Khangura: 25 years jail for Sukhbir is more likely than 25 years perpetual SAD rule.

Chandigarh. 10 February 2011.

Congress MLA from Qila Raipur Jassi Khangura today stated Sukhbir Badal’s vision of 25 years of continuous rule underlined Sukhbir’s abject failure to appreciate the reality of politics.

Khangura stressed that Sukhbir conveniently forgets that his own father on 3 previous occasions has failed to be re-elected to office. All talk of “raj nahin, seva” goes to pot when all and sundry understand that the last 4 years have been wasted through the plunder and pillage of the state coffers by the ruling party, the alienation of tens of thousands of acres of public and panchayat land to vested interests and the loot of tens of thousands of crores of NRI assets.

Jassi added that it is quite easy to become deluded by the trappings of power, surrounded by sycophants, whilst enjoying a comfortable existence of private jets, luxury cars, dream holidays and numerous overseas shopping trips. A cold reality will dawn as the results trickle in on judgement day. Even then Sukhbir may not accept that the primary reason for electoral failure is his brand of thuggish politics which the electorate finds unpalatable.

Jassi clarified that it was all too easy for Sukhbir to use the powers of state to motivate criminals to undermine all the subordinate elections for the corporations, municipalities and panchayti raj institutions. But now having failed to receive the promised jobs, plots and contracts, these very same criminals will turn against the SAD at the forthcoming assembly election. The politicised criminals are running for cover that the SAD simply cannot and will not provide.

Khangura stated that every school bully is eventually found out and once exposed the earlier aura of invincibility vanishes forever. That will be Sukhbir’s fate precisely.

The Qila Raipur MLA added that one day Sukhbir will have to accept that the state treasury is not his own, that Punjabis will not be intimidated by his goons, that Punjabis may be poor and hungry because of his administration’s failures but that they have one thing that even Sukhbir cannot sequester; their dignity, which will lead them to decisively reject Sukhbir at the forthcoming assemble elections.

The former NRI MLA hoped that the forthcoming Congress administration would act against Sukhbir within 25 minutes of assuming office and predicted that incarceration in prison for a minimum of 25 years would be the likely judicial response arising from the numerous illegalities committed and sponsored by Sukhbir during the past 4 years.
Jassi Khangura MLA
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ISSUE OF EQUATING AMARINDER WITH LORD RAMA
SAD ASKS AMARINDER TO TENDER UNCONDITIONAL APOLOGY

Chandigarh, February 10 :

Mr. NK Sharma Joint Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal and Chairman District Planning Committee Mohali today said that Punjab congress has exposed its mental bankruptcy by equating Capt. Amarinder Singh with Maryada Purshotam Lord Ram and Rana Gurmeet Sodhi with Lord Hanuman.

In a statement issued here today Mr. Sharma said that Punjab congress party has hurt the feelings and sentiments of crores of devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Hanumana by sacrilegious act. He said that Punjab congress leadership has touch the heights of sycophancy by equating paper creatures like Amarinder and Rana Sodhi to most bestowed Lord Rama. He said that whole congress leadership owes unqualified apology for this sacrilege.

Mr. Sharma said that Punjab was land of saint and peers who have taught us the principles of equity justice and mutual brotherhood but congress in its blind lust for power has put Amarinder on such a high pedestal which has made Amarinder blind with arrogance. He said that it was matter of great regret that on a platform Amarinder was hurling un-parliamentry abuses for Akali leaders and and sycophants were comparing him with Lord Rama, denigrating the hindu gods.

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BADAL PLEADS FOR TRUE FEDERAL STRUCTURE

Distributes Grants to villages for development in
Sangat Darshan Programme

NAKODAR(JALANDHAR) FEBRUARY 10: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today strongly pleaded for establishing true federal structure with more powers and financial autonomy to the states.

Interacting with the people and the media on the occasion of ‘Sangat Darshan Programme’ here today, the Chief Minister said that the existing unitary system of Government provided meager resources at the disposal of State Government which led to the poverty, economic backwardness and illiteracy in the country. This kind of discrimination with the states must end for ensuring speedy growth and development of the country as a whole, he added.

