Punjab Continue Fast Track Courts

Chandigarh, April 2:

The Punjab Government in a notification issued, has extended the term of all Fast Track Courts for a period of three month i.e. up to 30-6-2011. These courts will continue working in the same manner as they were working on 31.3.2011.
Stating this here today Mr. D. S. Bains, Principal Secretary Home indicated that it was at the behest of Registrar General of Punjab and Haryana High Court urging the State Government to extend the tenure of 15 fast Track Courts and release the required funds from 1-4-2011onwards.

Adding further, he said that the matter was placed before the council of Ministers in its meeting held on 29-3-2011.After considering the matter at that level it was finally decided to extend the term on Fast Track Courts.

Giving details of the Fast Track Courts, Mr. Bains said that there are 15 fast Track courts functioning in Punjab. As many as 46347 cases have been disposed of till date. In Punjab, as on 1-2-2011, total 86093 cases are pending for disposal at district/Additional district and Sessions Judge Level.
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SUKHBIR UNVEILS MAJOR IRRIGATION PROJECT FOR TAIL END AREAS

• 99 DEEP TUBEWELLS TO MEET LONG STANDING IRRIGATION DEMAND OF FARMERS
• CHARGES CONGRESS FOR IGNORING IRRIGATION NETWORK OF PUNJAB FOR LAST 6 DECADES
• RS. 3754 CRORES EARMARKED FOR STRENGTHENING IRRIGATION NETWORK

Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda), April 2: It was a red letter day for thousands of farmers of Talwandi Sabo and Maur areas as Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today dedicated the state a multi-crore integrated irrigation project for supplementing irrigation in the villages falling in the tail end areas of canal networks.

As Mr. Badal dedicated 99 deep tubewells to irrigate 47 affected villages at the cost of Rs. 3.96 crores, it met the 6 decade long demand of these villages falling on tail ends as these were suffering due to deficient irrigation especially during peak summers. Mr. Badal directed irrigation authorities to operationalize all the tubewells within 20 days so that farmers could use these tubewells for first irrigation of Kharif crops. In a simple ceremony organised here at Chatha Palace Mr. Badal distributed cheques for installation of these tubewells.

Later talking to media Mr. Badal lashed at Congress Party for ignoring the irrigation network of Punjab that was lifeline of farmers. He said that the Punjab government has finalized Rs. 3754 crores for rejuvenating irrigation canal network in the state. He said that Rs. 2000 crores were also being spent on relining the minors and channels besides Rs. 700 crores programme had been initiated to check water logging in the Malwa belt. He said that a separate irrigation programme for the Kandi and sub-Mountains belt of Punjab has already been initiated under which besides provision of lift irrigation over 200 deep tubewells were also being installed.

Blaming Congress party for its failure to protect water interests of the state, Mr. Badal said that those proclaiming themselves as protectors of Punjab waters, could not get a single penny from Congress led UPA government for strengthening the canal network in the state. He said that Congress led UPA government was dancing to the tunes of Congress government of Haryana at whose behest it has stopped the second phase of Channelization of Ghhaggar and it was due to Amarinder's failure thousands of farmers of Patiala, Sangrur and Mansa districts face the fury of floods every year. He said that if Amarinder was sincere for the cause of Punjabi farmers why can not he get this project cleared from Congress led UPA government. Castigating the Union government for step motherly treatment to Punjab, he said that the state's recent request for treating total canal system of Punjab as one unified irrigation project has not been acceded.

When asked about preparations for procurement of wheat, Mr. Badal said that 1736 procurements centres have already started procurement of wheat from 1st April and the state government was committed to procure every single grain of wheat coming to Mandis. He said that farmers would be made payment within 48 hours of lifting of their produce. He assured that Punjab government has geared up its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat. Mr. Badal regretted that by announcing a meager hike of Rs. 20 in the MSP of wheat, the Congress led UPA government had back stabbed the farmers of Punjab who were contributing more than 60% wheat in the Central pool. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal has requested the Union government to immediately announce Rs. 300 per quintal bonus on wheat so as to help the farmers.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, President, SAD Bathinda, Mr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, Incharge, Talwandi Sabo Constituency, Mr. Mohan Singh Bangi, Executive Member, SGPC, Youth Akali Leader Mr. Sukhman Sidhu, Circle Jathedar Jaswinder Singh, Chairman Jagwinder Singh Bhagiwander, Chairman Surjit Singh Kot Bakhtu and BJP leaders Mr. Jagdish Deesha and Thekedar Lachhman Singh.
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Center approves bridge over Sutlej linking Ferozepur-Patti

Chandigarh, April 1- Punjab Government would soon start the construction of high level bridge over Sutlej River between Ferozepur and Tarn Taran districts which willl reduce the distance between two border cities of Ferozepur and Patti by about 50 kms.

