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Harsimrat kaur should apologise publicly: Dr Malti Thapar
Criminal case should be registered against the Akali sarpanch immediately

Chandigarh: 05-12-11

Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal MP (Bhatinda) should give a public apology on the incident of Akali sarpanch slapping the EGS teacher Varinder Kaur in Daula Village of Gidderbaha Constituency yesterday. Condemning the incident Dr Malti Thapar, President Mahila congress Punjab said that this shameful incident has depicted the actual picture of the Member of Parliament who gives three minute long advertisements on various television channels and full page advertisements in print media for promoting the female foeticide (Nanhi Chaan). The brutality on the women that too in her constituency and an Akali Sarpanch slaps peacefully protesting teacher in front of the media shows the goondaraj of the present regime. One can well imagine the kind the “RAAJ” Akali Dal Badal and BJP government in Punjab is talking about. 

Dr Malti Thapar demanded immediate registration of criminal case against the akali sarpanch Balwinder Singh and requested the Chief Minister of Punjab S Parkash Singh Badal to personally see that the culprits are not let off on behest of some political pressure and justice is given to the victim, Varinder Kaur. The victim hails from the home district of the chief minister.
Dr Malti Thapar extended her full support and cooperation to the agitating teachers (EGS). 
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No free flow of liquor and drugs into the State at the time of poll.

To review the preparedness for the Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Punjab a meeting was held on 5.12.11 at Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh. Dr. Alok Shukla, IAS, Dy. Election Commissioner representing, the Election Commission of India discussed the prevailing scenario with Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab and all DC’s, IG’s and SSP’s in the State.

            At the outset it was emphasized that during elections the entire official State machinery shall be under the Control, Superintendence and Direction of the Election Commission of India. All officers shall ensure that they work in a fair and neutral manner.

            A detailed review was held on topics such as Electoral rolls, Voter Education, Requirement of polling Stations and EVM’s. The deployment and shortage of polling personnel was also reviewed.
            A special mention was made regarding expenditure monitoring of candidates. It was emphasized that all Districts must have their flying squads ready along with the Static Surveillance teams to conduct random checking of vehicles. A proper liaison with the Director General Civil Aviation was emphasized upon to ensure checking of all helicopters and planes chartered by the candidates before takeoff to ensure that they are not carrying illegal cash.

            The police was directed to ensure that all trouble makers in the district were booked under Section 107/151 of the Cr.P.C. and that sureties for good conduct were taken from them. All Proclaimed Offenders were also required to be arrested at once so that there are no trouble makers on the day of poll.
            The DC’s and the SSP’s of the Districts bordering other States were asked to keep vigil to ensure that there is no free flow of liquor and drugs into the State at the time of poll.
            Emphasis was also laid on proper facilities to polling personnel and Para Military Forces which will be coming to the State at the time of polls.
            The Commission also desired that the Dc’s must randomly check the polling stations to ensure that they are housed in safe and secure buildings. The same was desired for the Counting Centres and the EVM Strong Rooms.
            Dr. Shukla expressed satisfaction at the level of poll preparedness in the State.

BADAL URGES NATIONAL INDIAN & PAK GOVERNMENTS TO SPEED UP EFFORTS FOR OPENING TRADE THROUGH ATTARI- WAGHA BORDER

AMRITSAR DECEMBER 05:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the national governments of India and Pakistan to speed up the efforts to collaborate and open trade through the Attari-Wagha Border for scripting a golden chapter in the history of Indo-Pak relations.  

Addressing the Valedictory function of PHD-Punjab International Trade Expo, 2011, PITEX, 2011, Mr. Badal said that the on going peace process through people to people contact between the Indian and Pakistan Punjab would certainly pave a way for the long lasting peace in India and Pakistan as the national governments of both the countries were making concerted and sincere efforts in this direction.  He hoped that with the renewed and congenial relations with the Pakistani Punjab the border belt of Indian Punjab especially the districts of Ferozepur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur would be enormously benefited with the opening of trade through Attari-Wagha.   He said: “Trade in Punjabs on both sides of the border can survive and flourish only when there is free flow of trade across the border to either side”.  Mr. Badal also pointed out that once the Indo-Pak trade activity through Attari-Wagha was started then there was a further scope to extent it in the gulf countries too. 

Listing the spectacular achievements of the SAD-BJP government, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would soon become a power surplus state which would further boost the pace of industrialization and agricultural growth.  Commenting on the power scenario in the State, he said that five years ago, Punjab State faced a shortage of 30%. “With the new thermal power plants in the offing would soon make our state self reliant in the power sector”, said Mr.Badal.  He said that our government had taken major initiatives to provide quality education to our students be it at school, college and university level besides taking major steps in skill development and employment generation to optimally utilize the potential of our unemployed youth for providing gainful employment to them in the local industry. 

