COME CLEAN ON MUMBAI TERROR AND LINKS WITH PAK
NATIONALS: DHINDSA TO AMARINDER
Chandigarh December 5,2008
Shiromani Akali Dal Secretary General Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa
today asked the former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder
Singh to come clean on his links with some Pakistani nationals
known for their proximity to the ISI. He also asked Captain Singh
to break his silence over the recent inhuman acts of terrorism
in Mumbai by Pak-based desperadoes.
"It has become necessary to look closely into Amarinder's
fondness for these Pak nationals in the light o his continuing
silence on the terror strikes in Mumbai. To this day, Amarinder
has not uttered one word to condemn this outrageous assault on
the country's sovereignty, unity and integrity by elements operating
from within Pakistan. It is strange that while the entire international
community had spoken in one voice against this beastly act, Amarinder
remained adamant in his silence in order to appease his Pakistani
friends," said Mr. Dhindsa in a statement released here.
The Akali leader also reiterated the demand for a high level
probe into serious irregularities committed during the previous
regime, including the infamous sand scandal. "Amarinder had
been leveling irresponsible allegations against a nationally respected
leader like Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and all that was a ploy to
divert people's attention from the massive corruption taking place
in his regime. The time has now come to order a full scale inquiry
into all his misdeeds," said Mr. Dhindsa.
Observing that Amarinder had always embarrassed the country
through his acts, Mr. Dhindsa recalled that the former Chief Minister
had proudly got himself photographed in front of a banner carrying
a Khalistan slogan in Canada. He never even once dissociated himself
from that act nor did he even think it necessary to call it an
inadvertent act. "But his closeness with some Pakistani nationals
of dubious background is even more worrying. What is even worse
is the audacity with which he makes a public display of his love
for these elements," said that Akali Secretary General.
Mr. Dhindsa said that even the Pakistani media had spoken about
the ISI background of one Amarinder's friends and it is surprising
the that the Government of India had not taken cognizance of this
fact. "The Congress party has made him the campaign in charge,
and that should make it mandatory for him to speak out his mind
both about that acts of terror in Mumbai and the antecedents of
his friends. It is the moral responsibility of the Congress High
Command to clear the mist on the subject," said the Akali
leader. He said that Amarinder had thrown all ethics to the winds
by publicly maintaining a controversial relationship with a Pakistani
lady, but he could not be allowed to trifle with national security.
Need to adopt cooperative
ideology in shaping economies of developing countries : Capt.
Kanwaljit Singh
Chandigarh, December 5, 2008
"Cooperatives all over the world function to sustain the
livelihood and well being of producers by rendering services in
those sectors that are normally not covered by the corporate world
and the cooperative ideology is all set to play a significant
role in shaping the economies of developing countries even in
the wake of current economic meltdown. This was stated by Punjab
Cooperation Minister Capt. Kanwaljit Singh during an interaction
with the world cooperative leaders at the 8th International Cooperative
Alliance-Asia Pacific General Assembly and 5th Asia Pacific Cooperative
Forum meeting at Hanoi, Vietnam.
He said that the current economic meltdown has taught a lesson
to various governments of the world that it was essential to have
a strong socio-economic base rather than depending upon the market
forces alone. Time has come when we need to reassess the application
and importance of cooperative ideology in shaping the economies
f our respective countries and for this we ought to broaden the
scope of cooperatives by venturing into non-conventional sectors
together with the conventional ones so that the confidence could
be built to handle both poverty and prosperity, he added.
He said that cooperatives can do wonders in an enabling policy
environment that encourages development of cooperative enterprises
under an effective legislation regulating the functioning and
operations of cooperatives.
On this occasion, Capt. Singh gave a detailed presentation of
some of the initiatives taken in cooperative sector in Punjab,
which have shown remarkable results in the current global trend
of economic meltdown and recession besides contributing significantly
to enhance the business turnover, productivity, profits, membership
and value of cooperatives and making them more socially relevant.
He said that culture, theme and story of Punjab cooperatives has
been all inclusive growth, covering all sections and genders of
the society. He said that for success of cooperative business
movement it was essential to have professional managers who understand
the trends of business and have the patience and courage to transform
dreams of the members of cooperatives into reality and state has
taken several steps in this regard.
He revealed that an ambitious programme to grant autonomy to
the cooperative movement was on the anvil. He said that those
societies which do not have any significant share capital from
the government were proposed to be granted full autonomy in managing
their own affairs.
ARMS FORCES FLAG DAY TO BE OBSERVED ON DECEMBER 8
Chandigarh, December 5, 2008
Armed forces flag day would be observed on 8th December , 2008
to pay tributes to all those known and un-known soldiers who sacrificed
their lives guarding the frontiers of our country.
According to an official spokesman this day is observed to salute
the velour of Soldiers both serving and veterans, who fought for
unity and integrity & sovereignty of our country.
The spokesman appealed to the public to contribute liberally
for armed forces flagday fund. The ceremonial pinning of Flags
on VIPs and all citizens of India would take place on 8th December,
2008. All Departments and the District Administration would give
a lead in honouring the soldiers and in pinning Flags on students
and citizens.
The spokesman further said that the Financial contributions
were to be collected by the Department/District Administrations
in honour of the Flag. These funds are utilized for a number of
welfare programmes instituted by the Kendriya and Rajya Sainik
Boards. The contributions provide benefits to widows, disabled
soldiers, ex-servicemen and serving personnel. The total number
of people who would be benefited by this fund was over a crore.
The contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are exempted
from the Income Tax as per Government of India, Ministry of Finance
(Revenue Division), New Delhi dated 26 March, 2007.
