VB to probe illegal mining cases: Bains

CHANDIGARH: Punjab cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday informed the Vidhan Sabha that he will refer cases of illegal sand mining to the vigilance bureau for investigation.

The mines and geology minister was responding to a query raised by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’S Ropar MLA Dinesh Chadha during the Question Hour on the last day of the Budget Session. Chadha had sought a reply about the recovery of compensation from contractors who were involved in illegal sand and gravel mining at three quarries — Harsha Bela, Baihara and Swara — in Ropar district.

The MLA claimed that ₹632 crore were to be recovered from the contractors who flouted the National Green Tribunal directions, and after including the interest the dues had piled up to ₹1,000 crore.

Bains said that the matter raised by the ruling party MLA was of grave concern and “we have written to the vigilance bureau to initiate action”.

E-vehicle policy is in the works: Bhullar

On a question raised by Congress MLA Avtar Singh Junior, transport minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the government would soon bring a policy for electric vehicles. He also informed the House that 8,291 e-vehicles have been registered in Punjab since April 2021.

“Our neighbouring state Haryana has received investment worth ₹1,800 crore for a plant to assemble electric vehicles, but we can’t get such offers unless we have a policy,” Avtar Singh had told the minister.

Question raised on village administrators

The rural development and panchayats minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal informed the House that the government has appointed invigilators (administrators) in 188 panchayats.

Congress MLA Aruna Chaudhary, who had posed the question, alleged that the government was illegally appointing administrators, to which the minister said that this was not true but he would get it checked and the officials indulging in such practices will face action.

AAP MLA refutes minister’s claim

Contradicting the claims of education minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, AAP’S Ghanaur legislator Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra said that there were no playgrounds in Bosar Kalan, Hasanour, Parota, Nanansu, Rathian, Nain Kalan and Khabargarh villages. “What minister is saying has no truth; better if he visits my constituency,” said Pathanmajra. The minister accepted his invitation.