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  • CM APPROVES PROJECT CONSULTANT & DESIGN OF GOLDEN TEMPLE ENTRANCE PLAZA

    CHANDIGARH JANUARY 17:

    To give a facelift to the Golden Temple Entrance, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave in principle approval to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board to immediately work out modalities for the construction of state-of-the-art Golden Temple Entrance Plaza which had been selected by a Jury-panel comprising professional experts of national and international repute besides selected representatives of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board and District Administration after final evaluation of the two stage international competition.

    Presiding over a high level meeting with the Principal Architect of the upcoming Khalsa Heritage Centre Mr. Moshe Safdie here at Chief Minister's residence on Sunday, Mr. Badal asked the Principal Secretary Tourism & Cultural Affairs to closely monitor the Golden Temple Entrance Plaza project right from its stage of conception to completion as per the approved design prepared by the Noida based firm Design Associates Inc – the design consultant.

    Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary Tourism & Cultural Affairs Ms. Geetika Kalha apprised the Chief Minister that the vision proposed a redesign and refurbishment of the public space available in front of main entrance of Golden Temple Complex, in order that the space should complement the glory and grandeur of Sri Harmandir Sahib and be a befitting entry to the internationally acclaimed monument of faith. It was realised that it wais the role of the architects, urban designers and planners to recreate it keeping in mind its historic and religious background and to suggest means of redesign and redevelopment that would retain its traditional character.

    It may be recalled that the state Government decided to go in for an international competition for Golden Temple Entrance Plaza. The Punjab Heritage & Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) appointed Guru Nanak Dev University as professional adviser to select consulting firm. The experts in the jury panel were Principal Architect of Khalsa Heritage Centre Mr. Moshe Safdie, international Design consultant Mr. Collin Franklin, Expert Landscape Architect Mr. Ravindra Bhan and Head of Dept. Of Urban Design, School of Planning and Architecture Prof. K.T.Ravindran, President Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee S. Avtar Singh, Vice Chancellor, G.N.D.U. Prof.A.S.Brar, Principal Secretary Tourism Ms. Geetika Kalha and Deputy Commissioner Amritsar Mr. K.S Pannu were other representatives in the jury panel.

    Stage one was conceived to encourage as many and varied conceptual designs as possible. The three design entries were short listed by the jury from among the various design proposals submitted by 21 design firms. The process of selecting design consultant for the design of Golden Temple Entrance Plaza had been successfully concluded with the final evaluation of the stage two international completion on January 15, 2011. Stage two involved further design development by the three short listed architectural firms, which finally resulted in the approval of the winning design and nomination of the successful entrant for subsequent design development. The design entries were evaluated on the criteria of achieving the accessibility for pedestrians, visibility to enhance the glory of the facade and main entry of Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex, eco sustainability and fulfilling of functional requirements underneath the plaza space. The jury panel awarded the first, second and third prizes to Design Associates Inc.- Noida, Landscape Architects’ Design Cell -Architects and Planners- Gurgaon and L& D studio-New Delhi respectively. The three finalists would receive the first, second and third prizes of Rs. 500,000/-, 3,00,000/- and 2,00,000/- respectively.

    Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included President SGPC Mr. Avtar Singh, Finance Minister Bibi Upinderjit Kaur and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru.
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    SOURABH MALIK BEREAVED CM AND DEPUTY CM CONDOLE THE DEMISE OF MANMOHAN MALIK

    Chandigarh January 17:

    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today condoled the demise of Mr.Manmohan Malik (72) father of Mr. Sourabh Malik, Legal Correspondent of The Tribune who died at Chandigarh yesterday in wee hours after cardiac arrest. Mr. Manmohan Malik was a retired Branch Manager of a pharmaceutical company.

    According to the family sources a prayer meeting would be held at Arya Samaj Mandir , Sector 18-C, Chandigarh tomorrow i.e. January 18th , 2011 from 2 PM to 3 PM
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    PETROL PRICE HIKE - A PLOY TO BENEFIT MNCs - SUKHBIR

    · TIRADE AGAINST CAG BY CONGRESS JUST TO SCUTTLE JPC PROBE IN 2G SCAM
    · COMMONWEALTH AND ASIAN MEDALISTS TO BE HONORED NEXT MONTH
    · 13 WORLD CLASS STADIUMS TO BE READY BY 15TH AUGUST 2011

    Bathinda January 17:
    S.Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that Congress led UPA Government was playing in the hands of oil marketing multinational companies and repeated rise in petrol price despite stagnant international crude price was a ploy to benefit them.

