Punjab Launches mSeva WhatApp ChatBot, Built by eGov Foundation

In this new normal, when everyone across the country is maintaining social distance and trying to avoid outdoor activities with a goal to fight against the pandemic, the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt. Amarinder Singh launched the mSeva WhatApp ChatBot on 27th August 2020 for the citizens of Punjab, with a mission to provide better accessibility, flexibility, and a contactless way to avail services from their local governments.

Using this mSeva WhatsApp Chatbot, which is built by eGov Foundation on its DIGIT stack, filing and tracking is as easy as chatting on Whatsapp. This innovative service has currently been piloted in 4 Municipal Corporations - Phagwara, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, and 1 Municipal council - Zirakpur. As soon as the pilot is successfully completed, the citizens across 167 ULBs in Punjab will be able to use the WhatsApp Chatbot to file and track the status of the reported greivances.

With more than 400 million users, India has become the largest market for WhatsApp globally. PMIDC and eGov Foundation are working together to expand the slew of services on mSeva WhatsApp bot, and in the next 3-4 months, the citizens across Punjab will also be able to view and make payments of their water and sewerage bills via mSeva WhatsApp Chatbot. 

In the launch event, Shri Ajoy Sharma, CEO, PMIDC stated, "Public grievance redressal in a time bound manner is of paramount importance for the Govt of Punjab. As a part of the 'Digital Citizen Services First' approach, we digitized  citizen-centric municipal services since 2018 and more than 8 modules can be accessed via web portal and mobile app. Extending the services, we now aim at the resolution of civic complaints with the widely used messaging platform, WhatsApp. Driving a paradigm shift from clicks to personalized seamless conversations will result in improved citizen experience and  foster belongingness among citizens with speedy resolution of issues." 

Citizens can access the chatbot either by giving a missed call or sending a Whatsapp message to +91-8750975975. Once the chat is initiated, the chatbot will guide them to file their complaints from a list of grievances for their specific location, attach images to support the complaints raised and track the status of each of the complaints, thereby eliminating the need to visit the ULB office in person or logging in to a web portal and navigating through various screens. As citizen engagement demands ease, accessibility, greater responsiveness, and accountability from local government, mSeva WhatsApp bot will truly bring the government closer to the citizen at the convenience of their phone.

Viraj Tyagi, CEO, eGov Foundation expressed, "It has always been our endeavour to offer improved convenience and inclusive access to  citizens in  towns and cities across India.  Our open technology platform - the DIGIT Urban Stack - is powering this ambition and we have partnered with Punjab Govt over the last two years for a state wide deployment. Now, we have introduced citizen services on WhatsApp, one of the most popular instant messaging applications in the world. Citizens simply chat on mSeva WhatsApp bot  to raise and track their grievances, without visiting an office or downloading an app. It is convenient,easy to access, transparent and secure. We plan to introduce additional services like billing & payment of municipal charges in near future."

About eGov Foundation

eGov Foundation was established in 2003 by Nandan Nilekani and Srikanth Nadhamuni to partner with city administrators in their drive to leverage the transformative power of technology for the better quality of life in our cities and to make them sustainable. We are joined by Nilekani Philanthropies, Omidyar Network and Tata Trust as our long term benefactors.

In order to address the need for scale and speed eGov has built a DIGIT platform- a Public Digital Good that can be used by Governments, Enterprises, and civil society to co-create and deploy locally relevant solutions. Over the last 17 years, we have partnered with more than 1000+ towns and cities across India and more than 12 Cr Citizens have benefited from our platform. And know that there is much more to do to build a thriving, digitally-enabled ecosystem in all 4400+ towns and cities in India.

Punjab Prohibits Online Supply of Food from Food Biz Operators Not Possessing Hygiene Rating

The Punjab government's Food and Drug Administration on Sunday said it has prohibited online supply of food from Food Business Operators (FBOs) not possessing hygiene rating.