Castigating the Congress government at the Centre for pushing the nation in the state of economic backwardness, Mr. Badal said that today India figured in the list of poorest countries in the comity of nations, despite rich in natural sources, hardworking & enterprising people and balanced climatic conditions. It was all due to the misconceived policies of the successive Congress governments at the Centre that majority of the population in the country was living below the poverty line. He said that if such situation at the Centre continued, the future of the country would be more bleak in the coming years.
Referring to the status of Punjab economy, Mr. Badal said that it was quite comfortable as SAD-BJP government had enhanced the income three times in the State pool through healthy financial management and the developmental process was in full swing. He said that State economy had suffered a serious set back due to debt burden put by the Centre pertaining to the period of militancy. The Punjab Government fought against terrorism thus serving the national cause and the Centre Government extended no help, he lamented.

Mr. Badal categorically stated that in the last four years Punjab has made rapid strides in all the fields of development be it agriculture, industry, infrastructure, power, civil aviation and rural & urban development and we would accomplish the tasks in five years which the successive Congress Governments could not achieve in fifty years. He said that the State would be surplus in power which was the engine of growth and we were in the process of executing three more Thermal power plants and increasing the power production to the level of 15,000 MW. He said that education and health has been given focused attention to promote human resource development and well being of the individuals. He said that a major programme of cleaning of rivers and providing water supply, sewerage in Rural and Urban areas has been undertaken thus revolutionizing the civic life. He said that public delivery systems are being improved through computerization and by introducing other innovative administrative strategies.

The Chief Minister listened to the grievances and problems of over 90 villages Panchayats and distributed grants worth Rs. five crores for improving connectivity and quality of life in the villages. He emphasized the need of active partnership of the village panchayats in ensuring quality works on different development projects.

Mr. Badal further said that the Sangat Darshan Programmes undertaken by the state Government were aimed at identifing the problems of the villages and sort out the same on the spot by the Local District Administration. He said that the people of the State has got a major relief from this programme. He said that SAD-BJP leadership always remained in the midst of people and extend helping hand in resolving their issues relating to day-to-day life. He criticized the Congress leaders like Capt. Amarinder Singh who have come out after four years of hibernation just to mislead and befool the people. He expressed the hope that the people of Punjab fully know their hidden agenda and would not allow them to succeed in their misconceived game plans. Prominent among those who were present on the occasion included Mr.Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister, Mr.Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr.Kuldip Singh Wadala, Senior Akali Leader Mr. Priyank Bharti, Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar, and other District Administration Officers.
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UPINDERJIT KAUR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF DR. SATINDER SINGH NOOR

H.S. Grewal

Chandigarh, February 10: The Finance Minister Punjab, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today expressed her deep sense of shock and sorrow over the sad demise of noted writer and poet Dr. Satinder Singh Noor.

In a condolence message, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur condoled that in the death of Dr. Noor, Punjab as well as literary world has lost a distinguished writer and critic, whose writings gave it a new identity in the field of Punjabi literature and a social purpose. She described Dr. Noor as a torchbearer of writing with a constructive approach and vision, who has left an elegant mark on the world around him. “He was indeed a great inspiring writer with good heart”, she said.

Regarding Dr. Noor as an “institution” in himself for his love of poetry, poets and modern Indian languages, she said that Dr. Noor was credited with establishing the Punjabi department in Delhi University, from where he retired as head. She further added that the demise of this noted writer was an irreparable loss to the State. “He would be ever remembered by one and all in recognising his immense talents as a writer, humanist, and above all as a fine human being”, she said. The Minister expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.


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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, February 10:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 15-02-2011 to 22-02-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch and Bathinda Branch and respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively.

