Latest news with #TheSeeds
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sale of spurious seeds to be non-bailable offence in Punjab
Chandigarh: The Punjab cabinet on Friday approved the introduction of The Seeds ( Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025, which will make the sale of spurious seeds a non-bailable offence. Briefing mediapersons after the meeting, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the cabinet gave its consent to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to ensure the supply of high-quality seeds to farmers of Punjab. There had been no amendment in Section 19 of the Seeds Act 1966 since its inception, due to which the fines and penalties had no deterrence. According to the proposed provisions, the first offence by a company will invite punishment of one to two years and a fine of Rs 5 to 10 lakh, whereas punishment of two to three years and a fine of Rs 10 to 50 lakh will be imposed for repeated offences. Similarly, if a dealer or an individual is at fault, it will invite punishment of six months to one year and a fine of Rs 1 to 5 lakh for the first offence, and a term of one to two years and a fine of Rs 5 to 10 lakh for repeated offences. Previously, such an offence was punishable by a fine of Rs 500 for the first offence, with subsequent violations carrying a fine of Rs 1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. The cabinet gave the nod to enact a Bill to amend the Seeds Act and insert Section 19A for contravention of Section 7 of the Seeds Act (Regulation of sales of seeds of notified kinds or varieties), enhancing the fine and penalty, making it cognisable and non-bailable. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo by Taboola by Taboola "It was a long-pending demand of farmers in the state who suffered losses due to substandard seeds. Both the Centre and the state are authorised to bring in such a legislation," said Cheema. Nod to OTS for industrialists The cabinet also gave nod for introducing a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for the settlement of interest-free loans for seed margin money. For this, the Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935, and the integrated rural development program (IRDP) will be amended. Cheema said that the Act was not amended since 1935. "The cabinet has decided to waive Rs 97.60 crore interest on seed money of small amounts of Rs 2,000 or Rs 5,000 given since 1935. It used to be a considerable amount at that time. The seed money used to be given without any collateral security. The state govt will now recover Rs 11.54 crore from the 1,054 beneficiaries identified so far. Mechanism to provide land parcels The cabinet also gave concurrence for evolving a mechanism to provide land parcels (on sale or lease basis) for promoting industrial investment in the state. The move is aimed at giving impetus to investment in the state. Till now, there was a lack of a formalised, time-bound mechanism for identifying and provisioning land parcels for investors seeking land. Upper age for group D recruitment enhanced In a relief to the aspirants of the group D posts, the cabinet also gave approval to amend rules 5 (b) and 5 (d) of the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, thereby enhancing the upper age limit from the existing 35 years to 37 years. The age limit for appointment in Group 'D' services in Punjab was 16 to 35 years, while for Group A, B, and C posts, as per PCS Rules 1994, it was 18 to 37 years. For uniformity, the Punjab State Group-D Service Rules Rule 5(b) has been amended to keep the date on age of appointment between 18 to 37 years. Educational qualification under Rule 5(d) has been modified from 'Middle' to 'Matriculation'. Bids for retendering The cabinet also gave ex post facto approval of relaxation in the time frame to invite bids in the re-tender floated for the purchase of 46,000 black polythene covers for the Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2025-26. For ensuring safe storage, maintenance, and preservation of wheat worth Rs 30,000 crores during Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26, ex-post facto approval is sought for relaxing the period for procurement of the covers. It was necessitated to ensure fumigation before the onset of monsoons and to safeguard open stocks from the vagaries of nature. Punjab District Mineral Foundation Rules The cabinet gave approval to revise Punjab District Mineral Foundation (DMF) rules as per revised GOI guidelines under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), 2024. The revisions will ensure transparency in the implementation of projects, powers, duties, and responsibilities such as five-year perspective planning, high-priority sectors for utilisation of DMF funds, and restriction on fund transfer from DMF. Advisory managing committee of temples The cabinet gave its consent for amendments in the advisory managing committee of Kali Devi, Raj Rajeshwari Temple, Patiala, authorising the CM to nominate the chairman and members of the advisory managing committee. Likewise, the go-ahead was given for changes in the financial powers of the chairman, secretary, members, and