Issuing the prohibition orders, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner K S Pannu said invoking provisions under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, keeping in view the interest of public health, the distribution/supply/sale of articles of food through Online Food Supply Aggregators (OFSAs) related to those FBOs who have not got their hygiene rating done has been prohibited.

"The orders also prohibit OFSAs from sourcing the food from FBOs which are not hygienically rated and also where such rating is less than three out of five," a Punjab government release said.

The prohibition orders would be effective for one year beginning April 30, 2020.

The orders state that in Punjab, information technology-driven OFSAs have been distributing/selling/ supplying food to the consumers after sourcing the same from FBOs.

"This food delivery through an IT based platform is a very recent phenomenon in which the direct and primary contact between the consumer of food articles and the manufacturers of food articles, especially the hot cooked food articles, has snapped.

"This mechanism of distribution/sale/supply of food by OFSAs has obliterated the system of responsibility of maintaining the quality of food, which till now was being directly verified by the consumers from the food business operators at his counter," the release said.

It further stated that with the introduction of OFSAs, it has become important to ensure that these aggregators supply only good quality and properly hygienic food articles to the consumers.

"Although, it is the moral responsibility of FBOs and OFSAs to ensure quality and hygiene of food delivered, the duty is also cast upon the State authorities to ensure safe food to public under the Section 18(1)(a) of food Safety and Standards Act, 2006," said Pannu.

He said that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued instructions vide which the system of hygiene rating of the food business operators has been introduced. FSSAI has empanelled various agencies to conduct the hygiene rating of the FBOs.

Pannu said the office of the Food and Drug Administration, Punjab had asked all the OFSAs to ensure that the FBOs from where they are sourcing food for distribution to consumers should get the hygiene rating of their business done.

The date of getting the hygiene rating of the FBOs done was earlier extended till October 31, 2019, Pannu said.

"However, it has been observed that even after creating awareness regarding the importance of hygiene rating, OFSAs have not taken the matter seriously, resulting in consumers continuously facing the potential of delivery of unsafe/unhygienic food..," he said. PTI SUN

Punjab Cabinet gives Nod to Right to Business Act

The Punjab cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to the Punjab Right to Business Act 2020, aimed at facilitating micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state.

The state cabinet also authorised Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore to summon a two-day special session of state assembly on Thursday and Friday.

The proposed law will be brought in the two-day long special session of the Punjab Assembly starting on January 16, a government statement said here. The cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, it added.

The Right to Business Act is aimed at easing regulatory burden on newly incorporated MSMEs by providing enabling provision of self-declaration and also exempting them from certain approvals and inspections for establishment and operations of MSMEs in the state. 

"The MSMEs in the state will get a big relief from the tedious process of getting regulatory approvals before setting up of the units," it said.  

The Act would encompass various regulatory services, including sanction of building plans, issuance of completion/occupation certificate for buildings, registration of new trade license under the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911 and the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act 1976.

The cabinet also decided to recommend to the Governor to summon the 10th Session of the 15th Punjab Vidhan Sabha as per the Article 174 (1) of the Constitution of India, for two days on January 16 and 17, the statement said.

It also gave go ahead for placing resolution to ratify the Constitutional (126th Amendment) Bill.

The Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to extend the reservation for scheduled castes in Punjab for another ten years with effect from January 25, 2020. The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha on December 10 and by the Rajya Sabha on December 12.

The cabinet also approved enactment of the Punjab Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019, with the relevant Bill.

The ordinance was promulgated in order to bring certain amendments in Punjab Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 for facilitation of taxpayers and promotion of 'Ease of doing Business'.

The cabinet also decided to change the timing of the commencement of session to 11 am on Thursday from 10 am earlier with the speech of Governor.

On Friday, the session would begin at 10 am with obituary references, followed by presentation of a resolution to ratify the Constitution (126th Amendment) Bill, 2019. The house would adjourn sine-die after the proposed legislative business on the same day, a government spokesperson said.

