Latest news with #non-Punjabis
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab government not to purchase banned Pusa 44 variety of paddy: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann
Patiala: Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said the state govt would not purchase the water-guzzling paddy variety Pusa 44, which had been banned by the govt. He said anyone sowing this variety would do so at their own risk. Replying to media queries on Wednesday, Mann said the govt had already declared that farmers could go ahead with short-term varieties, including PR 126, 127, 128, or PR 129. However, Pusa will not be purchased as it takes 152 days, and if anyone is sowing the banned water-guzzling variety, they will be responsible for it, he added. There are reports that some farmers are preparing their nursery to sow the long-duration Pusa 44 variety after obtaining seeds from the neighbouring state of Haryana, said Mann. Replying to a query on the political outcry over the appointment of non-Punjabis as chairpersons of various boards, Mann condemned former deputy CM and Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying that during their rule, the SAD appointed the Punjabi University VC from Delhi. "Punjabiyat is our mission. The opposition leaders are even making false propaganda that residents from Haryana are getting jobs in Punjab, but we are giving jobs to Punjabis and have made the Punjabi written test compulsory for govt jobs. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 빠진 치아 있다면? 1개도 10개도 개당 33만원에 임플란트 해드려요 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo Sometimes, we have to bring 'specialists' from other states. Our specialists from Punjab are working in other states. Four Punjabis have become ministers in foreign nations," the CM highlighted. Earlier, Mann addressed a gathering after reviewing ongoing development works in Ghanouri Kalan, Ghanour Khurd, Kataron, and Changali villages. He said various govt departments were working in coordination with each other for the welfare of the rural population. Mann said Punjab lived in its villages and that the ultimate goal of a progressive and vibrant Punjab could only be achieved through clean and green villages. He said the state govt had already placed major emphasis on achieving this goal. "Dhuri will be developed as a model city through holistic development, backed by adequate funding. The city will soon be equipped with world-class healthcare and educational facilities, improved roads, clean ponds, water recharging systems, and canal water irrigation. Significant resources have already been allocated to ensure the comprehensive development of villages in the segment. There is no shortage of funds for development, and the state govt is making all possible efforts to ensure the holistic progress of villages," said the CM. "A detailed roadmap has been drafted to boost ongoing development efforts in both urban and rural areas. In addition to development, efforts are being made to place the state on a path of high economic growth for the benefit of its people," he added. The CM revealed that a total of Rs 13.98 crore had been issued for 129 development projects in these panchayats, out of which 93 projects worth Rs 8.67 crore had been completed. He further said 36 projects worth Rs 5.31 crore were currently in progress and would be completed soon. Furthermore, based on the needs of the five village panchayats, an additional grant of Rs 12.19 crore had been issued for 32 more development projects, said Mann. MSID:: 121320317 413 |
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Row as AAP Delhi spokesperson named Punjab Pollution Control Board chief
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab on Monday appointed the party's Delhi spokesperson, Reena Gupta, as chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), triggering a row with opposition parties slamming the move to name a non-Punjabi for the top post. Apart from Gupta, the Punjab government on Monday appointed 31 people, mostly from the AAP, as chairmen, directors, and members in various government boards and corporations of the state. Gupta will be the first women chairperson of PPCB and 27th overall since the formation of the board. According to sources privy to the developments, Gupta was the only candidate from Delhi for the post of PPCB chairperson. 'The remaining 27 were mostly from Punjab, including top engineers and two former IAS officers,' the official said, pleading anonymity. Chief secretary KAP Sinha-led selection panel on Friday had shortlisted the incumbent PPCB chairperson Adarsh Pal Vig and Thapar University professor Amit Dhir, apart from Reena Gupta for the post. However, chief minister Bhagwant Mann selected the name of Reena Gupta and her appointment was notified on Monday, the official added. Established in 1975, the PPCB is a nodal agency in matters related to enforcing environmental regulations and managing pollution in Punjab. It is also the nodal figure during farm fires and one of the vital agencies which formulates policies to tackle stubble burning. As per Gupta's online profile, she has served as an adviser to the government of Delhi during the AAP government and also has experience working with the World Bank. She was also the AAP spokesperson in Delhi. 'Reena has worked extensively for the party and advised the Delhi government during the AAP regime on the issues of environment, education and other fields. She has vast knowledge on the issue of environment, and her selection is on merit', said an AAP leader who didn't wish to be named. Another non-Punjabi, Deepak Chauhan, has been made chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board. The opposition parties have slammed the move. Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said two non-Punjabis have been made chairperson of important bodies. 'Deepak Chauhan, ex-PA to backroom boss Sandeep Pathak, hailing from UP, is now chairman of Punjab's Large Industrial Development Board. He has no industrial experience. Meanwhile, Reena Gupta — another non-Punjabi & Former Delhi SEIAA member — is now chairperson of Punjab Pollution Control Board. 'Nepotism? No no… it's called Badlav. ', he said on X. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal said that CM Mann has surrendered two of the top posts in the state to outsiders. 'Now he (CM Mann) has surrendered two key posts - Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board & Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board to acolytes of Kejriwal,' Sukhbir said on X. 'Never before in the history of the state have outsiders been handed over all important posts,' Badal added on X.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