management committee. Punjab Value Added Tax Rules The cabinet also gave its concurrence for amendment in the Punjab Value Added Tax Rules, 2005, stipulating that the chairman and other members of the Punjab VAT tribunal will be entitled to HRA and DA at such rates which are applicable to officers of Punjab. Hassle-free transportation of food grains The cabinet also gave nod to "The Punjab Food Grains Transportation Policy 2025" and 'The Punjab Labour & Cartage Policy, 2025" for hassle-free transportation of food grains in the state. The state procurement agencies and the FCI procure food grains every season. As per the policy during the year 2025, food grain transportation works will be allotted through a competitive and transparent online tender system. MSID:: 122907893 413 | MSID:: 122907893 413 |
Indian Express
25-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Punjab Cabinet approves Bill to make sale of spurious seeds non-bailable offence
The Punjab Cabinet Friday gave its nod to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to make sale of spurious seeds a non-bailable offence. The decision was taken by the council of ministers at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. As per an official statement, the Cabinet gave its nod to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to ensure supply of high-quality seeds to the farmers of the state. 'There has been no amendment to Section 19 of the Seeds Act 1966 since its inception due to which the fines and penalties have no deterrence. So the Cabinet gave its nod to amend and insert Section 19A for contravention of Section 7 of the Seeds Act (Regulation of sales of seeds of notified kinds or varieties), enhancing the fine and penalty, and making it cognizable and non-bailable,' the statement said. As per the provision, the first offence by a company will invite punishment of one to two years and fine of Rs 5-10 lakh, and punishment of two to three years and fine of Rs 10-50 lakh for repeated offence. 'Similar misdeed by a dealer/person will invite a punishment of six months to one year and fine of Rs 1-5 lakh for the first offence and a term of 1 to 2 years and fine of Rs 5-10 lakh for repeated offence,' the statement said. Currrently, the fine is Rs 500 for first offence and Rs 1,000 and prison term of up to six months for repeat offence. The Cabinet also cleared a mechanism to provide land parcels on sale or lease to boost industrial and business investment, featuring a bi-annual digital land pool, investor facilitation for projects above Rs 200 crore, and e-auction procedures. In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amendment in Rules 5 (b) and 5 (d) of the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, thereby enhancing the upper age limit for Group D recruitment from existing 35 years to 37 years. The council approved a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme to clear old loans under various industrial support programmes, with complete waivers for loans under the Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935, and the Integrated Rural Development Programme. Accordingly, there will be a complete waiver of principal and interest for loans under IRDP and Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935. The eligible units will be required to avail of the scheme and clear their dues within 180 days of publication of notice in newspapers. The Cabinet also gave its nod to the 'The Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2025′ and 'The Punjab Labour and Cartage Policy 2025′ for the smooth and hassle-free transportation of foodgrains in the state. The Punjab government through its state procurement agencies and FCI procures foodgrains from various designated centres/mandis. According to the new policy, during the year 2025, foodgrain transportation works will be allotted through a competitive and transparent online tender system. Other approvals included revising District Mineral Foundation rules, extending services of 951 veterinary staff, and amending VAT rules and temple advisory committees. Will develop robust semiconductor ecosystem: CM CM Mann said that the state government will make every possible effort to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the state. Chairing a meeting with representatives of the semiconductor industry, Mann assured them of full support and cooperation, including the establishment of a dedicated semiconductor park in and around Mohali. He said Punjab offers a conducive industrial environment, a skilled workforce, and ample resources, making it an ideal destination for semiconductor investments. The industry, he noted, will not only spur industrial growth but also create significant employment opportunities for the youth. Mann emphasised the vital role semiconductor chips play in modern technology, stating that they are essential components in virtually all electronic devices. He added that semiconductors enable a wide range of functionalities from basic computation to advanced technologies. Mann highlighted the vast potential of the semiconductor industry, noting that it is currently experiencing an impressive annual growth.