The cabinet also decided to fill up as many as 3,186 posts of various cadres in teaching and non-teaching staff in schools which would entail financial implication of Rs 42 crore per annum. The move will help plug a major gap in the school staff, thereby improving the standards of education, the release stated.

During the meeting, the chief minister underlined the need for serious relook at the school curriculum from the point of making students job-ready.

Pointing out that vocational courses had been introduced for senior classes in various fields, such as hospitality and mobile phone repair, among others, he stressed on the importance of more thrust on vocational teaching.

The cabinet also approved the annual administrative report of the Civil Aviation department for the year 2018-19, the release said.

World Trade Center Chandigarh to become Nodal Point for Trade Business Services

• WTC Chandigarh will give fillip to the business competitiveness in the region.


• WTCA agricultural committee in association with Argo Industry bodies intends to setup a value based agro market in Tri-city

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) plans to establish World Trade Center (WTC) Chandigarh as a nodal point for Trade and business services. Though WTC Chandigarh PH-1 would become operational by 2021 but through its Accelerator Centre, ‘V@C’, it has already incubated more than 300+ startups with a success rate of 86%, facilitating trade and business services in the region.

[caption id="attachment_140316" align="alignleft" width="215"] Mr. Scott Wang, Vice President, Asia Pacific World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)[/caption]

Mr. Scott Wang, Vice President, Asia Pacific, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), “WTC Chandigarh is set to become a nodal point for trade and business services. Chandigarh holds great potential and offers the right mix for investment and business opportunities. The presence of a World Trade Center will give a fillip to the business competitiveness in the region eventually attracting foreign business and multinational companies."

He further added, “India is one of the fastest-growing markets for World Trade Centers Association; WTCA is looking forward to strengthening its base in Asia - Pacific with a key focus on northern India. We are also planning to invest a significant amount of efforts and money to establish more WTCs in the region and adjoining agricultural hubs which will collaborate with WTC Chandigarh in taking this initiative forward. We look forward to announce two locations by 2020."

Col. Arun Kotwal, Head, WTC Chandigarh said, “The construction of the physical facility at WTC Chandigarh is in full swing and would be completed within the stipulated timeline. We are hopeful to welcome business delegations in WTC Chandigarh by 2021."

WTC Chandigarh is set to catalyse the Indian farming market which is expected to double-up by 2024. WTCA agricultural committee in association with agro industry bodies intends to setup a value based agro market in Tricity.

Agriculture contributes more than 17% of India’s GDP. Punjab has evolved as a start-up hub for food and agriculture. Owing to its strategic location and proximity to Punjab, WTC Chandigarh is leveraging government platforms like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas, Yojana, Pradhanmantri Gram Sinchai Yojana, Adarsh Gram Yojana to drive future growth in the sector.

As a nearest commercial complex located in the vicinity of city Airport, WTC Chandigarh is a future-ready infrastructure designed in an energy-efficient manner, resulting in higher financial benefits to the owners. The global network of World Trade Center makes it a preferred destination for Fortune 500 companies as a place to work and conduct trade shows, meets, international conferences and endless seminars.

Chandigarh is the first planned city in the country and still maintains its status as one of the best managed cities in the country. The excellent social infrastructure, larger green spaces and its compact size makes Chandigarh an ideal work destination.

About WTC Chandigarh

World Trade Center, Chandigarh is the first institution in the Tri-city (Chandigarh Mohali Panchkula) that brings with the 75 year legacy of the World Trade Center Association and a powerful medium for enterprises to give maximum exposure to their business, taking it to a new level of competitiveness. World Trade Center, Chandigarh offers the physical and virtual infrastructure that businesses need to connect global corporations and access the best opportunities in business.

