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PONG DAM WATER LEVEL TOUCHES 1383.42 FEET

Chandigarh August 27: Beas and Satluj rivers in Punjab witnessed increased discharge from Pong Dam, Naushera Mirthal and Dhilwan   in Beas, Harike and HussainiWala in Satluj.
      32660 cusecs water was discharged from the Pong Dam against the inflow of 44336 cusecs. There was discharge of 25000 cusec in Beas at Naushera Mirthal and 102800 cusecs in  Dhilwan .  Satluj also witnessed the discharge of 70930 cusecs from Harike and discharge of 69135cusecs from Hussainiwala.       
       According to an official spokesman the water level in Pong Dam was 1383.42 feet against it maximum capacity of 1390 feet. Last year on this day it was 1380.47feet.        
Due to continuous heavy rain fall in the state, the water level in Bhakra Dam has been increasing. The water level at Bhakra Dam today touched 1671.76 feet water mark whereas its capacity was  1680 feet. According to an official spokesman water level on this day during the previous year was recorded at 1674.80 feet.        
The water level at Ranjit Sagar Dam has touched 520.96 meter whereas its capacity was 524.91meter.     
He said that the data received from the Department on 26-8-   2011 indicates the position of rain fall during last 24 hours was recorded in Mohali 10 mm, Roopnagar 11.05mm and Pathankot 17mm

BADAL TO ADDRESS 46 ELECTIONS RALLIES FOR SAD-SANT SAMAJ CANDIDATES

Chandigarh, August 27 : Shiromani Akali Dal Patron and Chief Minister Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal would address more then 46 rallies from august 29th to September 11th in favour of SAD-Sant Samaj combine candidates.

          Disclosing the tour programme in a statement released from the party headoffice here today , party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that apart from canvassing in different areas of Punjab S. Badal would also address thre rallies in Haryana at Kaithal, Ratian and Kalianwali on September 11th. Dr. Cheema  said that S. Badal would address election rallies on August 29th at Dhudike, Dharmakot, Kot Ise Khan and Moga. On August 30th he would visit Draouli, Baghapurana and NihalSingh Walal in Moga district. On August 31st, he would campaign in Ferozepur district where he will address 4 election rallies at Lakhoke (Mamdot), Aafrke, Ferozeshah and Ferozepur city.

          Dr. Cheem further said that SAD Patron would visit Ludhiana district on Septermber 1st and address 3 rallies at Sawadi Dana Mandi (Mullanpur Dakha), Mullanpur Dakha grain market and Taj Palace at Alamgir. On September 2nd he would visit Gurdaspur district and address rallies at Wadal Granthian, Sri Hargobindpur and Jallandhar city in the evening. On September 3rd he would address 4 election rallies at Nakodar, Jagraon, Raikot and Ludhiana city south in the evening. Next day on September 4th he would address election rallies at Phillour, Adampur and Kartarpur.

          SAD Secretary said that S. Badal would address elections rallies at Garhshanker, Nawanshehr and Balachour grain market on September 6th. On 7th he would visit Ropar to address three election rallies at Nurpur Bedi (Anandpur Sahib), Chamkour Sahib, Kurali and in the evening he would canvass at Mohali city. On September 8th He would visit Ludhiana again to address elections rallies at Samrala, Khanna, Payal and Ludhiana city North. On 9th September he would visit Fatehgarh Sahib to address there rallies at Amloh, Sirhind and Bassi Pathana. On September 10th he would campaing in Patiala district and address 4 rallies at Rajpura, Dakala, Sanour and Patiala city.
          Dr. Cheema appealed the SAD leaders and workers to ensure their participation with large gatherings and said that the programme for rallies after September 12th  would be released soon.

PUNJAB CM CALLS ON DR. AHLUWALIA, KUMARI SELJA
AND PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL

DR. AHLUWALIA ASSURES CM OF PROMPT RELEASE OF ACA

SELJA TO PERSONALLY EXAMINE Rs. 750 CRORE HUDCO LOAN CASE

BANSAL ASSURES CM FOR QUICK APPROVAL TO PENDING PROJECTS

NEW DELHI AUGUST 26:

                Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission of India Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia to release the Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to the tune of Rs.400 crore to the state expeditiously without any further delay.  The Chief Minister called on Dr. Ahluwalia here at his office in Yojana Bhawan this morning.

Taking up the issue for immediate release of ACA, the Chief Minister apprised Dr. Ahluwalia that Planning Commission had already approved one time ACA of Rs.400 crore for the annual plan 2011-12.  Of the original proposal of Rs.400 crore ACA, the Planning Commission did not approve schemes worth Rs.110 crore.  Consequently the state government submitted a detailed revised proposal to the Planning Commission seeking ACA of Rs.180 crore for construction of brick paving of village roads/paths to dhanis, Rs.25 crore for up-gradation of PSIEC Focal Points, Rs.45 crore for low dams and Rs.90 crore for other irrigation works besides Rs.30 crore for Kapurthala Chowk Fly over at Jalandhar, Rs.10 crore for Aganwadi Centre and Rs.20 crore for the strengthening of college infrastructure. 
The Chief Minister urged Dr. Ahluwalia to advise the Ministry of Finance to immediately release the ACA of Rs.400 crore to ensure timely completion of these projects.   

Dr. Ahluwalia assured the Chief Minister of positive response and said that he would soon take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance to release the said ACA promptly so that the various development projects and welfare schemes could be taken up by the Punjab government at the earliest.

In another meeting Mr. Badal called on the Union Minister of Housing, Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation & Culture Kumari Selja urging her to direct the Housing & Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) authorities to immediately release the loan of Rs.750 crore to the state so as to enable it to provide basic civic amenities to the people living in all urban areas. 
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister apprised Kumari Selja that the state government has taken up a major initiative for providing basic amenities to the people living in all urban areas of the state and accordingly detailed projects were prepared for all the urban local bodies so as to provide roads, streets, sewerage, water supply, street lighting etc.  In order to fund these urban infrastructure development projects, it was decided to raise a program loan of Rs.750 crore and Punjab Municipal Fund Act, 2011 has been enacted to ensure the repayment of loan by escrowing a dedicated Revenue Stream created through this Act.

Mr. Badal further informed the Minister that the state government applied for sanction of the said loan to HUDCO in March, 2011 and the HUDCO authorities have since sanctioned the finance of Rs.750 crore for this project subject to the terms and conditions as per their letter June, 2011.  Further to this, the Punjab infrastructure development company has supplied all the documents and met with all the terms and conditions of the sanction letter of HUDCO including state guarantee vide letters dated July 15, 2011 and July 26, 2011.  He pointed out that HUDCO authorities have been requested time and again to execute the loan agreement but till today the government has not received any response from HUDCO.   Mr. Badal reiterated that the loan was meant for providing basic civic amenities for people living in all urban areas of the state and therefore, the repayment of loan had been ensured through an Act by escrowing a Dedicated Revenue Stream in addition to the state guarantee.
Responding to the issue of HUDCO loan raised by the Chief Minister, Kumari Selja assured Mr. Badal that she would personally examine the entire case to ensure the release of finances without any further delay. 
In another meeting with the Union Minister of Water Resources Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal here at Parliament House, the Chief Minister requested him to immediately release Rs.163 crore for the smooth implementation of the projects under Command Area Development and Water Management Program (CADWM) in the state. 
The Chief Minister also urged Mr. Bansal to direct the Central Water Commission to approve the technical appraisal of the long pending project for rehabilitation, extension, renovation, modernization of various canals, restoring storage capacity of reservoirs of the headwork’s along with allied work amounting to Rs.3769.35 crore so that the Punjab could avail one time grant from GoI to sustain the agriculture growth of the state and the country as a whole.  Mr. Badal also sought expeditious clearance for the comprehensive project worth Rs.3498.40 crore to conserve and augment its depleting ground water resources and for judicious use of its share of surface water resources in order to sustain agriculture production and food security of the country.  
Summing up the discussions, Mr. Bansal assured the Chief Minister that he would soon convene a meeting of senior officers of Ministry of Water Resources and Central Water Commission to review the entire position with regard to the various proposals sent by the state government to ensure its prompt clearance. 
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. G.Vajralingam, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan New Delhi Mr. K Siva Parsad and Chief Engineer Drainage Mr. Vinod Chaudhary.
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BADAL WRITES PM SEEKING HIS DIRECT INTERVENTION FOR SECURING CLEMENCY FOR BHULLAR 

NEW DELHI AUGUST 26:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought personal intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in securing early pardon of Mr. Devender Pal Singh Bhullar from the death sentence so that the sentiments and feelings of the entire Sikh community world wide finds solace, peace and satisfaction.

            In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal deeply desired that he wanted to meet him in person, once again, to espouse the cause of Mr. Bhullar’s clemency. But however, he was equally aware of his (Prime Minister’s) busy schedule in view of the happenings in Delhi.  Therefore, the Chief Minister requested Dr. Singh to allow him to take this liberty on behalf of Punjab government to seek his direct intervention on the issue of clemency to Mr. Bhullar.
Mr. Badal also mentioned that he along with the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal met him on June 23, 2011 on the issue of clemency to Mr. Bhullar. Mr. Badal said: “Needless to say, the efforts on part of entire Sikh community, both in India and abroad resonate with a single thought that Mr. Bhullar’s case should be viewed with deep humanitarianism and sympathy”.  The Chief Minister also pointed out that he led an all party delegation including SGPC members recently to meet the Governor of Punjab and submitted a memorandum for President of India urging clemency for Mr. Bhullar.
…

PUNJAB'S POPULATION TOUCHES 27,704,236

• URBAN POPULATION GROWTH RATE CLOCKS 25.72% COMPARED TO RURAL POPULATION GROWTH RATE OF 7.58%
• LUDHIANA,SAS NAGAR, AMRITSAR AND JALANDHAR PREDOMINANTLY URBANIZED DISTRICTS 
• TARNTARAN LEAST URBANIZED DISTRICT
• URBAN POPULATION IN SAS NAGAR NEARLY DOUBLED

Chandigarh, August 26:  The population of Punjab has been recorded as 27,704,236 out of which 17,316,800 are rural and 10,387,436 are urban according to Provisional Population Totals of Census 2011. As such, 62.51% of the population in the State is residing in rural areas and 37.49% in urban areas.