Appreciating the PHD Chamber’s efforts, Mr. Badal said that PHD Chamber had played a pivotal role to align the state and central government policies regarding trade and investment. He also lauded the dedicated endeavor of the Chamber to normalize trade and peace between India and Pakistan.  The Chief Minister said that PITEX has become phenomenal and both traders and visitors look forward to this expo each year.  He informed that he had convened a meeting of the state functionaries including officials from the Improvement Trust, Amritsar on December 11, 2011, to finalize the allotment of land in Amritsar for setting up of permanent business and convention center to be managed by PHD Chamber.   
Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Dr. S S Channy said that being a landlocked state, border was the only exit for Pak and Gulf countries. With Punjab having a strong base for industry, agriculture, raw materials and Gulf countries being importers of such things, which they have to procure at exorbitant rates from Europe and other countries, the opening up of the borders would help the Gulf countries and in turn the local traders.
President PHD Chamber Mr.Salil Bhandari said PHD Chamber’s focus is on socio-economic development of all the states with the main focus being on education, health, housing and infrastructure. PITEX, he said, was the annual flagship event which aimed at making Amritsar a hub of international economic activity.  
Regional Director, PHD Chamber Mr.Dalip Sharma said that with its proximity to the border, air connectivity and the world class road infrastructure in place, the permanent expo centre, would definitely improve the trade and investment potential of the State.
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Past President PHD Chamber Mr. Ashok Khanna, Chairman Punjab Committee PHD Chamber Mr.Rajiv Bali, Co-Chairman Punjab Committee PHD Chamber Mr. R S Sachdeva and Deputy Secretary General PHD Chamber Ms Susmita Shekhar.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL êðîÆå
STOP MEDALLING WITH THE AUTHORITY OF SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB-SAD TO CONGRESS
DR. CHEEMA ASKS PM, AMARINDER TO CLARITY STAND
 
Chandigarh, December 5 :

The Shiromani Akali Dal took serious note of attempts by  the Congress party to challenge the authority of  Sri Akali Takht Sahib with the campaign of its legislator Jassi Khangura on the facebook.

In a statement issued here  party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema asked Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the PPCC President Capt. Amarinder Singh to state categorically as what they thought of Khangura’s act of challenging the decision of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and what action did they propose to take against Mr. Jassi Khangura for his blasphemous act ?

He said that those who carried out an army attack on the  Sri Akal Takht Sahib and rolled tanks into the holy precincts of Sri Harmandir Sahib were now trying to erode the authority of the sikh religious institutions through a malicious campaign. Dr. Cheema said that Jassi Khangura’s campaign asking the people to  ‘support, sign and promote the petition to deny Faqr- E- Qaum award to S. Parkash singh Badal’ was a part of a fresh Congress conspiracy to undermine the religious and ideological sanctity of a unanimous decision by the highest religio-political authority of the Sikhs.
            In a frontal attack, Dr. Cheema asked, ‘Is it Jassi Khangura’s taste that even the decision to bestow honour on a member of the sikh community should not be taken  by the revered Singh Sahiban but by the 10, Janpath ?’
 He said that instead of accepting the verdict of the Sangat in SGPC elections in which their promoted puppets faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of SAD, the party is now trying disturb the peace in the state by openly asking the people to ‘vote’ against the decisions which the sikh sangat cannot tolerate at any cost.

SRI AKAL TAKHAT SAHIB BESTOWS THE TITLE OF PANTH RATTAN FAKHR-E-QUAM ON PARKASH SINGH BADAL

AMRITSAR DECEMBER 05:

            Patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal was today bestowed upon the title of ‘Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam’ from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in recognition of his outstanding contribution and glorious services rendered by him during his long Panthic and political career.

            After the Ardas Ceremony during a religious congregation, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh along with Jathedar of Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib Sri Anandpur Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh,  Jathedar Takhat Sri Patna Sahib Giani Iqbal Singh and Vice Jathedar of Takhat Sri Hazoor Sahib Nanded Sahib Giani Jotinder Singh and Head Granthi of Sri Darbar Sahib Giani Jaswinder Singh honored Sardar Badal with Siropa (robe of honor), a Sword and a Silver Plaque with inscription of the citation of ‘Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam’ amidst the slogans of ‘Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal’. Sardar Badal was accompanied by his son President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
            On the occasion, in his address Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh said that the tradition to honor the revered personalities by the Sikh Panth from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was in vogue since time immemorial
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            Lauding the glorious services rendered by Sardar Badal for the preservation of Sikh heritage by erecting memorials of Sikh martyrs besides being imprisoned for long time and having faced atrocities during various Akali Movements (morchas), Giani Gurbachan Singh underlined that the responsibilities of any person, who had been honored by Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, are added manifold.
The citation read as, “Patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal and Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, who presented before Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, has been conferred with Siropa, the title of “Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam in appreciation of his supreme services during his long panthic and political life.  May God shower His blessings on Sardar Parkash Singh to enable him to lead a blissful life in the service of Sikh Panth”.    
Meanwhile, the heads and representatives of various Sikh Institutions, Religious and Nihang Singh Organizations also honored Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Quam Parkash Singh Badal by offering Siropas for this rare feat towards his unparalleled services for the welfare of Sikh community.  
  People from different walks of life attended the ceremony including the senior Cabinet Ministers Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia & Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur (both CPs). Besides SGPC President Mr. Avtar Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala (all MPs), President Youth Akali Dal & former Singh Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, former SGPC Chief Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, SAD General Secretary Mr.Prem Singh Chandumajra, Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Media Advisor Mr. Harcharan Bains, senior leaders & workers of Shiromani Akali Dal, Members of SGPC, prominent Sikh scholars, Intellectuals and academicians were also present on the occasion.
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PUNJAB NOTIFIES SPECIAL INCREMENT TO THE POLICE PERSONEL
INCREASED PAY SCALES OF JUNIOR ENGINEERS, PATWARIS, KANUNGOS AND GRAM SEWAK’S ALSO NOTIFIED