The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Sabraon Branch with its distributaries being in the first preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies available would be utilised in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower, Lahore Branch with their distributaries respectively.
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Punjab Expects 50 Percent Increase in Revenue Collections from Stamps and Registration Fee


CHANDIGARH, FEBURAY 10:

Punjab Government has expected 50 percent increase in revenue collections from Stamps and Registration fee during the current financial year.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that during the year 2009-10, state government had collected Rs.1551crore revenue from stamps and registration fee and hoped to touch approximately Rs.2400 crore in the current financial year.
The spokesman further said that 54.42 percent increase in budget estimates has been fixed in the 2010-11 budget estimates and with the concreted efforts and better planning, the government would achieve the this target easily.

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Punjab Government Appeals the People To
Cooperate With Census Officials

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 10:

Punjab Government has appealed the people of the state to cooperate with census officials and provide them correct information during the second phase of census.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that census-2011 has been started from February 9 and would continue till February 29, in which different types of 29 questions would be asked by the official from the individual. The spokesman said that it was the duty of each and every citizen to provide correct information to census official which would be based of the future welfare schemes. He said that planning based on correct information could give the momentum to the development process and could achieve the positive results.
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Workshop on 'Saakshar Bharat Mission' organized

Chandigarh, February 10:

'Saakshar Bharat Mission', a one day orientation workshop under strategies for the implementation of Saakshar Bharat Mission in Punjab was organized at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh here today.

Presiding over the workshop Mr. C.Roul, Secretary Education Punjab said that main objective to organize the workshop was literacy awareness and to increase the literacy rate in the state especially in rural areas. He said that this workshop would also help in reducing regional, social and gender disparities in literacy.

Speaking on the occasion, DPI Schools said that right to education for every one and to eradicate illiteracy from the root level was the main agenda of this workshop.

Those who were present on the occasion included Director General School Education Sh. Krishan Kumar besides senior officers of Punjab Government, Punjab National Bank and other lecturers from the districts of the state.
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BADAL FOR REVAMPING COLLEGE EDUCATION SYSTEM GIVES NOD TO INITIATE RECRUITNMENT PROCESS OF COLLEGE LECTURERS AND UPGRADATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 09:

To revamp the college education system in the state on the priority, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Principal Secretary Higher Education to work out detailed modalities to immediately initiate the recruitment process of college lecturers and non-teaching staff against the vacant posts besides upgradation of infrastructure in rural, semi urban and urban colleges as most of them were in the dilapidated condition with the passage of time.

Presiding over a high level meeting with the principals of the Govt. Colleges and the Vice Chancellors of the Universities in the state here at Chief Minister's residence this morning, Mr. Badal asked the higher education department to submit a comprehensive report on the status of infrastructure and the vacant posts of teaching and non teaching staff in the colleges to his Principal Secretary within a week so that requisite funds could be allocated from the finance department.
The Chief Minister also asked the Principal Secretary Higher Education to take up the matter with Punjab Public Service Commission to allow the state government to fill up the vacant posts of college lecturers through the departmental selection committee as per the prescribed UGC guidelines to curtail the procedural delay and to ensure that the newly appointed lecturers were in place before the start of next academic session i.e. July, 2011.

Mr. Badal was also asked the DPI Colleges to convene a departmental promotion committee to fill up the 29 posts of principals which had been lying vacant since long. To this she assured that the principals would be promoted within next two months after completing all the formalities so that they could join the respective colleges before the onset of the next academic session. Mr. Badal also directed the DPI colleges to initiate requisite formalities to start the government colleges at Sujanpur in Gurdaspur district and Gurnekhurd in Sangrur district from the next session which had been closed for the want of teaching & non-teaching staff and requisite infrastructure.

Reiterating the paramount importance of the higher education, Mr. Badal emphasized the need to equip all the 55 colleges with the state-of-the-art infrastructure and requisite teaching and non-teaching staff to impart the best education to the students especially from the rural areas to enable them to compete with their counterparts in the urban areas.

