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Punjab News: 2010

OCTOBER 21

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GOVT. SPOKESPERSON RUBBISHES KANG'S CHARGE HE HAS 25 SECURITY PERSONNEL, 7 VEHICLES INCLUDING A BULLET PROOF CAR ATTACHED TO HIM

Chandigarh October 20 - A spokesperson of the Punjab government today described as "factually incorrect and misleading" the allegations leveled by the Beas legislator Mr. Manjinder Singh Kang that the government had exposed him to a security threat in defiance of the directions of the honourable Punjab and Haryana High Court."

In a statement here, the spokesperson also refuted the allegation that the police party headed by DSP misbehaved with Mr.Kang's family." Mr. Kang is among the most protected persons in Punjab, ahead of m ost cabinet rank ministers and several other VIPs.

The security provided to him is based on the threat perception. As on today, he 25 security personnel attached to him. In addition , he has been provided seven vehicles, including a bullet proof car, two escort cars and four other vehicles," the spokesperson said , adding that the process of review of security provided to the VIPs was an ongoing exercises.

Recalling the details of the case, the spokesperson said that Mr. Kang had approached the High Court , complaining that he was not being provided a dequate security. The High Court sought details of the security and the level of threat perception to Mr. Kang. The Honorable Court was informed that he had ten security personnel and was also provided a bullet proof vehicle. As the Honourable court found the security level adequate, his writ became infructuous. So as far the Honourable court's observations are concerned, he has more than adequate security"

However, following reviews of threat erception, the security provided to all VIPs keeps changing, up or down. At one time we had provided him 52 persons. But as per the reviewed perception, it was found that 25 persons would be adequate number. He ahs security personnel at his residence as well as his farm house.

Referring to the alleged misbehavior of the DSP, Salvinder Singh went to his place to get the orders on reviewed security apparatus implemented. "Thats all that happened," said the spokesperson.
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CM APPROVES FIRST EVER PRT SYSTEM IN COUNTRY FOR AMRITSAR

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 21: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to introduce the Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) System in the holy city of Amritsar connecting the local Railway station and bus stand with Sri Harimandir Sahib to facilitate the daily commuters especially the devotees coming from different parts of the World to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple in a hassle free manner,. A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in the 27th Board meeting of the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) here at Chief Minister's residence this evening.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the PIDB-cum-Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu apprised the Chief Minister that the PRT System, first of its kind in the country was being introduced which was, so far only operational at the Heathrow Airport in London. It was also informed in the meeting that two Five Star Hotels would be soon developed by Taj Group and Sheraton Chain of International hotels.

The Chief Minister was also informed about the progress of the roads being developed along with the canals on BOT basis viz Ropar-Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha Road on Sirhind Canal, Mannpur head to Jagraon-Raikot Road on Abohar branch, Rayan (NH-1) to Khara (NH-15) on Sabrahon Branch, Mannpur head to Barnala-Raikot Road on Bathinda and Nadampur-Lahira on Ghaggar Branch. Likewise, the Chief Minister also directed the MD PIDB to expedite the process of construction of five roads to be developed on DOT basis namely Tanda Mehta- Amritsar road, Morinda-Kurali-Siswaan-Baddi Road (upto Haryana Border), Kotkapura-Muktsar Road, Batala-Mehta- Bias road and Phillour-Nakodar-Kapurthala road.

The Board also informed the Chief Minister about the progress of the Pinkcassia Tourist Complex being now developed by Alchemist Holding Limited in PPP mode. Mr. Badal also reviewed the progress of Five Star Hotel at Bathinda, International Convention Center & Five Star Hotel besides and an Amusement Park in S.A.S Nagar (Mohali).