Mr.Adesh Partap Singh Kairon MLA from Patti and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies who initiated the project today informed that center government has given administrative approval for the bridge that will boost the economy of the border areas in a big way. He said that the 780 meter long high level bridge would start from Kot Budha village in Patti sub-division of Taran Taran district and would merge with the Makhu Ferozepur road.

He said with the completion of bridge, the traffic congestion on Tarn Taran-Ferozepur road via Harike would ease and the traffic going towards Ferozepur, Kandla(Gujarat and Rajasthan would be diverted through shorter route. Similarly traffic coming from Ferozepur-Gujarat and Rajasthan going to Amritsar and Jammu would also go through this route which will be 50 kms shorter than the old route.
The distance between Ferozepur and Patti would be reduced from 85 to
35 kms.

Mr.Kairon further said that high level bridge would cost Rs.97.38 crores and Ministry of Raod Transport and Highways has sanctioned
Rs.61.58 crores under Central Road Fund. He stated that the state government would contribute the balance of cost. He informed that PWD(B and R) is expected to issue tenders for the bridge within few days and construction will start by the end of May 2011. The process of land acquisition has already been started, he added
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RICH TRIBUTES PAID TO PANTH RATTAN JATHEDAR GURCHARAN SINGH TOHRA


TOHRA (PATIALA) APRIL 1:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that SAD would welcome any political party with sole aim to defeat Congress in the forth coming Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections.

Mr. Badal was addressing a mammoth gathering at a state level function organized here to pay homage to the great Akali leader 'Panth Rattan' Jathedar Sardar Gurcharan Singh Tohra on his 7th death anniversary.
Blaming the ill-conceived policies and programmes of the Congress led UPA government for putting all the states in a financial mess throughout the country; he called upon the people to join hands with SAD-BJP to give defeat to Congress in the coming elections.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Jathedar Tohra was a man of rare intellect and SAD-BJP government would strive hard to cherish the aspirations of Jathedar Tohra as he was always keen to see his party
'Shiromani Akali Dal' in power to serve the Punjabis. He said that
Jathedar Tohra who spent his entire life determinedly in the selfless service of the Sikh Panth, propagated the concept of value based politics that would act as a beacon for the younger generations to tread on the path of righteousness to serve the humanity. He said that he was a multifaceted personality who ruled over the hearts of millions of people by his qualities of head & heart and his life was a fine blend of religious, political and social aspects.

Mr. Badal said that for the state government Jathedar Tohra's ideology was instrumental to introduce new programme in the field of education through establishing Adarsh Schools in the state to impart quality free education to the intelligent students from poor families. He further said that Jathedar Tohra had also established reputed Engineering, Medical & Arts colleges along with many public schools during his tenure as President of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

In his address Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan said that Jathedar Tohra was the guiding spirit for the Shiromani Akali Dal and SGPC, who worked relentlessly along with Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for the
welfare of the state. He said that the real tribute to Jathedar Tohra
would be to promote his ideology for which he lived and died. He impressed
upon the younger generation to follow the legacy of Jathedar Tohra.

Paying tributes to Jathedar Tohra, Senior Akali leader & SAD General Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra said that role of Tohra Sahib in the emergency movement would be ever remembered by one and all because he was pioneer in raising rebellion against the proclamation of emergency in 1975 along with Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

Speaking on the occasion, Former President of SGPC Mr. Kirpal Singh Badunger paid homage to the Jathedar Tohra for his outstanding contribution towards the promotion of educational institutions run by SGPC. He said that we should strive hard to perpetuate the philosophy of Jathedar Tohra who led a relentless battle against the social evils.

Earlier, former Minister Mr. Harmail Singh Tohra and his wife Kuldeep Kaur also paid homage to the Jathedar Tohra and thanked the Sangat for participating in the function.