BADAL CALLS FOR "ECONOMIC FEDERALISM" DEMANDS 50% SHARE
IN CENTRAL TAXES
CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 4, 2008
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged
the 13th Finance Commission to grant a "special agriculture
and industry package" for the state in view of the extra-ordinary
contribution of Punjab to the national food kitty as well as the
constraints suffered by it due to industrial concessions given
to the neighboring states. He also called for "economic federalism"
to help the states in accelerating development initiatives in
line with national objective.
The Chief Minister demanded that the states should get at least
50% of the gross central receipts from taxes and other resources.
Making an impassioned plea before the Commission headed by its
Chairman Dr. Vijay Kelkar, the Chief Minister also demanded that
the belt touching a live and hostile international border with
Pakistan be treated as "a special national zone" where
people must be compensated on the development front for the sacrifices
they have been making "in the overall national interest."
Mr. Badal also called for recasting the formula for devolution
of central funds to the states to make it commensurate with the
contribution of each state to the central taxes rather than making
it dependent on the size of population or geography. He stated
that the percentage of Scheduled caste population in the state
should be given atleast 15% weightage while 10% weightage should
be accorded to the international border while devising an objective
formulate for devolving funds to the states. The share of the
State in tax devolution had constantly gone down with successive
Finance Commissions and this decline in share of the State in
Central taxes was the main cause of State's fiscal woes.
Mr. Badal said that in the matter of tax devolution, the past
Finance Commissions have not fully recognized the expenditure
commitments of the States and not recommended a fair share to
them. The Eleventh Finance Commission recommended the States'
share at 29.5 per cent and the Twelfth Finance Commission increased
it marginally to 30.5 per cent. He strongly pleaded that the percentage
share of States in the net proceeds of Central Taxes should be
fixed at 45 per cent for the period 2010-15 from the prevailing
30.5 per cent. The total transfer to the States should be at least
50 per cent against 38 per cent of the Central gross revenue receipts
under the Twelfth Finance Commission. To enhance tax devolution
to the States, all surcharges which were levied by the Central
Government should be made a part of divisible pool. If there was
a legal or Constitutional disability in this regard, the surcharges
should be merged with the relevant tax or duty, said Mr. Badal.
Highlighting the grim financial scenario of the Panchayati Raj
Institutions and Municipalities, Mr. Badal urged the Commission
to provide Rs. 5000 crore during the Five Year period (2010-15)
for provision of civic infrastructure in rural areas of the State,
besides Rs. 4600 crore for five year period to meet 75 per cent
of the cost of development works in urban areas e.g. roads and
bridges, water supply, sewerage system, sewerage treatment plant
etc. He however, said that the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment
Acts, 1992 constituted an important milestone in the history of
democratic decentralization but in true spirit the commission
should dole out funds liberally to the state to make the PRIs
and local bodies fiscally and economically viable and sustainable.
In another significant suggestion, Mr. Badal opined to decentralize
the planning process and stated that pan Indian criteria for centrally
sponsored scheme needed to be reviewed. The Planning Commission
should only draw up a strategic plan for the country and the States
should be left to draw up their own development plan programmes
keeping in view the resources allocated to them. Further, the
existing system of schematic assistance to the States under the
various Centrally Sponsored Schemes should be dispensed with.
The States were in a better position to formulate the schemes
as they could understand their felt needs and ground realities.
All such schemes in the State domain should be transferred to
the States with funds.
Referring to the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF), Mr. Badal suggested
widening the scope of CRF so as to include frost and water logging
in addition to existing calamities. The quantum of Calamity Relief
should be made commensurate with actual loss suffered and allocation
from the Fund to individual States should be fixed on the basis
of value of farm produce generated from the soil and not by mere
size of the State and past expenditure incurred on calamities.
In addition, inflation should be fully accounted for. In view
of difficult fiscal situation of the States, the share of States
towards CRF be reduced from 25 per cent at present to 10 per cent.
The Chief Minister impressed upon the commission to recommend
grants-in-aid to the individual States facing special problems
of national concern which could not be tackled without financial
assistance from the Centre. He asked for a special package for
revamping its old canal system and to undertake major initiatives
to check the problems water logging and salinity in the south-west
region due to leakage from Rajasthan canal and Sirhind feeder.
He urged the Commission to provide 90% of the cost i.e. Rs.12743.42
crore as grants-in-aid to incur expenditure on this count against
the total requirement of Rs. 14159.35 crore worked by the state
government for maintenance, repairs, deepening, widening and expansion
of Water Resources Infrastructure in the State, for the five year
period of 2010-11 to 2014-15 as this would facilitate more foodgrain
production in the State and consequently save the country from
having to resort to costly foodgrain imports. Due to its limited
financial resources, it was not feasible for the State Government
to arrange these funds, said Mr. Badal.
Likewise, the Chief Minister also pleaded the state's case for
allocation of more funds in view of free power to the farm sector
for which the state was providing more than Rs. 2000 crore per
year to Punjab State Electricity Board as power subsidy. He also
asked the Commission to provide grant of Rs. 2055 crore over a
period of five years for provision and maintenance of social and
economic infrastructure in 18 out of 42 Blocks of the four districts
of Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran situated along
the active 553 KM international border with Pakistan under the
Border Area Development Programme (BADP). The government of India
was providing around Rs. 20 crore for creation, up gradation and
maintenance of infrastructure. The existing grants under BADP
to Punjab were too meager to cater to the basic requirements of
border areas.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Kandi area of Punjab
being the sub-mountainous tract that constituted the most backward
region of the State and urged the Commission to provide Rs. 761
crore for development and providing social and economic infrastructure
in Kandi Area for the five year period (2010-15).