Punjab Govt Partners with AI-powered AgriTech Firm CropIn for Seed Potato Traceability

From next year, potato growers globally will be able to differentiate the certified, high-quality seeds produced by Punjab from other growers. Bengaluru-based agritech pioneer CropIn has partnered with The Punjab Agri Export Corporation (PAGREXCO), a Government of Punjab enterprise, to leverage CropIn’s AI-powered technology to improve the quality of potato seed production in the state and incorporate first-of-its-kind ‘Seed Potato Traceability’ in the entire value chain.

By leveraging QR-code tagging during the packaging and warehousing process, CropIn will ensure that potato farmers are able to trace the origin of the seeds that they are buying.

They will know exactly where the seeds are coming from, and whether they are PAGREXCO certified. Given the sub-par, spurious seeds that are flooding the market and resulting in low yields and poor ROI, this certification can transform potato seed production. It will also play a big role in building trust and credibility for PAGREXCO’s seeds among potato growers.

Along with bringing traceability to the life cycle of seeds, CropIn also uses its cutting edge agritech solutions to improve the seed production process and help potato seed farmers produce superior quality seeds. CropIn’s value proposition for the seed value chain starts right from the R&D stage. During the R&D process, on-farm trials for new seed varieties are conducted across multiple plots, each with a different seed variety. A number of parameters have to be carefully monitored to decide which seed varieties meet the quality benchmark. The Seed R&D division requires actionable, real-time insights that help make data-driven decisions to ensure that only the best seed varieties move forward in the production chain.

Once the certified seeds from Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) and aeroponic labs are received, PAGREXCO takes up a massive seed multiplication process in which the seed varieties are packaged into millions of seed packets. At the seed multiplication stage, CropIn will use a combination of three digital solutions — SmartFarm, SmartRisk & AcreSquare— to monitor the entire process, right from planning to production. The PAGREXCO field teams will configure a package of best practices on the CropIn platform, specific to the seed variety being produced. They will also get real-time intelligence about weather forecast, crop growth, crop health, potential pest infestations and crop diseases. This will help potato seed growers in Punjab to produce superior quality seeds and improve their efficiency. Finally, CropIn will also facilitate two-way communication between PAGREXCO and the seed farmers, allowing managers to share important plans, advisories, and instruction videos; and for farmers to have instant access to the PAGREXCO team.

CropIn will be working with PAGREXCO to ensure that these transformational measures get implemented from the next potato season. Commenting on the partnership, co-founder & COO of CropIn, Kunal Prasad said, “Punjab produces 27 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes every year, which means that ensuring high seed quality is absolutely critical. In fact, Punjab also caters to 60-70% of the entire seed potato demand in the Indian market. Hence, this partnership will not only impact the potato seed farmers in Punjab, but also potato growers across India and in the international markets. We are excited about partnering with PAGREXCO and being able to improve outcomes at such a large scale.”

CropIn currently works with multi-billion-dollar seed companies to build massive efficiencies in the seed value chain. These global seed companies are leveraging CropIn’s platform in more than 25 countries. This partnership with PAGREXCO is a big step towards digitisation and traceability in the Indian seed value chain. Today, agricultural institutions across the country are driving the transformative impact of building technological efficiencies into a long and arduous agricultural life cycle. Hopefully, more Government organisations across the different states will now take up the cause of technology-driven transformation in seed production.

What CropIn Does -

CropIn is a leading full-stack agri-tech organization that provides SaaS solutions to agribusinesses globally. CropIn’s unique suite of products enable various stakeholders in the agri-ecosystem, including the farmer, to adopt and drive digital strategy across their operations.

Using cutting-edge technology like big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and remote sensing, CropIn creates an interconnected network of all these stakeholders at different levels of the agriculture ecosystem, enabling clients to analyze and interpret data to derive real-time actionable insights on standing crop. Businesses can thus leverage technology to effectively drive their initiatives around Digitization, Compliance, Sustainability and Traceability.