Earlier the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of a Adarsh School and a Community hall to be established at a cost of Rs. 10.5 crore and Rs. 25 lac respectively at Tohra.

Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Charanjit Singh Atwal, former SGPC and SAD President Jagdev Singh Talwandi, former MLA Ajaib singh Mukhmailpur and General Secretary SGPC Sukhdev Singh Bhaur.

Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Jail & Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, SAD General Secretary Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal , besides the senior leaders of SAD-BJP and members of the SGPC.

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PUNJAB IMPROVES SEX-RATIO--CHAWLACHANDIGARH, APRIL 1:

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla here today expressed hope that the sex-ratio of Punjab would improve further. She said although as per the preliminary report of census 2011 Punjab has witnessed an improvement in the sex-ratio as the current figure rose to 846 in 2011 from the 798 as per census 2001.We have definitely achieved some success, but still there is much more that needed to be done in this area.

She stated that her department and the official entrusted the job to implement PNDT Act are undoubtedly doing their best, yet some thing that plays a deterrent, is the negative interference by the people who are in power, Prof. Chawla said. Many times in the past when the health officials are sincerely doing their duty to check the menace of female foeticide powerful politicians and representatives of social organizations come forward to rescue the miscreants. Not only this even the local politicians also put a lot of pressure upon the health officials to let the violators of PC-PNDT act go Scot free.
While further talking about the phenomena behind the sex-ratio nationally, the Health Minister clarified that the trend of more males prevails universally. Punjab has however witnessed the worst scenario during the decade of 80's when the misuse of new technology task of at a large scale. Thereafter the sex-ratio in the state had started dropping and in year 2001, it come down to a low of 798 girls behind every 1000 boys. However owing to concerted efforts of the department, some success has been achieved in checking this reverse trend. Further improvement of 48 points has been witnessed as per the 2011 census report.

While strongly criticizing the prevailing mindset of some persons in power, Chawla urged them to not to make attempts to bail out, people who indulge in evils like female foeticide. They must instead support the officials who are fighting for the cause of girl child.

Prof. Chawla further made an earnest appeal to the people to come forward and become the genuine volunteers for the cause of girls. She also appealed people to foot a resistance to such lobbies that support the violators of PNDT Act.
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EC APPROVES REGISTRATION OF NRIs AS VOTERS

Chandigarh April 1:

Election Commission of India has approved to register eligible NRIs as voters. Disclosing this here today Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu said that Under Section 20A of the Representation of the people Act, 1950 inserted vide Representation of the people (Amendment) Act, 2010, every overseas elector, i.e., Indian citizen who is absenting from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to employment, education or otherwise, and has not acquired citizenship of any other country and who is not included in the electoral roll, is entitled to have his/her name registered in the electoral roll of the constituency in which his/her place of residence in India as mentioned in his/her passport is located.

In terms of rule 8A of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, every overseas elector whose place of residence in India is located in the State of Punjab, who has completed 18 years of age as on 01.01.2011, and is desirous of registering his/her name in the electoral roll, is invited hereby to submit claim application in Form 6-A for registration in the electoral roll of the constituency in which his/her place of residence as shown in the passport is located. The claim application in Form-6A may be either submitted in person directly to the registration officer of the constituency concerned or sent to such registration officer by post alongwith the documents mentioned in Form-6A and the guidelines. When the claim application is sent by post, it should be accompanied by photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport duly attested by the competent official of the Indian mission in the country concerned.

She said that the Electoral Registration Officers of each of the 117 Assembly Constituencies in the State of Punjab and Form 6-A can be seen on the website www.ceopunjab.nic.in or http://eci.nic.in
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APPRECIATING WATER SUPPLY COVERAGE OF 1236 VILLAGES BY FEBRUARY, ADDITIONAL
CENTRAL GRANT OF RS. 33.81 CRORE OKAYED