Mr. Badal also directed the Vice Chancellors of Punjabi University Patiala, Panjab University Chandigarh and Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar to immediately start the recruitment process in their upcoming seven, three and four constituent colleges under the UGC scheme in the educationally backward blocks of the state so that the classes could begin from academic session 2011-12. He was also informed in the meeting that almost 50% of the construction works had been completed in these institutions and the remaining would be accomplished positively by the mid of April, 2011.
The Chief Minister also decided to restore the pristine glory of the Govt. sports and arts college Jalandhar which had produced numerous celebrated sport persons in national as well international sports arena like Olympics, Common Wealth Games and Asian games etc. during its glorious past. He agreed to the proposal put by the principal of the college to raise the intake of girls to 50 and boys to 200 under sports category to groom them for national and international participation.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. AR Talwar who is also holding the additional charge of Higher Education, Additional Secretary Higher Education Mr. GK Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Patiala and DPI Colleges Mrs. Jasmit Kaur.
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CM MARKS INQUIRY OF SUPPLYING SUB STANDARD FURNITURE AND POOR CONSTRUCTION WORK IN 21 MODEL SCHOOLS CHANDIGRH FEBRUARY 9:

Taking serious note of poor quality of construction work and supply of sub standard furniture in all the 21 new Model Schools established under Central sponsored scheme, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered an inquiry to take action against the erring officers and contractors for these alleged irregularities.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the principals of these schools at Chief Minister's residence this morning.

The Director General School Education Mr. Krishan Kumar along with the principals informed the Chief Minister about the poor quality of construction and the substandard material used in the buildings and the supply of inferior furniture. The Chief Minister asked his Principal Secretary Mr. D.S. Guru to personally look into these complaints and take strict action against those found guilty.

Mr. Badal lamented the misutilization of the public funds during the construction of these school buildings. He further directed Chief Engineer PUDA and Chief Engineer PWD to visit all the schools and get the entire construction works refurbished as per the norms otherwise they would be held responsible for any lapse. It may be recalled that out of 21 model schools the construction work of the 12 schools had been allotted to PWD and nine to the PUDA.

On the issue of acute shortage of teaching staff in these schools, the Chief Minister asked the school education department to immediately post teachers in these schools to ensure their smooth functioning. Director General Schools assured the Chief Minister that all the subject teachers would be posted by the 16th of this month as the process of selection had already been completed.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mrs.Mohinder Kaur Josh, Secretary Education Mr.C.Roul, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Chief Engineer PUDA and Chief Engineer PWD.
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PUNJAB GOVT. TO CONFER PUNJAB 'RATTAN AWARD' ON LATE GEN. JAGJIT SINGH ARORA & MARSHAL OF INDIAN AIR FORCE ARJAN SINGH

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 09:

IN recognition with the distinguished services of late Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Arora Padam Bhushan, PVSM and Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh, PADMA Vibushan, DFC for defending the boundaries of our country, Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal has announced to bestow 'PUNJAB RATTAN AWARD' on these two dynamic and vibrant Punjabis. The Chief Minister while approving the proposal of awarding this honour mentioned that their contribution to the national scene will be ever remembered and the future generations will continue to get inspiration from the life, sincerity and commitment of these national heroes.

It may be recalled that Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Arora Padam Bhushan, PVSM commanded 2 Punjab Regiment during the year 1947-48 hostilities. He saw active action during 1962, 1965 and 1971 operations. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, Lt. Gen. JS Arora was the Eastern Army Commander entrusted with the operations in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). It was his military genius that saw the occupation of 55,000 square miles of territory and over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers being taken as prisoners of War. The historic surrender by Gen. AAK Niazi of Pakistan Army before Lt. Gen. JS Arora is etched in every Indian's memory. For this contribution to the liberation of Bangladesh, Lt Gen JS Arora was awarded 'Bir Pratik' by Govt. of Bangladesh.

Lt. Gen. JS Arora has been an outstanding soldier, and a Parliamentarian who always championed the cause of the people Punjab. He has been a role model for many generations of Soldiers and Punjabis.

