BADAL ASK MINISTERS TO BE REMAIN IN CHANDIGARH
ON EVERY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THRUSDAY TO MEET GENERAL PUBLIC
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 06, 2008
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal directed all
his cabinet colleagues to remain available to general public for
three days every week in Chandigarh for on-the-spot redressal
of grievances.
Disclosing this here today Media Advisor to the Chief Minister
Mr. Harcharan Bains said that the ministers would remain in Chandigarh
on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Mr. Badal gave these directions
to his cabinet colleagues during a meeting of the council of ministers,
and asked them to strictly adhere to this schedule for the convenience
of the general public.
PUNJAB CABINET ADOPTS UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION
TO RESOLVE AMRITSAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ISSUE
Seeks CM's Personal Intervention with PM, Prafull Patel and Kamal
Nath
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 6, 2008
The Punjab Council of Ministers today urged the Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Civil Aviation Minister, Mr.Prafull
Patel and Union Commerce Minister, Mr.Kamal Nath to take immediate
steps to ensure that ongoing international as well as domestic
flights to Raja Sansi Airport, Amritsar were not discontinued
and expansion work of Amritsar Airport be completed at the earliest.
Disclosing this here today Chief Minister's Media Advisor Mr.
Harcharan Bains said that the resolution was moved by the Information
& Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia which
was unanimously adopted by the Council of Ministers in a meeting
held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash
Singh Badal. The resolution urged the Union Civil Aviation Ministry
to immediately lower the landing charges and make it lower than
Delhi Airport so that Delhi Airport could be decongested besides
helping the NRI population of Punjab.
It may be recalled that Mr. Majithia had earlier led a deputation
of MLAs and Members of Parliament from Majha to impress upon Mr.
Badal to personally take up this issue immediately with the GoI.
The resolution requested the Union Government that it should
take all the steps to restore the international character of Raja
Sanasi Airport Amritsar as stoppage of international flights at
Amritsar would hit lakhs of religious pilgrims coming to Sri Darbar
Sahib and Mata Vaishno Devi at Jammu.
The council of Minister through this resolution also urged the
Union government as stoppage of international flights to Amritsar
would adversely affect the trade, industry and overall economy
of Amritsar causing lot of distress in economic scenario of Punjab
economy.
The resolution also urged Mr. Kamal Nath, Union Commerce Minister
to direct his Ministry to issue requisite notifications so that
duty drawback claims for cargo booked from Raja Sansi Airport
were cleared within 7 days as being done in Delhi Airport. It
said that presently duty drawback claims from Amritsar Airport
were cleared in 3-4 months and businessmen were not opting this
airport as they don't want to block their money for a longer period.
The resolution said that basic purpose of starting international
flights from Amritsar was to decongest Delhi Airport as 29% international
air traffic at Delhi was from Punjab.
The resolution further highlighted that presently Union Civil
Aviation Ministry was charging Rs.1.54 lac landing charges per
flight in Amritsar from Singapore Airlines as compared to Rs.75,000
as charges by Delhi Airport. Similarly Jet Airways was shelling
Rs.94,000 as compared to Rs.69,000 paid by them in Delhi. The
resolution also pointed out that nearly double the landing charges
in Amritsar are making flights from this airport unviable for
the airlines.
The council of Ministers through this resolution also wanted
to bring to the notice of Union Civil Aviation Ministry Rs.140
crores expansion work of Raja Sansi Airport was to be completed
by 31st October, 2008 but till date not even 40% work had been
completed causing inconvenience to passengers coming to airport.
This was also resulted in drop of traffic in Amrtisar Airport.
The Council requested the Ministry to get the work of airport
completed at an early date.
The council of Minister through this resolution wanted to bring
to the notice to Union Civil Aviation Ministry that arrangement
of Raja Sansi Airport were very poor as all trolleys were broken
and coolie Mafia was ruling the roost, added Mr. Bains.
