PEDA Partners with CU to Boost Energy Conservation

Chandigarh: Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) and Chandigarh University (CU) on Monday signed an MoU to drive innovative research in energy efficiency and conservation across various sectors in Punjab. The agreement, signed by PEDA CEO Sandeep Hans and CU’s Dr Raj Kumar, focuses on clean technologies, energy-efficient appliances, and conservation in buildings, industry, agriculture, and transport. Hans highlighted CU’s role in providing strategic research support, promoting local participation, and advancing R&D initiatives, including design and performance evaluations. PEDA director MP Singh praised CU’s commitment to energy research, emphasizing its potential impact on Punjab’s sustainability efforts.

Punjab to hold Silk Expo-2024 from Dec 4-9

Chandigarh: Punjab is holding Silk Expo-2024 from December 4 to 9 at Chandigarh’s Kisan Bhawan, with the aim of encouraging and enhancing the income of sericulture farmers and silk artisans, self-help groups and especially women related to the silk trade in Punjab. Announcing this, the state’s Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Monday said that this Expo is being organized in collaboration with Silk Mark Organization of India and Horticulture Department Punjab. In this event, artisans, traders, registered institutions of the Silk Board and societies from all the states of India will set up stalls of various types related to silk.

Punjab to Honour Exemplary Personalities on International Divyang Diwas

Chandigarh: Punjab government has decided to honour outstanding individuals and organizations on International Divyang Diwas, to be celebrated on Tuesday, in Faridkot. Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Monday announced that the state-level event will recognize employees, individuals, and NGOs for their remarkable contributions across various categories. The ceremony will also acknowledge the efforts of Divyang persons who have made significant strides in their respective fields. She encouraged Divyang persons to actively participate in the event and take advantage of the welfare schemes available for their benefit.

Himachal CM chairs 49th tribal Advisory Council meeting

Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday presided over the 49th meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Tribal Advisory Council. Discussions were held on various developmental issues, including education, healthcare, electricity, drinking water and infrastructure in tribal regions of the State. He said that such meetings play a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by tribal communities and formulating policies for their welfare and progress. He said that the present state government has made provision of Rs. 890.28 crore under the Tribal Sub Plan and Tribal Area Development Programme for the financial year 2024-25, with an additional Rs. 1,145.46 crore allocated in non-plan expenditure. The planned budget includes Rs.117.43 crore for construction of buildings, roads and bridges. Apart from this Rs. 37.45 crore for education services, Rs. 52.75 crore for healthcare and Rs. 75.75 crore for drinking water schemes. Sukhu said that the approval of Nautod (land rights) for tribal residents was a priority and the proposal has already been sent to the Governor after receiving Cabinet approval and it was expected to be cleared soon. To promote tourism, the government was planning to develop Buddhist Tourism Circuit and heliports in tribal areas which would boost local employment and self-employment opportunities for the local residents.