Clusters to be established at block level in Himachal under cow dung procurement scheme: Agri Min

Shimla: The cow dung procurement scheme will start in Himachal Pradesh from January next year, and clusters will be formed at block level to benefit small, marginal and progressive farmers, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar said on Wednesday. Presiding over the review meeting of the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department here, he informed that at the initial stage, 250 farmers will be registered in one block. The scheme envisages purchasing cow dung from farmers for Rs 2 per kg. The farmers included in the cluster will be motivated to adopt agriculture and allied sectors like poultry farming and cow rearing and will also be given the benefits of various schemes of the state government, the minister said. Stressing the need for synergy between the animal husbandry and agriculture departments for the success of the scheme, the minister said that two nodal officers from the Animal Husbandry Department and the Agriculture Department have been appointed to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. Strengthening the economy of the farmers of the state is the topmost priority of the government and concrete steps have been taken in the interest of cattle herders and farmers, including an increase in milk purchase price by Rs 6, he said. 

Dates announced for submission of claims, objections regarding gram panchayats votes in Pb

Chandigarh: The Punjab State Election Commission, vide its order dated December 9, 2023, had issued the schedule for preparation of electoral rolls for the General Elections of Gram Panchayats in the state. The spokesperson said that the people can give their claims and objections regarding their votes, if any, from December 21 to 29, 2023, (both inclusive) before the concerned Electoral Registration Officer in the district. The final publication of the electoral rolls to be used for the general Gram Panchayat elections will be published on January 7, 2024, added the spokesperson.
 
Hayer directs to release Rs 1.50-cr to Punjab’s youth clubs by Dec 31

Chandigarh: Punjab Sports and Youth Services Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Wednesday directed the Youth Services Department to release Rs 1.50 crore till December 31 to all the youth clubs of the state that are doing significant work in conducting social welfare and awareness activities. The Minister, during the Department’s review meeting, said that the State Government is providing financial support to those youth clubs that are doing excellent work at the ground level. He directed all the district officials to release the financial assistance or grant to the youth clubs by December 31, 2023.

Police fail to properly investigate Moosewala murder case: Bajwa

Chandigarh:  A day after two gangsters — who allegedly hatched the conspiracy of Punjabi singer Shubhdeep Singh alias Sidhu Moosewala’s “brutal murder” — filed discharge applications in the Mansa court, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government and the Punjab Police of “adopting sheer negligence” in the case.  Bajwa, citing a news report, said that two gangsters — Lawrence Bishnoi and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria — had on Tuesday filed applications for discharge from the case of Sidhu Moosewala's murder in a Mansa court; and both have denied their involvement in the case and filed these applications.  “The Punjab Police, which come directly under the Chief Minister-cum-Home Minister Bhagwant Mann, seems to have failed to collect solid evidence against these gangsters. The police remained unsuccessful in properly investigating the matter, even though, Bishnoi had taken the responsibility of the singer's murder,” Bajwa added.

MC Chandigarh to treat wastewater generated from Gaushalas

Chandigarh: Aimed at treating the wastewater generated from the Gaushalas, which improves the quality of the wastewater and removes harmful substances, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has started the work of installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) at Gaushala Sector 45 and Gaushala, Near Cremation Ground at Sector 25. City Mayor Anup Gupta on Wednesday started the work of installation of Effluent Treatment Plant of 40 Killo Litter per Day (KLD) capacity at Gaushala Sector 45 and 20 KLD capacities at Gaushala Sector 25, in the presence of Anindita Mitra, Municipal Commissioner and others. Mayor said that the work of installation of ETP at Gaushala, Sector 25 will be completed within two months at a cost of Rs. 101.93 lakhs having capacity of 20 KLD while the installation of ETP at Gaushala, Sector 45 will be completed within two months at a cost of Rs. 151.93 lacs having capacity of 40 KLD.

MC Chandigarh transforms public conveniences with aesthetic appeal

Chandigarh: To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city's public conveniences, MC Chandigarh has embarked on a transformative initiative under the #CleanToiletsCampaign. The campaign aims to promote cleanliness, proper sanitation, and celebrate the rich heritage of the city by adorning public restrooms with mesmerizing murals. Commissioner Anindita Mitra said, "We believe that the city's public conveniences should reflect the beauty and cultural heritage of our city. By adorning public restrooms with mesmerizing murals and incorporating glow signages, we are not only enhancing the visual appeal but also creating a positive and inviting environment for users. It is our holistic approach to urban public toilets."
 
Expedite onboarding process for all remaining notified services: Hry CS asks officials

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Wednesday issued directives to all Administrative Secretaries, urging them to expedite the on-boarding process for all remaining notified services, including their sub-parts, onto the Auto Appeal System (AAS). This measure is aimed at ensuring continuous monitoring of the AAS to facilitate the timely and transparent delivery of public services under the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014. Currently, 404 services spanning various departments have already been integrated into the AAS, he added.