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER :5

The Punjab government today notified the grant of special increment to the police personnel. Similarly new enhanced pay scales for Junior Engineers, certain categories of employees of revenue department and  of gram sewak/gram sewika have also been notified.

According to the notification all the inspectors, sub inspectors, assistant sub inspectors, head constables and constables in the Punjab Police in the regular service would be entitled to an additional increment with w.e.f. 1st December, 2011. He said that the additional increment admissible under these orders would be calculated in accordance with rule 9 of the Punjab Civil services Rules. He said that the amount of additional increment would be treated as pay for all intents and purposes. The date of next annual increment of the employee would not be changed.
The junior engineers working in different departments of the government who were in the entry scale 10300-34800 with  grade pay of 3800 and initial pay of 14590 has been revised to 10300-34800 with  grade pay 4800 with initial pay of 18250. After 10 year service they have been put in the pay band of 15600-39100 with designation of assistant engineer with 5400 GP with initial pay Rs. 21000. After 20 year they would be put in 15600-39100 + 6600 GP with intial pay of 25250.

The scale of patwari from the pay band 5910-20200 with GP 1900 with intial pay 7810 has been revised  to 10300-34800 with 3200 GP with initial pay 13500. The pay band of kanungo 5910-20200 with 3000 GP with initial pay 3000 has been revised to 10300-34800+ 3600 GP with initial pay 14430 w.e.f. from 1st November, 2011.
The spokesman said that the scale of gram sewak/gram sewika has been also revised from 5910-20200 with 1900 GP with initial pay 7810 to 10300-34800 with 3200 with initial pay 13500 w.e.f. 1st December,2011.
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MAKHAN SINGH SWORN IN AS MEMBER OF PSSSB

Amritsar, December 4, 2011

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Makhan Singh as the Member of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) here at a simple but impressive ceremony held in Circuit House.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that with the induction of Mr Makhan Singh the total number of the members including the Chairman had gone upto 13. Meanwhile Secretary Personnel Mr BS Sudan conducted the proceedings of the oath taking ceremony. It might be recalled Mr Makhan Singh who hails from Ferozepur District had retired as ADFSO from Food and Civil Supplies Department in 2004. Presently he was the Political Secretary to the Member Parliament from Ferozepur Mr Sher Singh Ghubaya.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chairman PEDA Bhai Manjit Singh and several officers of Civil and Police administration.  
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DECISION TO OPPOSE THE FDI FOR SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMON MAN-BADAL

SAD COMMITTED FOR THE WELFARE OF POOR AND DOWNTRODDEN SECTIONS OF SOCIETY

ALLOCATION OF PARTY TICKETS TO BE DONE AT SUITABLE TIME

RS 4.25 CRORE DISBURSED FOR DEVELOPMENTAL WORKS IN JALANDHAR CANTT ASSEMBLY SEGMENTS DURING SANGAT DARSHAN

  Shahpur (Jalandhar), December 4, 2011

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the decision to oppose the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the retail sector has been taken by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) after duly considering the matter for safeguarding the interests of the common man.

Talking to the newsmen on the sidelines of the Sangat Darshan program of the Jalandhar Cantt assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the party had deliberately decided to oppose this matter after detail consideration on it. He further said that there was no difference of opinion in the party on the matter rather the party was fully united to oppose the issue.

Reiterating the commitment of the party for the welfare of the poor and the downtrodden sections of the society, Mr Badal said that during its current tenure the SAD-BJP has taken path breaking initiatives to safeguard the interests of these people. He said that it is for the first time in the history of the state that pro-poor policies have been framed by the state government to ensure that this neglected stratum of the society is benefited from the policies of the state government. The Chief Minister said that the focus of their government had been to deliver good governance to the people along with ensuring the welfare of poor people.