The Commission was also requested to provide Rs. 1250 crore for
the five year period, for providing physical facilities, drinking
water, toilets, maintenance and provision of additional classrooms,
boundary walls in girl schools, to supplement the efforts of the
State Government to encourage girl education, besides Rs. 500
crore to supplement the efforts of the State Government in order
to improve the economic lot of scheduled caste population in the
state which was the highest in the country and also sought Rs.
250 crore to address the issue of adverse sex ratio in Punjab
which had not only posed serious imbalance in the society but
was also a cause of concern with grave socio-economic implications.
Mr. Badal assured the Commission of his government's absolute,
un-compromising and missionary commitment to the fulfillment of
the ideals, objectives and goals which the Commission has set
before our Country. "In fact, Punjab will be the flag-bearer
in taking the country towards the achievement of the goal of inclusive
development. But for this, we need your support", said Mr.
Badal.
The Chairman of the Commission Dr. Vijay Kelkar assured Mr. Badal
of a sympathetic view and support especially in the wake of problems
relating to agriculture and dilapidated irrigation infrastructure.
Dr. Kelkar was accompanied by other members of the Commission
including Mr.BK Chaturvedi, Dr.Indira Rajaraman, Mr. Sanjiv Mishra
and Dr.Atul Sharama and the Secretary Mr.Sumit Bose Secretary.
Winding up the discussions, Chief Secretary Mr. RI Singh responded
to the queries and concerns raised by the Commission members about
revamping of Irrigation infrastructure, roads and bridges network
executed by Punjab Infrastructure Development Board in PPP mode,
initiatives in agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, civil
aviation, skill development and quality education. He outlined
some of the initiatives taken by the state government for ensuring
better utilization of the state's scarce resources as well as
some pioneering efforts in fostering public-private partnerships
in agriculture, infrastructure development and education.
On the occasion, a detailed presentation was made on the state's
financial and economic position as well as issues related to irrigation
and power.
Later addressing the media persons, the Chief Minister said that
the terror strikes in Mumbai were already having an adverse spiral
economic effect on Punjab because of this mounting tension on
the border. He said that we were hoping to step up trade actively
through Attari border but reports of movement of Pakistani troops
towards the border would dampen these hopes.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Industries
& Local Government Minister Manoranjan Kalia, Finance Minister
Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Rural Development & Panchayat Minister
Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Finance
and Planning Mr. Raj Khurana, Deputy Chairman Planning Board Dr.
JS Bajaj, Chief Minister's Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains besides
Chief Secretary Mr. RI Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Mr.
SC Aggarwal, Financial Commissioner Taxation SS Brar and Principal
Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru besides other senior functionaries
of the state government.
Thirteenth Finance Commissio
Dr. Vijay L. Kelkar, Chairman, Shri B.K. Chaturvedi, Dr. Indira
Rajaraman, Prof. Atul Sarma and Dr. Sanjiv Misra, Members of Thirteenth
Finance Commission, and Shri Sumit Bose, Secretary are visiting
the state of Punjab from December 4, 2008 to December 5, 2008
as part of consultations with the State Government and key stake
holders.
2. The Commission today met with the Hon'ble Chief Minister,
some members of the Cabinet and senior officials of the State
Government. It also interacted with representatives of Political
parties, Urban and Rural Local Bodies and Trade and Industry Associations.
On 5th December, the Commission will visit Lambi to inspect Rajasthan
and Sirhind Feeders and interact with residents of village Channo
and Kot Bhai for an on the spot study of water logging and drinking
water problems. Besides the commission will visit PHC Kartarpur,
village Bidhipur and Khet Bathor and interact with local people
to study their problems.
3. Before its visit to the State, the Commission held a meeting
with Principal Accountant General (Audit) of Punjab on Tuesday,
the 25th November, 2008 in its office at New Delhi.
4. In his opening address, the Chief Minister highlighted the
vital role played by Punjab in ensuring the nation's food security.
He pointed out that the state was battling against a burdensome
legacy inherited from the eighties which has resulted in it becoming
one of the slowest growing States in India today. Its industrial
base has been eroded due to tax concessions given to neighboring
states. Its canal system requires intensive rehabilitation. Its
agriculture productivity is affected by water logging in some
areas and overdrawal of ground water in other areas. The strong
commitment of the state to improve the lot of the Scheduled Castes,
who form 35 percent of its population makes additional demands
on the fisc. Consequently the state which was at one time the
fastest growing state in the country is now growing far below
the national average.
5. The Chief Minister requested that the Finance Commission enhance
the states share of the divisible pool of taxes to 45 percent
and enhance the limit of total transfers to 50%. He also suggested
modification of the criteria for inter-se distribution of the
pool amongst states. He urged the Finance Commission to consider
enhanced support for empowerment of local bodies, calamity relief
fund, rehabilitation of the irrigation projects, improvement of
border areas, development of Kandi area, improvement of female
literacy and addressing the adverse sex ratio. He requested the
Commission for a special grant of Rs. 27,560 crores for addressing
these issues.
6. The Finance Minister of Punjab Shri Manpreet Singh Badal highlighted
the need to reduce state share of calamity relief from 25 percent
to 10 percent. He requested that NSSF loans to be considered eligible
for debt relief and suggested that 50 percent of the burden of
the implementation of the Pay Commission be supported by the Finance
Commission.
7. He also pointed out that Centrally Sponsored Scheme with their
"one size fits all' approach stipulated norms which were
not relevant to advanced states like Punjab which had high wages,
high level of road connectivity and large irrigated areas.
8. The Minister for Industrial and Local Bodies, Shri Manoranjan
Kalia suggested that central concessions should be given to state
consistent with their resource endowments. This would ensure maximum
leverage of local resources and create synergies.
