Day: February 17, 2024

By Rishi Pal Sharma3 min read

Kultar Singh Sandhwan-Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker expressed sympathy for the injured farmers.

Patiala, February 15: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan has termed the inhumane torture of farmers protesting for their democratic demands and oppression against food donors a crime against the country. Speaker Sandhavan had arrived today to check the mood of the farmers admitted for treatment at the Government Rajindra Hospital; before that, he also inquired about the condition of the farmers at the Civil Hospital Rajpura. He also got feedback about the treatment of farmers in government hospitals, on which he expressed satisfaction. MLA Neena Mittal, Gurlal Ghanour, Kulwant Singh Pandori, and Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmed Pari were also present with him on this occasion.

Speaking informally with the media on this occasion, Speaker Sandhawan said that during this peaceful protest, the injured farmers, including journalists and other persons, were being treated free of charge on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. He said that the Chief Minister has also made it clear that the demands of the farmers are absolutely reasonable, and the centre should listen to them with a clear heart and resolve them immediately. The central and Haryana governments should also immediately stop the oppression of the farmers in Punjab. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that blocking roads does not come under any law, and while nails and sharp arrows are not even on the borders of the country, oppression of farmers and food donors is a crime against the country because the country means farmers.

Speaker Sandhavan said that the farmer made a valuable contribution in the struggle for the freedom of the country, and his children are guarding the country’s borders and the farmer is filling the country’s food reserves. He said that bullets and shells are fired on enemies, but by doing this on the farmers, the BJP-led Central and Haryana governments are inhumanely torturing the farmers. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, referring to the words of the late Ram Manohar Lohia, ‘If the roads are calm, then the parliament will be uncontrollable’, said that the BJP government is protecting those people, whose narcotics were found in tonnes from the port.

Taking the Haryana government by the hand, he said that democracy is being killed by oppressing the farmers who are going to Delhi in a peaceful manner, for which the BJP will have to bear the consequences, and the people will surely give their answer in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He said that the farmers’ fight is the country’s fight, and Punjabis have even climbed the gallows for the country. The speaker said that by ignoring the 65 percent of farmers in the country’s agriculture sector, which provides the highest employment, the central government, acting on the cues of a few corporate houses, is refusing to accept the earlier demands. He said that the culprits of the Lakhimpur Khiri incident should be given severe punishment, and ointment should be applied to the wounds of the farmers.

Meanwhile, SDM of Rajpura. Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, Director, Principal, Dr. Medical College. Dr. Rajan Singla, Medical Superintendent. Harnam Singh Rekhi, Dr. Vinod Dangwal, Dr. Deepali, Harshpal Rahul, Honey Luthra, and other dignitaries were also present.*Photo Caption: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan knows the condition of farmers at Rajindra Hospital. MLA Gurlal Ghanour and Kulwant Singh Pandori are also seen with them.
 
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By Rishi Pal Sharma1 min read

“Architect Rajinder Singh Sandhu Receives Prestigious Recognition at NATCON 2024”

Ar. Rajinder Singh Sandhu facilitated the Presidential Special Recognition Award at NATCON, the national convention of the Indian Institute of Architects in Lucknow.

The Indian Institute of Architects, the national body of architects in India, organised its annual event, NATCON, which is the biggest event in architecture in India.

There were some wonderful presentations by stalwarts of architecture, including Ar. Ashish Sompura, the architect of the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. And many more

There was a facilitation ceremony to recognise and honour the architects from all over India for their work in the recent past.

Ar. Rajinder Singh Sandhu, from Fountainhead Architects Patiala, was bestowed with the Presidential Special Recognition Award.

Other architects of the region who were awarded there were Ar. Pritpal Singh Ahluwalia for organising the national event at Amritsar; Ar. Indu Arora was awarded a certificate of merit; and Ar. Sanjay Sharma was also awarded a certificate of merit.

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By Kal1 min read

A special camp will be held on February 17 and 18 to form the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s votes.

