the people, but constant availability without defined limits could affect our mental health and family lives. There should be clear guidelines about how and when this availability will be exercised.” Several employees’ unions are also reportedly planning to raise concerns formally with the government. They argue that unless there are proper regulations and compensatory mechanisms in place for round-the-clock availability, such expectations could become exploitative. Representatives from the Punjab Civil Secretariat Employees’ Union and other staff associations have indicated that they will soon meet senior officials to demand clarity on the nature of expected availability, types of emergencies that would require immediate action, and provisions for compensatory offs or additional allowances.

Delhi Police Busts ‘Punjab Govt’ Car with Liquor, Cash & AAP Pamphlets: BJP Reacts! | WATCH

January 30, 2025, 6:18 am

Delhi Police registered a case late Wednesday after discovering a vehicle labeled “Punjab Government” near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. Upon inspection, authorities found cash, liquor, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pamphlets inside the vehicle.

Flying Squad Intercepts Suspicious Vehicle

The Flying Squad, responsible for addressing Model Code of Conduct violations, intercepted the car with a Punjab number plate in New Delhi district. The team investigates election-related complaints, including voter bribery, illicit funds, and illegal distribution of liquor. According to police officials, legal proceedings have been initiated, and a case has been filed at Tilak Marg police station.

Punjab Government Denies Ownership

Contrary to initial assumptions, the Punjab Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) clarified that the vehicle does not belong to the Punjab government. It was registered under Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri, a former officer at the Army Dental College in Pathankot. Furthermore, discrepancies were found in the vehicle registration, as the seized Hyundai Creta’s number plate belonged to a Ford EcoSport registered in 2018. Authorities confirmed that the number plate was fake.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

#WATCH | Today information was received that one suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and ‘Punjab Sarkar’ written on it is standing near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. On searching, a huge amount of cash, many liquor bottles and pamphlets of Aam Aadmi Party were… pic.twitter.com/oLmLYrk8mL

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

BJP Slams AAP, Calls for Probe

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva reacted sharply, claiming ₹10 lakh in cash, liquor bottles, and AAP campaign materials were recovered from the vehicle. He accused AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal of corrupt practices, stating, “First, it was liquor, now money. Kejriwal is losing Delhi elections and is resorting to bribery.”

BJP candidate from Malviya Nagar, Satish Upadhyay, also criticized AAP, alleging that the party aims to buy votes with liquor. Similarly, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal called the incident an exposure of AAP’s “corrupt foundation built on scams and deceit.”

AAP Dismisses Allegations as ‘Hilarious’

AAP national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar refuted the accusations, calling them baseless. She emphasised that the Punjab government had already clarified the vehicle’s forged registration. “The car never entered Punjab Bhavan, and its registered owner is from BJP-ruled Maharashtra, not Delhi,” she said, asserting that BJP is trying to deflect its impending electoral defeat.

High Stakes Before Delhi Elections

The controversy has added to the charged political atmosphere ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections. With counting scheduled for February 8, political tensions continue to rise as both parties trade accusations.

‘Somebody’s Life is at Stake’: SC Orders Punjab Govt To Give Dallewal Medical Aid

December 27, 2024, 4:41 pm

Farmers’ protest has taken a grave turn with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal taking a fast-unto-death stance since November 26. The Supreme Court on Friday pulled up the Punjab government and said medical aid has to be given to him.

“The impression it is getting that he was not getting medical aid. Take all measures to ensure that farmers’ leader was given medical aid, said the vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia expressing concern over the life and safety of Dallewal,

“If there is a law and order situation, you have to deal with it with iron hands. Somebody’s life is at stake. You need to take it seriously. Medical aid has to be given and the impression is that you are not following it,” it said.

The apex court also issued a notice to the Punjab government on a contempt petition against its Chief Secretary of Punjab for non-compliance with the December 20 top court order regarding medical aid to Dallewal and to convince him to go to hospital.

It directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to file a compliance report by Saturday when it would again hear the matter.

Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border to press the Centre to accept the farmers’ demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

During the special hearing today, the bench expressed strong reservations about protesting farmers objecting to and obstructing attempts by the Punjab government to provide medical aid to Dallewal.

The bench said, “We have serious doubts about the farmers who are creating obstacles to provide him aid”.

The top court has been asking the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal gets proper medical aid during fast unto death.