PADMA Vibushan, Marshal of Indian Air Force Arjan Singh's flying career started in the North West Frontier Province, where he excelled in as air combat. During the Second World War he commanded No.1 Squadron (Tigers) at IMPHAL from February 1943 to November, 1944. The tactical reconnaissance and close support of No.1 Squadron under Sqn Leader Arjan Singh was greatly appreciated by the 33 Corps.
On 1 August, 1964, Air Marshal Arjan Singh assumed the charge of Chief of the Air Staff, in recognition of his leadership, qualities, experience and dedicated services to the Nation, at a young age of 45 years. During the Indo-Pak war in September, 1965, it was the resolute leadership of Air Marshal Arjan Singh that blunted the Pakistani Air Force and turned the airwar in favour of India. For this dedicated services and outstanding leadership, Air Marshal Arjan Singh was awarded the Padma Vibushan in 1965.

Air Marshal Arjan Singh retired on 15 July, 1969 after a long and chequered career in the Air Force and the service to the nation. After his chequered Air Force Career, Air Marshal Arjan Singh embarked on a Diplomatic career serving as Indian Ambassador to Switzerland between 1971-1974, Indian High Commission to Kenya from 1974-1976. After his return to India, Air Marshal served as the Lt. Governor of Delhi, a period that is associated with clean governance of Delhi.

In a career spanning over six decades Marshal of the IAF Arjan Singh has been a model representative of Punjab. This outstanding personality has always glorified the State of Punjab and represented it as its Brand Ambassador.

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HIGHEST EVER ALLOCATION AND PRIORITY TO SPORTS IN PUNJAB SINCE INDEPENDENCE -- SUKHBIR
PUNJAB ALL SET TO LEAD NATION IN PROVIDING INTERNATIONAL LEVEL SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE
SUKHBIR LAYS FOUNDATION STONES OF UP-GRADATION AND RENOVATION OF GURU NANAK DEV STADIUM AND GHG STADIUM
PRIZE MONEY FOR WORLD KABADDI CUP DOUBLED

Amritsar, February 09:
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that sports in Punjab was getting highest ever allocation as well as priority ever since independence and Punjab was aiming to have international level sports infrastructure.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone of up-gradation renovation and flood lighting of Guru Nanak Dev Stadium and GHG Hockey stadium of GNDU at the cost of Rs. 7 and 3 crores respectively here today Mr. Badal said that with the introduction of new sports policy aimed to promote sports in a big way and up-gradation as well as renovation of 13 stadiums at the cost of Rs. 100 crore by August, 2011, Punjab's players would feel proud to practice on World Class Infrastructure.

Mr. Badal said that the State Government was fully aware to provide latest sports infrastructure to sportspersons, so that they can train and compete with their international counterparts. He said that the construction/ renovation of 13 new Hockey/ Multipurpose Sports Projects at a cost of appx. Rs. 100.00 crore was underway which includes Hockey Stadiums at SAS Nagar, Faridkot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bathinda & Village Ghudda (Distt. Bathinda). The Multipurpose Stadiums includes Mansa, Sangrur, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur and Amritsar, he added.He said that the State government was organizing a seven nation hockey tournament in October in which matches would be played through out the state under flood lights at Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana and SAS Nagar. Similarly, 2nd World Kabaddi Cup would be organized in November with record prize money of Rs. two crore for the champion team and Rs. One crore and Rs. 50 lac for runner up and second runner up teams respectively. Kabaddi teams of 13 nations had already sent their consent for participation in this prestigious championship, he added.
He said that to create a sound pool of players in 11 priority disciplines, the Sports Department would organize Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games in last week of February, to provide players a platform to test their skills, inculcate a higher level of competitive spirit and develop killing instinct for victory. Mr. Badal said that the total Prize Money in these State Level Games, which would become an annual feature, would be Rs. 210.00 lac which works out to be Rs. 21.00 lac per discipline. Giving the details Mr. Badal said that the first 3 Winning Teams would take home Rs. 9.00 lac, Rs. 7.00 lac and Rs. 5.00 lac, respectively. He said that these Games would be organized under Flood Lights and telecast live from Semi Final Stage onwards.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab was also aiming for IPL in Hockey and Kabaddi league to provide international recognition to players of traditional games.
Mr. Badal said that for the first time in the history of the state that Rs. 7.5 crores was disbursed to the 50 medalists of Asian, Common Wealth Games and other International events. He revealed that it was decided in the new Sports Policy that any player of the state who wins an Individual or Team Gold Medal in Olympics will be awarded Rs. 2.25 crore. The Silver and Bronze Medalists would take home Rs. 1.01 crore and Rs. 51.00 lac, respectively. The Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalists of Asian Games would gain Rs. 26.00 lac, Rs. 16.00 lac & Rs. 11.00 lac and Commonwealth Games Rs. 16.00 lac, Rs. 11.00 lac & Rs. 6.00 lac, respectively

