Minister orders strict action against illegal colonies

Revenue, Water Supply, and Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the government will take strict action against unauthorised colonies to safeguard the interests of people.

Reviewing the performance of development works and welfare schemes here today, Mundian directed officials to take stringent measures to prevent the establishment of unauthorised colonies. He added that the chief administrators of the development authorities, where such colonies are found, will be held accountable.

During the review of the Revenue Department’s performance, the minister announced that the state government has planned to establish model sub-registrar offices on the pattern of passport Sewa Kendras.

He said these state-of-the-art offices will enhance the capacity to deliver citizen services and provide a new experience to people while registering their properties.

For the convenience of the public, the process of issuing property records (fard) via WhatsApp has been initiated, with 270 records already provided under a pilot project.

He also announced that under a pilot project launched in Jalandhar, 900 applicants have accessed Revenue Department-related services online, significantly reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.

He added that applicants receive updates about the status of their applications at every stage via SMS. He assured that this system will be implemented across the state to further simplify Revenue Department services.

Mundian also announced that a sodium hypochlorite storage unit has been completed at Wadala Khurd in Kapurthala district with Rs 13 lakh, and it will be inaugurated soon. Additionally, a district-level water testing lab at Dhaliwal Dona, costing Rs 28.94 lakh, is nearing completion and will soon be dedicated to the public. Furthermore, a plastic waste management unit is being set up at Kala Sanghian at Rs 13.65 lakh.

Mundian also said the approval has been granted for a new administrative complex in Phagwara, for which the government has released Rs 6 crore.

The minister also reviewed preparations related to various government schemes such as MGNREGA, Ajivika Mission, Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, Self-Help Groups, road construction, waste management and the upcoming wheat procurement season.

Emphasising the need to complete development projects on time, the Cabinet Minister instructed officials to ensure the quality and efficiency of development works.

During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal assured the minister that all ongoing development works in the district would be completed on time. He also said proper inter-departmental coordination is being ensured for better results. Upon arriving in Kapurthala district, the minister was presented with a Guard of Honour by a contingent of the Punjab Police.

Among others present were Sajjan Singh Cheema, Joginder Singh Mann, Harsimran Singh Ghumman, Lalit Saklani, Harji Mann, SSP Gaurav Toora and other officials of various departments.