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Pb. Current Affairs

20th, April, 2022

Topic: Agriculture

Importance: Punjab PCS Mains

What is the news?

Punjab has successfully accomplished 50 percent of total procurement operations within 20 days after commencement of wheat procurement from April 1, 2022.

In a statement issued here, an official spokesperson of Punjab Government informed that:

Out of the total estimated arrival of 130 LMT of wheat, the state Mandis recorded the arrival of 67.50 LMT so far, of which 65.40 LMT had been procured during the ongoing Rabi Marketing Season (RMS).
Nearly 27 percent more wheat arrived in mandis this year as compared to corresponding period of last year, with 53.35 LMT of wheat had arrived till date in the previous Rabi Marketing Season.
Pertinently, as many as 61.95 LMT of wheat purchased by government agencies, while the remaining 3.45 LMT by private agencies. Sangrur district leads the state with the arrival of 7.27 LMT of wheat, of which 7.18 LMT had been procured till April 19.
After Sangrur, Ferozepur and Patiala falls at second and third place with the arrival of 5.40 LMT and 5.31 LMT wheat respectively.
Notably, the wheat was sown over 35.02 Lac hectares in the state and the target for wheat production, as per estimates, was 171 LMT out of which 130 LMT expected to reach the grain markets during the ongoing procurement season.

Special Instructions:

Meanwhile, the state government warned the traders, firms and individuals involved in procuring wheat directly from farmers without paying market fee and Rural Development Fund (RDF) to immediately stop this practice or be ready to pay heavy penalty.
The spokesperson said that it has come to the notice that some persons, traders and firms have been illegally procuring wheat directly from farmers’ without paying the market fee and Rural Development Fund (RDF).
“These individuals, traders and firms are warned to stop this practice immediately, otherwise, if any such case found during the checking the defaulter have to pay a penalty amounting 10 times of market fee in addition to the actual market fee and RDF.

(Source: Punjab Government)

Topic: Assistance to Punjab Police Personnel

Importance: Punjab PCS Prelims and Mains

What is the news?

In a landmark decision, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced to give Rs 1 crore as ex-gratia amount to the family of the Punjab Police Personnel in case of death in the line of duty.

Another initiative towards improving Law and Order:

While addressing over 23000 Police Personnel of all ranks, the Chief Minister directed them to adopt zero tolerance against Gangsters, Drugs, Terrorism, Illegal Mining and Corruption.
Notably, Police Personnel of all ranks joined this meeting from as many as 933 Video Conferencing (VC) locations established by Punjab Police at State Police Headquarter, all District Police Offices, Police Stations, Training Centers, Special Task Force (STF) Office, Intelligence offices, SAANJH Kendras, various Armed Battalions and Railway Police.
This is for the first time in Punjab that the Chief Minister addressed such a mammoth gathering of police personnel.
While assuring all the Police Officers that there will be no interference in functioning of the Police in the state, CM Bhagwant Mann exhorted the Police Personnel to perform their duties with absolute professionalism, dedication and integrity.
Pointing out further, the Chief Minister asked the Police force to ensure safety and security of people in the state and take stringent action against lawbreakers judiciously without any pressure.
Taking another remarkable decision for the welfare of the Punjab Police, the Chief Minister also announced to enhance the Police Welfare Fund from Rs 10 crores to Rs 15 crores from this financial year.
He motivated the Police officers and personnel to put in their best efforts to make the Punjab Police as one of the best Police Forces in the Country. He also asked the Police Force to treat the citizens of the state with utmost sincerity and dignity.
Acknowledging the challenging task performed by the Police force with their best of abilities and capabilities, the Chief Minister said it is still subjected to criticism.
It may be recalled that since the Chief Minister had launched an initiative to felicitate Police Personnel on their Birthdays, as many as 5650 Birthday Greetings have been handed over to them on their Birthdays till date as a goodwill gesture.