Latest news with #Sond
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PSIEC announces policy for clubbing and de-clubbing of plots
1 2 Chandigarh: The Punjab govt has unveiled a comprehensive policy for the clubbing and de-clubbing of industrial plots, while also establishing a long-awaited appellate authority to handle appeals over cancelled allotments, industries minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced on Saturday here. The new policy, notified on May 19 and which the cabinet approved on April 24, aims to bring procedural clarity and land-use efficiency across the state's industrial estates and focal points under the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC). Sond said the policy responds to years of demands from industrialists seeking a streamlined mechanism to merge or divide adjoining plots to support business expansion, improve operational efficiency and optimise land utilisation. The rules apply to all PSIEC-controlled plots, excluding booths and sheds. To be eligible for clubbing or de-clubbing, plots must be owned by the same entity and be of the same type — either leasehold or freehold — with all dues cleared. Applications must be supported by valid lease or conveyance deeds. A fee of 1% of the current reserve price of the total plot area — capped at ₹50 lakh — will apply. De-clubbing will only be allowed in line with the original layout plan and subject to zoning laws, building codes and environmental regulations, the minister said. "This step will not only streamline industrial development but also create opportunities for project growth in a regulated and transparent manner," Sond said. Separately, the PSIEC has also operationalised an Appellate Authority — notified on May 7 — to address grievances related to cancelled plots. The authority will offer relief to affected allottees whose plots were cancelled for reasons such as failing to begin production, violating zoning rules, or defaulting on instalments. The govt had cancelled 700-odd plots in recent years, and efforts to restore those stalled after a previous restoration scheme lapsed in March 2022. Affected allottees now have until Sept 30 to appeal for reinstatement. In future cases, appeals must be filed within six months of the cancellation date. "This authority will reduce unnecessary litigation, provide applicants with fair hearing opportunities, and bring transparency to the reinstatement process," Sond said. MSID:: 121536934 413 |
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond urges public support for drug-free Punjab.
Ludhiana: Punjab minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Wednesday urged every citizen to take personal responsibility in making the state drug-free, saying only a grassroots movement can eliminate the crisis. He pitched sports grounds in this fight. Addressing villagers in Boothgarh, Mahoun, Ramgarh, Malakpur, Harion Kalan and Majra Rahaon as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukti Yatra (Drug-Free March), Sond said village defence committees must play an active role in supporting the govt's anti-drug campaign. "This fight needs to be waged in every home, every street. Only then can Punjab truly be free of this menace," he said. To support the campaign, the state has launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline — 97791-00200 — where citizens can report illegal drug activity. Sond assured that informants' identities will remain confidential. He also called on panchayats to help identify individuals struggling with addiction and bring them to govt de-addiction centres for treatment. A pledge was administered during the meetings, affirming collective support for the anti-drug campaign. To reinforce positive engagement, Sond announced the development of two model sports grounds — one at Boothgarh for a cost of ₹35 lakh, and another at Majra Rahaon for ₹20 lakh. Each will cover 2 acres and be ready within four months. In addition, village pond and drainage improvements are planned for Boothgarh, Harion Kalan and Majra Rahaon, with cleaning and wall-lining works budgeted at ₹25 lakh per site, to be completed by Nov 30. The minister said these infrastructure projects will provide youth with healthy outlets and help prevent substance abuse by promoting sports and community activity. MSID:: 121465240 413 |
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Evolving landscape of AI in focus at cybersecurity summit