9. The Chairman, Finance Commission in his response:
· Referred to the unprecedented crisis the World economy
is presently undergoing and emphasized the need for a collective
response by all levels of Government in India to enable the country
to rise above these challenges. This would require improving fiscal
performance of State and Central Government through tax reforms,
expenditure management, reform of user charges, etc.
· While complimenting Punjab's high per capita income
and low poverty ratio pointed to the need for Punjab to take steps
to keep pace with the national growth rate.
· Expressed his concern over the declining sex ratio and
offered full support of the Commission for a comprehensive plan
to tackle this phenomenon.
· Suggested that Punjab could better implement its budgetary
priorities by integrating all its revenues into the budget mechanism.
· Urged that state should take strong steps to improve
its own tax and non-tax revenues while noting the strong positive
impact implementation of GST would have on the economy of Punjab
.
· Suggested that expenditure monitoring and control would
need to be a priority for the government to ensure that fiscal
sustainability is reached as early as possible.
· Pointed out that a major source of fiscal stress for
the state were the unsustainable power subsidies and requested
the Chief Minister, as a senior national leader, to take leadership
role in addressing this issues.
· Urged that the State Government focus on enhancing its
financial discipline framework through better public expenditure
management and improved financial reporting and audit response
initiatives.
· Suggested enhanced recourse to Private Public Partnerships
to enable the state to full fill its public service obligations.
· Welcomed views from all stakeholders on the appropriate
design and structure of proposed goods and service tax, the nature
and content of further fiscal reform, the issue of horizontal
equity between States.
· Reiterated that the Finance Commission would give careful
consideration to all the points raised by the Government of Punjab
in their Memorandum including issues relating to devolution, inter-se
distribution amongst states and special grant for special areas.
10. Presentations were made by the Finance, Power and Irrigation
Departments. These presentations focused on the status of various
programmes in the Departments, the new initiatives proposed and
the funding requirements posed to the Finance Commission.
11. The Commission will finalize its recommendations by October
2009 after completing its discussions with all the State Governments,
the Government of India and relevant stake holders.
BADAL CALLS FOR "ECONOMIC FEDERALISM"
DEMANDS 50% SHARE IN CENTRAL TAXES
CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 4, 2008
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged
the 13th Finance Commission to grant a "special agriculture
and industry package" for the state in view of the extra-ordinary
contribution of Punjab to the national food kitty as well as the
constraints suffered by it due to industrial concessions given
to the neighboring states. He also called for "economic federalism"
to help the states in accelerating development initiatives in
line with national objective.
The Chief Minister demanded that the states should get at least
50% of the gross central receipts from taxes and other resources.
Making an impassioned plea before the Commission headed by its
Chairman Dr. Vijay Kelkar, the Chief Minister also demanded that
the belt touching a live and hostile international border with
Pakistan be treated as "a special national zone" where
people must be compensated on the development front for the sacrifices
they have been making "in the overall national interest."
Mr. Badal also called for recasting the formula for devolution
of central funds to the states to make it commensurate with the
contribution of each state to the central taxes rather than making
it dependent on the size of population or geography. He stated
that the percentage of Scheduled caste population in the state
should be given atleast 15% weightage while 10% weightage should
be accorded to the international border while devising an objective
formulate for devolving funds to the states. The share of the
State in tax devolution had constantly gone down with successive
Finance Commissions and this decline in share of the State in
Central taxes was the main cause of State's fiscal woes.
Mr. Badal said that in the matter of tax devolution, the past
Finance Commissions have not fully recognized the expenditure
commitments of the States and not recommended a fair share to
them. The Eleventh Finance Commission recommended the States'
share at 29.5 per cent and the Twelfth Finance Commission increased
it marginally to 30.5 per cent. He strongly pleaded that the percentage
share of States in the net proceeds of Central Taxes should be
fixed at 45 per cent for the period 2010-15 from the prevailing
30.5 per cent. The total transfer to the States should be at least
50 per cent against 38 per cent of the Central gross revenue receipts
under the Twelfth Finance Commission. To enhance tax devolution
to the States, all surcharges which were levied by the Central
Government should be made a part of divisible pool. If there was
a legal or Constitutional disability in this regard, the surcharges
should be merged with the relevant tax or duty, said Mr. Badal.
Highlighting the grim financial scenario of the Panchayati Raj
Institutions and Municipalities, Mr. Badal urged the Commission
to provide Rs. 5000 crore during the Five Year period (2010-15)
for provision of civic infrastructure in rural areas of the State,
besides Rs. 4600 crore for five year period to meet 75 per cent
of the cost of development works in urban areas e.g. roads and
bridges, water supply, sewerage system, sewerage treatment plant
etc. He however, said that the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment
Acts, 1992 constituted an important milestone in the history of
democratic decentralization but in true spirit the commission
should dole out funds liberally to the state to make the PRIs
and local bodies fiscally and economically viable and sustainable.
In another significant suggestion, Mr. Badal opined to decentralize
the planning process and stated that pan Indian criteria for centrally
sponsored scheme needed to be reviewed. The Planning Commission
should only draw up a strategic plan for the country and the States
should be left to draw up their own development plan programmes
keeping in view the resources allocated to them. Further, the
existing system of schematic assistance to the States under the
various Centrally Sponsored Schemes should be dispensed with.
The States were in a better position to formulate the schemes
as they could understand their felt needs and ground realities.
All such schemes in the State domain should be transferred to
the States with funds.