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included: Finance Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Forest Minister Tikshan Sud, PWD (B&R) Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Transport Minister Master Mohan Lal, Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. S.C. Agarwal, Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha, Principal Secretary Irrigation & Power Mr. Ashok Goel, Principal Secretary Finance Karanbir Singh Sidhu, Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. P.S. Aujla, CA GAMADA Mr. Vivek Partap Singh and CA PUDA Mr. Sarvjit Singh.
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CM ASSAILS CENTRE FOR MEAGER HIKE IN MSP OF WHEAT BY RS.20

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 21:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today slammed the Centre for an inadequate hike of Rs.20/- per quintal in the Minimum Support Price of Wheat, fixing it at Rs.1120 and described it as 'a stab in the back of the farmer's community'. He demanded that the MSP of Wheat should have been fixed at least Rs.1400 per quintal saying that the Centre should have announced an increase of Rs.400 per quintal in MSP of wheat instead of meager hike of Rs.20.

In a statement, Mr. Badal said that the non-remunerative MSP coupled with anti-farmer policies of Centre was primarily responsible for the slow down of the agricultural growth. The Chief Minister said that though his government had been constantly pleading the case of Punjab's beleaguered peasantry which was in great distress and demanded MSP of at least Rs.1400/- per quintal of wheat from the Government of India. Mr. Badal lamented that it was a paradoxical situation that the MSP demanded by farming community was far below the price at which the country had been importing wheat from Australia and there was hardly any justification to deprive the local producers of he same price.

Mr. Badal said that the recent hike in MSP of Wheat spoke volumes of Congress led UPA government’s complete insensitivity and its apathetic attitude towards the plight of the hapless farmers who were already in distress due to low returns on their produce despite exorbitant cost of agricultural inputs incurred by them on diesel, fertilizers, pesticides etc. Mr. Badal said that the Centre should have appreciated the ground realities in a holistic manner to provide a level playing field to the farmers, rather rubbing salt on their wounds with this unreasonable and un-remunerative hike in the price of Wheat at a point of time when the MSP was not commensurate with the ever increasing costs of agricultural inputs. Mr. Badal pointed out that it was a high time for the Centre to awake from deep slumber in order to fix the MSP by providing a margin of 50% over the cost of production to the farmers as suggested by an agricultural economist Dr. MS Swaminathan.

The Centre should had atleast realized the immense contribution of Punjab farmers to make our country self sufficient in food production to ensure national food security before announcing this unreasonable increase in MSP of Wheat, added Mr. Badal.

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BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF MAHARISHI VALMIK JI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 21:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Maharishi Valmik ji and exhorted them to follow his teachings and ideology to carve out an ideal society regardless of caste, colour and creed.

In a message, Mr. Badal said that Maharishi Valmik ji was a great exponent and harbinger of Indian culture & civilization, the creator of first ever epic the holy 'RAMAYANA' which is a fountainhead of human culture, moral values & ethics, reservoir of wisdom besides storehouse of all eternal human values. Maharishi Valmik ji propagated the message of ideal life based on Righteousness (Dharma) to the mankind through Ramayana which is replete with examples of ideal father, son, husband, wife and brother etc.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to celebrate this sacred occasion collectively rising above the parochial consideration of casteism thereby paving a way for altruism in human life as preached by Maharishi Valmik ji.

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SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF BHAGWAN VALMIKI JI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 21:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today extended his greetings to the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Bhagwan Valmiki ji and emphasized the need of making concerted efforts for propagating the teachings and philosophy of Maharishi Valmiki Ji with a view to carve out a healthy society based on equality and social justice.
In his message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that said that Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, the architect of first ever epic the holy 'Ramayana', had made Indian culture & civilization more broad based. Through Ramayana, Bhagwan Valmiki ji propagated the message of ideal life based on inherent values of righteousness to the society, he added
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal called upon the people to celebrate this sacred occasion collectively rising above the narrow considerations of region, religion and caste.
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SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE UNTIMELY DEMISE OF FORMER DGP JP BIRDI

Chandigarh, October 21: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed profound grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of former DGP Mr. J.P. Birdi, a 1977 batch IPS officer, who died today morning at a Ludhiana hospital after brief illness.