          Releasing district level provisional totals on rural-urban distribution of population of Punjab for Census 2011, Mrs. Seema Jain, , Director Census Operations, Punjab said that the share of urban population has increased to 37.49 per cent in 2011 as compared to 33.92 per cent in 2001. During 2001-2011, urban population in the State has recorded a growth rate of 25.72 per cent which is more than three times that of the rural growth rate of 7.58%. Of all the districts in the State, Ludhiana (59.14%), SAS Nagar(55.17%), Amritsar (53.64%) and Jalandhar (53.18%) are predominantly urban having more than one-half of their population living in urban areas. Every fifth (19.86%) urban dweller in Punjab is residing in Ludhiana district. SAS Nagar (55.17) is the second most urbanized district in the State.

The literacy rate in the state has increased from 69.65 per cent in 2001 to 76.68 in 2011. Rural literacy for males has increased from 71.05 per cent in 2001 to 77.92 per cent in 2011 which is an increase of 6.87 per cent and literacy rate for females has increased from 57.72 per cent in 2001 to 66.47 in 2011. Similarly, urban literacy for males has increased from 83.05 per cent in 2001 to 87.28 per cent in 2011 registering an increase of 4.23 per cent and that of females has increased from 74.49 per cent in 2001 and 79.62 in 2011 recording an increase of 5.13 per cent during this decade.

Highlights

• Out of 217 towns in Punjab, 143 have statutory status and 74 non statutory ( Census Towns ).
• 37.49% of the population in Punjab is urban by residence.
• Ludhiana ( 59.14%) , Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar ( 55.17%) , Amritsar ( 53.64%) and Jalandhar (53.18%) are predominantly urban.
• One - half ( 49.12%) of the urban population of Punjab is concentrated in four districts namely , Ludhiana, Amritsar , Jalandhar and Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.
• Ludhiana ( 59.14%) is the most urbanized district in Punjab. Every fifth ( 19.86%) urban dweller in Punjab is residing in Ludhiana district.
• Ludhiana and Amritsar Districts account for one - third ( 32.72%) of the total urban population of the state.
• Newly created district of SAS Nagar ( 55.17%) is the 2nd most urbanized district in Punjab.
• Taran Taran ( 12.63%) is the least urbanized district in the State.
• During 2001-11, urban population of Punjab has increased by 25.72 % which is nearly twice that of the over all growth rate ( 13.73%) and more than three times that of the rural ( 7.58%) growth rate.
• During this decade, the urban population in SAS Nagar district has nearly doubled ( 90.03%). It has improved its rank from 10th in 2001 to 7th in 2011 in terms of percentage of urban population in total population.
• In Punjab, the rural sex ratio has increased by 16 points while the corresponding increase in urban sex ration is of 23 points during 2001-11.
• The child sex ratio in age group 0-6 years in rural areas of Punjab has increased by 44 points while the corresponding increase in urban areas is of 55 points during this decade.
• Increase in rural literacy rate for males and females during this decade is more than their urban counterpart signifying a further reduction in the male - female literacy gap, both in rural and urban areas.

GURUDWARA ELECTION COMMISSION ISSUES LIST OF IDENTITY PROOFS FOR VOTING IN SGPC ELECTIONS

Chandigarh, August 26:
  The Chief Commissioner Gurudwara Elections has issued orders directing the voters to establish their identity at the Polling stations at the time of poll for the SGPC Election to be held on 18 September, 2011 by producing the identity cards  issued them under the authority of Election Commission of India.

 He said that  where such an identity card had not been issued or is not available for whatsoever reason the voters can established their identity by producing any of the following alternative documents like  Driving  Licences,  PAN card, Bank/Post office passbooks, Ration card, Arms Licences, SC/ST/OBC Certificates issued by competent authority, Pension documents such as Ex-servicemen book/Pension  Payment order, Ex-servicemen widow/dependent certificates, old age pension order, widow pension order, Railway Identification Card, Freedom Fighter Identity Card, Certificate of Physical Handicap by the competent authority, Kissan Passbook, Service  Identity Card, Photo duly attested by Gazetted Officer, Passport.
          The Chief Commissioner also clarified that any documents as enumerated above, which is available only for the head of the family shall be allowed for purpose of identification of the other members of the family and similarly any documents  in the name of any member of the family could also be used for identification of other members of the family, provided that the other member can be identified on the basis of such document.
          The Chief Commissioner further directs that the Presiding Officers appointed  on the polling  stations for the election of the SGPC shall ensure that only the Keshadhari voters are allowed to cast votes and the persons are below the age of 21 years also shall not be allowed to cast their votes.

                                                                   Justice H.S. Brar Judge (Retd.)
                                                     Chief Commissioner Gurdwara Elections

VIGILANCE NABS PATWARI ACCEPTING BRIBE

Chandigarh, August 26: State Vigilance Bureau, during its ongoing campaign against rampant corruption, today nabbed a revenue official, Patwari red handed accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000/- in a trap case.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Mr. Manjit Singh, Patwari posted at halqua revenue Dalel Singh Wala, Tehsil Budhlada, District Mansa was nabbed red handed from his office by a Vigilance team led by Mr. Jagdish Singh, DSP/VB Mansa while he was accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000/-, from complainant Mr. Sarbjit Singh of Village Mallke, Tehsil Boha, District Mansa for mutation of his ancestral land.

The complainant approached the VB and alleged that the above named Patwari was demanding bribe of Rs. 15,000/- from him for the above purpose but the deal was struck at Rs. 10,000/-. After confirming the allegation, the VB team laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed from his office. On noticing the VB team he threw the tainted notes on the floor. The VB team immediately recovered the tainted money in the presence of two official witnesses.
He further added that FIR no.9, dt 26-08-2011 under Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) at Police Station /VB Bathinda have been registered against him and further investigation was under process.

HS Grewal

SPECIAL DRIVE TO CHECK DENGUE IN FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS -GOSIAN

Chandigarh, August 26:  The Punjab government today launched a special drive to check the menace of mosquito breeding and spread of dengue in the flood affected areas of district Ludhiana, Bathinda, Muktsar, Tarntaran, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka and Kapurthala.
            Disclosing this here today Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Satpal Gosian said that instructions in this regard have been issued to the Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Civil Surgeons concerned. He said that the government hospitals in the state have been put on high alert and have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines. He however appealed to the public not to panic and cooperate with health authorities.
            Mr. Gosian said residents could help significantly by controlling mosquitoes around their homes and properties. Most efficient method of controlling mosquitoes was by checking the stagnant pools of water,  that were breeding ground for Larwal and pupal growth.  He said that Mosquitoes thrives in smaller bodies of water in protected places, like unwanted tin, cans and tires, water coolers, clogged roof and drains etc., he added. The water inside the desert coolers should be replaced at least twice in a week, he added.
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WATER LEVEL AT PONG DAM RISES TO 1383.93 FEET

Chandigarh August 26:-                        
          The water level in Bhakra Dam has been increasing continuously. The water level at Bhakra Dam today touched 1671.16 feet water mark whereas its capacity was 1680 feet. According to an official spokesman water level on this day during the previous year was recorded at 1674.53 feet.         
According to data released by the Irrigation Department, the water level at Pong Dam has touched the level of 1383.93 feet whereas its capacity was 1390 feet. Water level on this day during the previous year was recorded at 1379.68 feet.     
The water level at Ranjit Sagar Dam has touched 520.72 meter whereas its capacity was 527.91 meter.      
    
 

SEVEN CANDIDATES OF SAD-SANT SAMAJ COMBINE WIN UNOPPOSED

Chandigarh, August 26: Shiromani Akali Dal and Sant Samaj combine has won seven seats unopposed in the current elections for the general house of Shiromani Gurdwaran Parbandhak Committee.

          Disclosing this in a statement released from the party head office here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that today was the last day to withdraw the names and as per reports received in the party office seven of candidates of SAD-Sant Samaj combine won unopposed. He said that in Bhikhiwind Bhai Manjit Singh, Amritsar Central S. Rajinder Singh Mehta, S. Harjap Singh Sultanwind in Amritsar East, Bibi Balwinder Kaur Lopoke in Chaugawan (Women), S. Jodh Singh Samra in Guru Ke Bagh, in Mattewal S. Bhagwant Singh Sialka and S. Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa from Balachaur (Reserve) have won their seats.

          Dr. Cheema said that these results have proved that opponents of the SAD-Sant Samaj combine have failed to prove their worth. He said that never in the history of these elections so many candidates have won unopposed and this trend indicates that SAD-Sant Samaj Combine would sweep the elections with huge victory margins.

(Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema)
Secretary & Spokesman, Shiromani Akali Dal

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Cong MLAs condemn Brar's statement

Kewal SIngh Dhillon
MLA, Barnala, and vice-president, PPCC

Through a joint statement issued today, Congress MLAs who spearheaded the Congress protest in support of agitating farmers opposing forcible land acquisition in Gobindpura village of Mansa district under the guidance of PPCC President Capt. Amarinder Singh, repudiated the claim made by Kotkapura MLA Ripjit Brar that further agitation being planned by the party would serve no purpose.

The MLAs who issued the statement include Kewal Singh Dhillon, Rana Kanwar Pal Singh, OP Soni, Sukhpal Khaira and Harchand Kaur.