Cabinet Approves Setting
Up of 1200 MW Power Thermal Plant at Rajpura
Establishment of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Police
University Okayed
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 06, 2008
In a major initiative to make Punjab power surplus state, the
Punjab Cabinet today gave its approval in principle for setting
up a 1200 MW Power Thermal Plant at Rajpura. Work on the prestigious
project is likely to be inaugurated on December 8.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the state
council of ministers here this evening. The meeting was chaired
by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
Giving details of the decision taken at today's meeting, Chief
Minister's Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains said that the Coal
based Thermal Power Project would be now set up at Rajpura over
an area 1078.16 acres on Built Own Operate (BOO) basis It may
be recalled that the construction work on Talwandi Sabo Power
Project and Goindwal Sahib Thermal Plant with an installed capacity
of 1980 MW and 540 MW respectively was in full swing and both
these projects would be operational by December 2011.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave a green
signal for establishing the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Police University
at Ladhowal near Ludhiana for instruction, research and other
academic activities in police related subjects. Apart from this,
the university would also impart training of police education
programmes both to police personnel and non police persons. The
state government would make a provision of recurring expenditure
of Rs.5 crore per annum to the university besides mobilization
of capital expenditure of Rs.50 crore from other sources like
Punjab Infrastructure Development Board.
The Cabinet also gave nod to a new policy for opening new Private
Veterinary Colleges to run degree course in Veterinary Sciences
& Animal Husbandry in the state. Accordingly, a screening
committee comprising Directors of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries
& Dairy Development and Registrar Punjab Veterinary Council
had been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary Animal
Husbandry to interview the prospective applicants, inspect the
sites to assess the financial status, interest & capability
of the applicants and send its recommendations to the state government.
The applicant would be required to obtain a 'No Objection Certificate'
from the Punjab State Veterinary Council to get affiliation from
the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University
(GADVASU) and would submit the site plan of the college buildings
and other infrastructure along with time frame for implementation.
The Cabinet also approved the acquisition of land measuring 120
acre 3 kanal 16 marla in village Attari and Roranwala for setting
up Integrated Check Post at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar district.
The Cabinet also gave its approval for allotment of 3 acres land
to the Agriculture department for construction of a market yard
to be developed by Punjab Mandi Board, 2 acres land to Punjab
State Electricity Board for construction of power grid station
and 1 acre to the Rural Development & Panchayats department
for construction of a community centre out of the land measuring
7.18 acres of canal colony at village Alamwala in Tehsil Malout
of Muktsar district.
The Cabinet also approved the Punjab Works of Licensees Rules
2008 prepared by the department of power on the basis of the rules
framed by the Government of India in consultation with Punjab
State Electricity Board, Punjab State Electricity Regularity Commission,
Chief Electrical Inspector, department of Personnel and the Local
Government department.
The Cabinet also gave its approval for amending the Punjab Agricultural
Produce Market Act, 1961 in order to enhance the period of super
session of Market Committees for a period of two years from the
date of initial super session i.e. 18.5.2007 on which the ordinance
was promulgated to now enable the state government to reconstitute
the superseded market committees by 17.5.2009.
PUNJAB CM FELICITATES CRPF ON ITS 69TH
ANNIVERSRY
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 06, 2008
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated
the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on its 69th anniversary
being observed on 7th November, 2008.
In a message, Mr. Badal recalled the outstanding services of
the CRPF towards the country for maintaining the national integration
since its inception and setting high standards of professional
commitment for discharging their arduous nature of duties be it
for internal security in Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern and
naxal affected states besides striving hard to help the administration
in maintenance of law and order, free and fair conduct of elections,
tacking communal situations, disaster and natural calamities.
The Chief Minister hoped that the Force would continue its endeavour
to perpetuate its glorious legacy of service, loyalty and dedication
and act as a source of inspiration for the new recruits to perform
their duties with utmost devotion, sincerity and honesty thereby
keeping the lofty motto of the force 'Service & Loyalty' ever
high.
BADAL FELICITATES BARACK OBAMA ON BECOMING
US PRESIDENT
Rs.300 Crore Grant for Municipal Committees and Nagar Panchayats
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 06, 2008
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today congratulated
Senator Barack Obama on becoming the 44th President of United
States of America, saying his spectacular victory would inspire
the Indian community, especially the Punjabis who railed strongly
behind him and hoped it would foster better and closer ties with
India.
Addressing the media persons during a weekly interaction, Mr.
Badal hoped that a new chapter of US Indian relationship would
be scripted with Obama's election as President of the USA and
the rights of the immigrants belonging to different faiths, religions
and races would be protected in the hands of the great visionary
Barack Obama.
Referring to the re-organization of the blocks and tehsils in
the state, Mr. Badal further stated that all the 141 blocks, 77
tehsils and 76 sub-tehsils would be revamped to ensure all around
and balanced growth in the new model of rural development. Mr.