Punjab Farmers Accuse CM Bhagwant Mann Aligning With Centre To Supress Protests

December 8, 2024, 7:28 pm

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher has accused the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, of covertly aligning with the central government to suppress farmers’ voices. He questioned the state’s actions in restricting media coverage, despite professing support for farmers and laborers. Pandher demanded explanations from both Chief Minister Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, stating, “We used to say that Bhagwant Mann government is having some sort of alliance with the central government. Today, the way media is being stopped, the CM and Arvind Kejriwal should come forward and explain this.”

These remarks come amid ongoing farmer protests at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border, where demonstrators are advocating for various demands, including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Pandher announced that a group of 101 farmers would march towards Delhi at noon, intensifying the protest.

In response to the planned march, Patiala’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Nanak Singh, issued a memorandum advising media personnel to avoid interfering in farmers’ matters. The memorandum cited a specific incident on December 6, 2024, that violated statutory provisions and urged journalists to maintain a safe distance while performing their duties. SSP Singh clarified, “Media has not been stopped. We have no such intentions. But, it was needed to brief the media. Last time we came to know that three to four media people were injured. To avoid that we briefed the media.”

The farmers’ agitation has been ongoing since February 13, 2024, when their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march was halted at the Shambhu border. The protesters have been steadfast in their demands, which include securing legal assurance for MSP and complete loan forgiveness for all farmers.

Also read: Western Disturbance Brings Rain to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana; Cold Wave to Follow: IMD

The situation remains tense as farmers prepare to escalate their protests, seeking urgent dialogue with the central government to address their longstanding issues.

Punjab cabinet focuses on dam management ahead of Panchayat Elections

October 9, 2024, 3:54 am

The Punjab government convened a cabinet meeting today in Chandigarh, just ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections. This meeting marked a significant occasion as it was the first since the recent reshuffle of five ministers, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on addressing pressing issues in the state. Originally scheduled to take place in Jalandhar, the location was shifted to Chandigarh for undisclosed reasons, reflecting the government’s adaptive approach to logistics.

The meeting commenced at 2 PM at the Chief Minister’s residence and continued for approximately one and a half hours. During this time, cabinet members engaged in discussions on various critical topics, with a particular emphasis on the management and cleanliness of 14 dams across the state. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and environmental sustainability of these vital water resources, which play a crucial role in agriculture and local ecosystems.

Following the meeting, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora addressed the media, providing detailed insights into the decisions made during the discussions. He announced a comprehensive plan worth Rs 281 crore aimed at improving the maintenance and cleanliness of the dams. As part of this plan, the government intends to secure a loan of Rs 200 crore from the World Bank, underscoring its commitment to infrastructure development and environmental management. Additionally, the state government will contribute 30% of the total project cost, demonstrating a proactive stance in resource allocation.

Arora emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring the safety and cleanliness of dams, which are essential for the well-being of local communities and agricultural activities. The decision to focus on dam management comes at a crucial time, as the state prepares for elections and seeks to demonstrate its commitment to public welfare.

This cabinet meeting held added significance as it was the first for the newly appointed ministers, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the ongoing initiatives and challenges facing the government. The previous cabinet meeting took place on September 2, where the government made headlines by raising VAT on petrol and diesel, a decision that has placed an additional financial burden on residents and sparked discussions about economic management.As the government gears up for the panchayat elections, the outcomes of today’s meeting may play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and confidence in the administration’s ability to address key issues affecting the state. With the focus on infrastructure and public welfare, the Punjab government aims to demonstrate its responsiveness to the needs of its citizens.

Badal Urges NGT To Penalise AAP

August 24, 2024, 1:43 am

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal today appealed to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to pass an order directing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to deposit the Rs 3,108 crore penalty imposed on the Punjab government for non-compliance of environment laws.

In a statement here, the SAD president said Punjabis should not be penalised for the persistent defiance of green laws by the AAP government. “The AAP government has willfully failed to take the necessary steps to manage solid and sewage waste despite repeated warnings. It has failed to act even after it was fined Rs 2,080 crore in 2022 leading to the latest Rs 1,026 crore penalty. In such a scenario it is incumbent to recover this amount from AAP instead of the people of Punjab”.

Sukhbir Badal said the NGT should also hold chief minister Bhagwant Mann personally responsible for failing to manage solid waste and sewage pollution and action should be taken against him under Section 26 of the NGT Act, 2010 instead of issuing notices to the State chief secretary. “Instead of punishing and prosecuting officers, the chief minister should be prosecuted as he is not allowing officers to take the necessary remedial steps”. Badal said it was unfortunate that Punjab had been struck with a penalty of Rs 3,108 crore at a time when it was in a deep financial crisis. He said the AAP was responsible for this also as it was frittering away State resources in wasteful expenditure including advertisements and events aimed at spreading the party’s wings in other States instead of concentrating on the development of Punjab.