On a query regarding the allegations of political vendetta by the Congress leaders, the Chief Minister said that during present regime of the SAD-BJP alliance not even a single case has been registered against the political opponents out of political vengeance adding that throughout his political career he had been a votary of the morality in the public system and has always considered politics of vendetta as a ‘big blunder’. “Though my predecessor Captain Amarinder Singh had indulged in such actions but I have always refrained from it” he added.
            When asked to comment about allocation of the party tickets to the aspirants for the coming assembly elections, the Chief Minister said that the allocation of tickets to the candidates would be done at the suitable time adding that the decision regarding it would be taken by the party. He also said that distribution of tickets would be done purely on merit and the Winnability, credibility along with contribution of aspirant and his family for the party would be duly considered.  
            Responding to a query regarding the problems faced by the potato growing farmers of the region, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP government was always ready for helping the peasantry of the state. However he said that it was very unfortunate that the attitude of the Union government on issues related with the farmers of state was very apathetic.
            Earlier addressing the gathering during the Sangat Darshan program the Chief Minister said that unprecedented developmental works have been initiated by the state government during its present regime. He asked the people to support and co-operate the SAD-BJP alliance in the coming assembly polls so that defectors of the party could be taught a befitting lesson. He also asked the village panchayat to get priority power connections for religious places by contacting the officials of the POWERCOM. Likewise he also asked the Panchayats to pass resolutions for giving vacant lying Panchayat land to the poor and homeless people so that they could build their houses.
            Earlier the Chief Minister also distributed 50 bicycles to school going girls under the “Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme”. He also disbursed a grant of Rs 4.36 crore for completing developmental works in 68 villages falling in Jalandhar Cantt assembly segment.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, Chairman MARKFED Mr Jarnail Singh Wahid and Chairman Schedule Caste Land Development and Finance Corporation Punjab Mr Pawan Tinu.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL

CAPTAIN WOULD STOP ALL WELFARE SCHEMES WITHIN ONE WEEK IF HE COMES TO POWER: SUKHBIR
·        BIGGEST EVER RALLY MARKS THE BEGINNING OF VICTORY MARCH OF SHIROMANI AKALI  DAL
·        SUKHBIR PROMISES TO MAKE PUNJAB A MODEL DEVELOPMENT STATE

MULLANPUR DAKHA (LUDHIANA), DECEMBER 4:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister and President Shiromani Akali Dal today made a thunderous beginning of victory march, addressing the biggest ever rally in the political history of Punjab, reminding the people that Captain Amarinder Singh would come to his true character, if he comes to power again.

Addressing the rally, the Deputy Chief Minister reminded the people that during his previous term Captain Amarinder Singh remained in hibernation for four and half  year, stopped all welfare scheme, forgot the promise of free power to the farmers, not made a single recruitment, not fulfilled a single demand of employees and remained aloof from people as well as MLAs. He said that Captain Amarinder Singh tried to befool the farmers by introducing free power in the last two months of his tenure. Mr. Sukhbir reminded the people that if people make the mistake electing him again, Captain Amarinder Singh would stop all pro-people, pro-farmers welfare scheme within the first week of his power. He said that Captain who has no time to meet his MLAs what to talk of ordinary masses.

Speaking about his development agenda, Mr. Badal said that he was happiest person today to see biggest ever gathering in his political career. Listing out pro-people initiatives of SAD-BJP government , Mr. Badal said that Punjab was the only state in the country that was giving free power to the farmer, shagun at the marriage of girls belonging to weaker sections, old age pensions to poor people, free 200 unit of power to the SC/BC families besides free education to the girls up to +2 level. He said that to check the dropout rate of girl students the Punjab is only state that was giving bicycles to the class +1 and class XII girls. The Deputy Chief Minister said that we could launch these welfare initiatives because we daily intermingle with villagers and know their pulse.
Scripting the other development initiatives of SAD-BJP government, the SAD President said that nowhere in the history of Punjab that state has witnessed such an unprecedented development that we have witnessed during last four and half years. He said that Rs 19,000 crore Bathinda refinery that Captain stalled for five years, has changed the socio-economic profile of the state. He said that with the completion of Goindwal, Talwandi Sabo, Rajpura and Mukatsar thermal plants, Punjab would be the first state that would be exporting power to other states. Mr. Badal said that due to doubling of revenue from Rs 36,000 to Rs 76,000 within four years the Punjab could spend Rs 6669 crores on development of road infrastructure in the state. He said that 32 ROBs at the cost Rs 410 crore, 500 ROs, strengthening of irrigation network at the cost of Rs 3337 crore, repair and upgradation of irrigation minors at the cost of Rs 1900 crore has given the real taste of development to the people of Punjab. He said that for the first time in the history of Punjab that record 94000 recruitments have been made in the government departments in most transparent manner.

          Dwelling on governance reform initiatives Mr. Badal said that Right To Service Act enacted by the state government has made government employees accountable to the people. He said that now people are getting 67 services within stipulated time as a matter of right otherwise they have power to complaint against the erring employee, who would have to pay fine for delay from his own pocket. He said that computerization of land records , setting up of 154 Fard Kendras, establishment of 185 Police Saanjh Kendras, computerization of DTO offices, issuances of Registration Certificates by the Vehicle dealers has made the life of citizens easier.
Promising to make Punjab model development state of the Country, Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP was seeking repeat mandate to carry forward the development agenda and to take the agenda of governance reforms to its logical conclusion.