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, MP appreciated the initiatives of Mr. Badal for promoting sports in the state. Mr. Ajaib Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor, GNDU also spoke on the occasion. Mayor Shwait Malik was also present on the occasion.
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SUKHBIR SEEKS NATIONAL DEBATE ON DISCRIMINATORY SHARE OF STATES IN CENTRAL TAXES COLLECTED FROM STATES · SAD-BJP ALWAYS FOUGHT FOR MORE ECONOMIC RIGHTS FOR THE STATES
· CONGRESS HAS NO AGENDA FOR PUNJAB'S DEVELOPMENT

Amritsar, February 9: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave a call for National debate on discriminatory share of states in the central taxes collected from the states and said that a fresh re-look was required into this most significant issue of Centre-State relations.

Speaking to the media persons after laying the foundation stone of various development projects worth Rs. 35 crores here today Mr. Badal said that nobody can disputes the fact that the 1.29 % share of Punjab in the central taxes collected from the states was inherently discriminatory against less populated and progressive states like Punjab and favorably inclined towards densely populated non performing states. He said that in the open, performance oriented economy; a national debate was required to end this age old discrimination against Punjab. He said that there was no justification that a state responsible for making India self sufficient on food security front should face the brunt of economic disparity from the central taxes collected from the states. Mr. Badal said that it was the SAD-BJP government that always fought for more economic powers for the state and Congress party never thought of strengthening fiscal position of the state.

Criticizing Punjab unit of Congress party for not having any development agenda for the state , Mr. Badal said that it was the sad commentary on hundred year old party that can not think beyond "Badal and badla" . Mr. Badal said that never during last one year they have suggested any road map for the development of the state as they do not have any development agenda. Mr. Badal said that Captain Amarinder was flustered witnessing rapid development in the state and was giving vent to his frustration by hurling abuses on SAD-BJP leaders. He said that the fact was that all congress leaders were finding themselves in a dark tunnel with no light at other end. He said that seeing the writing on the wall regarding their impending defeat in February 2012 elections, congress leaders were seeking refuge in unparliamentarily abuses.
Mr. Badal said that he was concentrating on development in the state and was confident that people of Punjab would give vote to the SAD-BJP combine for continuance of development wave in Punjab. Mr. Badal said that besides making Punjab power surplus with five Thermal plants being setup at the cost of Rs. 52000 crores and was focusing on interlinking all cities with 4/6 lane roads at the cost of Rs. 6669 crores, Rural water supply to 4200 villages at the cost of Rs. 1280 crores and strengthening sewerage network of all cities at the cost of Rs. 6000 crores. He appealed to people to conserve power in the larger interest of state.

Earlier an impressive Public Rally was organized at Sakattri Bagh which is being rechristened as Raminder Singh Bularia Memorial Park. On this Occasion Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu Member Parliament, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia, Mr. Malkiat Singh A.R. and Mr. Anil Joshi (all M.L.As), Mr. Shwait Malik Mayor, Mr. Ajaybirpal Singh Randhawa Deputy Mayor, Mr. Rajinder Singh Mehta, Mrs. Kiranjot Kaur and Mr. Jaswinder Singh Advocate (all S.G.P.C. members) also addressed the gathering and brought into the notice of Deputy Chief Minister the problem being faced by the residents of the City.

