-
Connecting over 25 millions NRIs worldwide
Most trusted Name in the NRI media
NRI PEOPLE- OUR NETWORK
 
Punjab News: 2010

NOV 08


CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS



HARSIMRAT RAISES TURBAN ISSUE WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA

New Delhi Chandigarh Nov 8 – The US president Barrack Obama last night assured the SAD member of Parliament Harsimrat Kaur Badal that he would visit Sri Harmandar Sahib (the Golden Temple) the next time he comes to India.

The president also promised to have a 'close look' at the issue of 'disrespect shown to the Sikh religious symbols like turbans during security check up to find some way to ensure that religious sentiments of the community as well as security concerns of the US officials were taken care of.

The presidential assurances came during the course of an informal conversation which Ms. Harsimrat Kaur Badal had with President Obama and his wife Michelle Obama at a dinner hosted in the latter's honour by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. Ms.
Badal was the only Member of Parliament from across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pardesh, J and K, Uttranchal Pardesh and several surrounding states to meet the US president.

These issues came up when President Obama walked across to meet Ms.Badal, seated next to the US Ambassador in India, Timothy
Roamer, right across the presidential table. Prime Minister Dr Singh, his wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur and Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia were also present when Ms. Badal drew the US president's attention to these issues.

Confirming this, a party press release said here this evening that Ms. Badal conveyed the sentiments of the Punjabis in general and the Sikh community in particular to President Obama over the last-minute cancellation of his visit to Amritsar. She said that the 'disappointment' arose out of the change in the originally scheduled visit. This, she said, appeared to have sent some wrong signals in the minds of the people both in Punjab "and back in your country," the US.

President Obama told Ms. Badal that the scheduled visit to Amritsar had to be altered because of what he described as "time constraint." The president said that he was himself 'very keen' to visit the holiest of the holy Sikh shrines as it is a " beacon of spiritual enlightenment, love and universal brotherhood', and that he would 'speak to my people' to ensure that Amritsar featured on his itinerary the next time he visits India.

The SAD MP from Bathinda also drew his attention to the widespread resentment in the minds of the Sikhs all over the world about the US security personnel showing disrespect to their turbans during security checks at airports etc. President Obama said that he would ask the US security officials to consider some 'credible alternatives' in this regard.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Punjab Planning Board starts bilateral meeting Chandigarh November 8

Punjab State Planning Board has started to hold bilateral meetings with all the Administrative Departments of Punjab Government from 8th November 2010 to formulate Annual Plan for 2011-12.

Disclosing Prof. Rajinder Singh Bhandari, Vice Chairman, Punjab State Planning Board said that various departments have come forward with their proposals of existing and new plans and projects being undertaken by them during the year so that funds can by allocated for their execution. Prof. Bhandari said that while allocating funds, proper appraisal of the work done and target achieved during the year
2010-11 will be made, to ensure the most effective and balanced utilization of State resources.

He further said that the special thrust of the Punjab Government would aim at continuous, speedy and targeted development of the State by improving urban as well as rural infrastructure. Besides, skill development among the youth to afford them more and better opportunities for employment in the country as well as abroad, finding remedy for depleting water level of the state, general improvement in ecology, environment, sanitation, harnessing of rain water, creating alternative sources of energy are the other areas of priority of the government, he added.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

DO NOT POLTICISE GIRL CHILD ISSUE: HARSIMRAT TO PARNEET

'NANHI CHHAAN A SACRED MISSION'


Chandigarh November 8 - Social activist and Shiromani Akali Dal Bathinda M.P. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said here today that she had been "amazed and deeply pained over the attempts of the Congress MP and Minister of State for External Affairs Parneet Kaur to belittle and politicize a noble social movement like Nanhi Chhaan. "

" "Everybody who knows me and the way I function , knows also how totally involved in and committed I am to certain ideals and Causes in life. Unlike many whom Madam Parneet has been closely associated with, I do not believe in doublespeak. and am driven by a mission to help the society get rid of deep seated prejudices and evils" said the Akali MP.