Badal announced that the state government had taken in principal
decision to develop Attari in the border district of Amritsar
as a new block. He also announced that the funds to the tune of
Rs.300 crore approximately would be given to the 128 municipal
committees and nagar panchayats with in 15 days to undertake various
development schemes in order to upgrade existing infrastructure
of street lighting, tubewells and roads. He said that 26 municipalities
under category-I would be provided Rs.3 crore each, likewise 41
and 27 category-II & III municipalities would be given Rs.2
crore and Rs.1 crore each respectively, besides Rs.1 crore each
to 34 nagar panchayats for the execution of development activities.
Mr. Badal also revealed that 5 corporation cities had already
been given grant of Rs.550 crore for the integrated urban development
of Amritsar (Rs.165 crore), Jalandhar (Rs.101 crore), Ludhiana
(Rs.100 crore), Patiala (Rs.80 crore) and Bathinda (Rs.99 crore).
The Chief Minister pointed out that apart from this the Housing
& Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) had sanctioned a loan
of Rs.500 crore for water supply, sewerage and sewerage treatment
plants in the rural segment of the state. The state government
had already sanctioned funds worth Rs.850 crore for water supply,
sewerage, sewerage treatment plants and other schemes like slum
development. Giving the details of area wise allocated funds,
Mr. Badal informed that Amritsar (Rs.211 crore), Ludhiana (Rs.308
crore), Jalandhar (Rs.140 crore), Bathinda (Rs.26 crore), Malout
(Rs.23 crore), Majitha (Rs.1.21 crore), Pathankot (Rs.48 crore),
Zirakpur (Rs.42 crore), Muktsar (Rs.29 crore) and Sunam (Rs.14
crore).
Referring to the allocation of the Rural Development Fund, the
Chief Minister disclosed that Rs.4 crore each would be disbursed
in each assembly constituency thereby totaling to Rs.334 crore.
He also mentioned that 9100 kms of link roads had been repaired
at a cost of Rs.876 crore and 1700 km of new roads with 20 km
each in every assembly constituency worth Rs.300 crore had been
laid down during 2008.
Conceding the long pending demand of the state government, the
World Bank had allowed relaxing its norms for contribution from
the households for Rs.1280 crore WB aided water supply scheme
in rural areas. He said that now contribution would be Rs.750
and Rs.375 per household for general category and scheduled caste
population more than 40% all over the state instead of earlier
contribution of Rs.1500 and Rs.750 per household. Likewise, it
had now been reduced to Rs.400 and Rs.200 per household in case
of general and SC population for the problem areas like Kandi,
bet, border and water logged from the earlier contribution of
Rs.800 and Rs.400 per household. He said that as many as 612 villages
had been covered under the WB water supply scheme upto September
2008.
Referring to the cancellation of international flights from
Amritsar airport, the Chief Minister said that he would personally
call on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Civil Aviation
Minister Parful Patel to apprise them about the impending crisis
that had badly hit the trade and commerce activity in the region
and impress upon them for its early solution.
Clarifying the position on the payment of 7% DA installment
to the employees, Mr. Badal said that it would be released soon
as the funds were not any bottleneck in the way of payment of
DA to the employees.
Showing satisfaction over the paddy procurement scenario in
Punjab, Mr. Badal said that as compared to last year procurement
target of 126.72 lac MT procurement till 5th November had touched
a level of 124.33 lac MT. He hoped this year expected procurement
of paddy was around 140-145 lac MT. He said that so far 98.3%
procurement had been undertaken by the state agencies and merely
1.7% by the Food Corporation of India against its target of 10%.
He said payment to the tune of Rs.9200 crore had been made to
the farmers till date and bonus was being directly credited in
the farmers accounts.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his media advisor Mr.
Harcharan Bains and Director Information & Public Relations
Tejveer Singh.
BENEFICIARY CONTRIBUTION SLASHED 50% IN WORLD BANK WATER
PROJECT-TO BENEFIT 6.72 LAC RURAL HOUSE HOLDS TO THE
TUNE OF 154 CRORES
Chandigarh, November 6
On constant persuasion and prolonged negotiation by Punjab Water
Supply and Sanitation department, the World Bank today agreed
to slash beneficiary contribution by 50% in World Bank Aided Punjab
Rural Water Supply & Sanitation Project costing Rs. 1280.30
crore benefitting 671349 rural household including 1,18,827 SC
habitations to the tune of Rs. 154 crore.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Water Supply
and Sanitation Minister said that he has received a communication
from Country Director, World Bank, conveying these amendments
in the beneficiary contribution. the State Government's proposal
for modification in the Cost Sharing Rules. He said that in the
modified cost sharing rules Upper ceiling of house hold share
of capital cost has 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. Giving a major
benefit to Schedule Caste Community, it has been decided that
SC population will contribute only 50% of the prescribed amounts.
