Page 25 - Punjab

Punjab's GST mop-up increases by 16% to over Rs 19,000 crore till February

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection in Punjab jumped 15.69 per cent to Rs 19,222 crore in the current financial year so far, while the state's excise revenue rose 11.71 per cent to Rs 8,093.59 crore. The net GST collection up to February in the current fiscal year stood at Rs 19,222.5 crore, up from Rs 16,615.52 crore collected during the same period of the preceding fiscal, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said on Sunday. Cheema further said that the state's excise revenue also witnessed an impressive growth of Rs 842.72 crore with the overall collection of Rs 8,093.59 crore as against Rs 7,244.87 crore recorded during the same period a year ago, according to an official statement. Cheema said that the state has seen a shift in its fiscal trajectory since Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led AAP government assumed office in March 2022. "With better planning and implementation, the state has recorded net tax revenue growth of 13.85 per cent, surpassing Rs 34,158 crore

AAP to announce candidates for LS seats in Punjab in 2-4 days: CM Kejriwal

The Aam Aadmi Party will announce candidates for all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab in next two to four days, party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said on Saturday. Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal said that discussion on the candidates for the Lok Sabha polls was going on, and urged the people of the state to make the party victorious in all seats. "In next two to four days, the announcement will be made," said Kejriwal while speaking to reporters in Jalandhar after virtually launching 165 'Aam Aadmi Clinics' to be set up across Punjab. "If you ensure (the party's) victory in all 13 seats, you will strengthen Bhagwant Mann's hands. It is Mann alone who is fighting the Centre. It is Mann who is only fighting the governor and the BJP," said Kejriwal who was accompanied by the Punjab chief minister. The Delhi chief minister also slammed the Centre for allegedly withholding Rs 8,000 crore worth of funds from Punjab.

PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif set to become Pakistan's PM for second time

Top PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif is set to become the 33rd prime minister of Pakistan on Sunday, once again leading a coalition government, amidst allegations of rigging of polls and facing staggering economic and security challenges. Shehbaz, who is the joint candidate of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has already submitted his nomination.

FIR lodged on Shubkaran's death, last rites to be performed today: Pandher

"Also today we will take the body of the deceased (Shubhkaran Singh) to the Khanauri Border, and his (Shubhkaran Singh) last rites will be performed at his native village," the farmer leader said

Centre's 5-crop MSP proposal: Why Punjab farmers are reluctant to diversify

As Centre proposes purchase of alternative crops at MSP, a look at why Punjab farmers are reluctant to diversify

Farmers take out tractors rallies in Punjab, Haryana to protest against WTO

Farmers took out tractor rallies at several places in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh and burnt effigies, demanding the agriculture sector be taken out of the WTO agreement. In Uttar Pradesh, the rallies led to disruption in traffic at many places and farmers also burnt effigies representing the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which is holding its 13th ministerial conference, a meeting of its highest decision-making body, in the UAE. On the call of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of several farm unions that spearheaded the 2020-21 farmers' stir, protesters parked their tractors along the highways at many places in Punjab and Haryana. Effigies representing the WTO were also burnt at Khanauri and Shambhu points on Punjab's border with Haryana where thousands of farmers have been camping after their march to Delhi, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), was halted by security forces. Farmer leaders claimed the WTO's ...

PM Modi inaugurates five Aiims across multiple cities, including Rajkot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Rajkot in Gujarat and e-dedicated to the nation four more AIIMS at Bathinda (Punjab), Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh). He inaugurated development projects worth Rs 48,000 at the function held here and asserted that his guarantee begins when hope from others fades. "For 50 years after Independence, there was only one AIIMS in the country, and that too in Delhi. In the seven decades since Independence, only seven AIIMS were approved but even these were never completed," he said. "But now, in just 10 days, seven new AIIMS were inaugurated or its foundation stones laid. That is why I am saying we are developing the country at a pace much faster than what happened in the last six to seven decades," he said.