In a condolence message, the Deputy Chief Minister described Mr. Birdi as an able police administrator with the qualities of head and heart. Mr. Birdi served the force with commitment and dedication while holding various important positions, he added.

Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with members of bereaved family, the Deputy Chief Minister prayed to almighty to grant peace to departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.
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SUKHBIR REJECTS WHEAT MSP –
DEMANDS RS. 1600 TO 1800 PER QUINTAL MSP FOR WHEAT

· 400 X 4 RELAY GOLD MEDALIST MANJIT KAUR PROMOTED AS DSP

· WARDS OF MARTYR POLICEMEN TO BE POSTED IN HOME DISTRICT WITHIN FORTNIGHT- FAMILIES TO GET RED CARD


Jalandhar, October 21: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today rejected the meager Rs. 20 hike in MSP of wheat from Rs. 1100 to 1120 describing it as a cruel joke by the Congress led UPA government with the farmers exposing its real anti-farmer face. He demanded that wheat MSP should be in the range of Rs. 1600 to 1800 to make agriculture a viable profession for the farmers.

Talking to the media after Commemoration Day function held here today Mr. Badal who is also the President of Shiromani Akali Dal said that SAD had been demanding the implementation of Swaminathan Commission report linking MSP with wholesale price index and the announcement of MSP has not taken into consideration the steep hike in the price of agriculture inputs including diesel, fertilizers, pesticides besides seeds. He said that on one hand union government has decontrolled the price mechanism on fertilizer industry and raise the price of diesel but Rs. 20 hike in MSP does not even absorb 20% inflation. Mr. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal along with the likeminded parties would raise this issue in the ensuing session of Parliament and force the UPA government to enhance MSP to Rs. 1600-1800.

Announcing the promotion as DSP to Inspector Manjit Kaur, who won Gold Medal in 400 x 4 women relay in Commonwealth Games, Mr. Badal said that immediately after assuming the charge of Sports Minister, he had sanctioned Rs. 25 lakh for the special training of Manjit Kaur abroad. Inspector Manjit Kaur present on the occasion profusely thanked Deputy Chief Minister for taking personal interest in getting her training expenditure sanctioned. She said that without specialized training, she could not have won this medal.

When asked about progress in implementation of Governance Reforms, Mr. Badal said that next month Sangrur would become first district with all land records online and by March, 2011 land records of whole state would be put on web. Mr. Badal said that drastic changes in revenue laws were in offing, to reduce the red tape and levels of appeal in Revenue cases.

Answering a query regarding former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister said that he would not speak any thing of this issue as he was his younger brother. However, no political party can tolerate indiscipline and any cadre questioning the supremacy of Party has to face disciplinary action.
Meeting the families of Police Martyrs, Mr. Badal asked DGP to ensure that wards of martyrs employed in Police on compassionate ground were posted in their home district within a fortnight. He said that all families of martyrs be also issued red cards within 15 days.
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SUKHBIR PAYS GLORIOUS TRIBUTES TO POLICE MARTYRS

Earlier, at a State Level Police Commemoration Day Parade organized here today at PAP complex, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister paid glorious tributes to all those Punjab Police martyrs who laid down their lives protecting the unity and integrity of the country. He also reiterated his commitment to make Punjab police, a world class force through its modernization as well as technological up-gradation.

Mr. Badal said that this day gives us an opportunity to remember all those martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives to ensure that we all could live in peace. Commending Punjab Police for its exemplary role in wiping out more than decade long militancy in the State, Mr. Badal said that it was the professional approach, dedication and commitment of the state police that saved the Country from the nefarious designs of inimical forces across the border. He expressed confidence that the state police would never allow terrorism and anti social elements to raise their ugly heads.

