PUNJAB GOVT. NOMINATES MALHA, LOPOKE AND ANOKARWAL AS CHAIRMEN OF DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEES

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 18:

The Punjab Government today nominated former MLAs Mr. Bhag Singh Malha and Mr. Veer Singh Lopoke, besides SAD youth leader Mr. Jaswinder Singh Anokharwal as the Chairmen of the District Level Planning Committees of Ludhiana, Amritsar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshehar).

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab government said that with the 3 more Chairmen, Planning Committees of 15 out of the 20 districts had been constituted in the state. A Notification to this effect had been issued under Punjab District Planning Committees Act 2005.

The composition of Planning Committees in 5 districts of Roop Nagar (Ropar), Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and SAS Nagar (Mohali) would be announced shortly.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government also nominated Mr. Joginder Singh as Chairman of the Market Committee Samrala in Ludhiana district and Mr. Maghar Singh Waraich and mr. Sadhu Singh as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Dakha in Ludhiana district, added the spokesman .

DHINDSA CALLS FOR STRENGTHENING OF STATE POLICE FORCES

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 18, 2008

Shiromani Akali Dal Member Parliament from Sangrur Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa today called upon the Centre to strengthen the states' police forces in the country rather setting up an exclusive National Investigation Agency (INA) to combat terrorism.

Taking part in the discussions on a Bill – to set up of a National Investigation Agency (INA) on anti-terror in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Mr. Dhindsa said that there were many other federal agencies in the country viz. IB, CBI, RAW, Military intelligence besides many task forces and anti terrorist squads already functioning in the different states. He pointed out to bring this Bill hurriedly was not merely a redundant exercise but also tragic and unfortunate also especially in wake of Mumbai terror attacks after which the government had contemplated to introduce this Bill in the Parliament.

Mr. Dhindsa asked the Central government after taking the resignations of Union Home Minister and Chief Minister of Maharastra, what action had been taken on the intelligence inputs given by these agencies which had given divergent views on this horrific incident, few saying that they had given this information much earlier while others maintaining they did not receive any information before hand. Had any action taken by the Central Government so far and was any officer made accountable? questioned Mr. Dhindsa

Mr. Dhindsa asserted: "We are against terrorism because the quantum that we had suffered in Punjab no other state had ever suffered. But it doesn't mean that you make any agency or police as powerful as Punjab had seen this for a long period of nine years which resulted in many innocent killings by police and several others were imprisoned for none of their fault. We had not seen all this but actually suffered".

Mr. Dhindsa urged the Union Home Minister Mr.P. Chidambarm not to delegate his powers to any agency with which innocent people might be subjected to undue harassment. He said that SAD was totally averse to such attitude.

Mr. Dhindsa also asked the Union government that since this agency was being formed and was there any room for coordination between an agency and the state? How much coordination was there between the States and the Center during the Mumbai incidents? He underlined the need for perfect coordination amongst Center, States, Central Forces and State Forces which was the need of the hour and could not be over sighted at any cost. "It should not happen that we go on bringing such legislations without realizing the significance of coordination", affirmed Mr. Dhindsa.

Allying apprehensions about the genuineness of this agency, Mr. Dhindsa said that he was certain that it would also work on the lines as warranted by the nation but can we guarantee that this agency would not be misused by political leaders to settle their personal rivalry. It was a big question today and therefore, my party opposed it. "If Center had to constitute such an agency it should have summoned all the Chief Ministers for thorough discussion in this regard to evolve consensus which he hoped would not happen because ultimately these states would be affected by and large", said Mr. Dhindsa.

He pointed out that all the regional parties were of the view that there must be a federal system in true sense. The States should have autonomy of powers without any interference. To substantiate his claims, he said our Party's Anandpur Resolution supported this view point firmly.

The States should be given powers, funds to fight against terrorism. Likewise, State Forces must be equipped with modern infrastructure and technology. He said that during 1984 riots three to four thousands Sikhs were killed but none of the culprit had been so far sentenced. Had these culprits been punished then the Godhra incident would had not taken place.

Mr. Dhindsa said that he was against the attack on Pakistan after Mumbai incidents because Pakistan was totally under the pressure of ISI and its own democracy too was in peril. He said that if Indo-Pak war out breaks it would hamper the bilateral relations being developed steadily over a period of 10 to 12 years. He said that this situation should be tackled with utmost care by exercising political, diplomatic as well as international pressure. "War is not the solution. We have already suffered a lot due to terrorism in past and we are not in favour of it anymore. My party is of firm view that terrorism should be wiped out off from the world but as far as this bill is concerned we are of the view that no agency should be given absolute power to enable the forces to kill any innocent person anywhere. We must do soul searching", added Mr. Dhindsa.

Twenty one committees constituted for 14th National Youth Festival 2009 in Amritsar

CHANDIGARH: DECEMBER 18, 2008

Punjab Youth Services Department constituted twenty one committees for 14th National Youth Festival 2009 organised in Amritsar from January 12 to 16-2009. It would be for the first time that this festival would be held in Punjab.