Clearing the majority stand on the issue, they said that the Congress' decision to support the agitating farmers was an unanimous one. Further criticizing Brar's irresponsible statement, they said the party strongly stands behind the aggrieved farmers and would do everything possible to save them from state persecution. They said the party president should take cognizance of the press statement issued by MLA Ripjit Singh Brar and take up disciplinary action against him to prevent any future indiscipline within the party and prevent individuals from sending wrong messages on behalf of the state unit. Referring to Thursday's police action against sleeping farmers who had been peacefully protesting at the DC office, they said the party has a responsibility to come to their rescue, for which a sustained agitation would be carried out.
 
They said that Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has given an assurance in the Vidhan Sabha that not an inch of land would be acquired in the state against the willingness of the farmers and further no women would be put behind bars in the state. This assurance in the Hon'ble house was a blatant lie and in contempt of the House as not only women but minor girls were also afflicted with atrocities by the state police and put in jail and the farmers were being beaten up and pressureized towards forceful land acquistion by the state government. 

Referring to Brar's statement as unfortunate, they said the Congress party stands in complete unity and will continue to support the hardworking farming community of the state. They said the Kotkapura MLA might have forgotten how harmless farmers had been beaten up and women and minors dragged from their houses. Besides, lately the government had been forcing people to raise pro-government demonstrations, claiming that most of the farmers are willing to give up land, whereas the reality is that those opposing it stand firm on their stand. They further added on that at such a time it is the Congress party’s moral responsibility to stand by those who are either being forced to give up their land and also those who are being forced to support the government through coercive means.   

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Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Punjab,
Aug 25, 2011

Mr. K.H. Muniyappa,
Minister of State for Railways
Govt. of India.

Subject :   Request for change of name of newly launched Duronto train and halts at Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

Firstly, I take this opportunity to congratulate the UPA Govt. for connecting Amritsar with Chandigarh through the newly operated Duronto train. In the same breath, I as elected representative of the people of the state, urge to take up the following two demands of the people of Punjab.

1)      Request for change of name, ‘Duronto’ – I was stunned to learn the meaning of ‘Duronto’ in Bengali i.e. quick.  Why Bengali culture or word is being imposed on the people of Punjab? Needles to mention, that Amritsar is a holy city with world famous Golden Temple and historically important Jallianwala Bagh monument, is it therefore, appropriate to impose a Bengali name on a train connecting Amritsar with Chandigarh, the capital of the state?

I suggest that the train be renamed either after the secular sufi saint Sain Mir Mian who laid the foundation of ‘Harimandir Sahib’ (Golden Temple) or the train be named the “Jallianwala Bagh Express’ as both places are part of pride and history of Punjab and India.  By doing so we would be educating the world of the importance of Golden temple and Jallianwala bagh besides enhancing the pride of Punjabi’s.

2)      Request to halt the Duronto at Jalandhar and Ludhiana – As we are all aware, Jalandhar and Ludhiana are two vital cities of Punjab and important hubs of ‘Doaba’ and ‘Majha’ respectively, if Jalandhar is the centre of sports and hand tool industry, Ludhiana is often called Manchester of India.  Therefore, leaving these two cities out of Duronto is not only illogical but ignores the sentiments of the people of these regions,  stopping the train for 2-3 minutes and Jalandhar & Ludhiana would not delay the travel time by more than 15 minutes in all.  In any case despite all publicity for the inaugural run of Duronto only 40 passengers travelled on the first day.  If stopped in these two cities, large number of commuters can avail facility to travel to the capital Chandigarh for various official works including the facility for litigants to reach the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.

Therefore, I once again appeal to you that our above stated demands be considered without further delay in public interest and the pride of Punjabi’s.  In case you fail to take cognigance of these vital demands, we the people of Punjab would be forced to agitate peacefully for them.

PPP to show solidarity with the farmers of  Gobindpura against forcible acquisition of their lands

Chandigarh :

PPP is going to hold a protest show at Breta Mandi on 27th August, 2011 at 10.00 A.M. to register their solidarity with the farmers of Gobindpura Village of District Mansa whose land is being acquired forcibly by the Government of Punjab.  Arunjot Singh Sodhi spokesman of the PPP informed that party president S. Manpreet Singh Badal and others senior leaders Abhey Sandhu, Bharat Bhushan Thapar, Jagbir Singh Brar, Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon, Gurpreet Singh Bhatti, Kuldeep Singh Dhose, Gurmeet Singh Daduwal, Bhagwant Mann  will address the mammoth gathering against excesses being committed on the poor villagers whose source of livelihood is being snatched against their will, PPP have always stood against the tyranny of any land, the spokesman added.    

PUNJAB CM CALLS ON KAPIL SIBAL, JAYANTHI NATARAJAN AND MALLIKARJUN KHARGE

SEEKS RELAXATION IN GUIDELINES UNDER RMSA, EARLY RELEASE OF FUNDS UNDER CAMPA AND AFFILIATION OF ITI’s BY NCVT

NEW DELHI AUGUST 25:
 
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Kapil Sibal to relax the ‘distance condition’ to the extent of 3 KM instead of 5-7 KM subject to village population of 1500 and above and availability of at least 20 students to be admitted in class IX and X under Rashtriya Madhmik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA). 
The Chief Minister called on Mr. Sibal here today in his office at Sanchar Bhawan this morning.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Sibal that the state government had already upgraded many schools form Middle to Secondary/Senior Secondary before the start of RMSA.  Henceforth, for many schools ‘distance condition’ was not being met for up-gradation from Middle to Secondary Schools whereas these schools were located in villages with large population.  Consequently, the State government was not getting its due share from GoI under RMSA which amounts to penalizing the state government for the good work done in the past.   Mr. Badal also impressed upon the Union Human Resource Development Minister to immediately release the 6th Central Pay Commission arrears of Rs.15.08 crore due to the teachers of degree, engineering, pharmacy and architecture colleges towards GoI’s share of 80%.  Mr. Badal also expressed concern over the slow pace of work at Central University Ghudda in Bathinda district.
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Sibal assured him that he would soon take up the matter of relaxing the norms of distance under RMSA and payment of pay arrears with the Cabinet. He also assured Mr. Badal that he would soon convene a meeting of senior officers to review the situation with regard to construction work at Central University. 

In another meeting with the Union Minister of State for Environment & Forests Mrs. Jayanthi Natarajan in his office, the Chief Minister urged her to allow the state government to start projects under National River Conservation Development Project with its own shares in anticipation of its approval in  five towns namely Zira, Makhu, Talwandi Bhai, Dharmkot and Ferozepur along river Sutlej costing Rs.117.67 crore, five towns including Begowal, Sham Churasi, Dhilwan, Rayya and Kapurthala along river Beas costing Rs.70.33 crore and seven towns viz. Sirhind-Fatehgarh Sahib, Nabha, Banur, Sanaur, Bassi Pathana, Mandi Gobindgarh and Dera Bassi of river Ghaggar costing Rs.213.60 crore.  He also informed Mrs. Natarajan that the state government had already, submitted these detailed project reports and was still to get nod from the Ministry in this regard. 

Mrs. Natarajan assured the Chief Minister that she would soon direct the concerned officers in the Ministry to review the entire case so that all these pending DPRs of NRCDP could be cleared without any further delay.  She also promised to give early environmental clearance to the 117 MLD common effluent treatment plant of at Tajpur road in Ludhiana.  Mrs. Natarajan also informed the Chief Minister that the funds under State Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) would be released to Punjab for 2011-12 within a week.  Union Minister of State for Environment & Forests also assured Mr. Badal that she would soon take up the proposals of the state government with the Steering Committee to allow plantation on government institutional lands as a component of CAMPA project and utilization of CAMPA funds for promotion of agro forestry and farm forestry, as there were no such provisions in the present CAMPA guidelines.   

Later, in another meeting with Union Labour & Employment Minister Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge in his office here at Sharam Shakti Bhawan, the Chief Minister sought his personal intervention as Chairman of National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) to give affiliation of one trade unit in state government Industrial Training Institutes (ITI’s) of Punjab for the benefit of poor and needy students.   This initiative would help our students to get National Trade Certificate (NTC) which would enable them to compete for jobs in government/semi government and reputed industry. 
Mr. Kharge assured the Chief Minister that he would soon expedite the process of clearance for affiliation to ITI’s besides Construction of Skill Training Institute and Automotive and Driving Skill Institute in district Muktsar by NCVT.   
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan Mr. K.Siva Parsad and Additional Secretary Ministry of Labour & Employment GoI Mr. Ravi Mathus were also present in the meeting. 
…


BADAL FOR EARLY RELEASE OF RS.62.50 CRORE AS BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT GRANT

SEEKS HOME MINISTRY’S CLEARANCE TO RBI FOR PAYMENT OF LOAN BY SGPC
FOR TAKING POSSESSION OF NATIONAL GURDWARA IN WASHINGTON (DC)

NEW DELHI AUGUST 25:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the personal intervention of  Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram to immediately release the grant of Rs.62.50 crore for the year 2011-12 for development of Border areas to upgrade power, road connectivity, water supply and sanitation in areas along the international border.

            Mr. Badal called on the Union Home Minister here in his office this evening and apprised him that 13th Finance Commission had recommended a grant of Rs.250 crore (2011-15) for the development of border areas.
As per the guidelines of the Ministry of Finance the state government had already submitted the work plan approved by the state High Level Committee for Rs.62.50 crore for 2011-12 but the said payment had not been released so far.

            Mr. Badal also raised the issue for the enhancement of time period for the execution of restoration works of infrastructure damaged due to floods from the current 30 to 45 days to 6 to 9 months as it was not feasible to undertake the completion of these works in such a short span.  He also took up the issue with Mr. Chidambaram for the upward
revision of the norms for payment of relief to the affected farmers under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).  He mentioned the existing relief norms were inadequate and just Rs.1600 per acre in case of 100% crop loss which should be atleast enhanced to Rs.5000 per acre.