Chandigarh, March 31: The Union government today sanctioned the release of Rs. 33.81 crore appreciating its excellent work in achieving the physical and financial targets for coverage of 1236 villages.According to Mr. P.S.Aujla, Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation, for the year 2010-11, Government of India had allocated Rs. 82.21 crore to the State and the Department of Water Supply & Sanitation, Punjab worked in systematic manner and was able to send request for the 2nd installment to Government of India grant in the month of September, October, 2010 itself. He said that till February 2011, the department has been able to cover 1236 rural habitations with potable drinking water and during the current financial year almost all water supply schemes had been executed with contribution of the users/beneficiaries to the capital cost of the schemes. He said that after completion of the schemes, these would be taken over by the Panchayats gradually for their operation and maintenance. He said that most of these schemes were likely to achieve financial sustainability within six months after the date of commissioning and these schemes would no longer remain dependent upon Government grants/subsidiaries for their proper operation and maintenance. Giving details of its progress in Malwa belt, Mr. Aujla said that in southern Punjab, particularly in Malwa Belt where the underground water being brackish, the rural water supply schemes were based upon canal water as source. He said that due to the inadequate availability of the canal water for the schemes located at tail end of the canal network there was no assured availability of drinking water throughout the year and in order to meet with requirement of water for drinking and cooking purposes Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants have been installed in 375 villages and the work of installation of RO Plants in 238 villages was also in progress at an estimated cost of Rs. 23.80 Crores.

He said that existing water testing laboratory at Patiala is being upgraded as State Level Laboratory. Water testing laboratories have also been set up at all the 20 district headquarters as well as at 10 other divisional head quarters i.e. Pathankot, Rajpura, Anandpur Sahib, Khanna, Talwara, Garhshankar, Abohar, Fazilka, Malout & Batala. These 30 water testing laboratories in the State have been made functional & equipped with requisite Computer Hardware and Internet facility for online transmission of the water sample results to the state headquarter as well as Govt. of India through web enabled linkage for close monitoring. Department has also commissioned a Mobile Water Testing Laboratory to help the Department in effective surveillance of drinking water quality in the rural areas of the State.

He said that the Water Supply & Sanitation Department has adopted e-tendering for the tendering/ procurement process that has helped in elimination of contractors’ cartel leading to saving in the cost. He said that Government of Punjab has approved a project for remodeling of the 512 ponds in 500 villages of Punjab (25 from each district) at a cost of
Rs. 33.66 Crore to ensure appropriate treatment, its disposal & reuse of waste water for irrigation. He said that for construction of 1.05 lacs Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL) in 3487 villages for all the APL and BPL families a project costing Rs. 124.50 Crore has been got approved under NABARD. Work has already been allotted for construction of more than 60,000 units. The entire project is likely to be completed by September, 2011.

He said that department has been able to achieve 24 hours water supply in 6 villages namely Singhpura, Shitabgarh, Rasulpur, Paprala, Raillon Khurd of District SAS Nagar & Ropar and Manhera Jattan of Fatehgarh Sahib District under pilot project by installing meters in each and every household with the initiative of the GPWSC/ Panchayat. It has resulted in water conservation due to reduction in wastage of water, saving in electricity charges & has helped in increasing the consumer satisfaction. In the next few months, atleast 94 other role model villages are likely to join this illustrious category with metered water supply, he added.
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SUKHBIR BADAL DIRECTS CS TO SUBMIT ENQUIRY REPORT ON TURBAN ISSUE WITHIN 48 HOURS

Chandigarh, March 31:

The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today directed the state Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal that the enquiry ordered against two police officers involved in showing disrespect to turban be completed and report submitted within 48 hours to ensure prompt and exemplary punishment to the guilty.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also directed that government's instructions on utmost vigil against the recurrence of any such incidents be fully complied with. He categorically said that any government officer or official found guilty of showing disrespect to turban or any religious symbol of any community would be dealt with sternly.
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PUNJAB PR ASSOCIATION GIVES WARM SEND OFF TO JARNAIL SINGH ON HIS RETIREMENT Chandigarh March 31:

Mr. Jarnail Singh Additional Director in the Punjab Information & Public Relations Department today retired on superannuation after putting in 35 years of distinguished services.