The Deputy Chief Minister during his daylong tour Amritsar laid the foundation stones of Four prestigious Projects of worth Rupees 30 Crore, which include beautification and widening of Historic Ring Road (Rs. 15 Crore), Beautification of Sakattri Bagh (Rs. 5 Crore), upgradation, renovation and flood lighting of Guru Nanak Dev Stadium (Rs. 7 Crore) and renovation and flood lighting of G.H.G. Stadium, Guru Nanak Dev University (Rs. 3 Crore).
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Prof. R.K. Kohli to be honoured with best scientist award

Chandigarh, February 8: Prof. R. K Kohli, Chairman, Botany Department Panjab University Chandigarh would be honoured with best scientist award (Vigyan Rattan) of Haryana State on 9th February at Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra by Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Huda who will inaugurate a two days science conference as a chief guest. An Ecologist holding highest global accreditation Dr Kohli is a Fellow of 3 important national academies (FASc, FNASc, FNAAS) and thus the only distinguished awardee of UGC from the states of Haryana, Punjab, HP and J&K.
His research focuses on how non-Indian plants are affecting biodiversity and ecology of the region. Based on his research output he was selected as leader of IUFRO’s international research working group on Ecology of Alien invasives in 2005 which he will continue till 2015. Apart from 3 patents, he has published about 220 research papers mostly in high impact factor international journals; authored 2 and edited 8 books, 4 of which are published from USA. Many of his papers are quoted as top 20 best papers, hottest articles, most cited papers etc. His publications are rated with SCOPUS h-index of 18 (over 10 is rated very rich) and citation index of 963. He has guided 32 Ph. D. and 27 M. Phil theses.
He had been recipient of B.P.Pal Environment Fellow Award – the highest Fellowship award of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Chandigarh Administration also honoured him for his services in the field of science. He held SAARC Chair in Bangladesh and had been Adjunct Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Dr Kohli is a member International Jury for the Albert Einstein Award for the Outstanding Scientist, World Cultural Council Mexico since 1999 and Member, Editorial Boards of 5 International Scientific Journals and Peer-reviewer of a number of journals published from abroad.

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STOP PLUNDERING COMMON MAN’S MONEY SAD ASKS UPA
CONGRESS CREATING RECORD OF SORTS OF SCAMS : CHEEMA

Chandigarh, February 8 : Shiromani Akali Dal on Tuesday asked the Congress led UPA coalition to stop plundering ‘common man’s’ money with its series of scams and termed the latest scam of ISRO involving more than Rs. 2 lakh crore as a record of sorts created by the congress party.

In a statement issued from the party headoffice here today party Spokesman and Secretary Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that congress led UPA coalition was plundering the hard earned money of the common man with its series of scams. He said that unearthing of scams of the UPA coalition has become weekly phenomenon with each scam surpassing the amount of the previous one. He said that UPA was claiming the credit for increasing the income of the poor in the country but in reality its own earning by virtue of scams has created a world record. He said that there was no match worldwide for the scams done by the congress party and its leaders and those encouraged by them.

Dr. Cheema said that country was facing a peculiar situation where on one hand parties of the NDA coalition were making sincere efforts for welfare of the people in the states ruled by them and on the other congress and its coalition partners were all out to loot the hard earned money of the common man and treasury of the government. He said that leaders of the UPA coalition have forget that the motive of the political parties was to serve the people by making every effort to make their life prosperous and smooth but these leaders have forgotten their fundamental duties and are using politics for their personal interest.

Demanding immediate resignation from the congress led UPA government SAD Secretary said that repeated scams under the regime of this government have proved utter failure of the coalition to govern the country and time has now come for it to resign and pave way for establishment of pro poor common man’s government which only NDA can provide.