Punjab has secured Rs 70,000 cr investment so far: CM Bhagwant Mann

Punjab has secured investments worth Rs 70,000 crore so far and many big companies are keen to set up units in the state, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Saturday. He was addressing a gathering at 'Sarkaar Vpaar Milni' event organised to address issues faced by the trading community in the state. The initiative aims to secure the well-being of the trading community, marking a significant step towards restoring the pristine glory of the state and boosting its economic development, said Mann. Industry and trade serve as the backbone of every state's economy and should therefore be given a significant impetus, he added. Underlining the importance of revenue and employment generation in driving state development, Mann said he has visited major cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, to invite industrialists to establish ventures in Punjab. So far, investments worth Rs 70,000 crore have already been firmed up, with prominent companies expressing interest to invest in the state, Mann said.

Govt to celebrate 'parkash utsav' of Ravidas in unprecedented manner: Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday said the state government will celebrate the 650th 'parkash utsav' of Sri Guru Ravidas in an unprecedented manner. Addressing the gathering during a state-level function to observe the 647th 'parkash utsav' of Guru Ravidas after dedicating the 'Sri Guru Ravidas Ji memorial' at Khuralgarh Sahib, about 62 km from here, the chief minister said that he has already instructed officers to ensure foolproof planning for smooth execution of the event. He said the entire area around Khuralgarh will be developed holistically for this event in consultation with devotees. Mann emphasized this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and said the state government will spare no effort in making this event a huge success. The chief minister said the memorial has been built at a cost of nearly Rs 143 crore and added it is a humble tribute to Guru Ravidas by the state government. He said the memorial, which has 'Minar-e-Begumpura', 'Sangat hall', a ...

Farmers' protest: SKM observes 'black day', burns effigies of BJP leaders

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) observed a "black day" on Friday and burnt effigies of BJP leaders in protest against the Haryana Police's action against agitating farmers camping at two of the state's border points. The call was given by the SKM on Thursday to mourn the death of Shubhkaran Singh, who died in clashes between the Haryana Police and farmers from Punjab. The incident took place on Wednesday when the farmers taking part in a "Delhi Chalo" march organised by their unions rushed to the multi-layer barricades set up by authorities to prevent them from proceeding with their plan and clashed with police at the Khanauri border point between Punjab and Haryana. The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), which is a part of the SKM, said on Friday that it held demonstrations at 47 places in 17 Punjab districts in protest against Singh's death. BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said they burnt effigies of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Haryana Chief Minis

Farmers' protest: Samyukta Kisan Morcha to hold meeting today in Chandigarh

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which spearheaded an agitation in 2020-21 against three farm laws that have since been repealed, will hold a meeting here on Thursday to discuss the situation at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana where thousands of farmers are camping as part of the "Delhi Chalo" call given by their organisations. Several SKM leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and other states have assembled here for the meeting. Bharti Kisan Union (Lakhowal) general secretary Harinder Singh Lakhowal said the SKM will discuss what happened at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points on Wednesday. Besides, the farmers' body will also take a decision on how to support the ongoing agitation, Lakhowal added. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) are spearheading the "Delhi Chalo" march to press the BJP-led Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MS

14,000 people, 1,200 tractors at Shambhu border, MHA tells Punjab govt

The Centre has estimated that nearly 14,000 people have gathered along the Punjab-Haryana border with 1,200 tractor-trolleys, 300 cars, 10 mini-buses as well as small vehicles and conveyed its strong objections to the Punjab government for it, sources said on Tuesday. In a communication to the Punjab government, the Union Home Ministry also said that the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state has been a matter of concern over the last few days and asked it to take stringent action against lawbreakers. The home ministry said many miscreants in the guise of farmers were indulging in stone-pelting, mobilising heavy machinery along the Shambhu on Punjab's border with Haryana. Protesting farmers have been staying put at Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjab's border with Haryana after their 'Delhi Chalo' march to press the Centre for various demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, was stopped by security forces which led to clashes last

Highlights of the day: Security up at Delhi borders ahead of farmers' march

Farmers' protest march updates: Catch all the latest updates on the farmers' protest here