Underlining the need to chalk out a long term plan to modernize State Police, Mr. Badal said that equipping force with modern technologies, weaponry would enable it to face the challenges of emerging high-tech crimes. He said that keeping in view the changing trend of crimes modern equipments as well as protective gears could play an important role in saving the lives of jawans. He asked Punjab DGP to put up a perspective integrated plan for modernization of force besides suggesting welfare measures and categorically said that there would be no paucity of funds.

Exhorting the young police officers to learn a lesson from the dedication and sacrifice of martyrs, Mr. Badal said that it was just because of their sacrifice; Punjab was again touching the pinnacles of glory and development. He also urged the younger generations to inculcate the spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst themselves by making these martyrs as their role models.

Speaking on the occasion Mr P.S. Gill, Director General of Police, Punjab said that the State Police has always proved its professional competency as well as exemplary courage to counter any challenge posed by the anti national elements. He said that the State force was the only force in the world that proved its professional mettle and commitment by successfully curbing the menace of decade long militancy that was being supported by the inimical forces across the border. He informed that while fighting the militancy the state police had sacrificed its 2 DIsG, 3 SSsP,12 DSPs, 32 Inspectors, 61 SIs, 111 ASIs, 268 Head Constables, 817 Constables, 294 PHGs and 180 SPOs. Besides this, 262 members of families of Police personnel were also killed by the militants to demoralize the force. He further said that during last year 786 Police officers and Jawans of various police and para military forces laid down their lives while performing their duties out of which 57 were of Punjab Police.

The DGP said that the state police was fully committed to redress the problems being faced by families of martyrs and assured to initiate more welfare measures for their betterment in near future.

On this occasion a Commemoration Parade was held as a mark of respect to brave police martyrs, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The arms were reversed and two minutes silence was observed in the honor of the departed souls. The names of police martyrs were also read out, to acknowledge with pride the supreme sacrifices made by them. The Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also floral tributes at Police Martyr’s Memorial.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included; Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister, Mr. Sarwan singh Phillaur and Mr Avinash Chander, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr Sarabjit Singh Makkar, Mr K.D.Bhandari, Bith MLAs and Mr. Shashi Kant, DGP/Armed Battalions besides senior Civil and Police officers.
On this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal released a booklet regarding Privileges of Martyrs’ families prepared by welfare branch of Punjab police containing various notifications of facilities for such families along with required forms.

Police Anthem released
Later on, Mr Badal released the CD of ‘Police Anthem’ adopted by Punjab police at G.O. Mess in a simple but impressive ceremony. It may be mentioned here that the song titled, ‘Police Punjab di’ is written by eminent lyricist Babu Singh Mann and sung as well as composed by renowned film play back singer Sukhwinder Singh appreciates the achievements of state police and acknowledges the selfless sacrifices to render glorious service in the interest of peace, communal harmony and nationalism. The brain behind this novel initiative was Mr. Rajinder Singh ADGP Rules wing. He said that this Police Anthem was meant to motivate and inspire police personals to discharge their duties with commitment and dedication. The police anthem would become significant part of historic conventions of Punjab police and it would be played on ceremonial functions of the department.
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Urgency of clearing DPRs for Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Moga Cities -laying 100% sewerage & sewerage treatment plants in these cities.

Chandigarh October 21:-
Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Local Govt. & Industries and Commerce Minister, Punjab hold a meeting at New Delhi today with Sh. Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, New Delhi) informing him the urgency of clearing DPRs for Rs. 237.16 crore for Jalandhar, 102.0 crore for Hoshiarpur and Rs. 67.0 crore for Moga Cities which have been already submitted for laying 100% sewerage & sewerage treatment plants in these cities. The Union Minister assured to approve the projects by 15th Nov., 2010 and he called the concerned officers and instructed to clear the projects on priority basis. Sh. Manoranjan Kalia thanked the Union Minister for his full cooperation to Punjab by clearing 9 DPRs for laying of 100% sewerage in eight cities already. The Hon’ble Minister of State appreciated the efforts of the Punjab State, especially S. Parkash Singh Badal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab for taking the cause of cleaning the rivers seriously.

