PUNJAB TO FLOAT RS. 500 CRORE LOAN

Chandigarh, September 19, 2008

The Punjab government in consultation with Reserve Bank of India(RBI) today floated Rs. 500 crore loan to finance part of Capital Expenditure of Plan Schemes and other development schemes under execution.

According to an official spokesman the State government today notified the sale of Punjab Government Stock (Securities) of 10 year tenure for a aggregate amount of Rs. 500 crore (Nominal). The spokesman said that consent of Central government has already been obtained to the floatation of this loan.

The spokesman said that the government stock would be sold through RBI Mumbai by auction that would be conducted by them in his Mumbai office on September 25, 2008. The application form duly filled in with the bids should be submitted to the RBI, Mumbai on September 25 by 12.30 P.M. Result of auction would be displayed on September 25 and successful bidders would make payment on September 26, 2008.

The spokesman added that this 10 year tenure loan would be repaid at par on September 26, 2018. He said that interest will be paid every half yearly on March 26 and September 26 and cut off yield determined at the auction would be the coupon rate percent per annum of the stock sold at the auction.

PUNJAB DGP URGES FORCE TO BE READY FOR FUTURE CHALLENGES

Chandigarh, September 19, 2008

Punjab DGP Sh. N.P.S. Aulakh today asked Punjab Police to be prepared for future challenges from international forces and take effective precautionary measures accordingly.

Presiding over a high level meeting of the top brass of the State Police to review the security scenario after recent Delhi blasts, the DGP impressed upon the officers to strengthen the Intelligence network and maintain proper liaison with Intelligence wings of other states. Stressing on proactive approach rather reactive approach, the DGP emphasized on the need of pre-empting the nefarious designs before they could succeed in their ulterior motives. He further emphasized that the police should seek cooperation from general public so that they should readily provide vital information to the police.

He asked the field officers to keep an eye on various persons of suspicious background, even if they are in jails and their sympathizers. It was also decided to check the interstate movement of such elements.

The DGP also urged the officers to step-up drive against narcotic trade in collaboration with central agencies as it was felt that this trade was very closely linked with the anti national activities. He also instructed to make use of technology like installation of CCTV Cameras on all important sensitive places and also in crowded markets.

He directed to effectively check the flow of counterfeit currency in the state and to find out its origin asked to investigate such cases thoroughly as it was becoming a major challenge for the internal security as well as the economy of the country.

The police chief also pointed out that the ever increasing list of POs/Absconders and directed to launch a special one month campaign to nab them besides initiating the process for getting their properties attached.

DCs, SSPs and SDMs directed not to leave their head quarters in view of heavy rain

Chandigarh September 19, 2008

The Punjab government has directed all the Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police and Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs ) to remain available at their respective head quarters in view of the incessant rain in the state over the past 24 hours.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the State Chief Secretary had issued directions to these concerned officers to keep a close tab on the situation due to wide spread heavy down pour in the state. The officers/officials of the drainage wing of irrigation department had also been asked to keep strict vigil on the situation and gear up their machinery to face any un for seen eventuality arising out of the prevailing situation, the spokesman added.