World Bank Assisted, Rs. 1280.30 crore program- Provide water
supply to 3662 villages
Ludhiana, February 3, 2008
Taking a strong exception to the claim of the Punjab Pradesh
congress leadership for being the sole votary of the state's interests
and the rights of its people, S. Bikram Singh Majithia Minister
for Water Supply, Sanitation and Information & Public Relations
Punjab dared them," if they are true to their words, then
they should not miss an opportunity to accompany the SAD-BJP in
its proposed joint Protest Rally to be held at New Delhi on 22nd
February to pressurize the Center to concede the legitimate and
justified the demands of the beleaguered peasantry and industry
of the state". Mr. Majithia stipulated that SAD- BJP alliance
would virtually launch a crusade for seeking an attractive agriculture
and industrial package for the state at all costs. He demanded
an early announcement of similar package for its debt ridden farmers
on the Vidharba pattern and grant of liberal concessions for the
industry at par with the neighboring states of Himachal Pradesh,
Uttrakand and J & K.
Addressing a massive gathering after inaugurating newly executed
Water Supply Scheme at a cost of Rs. 63.93 lakh at village Ayali
Khurd 8 kms from here today, Mr. Majithia squarely blamed the
congress party in the state for bringing the state to the brink
of economic disaster due to the ill conceived and illogical policies
of the previous Govt. for their own vested political interests
. He claimed that whenever the Congress party came in power in
Punjab it always negated the development process initiated by
the SAD-BJP Govt., which was a pointer towards their established
policy of double speak.
Referring to the broad outlines of the ambitious World
Bank Assisted, Punjab Renewal Water Supply and Sanitation Project
of Rs. 1280.30 crore to provide potable drinking water in all
water scarcity hit villages in Punjab, Mr. majithia said that
under this program water supply will be provided to 3662 villages
i.e. 2124 not covered, 920 partially covered and 1618 villages
where service level has reduced from prescribed norms. He said
that 1000 ponds in the villages were also being renovated under
this program . The Engineers of the department would provide technical
assistance and Superintending Engineers would also periodically
monitor the quality of water being supplied in the villages.
Referring to the water supply schemes being taken up in Ludhiana
district, the Minister disclosed that out of 891 habitated villages
in the district 731 had already been provided with potable drinking
water supply. He added that 166 more villages were being covered
with the Water Supply and Sanitation projects at a cost of Rs.
4471 lakh by the end of year 2008-09. He said that water supply
schemes were also being executed in 55 villages falling along
Budha Nala at a cost of Rs. 363.48 lakh, out of which work in
28 village had already been completed. The minister announced
that a new road from Singhpura to Humbran would be constructed
soon.
Earlier, he also inaugurated the scheme costing to Rs 50 lac
of upgrading the government High School and of Rs 10 lac project
of streets and drains in the village.
Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon MP addressing the function said
that he had spent funds amounting to Rs 3.25 crore out of MP LAD
quota on the development of Dakha constituency alone.
Addressing the function S. Darshan Singh Shiwalik MLA and Mr.
Manpreet Singh Iyali Vice President YAD said that funds amounting
to more than Rs. 4 crore had already been released for the development
of Dakha constituency during the last 11 months.
Prominent among others who were present on this occasion includedMr.
Surinder Pal Singh Badhowal member SGPC, Mr. Arvinder Singh Chief
Engineer, Mr. Ashwani Kumar Soni SE, Mr. Maghar Singh Circle Jathedar,
Mr. Jagjit Singh Dhandra Member Block Samiti and Mr. Nater Singh
Sarpanch
BADAL EXHORTS AKALI LEADERSHIP TO FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF VETERAN
AKALIS PUNJAB CM ASKS RURAL SPORTS CLUBS TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN
A BIG WAY
Raipur Rajputa (Ludhiana) February 3-
Punjab Chief Minster Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon
the leadership of Shiromani Akali Dal to follow the precious legacy
and ideology of the veteran Akali leader Jathedar Daya Singh.
These views were expressed by Mr. Badal while paying homage
to Jathedr Daya Singh on his 3rd death anniversary here at local
Gurdwara in his native village.
The Chief Minister described Jathedar Daya Singh as an epitome
of self sacrifice and dedication, who spent his entire life for
the well being (Chardikala) of Sikh Panth. Mr. Badal said he had
a long association with Jathedar Daya Singh, who had the qualities
of head and heart and was committed to the service of humanity
to the core of his heart. He was an upright, contented and above
all a through humanitarian, who never aspired for any political
gain or position. After partition, Jathedar Daya Singh settled
here and adopted agriculture as an occupation to earn his livelihood.
He remained sarpanch of village panchayat for 22 years and served
as a member of SGPC for 21 years, besides also an executive member
of the SGPC. He also remained the District President of SAD Ludhiana
Rural spanning over 27 years, which spoke volumes of his credentials
and wider acceptability amongst the rank and file of the party.
Earlier, Mr. Badal visited the ancestral house of Jathedar Daya
Singh and met the family members including Ms. Harjinder kaur
daughter, Navtej Singh maternal grand son and Jasbir Singh nephew
of late Jathedar.
On the occasion, Mr. Badal announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh for
the development of village Raipur Rajputan. The Chief Minister
was accompanied by Mr. Jagjiwan Singh Khirnia MLA Samrala, Former
Akali MLA Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Jagdish Singh Garcha Mr.
Nusrat Ali, Mr. Jagdev Singh Tajpuri ( all Former Ministers),
District President SAD Mr. Santa Singh Umedpuri, Mr. Ajmer Singh
Bhagpur Chairman Milk Plant and Baba Jagroop Singh Circle Jathedar.
Later, Mr. Badal presided over the Prize Distribution function
at 25th Annual sports tournament organized by Singh Sports Association
at village Ghungrali Rajputan and announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh
to the sports club.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Badal said that our government
was committed to promote rural sports in a big way. He urged the
youth to participate in the sports activities, as Punjab had a
golden legacy in the sports since time immemorial. Showing deep
concern over the growing trend of drug addiction amongst the youth,
Mr. Badal pointed out that it was the high time to encourage the
younger generation towards the sports activities, so that their
unbounded energy and talent could be canalized in a constructive
manner. He asked the sports and youth clubs in the villages to
come forward for the promotion of the sports to enable Punjab
to regain its lost glory in the arena of sports.
Mr. Jagjiwan Singh Khirnia MLA Samrala, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra
Ex- MLA, District President SAD Mr. Santa Singh Umedpuri, Baba
Jagroop Singh Circle Jathedar. Mr. Surinder Singh Tiwana Chairman
of Singh Sports Club, Bibi Baljit Kaur Sapanch