Taking up another issue with Mr. Chidambaram for giving early clearance to the Reserve Bank of India to enable Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to repay the loan worth US$ 2 million taken by the National Gurdwara in Washington DC (USA), the Chief Minister sought Mr. Chidambaram’s intervention to take up this matter
personally with the Ministry of External Affairs as the case had been pending for a long time with it for their comments.  It may be recalled that SGPC has decided to take possession of the National Gurdwara situated close to the White House row in Washington DC (USA). Mr. Badal also pointed out that the lenders have threatened to auction the said Gurdwara if the loan was not paid immediately and this would seriously hurt the religious sentiments of not only the NRI
Sikhs but also the Sikh Community within India.

            Mr. Chidambaram assured the Chief Minister that case for upward
revision of relief norms under SDRF has been cleared by the Home
Ministry and was sent to the Ministry of Finance which would be soon
approved in the Cabinet.  He also promised Mr. Badal that the Home
Ministry would soon give its nod to RBI which has sought permission to
transfer the requisite funds to US for the payment of loan by SGPC
subject to the approval by the Ministry of External Affairs.  He also
assured the Chief Minister that he would soon examine the position
regarding the release of grant to the tune to Rs.62.50 crore for
border area development so that these funds could be released without
any further delay.

PONG DAM WATER LEVEL TOUCHES 1384.71 FEET
Chandigarh August 25:

Beas and Satluj rivers in Punjab witnessed increased discharge from Pong Dam, Naushera Mirthal and Dhilwan   in Beas, Harike and HussainiWala in Satluj.

       60290 cusecs water was discharged from the Pong Dam against the inflow of 49878 cusecs. There was discharge of 50000 cusec in Beas at Naushera Mirthal and 120000 cusecs in  Dhilwan .  Satluj also witnessed the discharge of 77751 cusecs from Harike and discharge of 76677cusecs from Hussainiwala.       
       According to an official spokesman the water level in Pong Dam was 1384.71 feet against it maximum capacity of 1390 feet. Last year on this day it was 1378.60feet.        
 The water level at Bhakra Dam today touched 1670.50 feet water mark whereas its capacity was 1680 feet. According to an official spokesman water level on this day during the previous year was recorded at 1674.06 feet.        
The water level at Ranjit Sagar Dam has touched 520.40 meter against last year level of 521.13 meter.     
He said that the data received from the Department on 25-8-2011,  rain was recorded to the level of 10.00 mm in Patiala in last 24 hours. However in Himachal catchment areas rains to the level of 4.40 mm in Bhoond, 6.20 mm in Khairy and 28.20 mm in Sargani was recorded.

CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB

Chandigarh 25 August:

The ECI issued a number of directions to the Chief Electoral Officer Punjab following its visit to Chandigarh on 9-08-2011. These directions have been conveyed to the departments and officers concerned for action.

           The Chief Secretary has been requested to keep a watch on the activities of the Principal Secretary to CM Mr. D.S.Guru against whom a complaint had been received from various political parties. Similarly the DGP Mr. P.S.Gill’s activities in Moga are to be reported upon by the Home Secretary.
                  The transfer Policy of the ECI, i.e. to transfer officers in their home districts or those who have remained posted in the station for more than three out of 4 years has been reiterated. It has been elaborated that the cut off date for calculating 4 years would be 31st Dec. 2011. All Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have to be in position by 31st August 2011. The Deputy  Commissioners have been asked to take stock of these appointments on 1st Sept.2011 and where necessary to identify one Returning Officer and 2 Assistant Returning Officers per constituency for notification. No retired or tainted officer can be put on election duty.

               The Home Department has been asked to furnish reports on execution of non-bailable warrants and arms licenses. The recent news item on proclaimed offenders has also been sent to the Home Department for a report.

               The district authorities have been asked to identify vulnerable booths and keep the same under watch from now itself. Electronic Voting Machines collection and safe storage has to be arranged. The EC has directed that all pending claims and objections should be disposed off before the draft publication of the rolls. The proposal for roll revision has already been sent to the ECI .The Photo campaign and continuous revision undertaken has resulted in generation of more than 3,39 lakh photo images in the roll. EPICs will be prepared and distributed through Booth Level Officers (BLO) by the time draft publication takes place. Roll revision will be monitored by the Divisional Commissioners and the CEO Office. All BLOs will be trained by the end of August 2011. BLOs are expected to work without bias. Political parties have been requested time and again to appoint Booth Level Agents to ensure that there is no scope for complaint.De-duplication exercise within the constituency has been done through the BLOs. The focus during this roll revision would remain on registering newly eligible 18+ voters. During continuous revision 1,15.932 young voters have been enrolled. They will get their EPIC Cards by the end of September.

              The Election Commission has also asked for the details of implementation and expenditure incurred under the MPLAD and MLALAD scheme district wise.   There is no MLALAD scheme in Punjab but there are other discretionary plan funds regarding which the report is awaited from Planning Department.
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Today in Parliament
Partap Singh Bajwa

“The need for connecting the upcoming Integrated Check Post at Wagah with the Dedicated Freight Corridor”

When regulatory and support functions in an integrated manner are not available in one complex on the international land borders of the country, and realizing that there was no single agency responsible for coordinated functioning of various Governments authorities, the Government tried to redress this situation by deciding to set up 13 Integrated Check Posts at identified entry points on the international land borders of the country.

With the coming up of one such Integrated Check Post at Wagah, there is a felt need to connect it with the Dedicated Freight Corridor, after extending it up to Amritsar. Further, it requires the establishment of the following facilities:

1. A fully developed Railway siding should be set up at Attari Railway Station with storage go-downs and other facilities;
2. There is also a need for opening the rail route for containerized movements as is being done on all the international land ports;

The Government can also look for private partners in the region through a PPP model to establish some of these facilities over there since a lot of companies are interested to send their products to Pakistan, but the absence of containerized movement is creating hindrances in their way.

I would, therefore, request the hon. Minister of Railways to kindly look into the matter and consider this proposal of linking of the ICP with the Dedicated Freight Corridor as would not only make it a successful gateway to Pakistan, but also would boost the trade prospects with Afghanistan, Bandar Abbas in Iran and St. Petersburg, Russia to a very great extent.

PPP to show solidarity with the farmers of  Gobindpura against forcible acquisition of their lands

Chandigarh : PPP is going to hold a protest show at Breta Mandi on 27th August, 2011 at 10.00 A.M. to register their solidarity with the farmers of Gobindpura Village of District Mansa whose land is being acquired forcibly by the Government of Punjab.  Arunjot Singh Sodhi spokesman of the PPP informed that party president S. Manpreet Singh Badal and others senior leaders Abhey Sandhu, Bharat Bhushan Thapar, Jagbir Singh Brar, Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon, Gurpreet Singh Bhatti, Kuldeep Singh Dhose, Gurmeet Singh Daduwal, Bhagwant Mann  will address the mammoth gathering against excesses being committed on the poor villagers whose source of livelihood is being snatched against their will, PPP have always stood against the tyranny of any land, the spokesman added.    

Convention against violent attacks on the leaders , workers and supporters of Left Front by Trinamul Congress-Congress goons.

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CPI(M) demands an immediate end to violence unleashed against the party and Left Front in West Bengal

Chandigarh, 25th August’ 2011.
CHARAN SINGH VIRDI
Secretary, Punjab State Committee, CPI(M)                         

CPI(M) demands an immediate end to violence unleashed against the party and Left Front in West Bengal by the Trinamul Congress  and Congress combine especially in the aftermath of Assembly elections. A fervent voice was raised at a solidarity convention jointly organized here by the CPI(M) state units of Punjab and Haryana.
Speakers in the convention gave detailed account of the trail of repression perpetrated on leaders, activists and sympathizers of the party especially in the aftermath of Assembly elections. It was told that 31 comrades have been murdered, several injured seriously, hundreds rendered homeless, and women’s modesty outraged. Offices of party and mass fronts are ransacked and elected representatives are not allowed to function by coercion and intimidation. Haryana state Secretary Inderjit Singh described the situation in West Bengal as a threat to democracy which should be unequivocally condemned by all progressive forces as it would not remain confined  in West Bengal and repeated elsewhere also.

Punjab CPI(M) state Secretary Charan Singh Virdi reminded that the systematic attack in West Bengal was actually aimed at finishing the Left Front in order to impose imperialist driven neo-liberal economic agenda by the ruling classes. He stated that the forces of right reaction will never succeed in their nefarious game. Raghunath Singh and Surinder Singh both CITU leaders exhorted the participants to mobilize funds for supporting the aggrieved  families of the victims besides extending solidarity. Com. Lehmbar Singh Taggar and Com. Vijay Misra both Secretariat members, Punjab State Committee, CPI(M) also addressed the convention.

Later the workers marched   to Raj Bhawan where memorandums addressed to the President of India were submitted through the state Governors seeking an end to the political vendetta against the Left Front in West Bengal and restoration of democratic rights THERE. 
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‘The police atrocities that have been committed against farmers protesting the acquisition of their land in Mansa, Punjab’

Partap Singh Bajwa, Member of Parliament,

I wish to draw the attention of the House towards a very serious and disturbing incident.

In the beginning of August, a group of farmers were protesting the acquisition of around 800 acres of land for setting up a private power project at Gobindpura, District Mansa, Punjab, were lathi charged by the Punjab Police at Kot Duna Village in the nearby district of Barnala while making their way to Gobindpura. The Police used brutal force against hapless farmers resulting in the death of one farmer and serious injuries to several others. I was shocked to learn that the State Government which made tall claims to be representative of the interests of the Punjab farmers has let such excessive force be used against farmers who were protesting the acquisition of their land.