She said that her campaign against social evils like female foeticide and ecological pollution was a sacred mission and a matter of deep commitment for her . "Perhaps, Madam Parneet is finding it hard to believe that those in politics should be inspired by high and noble ideals," said Ms. Badal, asking Parneet Kaur "to rise above political cynicism and to go back to the teachings of the Gurus to understand what it means to be fired up by a commitment to humanitarian Causes as a mission."

Ms. Badal was reacting to Mrs. Parneet Kaur's accusation in a section of the press that the SAD MP had been using Nanhi Chhaan movement for "political ends."

Ms. Badal said that the Nanhi Chhaan mission "is very close to every woman's heart" and its success is crucial to the future of women's status in our society. "It is sad and surprising that instead of lending her moral support to the girl-child mission as a an eminent lady, Madam Parneet Kaur has chosen to politicize it by linking it to my political standing and affiliation. I request her to from the girl-child and women' empowerment from politicization.," aid Ms. Badal

Harsimrat reminded the Congress MP from Patiala that even the President of India, the non-political Constitutional Head of the Country, had deemed the movement significant and apolitical enough to lend her own name, support and presence to it.

About the charge of using the movement to promote her political interests, Ms. Badal said that she had been spearheading the Nanhi Chhaan initiative long before her entry into politics. She said that she had never used the Nanhi Chhaan platform to utter even a single word about her party's policies or programmes or against her party's political adversaries. She had generally avoided even inviting VIPs from her party to the Nanhi Chhaan functions. On the other hand, leaders from almost most other political parties had been associated with us from time to time, she said.

Ms. Badal asked Parneet Kaur to "be a part of the social surge against evils like exploitation of women, female foeticide and dowry et. "Even men folk are now vocally supporting these causes. And Madam Parneet Kaur should also use her good offices to lend a helping hand, instead of creating hurdles in its way,"
said Harsimrat.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

CM GIVES APPROVAL FOR CLEANING OF ALL CANALS AND DRAINS AT A COST OF RS.80 CRORE

BY OCTOBER 2011

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 08: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval for the cleaning of all canals and drains in the state at the cost of Rs.80 crore by October 2011 in a phased manner.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a joint meeting with the Chief Engineers of canals and drainage department here at Chief Minister's residence this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal asked both the Chief Engineers to prioritize the works of cleaning of canals and drains to be undertaken in such a manner to ensure uninterrupted irrigation water at the tail ends during the next three crops season viz. Rabi & Kharif season 2011 and Rabi 2012.

Taking part in the deliberations, Chief Engineer Canals Mr. AS Dullat apprised the Chief Minister that out of total Rs.44 crore Rs.6.45 crore would be spent in the first phase for the cleaning of canals, distributaries and minors in Madhopur division Gurdaspur at a cost of Rs.20 lac, Lehal division of Patiala district (Rs.38 lac), Sangrur division (Rs.22 lac), Bathinda division (Rs.25 lac), Faridkot division (Rs.1.50 crore), Eastern division in Ferozepur district (Rs.0.50 lac), Harike division (Rs.1.46 crore) and Devigarh division (Rs.0.48 lac) from November to December 2010. He also put forth a proposal for the repair and maintenance of gates at Hussainiwala and Harike head works at a cost of Rs.2.87 crore to prevent flow of water to the Pakistan.

Likewise, the Chief Engineer Drainage Mr. Vinod Chaudhary informed the Chief Minister about the action plan for cleaning of the drains. He said that a sum of Rs.35 crore would be spent on the cleaning of water logged drains, wet and abadi drains of which Rs.6 crore would be released soon.

The Chief Minister asked his principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru to regularly monitor the progress of cleaning of canals and drains to ensure its timely completion according to the stipulated time frame. He also directed the Joint Development Commissioner Mr. Satwant Singh Johal to coordinate with the deputy commissioners to ensure the majority of these works especially the cleaning of the dry drains to be carried out through NREGA as it would offer huge employment potential to the people of the nearby areas.

Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Engineer Canals to prepare a comprehensive plan for the dredging of the silted canals in the state and to tie up with the Dredging Corporation of India. He also directed him to submit a complete proposal of ground water recharging wells at the outlets of the distributaries to check the depleting water table. Mr. Badal also directed the Chief Secretary to regularly review the progress of the flood protection works especially the embankments of the bandhs which had been damaged during the last floods under calamity relief fund and also hold regular meetings with the Chief Engineers of the canal and drainage departments to undertake flood protection works on regular intervals well in advance to save the life and property of the people from the fury of flood.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Financial Commissioner Development Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Director Agriculture Mr.BS Sidhu.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ORDERSSTRICT COMPLIANCE OF SUPREME COURT DIRECTIONS

Chandigarh November 8:

In accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India regarding the prevention of fatal accidents of small children due to their falling into the abandoned bore wells and tube wells, the Punjab Government has issued fresh guidelines to the Chief Engineer Water Resources/ Public Health and Irrigation departments to ensure immediate strict compliance of the matter.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that the Supreme Court had fixed the responsibility on the district magistrates to cap the discarded bore-well in their respective areas. The apex court had said if a bore-well or tube well was abandoned at any stage, a certificate from the concerned department of ground water or public health or Municipal Corporation or private contractors had to be obtained after properly capping for safety so that small children did not fall into them. According the judgment of the Supreme Court of India the owner of the land/premises, before taking any steps for constructing bore well/tube well must inform in writing at least 15 days in advance to the concerned authorities in the area, i.e., District Collector/ District Magistrate/ Sarpanch of the GramPanchayat/ concerned officers of the Department of Ground Water/ Public Health/ Municipal Corporation, as the case may be, about the construction of bore well/ tube well. Registration of all the drilling agencies, viz., Government / Semi Government / Private etc., should be mandatory with the district administration. Erection of signboard at the time of construction near the well along with the complete address of the drilling agency at the time of Construction/ rehabilitation of well, complete address of the user agency/ owner of the well, erection of barbed wire fencing or any other suitable barrier around the well during construction, construction of cement/ concrete platform measuring 0.50 x 0.50 x 0.60 meter (0.30 meter above ground level and 0.30 meter below ground level) around the well casing, capping of well assembly by welding steel plate or by providing a strong cap to be fixed to the casing pipe with bolts & nuts. In case of pump repair, the tube well should not be left uncovered, filling of mud pits and channels after completion of works, filling up abandoned bore wells by clay/sand/ boulders / pebbles / drill cuttings etc., from bottom to ground level

On completion of the drilling operations at a particular location, the ground conditions are to be restored as before the start of drilling District Collector should be empowered to verify that the above guidelines are being followed and proper monitoring check about the status of boreholes / tube wells are being taken care through the concerned state / Central Government agencies. District / Block / Village wise status of bore wells/ tube wells drilled viz. No. of wells in use, No. of abandoned bore wells/ tube wells found open, No. of abandoned bore wells / tube wells properly filled up to ground level and balance number of abandoned bore wells/ tube wells to be filled up to ground level is to be maintained at District Level. In rural areas, the monitoring of the above is to be done through village Sarpanch and the Executive from the Agriculture Department. In case of urban areas, the monitoring of the above is to be done through Junior Engineer and the Executive from the concerned Department of Ground Water / Public Health/ Municipal Corporation.

The state government has also asked the authorities concerned to conduct random inspection of the abandoned wells as a preventive measure of the fatal accidents of children due to falling in to the bore wells and tube wells in Punjab, added the Spokesman.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Consumer Protection Week from December 24

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 8:

The Punjab Government has decided to celebrate the Consumer Protection Week from December 24 to December 30, 2010. The main purpose of week to aware the consumers about their rights.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that meetings, rallies, exhibitions, functions would be organized and literature in the form of pamphlets, handbills, posters would be distributed the people throughout the state during the week.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Punjab Government Re-constitutes Co-ordination Forum

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 08:

Punjab Government has reconstituted the Co-ordination Forum to co-ordinate among the Power Utilities and for smooth and co-ordinated development of the power system in the State
.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Chairman, Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission would be its Chairperson whereas Members of Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Director/Technical of Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited and Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Director/Generation, Director/Distribution of Punjab State power Corporation Limited would be its members.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