With the vision to ‘maximize per acre value’ and the mission to ‘make every farm traceable’, CropIn adds value to agri-businesses by increasing efficiency, scaling productivity, and strengthening sustainability across the board. Thus far, CropIn has digitized over 5 million acres of farmland and enriched the lives of nearly 2.1 million farmers, while gathering data on 265 crops and 3,500 crop varieties in over 30+ countries. The SaaS solutions offered by CropIn are crop and location agnostic, and are available on the Web and mobile devices.

Softbank to Invest in Punjab through OYO for Student Housing

Japan's Softbank Group on Tuesday evinced interest to invest in Punjab's real estate sector, with focus on student housing through OYO, an Indian hotel start-up backed by the SoftBank Group.

A high-level delegation of the group, led by its MD Hiroki Kimoto, called on Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh here, who extended his government's full support in the realisation of Softbank's investment plans in the state.

Amarinder assured the delegation of seamless and smooth investment in the state through its single-window clearance platform, Invest Punjab, in the fast-track mode.

The new Industrial Policy, coupled with lucrative incentives and facilities, was facilitating investors in a big way, with over Rs 50,000 crore investment already realised on the ground during the past two years, the chief minister told the delegation members, according to an official statement here.

Earlier, briefing the delegation on the various investible projects, Additional Chief Secretary, Investment Promotion and Industries & Commerce Vini Mahajan said that Punjab had a vibrant real estate sector, with areas around Chandigarh seeing excellent growth.

Reputed international players are looking at affordable housing, student and senior citizen housing facility as a potential investment sector, she added.

Taking part in the deliberations, Lovely Professional University Vice Chancellor Ashok Mittal said they were in advanced talks with Softbank for a potential collaboration for the construction of student hostels, as there was a huge demand for hostel facility for the domestic as well as international students.

Softbank is one of the biggest investors in the Indian startup ecosystem, with approximately 20 per cent of its investments in India-based businesses, the statement said. PTI SUN

Coming Soon A High-Tech Cycle Valley in Ludhiana District

The Punjab government will establish a high-tech cycle valley spread over 383 acres in Dhanansu village of Ludhiana district as part of its efforts to bolster the industrial sector and create jobs, the state's Industries and Commerce Minister Sunder Sham Arora said on Sunday.

The modalities with regard to purchasing the required land have been completed and the layout plan has also been accorded approval. The project would entail a cost of Rs 300 crore, he said in an official statement here.

Arora said the Chief Minister Amarinder Singh-led Congress government is working diligently towards setting up such industrial units in the state which would serve the twin purpose of being environmentally friendly and providing employment avenues to the youth.

He said the requisite clearances for establishing the cycle valley have already been obtained, including those from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The minister said a 100-acre plot has been allotted and possession given to Hero Cycles Limited, Ludhiana in December 2018 for setting up of its main unit.

Arora said Hero Cycles has set a target of commencing production by April 2022.

The cycle valley would be connected with the Chandigarh-Ludhiana National Highway by constructing a 100-feet wide four-lane and 8.5 km long external road, the minister added.

Punjab To Soon Have Incubation Center 'Startup Hub' in Mohali

In a bid to further promote the startup eco-system in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday approved the Punjab Startup Hub, under which a state-of-the-art incubation center is proposed to be set up in Mohali.

The incubation center will be called as 'Startup Hub'.

The Chief Minister also gave the nod to the constitution of a high level committee to draft a proposal for resettlement and rehabilitation of those who would be affected in the process of eviction from panchayati land for setting up of industrial hubs across the state. The committee will comprise Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary Rural Development and Panchayats and Principal Secretary Finance.

The directives were issued by the Chief Minster while chairing the maiden meeting of Punjab Industrial and Business Development Board, which has been set up to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the new industrial policy.

Earlier in 2015, the previous state government of Punjab had announced the ₹100 crore fund for startups and small entrepreneurs in the state.

Most recently, the state government, in September, had signed an MoU with Ola to create entrepreneurship opportunities in the state as part of Government’s ‘Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgar’ scheme.

