In a major push towards renewable energy, Punjab has equipped 4,238 government schools with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, generating 2.89 crore units of clean electricity annually. New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora, responding to MLA Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra’s query on solar plant maintenance, assured that Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has a five-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with vendors, requiring quarterly inspections and complaint resolution within 72 hours. Strict action will be taken against erring vendors, he warned.
Also highlighting Punjab’s green energy vision, Arora revealed that 34 MW rooftop solar panels have already been installed on government buildings, with 100 MW more planned over the next two years. He emphasized that these efforts align with Punjab’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to clean energy.
Canal Pollution: 90% of Identified Sites Remediated
Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, outlining decisive measures being implemented to combat canal pollution across the state, highlighted the rampant issue of waste dumping in canal waters, severely impacting irrigation and drinking water quality. Goyal, responding to a query by MLA Naresh Puri, informed that the department had identified 492 pollution points, of which 444 have been successfully remediated, while 48 are under action. Legal measures, including fines under Section 70 of the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act and FIRs under BNS Section 279, are being enforced to deter offenders. Goyal also detailed ongoing coordination with the Punjab Pollution Control Board and local authorities to prevent illegal sewage discharge into canals.
PWRDA Clearance Must For Groundwater Extraction Above 300 Cubic Meters
Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (PWRDA) has made it mandatory for all industrial, commercial, institutional, and healthcare units extracting over 300 cubic meters of groundwater per month to obtain prior permission. Announcing this, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that government inspection teams will monitor compliance, identifying unauthorized extractions. Units found violating norms will face Non-Compliance Charges (NCC) and Groundwater Compensation Charges (GCC). The Minister urged all stakeholders to apply online for permission to avoid penalties.
52 Labour Inspectors To Be Recruited
To strengthen labour law enforcement in Punjab, 52 new Labour Inspectors will soon be recruited. Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, responding to a question from MLA Principal Budh Ram, informed the House that only 35 of the 95 sanctioned Labour Inspector posts are currently filled, forcing existing inspectors to handle multiple jurisdictions. To address this, Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board has already conducted a recruitment exam, and the process is in its final stage.
People to bear cost to shift power lines
Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO informed the House that shifting power lines from agricultural fields requires the concerned individuals to bear the costs. Responding to MLA Narinderpal Singh Sawna’s query, the Minister clarified that while PSPCL is responsible for tightening loose wires, shifting power lines from agricultural fields requires the concerned individuals to bear the costs. “Since March 2024, 84 applications for power line shifting were received, of which 43 have been processed, while 41 applicants are yet to deposit the required fee,” he said, adding that PSPCL regularly addresses such issues, and any complaints received are immediately resolved.
2,500 ETT Teachers to Join Punjab Education Dept on Apr 1
In a major boost to Punjab’s education sector, 2,500 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) teachers will be inducted into the education department on April 1, with the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann distributing appointment letters. Education Minister Harjot Bains informed the House that 700 of these new recruits will be posted in Hoshiarpur constituency, addressing the long-standing shortage of teachers in the region. Total 119 primary school vacancies remain, but this recruitment drive is expected to significantly enhance teaching standards across the state, he said.
Clarify Stand on AAP’s Jammu MLA’s Remarks Against Punjab: BJP MLA
Punjab BJP MLA Ashwani Sharma slammed the AAP demanding that the party clarify its position on controversial remarks made by its Jammu and Kashmir MLA Mehran Malik against Punjab. Sharma claimed that Malik, in a speech in the J&K Assembly, accused Punjab of being responsible for drug trafficking in Jammu and Kashmir and alleged that Punjab-based contractors were involved in illegal sand mining in J&K. A video of the speech has gone viral, sparking outrage. “I am a Punjabi and will not tolerate any false accusations against Punjab,” asserted Sharma, urging AAP leadership to publicly disassociate itself from these statements and take appropriate action against the MLA.