Giving details about committee in official Spokesman said that the Punjab Chief Minister would be the Chief Patron of Organizing Committee and Minister Youth Services and Sports would be the Chairman, Chief Secretary Punjab would be Senior Vice Chairman. He said that besides this the organizing committee has 27 members.

Giving more information regarding the committees the Spokesman said that the other committees more Executive Committee. Chief Secretary Punjab would be the Chairman of Executive Committee along with the nine members. Nineteen Sub-Committees were constituted at local level day today functions at Amritsar. Deputy Commissioner, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Reception-cum-Registration Committee along with thirteenth members. Director Youth Services Punjab would be the Chairman of Co-ordination Committee along with five members. Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Accommodation Committee along with the eight members. District Transport Officer, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Transport Committee along with three members. District Food Supplies Controller, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Food Committee along with seven members. Director Public Relations, Punjab would be the Chairman of Media Committee along with five members. Principal Secretary Youth Services and Sports Punjab would be the Chairman of Opening and Closing Ceremony Committee along with nine members. S.P.Traffic, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Traffic Control Committee along with two members. S.J.P.Negi Deputy Director NYK New Delhi would be the Chairman of Competitive Events Committee along with seven members. Sh.Alwin Masih, Zonal Director, NYK, Haryana would be the Chairman of Non-Competitive Events Committee along with two members. Sh.Satish Shawny, Deputy Programme Advisor, NSS, New Delhi would be the Chairman of Subvichar and Youth Convention Committee along with four members. Additional Deputy Commissioner (D) Amritsar would be the Chairman of Finance Committee along with three members. Chief Medical Officer, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Medical Aid and Health Committee along with three members. Divisional Forest Officer would be the Chairman of Exhibition Committee along with three members. Sh.M.S.Randhawa, IFS Divisional Forest Officer, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Central Control Room along with three members. DIG Police Border Range, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Securities Arrangement Committee along with two members. Ceremony will be conducted by Officers of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of India under the presentation of Youth Award Committee. Chief Engineer PSEB, Amritsar would be the Chairman of Water Sanitation Electrification Committee along with five members. District Transport Officer Amritsar would be the Chairman of People's Participation Committee along with five members.

LOK ADALTS BEST PLATFORM TO REDRESS DISPUTES

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 18, 2008
Naginder Singh

Punjab Government has taken effective steps to educate general public regarding the benefits of Lok Adalats and to persuade the parties to resolve the disputes and work out modalities, before the actual holding of Lok Adalats on 20th and 21st December, 2008 in the State.

Giving this information here today an official spokesman said that Lok Adalat was a platform for the resolution of disputes by way of compromise. All types of Civil Disputes and Criminal offences except those which were non compoundable were also settled and compromised by the Lok Adalats. Those disputes which have not reached the courts, could be settled at pre litigative stage without filing any suit, with the consent of the parties by way of giving an application.

He said the decision of Lok Adalat was binding and final on both the parties. There was no appeal against the decision of Lok Adalat. The decision of Lok Adalt could be executed in a similar way as a decree passed by the civil court. The court fee deposited by the parties was also refunded to the parties after the settlement of the dispute in the Lok Adalat. The partieis were not required to wait for years for the decision. The Lok Adalat takes very less time and the disputes were compromised in a peaceful manner with the consent of the parties.

Giving more details regarding the benefits of Lok Adalats, the spokesman said, the parties were not required to go to the courts repeatedly but the litigation was finished after a single decision pronounced by the Lok Adalat. The feeling of hatred between the parties gets transformed in to one of friendship and brotherhood. Besides this by way of decision of Lok Adalat, neither of the party becomes a winner nor the loser but both the parties get justice equally, he added.

BADAL WRITES TO UNION RAILWAYS MINISTER FOR PLYING SHATABDI EXPRESS TRAIN BETWEEN DELHI – BATHINDA

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 18, 2008

Punjab Chief minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Railways Minister Mr.Lalu Prasad to immediately to start the Shatabdi Express train between Delhi-Bathinda (Delhi-Rohtak-Jind-Bathinda) to cater to the need of comfortable and hassle free travel facility to the people of the Malwa region.

In a letter to Mr. Lalu Prasad, the Chief Minister said that there was a dire need to playing this train on the persistent demands of professionals, executives, government officials, politicians, agriculturist, traders, businessmen, etc. of the region. He sought Mr. Prasad's personal intervention to look into matter and expedite the long pending demand of the people of this belt.

Mr. Badal further mentioned that Bathinda city was surrounded by more than 12 small cities with total population in excess of 15 lacs and was an important center of grain and cotton markets. Besides business activities were picking up speed in the growing Steel, Power and Refinery sectors. The Rs.18919 crore JV Refinery-GGSRL, being developed by HMEL (HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited), would provide a much needed thrust to the already fast growing economy of the city. The proposed Rs. 13500 crore Power plant to be executed by Vendanta Group was also situated just 40 Km from Bathinda and would hugely contribute to the economy of the region. The city had also elaborate set-up of all 3 Oil PSUs, most private and public sector Banks and Insurance companies, major telecom companies, NFL Plant, 2 Thermal Power Plants, Citrus Fruit Belts, Sugar Mills, Yarn and Textile Plants and Petrochemical Plants. The Punjab Government had plans to set up a special economic zone for textile, a flying school, an international cricket stadium and academy, a domestic airport and an air conditioned bus terminal-cum-commercial complex besides Bathinda has the largest military cantonment of Asia.