I very strongly condemn this shameful act of the Punjab Police without mincing my words and caution them to desist from such inhumane and uncivilized acts which are against all acceptable civil norms.
What is disturbing is that this is not an isolated incident. There have been reports of police brutality against farmers who have been protesting the acquisition of land for residential projects on the Yamuna Expressway in the State of Uttar Pradesh. Similar stories emerge out of Forbesganj, Bihar where farmers protesting the acquisition of land for a private factory were beaten by Police there. 

In matters of this nature, acute sensitivity by the police forces is required. It is evident that the existing mechanisms that check police excesses are not having the desired effects. Judicial enquires and departmental action that is normally conducted for such cases does not do justice to the families who suffer from these acts.

In addition to looking into the compensation that is given to these victims, I would urge the Home Ministry to review the existing measures and create effective guidelines for the Police to deal with situations such as farmer protests against land acquisition. The Home Ministry should also look at amending the Indian Penal Code to provide for harsher penalties to Police personnel who indulge in excess.

Badal reviews flood situation in the state
BBMB Chairman apprises Badal of current Flood situation
Chandigarh, August 22:
          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to the State Finance Department to enhance the amount of the State Disaster Relief Fund from Rs. 5 crore to Rs 10 Crore to meet any eventuality arising out of the present  flood situation  due to heavy in flow of water in the river Beas and Satluj across the state.
          Presiding over an emergent meeting here at Chief Minister's residence with the senior officers of the state government and the top brass of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) this evening, Mr. Badal directed the Financial Commissioner Revenue to accord the top most priority to the disbursement of relief compensation to the farmers who have suffered 100 per cent crop damage. He also ordered to provide adequate funds to the State Animal Husbandry for the purchase of medicines, fodder and feed for the cattle in the areas where there was an acute shortage of green fodder. Mr. Badal also asked the Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare to tie up with all the civil surgeons to ensure requisite funds at their disposal so that they could depute special teams across the state to provide timely treatment to the flood affected families.
          Meanwhile, the chairman BBMB Mr. A B Agarwal apprised the Chief Minister that the Board was keeping a close tab on the situation for regular discharge of desired level of water from Pong and Bhakra Dam in consultation with the Principal Secretary Irrigation, Chief Engineer Canals amd Chief Engineer Drainage. He assured Mr. Badal that the safety of the life and property of the people was the major concern while deciding the level of discharge from these Dams. He said BBMB authorities were in regular touch with the Meteorological Department for the weather forecast especially the rains in the coming days so that they could alter the level of discharges from time to time.
          The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Secretary to immediately take up the matter of repair and strengthening of Dhusi Bandh in the Border Districts of Ferozpur and Fazilka with the authorities of Westerned  Command which was at present being maintained by the Defence especially due to the Bunkers. He also asked the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Tarantarn, S B S Nagar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala who were present in the meeting to personally supervise the relief measures to be undertaken to evacuate and save the life and property of these people and to minimize the loss due to floods. He also asked them to immediately initiate the process to access the damage cause to houses and order Special Girdawari to ascertain the crop loss where ever needed. He also asked the Deputy Commissioners to release the payment of ex-gratia grant to the next of kin of the deceased in case of any casualty due to floods.
The Chief Minister also directed the secretary PWD (B&R) to immediately conduct a survey to access the damage caused to the infrastructure especially roads and bridges due to floods and execute the necessary repair works of these damaged installations without any further delay. Mr Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioner to ensure temporary shelter to the displaced families at Public Places.   He also asked the police personnel to keep a strict vigil around the clock across the entire stretch of the Dhusi Bandh to avert any emergent situation.
It may be mentioned an amount of Rs. 3.60 Crore had been sanctioned from SDRF as per flood proness of the districts. A sum of Rs. 40.00 Lac was sanctioned out of  State Budget ( Rs. 2.00 lac each district) to all the districts for meeting the exigencies of floods. A Sum of  Rs 1.00 Crore  was given to Health Department and  Rs. 25 lac to Department of Animal Husbandry to deal with the emergent situation.

AMARINDER AN ESCAPIST, CAN’T DEBATE ISSUES-SUKHBIR

Chandigarh, August 22

Dubbing Capt. Amrinder Singh as a escapist and a coward who can’t face the real issues, the Shiromani Akali Dal President and the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, said the state Congress President was  indulging in his favourite past time of misleading the people by throwing a so called challenge to the ruling party leadership for an open debate as the real forum for that political discourse was the state Assembly where his  recent performance had come under attack even from within his own party.
In a statement issued here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that rather than taking up the issues concerning Punjab and its people, the Congress had only been staging walk outs to gain cheap popularity and the debates on the floor of the Assembly have only exposed bankruptcy of the main opposition party in general and demonstrated the utter lack of capacity of Capt. Amarinder Singh to come up with any sound logic. The Congressmen had been disgusted with the performance of Capt. Amarinder Singh in the Assembly as he had failed to come up to their expectations. Now he was trying to cover up his personal debacle by challenging Akali leadership to the debate. He said it had been amply proved on the floor of the House repeatedly that the Congress lacked any concrete issue to attack the ruling dispensation as the performance of the present government was many times better the regime of Capt. Amarinder Singh. He said the performance of the present government could any time be compared with the utter failure of the previous government on almost all fronts.
Mr. Badal asserted it was the Congress which had betrayed the people of Punjab by abdicating its role of being a forceful opposition. He said the Akali Dal-BJP combine favoured debate on each and every issue concerning the people in the Assembly which was the proper forum for that purpose.
Shiromani Akali Dal’s President reminded Capt. Amarinder Singh that it was too well known to the people in the state as to who was the enemy of Punjab. He said ever since Independence, the Congress government at the centre had been meeting out step motherly treatment to Punjab and valiant Punjabis who had to consistently fight for those very rights which were bestowed upon other states in a routine manner. He said in case Capt. Amarinder Singh considered the Akalis as the enemies of Punjab, how come that he had joined that party and only left after he was denied ticket during the Assembly 1997 elections. Had he been planted as a mole by the Congress in the Akali Dal at that time to sabotage the Akali Dal from within, he asked.
Mr. Badal said it was the Akali Dal-BJP government headed by Parkash Singh Badal which symbolizes direct connect with the people and the system of direct interaction had been appreciated by leaders in other states also where similar exercises were now being undertaken. He recalled it was towards the fag end of his tenure that the people in the state had a look at their chief minister which rather turned out to be the farewell tour of Capt. Amarinder Singh.

BSP’s Ex-Legislator Nimma Joins PPP

Chandigarh : Everyone desirous of betterment of the State is Welcome in the PPP.  S. Manpreet Singh Badal President of the PPP said it today while welcoming Sh. Nirmal Singh Nimma, Ex-MLA from Bhadour Assembly Constituency.  He belonged to B.S.P..  S. Badal said that Sh. Nimma has joined us in our crusade against misrule of the ruling party.  S. Badal termed Sh. Nimma as a honest, laborious and gentleman and PPP welcomes such leaders, he added. Speaking on this occasion, Sh. Nimma said that the issues raised by the PPP were the need of the our and hence he has chosen to support S. Manpreet Singh Badal unconditionally. Sh. Nimma was accompanied by other BSP Leaders namely Dalip Singh Deepa, Gurjant Singh Dhilwan, Sudagar Singh Talwandi, Mukhtiar Singh Chairman, Sewa Singh Bath, Sukhpal Singh, Tara Singh, Jathedar Swarn Singh Kaith, Gurmail Singh, Gurmail Singh Soda, Gurmail Singh Sehna and Sukhwinder Singh Premi.  

AMARINDER SUFFERING FROM AMNESIA ON FARMERS ISSUE, SAYS AKALI DAL

Chandigarh, August 21
Claiming to be the real champion of the farmers, the Shiromani Akali Dal today said the Pradesh Congress President Capt. Amarinder Singh seemed to be suffering from amnesia while announcing the agitation in Mansa from September 2 as it was during his regime that the farmers of Barnala had to launch a sustained agitation for more than a year against the land acquisition by the state government for the Trident group to set up an industrial unit.

In a statement issued here today, party general secretaries Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra said hundreds of families from the villages of Sanghera, Fatehgarh Chhanna and Dhaula in Barnala district had to agitate against 376 acres of land for the industrial unit when Capt. Amarinder Singh was the chief minister and in that case, the move of the government had been opposed by each and every affected farmer, unlike in Mansa. They said on the other hand, in case of the land acquisition for thermal power plant in Mansa district, around 90 per cent of the farmers had willingly agreed into agreement to sell land at a rate many times higher than the market rate and only a handful of families had resisted the acquisition which was now being exploited by the vested interests including the Congress with an eye on the forthcoming Assembly elections.

They said two farmers had been killed during the Barnala agitation, scores injured and hundreds had been put behind bar by the repressive government of Capt. Amarinder Singh which had tried to crush each and every voice of dissent, including the students. They said it was the Akali Dal government headed by Mr. Parkash Singh Badal which had settled the Trident issue to the satisfaction of the farmers and announced compensation at the rate of Rs. 5 lakh for the killed farmers and Rs. 25,000 each to those injured during that prolonged agitation. With what face Capt. Amarinder Singh had decided to start agitation at Mansa now, they asked. They said had Capt. Amarinder Singh also forgotten the picture of a girl student subjected to molestation during lathicharge by the policemen on the campus of the Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, during his visit there?
The Akali Dal leaders said that repression let loose on the agitating farmers of these three Barnala villages during that sustained agitation was not just an isolated case as the agitation by the farmers during his regime were too frequent. He said the incidents of farmers blocking to rail tracks and resorting to other forms of agitation were the highest ever recorded during his regime in the state.
They said the state government had now acquired land in Mansa district at the rate of Rs. 24 lakh per acre to the satisfaction of the farmers as against the prevailing rate of about Rs. 6 lakh per acre and it was not without reason that more than 80 per cent of the farmers had accepted the compensation. It was the Congress and some other vested interests which were trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state, they added.