          Earlier Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Mr, Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyali and Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Badal also addressed the audience. Earlier retired PCS officer Mr. S. R. Klair joined the SAD fold along with his thousands of supporters.
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100 UNITS FREE POWER TO 15 LAKH FAMILIES
CABINET OKAYS PROPOSAL TO COVER 5 LAKH FAMILIES
ALLOWANCES TO TERRORIST AND RIOT AFFECTED FAMILIES DOUBLED: DECISION TO COVER RELIGIOUSLY AFFECTED ARMY PERSONNEL
PART TIME COLLEGE LECTURERS TO BE REGULARIZED SOON
CABINET APPROVES RECOMMENDATIONS OF SUB COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYEES’ DEMANDS

CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 03:

             The Punjab Cabinet today decided to extend the benefit of 100 units per month of free electricity to 15 lakh families instead of the present 10 lakh families.  

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal this evening. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the Cabinet also decided to regularize the unauthorized colonies in the state.  Local Government Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud had been authorized to work out the details for the regularization of the unauthorized colonies within a stipulated time frame. 

In a major decision, the government also gave in principle approval to regularize the services of the part time lecturers working in the Govt. Colleges.  Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved to grant lump sum salary including Basic Pay, Grade Pay and DA to the part time lecturers w.e.f December 1, 2011.  The services of these lecturers shall be regularized soon subject to the legal advice.  

In a significant decision, the Cabinet also decided to raise the pension of Army personnel affected by the events of 1984( Dharmi Faujis) from Rs.2500 to Rs.5000 per month.  The Cabinet also raised the monthly subsistence allowance of the terrorists/riot victims from Rs.2500 to Rs.5000 w.e.f. from January 1, 2012.    This decision would benefit 6378 persons and involve financial implication of Rs.19.13 crore.
The Cabinet also approved various recommendations of the Cabinet Sub Committee on the employees’ demands comprising Mr. Tikshan Sud, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur and Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon (all Cabinet Ministers)  and   decided to implement the Assured Career Progression (ACP) of 4/9/14 scheme of November 3, 2006 with effect from May 28, 2009 instead of December 1, 2011 and the payment of arrears due to employees under this scheme would also be made.  Therefore, the notification issued by the state government on July 22, 2011 regarding the revised new scheme of ACP stand rescinded.   Similarly, the ACP scheme of 8/16/24/32 issued on September 25, 1998 and Dynamic ACP scheme of April 17, 2000 had been restored with effect from May 28, 2009. 

The Cabinet also approved to grant an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lac in lump-sum in case of accidental or homicidal death on the duty irrespective of the basic pay or group of employees. In case an employee suffered complete permanent disability due to accident on duty then he would be entitled for full ex-gratia amount but in case of partial permanent disability he would be entitled for ex-gratia grant proportionately as per prescribed the percentage of his disability.
The Cabinet also approved to grant conveyance allowance of Rs. 300 per month to the Group `D’ employees. This allowance would be inclusive of the local Travelling Allowance-cum-Miscellaneous allowance already admissible to Group `D’ employees and would be admissible from December 1, 2011. 

The Cabinet also decided to grant the pay scales to the lecturers working in the government aided polytechnic institutions at par with their counterparts in the Government polytechnics.  The revised pay scales would be given to the concerned employees w.e.f. 1.1.2006 in view of the recommendations of 5th Punjab Pay Commission and the revised pay would be given to them in cash from December 1, 2011.   A decision to pay the outstanding arrears in installments would be taken later on in consultation with Finance Department.   The concerned management shall have to contribute their 5% share for this purpose. 

The Cabinet also decided to grant benefit of 4/9/14 under dynamic ACP scheme to the PCS (Executive Branch) from the actual date of completing their service after 4, 9 and 14 years instead of 1st  January of  the following year.   This decision would be implemented from December 1, 2011. 
The Cabinet also decided to enhance the maximum pay of guest faculty teachers of the government colleges from Rs.7000 to Rs.10000 per month w.e.f. 1.12.2011 with annual increase at the rate of 10%.
The Cabinet also revised the pay scales of PCS (Executive Branch) allied services viz. Excise & Taxation Officers, Tehsildars, Block Development & Panchayat officers, Food Supplies Officers, Assistant Registrar Cooperative  Societies,   Labour-cum-Conciliation Officer, Employment Generation & Training Officer with a minimum grade pay of Rs.5000.  The scale of the promotional post of these services have also been substantially enhanced.  The grade pay of district posts has been raised to Rs.5400 in the pay band IV.  Likewise, the grade pay of Deputy Director has been revised to Rs.6600 i.e. of Joint Director to Rs.7800 and the Additional Director Rs.8400.

