Page 5 - Bhagwant Mann

Auto parts-making plant for BMW to come up in Punjab, CM to lay foundation

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday assured full support to Modern Automotives for its plans to expand its project in the state and manufacture parts for luxury car maker BMW. A delegation of the Modern Automotives Ltd comprising its representatives -- Aditya Goyal, Suhail Goyal and Manish Bagga called on the Chief Minister here. During the meeting, Mann was informed that Modern Automotive has become the first Indian company to receive approval for deliveries of differential pinion shafts to German luxury vehicles manufacturer BMW AG Munich, according to an official statement. They said that an order has been confirmed for 2.50 million units valued at Rs 150 crore, the statement said. Assuring fulsome support to the company for their future endeavours, Mann accepted the invitation of the delegation to lay the foundation stone of the upcoming plant next month at Mandi Gobindgarh. He said it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the parts for BMW will now be

SC to hear Punjab's plea for release of rural development funds from Centre

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will list for hearing an interim plea of the Punjab government seeking release of over Rs 1,000 crore urgently by the Centre on account of dues claimed by the state towards the Rural Development Fund. As soon as a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra assembled for the afternoon hearing, a counsel representing the Punjab government said the interim plea was listed for hearing on September 2 but it could not be taken up. Seeking an urgent hearing, the counsel said in the meanwhile, a notice should be issued to the Centre on the plea so that a response could be filed before the matter is taken up for hearing. "We will list the IA (interim application) for the hearing," the CJI said but did not issue notice to the central government on the petition. Earlier in the day, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, also appearing for the state's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, mentioned the plea for an urg

30 ft statue of Bhagat Singh to come up at Chandigarh airport on Sep 28

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will dedicate a 30-foot tall statue of Bhagat Singh at the international airport here on September 28, the birth anniversary of the freedom fighter, according to an official statement. Presiding over a meeting here on Thursday, Mann said the aesthetically designed statue has been made of gunmetal. He expressed hope that this statue will go a long way to inspire the younger generations to serve the country zealously. Mann also said the statue, which is 30 feet high, will be a befitting tribute to the legendary martyr by the state government and will act as a catalyst to perpetuate the glorious legacy of this valiant son of soil, according to the release. Due to strenuous efforts of the state government, the international airport has already been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh. The chief minister further said naming the airports, universities and other institutions in the name of iconic martyrs is important to perpetuate their glorious legacy an

Provided nearly 45,000 jobs to youths in 30-month tenure: Punjab CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said his government has given nearly 45,000 jobs to youths till now and they are making strenuous efforts to restore the pristine glory of the state. Mann stated this during an event to hand over 293 appointment letters to youth in various departments. With this, the state government has 44,974 jobs in merely 30 months of its tenure, he said. "It is a historical juncture that will transform the destiny of youths. This venue witnessed a number of such events in which youths got jobs in various government departments. This reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure their well-being and opening new avenues of employment for them," he said. On filling vacant posts in departments, Mann said a foolproof mechanism has been adopted for the entire recruitment process due to which not even a single appointment out of more than 44,000 have been challenged so far in any court. It is a proud moment for the government of Punjab that

For jobs, schools, hospitals in Haryana, press jharoo button on Oct 5: Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday told the people of Haryana that if they want good education, jobs and hospitals, they should vote for the AAP in the upcoming Assembly elections. On October 5, the people of Haryana are ready to write a new story, Mann said while addressing public meetings in Kalayat and Jakhal in the Kaithal and Fatehabad districts, respectively. "If you want good schools, good education, good hospitals, jobs... then press 'jharoo' (AAP's poll symbol)," he said. The 90-member Haryana Assembly is set to go to polls on October 5. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. The Congress on Thursday engaged in hectic consultations to explore the possibility of an alliance with AAP for the Haryana Assembly polls, even as some of its leaders expressed reservations over such a tie-up with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party. Addressing the gatherings, Mann claimed, "BJP was on way out in Haryana. Where is development? Corruption and unemployment are at pea

Punjab farmers end protest after CM Mann's assurance on agri policy

Farmers protesting against the alleged delay in implementation of Punjab's new agriculture policy ended their strike on Friday, a day after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann assured them that a draft of the policy would be shared with them by September 30. Mann also assured them that their suggestions would be incorporated before the policy's implementation. Mann on Thursday held an over two-hour meeting with leaders of the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, which led the protesting farmers, to discuss their demands. Farmers under the banner of the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union began a five-day protest on Sunday to press for their demands, including the agriculture policy's implementation. Speaking to reporters at the protest site, Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan said they had urged the state government to make the agriculture policy public. "They (the government) said it was being finalised They sa