Mr. Jarnail Singh during his tenure worked in different capacities in State Govt. and UT Administration Chandigarh. He worked with four successive Chief Ministers of Punjab for about nine years and also Governor of Punjab for five years as Joint Director Press. He also served Chandigarh Administration over ten years.
Lauding the services of Mr. Jarnail Singh, Director Information & Public Relations Punjab Mr. D.S. Mangat described him an outstanding officer who always discharged his duties with utmost dedication, sincerity, honesty and professional commitment.
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SP & SHO SUSPENDED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN REMOVAL OF TURBAN OF SIKHSUKHBIR BADAL ORDER MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY TO PROBE INTO THE MATTER

Chandigarh, March 30. - The Punjab government today ordered the immediate suspension of a superintendent of police and an SHO involved in removal of turban of a Sikh in Mohali this morning. Taking a serious view of the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal who also holds the Home portfolio, also ordered an immediate magisterial inquiry into the incident. The Home Minister also issued a stern warning that the government takes stern action against anyone found guilty of showing disrespect to turban or any religious symbol of the Sikhs or other communities. "There is absolutely zero tolerance of any such act of this nature committed by anyone, regardless of the position held by the guilty. No one will be spared in this regard." Mr Badal has directed the state DGP to ensure complete compliance of government orders in this regard
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BADAL APPRECIATES TRUST FOR MAKING PROVISION OF 10% ADDITIONAL SEATS FOR ECONOMICALLY POOR IN UNIVERSITY COURSES ALSO UNDERLINES THE NEED TO INVOLVE KEY INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS PLAYERS TO PLAN UNIVERSITY COURSES.

FATEHGARH SAHIB, MARCH 29

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the academic session of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University would commence its academic session from coming July.

Taking part in the deliberations during the first meeting of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Fourth Centenary Memorial Trust here at university campus, Mr. Badal appreciated the decision taken by the Trust to provide additional 10% of seats in each course, for economically poor but brilliant students with rural background in Punjab in the sense of having passed matriculation examination from the schools in the rural areas so that they could be imparted education free of charges. Mr. Badal also asked the university to involve the key players of industry and business for the planning of new courses with tremendous employment potential to enable our youth to compete at the global level especially in the changed scenario.
Earlier Mr. Badal unveiled university logo and university anthem (Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s hymn that light of knowledge dispels darkness of ignorance) besides releasing University Book of Information-2011 on the occasion.

The Chancellor of the University & the president S.G.P.C. S. Avtar Singh assured the trustees that there would be no paucity of funds and the first phase of construction of the Emerging Technology Complex would be completed in the stipulated time frame.

To commemorate the historic event of 400th anniversary, in 2004, of the compilation and first installation of Sri (Adi) Guru Granth Sahib, Hon’ble Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, had formally announced the setting up of the SGPC University at a mammoth congregation on September 1, 2004 at Sri Amritsar. As a follow-up action, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee gave 84 acres of land for the university for this SGPC project. The university is established under Punjab State Act 20/ 2008.

On the recommendation of the Syndicate, the Trust meeting today, formally, decided to offer as many as 30 post-graduate degrees in 15 departments. The thrust areas of the university are: World Religions, Cultures and Civilizations; Basic Sciences; Emerging Technologies; Social Sciences; Arts and Humanities. There will be research in as many as 21 areas of Sikhism. There will also be a separate department of Sikh historiography.
Nanotechnology, biotechnology, computer science & engineering, engineering physics, instrumentation engineering, food processing technology and latest specializations in business management, with most advanced courses of studies, well comparable to the top universities in India and abroad, will get special emphasis in the teaching and research programs of the university. The courses have been drafted after assessing the needs of industry and business, for easy placements of the students.

With a view to taking technical education to the door steps of the rural youth whose intake in technical education in Punjab is less than 4%, the university is embarking upon preadmission counseling of students passing 10+2 examination and graduation with a view to guide them in choosing their degree courses and careers. This would lead to higher intake of students from rural background in different university courses.
The Trust also adopted the revised UGC scales for teaching Faculties and even higher emoluments for attracting high standard Faculty, besides Guest Faculty from abroad and Adjunct Faculty from other universities. Oversees centres are also been opened very soon.
University will also introduce online distance education programme.
The meeting was attended by the Trustees: Mr. Parkash Singh Badal; Trust president(S.G.P.C. chief)Avtar Singh, Trust Secretary-cum-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia; Mr. Sukhdev Singh Bhaur; Mr. R.S. Mann, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Anand; Dr. Kiranjot Kaur; Mr. Didar Singh Bhatti; Mr. Gurpal Singh.