Referring to the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF), Mr. Badal suggested
widening the scope of CRF so as to include frost and water logging
in addition to existing calamities. The quantum of Calamity Relief
should be made commensurate with actual loss suffered and allocation
from the Fund to individual States should be fixed on the basis
of value of farm produce generated from the soil and not by mere
size of the State and past expenditure incurred on calamities.
In addition, inflation should be fully accounted for. In view
of difficult fiscal situation of the States, the share of States
towards CRF be reduced from 25 per cent at present to 10 per cent.
The Chief Minister impressed upon the commission to recommend
grants-in-aid to the individual States facing special problems
of national concern which could not be tackled without financial
assistance from the Centre. He asked for a special package for
revamping its old canal system and to undertake major initiatives
to check the problems water logging and salinity in the south-west
region due to leakage from Rajasthan canal and Sirhind feeder.
He urged the Commission to provide 90% of the cost i.e. Rs.12743.42
crore as grants-in-aid to incur expenditure on this count against
the total requirement of Rs. 14159.35 crore worked by the state
government for maintenance, repairs, deepening, widening and expansion
of Water Resources Infrastructure in the State, for the five year
period of 2010-11 to 2014-15 as this would facilitate more foodgrain
production in the State and consequently save the country from
having to resort to costly foodgrain imports. Due to its limited
financial resources, it was not feasible for the State Government
to arrange these funds, said Mr. Badal.
Likewise, the Chief Minister also pleaded the state's case for
allocation of more funds in view of free power to the farm sector
for which the state was providing more than Rs. 2000 crore per
year to Punjab State Electricity Board as power subsidy. He also
asked the Commission to provide grant of Rs. 2055 crore over a
period of five years for provision and maintenance of social and
economic infrastructure in 18 out of 42 Blocks of the four districts
of Amritsar, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran situated along
the active 553 KM international border with Pakistan under the
Border Area Development Programme (BADP). The government of India
was providing around Rs. 20 crore for creation, up gradation and
maintenance of infrastructure. The existing grants under BADP
to Punjab were too meager to cater to the basic requirements of
border areas.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Kandi area of Punjab
being the sub-mountainous tract that constituted the most backward
region of the State and urged the Commission to provide Rs. 761
crore for development and providing social and economic infrastructure
in Kandi Area for the five year period (2010-15).
The Commission was also requested to provide Rs. 1250 crore for
the five year period, for providing physical facilities, drinking
water, toilets, maintenance and provision of additional classrooms,
boundary walls in girl schools, to supplement the efforts of the
State Government to encourage girl education, besides Rs. 500
crore to supplement the efforts of the State Government in order
to improve the economic lot of scheduled caste population in the
state which was the highest in the country and also sought Rs.
250 crore to address the issue of adverse sex ratio in Punjab
which had not only posed serious imbalance in the society but
was also a cause of concern with grave socio-economic implications.
Mr. Badal assured the Commission of his government's absolute,
un-compromising and missionary commitment to the fulfillment of
the ideals, objectives and goals which the Commission has set
before our Country. "In fact, Punjab will be the flag-bearer
in taking the country towards the achievement of the goal of inclusive
development. But for this, we need your support", said Mr.
Badal.
The Chairman of the Commission Dr. Vijay Kelkar assured Mr. Badal
of a sympathetic view and support especially in the wake of problems
relating to agriculture and dilapidated irrigation infrastructure.
Dr. Kelkar was accompanied by other members of the Commission
including Mr.BK Chaturvedi, Dr.Indira Rajaraman, Mr. Sanjiv Mishra
and Dr.Atul Sharama and the Secretary Mr.Sumit Bose Secretary.
Winding up the discussions, Chief Secretary Mr. RI Singh responded
to the queries and concerns raised by the Commission members about
revamping of Irrigation infrastructure, roads and bridges network
executed by Punjab Infrastructure Development Board in PPP mode,
initiatives in agriculture, horticulture, dairy farming, civil
aviation, skill development and quality education. He outlined
some of the initiatives taken by the state government for ensuring
better utilization of the state's scarce resources as well as
some pioneering efforts in fostering public-private partnerships
in agriculture, infrastructure development and education.
On the occasion, a detailed presentation was made on the state's
financial and economic position as well as issues related to irrigation
and power.
Later addressing the media persons, the Chief Minister said that
the terror strikes in Mumbai were already having an adverse spiral
economic effect on Punjab because of this mounting tension on
the border. He said that we were hoping to step up trade actively
through Attari border but reports of movement of Pakistani troops
towards the border would dampen these hopes.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Industries
& Local Government Minister Manoranjan Kalia, Finance Minister
Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Rural Development & Panchayat Minister
Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Finance
and Planning Mr. Raj Khurana, Deputy Chairman Planning Board Dr.
JS Bajaj, Chief Minister's Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains besides
Chief Secretary Mr. RI Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Mr.
SC Aggarwal, Financial Commissioner Taxation SS Brar and Principal
Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru besides other senior functionaries
of the state government.
PUNJAB ASKS ORGANIZERS OF FUNCTIONS TO ENSURE TAX COMPLIANCE
CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 4
The Punjab Government today issued comprehensive instructions
for persons organizing functions in Marriage Palaces and Banquet
Halls or at any other venue, to check the loss of revenue on liquor
and eatables consumed in these functions.
According to an official spokesperson, for liquor to be consumed
in functions people have been advised to obtain liquor permit
in from L-50-A from the concerned Asstt. Excise & Taxation
Commissioner Officer in advance to cover the function. They have
been asked to ensure that Marriage Palace or Banquet Hall in which
the function was being organized was in possession of license
in from L-5D for allowing consumption of liquor on special occasion.
It would be ensured that liquor to be consumed would be purchased
from an authorized licensee of Punjab Government only and from
within the State of Punjab only and Liquor meant for CSD would
not be served/consumed in any case.