    Talking to the reporters after giving away prizes to the winners of rural sports in village Chauke here today, Mr. Badal said that NDA had been time and time again demanding a transparent formula for fixation of petrol price in the public domain but UPA Government was deliberately giving these companies a free hand at the cost of common man who was getting crushed by unprecedented hike. Mr. Badal said that this "Aam Admi Ki Sarkar" was focusing in crushing the common man by making every essential commodity out of his reach. He said that after looting the nation in the rice scam, and pushing the price of pulses beyond Rs. 100 per kg, the onions, the poor mans diet has also now touched the century mark. He said that Union Government deliberately delayed the ban on export of onions to benefit export lobby at the cost of poor man. Mr. Badal said that NDA and its continuants would force the government to roll back the petrol price hike and termed the protest by TMC as mere drama.

    Sticking to the stand of JPC for probing Rs. 1.76 Lakh Crore 2G scam, Mr. Badal said that recent tirade by Congress leaders against the Constitutional Body of CAG was the instance of 10 Janpath, to scuttle the JPC probe and instill fear in CAG so that he should not depose before PAC and JPC regarding the largest ever scam of the World. He said that Congress party was replicating the scene of pre emergency era when cronies of Mrs. Indira Gandhi created a systematic fear psychosis amongst all constitutional bodies including then President of India, so that they should not raise voice against the nefarious designs of Congress party.

    Speaking about the steps taken by the Government for the promotion of sports Mr. Badal said that 13 World Class stadiums, four sports schools and one Sports College with Astroturf facility would be ready by 15th August 2011. He also announced that Asian and CWG medalists of Punjab would be honored with highest ever prize money in a function to be held next month. He said that Shaheed - e - Azam Bhagat Singh tournament is being organized in 10 disciplines to provide record prize money to the budding players.

    Earlier he gave away prizes to the winners. Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka Chairman District Planning Committee.
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    SHIROMANI AKALI DAL ROLLBACK PETROL PRICE HIKE OR LEAVE WAY FOR NDA-SUKHBIR TELLS CONGRESS LED UPA

    Chandigarh, January 16 :
    Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today asked Congress led UPA government to immediately roll back petrol price hike or make way for NDA government at centre as it had failed to check unprecedented price hike of essential commodities during last three years.

    In a statement issued here today Mr. Badal said that CONGRESS led UPA government failed at every front of governance including law and order and price rise hike and every partner of the government was trying to evade responsibility by putting blame on another section. Mr. Badal said that the ultimate sufferer of mis governance of Congress led UPA was common man who was being made to pay through nose for electing UPA government at the centre.

    The Akali Dal President said that raising the price of petrol by Rs. 7 within less than 30 days shows that Congress led UPA government was playing in the hands of multi national oil company lobby and their was no transparent formula for determining price of petroleum products. He said that on one hand Union Agriculture Minister says that keeping prices under control was not his responsibility and on other hand new telecom minister was ripping apart the Constitutional body like CAG. He said that it was matter of great pity that every organ of the government was moving in a different direction with Prime Minister being the mute spectator.

    Demanding immediate roll back of petrol price hike Mr. Badal said that UPA government should first make it public that how companies were allowed to raise price of Petrol when their was no rise in the price of crude in the international market. He also took exception to the drama of TMC chief Ms Mamta Banerjee that she was not consulted on petrol price hike. He said that if she was not consulted she should rather resign from the government than to make drama in the media.
    Mr. Badal said that cadre of SAD would protest on the streets till UPA rolls back the uncalled for price hike in the petrol.
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    PORTFOLIO ALLOCATED TO THE NEWLY INDUCTED CABINET MINISTER CAPT. BALBIR SINGH BATH

    Chandigarh January 16: On the advice of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today allocated the portfolios of Defence Services Welfare, Legal and Legislative Affairs, NRIs Affairs, Removal of Grievances and Pensions & Welfare of Pensioners Wing of the Finance Department to the newly inducted Cabinet Minister Capt. Balbir Singh Bath.

    Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that a notification in this regard had been issued by the Cabinet Affair Branch.
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    CM APPROVES RS. 17 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SAMANA CONSTITUENCY
    CHANDIGARH JANUARY 16:

    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved a development plan of nearly Rs. 17 crore for Samana constituency in Patiala district.

    A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a high level meeting with the Patiala District administration and officers of Patiala Development Authority to review the development projects.
    Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal asked the authority to develop the three villages Kheri Gujaran, Sullar and Bir Khari in the periphery of Patiala city, as modern villages with all facilities like water supply, sewerage, cemented streets and street light etc. Mr. Badal also approved Rs. 5.25 crore for this purpose.