Farmers rejected offer as they understood govt's mischief: Congress

The Congress on Tuesday claimed that protesting farmers have rejected another "false offer" as they have understood the government's "mischief" and asserted it is committed to providing legal guarantee of the MSP and take other necessary steps to provide justice to the tillers. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the legal guarantee for MSP will not make the Indian farmers a burden on the budget but ensure they become the drivers of GDP growth. He claimed that "lies" are being spread that the MSP guarantee is not feasible under the government's budget. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi claimed that ever since the Congress resolved to provide legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), "Modi's propaganda machinery and media friendly to him have spread a barrage of lies on MSP". "Lie -- It is not feasible to provide legal guarantee for MSP in the budget of the government of India. Fact -- According to CRISIL, giving MSP to farmers in 2022-23 would have resulted in an additional

Five crops at MSP for five years: Centre's offer to protesting farmers

The fourth round of talks between farmers and Union ministers concluded late Sunday night

Farmers' protest highlights: Farmers have rejected govt's proposal on MSP

Farmers' protest march updates: Catch all the latest updates on the farmers' protest here

Shubman Gill designated as 'state icon' for Lok Sabha polls: Punjab CEO

The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer's office has designated Indian cricketer Shubman Gill as a "state icon" for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. In a statement, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said on Monday that Gill will engage in various campaigns aimed at voter awareness to ensure a voting percentage of 70 per cent. The poll panel has set the target of "Is Vaar 70 Paar". Punjab had recorded a voter turnout of 65.96 in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls for the 13 seats. The CEO said Punjab-resident Gill, popular among sports enthusiasts, especially the youth, has been appointed as a "state icon" for the polls. Sibin C said that in a meeting with all deputy commissioners of Punjab on Friday, they were asked to identify such areas where the voting percentage was low during the last elections. He said that awareness campaigns and appeals made by Shubman Gill in such areas would motivate the voters and help increase the turnout. Earlier, popular Punjabi singer Tarsem Jassar had been selected a

Farmers' protest: Internet ban extended in parts of Punjab till Feb 24

The suspension of internet services has been extended in certain areas of some Punjab districts, including Patiala, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib, till February 24 on the orders of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier, the internet services were suspended from February 12 till 16 in view of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march. According to the ministry's February 16 order, internet services will remain suspended in areas falling under Shambhu, Julkan, Passian, Patran, Shatrana, Samana, Ghanaur, Devigarh and Balbhera police stations in Patiala; Lalru police station in Mohali; Sangat police station in Bathinda; Killianwali police station in Muktsar; Sardulgarh and Boha police stations in Mansa; and Khanauri, Moonak, Lehra, Sunam and Chajli police stations in Sangrur; and areas under Fatehgarh Sahib police station. The Centre used its special powers under the Telegraph Act of 1885 to suspend internet services in these areas of Punjab. "In exercise of the power conferred by section 7

'Pak Army gave 2 options to Sharif, premiership or CM slot for daughter'

Nawaz Sharif sacrificed his ambition to become Pakistan's prime minister for a record fourth term and nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the plum post as the powerful Army gave him two options either to choose the premiership or leave it to allow his daughter to become the chief minister of Punjab, according to party insiders. The nomination of Shehbaz Sharif for the slot of prime minister by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif has stirred quite a debate among the PML-N ranks who are questioning why the 74-year-old three-time premier was "sidelined" despite the earlier announcement on the premiership. Sources in the PML-N told the Press Trust of India here that Nawaz Sharif decided to withdraw himself from the race for the prime minister's office for his daughter and political heir, Maryam Nawaz, 50. "Nawaz Sharif could have become the prime minister to lead the coalition government for the fourth time but then his daughter would have no chance to ...

SKM bandh: Commuters left stranded as many buses stay off roads in Punjab

Commuters in Punjab faced inconvenience on Friday as many buses stayed off the roads in response to the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's call for a 'Bharat Bandh' to press the government to accept farmers' demands including a legal guarantee of MSP. Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers' Union are supporting the Samyukta Kisan Morcha's (SKM) bandh call. During the day, farmers will also hold demonstrations at many places in Punjab under the banner of the SKM. Many farmer bodies including Bharti Kisan Union (Rajewal), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakunda), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal), Bharatiya Kisan Union (Qadian) and Kirti Kisan Union are taking part in the bandh. Passengers were seen waiting for buses at many bus stands to reach their respective destinations. Mainly students and office-goers faced inconvenience because of the non-availability of buses. At the Patiala bus stand, a college student said he could not find any bus to go to Landran road. A government employee said