Punjab cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Monday said that AI has touched every sector, from healthcare to transportation. Minister Sond was attending an AI and Cybersecurity Summit focused on 'Securing intelligence in the age of AI'. The event was held at JW Marriott, Sector-35 organised by Hindustan Times in collaboration with Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) Patiala, TIE Chandigarh, Matrin, Globe Toyota and Aloha Intelligence, bringing together law enforcement officials, academic leaders, and industry experts. Minister Sond called the summit timely and relevant. 'Our generation is living in a fully digitised world where data evolves every day,' he said. He pointed out that while technology advances rapidly, ethical use and regulation must keep pace. 'Punjab has made significant progress, with nine officers recently clearing the cybercrime certification,' he noted. Geetanjali Khandelwal, superintendent of police (SP, city) Chandigarh highlighted the growing role of AI in policing and the urgent need to combat rising cybercrime. 'The Chandigarh police is adapting to the evolving landscape of AI. We have established a specialised cyber cell to tackle digital offences real-time, including dark web operations,' she said. She warned that AI is increasingly used to spread misinformation and fake news, especially from border areas, sometimes through AI-generated videos targeting national security. 'We treat such threats with utmost seriousness and are actively detecting malicious content through our intelligence network,' she added. Padamkumar Nair, director of TIET, emphasised the national implications of cybersecurity. 'Every form of security today ties back to national security. We must treat cybersecurity with the seriousness it deserves,' he said.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: 86 drug peddlers' properties razed under Yudh Nashian Virudh drive, says Sond
Punjab cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Monday said that illegal properties belonging to 86 drug peddlers have been demolished under the state's flagship Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign. The minister was addressing village defence committee meetings and public gatherings during the Nasha Mukti Yatra events held at Goh, Lalheri and Ratnheri villages. Sond warned drug traffickers to either quit the illegal trade or leave Punjab. He also criticised previous governments for their inaction on the drug crisis and reaffirmed the current administration's commitment to eradicating drugs from the state. During the events, the minister administered an anti-drug oath, urging residents to help build a vibrant and drug-free Punjab. Sond encouraged the youth to focus on education and sports, warning that drug addiction leaves a lasting stigma. He revealed plans to construct stadiums in every village and establish 3,000 gyms across major rural areas to promote healthy lifestyles.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mass mobilisation, grassroots initiatives to boost anti-drug drive
Ludhiana: State housing and urban development minister Hardeep Singh Mundian Sunday hailed the Nasha Mukti Yatra as a revolutionary movement, galvanising masses to join the Punjab govt 's Yudh Nashya Virudh campaign to eradicate the drug menace . Speaking at Nasha Mukti Yatra gatherings in Jandiali, Kohara, and Bhairomunna villages, the cabinet minister pledged an unwavering commitment to rooting out drugs and ensuring that traffickers are not spared. He highlighted the govt's aggressive campaign to dismantle drug networks and bulldoze their illegally amassed properties, a groundbreaking move in Punjab's history. He called the Nasha Mukti Yatra a visionary initiative to empower locals to tackle the drug crisis at the grassroots. Condemning past govts for "colluding" with traffickers for political benefits, the minister urged collective action to secure the campaign's victory. Meanwhile, cabinet minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond announced that the Punjab Police arrested 10,000 drug peddlers, including 8,500 major traffickers, since the launch of the Yudh Nashya Virudh campaign. Addressing vibrant Nasha Mukti Yatra awareness events in Kot Sekhon, Kot Panech, and Bija, Sond unveiled plans to harness the energy of Punjab's youth by constructing a stadium in every village and 3,000 gyms across an equal number of villages to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 'Swing is King': Top Trader Hemant's Strategy Finally Explained in this Free Session ! TradeWise Learn More Undo Sond declared that Punjab is on track to become a drug-free state, with the anti-drug campaign now reaching grassroots levels. "The state govt is relentlessly working to eradicate drugs, but we need the wholehearted support of every citizen," he said. He called on residents to report drug traffickers, assuring that informants' identities will remain protected. In addition, he encouraged people to report about individuals struggling with addiction, emphasising that the Punjab govt will provide free de-addiction treatment and comprehensive medical care. The cabinet minister stressed that the Nasha Mukti Yatra will extend to every street in Punjab, bringing communities together to join the fight for a drug-free state. During these events, Sond administered a solemn oath to villagers, including panchs, sarpanchs, and defence committee members, to serve as guardians of their communities and uproot the drug menace.
