Punjab Govt to create 90 LMT storage space by March 2025

Chandigarh: Punjab Government has committed to ensure sufficient storage space during the ongoing paddy procurement season. In a significant move, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) plans to shift 15 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of rice out of Punjab by the end of October. This operation will involve 20 trains, three containers, and smaller trucks, as announced by Punjab’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak. Kataruchak on Friday elaborated that by December 31, 2024, nearly 40 LMT of rice will be transported from the state godowns, addressing current storage constraints. This strategic decision comes amid Punjab’s efforts to manage the overwhelming influx of paddy in government godowns. In addition to transferring stock, the State has begun constructing new godowns through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to meet long-term storage needs. By March next year, the state aims to create an additional 90 LMT of storage capacity, ensuring that foodgrain stockpiling remains unhindered.

 Artistes from 21 countries to take part in Kullu Dussehra festival

Shimla: Artistes from 21 countries will take part in this year's International Dussehra Festival in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh's Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur said. After chairing an ambassadors' meet to discuss the participation of various countries in this year's festival in New Delhi on Thursday, Thakur said ambassadors, excellencies and heads of mission from various nations will meet Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on October 18 in Kullu to hold bilateral talks on various points of interest. Representatives from these countries will set up stalls during the festival while cultural troupes will perform during an international folk dance festival to promote cultural exchange and foster harmony, goodwill and understanding. Thakur also briefed diplomats and representatives of various embassies about the event's preparedness, including logistics and travel support to be extended to the visitors for their participation in the Dussehra festival.

Himachal secures Rs 294 crore for key road projects under CRIF PWD minister

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday said the state government's persistent efforts have resulted in the approval of road projects worth Rs 293.36 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for 2024-25. In a statement issued here, he said the sanctioned projects include five road and bridge works to improve connectivity and infrastructure in various parts of the state. The minister said the PWD department has been consistently advocating for these projects and engaging with the central government to meet the state's infrastructure requirements and secured funding for key projects across Shimla, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi districts.  Speaking to the media persons, Singh said the film actress, who is also a Member of Parliament, should also bring 2-4 projects to the state. He was referring to the BJP MP from Mandi Parliament seat Kangana Ranaut.

Punjab Among Top 3 States in Voluntary Blood Donation

Chandigarh: Punjab has secured the third position in India for its remarkable contribution to voluntary blood donation, as recognized by the Blood Transfusion Services (BTS) under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The honour was awarded during the India Blood Donation NGO Conclave held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, October 1, 2024. Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh congratulated the State Blood Transfusion Council (PSBTC) for its exceptional performance in 2023-24, surpassing the Government of India’s target. The state organized 11,109 blood donation camps and collected 4.93 lakh units of blood, exceeding the target of 4.60 lakh units. Joint Directors (Blood Transfusion Services (BTS)/Punjab State Blood Transfusion Council (PSBTC), Dr Sunita Devi and Surinder Singh received the award on behalf of Punjab. Dr Balbir Singh praised the efforts of the state’s health teams and PSBTC director Varinder Kumar Sharma for leading key initiatives that strengthened blood donation drives.  Punjab boasts 182 licensed blood centers, including 49 government facilities, ensuring blood availability across the State.