He said that Liquor would not be imported from other State/U.T.
He said that it has been observed that in the Marriage Palaces
and Banquet Halls especially in the vicinity of Chandigarh, liquor
meant for sale Chandigarh was being consumed in marriages/other
functions. He said that this was offence under Punjab Excise Law
and the offender would face action as provided under Punjab Excise
Act.Owners of Marriage Palaces have also directed not be allow
the use of unauthorized liquor in their premises.
The spokesperson said that in the cases of eatables, persons
organizing functions would ensure that a caterer supplying cooked
food etc to be served to the guests would issues a sale invoice/Bill
for supplying the eatables to ensure that VAT due had been charged
by him. In case the eatables were to be cooked by a 'Halwai' from
raw materials to be supplied by the organisers, it would be ensured
that organizers were in possession of cash memo/sale bills covering
the purchases of all the raw materials to be consumed for the
preparation of eatables. He said that any violation of above instructions
would invite punishment/penalty as per law.
PUNJAB CM LAUNCHES PUNJAB ADVOCATES WELFARE
FUND
CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 03, 2008
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted
the lawyers to play a pro-active role in the quick dispensation
of justice to the people as they were an integral part of the
judicial system.
Presiding over a function organized here at Law Bhawan for the
implementation of the 'Punjab
Advocates Welfare Fund Act-2002' by the Punjab Government in
collaboration with Bar Association of Punjab & Haryana here,
Mr. Badal said that it was a pragmatic step aimed at the welfare
of the advocates who owe a moral and social responsibility for
the administration of Justice. He also exhorted the legal fraternity
to discharge their duties with professional commitment, dedication
and sincerity in the larger public interest.
Mr. Badal appreciated the Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana
High Court Justice Mr. Tirath Singh Thakur for his commitment
towards improving the delivery of justice in the state by reducing
the pendency of cases
considerably through the unique method of mediation and conciliation.
He also commended the Chief Justice who with the participation
of his fellow judges launched a special campaign to bring awareness
amongst litigants to adopt the process of mediation and conciliation
for the settlement of cases promptly. He assured the Chief Justice
that the state government would provide all financial assistance
and cooperation for the construction of judicial complexes and
lawyers' chambers in the state. He reiterated that it was an endeavour
of the state government to provide congenial atmosphere to the
judiciary and lawyers to discharge their duties efficiently.
Responding to the demand raised by the Advocate General Punjab
and Chairman, Trustee Committee Mr. H.S. Mattewal, for liberal
contribution towards Advocate Welfare Fund, Mr. Badal announced
Rs.1 crore on the spot and agreed in principle to pay annual installments
of Rs. 1 crore each for the remaining period of his tenure.
Addressing on the occasion Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana
High Court Justice Mr. Tirath Singh Thakur lauded the Chief Minister
for showing special concern for the welfare of the Judiciary.
He said that it was
general impression that lawyers represented an affluent class
but ground reality was entirely different because majority of
them had bare minimum income to sustain their lively hood. In
such tiring circumstances, it was the bounden duty of the governments
to come forward to imbibe a sense of security to this unified
force which was nearly one million of country's population and
must be treated as a homogeneous class by reposing faith and confidence
in them about their future, added Justice Mr. Thakur.
In his address Advocate General, Punjab Mr. H.S. Mattewal hoped
that the interface between judiciary and state government would
prove to be an ideal platform and go a long way to strengthen
the bonds of judiciary,
legislature and executive. He said that the implementation of
this act would benefit 30,000 advocates of over 61 bar councils
in Punjab. He pointed out that the trustee committee constituted
under the section 4 of the Act would grant up to Rs. 5 lac incase
of death of an advocate and upto Rs. 2 lac in case of serious
ailment.
Speaking on the occasion, Judge of the Punjab & Haryana
high Court Justice Mr. Jasbir Singh and former member of the Bar
Council
of Punjab & Haryana High Court thanked Mr. Badal for this
benevolent gesture and hoped the implementation of this Act would
prove to be mile stone not only mitigating the hardships faced
by the legal fraternity but also boost their morale to discharge
their duties with utmost devotion, sincerity and honesty.
In his address Judge of the Punjab & Haryana high Court
Justice Mr Surya Kant said that with the implementation of this
Act the long pending demand of the lawyers had been conceded who
had been grappling with difficult phase especially in the evening
of their life for the lack of any social security measures.
Meanwhile Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal also addressed
on the occasion.
On the occasion Mr. Badal alongwith Chief Justice Mr. Tirath
Singh Thakur released a Advocates Welfare Fund Stamp.
Prominent amongst other who were also present on the occasion
included Haryana Advocate General Hawa Singh Hooda, Chairman Punjab
& Haryana Bar Council Y.V. Yadav and Secretary Trustee Committee
Harpreet Singh Brar. The function was also attended by the Hon'ble
Judges of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, former Judges,
members of the Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association
& bar council and lawyers.
WORLD BANK MISSION CALLS ON BADAL
CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 03, 2008
Third Implementation Support Mission of the World Bank presently
in the State (w.e.f November 25 – December 05, 2008) to
review the implementation progress of the project headed by Mr.
Shyamal Sarkar today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash
Singh Badal to apprise him about the outcome of their field visits
in the State.
Task Team Leader World Bank Project Mr.Shyamal Sarkar informed
the Chief Minister that the Mission members of the Third Implementation
Support Mission who are this time visiting the State after the
reduction in the per house hold upper limit of beneficiary contribution,
have observed good and enthusiastic response from the villages
as well as noticed appreciable progress in the construction of
Rural Water Supply Schemes as per the modified cost sharing rules.