Dhillon demands MSP for potato to save farmers from glut

Kewal SIngh Dhillon
MLA, Barnala, and vice-president, PPCC

The Punjab unit of Congress party has demanded minimum support price for potato crop considering that growers in Punjab are facing tough time due to fall in prices by up to 30 to 40 per cent over last year on account of bumper output this season.

Taking serious note of allegations by farmers that intermediaries are cornering bulk of the sales value, Congress vice-president Kewal Singh Dhillon today demanded that the state government should come up with a comprehensive policy to protect the interests of farmers from volatile market situations. "While the market price of potato is between Rs 15 to 20, the farmers are getting only between Rs 2.5 to Rs 3.5 per kg, as the commission agents are pocketing most of the profits. It is surprising that despite a bumper crop, retail rates have not come down, thus hinting at unfair practices by middlemen," Dhillon said.

Stating that the prices of potato may fall further, considering that sowing of early potato variety will get underway from next month in sub-mountain areas, he said the government needs to intervene to protect a large number of farmers who now rely totally on cash crops like potato. He added that the government can either announce Minimum Support Price (MSP) for potato or can lower prices of freight so that farmers may take the crop to other parts of the country or even export it.

Dhillon proposed setting up of a proper market intervention mechanism for a complete set of agricultural produce to safeguard the interests of growers.

SAD RELEASES PANTHIC AGENDA FOR SGPC ELECTIONS
SGPC TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST
SOCIAL EVILS-BADAL

Longowal/Chandigarh, August 20 :

The Shiromani Akali Dal Patron and Chief Minister, Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal appealed to the sikh masses that to maintain Supremacy of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, management of Sikh Shrines in the best possible way, upgradation of Sikh educational institutions and to defeat the forces inimical  to the panth, they should vote for SAD-Sant Samaj candidates in the general elections to the “Parliament of Sikhs”, the SGPC

  Releasing the Panthic Agenda of SAD-Sant Samaj Combine at the 26th death anniversary of  Sant Harchand Singh Longowal S. Badal said that Sikhs have made huge sacrifices and fought  numerous battles to get Gurdwaras vacated from the “Mahants”. He said that a number of “Morchas” were organised by the community including Saka of Nanakana Sahib, Panja Sahib, Jaito Morcha, Guru ke Bagh Morcha and Chabian da Morcha besides others. He said that hundreds of Sikhs were martyred, thousands were imprisoned and thousands other were brutally tortured by the British regime.
Describing SGPC as “Parliament of Sikhs” the SAD Patron said that Shiromani Akali Dal has the honour to claim that right from the time of its inception in 1920 till today the sikh masses have always trusted the SAD for the management of sikh shrines. 

Releasing the agenda, S. Badal said that people were aware of the fact that right from the  the establishment of SGPC, the Congress party had always tried to interfere in the religious affairs of the Sikhs  with an intention to get the control of SGPC.
Briefing about the document released today  S. Badal said  that  for the information of the masses, the achievements of the SGPC in the last seven years and earlier, have been included with self explanatory photographs of all important educational institutions, sikh missions, Gurmat Vidyalas and Sarai (inns) built for the convenience of pilgrims.
  S. Badal complemented SGPC for establishing Sikh University and described it as a historic achievement of the Khalsa Panth.
 S. Badal further expressed satisfaction over the performance of all 110 education institutions run by SGPC  and informed that  74745 students are getting quality education at a cheaper rate in these institutions.
Panthic Agenda begins with the three page impressive appeal  of the SAD President S. Sukhbir Singh Badal. In his appeal S. Sukhbir Singh Badal has described the menace of drugs, female foeticide, environmental pollution as the big challenges before the Khalsa Panth. He stressed that there should be a quality school, a well equipped hospital and a nice play ground along with each and  every Gurdwara Sahib being managed by SGPC.

S. Parkash Singh Badal said that a long pending demand of direct telecast of ‘Shabad Kirtan’ from Sri Harmandir Sahib has been fulfilled. He also lauded the use of Internet and other modern techniques by the SGPC for preaching  sikh religion.
          Disclosing about the future agenda of the SGPC, S. Badal said that apart from establishment and up-gradation of the education  institutions, a campaign against the drug abuse, female foeticide and social reform would be a  launched by the SGPC. He also said that  Institute of Advanced Studies in Sikhism  in the name of former President of SGPC Panth Ratan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra would be completed in time. Similarly, the most important job of authentic translation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which is under progress will be completed in the shortest possible time and it would further be translated to different languages so as to spread the message of social equality and universal brotherhood enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib to whole of mankind. He said that SGPC would establish a wonderful Museum with a cost of Rs. 100 crore at Akali Market Sri Amritsar and  Rs. 25 crore would be spent of construction of Sarai (inn) at Saragarhi site. He said that Langar building at Sri Harmandir Sahib is being upgraded with Rs. 20 crore.
         
Congratulating the SGPC on successful conduct of ‘Khalsai’ sports S. Badal said that sports is the need of the hour and ‘Khalsai’ sports will continue with the same vigour in the times to come for the better future of the sikh youth.

Manpreet Singh Badal raises banner for Anna Hazare

Chandigarh, 20th August : Manpreet Singh Badal President of the People’s Party of Punjab also declared his party’s support for Anna Hazare’s movement against Corruption in a press Conference today, he said that in Punjab, his party was first to raise banner against Corruption in Public Life.  While appreciating the Coverage and Conviction of today’s Mahatma Gandhi, he said that his party will hold “Dharnas” at every district headquarter in the State on Tuesday the 23rd August to mark their solidarity with Sh. Anna Hazare.

BADAL PATS PUNJABI GIRLS' FOR BRINGING LAURELS TO PUNJAB FOR THEIR SUPERB PERFORMANCE AT INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL CONCERT IN UK
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 19

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the 15-member Girls' Cultural Troupe from Dasmesh Girls College of Education, Badal for capturing two top positions in Folk Dance and Music competitions in the world famous Llangollen International Musical Concert held recently in Eisteddfod in North Walas (UK).
          The members of the cultural troupe especially called on Mr. Badal here at Chief Minister’s Residence this morning and shared their experiences with him. 

            Lauding the spectacular achievement of these girls with humble rural background, Mr. Badal said that they have not only done proud to Punjab but also the country through this rare feat.  He said that their outstanding contribution in folk dance and music at international fora would go a long way in inspiring the local budding artistes who could be further groomed for such world music competitions. He also congratulated the management of the college for their stupendous efforts for talent hunt amongst the girl students to propagate the legacy of our rich cultural heritage.  He said that it was a great opportunity to showcase our traditional folklore at an International Festival in which 50 countries participated.
          It may be recalled that Llangollen International Musical Festival in Eisteddfod (UK) is held every year under the Chief Patronage of Prince Charles to establish peace and harmony amongst the different nations across the globe.   This year it was held from 5th to 10th July 2011 at North Walas (UK) in which 50 countries had participated in different cultural competitions.
         Participants of the Cultural Troupe included: Amritpal Kaur Gill, Harpreet Kaur, Ripneet Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Rimpaljeet Kaur, Rajbir Kaur, Navjot Kaur Brar, Navneet Kaur, Veerpal Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur Gill, Raminderjeet Kaur, Deepanjot Kaur Sidhu, Sushpinder Kaur, Sharanveer Kaur Sidhu and Harpreet Kaur Randhawa.  The troupe was accompanied by Prof. Rajpal Singh, Creative Director, Heritage, Dr. SS Sangha, Principal, Dasmesh Girls College of Education, Badal (Manager), Prof Vanita (Incharge), Mr. SS Baath (Coach) and Mr. Randhir Singh (Musician).
…

AADHAAR CARD COUNTER OPENED IN PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF EMPLOYEES

Chandigarh August 19:-
               
                Unique Identification Authority of India has decided to open a counter in Punjab Civil Secretariat to facilitate the employees for their enrolment for the purpose of 'Aadhaar Card'.
                According to an official spokesman the Authority has decided to open their Center on the 3rd floor of Punjab Civil Secretariat to facilitate the enrolment of their employees for 'Aadhaar Card. The Center would work during normal office hours on all working days.

KOREAN AMBASSADOR OFFERS TREMENDOUS INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH AUGUST 18:
Korean Ambassador Mr. Joong Keun today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and evinced keen interest to set up automobile & electronics industry in Punjab.
Taking part in the deliberations during a meeting with Mr. Badal at Chief Minister’s residence this evening, Mr. Joong Keun apprised him that Korean Government had already signed an comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with India which has resulted in huge volumes of trade to the tune of 17 Billion US dollars thereby registering an increase of 42% recently.   He said that the bilateral relations between India and Korea were very cordial and there was further huge potential of trade and economic activity.  He also urged the Chief Minister to establish joint ventures in food processing industry in view of Punjab’s agrarian background.  
The visiting envoy also impressed upon Mr. Badal to tie up with world acclaimed Korean companies like  Hyundai Motors, LG Electronics,  Samsung besides Steel Giant Posco to set up their units in Punjab as these companies had already put up their several manufacturing units in different parts of the country.  He said that the investment scenario in Punjab were very much conducive and extended all support and cooperation on behalf of Korean government.   
Appreciating the congenial investment climate in the state, Mr. Keun asked the Chief Minister to immediately initiate efforts to bring Korean industry to the state as both Korea and Punjab would be mutually benefited. 
Responding to the offer made by the visiting Korean envoy, Mr. Badal informed that a special team of senior officers led by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru would immediately tie up with these companies so that these proposals could be formalized.  The Chief Minister also sought technical know-how and expertise from the Korean food processing industry so that the income of the farmers could be increased manifold through value addition.  He also commended the food marketing policy of the Korean government which was giving a slew of incentives to boost the agriculture production as well as to ensure better prices to the farmers for their produce in Korea.  Mr. Badal assured the Korean envoy that Punjab government would extend fulsome support to the interested Korean companies for setting up their units in the state. 
The visiting ambassador was accompanied by Ms Min Jeon, Mr. Sang-wook (both first Secretaries) Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Director Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency Mr. Joonhwa Bin.   Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema were also present in the meeting.
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• WATER LEVEL AT PONG DAM RISES TO 1388.05 FEET
• FLOOD GATES OF PONG DAM OPENED

Chandigarh August 18:-                        
          Due to continuous heavy rain fall in the state, the water level in Bhakra Dam has been increasing. The water level at Bhakra Dam today touched 1664.05 feet water mark whereas its capacity was 1680 feet. According to an official spokesman water level on this day during the previous year was recorded at 1664.50 feet.         
According to data released by the Irrigation Department, the water level at Pong Dam has touched the level of 1388.05 feet whereas its capacity was 1390 feet. He said that to avoid any emergency, the BBMB has opened the flood gates of Pong Dam.
The water level at Ranjit Sagar Dam has touched 517.11 meter whereas its capacity was 527.91 meter.      
    

PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CHAIRPERSON OF CHILD PROTECTION COMMISSION
                  
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 18:

The Punjab government has invited applications from the persons of eminence who have done outstanding work for promoting the welfare of children, for the appointment of Chairperson for the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
It may be added that the state government has constituted the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights under sub section 1 of section 17 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 to stop violation of the child rights in the state of Punjab.
The spokesperson of the government said that the detailed information regarding selection and eligibility of chairperson is given in the national commission for protection of child rights act 2005 available at http://ncprc.gov.in. & www.wcd.nic.in.
He said that any person who is willing may apply with bio data to the Principal Secretary to the Government of Punjab, Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development, Room No.414, 4th floor, Mini Secretariat, sector 9, Chandigarh in person or by post or by mail to sarangal185@gmail,com within a period of two weeks from hosting on the website or latest by 5th September 2011 whichever is earlier.
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Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal Vice Chairman PSIEC announced that all plots laying vacant in different PSIEC Industrial Focal Points of Punjab State would soon be allotted to the  Industrialist .

This scheme would provide benefit to the  Industrialist and help them in boosting the industrial production in the state of Punjab. While talking the Media persons in a press conference, Grewal said that fool proof transparency would be ensured while making allotment of plots. The plots would be allotted to the needy Industrialist according  to the corporation, Punjab Government Policy.

Grewal told that after year 2005 no advertisement was issued for the allotment of the vacant plots.
He said that in order to the allot vacant plots in the focal points of Bathinda, MandiGobindgarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Pathankot ,Hoshiarpur and Raikot an advertisement would soon be issued in various newspapers by PSIEC.  Grewal  said that the PSIEC would be setting up new Industrial focal point at Mohali in an area of 73 Acres at Kapurthala in the area of 220 Acres at Raikot 50 Acres. The corporation would invite applications for the allotment of the new Industrial plots. He said that in Mohali, the corporation was considering seriously to setup Industrial plots measuring from 500 yards 1000yards to 1 Acre area,according to the need of the Industrialists. He further said that the price of the plots being set up at Mohali industrial focal point would be Rs.10,000/- per sq. yard.

He said that in order to provide facilities to the Industrialist, it has been facilities to the Industrialist, it has been decided to addition to a suitable place for IT park etc. in the focal point.

Grewal further said that in accordance with the instruction of Sh.Shanta Kumar, National Vice President and Incharge of BJP Punjab, Capt. Abhimaniu National Secretary and Deputy Incharge of BJP Punjab State and Hon’ble cabinet Minister Sh. Tikshan Sood has provided numerous benefits to the Industrial units of the focal points. He said that in all plots of the 28 focal points of the state. 10% land of the plots have been allowed to use for commercial purpose by Hon’ble Cabinet Minister Sh. Tikshan Sood. This is a boom for the Industrialist provided by the Akali BJP Govt. for the state. This has been done by accept the major demands of the industrialist .By this decision the industrialist of the state could not displayed their goods in their plots. This will facilitate the buyers of their industrial goods. Mr.Grewal further declared that corporation according to the rules allowed to the owners of industrial plot setup in the focal point, estate Industrial area, colonies area ect.  Would allow to start new units. The PSIEC and other agencies would allow the industrialist to open new outlets accordingly. He said that Hon’ble Minister has desired that all the difficulties being faced by the industrialist in order to get new power connection from the POWERCOM may be sorted out immediately so that the Industrial production could get a new height.

Grewal said that the corporation has been considering providing more facilities to the Industrialist of the state. The Hon’ble Industries & Commerce Minister Sh. Tikshan Sood has setup a committee to change the 25 years old rules of the department. This committee would submit its report with in 60 days. This report would default provide relief to the industrialist, Grewal said.    

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PANTHIC CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE CALLS ON AKAL TAKHT JATHEDAR SAHIB

Lt. Gen K. S Gill, PVSM (Retd)
C.E.O

15 AUG 11

1. Members of a few organizations listed below gathered at the Akal Takht Sahib at 10:30 Hrs on 15th Aug 2011. After reciting Japji Sahib da Path and offering Ardas at the Akal Takht, we proceeded to attend a scheduled meeting with the Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib.
2. Jathedar Sahib welcomed and offered Tea to all members. Our Various spokesmen included Gyani Kewal Singh, Lt. Gen Kartar singh Gill, S. Harjeet Singh, S. Harvinder Singh, S. Gurpreet Singh and other distinguished Heads of various Sansthas.
3. The main agenda points discussed and agreed to by the Jathedar Sahib were :-
4. He accepted the need for all nominated candidates to accept the seven point criteria put forth by us.
5. We stressed the need for Jathedar Sahib to summon all nominated candidates to Amritsar along with their immediate family members and take an oath in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib accepting the laid down criteria.
6. All candidates who accept the criteria need to sign a “Pran Patra” formulated by us.
7. The written copies of the criteria and Pran Pattar were duly submitted to the Jathedar Sahib.
8. Stress was laid on the fact that SGPC elections must throw up members who practice Sikh Maryada laid down by the Akal Takht Sahib. Our co-ordinating committee will monitor and take appropriate action at various levels against all violations of our Maryada. Distribution of Drugs, Liquor and Money to voters will strongly be opposed and the guilty exposed.
9. Jathedar Sahib gave us a very sympathetic hearing. In fact PTC News relayed the Jathedar’s endorsement of the above on the same evening.

Formal Meeting in the Information Centre.

1. Our Committee members then proceeded to the Darbar Sahib Information Center to hold a meeting to decide our next programme. During this meeting we welcomed the new members warmly. The Akhand Kirtan Jatha was represented by three stalwarts and they demonstrated to us a vehicle with a large Board depicting in brief our mission and criteria laid down for candidates who deserved our support. This was indeed a very good idea. They also agreed to publish one Lakh posters for distribution to the voters.

Programme Chalked Out.

1. All members are requested to attend meetings with various volunteers as per programme given below:-

Date                     Time                       Location                           Remarks
Sat 20 Aug      10 Am – 12 Pm             Patiala              Meet the press – 11 Am
Sat 20 Aug      12:30 Pm                        Sangrur             Meet the press – 1:30 Pm
Sat 20 Aug      2:30 Pm                          Barnala             Meet the press – 4:30 Pm
Sat 20 Aug      4:30 Pm                          Bhatinda          Night at Bhatinda
Sun 21 Aug     10:00 Am                       Muktsar             Press at 11:00 Am
Sun 21 Aug     12:30 Pm                        Fazilka               Press at 1:30 Pm
Sun 21 Aug     3:00 Pm                          Ferozepur          Press at 4:00 Pm
Sun 21 Aug     6:00 Pm                          Faridkot            Press at 7:00 Pm
Sun 21 Aug     8:00 Pm                          Moga                 Night in Moga.
Mon 22 Aug    10:00 Am                       Ludhiana           Press at 11:00 Am
Mon 22 Aug    2:30 Pm                         Fatehgarh Sahib Press at 3:00 Pm
Mon 22 Aug    4:30 Pm                          Mohali                Press at 6:00 Pm

1. This Programme is provisional and subject to change. Please keep in touch.
2. Our Meeting in Amritsar was indeed very successful.

List of Organisations and their Representatives at Amritsar Mon 15 Aug 2011.

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Cong demands relief for rains-affected people

Kewal SIngh Dhillon
MLA, Barnala, and vice-president, PPCC

Accusing the Punjab government of inaction, the Congress party has demanded adequate help and compensation for people who suffered due to heavy rainfall in the last few days. Stating that more than 50 lives were lost in the last on week due to the flood-like situation prevailing in most parts of the state, Congress vice-president Kewal Singh Dhillon today said that the government has been caught off guard in dealing with the problem.

Blaming the government of not having taken timely measures to prevent overflow of canals and drains, he said that floods have caused extensive damage to life and property in the state, and asked the state government to announce special compensation package for the affected people. Referring to complete flooding in certain towns and cities in the state, most of them in central Punjab, Dhillon said the government over the last five years did nothing to improve the drainage system in the state, which have either been blocked due to garbage accumulation or encroachments.

Dhillon said while the state government has been blaming the Haryana government for building a wall among Ghaggar river, which may food areas lying within Punjab, it has itself done nothing to save the state from floods. He added that there is an immediate need to revamp the canal network in the state, but the government did nothing to take up work despite having mentioning it as its priority five years ago.

Fearing further floods in low-lying areas along the major rivers due to sharp rise in water level in major dams, Dhillon demanded special relief camps where people could take shelter in case of floods.