114.77 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB`

Chandigarh, November 08: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 11477661 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

A spokesman of Punjab Govt. said here today that out of total procurement in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 11314400 tonnes (98.6%) whereas private traders procured 163261 tonnes (1.4%) of paddy. Till October 07, PUNGRAIN had procured 3497216 tonnes (30.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 2375321 tonnes (21.0%), PUNSUP procured 2275743 tonnes (23.6%), PSWC procured 1324437 tonnes (11.7%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 982739 tonnes (8.7 %) of paddy.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 458944 tonnes (4.1%).
The spokesman added that District Ludhiana with 1311601 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 1145551 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Patiala 1103765 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.
The State Government has set up almost 1700 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nanhi Chhaan: Do not polticise a sacred movement - ;Harsimrat to Parneet

Chandigarh November 8 - Social activist and Shiromani Akali Dal Bathinda M.P. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said here today that she had been "amazed and deeply pained over the attempts of the Congress MP and Minister of State for External Affairs Parneet Kaur to belittle and politicize a noble social movement like Nanhi Chhaan. "

"Everybody who knows me and the way I function , knows also how totally involved in and committed I am to certain ideals and Causes in life. Unlike many whom Madam Parneet has been closely associated with, I do not believe in doublespeak. and am driven by a mission to help the society get rid of deep seated prejudices and evils" said the Akali MP.

She said that her campaign against social evils like female foeticide and ecological pollution was a sacred mission and a matter of deep commitment for her . "Perhaps, Madam Parneet is finding it hard to believe that those in politics should be inspired by high and noble ideals," said Ms. Badal, asking Parneet Kaur "to rise above political cynicism and to go back to the teachings of the Gurus to understand what it means to be fired up by a commitment to humanitarian Causes as a mission."

Ms. Badal was reacting to Mrs. Parneet Kaur's accusation in a section of the press that the SAD MP had been using Nanhi Chhaan movement for "political ends."

Ms. Badal said that the Nanhi Chhaan mission "is very close to every woman's heart" and its success is crucial to the future of women's status in our society. "It is sad and surprising that instead of lending her moral support to the girl-child mission as a an eminent lady, Madam Parneet Kaur has chosen to politicize it by linking it to my political standing and affiliation. I request her to spare the girl-child and women' empowerment from politicization.," said Ms. Badal

Harsimrat reminded the Congress MP from Patiala that even the President of India, the non-political Constitutional Head of the Country, had deemed the movement significant and apolitical enough to lend her own name, support and presence to it.

About the charge of using the movement to promote her political interests, Ms. Badal said that she had been spearheading the Nanhi Chhaan initiative long before her entry into politics. She said that she had never used the Nanhi Chhaan platform to utter even a single word about her party's policies or programmes or against her party's political adversaries. She had generally avoided even inviting VIPs from her party to the Nanhi Chhaan functions. On the other hand, leaders from almost most other political parties had been associated with us from time to time, she said.

Ms. Badal asked Parneet Kaur to "be a part of the social surge against evils like exploitation of women, female foeticide and dowry et. "Even men folk are now vocally supporting these causes. And Madam Parneet Kaur should also use her good offices to lend a helping hand, instead of creating hurdles in its way,"
said Harsimrat.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Making A Case for Autonomy for States………. -Sewa Singh Sekhwan


The plurality in Indian society demands a fundamental rethinking of the system of governance. This system cannot be a carryover from the dynastic-period of Indian democracy. Greater education and greater economic freedom are resulting into greater wealth generation and shall transform the society at greater pace too. The changes that have taken place in the last ten-years are far greater than the changes that took place in previous forty years. Indian society is now demanding superior economic infrastructure, and soon it will demand efficient political infrastructure too. Autonomy within India is a powerful way to achieve the aspirations of future Indians.It is the only way to create a sustainable growth and stronger India.