The pay scales of the employees of the Ministerial category has been given quantum jump as the Clerk, Junior Assistant, Senior Assistant/Junior Auditor/Statistical Assistant, Superintendent Grade-2/Senior Auditor (non SAS) had been given higher grade pay of Rs.3200, Rs.3600, Rs.4400 and Rs.4800 respectively in the pay band of Rs.10300-34800.  The grade pay of Superintendent Grade I would be Rs.5400 in the pay band of Rs.15600-39100.  The Steno Typist would now get 10300-34800+3200 (including one increment on initial pay).  The grade pay of Junior Scale Stenographer, Senior Scale Stenographer and Personal Assistant has been enhanced to Rs.3600, Rs.4400 and Rs.4800 respectively in the pay band of Rs.10300-34800. The grade pay of Private Secretary would be now Rs.5400 in the pay band of Rs.15600-39100. The grade pay of telephone operator and driver has also been enhanced to Rs.2400 respectively in the pay band of Rs.5910-20200.  Similarly the pay scales of the Police personnel have also been enhanced by giving parity to Constable, Head Constable and Assistant Sub Inspector with Clerk, Junior Assistant and Senior Assistant respectively.  The pay scales of Sub Inspectors and Inspectors have been revised to Rs.4600 and Rs.4800 respectively in the pay band III.
The Cabinet also approved the enhanced pay scales for group ‘D’ employees with minimum Basic Pay of Rs.6950.  The minimum grade pay is now Rs.1650 for the group ‘D’ employees instead of Rs.1300.  A new higher pay scale has been devised for group ‘D’ employees for the promotional post with a grade pay of Rs.1800.  However, the special allowance earlier given to the certain categories of the Punjab government employees in lieu of higher pay scales w.e.f. June 1, 2011 shall stand withdrawn from December 1, 2011, but the conveyance allowance granted to group ‘D’ employees, police personnel and ministerial employees shall continue to be paid. 
The pay scales of the officers of the departments of the Languages, Information & Public Relations, State Accounts Service, District Treasury Officers and the Treasury Officers, District Welfare Officers and District Social Security officers, Multi-Purpose Health Supervisors (Males and Females) have also been substantially hiked.
The Cabinet also gave nod to the enhancement of fixed emoluments of Rs.10000 per month to 7654 teachers with provision for annual increment at the rate of 10%.  Likewise, the other categories would also be given suitable increase in their fixed emoluments.  The Cabinet also gave approval to grant exemption from type test to those employees appointed on compassionate grounds who successfully undergone computer training of the prescribed training of 3 months with the department of Information Technology. 

The Cabinet also appealed to the employees especially the ministerial staff to shun the path of agitation as most of their demands have not only been accepted but implemented by the state government in letter and spirit.  The Cabinet also urged the employees to develop work culture and discharge their duties with utmost, sincerity, honesty, dedication and commitment in the larger public interest. 
The Cabinet also approved the creation of 19 new posts for the State Right to Service Commission established under Right to Service Act, 2011 to ensure its smooth functioning besides efficient delivery of services to the general public.  
The Cabinet gave approval to slash the rate of VAT from 12.5 to 5% on the supply of bomb shells and other weapons & ammunitions to the Ordinance factory. 

The Cabinet also gave approval to amend the Punjab Civil Service (Revised Pay) Rules, 1988 to relax the condition of the minimum period of experience from 12 to 5 years of service as Junior Draftsman for the promotion as draftsman. 
The Cabinet also approved the creation of 16 different posts each in the District Statistical Office for the newly created Pathankot and Fazilka districts.
The Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for the terms and conditions of the appointment of Vice Chairman of Punjab State Planning Board Mr. Rajinder Gupta in the rank of Cabinet Minister. 
The Cabinet approved the transfer the land of existing Jalalabad mandi measuring 55 acre, 5 kanal and 7 marla to the Punjab Mandi Board to ensure its proper management.  Likewise, the Cabinet also approved to transfer 2 acres of land out of the Government Potato and Vegetables Seed Farm, Sohal in district Gurdaspur to PUNSEED at the collector rate. 
The Cabinet also gave approval to recruit 111 posts of group ‘A’, 19 of  ‘B’, 432 of ‘C’ and 369 of ‘D’ in the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, out of the preview of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)/Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board.  These posts would now be filled through Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana. 

The Cabinet also approved to entrust the task of recruitment of group ‘A’ posts to the Defence Service Welfare department after taking these posts out of the preview of PPSC.  Apart from this, the Cabinet also gave nod to appoint the retired District Welfare Officers on the pattern of retired PCS Officers on the contract basis. These contractual district welfare officers would be allowed to work till the age of 62 years.   
To ensure more coverage of rural area under the emergency response services in the state, the Cabinet also approved to increase the number of existing ambulances under the scheme from 90 to 240 besides giving approval for additional budget of Rs.59.69 crore for 2011-12.   
The Cabinet also approved to enhance the one time annuity and grant cash allowance in lieu of land allotment to the Gallantry Awardees of the state. Now annuity has been enhanced from Rs. 25 lac to Rs. 30 lac for Paramvir Chakar, Rs. 15 lac to Rs. 20 lac for Mahanvir Chakar, Rs. 10 lac to Rs. 15 lac for Vir Chakar, Rs. 25 lac to Rs. 30 lac for Ashok Chakar, Rs. 15 lac to Rs. 20 lac for Kirti Chakar, Rs. 10 lac to Rs. 15 lac for Shaurya Chakar, Rs. 5 lac to Rs. 7 lac for Sena Medal  (Only Gallantry) and  Rs. 2.5 lac to Rs. 5 lac for Mention-In-Despach. Likewise, the onetime award money for the Distinguish Award winners has also been enhanced. The Cabinet also approved 10% hike in existing monthly allowances, besides full allowance payment to the Widows of the Gallantry Awardees.
The Cabinet gave approval to abolish the 'The Punjab Affiliated Colleges Pension and Contributory Provident Fund Rules-2002' and to re-introduce the old Contributory Pension Fund Scheme besides also authorized the Chief Minister to bring amendments in various clauses of 'Punjab Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service of Employees) Act, 1974.