Blaming the previous Congress Government for showing undue haste
to sign the loan agreement with World bank without critically
examining the implications of various conditions, Mr. Majithia
said that stringent/unpractical provisions proved, counter productive
to welfare of Rural people. He said that it's strange that Congress
party that all ways pays lip sympathy for ameliorating the lot
of scheduled caste household, did not insisted on provision for
concession in payment to scheduled caste households. He said that
our government renegotiated and made them agree to provide 50%
concession to SC households.
Expressing happiness that earnest efforts of the government have
now yield positive result, Mr. Majithia said that now World Bank
has further slashed beneficiaries contribution to 50%. He said
that the amendment in the cost sharing rules will not only expedite
the pace of implementation of the project but will also provide
financial relief to the community due to lowering of upper limit
of house hold share of capital cost.
Mr. majithia said that during last one year the project has covered
612 villages with potable water supply against 135 villages during
the corresponding period in last years registering the progress
of 260%. He said that this year's department had kept target to
cover 2301 villages and he hoped that with the reduction of beneficiaries
contribution, the implementation of the project would get further
impetus.
It may be added that World Bank Aided Punjab Rural Water Supply
& Sanitation Project was formally launched on 25.05.07 after
its approval by Board of Directors World Bank on 14.12.06 and
Punjab Government's agreement with World Bank & Government
of India on 26.02.07. The Project was aimed to provide water supply
to all the not covered (NC) and partially covered (PC) villages
in the State and to bring them to fully covered (FC) status. He
said that Project envisages to construct new water supply schemes
in 3161 villages and 1024 other habitations settled outside the
Lal Dora of the main village. Besides, the project also had a
provision to improve the service delivery of existing water supply
schemes in 1618 villages, provide 300 water treatment plants in
quality affected villages, rejuvenation & cleaning of 1000
village ponds and construction of small bore sewerage system on
pilot basis in 100 villages.
PUNJAB INDUSTRIES MINISTER, MANORANJAN
KALIA, GUEST OF HONOUR AT BANGALOREIT.BIZ
CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 6, 2008
A high-level delegation from the Government of Punjab is in Bangalore
to participate in the three-day ICT flagship event 'BangaloreIT.biz',
being held at the Palace Grounds from today. Mr. Manoranjan Kalia,
the Minister for Industries and Commerce, Pun jab was the guest
of honour at the inaugural session. He shared the dias with Karnataka
Chief Minister, Mr. Yeddyurappa and M r. Narendra Modi, Chief
Minister of Gujarat.
Mr. Kalia is leading the delegation comprising Principal Secretary,
Industries & Commerce, Dr S.S. Channy; Punjab Infotech Chairman,
Mr. H S Grewal and Managing Director, Punjab Infotech, Mr. RakeshVerma.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Kalia paid tributes to the achievements
of the State of Karnataka in the IT sector, stating that it has
become a role model to be emulated by other states. He said that
Punjab had led the Green Revolution when the country needed food
security and that it would rise to the occasion again to contribute
to the IT sector's growth in the country. In his speech, the Minister
shared details on various initiatives being taken by the Government
of Punjab to create a conducive business ecosystem for investors.
He mentioned that the State is pursuing a holistic strategy which
encompasses interventions related to infrastructure, human resources,
policy and investor relations. He highlighted unique initiatives
such as the 380 acre Knowledge City at Mohali, the new IIT at
Ropar and the Industrial Facilitation Act. He also invited industry
to visit the two proposed project sites - the 100 acre site at
Kapurthala for ITeS projects and the 280 acre site at Ropar for
high end software development projects.
To further its dialogue with IT majors, the delegation travelled
to the Infosys campus in the afternoon and engaged in one-to-one
discussions with Mr HR Binod, Senior Vice-President and head of
Infosys India Business Unit; and Mr. Chandraketu Jha, Head, Infosys's
Commercial Unit. Both of them are also on the Infosys's Board
of Directors.
Later in the evening, the delegation participated in the CEO
Conclave at the Palace Grounds. Punjab was the sponsor of the
networking dinner event.
IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED
CHANDIGARH, November 6, 2008
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational
irrigation Programme for the Rabi Season through Canal water from
5 November to 12 November, 2008. The channels of Sirhind Canal
System would run on priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala
feeder, Sidhwan Branch, Bhatinda Branch and Bist Doab Canal respectively.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department
said that direct distributaries of Ghaggar link and its off taking
channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being
in the Ist preference will run to their indent. Balance water
supplies available will be utilised in direct distributaries of
Bhakra main line of Group 'A'.
The spokesman further said that the Punjab channels off taking
from Harika and Ferozepur Head Works & Branches i.e. Abohar
Branch off taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries of
group "B" would run on first preference to their indent.
Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries
of Sirhind Feeder in Group "A".
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper
Bari Doab Canal i.e. Lahore Branch with its distributaries being
in first Preference would run to their indent. Balance Surplus
water available would be utilised in Main Branch Lower, Kasur
Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch and with its distributaries respectively.
Photo Electoral rolls in Punjab to be
revised:CEO
Chandigarh November 6, 2008
Ms.Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab here today
informed that the Photo Electoral Rolls for all the Vidhan Sabha
constituencies as per the newly delimited assembly constituencies
are being revised in accordance with the guidelines and the programme
issued by the Election Commission of India.
Those citizens who have attained the age of 18 years as on 1st
Jan 2009 and are eligible to be voters, may approach the Electoral
Registration Officer or Officers authorized by him and fill the
Form No 6 to get their name registered as Voters. In case of correction
in the existing roll, the voter may fill and submit the Form No
8 and in lieu of any objection, Form No 7 may be submitted with
the Electoral Registration Officer.
She further stated that as per the programme issued by Election
Commission of India the draft publication of Electoral Roll has
already been made on 10th November 2008 and any claims/ objections
can be lodged from 10th of November till 25th of November 2008.
She further informed that in case of new voters, along with main
Form No 6, an additional Form No 001- A, which would carry a Passport
size photograph of the applicant, needs to be deposited so that
a Photo Voter Card could be issued to the eligible voter.
Ms Sidhu appealed to the general public and all the political
parties to cooperate, whole heartedly and coordinate with the
Electoral Registration Officers in accordance with the programme
issued by Election Commission of India, so as to ensure that the
name of any eligible voter is not left out of the electoral rolls.
She informed that for any further clarification the Deputy Commissioner
cum District Election Officer/ Electoral Registration Officer/
Election Tehsildar and the Booth Level Officer of the concerned
district can be approached.
PADDY PROCUREMENT TOUCHES 124 LAC TONNES
MARK
Chandigarh, November 6, 2008
Six government agencies and millers procured over 124,33,568
tonnes of paddy on Wednesday .
An official spokesman today said that PUNGRAIN procured 34,31,103
tonnes of paddy (29.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 26,42,438 tonnes
of paddy (23.0%). PUNSUP procured 25,82,173 tonnes of paddy (22.5%)
whereas Punjab State Warehousing Corporation procured 14,33,983
tonnes of paddy (12.5%) besides 12,00,682 tonnes of paddy (10.5%)
procured by Punjab Agro. The Central Government Agency FCI procured
only 1,98,108 tonnes of paddy (1.7%). The Millers procured 9,45,083
tonnes of paddy (7.6 %) by Wednesday.
The mandis in Amritsar Division recorded 25,89,456 tonnes of
paddy with Jalandhar recording maximum paddy by Wednesday to the
tune of 7,05,570 tonnes. The mandis of Ferozepur division maintained
their lead by recording 45,21,771 tonnes of paddy with maximum
of 11,97,580 tonnes of paddy being recorded by Ferozepur district.
Meanwhile procurement in the mandis Patiala division recorded
53,22,341 procurement of paddy with Ludhiana district recording
maximum paddy to the tune of 15,32,283 tonnes.
The spokesman said that lifting of procured paddy from the mandis
has started showing positive results with PUNGRAIN (98.7%), MARKFED
(96.2%), PUNSUP (98.8%), PSWC (98.6%), PUNJAB AGRO (98.3%) and
FCI (99.8%) showing substantial improvement.
Six government agencies have paid over Rs. 9235.68 crores for
paddy procured by agencies current Kharif Marketing Season. The
spokesman said that farmers of the State are being made payment
of paddy procured by the government agencies within 48 hours of
lifting of paddy from the procurement centres.