Sh. Manoranjan Kalia, Hon’ble Local Govt. & Industries and Commerce Minister also discussed the issue regarding creating a separate category in the definition of minor minerals like ordinary sand, gravel and boulder, the extraction of which do not have impact on environment adversely. The Minister of State assured Sh. Kalia that he would consider and asked the State Govt. to submit a proposal immediately which the State of Punjab promised.

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PUNJAB TO FLOAT RS. 450 CRORE LOAN

Chandigarh, OCTOBER 21: The Punjab government in consultation with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today floated Rs. 450 crore (nominal) 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. 450 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 which would be conducted by them in its Mumbai office on October 26, 2010. The application form duly filled in with the Competitive bids should be submitted in electronic format, on the Negotiated Dealing System (NDS)to the RBI, Mumbai on October 26,2010 between 10.30 A.M to 12.30 PM while the non-competitive bids should be submitted electronically on NDS between 10.30 AM to 11.30 PM on the same day. Result of auction would be displayed on the same day and successful bidders would make payment on October 27, 2010

The spokesman added that this 10 year tenure loan would be repaid at par on October 27, 2020. He said that interest will be paid every half yearly on April 27 and October 27 and cut off yield determined at the auction would be the coupon rate percent per annum of the stock sold at the auction.
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Distributed a sum of Rs. 1,59,76,215 to the 92 employees of border area project (BAP) as state government one third share as outstanding salary from 1-11-2006 to 31-8-2009.


Chandigarh, October 21 :

Mrs. Vijaya Laxmi Bhado, Chairperson Punjab State Social Welfare Board, distributed a sum of Rs. 1,59,76,215 to the 92 employees of border area project (BAP) as state government one third share as outstanding salary from 1-11-2006 to 31-8-2009.

Mrs. Bhado explained that after Pakistani aggression in 1971, the border area project scheme was started in 1976. Till 1980, 12 border area projects were started in the border districts of Punjab, Amritsar , Ferozepur and Gurdaspur for up-liftment of border area people particularly women and children by providing them three basic services like Balwadi centre , Dai Centre and Craft Centre. The expenditure of these project was shared by the central social welfare board and state government in the ratio of 2 : 1. since the border area project was a phasing out scheme, no fresh recruitment was made after 1994.

Mrs. Bhado further said that the government of India, Ministry of Women and Child Development had taken a decision to close down the Boarder Area projects and adjust/bsorb the project employees in the ongoing state government programme. The matter was taken up with the state government by the state board and the department of social security, women and child development Punjab had taken the 65 employees of the border area project as supervisors and peons on permanent deputation in Integrated Chied Development Scheme (ICDS) scheme. Due to this problem the staff of the BAP had not received their salary from 1-11-2006 to 31-8-2009. due to non receipt of funds from the Central Social Welfare Board as well as the State Government. Mrs. Kavita Singh, Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development Punjab, Sh. A.K.Ranga Secretary , Sh. Rajneesh Kumar Jasra Deputy Director were also present on this occasion.
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SUKHBIR’S SURPRISE VISIT TO JALANDHAR MANDI ACTIVATES ADMINISTRATION
ORDERS EXPEDITING LIFTING OF PADDY- DCs TO SUBMIT DAILY REPORT ON LIFTING


Jalandhar, October 21:
The surprise visit of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab to Jalandhar Mandi took the entire administration off guard and whole mandi administration has been activated to rectify the bottle necks pointed out in the visit.