In a Federal system where powers are divided between two levels of governments, problems, disputes and differences are bound to occur. The relationship between the Centre and States in the federal system has remained always a sensitive matter. Growing Naxalism and the recent developments in Eastern States and some other parts of the country make it amply clear that the problem of India’s unity and integration is facing new challenges and thus a fresh look needs to be given to this basic question of greater State Autonomy and national integration within the existing framework of the Indian Constitution.

One need not get lost in the academic exercise whether ours is a truly federal constitution or federation with unitary bias. Considering current problems and complex composition of the country, the need for a more balanced federation could never have been greater than the present time.

It must be realized that sub-nationalism is not anti-nationalism and the rise of regionalism is not something which should un-necessarily worry the Centre because it is an inevitable result of the rising consciousness of the developed and developing nationalities. One should not, therefore, impute motives to the adherents of this school of thought. Thus, the growing vitality of the States implies no weakening of the Centre or the security and unity of the country.

The chorus for autonomy is becoming shriller by the day. The demand for autonomy for the states of the Indian Union has been doing the rounds of political circles in this country even before the formation of Indian Constitution. It was debated in the Constituent Assembly and the debate on the issue has continued till date, in one form or another.

The issue was formally addressed by the Sarkaria Commission which is known to have recommended greater autonomy for all the states. However, political leadership of the country, of different political persuasions, has not been able to make up its mind on the issue for the past so many years.

Some people in the country have serious reservations about the long-term consequences of the demand for autonomy because of the apprehension that the path of autonomy may prove to be the slippery slope leading to the break up the country. This apprehension needs to be allayed. For this first of all, it needs to be realized that autonomy is the most feasible mantra for social transformation, for eradication of poverty and for a better quality of life for all the people. It should be welcomed and must be supported by all right-thinking persons.

Simultaneously, the singers of autonomy anthem should realize that autonomy is not an end in itself; it is just a means to an end. The demands for autonomy should be accompanied by a well-laid-out action plan aimed at achieving the objective of greater economic welfare of the people of the state, reducing the burden of poverty, better resource mobilization, eradication of corruption, better administration to the people, better security for the people, protection and promotion of the interests of the minority communities, protection and promotion of human rights and providing a better framework for democratic institutions. In other words, the demand for State Autonomy should be accompanied by a solid plan to deliver. Ensuring autonomy to sub-national governments with incentives and accountability is the key to the success of federalism.
Government of India should review the Centre-State relations in the changed scenario. It should restore autonomy in its pristine form as guaranteed in the Indian Constitution because true federation is the only way to preserve unity and integrity of country and restoring normalcy and peace in the trouble torn States. Decentralization of power is a must for the all round development of the states and the issue should be discussed seriously in Parliament and state assemblies. It is time to call for a national debate on more autonomy to states.

For more than three decades, the demand for states' autonomy has been raised by several political parties. In the 1980s, the Sarkaria Commission on Centre-state relations was setup to go into the question. There have been many proposals for devolving more powers to the states by various state governments and political parties. The successive Central governments have failed to fulfill the demand for a more federal structure; even the Sarkaria Commission report has been ignored. But as for now, the Union Cabinet should not end or detract from the question of more autonomy, rather than evading the issue, the government must take steps to address the demand and consult all political parties on the matter.

The distracters and uninformed emotionally believe that more autonomy to states would weaken the center and hence weaken India. This is a wrong hypothesis; there is no merit in this argument. It merely lacks vision and courage to take bold initiatives.

Interestingly, each state in the U.S. has its own constitution and the right to amend it, as long as allegiance and ultimate authority of nation’s constitution is acknowledged and accepted. As a result no state on its own, can vote itself out of the union. Each state in the U.S. has its own constitution and fundamental rights that are given to its citizen. That is why there is no death penalty in certain states (like Wisconsin) for state crimes, even though for the Federal crime there is a death penalty.

The states in the U.S. have their independent supreme court, whose decisions in certain areas cannot be challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court also. The two supreme courts cannot interfere; the state law related matters are adjudicated in the state supreme court, while federal matter can go to the federal Supreme Court. Each state’s legislature has authority to draw fundamental rights as long as neither the enacted fundamental rights nor the state constitution violate the U.S. constitution. Similarly, each state has complete authority over its judiciary to adjudicate and enforce its constitution and fundamental rights. As a result California law and legal procedure is different from say in the state of New York. Thus there is no death penalty in the state of Wisconsin, but there is one in California.