The Punjab Food Supply had setup 1622 procurement centres throughout
the state to ensure smooth procurement of paddy.
Reduce the rate of Petrol, Diesel or face
people's wrath-Tikshan Sud
Chandigarh, November 6, 2008
Senior BJP Leader and Punjab's Medical Education Minister Mr.
Tikshan Sud today warned Union Government to immediately reduce
the rate of petrol, diesel and LPG inline with 60% drop in International
crude price or remain prepared to face people's wrath in ensuing
Vidhan Sabha Elections in six states and Lok Sabha elections falling
next year.
In a statement issued here today Mr. Sud said that UPA Government
was acting as profit making private company that was bent to suck
the blood of already inflation hit Indian public. He said that
it was surprising that Indian Oil Company was proudly claiming
that the company has started making profit of Rs. 4.16 paisa per
liter on petrol with crude price dropping from $ 147 to $ 63 in
International Market.
Mr. Sud said that Mr. Chidabram and Mr. Murli Deora were acting
not as a minister but as Company Secretaries of Oil Companies
who are more worried about balance sheet of oil companies rather
than problems being faced by ordinary public due to ever rising
prices.
Issuing a warning to the government Mr. Sud said that time has
come that UPA Government should have a transparent formula to
fix petrol prices so that oil companies should not fleece the
public.
PUNJAB CM, SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA AND KALIA CONDOLES THE DEATH OF
MR. B.R. CHOPRA
Chandigarh November , 2008
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal deeply mourned
the sad demise of eminent Bollywood film Director and Producer
Mr. B.R. Chopra who died in Mumbai after a prolonged illness
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mr. B.R.
Chopra as a great legendry film personality who directed many
super hit films and produced a classic TV serial Mahabhart which
was highly acclaimed by the people not of India but across the
globe also
Mr. Badal said that in the death of Mr. B.R. Chopra the Punjab
had lost its son of the soul who established new benchmark in
the film industry by making highly thematic movies. Mr. Badal
shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved
family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage
to them to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed
soul.
Meanwhile Member Parliament and President Shiromani Akali Dal
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also expressed profound grief and sorrow
over the death of Mr. B.R. Chopra.
Information & Public Relations Minister Mr.Bikram Singh Majithia
also shared his condoled the passing away of Mr. B.R. Chopra and
shared his heartfelt condolences with the members of the bereaved
family and said, "Mr. Chopra was a towering personality who
gave a new dimension to the film industry through his sheer intellect
and acumen". Local Government Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia
also offered his condolences over the passing away of Mr. B.R.
Chopra who was an icon of the modern film industry.
MANPREET BADAL CONDOLES PASSING AWAY OF
B.R.CHOPRA
Chandigarh November 5; Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, Finance Minister
Punjab has expressed shock over the demise of director and producer
of Bollywood movies and television serials ,Mr. B.R.Chopra who
died today in Mumbai. Paying tributes to Mr. Chopra, he said that
he was one of the highly successful men of film industry who was
instrumental in developing the careers of many artists. A Legendary
Filmmaker B.R. Chopra was a trendsetter and known for making good,
clean family oriented movies. A winner of the Dadasaheb Phalke
Award, Chopra would be always remembered for his contribution
in the field of films. His passing away has left a void not only
in Mumbai film Industry but all over the world especially in Punjab
, said Mr. Badal
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALL SET TO HANDLE DENGUE
CASES----CHAWLA
Chandigarh November 5
All the district health officers have been asked to remain alert
while tackling dengue cases all over the state. Stating this here
today, Prof. Lakshmi Kanta Chawla, Health and Family Welfare Minister
Punjab said that the Health department was all equipped to handle
the emergency cases. Expressing concern over the reported causalities
due to dengue fever in the state, the minister said that it was
unfortunate and urged the people with suspected symptoms to rush
the nearest hospitals at the earliest .She sought the help of
a few departments concerned for setting up of district wise task
force to handle this disease largely affecting people of the state.
She has issued guidelines for the health officers of the state
in general and Malwa belt in particular from where the dengue
cases have been detected recently.
