The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, February 8
Local Governments Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh stated that the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to realizing the dream of “Rangla Punjab” by providing citizens of cities with clean, modern, and better facilities. Highlighting this commitment, Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized that funds allocated for development works should be used as quickly as possible without any delays to ensure that the public benefits from these schemes.
Dr. Ravjot Singh held a meeting with the Commissioners of Municipal Corporations at the Municipal Bhawan, where he reviewed ongoing works under various schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Smart City Mission, Punjab Urban Environmental Improvement Program, Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project, and M.D.F . He instructed officials to expedite the implementation of development projects while maintaining high standards.
Additionally, the Cabinet Minister discussed various important matters related to the Department of Local Governments, including building plan approvals, pending N.O.C. cases for regularizing plots, stray animal management, ABC Program, and Cow Cess. He appealed to officials to resolve all pending cases related to N.O.C. and building plan approvals promptly, ensuring the smooth process and avoiding further delays.
Furthermore, to prevent incidents of people being bitten by stray dogs, Dr. Ravjot Singh specifically discussed with officials and instructed the Municipal Corporation Commissioners to ensure the effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) program in every corporation.
As part of ensuring planned urban development, the Cabinet Minister also directed officials to prevent any form of illegal construction in cities. He clarified that any negligence in this regard would be dealt with strictly, and responsible officials would be held accountable.
In addition, Dr. Ravjot Singh emphasized the need to identify suitable land for setting up Integrated Solid Waste Management and Bio Gas Plants to tackle the growing waste management challenges in cities.
The Minister further instructed officials to ensure that no visible garbage dumps are present and to exert all possible efforts to manage waste in a scientific manner. He articulated that maintaining the daily cleanliness of roads and streets would foster a clean and healthy environment for the residents of the city. Additionally, he underscored the importance of adequately cleaning sewerage systems within urban localities to avert the overflow of sewage onto streets and roads.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh Said that to enhance transparency and efficiency in citizen services, all complaints and service requests will now be processed exclusively through the Punjab Government’s mSeva platform, ensuring seamless end-to-end service delivery to Urban Local Bodies. He emphasized that, in accordance with the Punjab Transparency Act, Urban Local Bodies must adhere to prescribed timelines for essential municipal services such as water-sewerage connections, business licenses, and doorstep services, ensuring smooth and timely processing. Additionally, he highlighted that the monitoring and maintenance of the lighting system would be improved through regular data updates via the Street Light Portal.
Dr. Ravjot Singh assured that there is no shortage of funds for development works. Therefore, if any urban local bodies (ULBs) require additional funds, they must prepare a complete proposal and send it to the Head Office for approval.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of Local Governments Department Tejveer Singh, Director Gurpreet Singh Khaira, CEO of PMIDC Deepti Uppal, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations, and other senior officials from the Head Office and Field Offices were present.