Punjab Cabinet withdraws previous Cong govt's decision of subsidised power

The Punjab Cabinet on Thursday rolled back the previous Congress government's decision to reduce power tariff by Rs 3 per unit for consumers, a move which will yield Rs 1,500-1,800 crore per annum to the state exchequer. However, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said 300 units of free electricity per month for the domestic category will continue. In November 2021, the then Charanjit Singh Channi government slashed the power tariff by Rs 3 per unit for domestic consumers, having a connected load of up to 7 kW (kilowatt). The decision to withdraw the previous government's decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann here. Addressing the media after the cabinet meeting, Cheema said the previous government had reduced the power rates by Rs 3 per unit for domestic consumers, having up to 7 kW load. "We withdrew that decision today," he said. But 300 units of free electricity, started by the AAP government, will continue, he added. Asked

Agriculture policy almost ready, says Punjab CM Mann amid farmers protest

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said the state's agriculture policy is almost ready and his government will call stakeholders for further consultation. The statement came amid a protest by the Bharti Kisan Union (Ugrahan) and the Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union which are pressing for the implementation of the agriculture policy. Participating in the discussion on the concluding day of the three-day Punjab Assembly session, Mann said the agriculture policy is almost ready. "We will speak to stakeholders, (farmers) unions and organisations related to farming in this regard," he said in the state assembly. Mann said his government always supports that policies should be framed with the consultation of stakeholders, unlike the Union government which introduces its policies without applying mind and consulting the people. He cited the example of the three farm laws which were later withdrawn by the BJP-led government at the Centre after protests by the farming community. Fa

Crime rate, rising debt likely to dominate 3-day Punjab Assembly session

The three-day session of the Punjab Assembly slated to begin from Monday is going to be anything but calm with the opposition parties set to seek accountability from the AAP-led government on law and order and rising state debt. The session of the Vidhan Sabha will start with obituary references and wind up on September 4. Congress leader and MLA Aruna Chaudhary said her party will raise the issue of deteriorating law and order in the state. "Deteriorating law and order is one of the biggest issues. Everyday incidents related to snatching, theft and extortion are taking place in the state," alleged the Dinanagar MLA. Chaudhary also accused the government of failing to fulfil its promise of giving Rs 1,000 per month to every woman. "The AAP government deceived women in Punjab." Congress MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli said, "The AAP government had promised to set up 18 colleges in the state. Two and half years of the AAP regime have passed but they could not procure land for setting up

Govt will give special grants to villages with drug-free status: Punjab CM

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Wednesday said his government will give special grants to the villages that attain the drug-free status, as he inaugurated a new office for the state's apex anti-drug unit. Speaking after inaugurating the new office of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Mohali, the chief minister said his government is committed to make Punjab a drug-free state. "The state government will give special grants to the drug-free villages across Punjab," he said. These grants will be used for the promotion of sports and sporting infrastructure in villages, helping channelise the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive direction, he said. Already players from Punjab have brought laurels for the country in events like the Olympics, he said, adding youths from the state will bag more medals. On the occasion, he also launched anti-drug Helpline and WhatsApp Chatbot (9779100200), according to an official statement. Speaking after inspecting the newly constructed

Punjab CM Mann terms Sisodia's bail as breaking 'shackles of dictatorship'

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met senior AAP leader and former deputy chief minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia here on Friday and said he has got justice by "breaking the shackles of dictatorship". This was Mann's first meeting with Sisodia after the Aam Aadmi Party leader was released on bail by the Supreme Court last week. Sisodia was arrested in connection with the excise policy case on February 26 last year, and was granted bail by the apex court on August 9. "Today I met the leader and the person who brought a revolution of education. He came out of the jail after one-and-a-half years by breaking the shackles of dictatorship. When nothing was found against him, we got justice from the court," Mann told reporters after the meeting. He said he prays for Sisodia's health and hoped he will again assume the role of improving the future of children. Mann said on the occasion of Arvind Kejriwal's birthday today, he met the Delhi chief minister's wife Sunita Kejriwal. "Today is

Punjab CM holds meeting to review progress in implementation of schemes

Earlier , CM Mann replied to Union Transport Minister Gadkari's letter over alleged attacks on engineers and contractors in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and said that local police have arrested accused

Give AAP a chance in Haryana Assembly polls: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday asked people to give the AAP a chance at the assembly elections in Haryana, saying voting for the Congress, BJP and INLD has not improved anything in the state. Mann cited the programmes of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments in Punjab and Delhi and highlighted that party national convener Arvind Kejriwal was born in the state, as he made a pitch to voters for the Haryana Assembly polls due later this year. The AAP has already announced that it will contest all 90 seats in the state, claiming that people want a change in the government. Though the AAP has contested several polls in Haryana, it is yet to taste electoral success in the state. Addressing a gathering here, Mann said, "Haryana gave a chance to the Congress, BJP and INLD. But nothing has improved." In Punjab, he said, people gave the AAP 92 out of 117 seats in the 2022 assembly polls, and in the two-and-a-half years since, his government has given over 43,000 jobs to the ..