            The Cabinet also approved to give status of Development Block to Gharota town in District Pathankot and 86 Panchaytas out of total 144 Panchaytas of Pathankot Block would be the part of the new development block.   
The Cabinet also gave approval to transfer the Civil Hospital, Badal in district Muktsar to Baba Farid University of Medical Science, Faridkot. The Cabinet also gave nod to recruit 55 Junior Engineers in Water Supply & Sanitation Department through direct recruitment. The Cabinet also approved the re-inclusion the 44 revenue villages from Sub-Division Guru Harsahai in Ferozepur district to the Sub-Division Jalalabad in Fazilka district. Meanwhile Cabinet also approved to grant the status of Sub-Tehsil to the Kanugo Circle Joga in district Mansa.  
The Cabinet also approved to establish RTI nodal cell in Information Technology Department.

 VANINDER KAUR LUMBA APPOINTED AS GENERAL SECRETARY OF ISTRI AKALI DAL

Chandigarh, December 3

Mrs. Parmjeet Kaur Gulshan, MP and President Istri Akali Dal  today appointed Mrs. Vaninder Kaur Lumba as General Secretary of the party.
According to a press release issued by head office here today, Mrs. Vaninder Kaur Lumba has been rewarded for her services to the party. Mrs. Lumba is the daughter of two times MLA from Shaturana Late Baldev Singh Lumba.

Date: 03.12.2011
Dear Anna Hazare Ji,

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Lletter to ANNA Hazare by the major religious miniorties & SAD Delhi .

Prit Pal Singh

We have fully supported your crusade against corruption. India is considered as one of the most corrupt nation. Your efforts have enthused a new hope for the common man, who has to suffer most due to corruption. There is no doubt that strong Lokpal Bill is required, but at the same time it is also a fact that corruption is prevalent in all walks of life. The proposed Lokpal Bill will cover only the Government servants, but there is a need to make the Lokpal bill broad based. So as it covers the private sector, education, sports and even religious bodies. It is also a truth that religion is also being used for minting money. We would like to appeal to you to press Government to bring all the concerned in the ambit of this bill.
     
     It is also a fact that religious minorities in the country are much more effected by the corruption. They have to bear the brunt of this menace at every stage. It is, therefore essential to give due weightage to this segment of population. Immediate steps which you can take is to give due representation to the minorities in your proposed core committee. You are going to announce in the near future, This act of yours will also inculcate the confidence in the minorities and you will also get their full support. We are sure you will give due consideration to our proposals and will take appropriate action to incorporate these suggestion.

          With due request and assurance of full support to your anti corruption movement.
Yours faithfully

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BADAL CALLS UPON THE PEOPLE TO EXTEND SUPPORT TO THE SAD-BJP ALLIANCE FOR CONTINUING AN ERA OF UNPRECEDENTED DEVELOPMENT IN THE STATE

URGES PEOPLE TO VISIT MEMORIALS ERECTED IN COMMEMORATION OF HISTORICAL EVENTS IN SIKH HISTORY& KHALSA PANTH

GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO DEVELOP BATHINDA AS EDUCATIONAL HUB IN THE STATE
Ghuda (Bathinda), December 2-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to extend support and co-operation to the SAD-BJP alliance for enduring an era of unprecedented development in the state.
            Addressing the gathering during public rally organized after inaugurating the University College here today, the Chief Minister said that unparalleled developmental works have taken place in the state during the present regime of the SAD-BJP alliance government. However, he said that the need of the hour was to sustain this development by supporting the alliance which was working for the welfare and the development of the state.  Mr. Badal said that it would be fatal for the state if the people get swayed away by the tactics of those forces who are not interested in the progress of the state and are mostly busy in the leisure and pleasure. “It is the high time that you people should support those people who are working for the advancement of the state and trounce those who are opposing it” he added.
            The Chief Minister reiterated that their government has taken path breaking initiatives  to ensure that the coming generations are made aware about the legacy of their rich history due to which they have erected Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, ‘Chhota Ghallughara Kahnuwan Chhambh Shaheedi Memorial’ at Kahnuwan, Memorial of Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rahiran and Fateh Burj at Chhapar Chiri to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the legendry Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur who laid down the foundation of Khalsa Raj in India with the victory over Mughal rule. He said that though the people of state, who had always created the history by their heroic deeds, hardly remember these important events in the history but realizing well that it was their bounden duty to preserve these in the form of memorials, the SAD-BJP alliance government has taken this extraordinary step. Mr. Badal requested the people to visit these memorials so as to well verse them with the history of their forefathers.
            Terming the day as historic and golden moment for the area residents, the Chief Minister said that their government had endeavored to make this area having marsh and barren land as the hub of the educational activities in Punjab by opening University College, a state of art Sports School and Centre of Remount and Veterinary Squad of the NCC, besides the Central University which is being constructed over an area of 500 acres of land. Likewise he said that an education centre having Engineering College and facility of MBA would soon come at village Nandgarh. The Chief Minister said that the basic aim behind all these strenuous efforts of the state government was to ensure that the residents of area get world class education.      
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Bonanza for health and family welfare staff