The Minister also said that the Health Department was also making
announcements through the public address system in various localities
of the city to sensitize residents on preventive measures that
they needed to adopt. Adding further she said that medicines,
diagnostic kits and blood platelets were made available at the
hospital and the hospital authorities were fully prepared to deal
with any eventuality. Fogging had already been done in various
localities of the districts affected with dengue to check the
breeding of mosquitoes. She said, the government was also making
people aware about precautions against dengue through newspapers,
cable TV and public announcements. A formal advertisement campaign
informing people about the disease's symptoms and urging them
to clean up their water coolers, avoid any water-logging and use
mosquito nets have also been launched at various places. The MCs
have also been asked to maintain cleanliness in the cities and
a meeting of doctors working under the Zila Parishad was also
being held to review the situation. She said all government hospitals
had been put on alert and the department staff had been asked
to keep a close eye on any suspected dengue case.
FOCUS ON EDUCATIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS -
MAJITHIA
Chandigarh, November 5
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Information & Public Relations
Minister today called upon State PR professionals to focus on
educative Public Relations besides strengthening feedback process.
Presiding over the meeting of Public Relations Officers posted
in the field and at the headquarter, Mr. Majithia said that the
Public Relations Department should become an effective channel
of communication between government and the masses. It was imperative
for PR department to strengthen its extension network in the rural
areas to take the message of government to the people living across
the state.
Emphasising on the need of educating the masses besides communicating
the achievements of the government, Mr. Majithia said that PR
department was the eye and ear of the government. He said that
PR department would have to play proactive role in educating the
farmers regarding new varieties of crops, post-harvest technologies
and health related issues.
Calling upon the PR professionals to improve liaison with press,
Mr. Majithia said that it was the duty of the department to provide
timely and objective information to media. To facilitate their
liaison with press, the entertainment allowance of all the officers
has been doubled and all DPRO offices have been put on net with
broadband connection and also mobile phones with CUG facility
has been provided to every PRO/APRO. The Minister also decided
that proper Media Centre would be created in all major districts
for the convenience of local media persons.
Accepting the fact, that PR department was performing a challenging
job of communicating the policies of government to the masses
despite extremely depleted strength of manpower, Mr. Majithia
said that recruitments in the department would be done after 1998
with personal interests of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister
Punjab who has approved recruitment of PRO's, APRO's and supporting
staff.
Stressing the need for making optimum utilization of electronic
media including All India Radio and FM channels Mr. Majithia said
that department should make small communicative jingles keeping
in view the greater reach of this media. He said that the department
was planning to use all multi-media including Internet Website
and overseas Radio and Channels to communicate the message to
Punjabis living anywhere in the world.
Speaking on this occasion Mr. D.S. Jaspal, Principal Secretary,
Information & Public Relations department said that the department
has chalked out a comprehensive training programme for employees
of PR department in modern PR technology.
Mr. Tejveer Singh, Director, Public Relations explained above
the steps being taken by the department to strengthen field network
of the department.
PUNJAB TO HOST 17TH NATIONAL FOREST GAMES ENA
(BLACK BUCK) TO BE THE MASCOT OF THE GAMES
CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 5
Mr. Tikshan Sud, Forest Minister Punjab announced to that the
Punjab Forest Department would host 17th National Forest Games
to be held in the Tricity of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula
from 3rd to 7th Dec 2008.
On this occasion Forest Minister released the attractive and
colorful Mascot for the games named "Ena" which was
Sanskrit word for "Black Buck", the State animal of
Punjab. He further informed that the Baaz (Falcon) in the Games
Logo was the national bird of Punjab state which was associated
with Guru Gobind Singh ji who had it perched on his hand. The
Baaz was symbolic of sports and was used by Guru ji for hunting,
defending the innocent and fighting evil forces.
Briefing the media, the Forest Minister informed that more than
2000 participants and organizers from the Forest Departments and
Forestry Institutions from all over India would be participating
in these prestigious National Forest Games. He said that 2.5 Crores
would be spent on organizing these prestigious games and Rs. 65
lac have been contributed by Punjab Government. The remaining
funds would be provided by Union Government and would be raised
by public private mode by involving all strata of public these
games.
He emphasized the need of such sports meets not only for ensuring
physical fitness which was especially relevant for all cadres
of the Forest Departments but also in promoting a spirit of camaraderie
and brotherhood in the services. The Minister informed that the
Games were likely to be inaugurated by the Hon'ble CM Punjab in
the Panjab University campus in the presence of many eminent personalities
including Central and State Ministers and other distinguished
persons from different walks of life. The Minister said that Punjab
Forest Department was trying to rope in local sports stars like
flying Sikh Milkha Singh, prominent Golf player Jeev Milkha Singh,
Kapil Dev and Abhinav Bindra for popularizing these games.