Immediately, after attending Police Commemoration Parade here at PAP Complex, the Deputy Chief Minister instead of going to his next scheduled function in Khemkaran, drove himself straight to the grain market taking escort and pilot vehicles even total administration by surprise. After reaching mandi Mr. Badal interacted with farmers and arthiayas to understand problems coming in the way of smooth procurement of paddy. The farmers informed the Deputy Chief Minister that auction of their produce was being held immediately on arrival of paddy produced in mandi but lifting operations were being delayed due to non-cooperative attitude of contractors. They said that daily they were offering new excuses to justify delay and resultantly their payments was getting delayed. Taking the matter seriously, Mr. Badal asked the Deputy Commissioner to personally supervise the paddy procurement and submit him daily report on lifting.

Farmers’ rued non announcement of bonus by Union Government on paddy as production declined upto 2 to 5 quintals per acre due to uncertain weather. Mr. Badal said that the Chief Minister and he himself had already taken up this issue to announce minimum Rs. 300/- per quintal bonus and they would again request Union Government to make announcement.

Later talking to media Mr. Badal informed that by last evening 54.58 Lac tones of paddy had been procured in all 1718 purchase centers of the government where as millers have purchased 1.23 lac tonnes of paddy. He said that PUNGRAIN has procured 15.7 lac tonnes of paddy (28.3 %) whereas Markfed has procured 11.26 lac tonnes of paddy (21.1%). He said that PUNSUP has purchased 12.77 lac tonnes of paddy with Punjab Warehousing procuring 6.76 lac tonnes (12.7%). Similarly, Punjab Agro has purchased 4.79 lac tonnes (9%) of paddy whereas Central Government Agency FCI has purchased 2.68 lac tonnes (5%) of paddy.

Mr. Badal explained that due to the ordinance of the government to not to sow paddy crop before a certain date, the total paddy crop has matured on the same day resulting in glut of paddy in the mandis. He explained that field staffs were working day and night to lift the procured crop with in stipulated 72 hours of procurement and payment was being made to the farmers within 48 hours of lifting of procured paddy. He informed that till date more than Rs. 4500 crore of payment has been made to the farmers for paddy lifted up to October 18, 2010. He informed that incase of PUNGRAIN 89.8% has already been lifted from the mandis whereas in the case of Markfed 86.4% paddy has been lifted. The lifting position of PUNSUP was 82%, with 81.7% of Punjab Warehousing Corporation and 90.4% in the case of PUNJAB AGRO. In the case of FCI 93.9% paddy has already been lifted.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government was committed to procure every single grain of paddy brought by farmers to the mandis and it was the bounden duty of every official of procurement agency to ensure hassle free procurement.
Mr. Badal asked the Deputy Commissioner to activate its Weight and Measures Department and they should make surprise inspections to check faulty weighing scales and take action against guilty. He asked the official of Punjab Mandi Board to provide all facilities to the farmers and provide sufficient quantity of tarpaulin covers to protect paddy crop from unseasonal adverse weather.

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BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF MAHARISHI VALMIK JI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 21:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Maharishi Valmik ji and exhorted them to follow his teachings and ideology to carve out an ideal society regardless of caste, colour and creed.

In a message, Mr. Badal said that Maharishi Valmik ji was a great exponent and harbinger of Indian culture & civilization, the creator of first ever epic the holy 'RAMAYANA' which is a fountainhead of human culture, moral values & ethics, reservoir of wisdom besides storehouse of all eternal human values. Maharishi Valmik ji propagated the message of ideal life based on Righteousness (Dharma) to the mankind through Ramayana which is replete with examples of ideal father, son, husband, wife and brother etc.

The Chief Minister called upon the people to celebrate this sacred occasion collectively rising above the parochial consideration of casteism thereby paving a way for altruism in human life as preached by Maharishi Valmik ji.