Apart from these, tourists/religious destinations like Takhat Damdama Sahib, Maiser Khana Mandir and Quila Mubarak attracts a large number of tourists from all over every year. A large MNC group had recently acquired prime location land in Bathinda and would be developing a city centre. Key real estate players of the country are also building world class residential and commercial complexes in the city, mentioned Mr. Badal.

PUNJAB TO DEVELOP EMBRYO TRANSFER TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST DAIRYING

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 18, 2008

Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal today stressed the need to make use of the Embryo Transfer Technology on commercial scale to boost the growth of dairy and achieve the quantum jump in the milk production of the state.

Chairing the 5th meeting of the Punjab Dairy Development Board here in Chief Minister office, Mr. Badal desired that a committee consisting of Secretary Animal Husbandry, Vice Chancellor Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) and two progressive dairy farmers should be constituted to prepare an action plan within 15 days for the implementation of the Embryo Transfer Technology programme in the state.

The Chief Minister particularly mentioned that the talent generated through training in Embryo Transfer Technology by GADVASU must be gainfully utilized for the benefit of the state and should be ensured that the same does not go waste.

While discussing the issue of mechanization of dairy farming and providing assistance for the purchase of hi-tech machinery and equipment, Mr. Badal pointed out that a list of ultra-modern machinery and equipment should be drawn in consultation with the experts of GADVASU so that a scheme to provide subsidy on the same was approved.

Taking a serious view of the prevalent menace of adulteration in milk and milk products and preparation of spurious milk and milk products by unscrupulous elements, the Chief Minister ordered that the work of quality control on milk should be given to the Dairy Development department and a District level Committee consisting of Deputy Director, Dairy, Deputy Manager, Milkfed and a Progressive Dairy Farm should supervise the work of quality control in the district.

The Chief Minister appreciated the need for the implementation of clean milk production programme at those dairy farms, which did not come in the ambit of Cooperative network and were deprived of the benefit under Govt. of India's Clean Milk Production programme. He agreed with the scheme prepared for this purpose under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, but desired that the level of subsidy should be raised to 50% from the level of 25% proposed earlier.

During the course of review of progress of the training programmes run by the Punjab Dairy Development Board, the Chief Minister asserted that training programmes should be constantly reviewed and updated so that the know how of the trainees was upgraded and they were optimally benefited from it. The structuring of training courses should be need based. The opinion of the experts of the GADVASU should be taken into consideration while revamping the training courses, said Mr. Badal.

Mr. Badal emphasized that the Progressive Dairy Farmers should suggest ways and means to boost the dairy sector because they were fully aware with the ground realities and thus the programmes/schemes by the departments should be prepared on the basis of those suggestions so that the real progress was achieved as there was tremendous scope for the growth and development of dairy in the state.

The meeting was attended by Animal Husbandry Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Dr.Vijay Kumar Taneja, Chairman Milkfed Mr. G.S.Babehali, Secretary Animal Husbandry Mrs. Usha R. Sharma, Director Animal Husbandry Dr.Baljit Singh Sidhu, Director Dairy Development Department Mr.Inderjit Singh, besides Manager Procurement Nestle India Ltd. Moga Dr. B.S.Bhullar, President Progressive Dairy Farmers' Association Mr.Daljit Singh Sadarpura, Mr. Randhir Singh Rode, Mr. Narinder Singh Ranike , Mr.Inderjit Singh Bagi, Mr. Yadvinder Singh, Mr. Swaran Singh Haripur and other officials.

PUNJAB TO LAUNCH SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 18, 2008

The Punjab Government would launch a week long special campaign to educate the consumers regarding their rights and duties and it would begin with the celebrations of National Consumer Day on December 24, 2008.

According to an official spokesman a multi-media campaign would be organized during this week to make consumers aware regarding protection given to him under various consumer protection acts including Weights & Measures Act, Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1955, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, Agriculture Produce (Grading & Marketing) Act, 1937etc and their provisions benefiting the consumers.

The spokesman said that since most of the public service organizations belong to government sector including public sector, it would be imperative for these organizations to upgrade their services to meet the high consumer expectations. He said that consumer would also be educated that what kind of remedial measures he can take in the case of deficiency service by any organization whether government or private.

The spokesman further said that as a part of this campaign educative literature would be distributed to the consumers. Exhibitions, film shows would be organized to make consumer aware about his rights and duties. Debates, declamation contests, quiz programmes, dramas, skits and other programmes would be organized during this week to take the message of importance of consumer protection acts to the masses.

It may be added that the National Consumer Day is organized on December 24 every year, as on this day in the year 1986 Consumer Protection Act came into force, recognizing consumer as important part of society.