Mr.Sarkar remarked that during his field visits and interaction
with the villagers he has also noticed a great demand for sewerage
schemes in the villages.
The Chief Minister desired that the number of villages to be
brought under sewerage schemes may be increased from the present
100 (as provided in the project) to 300 or even more if possible.
Mr. Sarkar agreed that since it was demand driven project, therefore
depending upon the success and response after the completion of
initial 100 sewerage schemes, increase in the number of villages
to be covered under sanitation component could be favorably considered.
Secretary Department of Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. P.S.
Aujla informed that after the reduction in the upper ceiling of
households share as well as 50% reduction of the prescribed amount
for SC population, in the last one month, the number of panchayats
who have deposited full contribution had increased from 84 to
145, number of panchayats who have deposited 50 to 90% contribution
had increased from 50 to 76 and number of panchayats who have
deposited less than 50 % contribution had increased from 129 to
159. At the end of November, 384 Gram Panchayats had given their
resolutions for joining batch-I of the project against the target
of 400 villages. These figures clearly indicated that the programme
was gaining momentum in rural areas and had started moving in
the right direction. As of now 25 Water Supply schemes have been
commissioned. Remaining 54 villages of the pilot batch would be
commissioned by December end.
Mr. Aujla further said that the process for the allotment of
works of batch –I villages was also picking up and by the
end of this month contracts for large number of villages would
be allotted. The amendment in the cost sharing rules would not
only expedite the pace of implementation of the project but would
also provide financial relief to the community due to lowering
of upper limit of house hold share of capital cost. The total
contribution from the households in the project villages after
the adoption of Modified Cost Sharing Rules would come down to
Rs. 53.38 crore (approx.), against the originally envisaged contribution
amount of Rs. 108 crore (approx.), thereby giving financial relief
to the Rural community to the tune of Rs. 54.67 crore in the rural
areas.
Chief Engineer (South) WSS cum Program Director World Bank Project
Mr. S.R. Aggarwal mentioned that the upper ceiling of house hold
share of capital cost had been reduced from existing Rs. 1500/-
per house hold to Rs. 800/- per house hold for general category
and from Rs. 750/- per house hold to Rs. 400/- per house hold
in the difficult area villages i.e. notified villages along International
Border, Kandi area, Bet area and water logged area. SC population
would contribute only 50% of the prescribed amounts.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included
Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr.Harcharan Bains, Principal
Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S.Guru Punjab, besides the members
of the mission viz. Senior Institutional Development Specialist
Ms. Soma Gosh Moulik, Procurement Consultant Mr. Shivendra Kumar
and Communication Specialist Ms Kiran Singh Negi.
BADAL DECLARE 17TH ALL INDIA FOREST GAMES
OPEN
Calls for National Sports Policy
CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 3, 2008
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today underscored
the need to formulate a national sports policy to ensure excellent
infrastructure and training to the young players in order to compete
at the International Sports events like Olympics, Asian Games
and Common Wealth Games.
An announcement to this effect was made by Mr. Badal while presiding
over a function to mark the opening of the 17th All India Forest
Games here at Panjab University.
The Chief Minister said that the state government would also
soon come out with a comprehensive sports policy to encourage
the young sports persons to excel in their respective sports at
national as well as international fora. "Our government had
earlier announced that who so ever will capture a gold medal in
Olympics would be honoured with a cash prize of Rs.1 crore and
Abhinav Bindra is the first recipient", said Mr. Badal. He
assured that the Punjab government would make all out efforts
to promote sports in a big way so that Punjab could once again
regain its lost pristine glory in sports.
Lauding the remarkable feat of Mr. Abhinav Bindra, Mr. Badal
said that he had brought glory to India in general and Punjab
in particular being the son of the soil. He hoped that after winning
this title in Olympics Mr. Bindra would surely become a role model
for the budding players of our country to promote sports at international
arena.
In his welcome Address Forest & Medical Research Minister
Mr.Tikshan Sud said that 137 sports and games events including
cultural and quiz competitions would be held and about 2000 Sportspersons
from 41 State Forest Departments/institutions of the country and
Ministry of Environment and Forests (GOI) would participate in
the meet. He pointed out that 'ENA' (Sanskrit word for black buck)
was the mascot of these games and represented black buck - the
State animal of Punjab. The Logo of these games depicted the State
Bird, 'Baaz', associated with Tenth Guru Sri Gobind Singh Ji and
represented speed, skill and power.
Speaking on the occasion, Olympic Gold Medalist Abhinav Bindra,
who was the 'Guest of Honor' on the occasion urged the young sports
persons to constantly strive for excellence, without caring for
failures and one day he would ultimately achieve the goal.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan
Bains, Principal Secretary Forest RC Nayyar besides Director General
Forest, Govt. of India PR Mohanty and Vice Chancellor Panjab University
Prof.RC Sobti.
SINGLE FILE SYSTEM INTRODUCED TO ENSURE CLEARANCE
OF FCA PROPOSALS WITHIN 15 DAYS- TIKSHAN SUD
CHANDIGARH, December 3, 2008
The Punjab Forest Department has decided to route all the diversion
cases of forest land under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (FCA)
through Single File System reducing the time of processing of
FCA proposals at Punjab Chief Conservator (PCCF) of Forests and
Government level to less than 15 days compared to 75 days taken
earlier.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Tikshan Sud, Forest Minister
said that number of FCA cases had increased enormously in the
recent past due to rapid pace of development in the State. He
said that large number of infrastructural projects for widening/
strengthening of the existing roads, construction of new roads,
railway lines, power projects, telecommunications, drinking water
& sewerage pipelines, establishment of industries, tourist
resorts/ hotels, dhabas, housing colonies etc. have to seek prior
approval of Government of India for diversion of forest land mainly
for approach roads.