The SAD president also said it was a matter of concern that less than half of the dry and wet waste in the industrial city of Ludhiana was being treated. He said the SAD government had undertaken an intensive drive to clean up the Buddha Nala in Ludhiana leading to a severe reduction in release of effluents into the Nala. He said this as well as other efforts to clean the State’s rivers and Nalas had taken a hit during the AAP regime leading to imposition of huge penalties on the State government.

Punjab Government Awards ₹1 Crore to Olympic Hockey Bronze Team

August 9, 2024, 3:22 pm

The Punjab government has announced a cash reward of ₹1 crore each for the state’s players who were part of the Indian hockey team that secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who lauded the players’ exceptional performance.

The Indian hockey team earned the bronze by defeating Spain 2-1, a victory that has been celebrated across the country. In recognition of this achievement, Chief Minister Mann declared that each player from Punjab who contributed to this historic win would receive a ₹1 crore reward.

Among the team members, 10 players hail from Punjab, including the captain, Harmanpreet Singh, who scored 10 goals during the Olympics. These players will be honored according to the state’s policy for rewarding sporting excellence.

This achievement marks the second consecutive Olympic medal for the Indian hockey team, following their success at the Tokyo Olympics. The last time India secured consecutive Olympic medals in hockey was in 1968 and 1972.

Chief Minister Mann emphasized that this victory not only brings pride to the nation but also revives the glory of hockey as India’s national sport. He added that the triumph over Spain will be remembered as a golden chapter in the history of Indian sports, upholding the proud legacy of the country’s legendary hockey players.

Punjab Stands Out Amongst All States & UTs Grievance Redressal Index Developed by GoI

August 6, 2024, 3:15 pm

Punjab Government has achieved top position in grievance resolution rankings among all states and Union Territories. This recognition is based on the Grievance Redressal Index developed by the Government of India, which evaluates the efficiency and quality of grievance handling.

Punjab Governance Reforms and Public Grievances Minister Aman Arora announced the achievement, highlighting that the ranking reflects the government’s effective approach to addressing citizen concerns. The Index assesses two main aspects: the timeliness of grievance disposal and the quality of resolution. It covers data from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024.

Minister Arora pointed out that Punjab scored 62.27% in the Index, outperforming other states and UTs that received over 20,000 grievances. The ranking was determined based on several criteria, including the percentage of grievances resolved within 30 days, the overall redressal rate, and citizen feedback.

Arora attributed the success to the state government’s commitment under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership. He emphasized that there is stringent monitoring of grievance redressal processes at higher levels. Citizens can file complaints through the government portal [https://connect.punjab.gov.in](https://connect.punjab.gov.in), call the toll-free number 1100, or visit any Sewa Kendra for assistance.

Punjab Government Implements Major Shakeup in Police Department: Transfers 28 Officers

August 2, 2024, 2:31 pm

The Punjab government has enacted a significant reorganization within the police department, transferring 28 officers, which includes 23 IPS officers and 4 PPS officers. According to the information, the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in 14 districts of Punjab have been changed.

The districts affected include Mohali, Patiala, Bathinda, Fazilka, Mansa, Moga, Malerkotla, Pathankot, Muktsar, Faridkot, Tarn Taran, Batala, Amritsar Rural, and Jalandhar Rural.

As per the Home Department’s orders, alongside the 14 district SSPs, 3 Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) have also been replaced, and 3 Senior Superintendents of Police have been given the charge of DIG.

Additionally, Harjit Singh has been appointed as DIG Vigilance Bureau SAS Nagar Mohali, Satinder Singh as DIG Border Range Amritsar, and Ashwini Kapoor as DIG Faridkot Range.

Darpan Ahluwalia has been appointed as the Staff Officer to the Director General of Police (DGP).

Rs 14.01 Crore Releases to 2748 Beneficiaries Under Ashirwad Scheme: Dr. Baljit Kaur

July 31, 2024, 5:19 pm

The Punjab Government, remains committed to the welfare of all societal sections, with a particular focus on the backward classes and economically weaker sections. As part of this effort, the state has released Rs 14.01 crore to 2,748 beneficiaries received on the Ashirwad Portal under the Ashirwad scheme for Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections for the fiscal year 2023-24. This allocation has been made from the budget provision of 2024-25.