    The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to complete the water supply & sewerage work in Samana town positively with in next six months for which he has sanctioned Rs. 6 crore. He further said that Rs. 5 crore would be spent for the construction of roads in the constituency.
    Mr. Badal asked the Secretary Punjab Mandi Board to construct a Mandi at Village Talwandi Bhai to facilitate the farmers of the nearby villages. He also sanctioned two tubewells at a cost of Rs. 30 lac for Samana Town The Chief Minister reiterated to channelise the unbounded energy of youth and wean them from drug addiction, the Jim and Cricket equipment for the youth in all the villages would be provided as per the laid down policy. He also sanctioned Rs. 25000 each for the Village Mahila Mandals to undertaken various social activities to empower the womanhood.
    Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Chairman District Planning Committee Patiala Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhara, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Dr. Karamjit Singh Sra, MD Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Mr. Satpal Angurala, Deputy Commissioner Patiala Mr. Dipinder Singh, Mr. Charanjit Singh Rakhara and Commissioner Municipal Corporation Patiala Mr. Manjit Singh Narang.
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    CAPT. BALBIR SINGH BATH TAKES OATH AS PUNJAB CABINET MINISTER

    CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 16:
    The Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Capt. (Retd.) Mr. Balbir Singh Bath as Cabinet Minister, Punjab at a brief but impressive ceremony held at Punjab Raj Bhavan.

    Earlier, the Chief Secretary, Mr. S.C. Agrawal sought the permission of the Governor to start the swearing in ceremony. Soon after being sworn in Capt. Balbir Singh Bath signed the oath, which was counter signed by the Governor. Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, members of Punjab Council of Ministers, senior leaders of political parties, Financial Commissioners and Principal Secretaries, Senior Civil and Police officers, members of the journalists fraternity and the invitees from all over the State attended the ceremony. The family members, friends and well wishers of Capt. Balbir Singh Bath also participated the ceremony. The Swearing-in-Ceremony ended with the National Anthem played by the Police Band. High-Tea was also served to the guests at the Punjab Raj Bhavan after the ceremony.
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    CM CALLS UPON BEEKEEPING INDUSTRY TO BRING A NEW HONEY PRODUCTION REVOLUTION IN PUNJAB CHANDIGARH JANUARY 15:

    Punjab would soon chalk out a comprehensive plan to boost Beekeeping as an allied profession of Agriculture in the state. A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting with a delegation of Honey Growers and Exporters from Ludhiana districts. Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal said that there was a tremendous employment generation potential in this field for our unemployed youth.

    Presently Punjab was producing annually about 8000 tons of honey and there were only 20,000 beekeepers in Punjab and for the promotion of this business the Punjab Government would chalk out a plan to train and provide all technical support to the youth in collaboration with Beekeeping Industry. Assuring fulsome support and cooperation on behalf of the state government Mr. Badal gave called upon the honey growers to bring a new honey production revolution in the state. He further exhorted the farmers to adopt it as a secondary occupation to boost their income. The visiting delegation included Mr. Jagjit Singh Kapoor MD Kashmir Apiaries Exports, Mr. Shahzda Singh Kapoor, Raja Singh Kapoor, Ritu Kapoor ( All Directors of Kashmir Apiaries Exports), Dr. L.R. Verma, Mr. Malvinder Singh and Mr. Kawardeep Singh Jaggi. Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Financial commissioner Development Mr. N.S. Kang, MD Punjab Infrastructure Development Board Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, MD Punjab Agro-Industries Corporation Mr. Vikas Garg.

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    DECIMATE CONGRESS – SUKHBIR’S CALL TO PARTY CADRE

    Takhatupura (Moga), January 15:
    Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today gave a call to the party cadre to decimate Congress in ensuing February 2012 Vidhan Sabha elections, rising above petty factional feuds.

    Addressing a mammoth gathering here at the traditional Maghi Conference in this heartland of Malwa, the Deputy Chief Minister , who was at his aggressive best in thrashing Amarinder and former Finance Minister, emphasized that the united and resurgent Shiromani Akali Dal was fully prepared to score largest ever mandate in the coming Vidhan Sabha Elections based on its development agenda. He said that after yesterday’s flop show at Muktsar, Congress leaders must have seen writing on the wall that their return to power was impossible for next 25 years. He said that the people of Punjab have out rightly rejected the negative propaganda of “Maharaja” and anti subsidy tirade of former Finance Minister. He questioned that how SAD can register cases on 30000 Congress cadre as Punjab Congress has failed to enroll 10000 cadre in recent enrollment drive. He said that how a so called President of Congress party who failed to appoint to his officer bearers during last three months can even dream of forming a government in Punjab ?
    Lashing at Congress led UPA for discriminating against Punjab, Mr. Badal said that it was ironical that Punjab Congress party was silent witness to all these discriminations. He said that a state contributing 70% to the national food grain pool gets only 1% of national agriculture debt waiver fund and Punjab Congress remains silent. The CBI gives the clean chit to butchers of Sikhs Sajjan and Tytler, Amarinder and his cronies remain silent with a fear not to offend 10 Janpath. He questioned that how the Punjab Congress that has failed to secure legitimate rights of Punjab from its own party in the center could safe guard the interest of Punjab if given power. He said that in Congress party only 10 Janpath rules the roost with all leaders including Amarinder acting as pawns.