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann denied political clearance to visit Paris

The Centre has denied political clearance to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his visit to Paris to support the Indian Hockey team at the Olympic Games, an official source said on Saturday. Mann, who holds a diplomatic passport, was scheduled to visit Paris from August 3 to 9 for the Indian hockey team's quarterfinal match on August 4, and had sought political clearance for his visit. The Centre denied him the permission, saying that since Mann is a Z-Plus security protectee, it is not possible to arrange his level of security at a short notice, the source in the state government said. The Chief Minister's Office was informed of the decision Friday evening, the person said. Political clearance for senior political leaders is required from the Ministry of External Affairs for travelling abroad. Mann had on Friday congratulated the Indian hockey contingent for a historic win over Australia in the ongoing Paris Olympic Games. India on Friday beat the formidable team for the fi

Punjab CM Mann reviews flood protection work along Ghaggar river in Sangrur

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday visited flood-prone areas along the Ghaggar river to take stock of the preparations for dealing with floods at the ground level ahead of the monsoon. The chief minister, accompanied by top government officials, visited the areas along with the river to check the arrangements being made to avert the floods, a release said. It was a deviation from the earlier times when the head of the state visited the areas once they were flooded, he said in the release. Earlier, leaders used these opportunities shamelessly for photo ops, hardly giving any relief to the people, Mann said. In sharp contrast to that practice, Mann said he visited the areas to assess the ongoing work to avert the floods. This will ensure that the flood-protection work is done effectively and there is no loss of life and property, he added. Interacting with the people, Mann said in order to avert floods in the state, the Punjab government has taken an initiative to desig

DC, SSP to be held responsible for any corrupt, illegal activity: Punjab CM

In a strict instruction to senior officers, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said if any official is found to be involved in corrupt or illegal activity then the deputy commissioner and the senior superintendent of police of that district will be held responsible. Mann also announced to open a 'mukh mantri sahayta kendra' (chief minister help centre) in each district to facilitate people in getting their works done in a time-bound manner. The chief minister on Monday held a meeting with all deputy commissioners of the state here. Addressing the media after the meeting, Mann said the development works got affected because of the Model Code of Conduct. He said the Model Code of Conduct remained in force for more than two months due to the Lok Sabha polls. Mann said that he gave instructions in the meeting to the deputy commissioners to ensure completion of the pending works. He also gave strict instructions to the deputy commissioners to ensure that no one should face

Atishi, Raghav meet Kejriwal in Tihar; asked to curb water, power crises

Amidst the persisting water and power crises in Delhi, state minister Atishi and AAP MP Raghav Chadha said on Thursday that they met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal lodged in the Tihar jail and were directed to take measures to curb the problems as soon as possible. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener is lodged in Tihar jail's number 2 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case. "Today I met Kejriwal ji, who is lodged in Tihar jail in a fake case by the central government. But, he still worries about the people of Delhi, more than himself. "He inquired about the issues related to the power and water and he told me that he watched the water crisis in Delhi on television in Tihar," Atishi told media outside the Tihar jail. She said Kejriwal has directed them to take all necessary steps and arrangements that could be made to overcome the water crisis as soon as possible. "He has directed all the AAP legislators to go on the ground and take all possible steps to provide water to

LS polls: PM Modi attacks AAP, calls Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann as 'kagzi CM'

Addressing his first election rally in the state for the 7th phase of Lok Sabha polls on June 1, Modi said Punjab has given leadership to the country in various sectors - from agriculture to industry

Mann has 'understanding' with Amit Shah to split AAP after LS poll: Badal

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has an "understanding" with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to split AAP into a separate Punjab unit after the elections, like Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde did in Maharashtra, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed on Saturday. Badal made the claim while addressing rallies at Sunam and Dhuri for the Shiromani Akali Dal's (SAD) Sangrur candidate Iqbal Singh Jhundan. "Bhagwant Mann has compromised with the BJP as he felt he would also be arrested like his boss (Arvind) Kejriwal because he had also perpetrated the same liquor scam as done by AAP in Delhi. This understanding has saved him from arrest," Badal alleged. Shiv Sena leader Shinde became Maharashtra chief minister after parting ways with Uddhav Thackeray and forming an alliance with the BJP. The Election Commission of India has since recognised the Shinde faction as officially representing the Shiv Sena while the Thackeray-led faction has been using the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) name. The

CM Kejriwal holds first roadshow for LS poll campaign after his release

AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday held his first roadshow for Lok Sabha election campaign along with his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann in the South Delhi constituency, a day after his release from Tihar jail. Party leaders and workers gathered in large numbers while Kejriwal and Mann mounted an open-roof vehicle waving and greeting people. AAP volunteers, holding party flags and raising slogans, marched behind the vehicle in the narrow streets of Mehrauli in South Delhi, in support of party candidate Sahi Ram Pehalwan. Kejriwal, who is out on an interim bail granted by the Supreme Court till June 1, earlier in the day said he will campaign across the country to fight against "dictatorship". He will also take part in a roadshow in East Delhi constituency in support of AAP candidate Kuldeep Kumar.