Each state can regulate its administrative and financial affairs without interference from Washington DC. Some time ago, California was running a surplus at the state level, while the state of Mississippi was not. This is to say that, the separation is maintained even at the revenue collection level, the federal and state separately collect revenues. Many states have no income and or sales taxes while others have.The separation among executive powers, legislature and judiciary is also well defined in U.S. The independence of judiciary and treasury is maintained. India, like the U.S., is more than a nation-state. It is a system, where diversity must coexist and must feel proud to be part of India. In the U.S., for example, Silicon Valley is just as much part as the Deep South state of Mississippi. These two would be as contrasting as Bihar and Maharashtra, yet belong to the same system, the United States of America. India has yet to reach there. Its citizens must feel part and proud of it. Indian troops do not need to suppress its citizens, or storm places of worship. This system must show every Indian a reason to belong and dream. Indian system will be its own biggest enemy if it must rely on suppression of any of its citizens, and storming of anyone’s place of worship. Indian democracy must showcase to the world the democracy is not just for the rich. It is time for evolution and the next evolution of Indian democracy is greater autonomy.

Note: Writer is Education Minister, Punjab and Member of Political Affairs Committee of Shiromani Akali Dal
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
OPPONENTS FORCED TO TOE OUR LINE ON SUBSIDIES: SUKHBIR

“If you favour subsidies, then what was all that hue and cry about?”
Sukhbir asks critics

Chandigarh November 7 – The Shiromani Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said here today that the Opposition in the state had been forced by the people to toe “the SAD-BJP line on every issue , including the subsidization of the farm sector and other down -trodden sections of society”.

“The entire band of our critics and opponents now pretend that they converted to our line of thinking. They should apologize to the people of Punjab for wasting their time and energy with directionless, muddle-headed and unprincipled opposition to the SAD-BJP stand on subsidies,” the SAD president said, adding, “The duplicity and political and ideological bankruptcy of our opponents stands thoroughly exposed. We have been fully vindicated.”

The SAD chief however said that even the new stand of the Congress and their secret allies was a mere façade forced by the dominant mood of the people ahead of the elections. “Deep down, the just hate the poor, the down-trodden and the farmers , and they strongly disapprove of subsidies for these sectors.”

In a statement here, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also came down heavily against those who claimed that the SAD-BJP stand on subsidies was dictated by electoral considerations. “We have never flinched from our stand on this issue. The whole world knows that it was the Chief Minister Parkas Singh Badal who had introduced these policies in February 1997. The SAD-BJP pitched in strongly for subsidies again from day one after resuming administrative control in March 2007. All these years, our opponents, including the UPA government at the center, criticized us for these measures, calling them populist. But these neo-converts to subsidies have now realized that they stood totally isolated among the people on the issue.

Hence, this new gimmick of painting themselves as supporters of subsidies,” said Mr. Badal.

He also lashed out against the UPA for its double standards on the issue. “They doled out billions as subsidies to big business houses on the excuse of bailing the economy out of slow-down.
But they opposed us for helping the farm sector in similar conditions.”

Mr. Badal said that even those opposed us ostensibly because of their “so-called principled opposition to free power for farm sector and other subsidization measures for the poor” had suddenly started claiming that they had never opposed the government
stand on these issues. “Then, what was all that hue and cry about?
If they had supported the government’s line, then what was the
ground for them to raise controversy after controversy around our decision to help the farmers, the dalits , the senior citizens and other poor and down-trodden segments of society through subsidies? “ he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister further said that the SAD-BJP alliance did not believe in aping the Western countries when it came to policy formulation for our people. “Our problems are peculiar to our conditions and our solutions have to be tailored to the specific needs of our people. I do not want to be known as a “fake visionary” who sold his pet ideas at the cost of the people of the state. Our people need realistic, down to earth solutions to their day to day problems, and they have given us a mandate to provide them such answers to their problems as would be applicable to both present and future. “
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PUNJAB INTRODUCES TRANSPARENT SYSTEM COLLECTOR RATES -- SUKHBIR· A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS