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CONGRESS TRYING TO ENTER GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORD WITH RECORD NUMBER OF SCAMS -SUKHBIR
· UNPRECEDENTED DEVELOPMENT BY SAD BJP GOVERNMENT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
· LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF 65 CRORE FOR DEVELOPMENT WORKS

Begowal (Kapurthala), February 8

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab toady said that the way Comptroller General of India is unveiling the multi lakhs crore scams of Congress led UPA Government every day, it seems that Congress party is aiming for slot in Guinness Book of Record for looting public exchequer of record sum of amount.

Talking to media persons here today before laying the foundation stone of Rs. 65 crore development works in Kapurthala district today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that people of country was yet trying to grapple with scale and magnitude of Rs. 1.76 Lakh Crore 2G Scam, one more bigger scam S-Band Spectrum Allotment Scam worth Rs. 2 Lakh Crore has been unveiled by the CAG. He said that it was surprising that how Congress led UPA Government was auctioning natural resources and scarce spectrum to its cronies without following the proper procedure. He said that NDA would not let Congress led UPA to plunder natural resources and scarce spectrum and would seek accountability of Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in all these. He said that the magnitude of scams unearthed by the Government of India body CAG could be understood by the fact that this money could have provided tax free budget to all 29 States of Country for next five years.

When asked about the allegation of discrimination against Punjab, Mr. Badal said that discrimination can be understood from the fact that the state that contributes 70% grains to the national pool, played a sterling role during last 50 years to make whole country self sufficient on food security front, got meager 0.9 % in Centrally sponsored Rs. 70000 crore agricultural debt waiver fund. He said that if Central Government was sincere enough, it should have waived of total Rs. 35000 crore Agriculture Debt of Punjabi farmers without imposing any precondition. He said that Punjab Congress when crying hoarse about the SAD BJP Government running the State on central funds should first understand the fact that it was an opposite case with center government surviving on Punjab funds. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was getting only 1.29% in Central Taxes collective from the state where as non performing states like UP were getting more than 20.7%. He said that it was a blatant case of discrimination against Punjab which cannot be tolerated by SAD BJP Government and it would continue to fight till it gets it gets its legitimate share of 50%.

When asked about development initiatives of the state Mr. Badal said that SAD BJP Government would seek its mandate on development initiatives and was confident that people will decimate congress for its negative politics. He said that the kind of massive development of the State including 4/6 laneing of all intercity national / state highways at the cost of Rs. 6669 crore construction of 34 ROBs/RUBs and ongoing work on 28 more at the cost of Rs. 709 crore, Governance Reforms including setting up of 155 Fard Kenders, 3021 E-Gram Sewa Kendras, 85 Police Outreach Centers and Suwidha Kender for every 2 Lakh urban population are set to change the face of Punjab.

Speaking about the sports infrastructure in the state Mr. Badal said that 13 stadiums at the cost of Rs. 108 crore would be ready by 15th August this year and the Punjab government would organise Seven Nation Hockey tournament in the month of September. He said that seeing the passion of people for the game Kabaddit it has decided to double the prize money for world cup Kabaddi to Rs. 2 crore and it would be held in the month of November. Mr. Badal besides organising IPL for hockey, the Punjab government was also planning Kabaddi league to financially benefit the Kabaddi players and to make their international recognition.
Giving the details of development initiatives Mr. Badal said that Rs. 1280 crore rural water supply project would provide potable water supply to 4200 villages besides under ground sewerage in 100 villages. He said that Rs. 6000 crore were being spent on underground sewerage in the cities and Rs. 600 crore plan on anvil to strengthen the health infrastructure in the state. The Deputy Chief Minister said that 24 hour 108 ambulance service would start on March 31st and 120 ambulances, one ambulance for a population of 2 lakh would come to aid of serious and injured patients.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion were Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Mr. Swarna Ram, both cabinet Minister, Mr. Sarbjit Singh Makkar, MLA, Bibi Jagir Kaur, former President, SGPC and Mr. Balbir Singh Miani, former Minister.

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