Patiala, February 16:
Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmed Pari said that the programme of preparation of the Gurdwara voter list is being conducted by the Commissioner, Gurdwara Elections, Punjab, under the Sikh Gurdwara Board Election Rules 1959, according to which the votes are to be registered by February 29, 2024, and in this regard, special camps are being held in Patiala district on February 17 and 18 to collect vote registration forms from voters.
He said that every Kesadhari Sikh above 21 years of age who does not trim or shave his beard or hair and does not smoke, drink alcohol, or consume meat resides in the respective Gurdwara constituency. Form No. 1 to register your name in the electoral roll of 1 (for Kesadhari Sikhs) can be given to Patwaris, BLOs, and designated employees in villages and towns.
He said that eligible voters for Gurdwara constituencies 52 Samana, 53 Nabha, 54 Bhadson, 55 Dakala, 56 Patiala City, 57 Sanur, and 59 Rajpura in district Patiala can contact the Patwari or designated officer of their area. He said that special camps are also being held on February 17 and February 18 to submit the forms. He appealed to the eligible residents of Patiala district to register their names on the Gurdwara voter list, submit Form No. 1 immediately to the concerned employee or office, and actively participate in this campaign of voter registration so that the district administration can ensure your participation in this important work.



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By Kal2 min read

Punjab Government increases initial pay of PSPCL employees – Power Minister

Patiala, February 16:

The Punjab Government has announced a significant increase in the initial pay scale of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) employees.

The initial pay of junior engineers has been increased from Rs 17,450 to Rs 19,260.

The announcement was made by Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO in response to the persistent demand from PSPCL employees to align their pay scale with that of other Punjab government employees. He said that the circular regarding the revised pay scale has been issued by PSPCL.

He added that the categories of divisional superintendent accounts, revenue accountants, etc. have been placed in groups 14 to 16, and their initial pay has been increased from Rs 17960 to Rs 19260. Besides, Superintendent Grade-2, PA, SAS Accounts, etc. have been placed in groups 15–17, increasing the initial pay from Rs 18690 to Rs 19260.

Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO affirmed the commitment of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, towards the welfare of its employees. “Our government is dedicated to addressing the genuine concerns and demands of all employees, ensuring fair compensation and recognition for their hard work and dedication,” stated the power minister.

Highlighting the government’s responsiveness to the needs of its workforce, Minister ETO emphasised, “It is essential to ensure that the pay scales are in line with industry standards and that our employees receive competitive compensation. The decision to increase the initial pay scale for PSPCL employees is a testament to our commitment to their welfare.”

The PSPCL employees expressed their gratitude to the Punjab government. “We extend our sincere appreciation to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO for their prompt action in addressing our concerns. This increase in the initial pay scale reflects their genuine commitment to our well-being,” they said.

After the demand was raised by the employees, a meeting was held on February 2 in the presence of Tejveer Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Power, and after discussions, the demand was accepted.

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By Rishi Pal Sharma2 min read

Launch of the ‘Coffee with Officer’ program

ADC Harjinder Singh Bedi’s guidance to the youth in choosing employment
emphasis on setting goals and working hard
Patiala, February 16:
Under the exclusive initiative of District Administration Patiala, the District Employment and Business Bureau Patiala has started ‘Coffee with Officer’. Under this, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi met the enthusiastic youth of Patiala district and guided them to choose employment.


Dr. Harjinder Singh Bedi did his medical studies at IAS. Sharing his journey of becoming and his personal experience, he emphasised to the youth to set goals and work hard. He shared tips on career counselling, guidance, developing career goals, identifying personal strengths and weaknesses, sharing knowledge about career and job opportunities in the private and government sectors, and building confidence for self-employment.
ADC Dr. Bedi said that under the guidelines of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, to guide the youth, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Shaukat Ahmed Pari, the district employment and business bureau will give an opportunity to meet the youth with the officers of the district administration in Patiala every month. He said that aspirants can register at the link https://forms.gle/-kF2swdxe8HUy3mtM6. or visit the office of the District Employment and Business Bureau, Patiala Block-D Mini Secretariat.
Meanwhile, the young boys and girls who arrived felt very excited about participating in this programme and answered questions to clear their doubts regarding career and employment opportunities. On the occasion of the programme, Employment Officers Kanwal Puneet Kaur and Tejwinder Singh, Deputy CEO Satinder Singh, and Career Counsellor Rupsi Pahuja were also present.
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Photo Caption: ADC Dr. Rural Development Harjinder Singh Bedi is guiding the candidates on the occasion of the Coffee with Officer programme.
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