Latest news with #TarunpreetSinghSond
Time of India
a day 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 |
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
The Hindustan Times AI & Cyber Security Summit 2025: Fostering digital dialogue in North India
The second edition of Hindustan Times AI & Cyber Security Summit took place in Chandigarh, bringing together leaders, technology professionals, and institutions. The summit aimed to highlight India's digital advancement through partnerships and discussions. The event focused on aspects of innovation and secure digital environments As India continues its progress in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, Hindustan Times organised a forum to convene visionaries, institutions, and innovators. The AI & Cyber Security Summit 2025 gathered participants from technology, governance, academia, and entrepreneurship. The event was presented by Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology and supported by Aloha Intelligence, aiming to set a standard for regional tech summits in terms of scale, impact, and collaboration. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Cabinet Minister, Government of Punjab, who leads vital departments including Industries & Commerce, Tourism & Culture, Invest Punjab, Labour, and Hospitality attended as Chief Guest, delivering a keynote address. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, Superintendent of Chandigarh Police, was the Guest of Honour, contributing her experience in operations, vigilance, and cyber safety. Chhatra Chhetri, Business Head Hindustan Times (Upper North), led the initiative with a vision for shaping future-ready platforms. Among the academic leaders in attendance, Dr. Padmakumar Nair, Director of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), discussed the role of academia in preparing the next generation for a future shaped by AI and cybersecurity. One of the notable moments of the conclave was the presentation by Mr. Siddhant Bansal, Founder of Aloha Intelligence. As the event's powering partner, Aloha Intelligence unveiled the world's first technological brain, areal-time demonstration that mimicked the human mind. This was Natural Intelligence — responsive, conscious, and deeply human. This tech presentation was a combination of belief, science, and vision. Aloha Intelligence represented innovation andsymbolised India's potential in cognitive intelligence. Representing the entrepreneurial community, Satish Kumar Arora, President of TiE Chandigarh, emphasised the importance of fostering innovation ecosystems. Strategic brand visibility and positioning was managed in partnership with Mantrin, the Brand Building Partner, who ensured a communication identity across the event. Globe Toyota participated as the Luxury Automobile Partner, representing the synergy between next-gen mobility and smart innovation. Hitbullseye, as the Education Partner, contributed to academic engagement and student exposure to digital careers which may bevital to India's AI and cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow. Cafe Well Being by Back To Source, the Gifting Partner, curated organic hampers for all speakers and dignitaries. The summit concluded with a felicitation ceremony. Certificates of Honour were presented to all participating partners by Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Chhatra Chhetri, acknowledging their contribution to advancing the AI and cybersecurity dialogue. Experts say: 1. 'At Hindustan Times, we are committed to building platforms of purpose and progress. This conclave isn't just about technology — it's about connecting ideas, industries, and impact. Through forums like these, we aim to elevate the conversation around secure innovation and bring actionable insights to the forefront.' Chhatra Chhetri, Business Head-Upper North,Hindustan times 2. 'Education must evolve with technology. At TIET, we are committed to nurturing minds that technically skilled and ethically grounded. Platforms like this Conclave provide a bridge between academic insight and industry application — a synergy that defines future-ready education.'Dr. Padmakumar Nair, Director of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) 3. 'India is the sacred birthplace of knowledge and God — where wisdom was not taught, but lived. Today, as Organic Indian launches Natural Intelligence, Bharat reclaims its importance. In a world focussed in artificiality, India emerges as the guiding light, leading humanity back to truth, consciousness, and higher purpose using natural intelligence.'Siddhant Bansal, Founder of Aloha Intelligence 4. 'What we witnessed at the Conclave is a convergence of industry, innovation, and intellect. For entrepreneurs, events like these are vital for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and future visioning. Chandigarh is emerging as a tech nerve centre, and we're proud to be part of this transformation.' Satish Kumar Arora, President, TIE Chandigarh 5. AI is going to significantly impact the learning and education sector in the coming years. It is just the beginning. With AI-powered tools, we can create personalised learning experiences, automate and provide real-time feedback. This can enhance student engagement and help educators identify knowledge gaps and develop targeted interventions.' Mr. Hridesh Madaan, Hitbullseye Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
Time of India
5 days ago
- 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.