AAP appoints Board heads, draws flak from opposition
Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Deepak Chauhan was on Monday appointed as the chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, while Reena Gupta has been named the chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). The appointments, however, evoked criticism, with opposition leaders slamming the AAP govt for picking two "non-Punjabis" for these positions. While Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said "never before in the history of the state have outsiders been handed over all important posts", leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa mocked the Bhagwant Mann govt's "badlav (change)" claim. "What a masterstroke by CM Bhagwant Mann. Deepak Chouhan – ex-PA to AAP backroom boss Sandeep Pathak, hailing from UP – is now chairman of Punjab's Large Industrial Development Board. No industrial experience? Not Punjabi? Loyalty over merit? And yes, all perks funded by Punjabis' hard-earned taxes. Meanwhile, Reena Gupta – another non-Punjabi and former Delhi SEIAA member – is now chairperson of Punjab Pollution Control Board. Nepotism? No, no… it's called Badlav," Bajwa posted on X. Another Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira said: "Shocking to learn that a non-Punjabi (Chauhan), probably belonging to Uttar Pradesh and personal assistant to Sandip Pathak, the Rajya Sabha MP of AAP, has been appointed as chairman of the Punjab Industrial Corporation by CM Mann," said Khaira. "Firstly, it's an insult to all those AAP volunteers who have worked for the party and secondly, it shows AAP is so bankrupt of leadership that they couldn't find a suitable person from Punjab for this office," he added. Sukhbir, in a post on X, said: "Chief minister @BhagwantMann has again shown that he is ready to sell his conscience and his state to @ArvindKejriwal to remain in his chair. Now he has surrendered two key posts – chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board and chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board to acolytes of Kejriwal and the matter's henchman @SandeepPathak04 — Reena Gupta (advisor to Kejriwal and secretary, Delhi AAP) and Deepak Chauhan (UP-based aide of Pathak). " AAP spokesperson Pawan Kumar Tinu also figures in the list of 31 persons appointed as chairman, vice chairmen, and directors in various govt boards and corporations. Tinu, who unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha election from Jalandhar, has been named the chairman of the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank. Prabhvir Brar has been appointed as the chairman of PUNSUP, while Tejpal Singh Gill has been appointed as the chairman of PUNGRAIN. Additionally, nearly 20 vice-chairmen and directors have been appointed across different boards and corporations. The govt has also appointed two new members to Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Posting the lists on his X account, chief minister Bhagwant Mann congratulated the new appointees and asked them to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and honesty. Sukhbir, though, claimed that the AAP leadership wanted to "loot" Punjab. "The intention is clear. The @AamAadmiParty leadership in Delhi wants to loot Punjab's industry and fill its coffers. Bhagwant Mann has become a willing tool in this systematic policy of plunder," he said. Questioning the appointments, Congress' Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi posted on X: "CM Bhagwant Mann has completely surrendered the chair to his Delhi bosses. Punjab will not accept such appointments." Gandhi was commenting on a post by RTI activist Manik Goyal, who posted: "Kejriwal's Delhi gang continues to tighten its grip on Punjab with the appointment of Reena Gupta as Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board. This is one of the most crucial boards in the state. How can a non-Punjabi, with no understanding of Punjab, be appointed to such a key position? Did CM Bhagwant Mann not find a single capable engineer from Punjab to lead this board, or is Kejriwal running the Punjab govt now?" Several AAP leaders had been waiting for these appointments as a reward for the grassroots level workers who contributed to the party during the last assembly and Lok Sabha elections. "The fact that these appointments are now being made indicated that the party leadership is bracing up for the next electoral battle," said an AAP leader. AAP leader Reena Gupta replaced Adarsh Pal Vig as the chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). She is believed to be the first woman to head the body ever since it was set up in 1975. A separate order was issued for her appointment by the secretary, department of science and technology and environment, on Monday. Criticising the decision, Khaira posted on X: "Bhagwant Mann's double blunder, after committing a serious mistake of appointing a non-Punjabi as chairman of the Industrial Board he has now handed over the most vital position of chairperson, Punjab Pollution Control Board, to one Reena Gupta, secretary, AAP Delhi, and former advisor to the Kejriwal govt." "Both appointments clearly show that Arvind Kejriwal wants to control the industry of Punjab through his henchmen… This blatantly wrong appointment should be scrapped immediately, and an eminent Punjabi should be appointed to this vital position," he added. Vidhan Sabha Panels (BOX) Punjab assembly speaker on Monday nominated MLAs as chairpersons of various House committees. AAP MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar will head the public accounts committee, while Manjit Singh Bilaspur will be the chairperson for the committee on estimates. Deputy speaker Jai Krishan Singh will be the ex-officio chairman of the House committee and Budh Ram will head the committee on panchayati raj institutions. MSID:: 121272867 413 |