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Punjab Cabinet approves Rs. 46 Crore for the liquidators of Jagraon and Budladha Cooperative Sugar Mills
Punjab Slashes VAT on Truck & Bus body fabrication from 12.5% to 5%APPROVAL FOR THE STATE COMMISSION TO PROTECT CHILD RIGHTS

CHANDIGARH MARCH 29:

The Punjab Cabinet in its meeting Chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved that the Department of Finance would provide Rs. 46 Crore to the liquidators of Jagraon and Budladha Cooperative Sugar Mills through the Department of Cooperation to enable them to defray all the liabilities of these mills except the amount payable to the State Government .

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the Cabinet also gave approval to the proposed Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for the permanent employees of the closed Cooperative Sugar Mills of Patiala, TarnTarn, Faridkot, Jagraon and Zira.

Regarding the revival of these four Cooperative Sugar Mills along with three distilleries at Gurdaspur, Nakodar and Nawan Shahr the Cabinet also approved the scheme on Built, Operate, own & Transfer (BOOT) basis to be pursued by the Department of Cooperation through Sugarfed and its constituent Cooperative Sugar Mills with the help of National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, New Delhi as per the advice of Finance Department.
The Cabinet also approved to establish the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. This commission would comprise one Chairperson and six members.
The Cabinet also approved to reduce the VAT from 12.5% to 5% on Truck and Bus body fabrication.
In another significant decision cabinet also gave its nod for the direct recruitment of Medical officers (General), Medical officers (Specialists), Medical officers Dental & Homeopathic officers in Punjab Health department through a selection committee under the Chairmanship of retired Director of PGI & the written test regarding this would be conductor by Baba Faridkot University of Health sciences.
Cabinet also approve to increase purchase tax paddy and Wheat from 4% to 5%
The Cabinet also gave approval for the allotment of provincial government land measuring 27 Kanals 14 Marlashe Siglighar comunity in village Ajowal, District Hoshiarpur at the Collector Rate.
In the light of decision of Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the case of Seetal Kaur & Others Versus State of Punjab regarding the amendment of pay scales of Craft Instructor from 1st Jan.1986, the Cabinet gave ex-post fecto approval for the implementation of this decision.
The cabinet gave node to implement City transport Project in Amritsar and Ludhiana. The fare under this City Bus Service (CBS) would be Rs.10 upto 5 KM, Rs.15 upto 5 to 10 KM, Rs. 20 upto 10 to 15 Km & Rs.1 per KM for the distance above than 15 KM for AC buses whereas Rs. 5 upto 5 KM, Rs.10 upto 5 to 10 KM, Rs.15 upto 10 to 15 Km and 75 paise per KM the distance above than 15 KM would be charged as fare for non- AC buses. It was also approved that no new permit would be issued for auto rickshaws in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana cities except for LPG/CNG based autos and all auto rickshaws would be fitted fare meter as prescribed under the Punjab Motor Vehicle Rules 1989. No existing contract carriage permits of auto rickshaws would be renewed except LPG/CNG autos. The scheme will also be extended to Bathinda.
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SHIVRAJ V. PATIL REVIEWS SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 28: The Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil while presiding over a high level meeting today at Punjab Raj Bhavan, reviewed the security and other arrangements regarding the visit of dignitaries from India and Pakistan who are coming to watch semi final Cricket match going to be played at PCA Stadium Mohali between India and Pakistan on 30th March, 2011.
Mr. Patil gave clear cut instructions and guidelines to all the concerned officers to ensure that all arrangements should be made fool proof. He said no excuse would be tolerated at all from any corner. He further said that law and order should be maintained at any cost. He also asked the officers to discharge their duties dedicatedly and devotedly to make this event success and memorable.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Mr. Pradip Mehra, Adviser to Administrator, Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Chief Secretary of Haryana, Mr. M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Director General of Police, Punjab and Haryana, Mr. Vishvajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, Inspector General of Police, UT, Chandigarh, AOC, Air Force Station, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh and Mohali and SSP of Chandigarh & Mohali.