News18
25-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Punjab Cabinet approves Bill to make sale of spurious seeds non-bailable offence
Chandigarh, Jul 25 (PTI) The Punjab Cabinet on Friday gave its nod to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to make sale of spurious seeds a non-bailable offence. A decision to this effect was taken by the council of ministers at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, an official statement said. It said the Cabinet gave its nod to introduce The Seeds (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2025 to ensure supply of high-quality seeds to the farmers of the state. 'There has been no amendment to Section 19 of the Seeds Act 1966 since its inception due to which the fines and penalties have no deterrence. 'So the Cabinet gave its nod to enact a Bill to amend the Seeds Act and insert Section 19A for contravention of Section 7 of the Seeds Act (Regulation of sales of seeds of notified kinds or varieties), enhancing the fine and penalty, and making it cognizable and non-bailable," the statement said. As per the provision, the first offence by a company will invite punishment of one to two years and fine of Rs 5-10 lakh, and punishment of two to three years and fine of Rs 10-50 lakh for repeated offence. 'Similar misdeed by a dealer/person will invite a punishment of six months to one year and fine of Rs 1-5 lakh for the first offence and a term of 1 to 2 years and fine of Rs 5-10 lakh for repeated offence," the statement said. Earlier, the fine was Rs 500 for first offence and Rs 1,000 and prison term of up to six months for repeated offence. The Cabinet also gave concurrence for evolving a mechanism to provide land parcels (on sale or lease basis) for promoting industrial/business investment in the state. The statement said there was lack of a formalised, time-bound mechanism for identifying and provisioning land parcels for investors seeking land. So, a comprehensive mechanism has been approved with features like bi-annual digital land pool, investor facilitation for investment above Rs 200 crore, feasibility check, reserve price fixation, e-auction process, lease option, auction timelines and others. In a major relief to the aspirants of Group 'D' posts, the Cabinet also gave approval to amendment in Rules 5 (b) and 5 (d) of the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, thereby enhancing the upper age limit of existing 35 years to 37 years. The Cabinet also gave nod for introducing a one-time settlement scheme (OTS) for the settlement of loans under interest-free loans, seed margin money, Punjab State AID to Industries Act, 1935, and the integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP). Accordingly, there will be a complete waiver of principal and interest for loans under IRDP and Punjab State Aid to Industries Act, 1935. The eligible units will be required to avail of the scheme and clear their dues within 180 days of publication of notice in newspapers. Among other decisions, the Cabinet also gave its nod to the 'The Punjab Foodgrains Transportation Policy 2025' and 'The Punjab Labour and Cartage Policy 2025' for the smooth and hassle-free transportation of foodgrains in the state. The Punjab government through its state procurement agencies and FCI procures foodgrains from various designated centres/mandis. According to the new policy, during the year 2025, foodgrain transportation works will be allotted through a competitive and transparent online tender system. PTI SUN ARI view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 21:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Perth Now
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Melissa Barrera doesn't want to be restricted to horror parts
Melissa Barrera wants to "stretch" herself as an actress. The 34-year-old star has established herself as a scream queen with roles in movies such as Scream, Abigail and Your Monster but is determined to take parts in a range of genres on the big screen. Melissa told The Seeds podcast: "I love horror. It's super fun. And there's so many great horror scripts. "I also have never liked putting myself in a box of any kind, and I know that I have a lot other skills that... I want to showcase, and I want to like play with. So, I feel like I would get bored – I do get bored easily if I'm doing the same thing or the same genre." The Mexican actress believes that her background has meant that she had to work harder to be cast in certain roles during her career. Melissa – who was dropped from her role as Sam Carpenter in the Scream franchise in 2023 after making controversial comments about the war in Gaza – said: "You kind of have to fight for more room. "People (are) not necessarily looking for people that look like you for a role, but you got to kind of try and... knock on the door and be like, 'Hey, I know you're not looking for me. But like, maybe, would you mind? I'll just do it, and if you like it, maybe.'" Barrera revealed that she was desperate to land a role in the 2022 picture Scream as she knew that it would provide other Latino stars with opportunities as her character in the flick had a family. The In the Heights star said: "The big reason that I wanted to get that role so badly was because I knew that this character was going to have the family, and that if I got a role, then that meant more opportunities for other Latinos in the other roles. So that's the kind of thing that you think about." Melissa previously revealed that she felt as if her life "was over" after she was axed from Scream after work offers dried up for "around 10 months" afterwards. She told The Independent: "It was the darkest and hardest year of my life, and I had to re-evaluate everything. "There were times where I felt like my life was over." Barrera continued: "It was quiet for, like, 10 months. I was still getting offers for small things here and there – I'm not going to lie and say there was nothing – but [the message] was, like, 'Oh, she probably doesn't have work, she'll say yes to anything.' "I would get [roles] that I wasn't excited about, and I've never been a person that just wants to work for work's sake. I give so much of myself to acting that if a part of me feels like it's not worth it, I'm gonna be miserable. "Inside I'm constantly freaking out."