Minister of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, provided details that the beneficiaries from the districts of Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Moga, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Patiala, Pathankot, Sangrur and Malerkotla have been released financial assistance. She explained that 224 beneficiaries from Amritsar, 38 from Fatehgarh Sahib, 111 from Fazilka, 182 from Gurdaspur, 181 from Hoshiarpur, 24 from Kapurthala, 760 from Ludhiana, 18 from Moga, 33 from Sri Muktsar Sahib, 883 from Patiala, 37 from Pathankot, 155 from Sangrur and 102 from Malerkotla have been covered.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that to eligibility for the Ashirwad scheme requires applicants to be permanent residents of Punjab, belong to families below the poverty line and be members of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, or other economically weaker families and have a family below Rs. 32,790 annually. Additionally, up to two daughters from such families are eligible to benefit from this scheme.

She said that the Punjab Government continues to work diligently to uplift the Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Economically Weaker Sections. The financial assistance is deposited directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.

Chief Secretary Verma Reviews Diarrhoea Control Measures

July 27, 2024, 2:44 am

In response to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s directive to curb the spread of diarrhoea in various towns across Punjab, Chief Secretary Anurag Verma convened a meeting with all the Deputy Commissioners to assess the situation and strategize necessary interventions.

Chief Secretary Verma emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of all residents, asserting a zero-tolerance policy towards any negligence in this regard. He stated that any failure in water quality testing would result in strict action against the responsible water supply officers.

To support these efforts, the Health Department has allocated Rs. 2 lakh for large districts and Rs. 1 lakh for smaller districts to purchase water testing kits. Additionally, the Principal Secretary of Water Supply & Sanitation reported that Rs. 25 lakh has been released for this purpose.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioners confirmed receiving certifications from field officers regarding the supply of clean drinking water in their respective areas. Verma reiterated the need for 100 percent clean drinking water, warning of severe consequences for any lapses.

The Additional Chief Secretary of Local Government disclosed that a charge sheet had been issued to officials in Patran, Patiala District, including the EO, JE, and Sanitary and Chief Sanitary Inspector, for their roles in recent issues. Similarly, the Chief Secretary instructed the DC of Mohali to take legal action regarding the non-cleaning of water tanks in Kharar.
Verma directed the DCs to visit slum areas where diarrhoea cases have been reported personally and to ensure the maintenance of clean and hygienic conditions. District Health Officers were tasked with ensuring the quality of open fruits and other consumables, along with drinking water.

The Health Secretary noted that following the Chief Minister’s directions, the number of water samples taken for testing has been doubled. In large cities, 400 samples are now being tested, while medium and small cities are testing 300 and 200 samples, respectively. Since July 17th, apart from a few isolated incidents, no new cases of diarrhoea have been reported, and vigilance remains high to prevent further outbreaks.
Verma also instructed the Water Supply & Sanitation and Rural Development & Panchayat Departments to extend these measures to rural areas. He assured that the Health Department is providing adequate and free treatment to affected individuals, distributing over 10 lakh chlorine tablets at no cost.

The Chief Secretary urged the DCs to monitor the situation daily and strictly implement all directions. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Local Government) D.K. Tiwari, Principal Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Nilkanth S. Avhad, Administrative Secretary Health Priyank Bharti, Health Secretary Dr. Abhinav, CEO Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director Local Government Uma Shankar Gupta, and other key officials, including DCs, Municipal Commissioners, ADCs (Urban Development), Civil Surgeons, and EOs of Municipalities.

NHRC seeks report from punjab government on stubble burning

November 11, 2022, 11:57 am

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report regarding the increasing air pollution and sought a detailed report on the stubble burning in the state. NHRC held a high-level review meeting via video conferencing with Punjab Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua and state government officials.

NHRC expressed its concern over the rising air pollution across the North region, significantly in Punjab as the air quality has turned ‘severe’ in many cities and has been influencing the health of people to a great extent especially to the ones with prevailing illness. The commission said that incidents of stubble burning should be strictly curtailed. It said that if the situation was not improved, a heavy penalty would be imposed on Punjab.

The commission scrutinised the cases related to the stubble management in Punjab from the Chief Secretary and also sought some data in this regard. The Chief Secretary said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the entire machinery of the state is putting efforts to reduce the incidence of stubble burning this year and farmers are being encouraged and made aware not to burn stubble.

According to the chief secretary, a meeting is being held with all Deputy Commissioners and higher officials of Punjab for stubble management so that effective measures can be taken to prevent stubble burning.