· LAYS THE FOUNDATION STONE OF RS. 12 CRORE RUB ON BATHINDA MANSA ROAD· 6 SPORTS SCHOOLS AND TWO SPORTS COLLEGES TO TRAIN THE BUDDING SPORTS TALENT· PLAN TO CLOCK RS. 11000 CRORE IN VAT COLLECTION BY MARCH, 2011


Bathinda November 07:

The Punjab Cabinet in the recent meeting has introduced a new pattern of collector rates, especially for the building portion, reducing the discretion of registering authority, thereby reducing the scope of corruption.
Speaking to media persons after laying the foundation stone of Rs. 12 crore Railway Under Bridge on Bathinda Mansa Road, Mr. Badal said that the recent meeting of cabinet has mandated that all registration of properties cannot be done below collector rate and one was free to get his property registered above collector rate. He said that while calculating collector rate of building portion, there was an element of discretion with registering authority, leading to corruption. He said that the cabinet has decided to adopt a uniform formula for calculating collector rate of building portion. According to a formula in case of single story building the collector rate of building would be 10% of land collector rate. Similarly for double story , triple story and subsequent stories of building, 5% collector rate would be enhanced for every additional story. He said that in double story building collector rate would be 15% of land collector rate and triple story it would be 20%. He said that this decision was in line with administrative reforms initiated by the Punjab Government that would minimize the scope of corruption in the Tehsils.

Blaming the Union Governments rigid specifications for delay in lifting of paddy, Mr. Badal said that 20 days delay in announcement of relaxation despite repeated pleas by CM and himself had created the crises. He said that Union Government must work out realistic specifications in the interest of farmers. When asked about reversal to free power system by the Government, Mr. Badal said that the decision to adopt the older system was taken keeping in view the technical difficulties being faced by the farmers and the decision was in the larger interest of farming community.
Vowing to accelerate the revenue collection, the Deputy Chief Minister Punjab said Congress took 62 years to reach the mark of Rs. 5000 crore in VAT collection and within three years he was hopeful to clock Rs. 11000 crore mark in the VAT Collection. He said that Punjab with 33% growth in revenue has, emerged No.1 state in the country having fastest growth in the revenue. Mr. Badal said that we believe in improving TAX collection to raise revenue to implement development programmes and provide subsidies to the poor section of society rather than curtailing the subsidies to the farmers.

Laying out the road map of development Mr. Badal said that his government is set to complete over 50 Railway over / under bridges in the state by March next year, at the cost of Rs. 805 crore.

Underlining the need for developing sports culture in the State Mr. Badal said that Punjab has decided to setup 6 residential sports schools and two sports colleges to nurture the budding sports talent of every sports in these institutions. He said that children with sports talent right from 6th class would be provided all facilities in these schools including boarding --lodging, sports training besides regular education in these schools and selected talent would be promoted to sports colleges to prepare our players to compete in Olympics. Mr. Badal said that fourteen new stadiums with floodlight facilities would be ready by 15th August 2011 and World Cup Kabbadi would be held in these stadiums in October 2011.

Earlier Mr. Badal laid the foundation stone of ROB . He also presided over Vishwakarma Pujan Days Celebrations in Paras Nagar and Thermal Plant Road and announced a grant of Rs.2 Lac and Rs.5 Lac for the institutions respectively. Addressing the devotees Mr. Badal said that engineers play an important role in development process and called upon engineering community to participate in the accelerated development of the state.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka Chairman District Planing Board, Mr. Chiranjee Lal Garg Ex Minister, MR. Sarup Chand Singla, Mr. Baljeet Singh Bir Behmen Mayor, Madan Lal Kapur Chairman Beopar Mandal. From the official side Mr. N.S.Dhillion IG, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh DC and Dr. S.S.Gill SSP Bathinda were also present on the occasion.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PUNJAB RANKED 4th IN INDIA IN ACHIEVING TARGETS
UNDER TWENTY POINT PROGRAMME-DR UPINDERJIT KAUR