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UPINDERJIT KAUR BECOMES NEW FINANCE MINISTER DY. CM GETS ADDITIONAL PORTFOLIO OF INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS

SEKHWAN GETS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 20:
Consequent upon the removal of former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V. Patil today approved the reshuffle of the Council of Ministers on the advice of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would now hold the portfolio of Information & Public Relations Department in addition to Home Affairs, (Home Affairs, Civil Defence & Wakf), Water Supply & Sanitation, Sport & Youth Services and Non-Conventional Energy. Dr. (Mrs.) Upinderjit Kaur becomes the new Finance Minister, who will also hold the charge of Planning and programme implementation in addition to her existing portfolio of Vigilance & Justice. Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan now gets the Education department and the charge of NRIs Affairs, Defence Services Welfare, Removal of Grievances and Pension and Welfare of Pensioners held by Mr. Sekhwan and Civil Aviation held by Dr. (Mrs.) Upinderjit Kaur would be now looked after by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
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BADAL ORDERS TO SHIFT CONSTITUENT COLLEGE OF GNDU AT JALANDHAR TO NEW BUILDING

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 20:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to the Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar to shift its constituent college in the Basati Nau in Jalandhar to the vacant building adjacent to the Govt. College for Education, lying under the control of Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar with immediate effect.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting chaired by Mr. Badal at Chief Minister's residence this morning with the Vice Chancellors of Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar and Punjab Technical University Jalandhar. The shifting of the college was necessitated followed by the decision of Punjab & Haryana High Court in the favour of a NRI under rent control Act, from whom the present building had been taken by GNDU on lease for past many years.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar Prof. AS Brar apprised the Chief Minister that the university was successfully running this college since 1973 and nearly 360 students were being imparted education in the ongoing courses of MBA (5 years integrated course), MCA (5 years integrated course) and MBA (2 years course).

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal also allowed the PTU to run its Technical Teachers Training Institute till 31st March, 2011 and asked the VC, PTU to shift the same in its campus spreading over 64 acres at ladhowali road in Jalandhar.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Higher Education Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor PTU Jalandhar Dr. Rajnish Arora, Director Technical Education & Industrial Training Mr. VK Sharma and OSD to CM Mr. NS Sangha.

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51.23 LAKH TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB`


Chandigarh, October 20: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 51.23 lakh 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 50.02 lakh tonnes (97.6%) whereas private traders procured 1.21 lakh tonnes (2.4%) of paddy. Till October 19, PUNGRAIN had procured 14.02 lakh tonnes (28.0%) whereas MARKFED procured 10.53 lakh tonnes (21.1%), PUNSUP procured 12.00 lakh tonnes (24.0%), PSWC procured 6.37 lakh tonnes (12.8%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 4.52 lakh tonnes (9.0 %) of paddy.
The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 2.56 lakh tonnes (5.1%).

The spokesman added that District Ferozepur with 07 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Jalandhar with 4.85 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Faridkot with 4.08 lakh 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.
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Manpreet Badal expelled from the primary membership of the party.

Chandigarh October 20-

Keeping in view the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee of the party, the Shiromani Akali Dal has decided to expel S. Manpreet Singh Badal Member PAC from the primary membership of the party. This was disclosed to the press by the party Secretary & Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema in a press release issued from the party head office in Chandigarh today.

Earlier, the disciplinary committee of the party met in the head office of the party in Chandigarh today under the chairmanship of S. Ranjit Signh Brahmpura. Other committee members S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, S. Gurdev Singh Badal, Jathedar Tota Singh and S. Balwinder Singh Bhunder also attended the meeting. The meeting waited for one hour but Manpreet Badal did not turn up. So keeping in view, the anti-party activities and public utterances of S. Manpreet Singh Badal, the disciplinary committee unanimously recommended that he should be expelled from the primary membership of the party. The committee also recommended that show cause notices should also be issued to both the ruling party MLAs Mr. Jagbir Singh Brar and Manjinder Singh Kang to reply in writing upto 10 November that why disciplinary action should not be taken against them?

Dr. Cheema further said that as per the recommendations of the disciplinary committee, show cause notices have also been issued to both the party MLAs. Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema… Secretary & Spokesman, Shiromani Akali Dal



   
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