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BADAL APPROVES DEVELOPMENT PLAN WORTH RS. 30 CRORE FOR SRI HARGOBINDPUR TOWN AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26:-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved a multi-dimensional development programme of about Rs. 30 crore for Sri Hargobindpur Town and its surroundings.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a high level meeting of the senior officers of the state and the district administration. Mr. Badal directed all the officers of different departments to ensure timely implementation of these development projects to be initiated in and around the historic holy city of Sri Hargobindpur Sahib.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that under this programme Rs.9.8 crore would be spent on Water Supply, Sewerage and Sewerage Treatment Plant at Sri Hargobindpur and Rs. 5.13 crore on Water Supply, Sewerage facility for Ghuman, the historic village of Baba Nam Dev Ji, beside many other development projects like modernization of existing Bus Stand, construction of a new Community Health Centre, Veterinary Hospital, Roads with street lights, green cover etc. would be initiated. Mr.
Badal also approved to construct three decorative entry Gates at each of the three approach roads leading to this holy city namely Batala, Mehta and Gurdaspur roads, added the Spokesperson.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included MLA,Sri HargobindpurCapt. Balbir Singh Bath, Principal Secretary Home Mr. AR Talwar, Principal Secretary PWD(B&R) SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary School Education Mr. C Roul, Director Local Government Mr.
SK Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur Mr. Prithi Chand and Director Animal Husbandry Dr. HS Sandha.

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EMPOWERED COMMITTEE APPROVES FOUR AGRI MEGA PROJECTS OF RS. 276.42 CRORE

COMMITTEE ALSO GIVES NOD TO THE REVISED RICE SHELLING POLICY
AND ANOTHER POLICY FOR INTEGRATED SUGAR COMPLEXES IN BORDER AREAS

CHANDIGARH MARCH 25:
The Empowered Committee today approved three Agri Mega Projects and one mega food park with an investment of Rs.276.42 crore which would generate direct and indirect employment of nearly 6000 persons.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office informed that empowered committee in its meeting held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this evening at Punjab Bhawan approved a Ring Frame Spinning Unit by M/s. J.D. Spintex Ltd. at Village Rajla Road in Tehsil Samana at a cost of Rs. 36.20 crore. Another project of Ring Spindle Spinning Unit at Village Nasupur in Samana Tehsil with an investment of Rs. 48.10 crore being set up by M/s Gee Emm Spinfab Ltd was also approved. Likewise, the committee also gave approval for setting up of Agri Mega industrial food park with an investment of Rs. 130 crore by the M/s. International Mega Food Park Ltd. at Village Dabwala Kalan in district Ferozepur.

Apart from these the empowered committee also approved Agri
Mega Project scheme for setting up of Waste Land development project in village Penchanwali in Ferozepur District at a cost of Rs.62.12 crore by M/s Sampuran Agri Venture Pvt. Ltd.

In another important decision the committee also gave nod to the revised policy for grant for mega project concessions to rice shelling units. Under the revised policy new rice shelling proposals under mega scheme would be considered on these parameters including ; unit should be located in any of the specified districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, SAS Nagar, Ferozepur, Faridkot and Mukatsar where availability of paddy is in excess of the milling capacity. Unit should deploy modern state-of-art technology to ensure production of high quality rice confirmed by the State Food & Civil Supplies department. The units should be integrated one and the by-product i.e. rice husk should be used for co-generation of power for captive use. The Unit should ensure establishment of corresponding covered scientific warehouse for storage of paddy and rice. Allotment of FCI grade paddy to a mega unit would be as per the policy of the Food & Civil Supplies Department prevailing at that time. On inspection if the unit was found evading tax etc. the concession would be liable to be withdrawn.

The Committee also approved a policy for integrated sugar complexes set up in Border districts of the state. Under the policy, a sugar complex would essentially comprise of a Sugar mill with minimum capacity of 3000 TCD, power generation unit of minimum 15 megawatt, a distillery of 30KL. Second distillery, Brewery or grain waste Ethanol unit would be optional.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Local Government Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, PWD Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Besides, Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Financial Commissioner Development Mr.NS Kang, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. SS Channy, Principal Secretary Local bodies Mr. S.S Rajput, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Principal Secretary Power Mr. Arun Goel, MD Punjab Agro Mr. Vikas Garg, CMD PSPCL Mr. K.D Chaudhary, CMD PSTCL Mr. Anurag Aggarwal and Secretary Mandi Board Dr. Karamjit Singh Sra also attended the meeting.
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PUNJAB TO HAVE CULTURE POLICY SOON- SUKHBIR
INAUGURATE MS RANDHAWA MEMORIAL ART GALLERY

Chandigarh, March 25:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that there was an urgent need to educate the younger generation regarding our rich cultural heritage and Punjab would soon a announce a broad based cultural policy to achieve this objective.