Chandigarh November 6: The Punjab State has been ranked 4th in the overall performance and the ranking among all the States in respect to successful implementation of twenty point programmes in the State. This was disclosed here by Dr Upinderjit Kaur Finance, Planning and Programme Implementation Minister Punjab.
She said that the performance of all the states was reviewed recently at New Delhi by the Statistics and Programme Implementation Ministry, Govt. of India on important points varying from 14 to 18 under the twenty point programmes and 16 parameters were taken into account for Punjab during this review.
The Minister further added that each item was given a score under the prescribed criteria and the States were ranked as per the achieved total scores. "The Punjab State has got overall 38 scores by 79 percent achievement and the performance of Punjab for 11 items ranked 'Very Good' getting 33 scores", she said.
Dr Upinderjit Kaur also said that the State had already achieved the yearly targets in some of the parameters like Integrated Child Development Schemes (ICDS) and Anganwadi programmes. She affirmed that with better economic planning, the State was making rapid strides on the development front. "The Gujarat State has been ranked on the top whereas Karnatka and Jharkhand achieved 2nd and 3rd positions in this ranking", she added.
The Finance Minister said that the Punjab would lay more emphasis on creation of better infrastructure and envisaging a faster pace of development in the next year. "The Government was committed to provide the best governance with people's participation, the quality of life, best healthcare and quality education through a rapid economic growth", she emphasised.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ALBERTA PROVINCE OF CANADA AND PUNJAB TO EXPLORE JOINT VENTURES IN SHELL GAS, AGRO INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION· SUKHBIR AND ED STELMACH INK MOU

Amritsar, November 6: Alberta Province of Canada and Punjab today inked Memorandum of Understanding to work together cooperatively sectors including post-secondary education, agriculture, agro- based industry and shell gas. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab and Mr. Ed Stelmach, Premier of the Province of Alberta signed MoU here today, signalling a new era of mutual cooperation between Punjab and Alberta province of Canada, having a population of hundred thousand Punjabis in that province alone.

Later speaking to the media Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab described it a ‘Historic Day’ when Punjab and Alberta, both agro-based economies have decided to share their technology especially in the areas of food processing, latest agricultural techniques and teaching methodology. Describing Punjab as food basket of India, Mr. Badal said that Punjab with only 1.7% geographical area of the country contributes 55% rice and 65 % wheat in the national pool. He said that India was the second fastest growing economy of the world and every western country wanted to participate in this growth process.

Inviting Alberta province of Canada to tap untapped potential of shell gas in Punjab the Deputy Chief Minister said that Alberta with specialization in this area could contribute to the growth of economy of Punjab. He said that both Punjab and Alberta were agro based economies and Alberta can exchange latest agricultural technology with Punjab to accelerate the production growth of agriculture sector. The Deputy Chief Minister also offered to send Punjabi teachers to Alberta province of Canada to teach Punjabi to over 100 thousand Punjabi’s living in that province.

Offering congenial and investor friendly atmosphere in Punjab Mr. Badal said that Punjab with single window clearance was willing to partner with Alberta province in mutually beneficial areas of growth.
Welcoming the MOU the premier of Alberta, Mr. Ed Stelmach said that Punjab was the most prosperous state of second fastest growing economy of world and Alberta with sizeable Punjabi population would like to work in cooperation with Punjab. He said that we would like to work in the areas of teaching methodology, latest inventions in agro based industry and shell gas.

Mr. Badal said that now after signing of MOU Punjab government would send its teams to Alberta province of Canada to further their talks on the identified areas of mutual cooperation.

Earlier in the day Mr. Ed Stelmach was received at airport by Member Parliament Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. KS Pannu.

Mr. Stelmach accompanied by three MLAs paid obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib. SGPC President Mr. Avtar Singh honoured them with a Robe of Honour (Siropa).

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Education Minister, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, MLA.


   
 
NRI News Media

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx