CHANDIGARH: Punjab Local Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar on Thursday released the maiden issue of the quarterly newsletter of his department. He said that this initiative would act as a report card of the Local Government department.
Releasing this newsletter here at Municipal Bhawan, Dr. Nijjar said that under the visionary and dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government is committed to striving for the comprehensive development of the municipal towns of the state and to report its initiatives to the general masses in a transparent manner. “The intent of this newsletter is to reach out to all the relevant stakeholders and make them conversant about the works being carried out. Further, it shall help in making the residents aware of various important projects”, said Mr. Nijjar while adding that this newsletter has shown the seriousness of the Government through initiatives taken by the State as well as ULBs to ensure transparent, accountable and responsive Governance.
Divulging further, Dr. Nijjar said that the quarterly newsletter (March-2023) released today has reported the progress under key projects like Smart City Mission, AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, MSeva (e-Governance), Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Projects (PMSIP). “Apart from this, information regarding World Bank/Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, GIS-enabled geospatial planning, urban transport (Bus Rapid Transit System - BRTS), housing for the urban poor, affordable housing projects, credit link subsidy scheme, urban livelihood missions, business process re-engineering and municipal fire services has been also carried in this newsletter”, he added.
Cabinet Minister said that this issue has also highlighted the financial support provided to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Mission besides mentioning the new initiatives in the field of e-governance such as instant issuance of trade license for non-hazardous trades, Public Works Integrated Management System and Integrated Financial Management System.
On this occasion, Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Local Government, Ms. Isha Kalia, IAS, Chief Executive Officer-PMIDC, Mr. Uma Shankar Gupta, IAS, Director Local Government and other departmental officers were present.
Edmonton police say two officers were shot and killed while responding to a family dispute at an apartment complex and it's believed the suspect killed himself.
Police Chief Dale McFee said Const. Travis Jordan, 35, and Const. Brett Ryan, 30, were shot by a man as they entered the building in the city's northwest and approached the suite.
"I can't tell you how devastated we are with their loss, " he told reporters Thursday, as Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and other dignitaries stood by.
"At this time, all indications are they did not have a chance to discharge their firearms."
McFee said other officers rushed the wounded officers to hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
He said it's believed the suspect died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
A woman related to the suspect was also taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and was in stable but serious condition, McFee added.
McFee said the police service is devastated and condolences have been pouring in from other forces across the country.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted a message on Twitter.
"Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe, " he wrote.
"The news that two Edmonton police officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality. I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues — we’re here for you."
The killings are the first among the Edmonton Police Service since 2015, when Const. Daniel Woodall, a hate crimes investigator, was using a battering ram to enter a residence when he was shot numerous times through the door. Another officer, Sgt. Jason Harley, was struck by a round that penetrated his body armour and survived.
Before that, Const. Ezio Faraone was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery in 1990.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 16, 2023.