He thanked the VC of the University for extending whole hearted
cooperation to the Department for holding this meet in the lush
green and open campus which was ideally suited for this purpose.
Mr. B C Bala Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Punjab
briefed the media that as many as 121 events would be held in
various sports and games disciplines including Athletics, Cricket,
Volleyball, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Weight and Power lifting,
Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, Carom, Golf, Billiards, Snooker,
Bridge, Rifle Shooting, Swimming, Kabbadi etc. PCCF appreciated
the efforts being put in by the UT Sports Department in deputing
the referees, umpires etc for conducting all the Events as per
international standards. He further informed that the Opening
Ceremony would be a spectacular affair with Cultural and Dance
Programs, performances by Military motorcyclists, Tableaus, Fireworks
and other displays. The Games would be widely publicized and would
attract a large audience of youth and public at large. Besides
the Opening and Closing ceremonies, cultural programs, quiz competitions,
exhibitions etc would be daily features for attracting the public
and generating continuous media attention.
Mr.. H S Gujral, Games Director and Addl Principal Chief Conservator
of Forests briefed the media regarding the detailed preparations
being made for conducting these prestigious Games in a befitting
manner. He informed that all arrangements relating to accommodation,
transport, catering, venues, publications, fixtures, schedules
etc for this mega event had been practically finalized by the
various Departmental committees set up for this purpose. In order
to ensure proper coordination between the host State of Punjab
and the 41 participating States / Forestry institutions, meetings
with the Nodal officers of the contingents were being held regularly
and the last such meeting was held on 3rd November in which all
important issues were discussed and decided.
The Games Director also informed that in order to organize the
Games in a professional manner a leading Event Management firm
had been engaged to conduct the Opening and Closing ceremonies,
liaison with all contingents and provide other support to the
Department for the smooth conduct of the Games.
In response to a query, the Games Director informed that there
would be extensive Print and TV coverage for the meet in leading
newspapers and the electronic media. In order to reduce the burden
on the State exchequer, a Public – People – Participation
(PPP) mode was being adopted by the Organizing Committee for raising
part of the Games Budget. The Organizing Committee would provide
wide publicity to the sponsors through Advertisements in the media
and in the Games Souvenir / other Games related publications,
hoardings and attractive stalls in the various venues, and excellent
coverage in the Press and TV.
PADDY PROCUREMENT TOUCHES 122 LAC TONNES
MARK
Chandigarh, November 5, 2008
Six government agencies and millers procured over 122,71,399
tonnes of paddy on Tuesday .
An official spokesman today said that PUNGRAIN procured 33,80,459
tonnes of paddy (29.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 26,12,780 tonnes
of paddy (23.0%). PUNSUP procured 25,51,212 tonnes of paddy (22.5%)
whereas Punjab State Warehousing Corporation procured 14,15,967
tonnes of paddy (12.5%) besides 11,88,002 tonnes of paddy (10.5%)
procured by Punjab Agro. The Central Government Agency FCI procured
only 1,95,409 tonnes of paddy (1.7%). The Millers procured 9,27,570
tonnes of paddy (7.6 %) by Tuesday.
The mandis in Amritsar Division recorded 23,79,685 tonnes of
paddy with Jalandhar recording maximum paddy by Tuesday to the
tune of 6,44,079 tonnes. The mandis of Ferozepur division maintained
their lead by recording 40,83,505 tonnes of paddy with maximum
of 11,63,545 tonnes of paddy being recorded by Ferozepur district.
Meanwhile procurement in the mandis Patiala division recorded
41,09,501 procurement of paddy with Patiala district recording
maximum paddy to the tune of 10,04,697 tonnes.
The spokesman said that lifting of procured paddy from the mandis
has started showing positive results with PUNGRAIN (96.9%), MARKFED
(91.8%), PUNSUP (95.3%), PSWC (96.6%), PUNJAB AGRO (94.9%) and
FCI (98.2%) showing substantial improvement.
Six government agencies have paid over Rs. 7349.81 crores for
paddy procured by agencies current Kharif Marketing Season. The
spokesman said that farmers of the State are being made payment
of paddy procured by the government agencies within 48 hours of
lifting of paddy from the procurement centres.
The Punjab Food Supply had setup 1622 procurement centres throughout
the state to ensure smooth procurement of paddy.
