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Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab govt following steps of legendary martyrs to serve people: CM Mann
Sangrur, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Sunday said his government was following the footsteps of legendary martyrs to ensure the state's development and people's wellbeing, especially those from the economically weaker sections. Punjab govt following steps of legendary martyrs to serve people: CM Mann He was addressing a gathering during an event to mark the death anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadogal here today. On the occasion, Mann laid the foundation stone of two road projects in Dhuri that have an outlay of ₹17.21 crore. The first road is being built by the Punjab Mandi Board, connecting a link road from Dhuri-Amargarh Road to Dhuri-Chheenta Wala Road, passing through Dhadhogal, Burj Gohra, Burj Seda, Cheema, Bhari Mansa, and Samundgarh Chhanna. Similarly, the other road is being constructed by the Public Works Department, connecting Amargarh to the Dhuri-Bagrian Road, passing through Dhadhogal, Kheri Jattan, Lohar Majra, and the Electricity Colony. In his speech, Mann said every inch of this sacred land has the footprints of great Gurus, saints, seers, martyrs and poets. Punjabis have been blessed with an indomitable spirit of hard work and resilience, due to which they carve out space for themselves, the chief minister said. "The state government is making concerted efforts to realise the dreams of martyrs to ensure that the fruits of freedom are percolating to every household.". It is unfortunate that even after more than 75 years of freedom from British rule, the fruits of freedom have still not reached every household, Mann said. "Those in power spread drugs, amassed wealth by plundering the masses and encouraged corruption," he said while targeting the previous governments. "The dreams of martyrs have still not been realised as these people have never made any concerted effort." The chief minister claimed that "due to the poor performance of the previous regimes, the youth of our state wanted to go and work in the same country, the rulers of which were ousted by our freedom fighters and nationalists". Mann announced that the Punjab government would organise grand and historic events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur. "The state government is committed to perpetuating the glorious legacy of Guru Sahib for our coming generations." He also spoke about his government's ongoing anti-drug drive, saying drug smugglers were being put behind bars. Paying tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadhogal, Mann said he was one of those brave souls who considered it his duty to fight against the tyranny, oppression, injustice, and discrimination of the princely states. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hindustan Times
03-08-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Tomato rates cross ₹100-mark amid erratic supply from hills
Tomato prices have shot up 100% at the apni mandis in just a week– from ₹50 per kg on July 26 to ₹100 per kg on August 2 – due to erratic supply. Retail shops are selling it at ₹120/kg. Last year, tomato prices had reached ₹ 120 per kg at apni mandis. But the highest-ever was seen in 2023 when tomatoes were selling for ₹ 250 per kg during the flashfloods in Himachal. (HT File) Komal Sharma, incharge of Apni Mandi, Punjab Mandi Board, in Chandigarh, said, 'The production of Punjab-grown tomatoes gets adversely affected due to increase in temperature and untimely rains. Generally, our local production stops by mid-July. When this happens, we import tomatoes from the hills. But due to incessant rains and landslides in Himachal, the supply has taken a hit, leading to a steep spike in rates.' She added that the rates are changing every day but it might drop to ₹50 to ₹60 per kg once the weather clears up. 'If the rains continue, we may see erratic supply from other states too,' Sharma added. Last year, tomato prices had reached ₹120 per kg at apni mandis. But the highest-ever was seen in 2023 when tomatoes were selling for ₹250 per kg during the flashfloods in Himachal. While the rates of staples such as potatoes and onions have remained unchanged, the rates of capsicum and brinjal, which are sourced from the hills, have also seen a spike (see box).
Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mohali's 12 link roads to get makeover; Rs 8-cr project okayed
The face of Mohali's road infrastructure is set for a major transformation as 12 key link roads in the constituency will soon undergo repair and redevelopment. The Punjab Mandi Board has officially sanctioned a project worth Rs 8 crore for this purpose, which also includes a five-year maintenance plan. According to sources, the roads covered under this project include Raipur to Duralhi, Tangori and Bari via Kharar-Banur Road, Jhoothi to Alipur, Tangori to Manakpur Kallar, access road from Kharar to Landran, Gige Majra to Gudana, Dhirpur to Gobindgarh, Chacho Majra to Bakarpur and Jhoongian (via Gurdwara Sahib), Sekhan Majra to Kurra, Bakarpur–Safipur–Nadian, Dau to Ramgarh, Sector 82 to Manauli. The total road length to be developed under this initiative is 27.54 kilometres. In addition to the construction and repair work, Rs 80 lakh has been earmarked specifically for the maintenance of these roads over the next five years. Speaking on the matter, MLA Kulwant Singh said, 'Efforts to improve the poor condition of Mohali's roads are now gaining real momentum. Keeping in view the difficulties faced by villagers, repair work on these crucial link roads will begin very soon, ensuring lasting relief for the people.' This move is expected to ease travel for local residents and improve rural connectivity in the region.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre's negligence causing wheat backlog in Punjab markets: Punjab Mandi Board chief
1 2 Mohali: Wheat stocks are piling up in Punjab's markets due to the central government's failure to arrange timely transportation, alleged Harchand Singh Barsat , chairman of the Punjab Mandi Board in statement on Tuesday. He criticised the Centre for its inaction and urged immediate intervention to prevent spoilage of procured said that while a total of 124.05 lakh metric tons (LMT) of wheat has arrived in the state's markets, 123.35 LMT has already been only 79.36 LMT has been lifted so far, leaving a significant backlog of 43.99 LMT, which is still lying in the mandis. He called on the central government and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to arrange special trains urgently for wheat transportation."Farmers are receiving timely payments, and market arrangements have been streamlined," said Barsat. "Despite these efforts, the central government's negligence in lifting the purchased wheat threatens to undo the hard work of the Punjab administration."On May 5 alone, 1.10 LMT of wheat arrived in the state's markets, and 1.19 LMT was procured. So far, farmers have been paid Rs 25,821.71 crore for their produce. But with unpredictable weather patterns looming, the unlifted stock is at risk of damage."The central government's failure to act promptly is causing the grain to get wet, despite our adequate arrangements. If this continues, they will be solely responsible for the losses," Barsat also emphasised the perception among Punjabis that the Centre's attitude towards the state is discriminatory. "The FCI and central authorities must take immediate responsibility to ensure quality grain reaches the people," he said, reiterating the demand for special trains to expedite the lifting highlighted that the Mandi Board has announced 1,865 permanent procurement markets across Punjab, including 152 main yards, 285 sub-yards, and 1,428 procurement centres. Also, 1,028 temporary markets have been set up to accommodate the bumper wheat such as drinking water, toilets, cleanliness, and shaded seating have been arranged to ensure the comfort of farmers, labourers, and commission agents. However, without immediate action from the Centre, these efforts may fall short in safeguarding the harvested wheat.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Punjab's private wheat procurement soars, closes in on 2006 record
Private wheat procurement in Punjab is experiencing a significant surge this year, reaching the highest levels since 2006. The figures are quickly approaching the record numbers set in 2006, the year with the highest private wheat procurement by traders in the state over the past two decades. According to official Punjab Mandi Board data, private traders have procured 9.28 lakh tonnes (lt) of wheat in Punjab as of Wednesday. The only higher private procurement occurred in 2006, when private traders purchased 13.12 lakh tonnes, according to records from the Food Corporation of India (FCI). The year 2007 saw private procurement of 9.18 lakh tonnes. If the trend continues, this season could match or surpass the 2006 record for private procurement, marking a significant shift in Punjab's procurement dynamics. 'We expect that it will reach the 2006 record by the end of the season,' said a senior official familiar with the procurement trends. The wheat procured by private traders forms a substantial share of the 114.16 lt purchased in the ongoing procurement season. The total wheat arrival in the state's mandis stands at 115.57 lt, which means private players account for over 8 per cent of the total purchase—a notable development, given the usual dominance of government procurement agencies in the state. Procurement of wheat is still ongoing in the state, and it will take at least two more weeks to complete. A bumper crop is expected this year in Punjab, as weather conditions remained favourable throughout the wheat-growing season. Private procurement in recent years has been significantly lower: in 2024, it was 7.55 lt; in 2023, it was 4.69 lt; in 2022, it was 6.33 lt; in 2021, it was only 1.14 lt; in 2020, it was 1.93 lt; in 2019, it was 2.80 lt; and in 2018, it was 2.06 lt. There are approximately 70-75 roller flour mills in Punjab, with a daily processing capacity of 7,400 tonnes of wheat, although they typically operate at around 50 per cent capacity. This translates to an annual processing capacity of approximately 15 lt. Millers primarily focus on supplying atta, sooji, and maida within Punjab and to other states. According to the Punjab Market Board (PMB), Punjab millers earlier procured only 25-30% of wheat from within the state. The remaining 70–75 per cent was procured from the FCI's e-auctions under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) and from other states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, which often supplied wheat at lower prices than the FCI. However, this year, millers have already purchased over 60 per cent of their total wheat requirement from within Punjab. Several factors have contributed to this surge, Naresh Ghai, president of the Punjab Roller Flour Mills Association, told The Indian Express. 'Last year, rates were high—even the FCI under OMSS had opened the tender at Rs 3,100 per quintal, while the MSP was Rs 2,325 per quintal then,' said Ghai, adding that this year, millers preferred to purchase wheat at the MSP of Rs 2,425 per quintal instead because they are apprehensive of higher rate under OMSS. He added that millers are expected to purchase 2–3 lakh tonnes more in the coming days. The remaining 3 lakh tonnes will likely be procured directly from farmers, as many have stored a portion of their produce to sell later to private traders. Some quantity will also be bought under OMSS or sourced from other states.