Chandigarh, December 02:
          The Punjab Government today announced a bonanza for certain categories of employees of Health and Family Welfare by substantially raising their pay scales.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Punjab Government said that the pay scale of Senior Medical Laboratory Technician has been revised from 10300-34800+4200 GP with initial pay of Rs. 16290 to pay band of 10300-34800+4800 GP with initial pay of Rs. 18250. The pay scales of Medical Laboratory Technician grade-1 has been revised from 10300-34800+3800 GP with initial pay of Rs. 14590 to 10300-34800+4200 GP with initial pay of Rs. 16290. The pay scale of Medical Laboratory Technician grade-2 has been revised from 5910-20200+3000 GP with initial pay of Rs. 11470 to 10300-34800+3600 GP with initial pay of Rs. 14430. The pay scale of  District Mass Media education and Information officer has been revised  from 10300-34800+4200 GP with initial pay of Rs. 16290 to 10300-34800+4800 GP with initial pay of Rs. 18250. The pay scale  Deputy Mass Media education and Information officer from 10300-34800+3800 GP with initial pay of Rs. 14590 to 10300-34800+4200 GP with initial pay of Rs. 16290. The pay scale of  Block Extension Educator has been revised from 5910-20200+3000 GP with initial pay 11470 to 10300-34800+3600 GP with initial pay 14430.
          Similarly the pay scale of Ayurvedic Medical officers/Unani Medical officer has been revised from the pay band of 10300-34800+5000 GP with initial pay 18450 to 10300-34800+5400 GP with initial pay of Rs. 20300 and the pay scale of Up-Vaid has been revised from the pay scale of 5910-20200+2400 GP with initial pay 9880 to 10300-34800+3000 GP with initial pay 11470.
          The pay in the revised scales of pay would be effective from December 1st, 2011
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Armed forces Flag Day would be observed on 7th December

Chandigarh, December 02:

          Armed forces Flag Day would be observed on 7th December, 2011 to pay tributes to all those known and un-known soldiers who sacrificed their lives guarding the frontiers of our country.
          Disclosing this here today Director, Sainik Welfare, Punjab Lt. Col. Harvinder Pal Singh said that this day was observed to salute the velour of Soldiers both serving and veterans, who fought for unity and integrity & sovereignty.
          On this occasion Lt. Col. Harvinder Pal Singh has given his best wishes to all the serving and Retd. soldiers.
      
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LT. GEN. (RETD.) R.S.SUJLANA APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN PPSC
CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 02:
          The Punjab Governor has appointed Lt. General (Retd.) R.S.Sujlana as Chairman of the Punjab Public Service Commission Patiala from the date he assumes charge of his office.
          According to the notification, the services of Lt. General (Retd.) R.S.Sujlana will be governored under the Punjab Public Service Commission (Conditions of Service) Regulations, 1958, as amended from time to time.

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SAD Core Committe--01.12.2011

Chandigarh December 1  ; a meeting of the core committee of the shiromani Akali Dal today  placed on record its gratitude to the five singh sahiban for  bestowing the honour of Fakhr e Quom Panth Ratan  on Punjab Chief minister and SAD patron Sardar parkash singh badal

The SAD also thanked the Sikh sangat and the people of Punjab for their overwhelming response to the functions for dedication of memorials of the khalsa heritage and proud chapters of Sikhs history culminating in the Jangi Yadgaar for Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

 The core committee also placed on record its great appreciation of the Chief Minster Sardar Parkash Singh Badal for his singular and historic contribution and initiatives in setting up these memorials. The core committee said that the party was proud of the role played by Mr Badal in this as also in other major landmark achievements of the people of Punjab in social, economic and religio political  sphere.

 The meeting also finalized the campaign strategy of the party for the forthcoming assembly elections in the state. The meeting gave finishing touches to the preparations for the state level rally to be held at Moga on December 18.
  During the meeting the party president m r Sukhbir Singh Badal discussed the question of FDI with members of the core committee. After considering various views expressed by senior members at the meeting i, Mr Badal said that  the issue needed to be looked at afresh keeping in view the interests of the small farmers, vendors,  the small and medium traders. Accordingly, he said, the party wanted that the issue be discussed threadbare in the parliament before the government took a decision on the subject. |The party will not support any move which adversely affects the interests of the farmers and the small and medium traders and the consumers. The party demands that full details of the FDI proposal be made public and placed before then nation through parliament.