Speaking after inaugurating Creators of Punjab & Dr. M.S. Randhawa, Memorial gallery and three days Utsav organized by Punjab Kala Parishad here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that in a mad race to achieve self styled goals in the open economy, we were getting aloof from richness of our ancient heritage and beauty of art. He said that our younger generation was totally cut off from these and Punjab Kala Parishad can play an important role in educating the younger generation regarding the richness of our culture and art.
Ensuring total support of Punjab government, Mr. Badal asked Mrs. Harjinder Kaur, Chairperson Punjab Kala Parishad to draw out the blue print of cultural policy and it would be the responsibility of Punjab government to implement that blue print.
Paying tributes Dr. M.S. Randhawa, Mr. Badal said that his contribution in development of Chandigarh and preservation of artifacts of Indus and Harappa civilization would be remembered by all. Congratulating Mrs. Harjinder Kaur for her noble initiative of setting up of this unique gallery Mr. Badal said that this gallery gives the view of multifaceted personality Dr. Randhawa and other creators of Punjab.
Earlier Mr. Harjinder Kaur, Chairperson Punjab Kala Parishad gave an over view of activities of Punjab Kala Parishad and sought government support in implementing long term and short term plans of Punjab Kala Parishad.
Mr. Badal also honoured a Mrs. Iqbal Kaur, wife of Dr. M.S. Randhawa with the memento on this occasion. Mr. Mehar Singh Artist was also honoured on this occasion for his memorable artistic depiction of Dr. M.S. Randhawa.
Famous folk artist Mr. Hans Raj Hans also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier Mr. Badal inaugurated the gallery and had a close view of the exhibits displayed in the gallery. Mr. Badal inaugurated the three days Mela organized by Punjab Kala Parishad.
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NO FURTHER EXTENSION AFTER MAY 13, 2011 FOR REHABILITATION PACKAGE TO 1984 RIOT VICTIMS

CHANDIGARH MARCH 25:
Conceding the request of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Government of India has given nod to grant further extension for two months of the last date for the implementation of rehabilitation package to provide relief to the victims of 1984 riots from the receipt of the letter dated March 14, 2011.
In a letter by the Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram to the Chief Minister, Mr. Chidambaram has advised Mr. Badal to direct the officers concerned to complete the action within two months and also mentioned that no further extension would be granted in this regard after May 13, 2011.
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BADAL APPROVES PLAN TO INTRODUCE NEW DISCIPLINES OF SPORTS IN SRI DASMESH ACADEMY ANANDPUR SAHIB

CHANDIGARH MARCH 25:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to utilize the Marshal Sports academy complex Infrastructure by Sri Dasmesh Academy jointly with Punjab Sports Department to introduce four new disciplines of sports viz. Boxing, Karate, Archery and Badminton in Sri Dasmesh Academy Anandpur Sahib.

A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his residence late last evening. To provide excellent sports facilities for the students, Mr. Badal also asked the sports department to start Football and Basketball wings in the Academy besides providing a woman Basketball coach to train girl students.
To restore the glory of Sri Dasmesh Academy, Mr. Badal reiterated his firm commitment to revamp the infrastructure as well as creating an academic atmosphere of high standards in this prestigious Academy to emerge it as one of the leading educational institutions of the country. He also said that a renovation project of Rs. 8.5 crore had been chalked out to make this Academy as an institution of excellence at par with renowned educational institutions in the country and PWD (B&R) department had already begun the work to rejuvenate the Academy.
It may be recalled here that recently Maj. General (Retd.) JS Ghuman has been appointed as Director of Sri Dasmesh Academy by the Chief Minister.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Sports Mr. PS Aujla, Director Information and Public Relations Mr. DS Mangat and Director Sports Mr. Pargat Singh, Director of Sri Dasmesh Academy Maj. General (Retd.) JS Ghuman and Principal of the Academy Mr. AK Sharma.
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