Moshe Safdie calls on Badal

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 17:
The renowned architect of Khalsa Heritage Centre (KHC), Mr. Moshe Safdie today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at Chief Minister’s residence and apprised Mr. Badal about the present status of the Khalsa Heritage Complex. 
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Moshe Safdie asked the Chief Minister to make certain immediate special arrangements to finish this world class Sikh monument timely.  Appreciating the concern and efforts of Mr. Safdie for the completion of KHC, Mr. Badal assured him that as per the requirements and directions given by Mr. Safdie the entire team from the government side would extend full cooperation to ensure timely completion of KHC. 
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr.SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.KJS Cheema, Finance Secretary KBS Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of Anandpur Sahib Foundation and Secretary Tourism Dr. KS Sra. Mr. Safdie was accompanied by Associate Architect Mr. Ashok Dhawan and Junior Engineer Mr. Jagmohan Singh.
…

CM RELEASES BOOK 'JINI SACH PACHANIA'
PENNED BY PROF. KIRPAL SINGH BADUNGAR

CHANDIGARH AUGUST 17:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today released a book "Jini Sach Pachania" a compilation of biographies of great Sikh martyrs, who attained martyrdom to uphold the supreme values of Sikhism by an eminent Sikh scholar and former SGPC President Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar.

            Appreciating Mr. Badungar for his rare intellect and deep insight of the Sikhs history, the Chief Minister said that with this book, Mr. Badungar had compiled the entire Sikh ideology and history in his four books.  He said that Mr. Badunger’s work had not only depicted the rich legacy of Sikhism but also effectively propagated the ideology and the marshal spirit of Sikhism behind supreme sacrifices made by great Gurus.  This spirit would ever remain as the source of inspiration for our future generations to keep abreast them with the glorious traditions of Sikhism.
 
            It may be recalled here that Prof. Badunger had already authored three books namely 'Gurmat Vichar te Sikhi Jivan', Gurmat Sabhiachar' and ‘Jinhan Dharam Nahin Haria’ which had been widely admired by the readers in both literary as well as the Sikh religious circles within the country and abroad. This book in hand depicts the heroic deeds and the sacrifices of various Sikh martyrs like Mai Bagho ji, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh, Jassa Singh Ramgaria, Sham Singh Attariwala and many other brave Sikh warriors  who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the human rights and propagate the Sikh ideology.   
            Prominent amongst others Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.DS Guru, Secretary SGPC Mr. Avtar Singh, Mr. Lakhvir Singh and Pargat Singh Wajidpur. 
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PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 3 AIDES OF KLF TERRORIST HARMINDER SINGH MINTU

Chandigarh, August 17:
The Punjab Police achieved a significant success by arresting 3 persons, namely Amarjit Singh, Daljit Singh and Kewal Singh Sondh, all these close associates of Harminder Singh Mintu of KLF , were wanted by the Police in militancy related criminal cases.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab police said that acting on reliable information, a special team of state police was successful in arresting them at Chennai Airport yesterday i.e 16-08-2011. The arrested persons would be produced in the respective courts in Punjab today. Their involvement in criminal and militant activities was being investigated by Punjab Police, the spokesman added.

SAD APPOINTS DISTRICT OBSERVERS FOR SGPC POLLS

Chandigarh, August 16 : Shiromani Akali Dal President  and Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today appointed the District Observers of the party for the September 18, SGPC polls  to smoothly run the election campaign with full enthusiasm.

          In a statement issued here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema disclosed that the senior leaders who have been appointed observers included S. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura for Tarntaran, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa for Sangrur, Gurdev Singh Badal Faridkot, Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar Faterhgarh Sahib, Balwinder Singh Bhunder Mansa, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra for Patiala, Maheshinder Singh Grewal Ludhiana, Dr. Ratan Singh Ajanala for Amritsar, Ajit Singh Kohar Jallandhar, Bibi Parmjit Kaur Gulshan Moga, Varinder Singh Bajwa Hoshiarpur, Janmeja Singh Sekhon for Ferozepur and Fazilka, Sucha Singh Langah Gurdaspur and Pathankot, Jarnail Singh Wahad Nawanshehr and Kapurthala, Sikander Singh Maluka Bahinda, Parminder Singh Dhindsa Barnala, Chaudhary Nand Lal Ropar and Jathedar Ujagar Singh Badali for district Mohali.
           Dr. Cheema said that these District Observers would coordinate with the leaders of their respective districts and work for ensuring the victory of the SAD-Sant Samaj Candidates .  
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ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ADARSH KUMAR GOEL UNFURLS THE NATIONAL FLAG AT HIGH COURT PREMISES


Chandigarh, August 15:
The Independence Day was celebrated in the premises of the Punjab and Haryana High Court with great zeal and gaiety. The Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Adarsh  Kumar Goel hoisted the national flag as the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ranjan Gogoi was unwell.
While speaking on the occasion, besides paying tributes to the martyrs, Justice Goel exhorted the Judicial Officers of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to rise to the occasion and meet the challenges of disposing of the cases promptly in a stipulated time frame thereby minimizing the miseries and harassment of the general public.

PUNJAB REVOKES BAN ON SCREENING OF ‘AARAKSHAN’ AFTER REMOVAL OF OBJECTIONABLE SCENES

Chandigarh, August 14 : The Punjab Government today decided to revoke ban on the screening of movie Aarakshan accepting the  recommendation of the 7 member Committee  and permitted  the exhibition of Hindi Film ‘Aarakshan’ in its revised version of deleted/cut dialogues and scenes, which were earlier found objectionable.
 According to an official, the Punjab Government had suspended the exhibition of Hindi Film ‘Aarakshan” in the Cinemas Theaters in the State under Section 6 of the Punjab Cinemas (Regulation Act, 1952) on the basis of the intelligence reports received that the movie Aarakshan’ has certain scenes/dialogue which may hurt the sentiments of some communities in Punjab, with immediate effect.
 In this context a Committee comprising of 7 members was constituted. The Committee vide its report dated 12.8.2011 submitted to Government of Punjab reported that there are certain incriminating objections         dialogues/ scenes which may hurt the sentiments of Dalits in Punjab. As such the ban imposed was continued till the objectionable scenes pointed out by the committee were removed.
 Principal Secretary Home Punjab wrote a D.O. letter to Prakash Jha, Producer of the M/s Prakash Jha Productions pointing out the incriminating objections. M/s Prakash Jha Productions replied that all those objectionable scenes/ dialogue have been cut from the movie. The Committee constituted for the purpose reviewed once again the banned movie ‘Aarakshan’ on 14.8.2011 and was satisfied to find out that all those objectionable dialogues/ scenes have been cut/ deleted from the movie.
Government after careful consideration of the matter have accepted the  recommendation of the Committee  and hereby permit the exhibition of Hindi Film ‘Aarakshan’ in its revised version of deleted/cut dialogues and scenes, which were earlier found objectionable. Accordingly the orders issued vide S.O.78/P.S.11/1952/S.6/2011 dt. 11.8.2011                                                         are hereby revoked with immediate effect.

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Voters urged to defeat Badal sponsored candidates in the ensuing SGPC elections in order to save the glorious elected body from the clutches of the new Badal backed ‘Mahants’.

SUKHPAL SINGH KHAIRA
MLA, Bholath

Supporting the line adopted by Capt. Amarinder Singh President PPCC, I call upon the voters to give a crushing defeat to the Badal Akali Dal in the forthcoming SGPC elections to save it from being politicized further and throw out the new ‘Mahants’ backed by Mr. Badal. As we are aware Sh. Badal has thoroughly politicized the SGPC through his henchmen like Sh. Avtar Singh Makkar, who are at his beck and call for the misue of SGPC.

            Needless to remind sikh voters that our forefathers sacrificed their lives and  languished in jails in different  ‘Morcha’s’ launched during the beginning of last century to liberate the Gurudwara’s from the clutches of ‘Mahants’ sponsored by the British. ‘Guru Ka Baag Morcha’, ‘Chabbran da Morcha’, ‘Jaito Da Morcha’ resulted in formation of the All India Gurudwara Act in 1925 to manage the affairs through an elected body of SGPC, a legendary and glorious body of the Sikhs. Honest leaders like Master Tara Singh, S. Udham Singh Nagoke, Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra and others served the SGPC as Presidents with uttermost sincerity and dedication. Unfortunately after Sh. Badal gained control over Akali Dal in the late eighties, the SGPC began to be misused to the advantage of his personal whims and fancies. The historic SGPC with an annual budget of over Rs. 580 Crores is failing to live up to the aspirations of the Sikhs. Although the SGPC  has set aside a large budget for ‘Dharam Parchar’ but unfortunately not a single camp has been held by the SGPC in the countryside to awaken the youth neither has any Jathedar taken up the task of ‘Dharam Parchar’.

            The entire paraphernalia of the SGPC including its staff,’Langar”, transport, ‘Golak’ funds have often been pressed into service of Sh. Badal for his political conferences or to celebrate his birthdays. The SGPC has failed to come to the rescue of the poor and downtrodden in the field of education or health services. The slogan of ‘Sarbat-Da-Bhala’ has taken a severe beating and the SGPC now functions for ‘Badal-Da-Bhala’.
Corruption, nepotism, favoritism etc. has taken a front seat in the SGPC and the functioning reflects that of a corrupt govt. body. Sh. Badal has imposed his feudal style of functioning by sending a sealed envelope to elect the President and gagging the voice of 180 elected representatives of the SGPC.
            Criminals, tainted, corrupt and ‘Patit’ leaders like Bibi Jagir Kaur are being promoted in the religious arena. Many SGPC members have in the recent past been charged with smuggling opium, poppy hush etc., but Sh. Badal turns a blind eye just to have his yes men in the SGPC.
Keeping in view such tantalizing and startling malfunctions in the Badal sponsored SGPC, I call upon the Sikhs at large to give a crushing defeat to these new feudal, autocratic, corrupt and criminal candidates of the Badal group to save our glorious and legendary SGPC from the clutches of these new Badal sponsored ‘Mahants’.