Punjab To Soon Have Incubation Center 'Startup Hub' in Mohali

In a bid to further promote the startup eco-system in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday approved the Punjab Startup Hub, under which a state-of-the-art incubation center is proposed to be set up in Mohali.

The incubation center will be called as 'Startup Hub'.

The Chief Minister also gave the nod to the constitution of a high level committee to draft a proposal for resettlement and rehabilitation of those who would be affected in the process of eviction from panchayati land for setting up of industrial hubs across the state. The committee will comprise Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary Rural Development and Panchayats and Principal Secretary Finance.

The directives were issued by the Chief Minster while chairing the maiden meeting of Punjab Industrial and Business Development Board, which has been set up to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the new industrial policy.

Earlier in 2015, the previous state government of Punjab had announced the ₹100 crore fund for startups and small entrepreneurs in the state.

Most recently, the state government, in September, had signed an MoU with Ola to create entrepreneurship opportunities in the state as part of Government’s ‘Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgar’ scheme.

Punjab Govt Inks Pact With Ola To boost Entrepreneurship In The State

In line with its commitment towards skilling and supporting micro-entrepreneurship, Ola, homegrown cab hailing app has signed a MoU with the Government of Punjab to create entrepreneurship opportunities in the state as part of Government’s ‘Apni Gaddi, Apna Rozgar’ scheme.

Commenting on the development, Pranay Jivrajka, Founding Partner at Ola said, “Ola, as a homegrown transportation platform, has been working closely with the Government across various initiatives like skilling and training, employment generation, electric vehicles, and curated transportation services for tourists and locals, amongst many others.”

He further added, “We have been present in Punjab since 2014 and the journey so far has been tremendous. We have launched various categories to suit the local needs of the people and are the first choice of consumers with regard to mobility. We are excited to collaborate and support the Punjab Government in its ‘Apna Gaddi, Apna Rozgar’ scheme, as it will give us an opportunity to train and skill thousands of driver partners and help create entrepreneurship opportunities. It will also help us to further expand our base in Punjab by exploring launches in new cities and introduce new offerings, across the state.”

Earlier in August 17, Ola has partnered with Indus OS, the homegrown smartphone operating system, and India’s second largest widely used OS. The partnership aims to power the mobility needs of citizens in a revolutionary contextual and seamless interface that is made to reduce battery and data consumption while making the experience intuitive. In May 2017, Ola and Mahindra have partnered with the Government of India in a first-of- its kind programme to build an electric mass mobility ecosystem in Nagpur. They have launched Ola Electric, India’s first multi-modal electric platform that includes electric autos, cars, and buses in Nagpur.

In a major step ahead, towards its goal of nurturing micro entrepreneurship and skilling 50 lakh drivers by 2020, Ola in March 2017, has signed a MoU with Madhya Pradesh State Skill Development Mission (MPSSDM) and Directorate of Skill Development (Technical Education & Skill Development Dept.) Govt. of Madhya Pradesh to create 25,000 entrepreneurs in the State.

Founded in Jan 2011 by IIT Bombay alumni Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, Ola (formerly Olacabs), is India’s most popular mobile app for personal transportation. Ola integrates city transportation for customers and driver partners onto a mobile technology platform ensuring convenient, transparent and quick service fulfillment.

Ola is deeply committed to Government of India’s skill development initiative and has rolled out several programmes to promote entrepreneurial growth and opportunities across the country. Ola has tied up with NSDC and RISE India to skill 50 lakh drivers in the next 5 years and has committed Rs. 100 crore towards the initiative.

As part of the initiative, Ola and RISE India will set up 500 driver training centres across the country. Ola is working closely with NSKFDC (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) to create 10,000 women driver entrepreneurs over the next 5 years. It has also signed MoUs with several state governments including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Maharashtra for skilling of youth, men and women to reduce unemployment in the country and alleviate poverty.

Ola is committed to its mission of building mobility for a billion people. For the same, it  has also introduced a range of shared mobility services on its platform like Ola Shuttle and Ola Share for commute and ride-sharing respectively.