The Forest Minister said that there was a huge investment involved
in all these infrastructural and developmental projects and extent
of forest area for diversion was very small in each project. Any
delay in approval of these projects resulted in the escalation
of project cost. Keeping this in mind, Forest Department has taken
a decision to adopt a single file system to curb the delay in
processing of the FCA cases submitted by various user agencies
to minimize the time taken to process the proposals at four levels
i.e. Divisional Forest Officer, Conservator of Forests, Nodal
Officer (FCA) and Government, the Minister added.
Mr. Sud said that this decision would not only curb the delay
in submitting the proposals to Government of India but also save
in the project costs due to quick approvals. The Minister added
that the office of PCCF, Punjab would send the file containing
the proposal for permission/diversion directly to Financial Commissioner
(Forests) who will send it directly to Government of India.
This administrative reform decision of Punjab Forest Department
cutting down the red-tape has been welcomed by many entrepreneurs
in the State.
PAWAN KUMAR TINU TAKES OVER AS CHARIMAN OF PUNJAB
SCHEDULED CASTE FINANCE CORPORATION
Chandigarh 3rd Dec.,2008
Mr. Pawam Kumar Tinu, a Law Graduate and an activitist of Shiromani
Akali Dal today took over as the Chairman of the Pb. Sch. Castes
Land Dev. & Finance Corporation here today. Mr. Sukhbir Singh
Badal, Member Parliament and President, Shiromani Akali Dal, was
especially present to bless the newly appointed Chairman in his
office.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Badal said that Mr. Pawan Kumar
of Jalandhar has been given this assignment because of his acumen
and farsightedness in matter of overall managing this Finance
Corporation. A Masters in Economics, Mr. Tinu would be instrumental
in formulating schemes, programmes and policies benefitting the
people of Punjab especially the youth belonging to the Scheduled
.Castes and Backward Classes.
While expressing his gratitude to the Shirmani Akali Dal and
the President of the Party, Mr. Pawan Kumar said that he as the
Chairman of the corporation would minutely study the implementation
of various ongoing financial schemes and programmes launched for
the Scheduled .Castes and Backward Classes. He said that he would
tour the entire State and conduct surprise checks to ensure the
transparency and regularity in the functioning of the district
offices under this Corporation. Every step would be taken by the
corporation to strengthen the base of Shiromani Akali Dal and
in keeping with Election Manifesto of Shiromani Akali Dal.
Mr. Pawam Kumar Tinu, a 39 year old leader participated in a
number of Dalit Agitations from his college time. He joined Bahujan
Samaj Party in 1989-90 and was elected Village Sarpach in the
year 1994. He also remained State General Secretary of the Party.
Contested assembly elections in the year 2002 and secured good
number of votes. Contested Parliamentary Elections from Phillaur
and secured more than 1, 60,000 votes and finally joined SAD in
May 2008.
Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister, Punjab,
Mr. Mohan Lal Banga, MLA, Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, Chief Parliamentary
Secretary, Local Govt., Mr. M.L.Sharma, PCS, Executive Director
of the Corporation, Mr. K.K.Diwan, General Manager, all the officers
of the Department and the Corporation and hundreds of the supporters
of Mr. Pawan Kumar all over Punjab were present on the occasion.
PAWAN KUMAR TINU TAKES OVER AS CHARIMAN OF PUNJAB
SCHEDULED CASTE FINANCE CORPORATION.
Chandigarh 3rd Dec.,2008
Mr. Pawam Kumar Tinu, a Law Graduate and an activitist of Shiromani
Akali Dal today took over as the Chairman of the Pb. Sch. Castes
Land Dev. & Finance Corporation here today. Mr. Sukhbir Singh
Badal, Member Parliament and President, Shiromani Akali Dal, was
especially present to bless the newly appointed Chairman in his
office.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Badal said that Mr. Pawan Kumar
of Jalandhar has been given this assignment because of his acumen
and farsightedness in matter of overall managing this Finance
Corporation. A Masters in Economics, Mr. Tinu would be instrumental
in formulating schemes, programmes and policies benefitting the
people of Punjab especially the youth belonging to the Scheduled
.Castes and Backward Classes.
While expressing his gratitude to the Shirmani Akali Dal and
the President of the Party, Mr. Pawan Kumar said that he as the
Chairman of the corporation would minutely study the implementation
of various ongoing financial schemes and programmes launched for
the Scheduled .Castes and Backward Classes. He said that he would
tour the entire State and conduct surprise checks to ensure the
transparency and regularity in the functioning of the district
offices under this Corporation. Every step would be taken by the
corporation to strengthen the base of Shiromani Akali Dal and
in keeping with Election Manifesto of Shiromani Akali Dal.
Mr. Pawam Kumar Tinu, a 39 year old leader participated in a
number of Dalit Agitations from his college time. He joined Bahujan
Samaj Party in 1989-90 and was elected Village Sarpach in the
year 1994. He also remained State General Secretary of the Party.
Contested assembly elections in the year 2002 and secured good
number of votes. Contested Parliamentary Elections from Phillaur
and secured more than 1, 60,000 votes and finally joined SAD in
May 2008.
Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister, Punjab,
Mr. Mohan Lal Banga, MLA, Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, Chief Parliamentary
Secretary, Local Govt., Mr. M.L.Sharma, PCS, Executive Director
of the Corporation, Mr. K.K.Diwan, General Manager, all the officers
of the Department and the Corporation and hundreds of the supporters
of Mr. Pawan Kumar all over Punjab were present on the occasion.
