PSPCL AO suspended for blackmailing, demanding bribe from PSPCL AE
Chandigarh: Punjab Government has suspended a PSPCL official for alleged misconduct. An Accounts Officer Amit Setia, field stationed in Faridkot, has been placed under immediate suspension following accusations of blackmail and bribery. Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Wednesday revealed that Setia was demanding a bribe from a PSPCL Assistant Engineer or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). The allegations came to light after the SDO submitted a video clip and complaint detailing Setia’s demands. The investigation confirmed that Setia sought the bribe to prevent SDO from being implicated in an unauthorized electricity use case. “No official, regardless of rank, will be exempt from scrutiny if found engaging in corrupt practices,” said the Minister.
Bains congratulates Punjab teachers selected for national award
Chandigarh: Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday congratulated the state’s teachers, who have been selected for the National Teachers Award-2024, stating that they have brought laurels for the state. “Their selection for the prestigious awards will uplift the morale and inspire the other teachers of the government schools to work harder,” he said. Notably, the list of National Teachers Awards, to be given on the Teachers' Day-2024 by the Union Ministry of Education, has been released wherein Pankaj Kumar Goyal of GSSS Girls, Barnala; and Rajinder Singh of Government Primary School Kothe Indra Singh, Goniana Mandi, Bathinda ware selected to receive the coveted award.
Retired BDPO, Panchayat Officer, secretary, others arrested for fraudulently withdrawing grants
Chandigarh: Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday apprehended a retired Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) Suresh Kumar, Panchayat Officer at block Bhunga, in Hoshiarpur Rajesh Kumar, Panchayat Secretary at block Tanda in Hoshiarpur district Lucky Thakur, and a private person Dhiraj Kumar Gill – a resident of Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district. Spokesperson said these accused have been arrested after enquiry of a complaint lodged by Dinanagar-resident Chander Shekhar who accused them of wrongfully withdrawn government grants amounting to over Rs 10 lakhs, which were intended for the villages of Chota Bianpur and Chechian Chhaurian in Gurdaspur district.
Rs 39.69-cr released for free textbooks to SC students
Chandigarh: Punjab Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Wednesday announced that the State Government has released Rs 39.69 crore for the provision of free textbooks to the SC students across the State. The Minister said that the amount has been released under the Free Textbooks Scheme for Scheduled Caste students from Class I to X, and will be utilized strictly for the intended purpose as specified in the scheme.
Punjab Speaker condoles demise of a young journalist
Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate demise of a journalist Jashandeep Singh Chauhan. A resident of Bhag Singh Wala village in Faridkot district, Jashandeep was associated with Zee Punjab Haryana Himachal News Channel. The Speaker conveyed deep sadness over the loss of a young journalist, noting his prolonged illness. “Chauhan’s impactful work in the journalism realm will be perpetually remembered,” he said, while praying to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and to provide strength to the family.