    Speaking about the development initiatives of SAD BJP Government Mr. Badal said that it was record that SAD BJP Government has initiated the development and infrastructure works with combined investment Rs. 1 Lakh Crores which include Rs. 20000 crore Batinda Refinery, Six Thermal Plants with combined investment of Rs. 52000 crores and roads and bridges with investment of Rs. 17000 crores. He said that in the sharp contrast Congress could attract only Rs. 6500 crore investment in the first four years. He said that this investment especially refinery is set to provide jobs to laks of skilled and unskilled youth of Punjab. Mr. Badal said that his government has provided more than 60000 jobs including 35000 in education department and 11000 in police.

    Speaking about the unique administrative reforms, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great satisfaction for him that the gigantic mission of computerizing land records and bringing out required amendments in the archaic revenue acts was all set to complete. He said that with these changes land owners would not have to suffer in the courts in the simple cases of partition of their land as revenue cases have been made time bound and the level of appeals have been reduced drastically from 15 to 5. He said that under the new changes the cases could not be remanded back by any appellate authority resulting in undue delay in the cases. He said that even transport department would be fully computerized and in most of cases one need not to visit DTO office as registration of new vehicles would be held at dealers level..

    The Deputy Chief Minister said that the person who cannot keep the promise made before election to the people has no right to again go to the people. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal was fully committed to continue its all pro poor subsidies and as its President he would prefer to die rather then to stop these subsidies.
    Expressing concern over youth falling prey to narcotics, Mr. Badal appealed to the youth to focus on games to channelise their energy in a positive way. He said that SAD BJP Government has distributed sports kits to over 6000 villages to encourage sports amongst youth. He said that with 13 World Class Sport Stadiums being set up at the cost of Rs. 120 crore, Punjab is all set to emerge as No.1 state in sports infrastructure. He announced that the State Government would soon organize Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games with a record prize money of 2.5 crore with 25 lakh each in 10 different sports events.

    Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included; Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan MP, Mr. Sital Singh Dharamkot Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Tota Singh former Education Minister, Mr. Tarsem Singh Ratian Chairman District Planning Committee , Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Nihalsingh Wala, Mr. Jagtar Singh Rajeana, Mr. Tirath Singh Malha, Mr. Jarnail Singh Rama, Mr. Nidharak Singh Brar and Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar
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    Punjab Govt nominates Prof. Janak Raj Gupta as member State Planning Board

    Chandigarh January 15
    HS Grewal, PRO

    : The Punjab Government today nominated Prof. Janak Raj Gupta as member Punjab State Planning Board. Emirates fellow of University Grants Commission Dr. Gupta, was Professor and Head of Economics Department and Dean, College Development Council and Faculty in Punjabi University Patiala. He had held a number of research, teaching and administrative positions at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and Punjabi University, Patiala. His main areas of interest are Agricultural Economics and Public Finance in which he has published a large number of articles in reputed Journals and also several monograph. Besides supervising a large number of M.Phil. students, he has guided nearly a dozen Ph.D. students.

    He has been consultant to various professional bodies and has himself conducted a number of research projects on behalf of the State and the Central Government. Expert in budget Dr Gupta had authored more than half a dozen books. His two books on "Privatization of Municipal Finance in India", "Burden of Tax in Punjab : An Inter-Sector and Inter-Class Analysis" and "Economic Aspects of Sales Tax" have attracted considerable notice and received highly favourable reviews in professional journals.

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    Party is above any individual – Says Badal Sukhbir for 25 years of SAD-BJP regime in Punjab


    Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 14- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal categorically said here today the Party is above any individual and placing personal opinions above the considered view of the whole party is unacceptable. “Leaving the Party treating oneself wise than the organization is ingratitude.”

    Addressing a mammoth gathering which Mr. Badal himself described as unprecedented in his political career after paying glorious tributes to the 40 Muktas (the beloved ones) on the auspicious occasion of Maghi, Mr. Badal in a veiled attack on the former finance minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal said, “If one has too strong an ego to obey the party discipline, he or she should never join a party.” Mr. Badal pointed out that he had been confronted with several compelling circumstances in his political career spanning over fifty years where he had always ignored even his family ties and personal relations in the interest of the party because party was supreme and if any body enjoys the status in the ministry or unfettered powers in a party was only due to his unflinching faith and respect in the party to which he belonged.

    Mr. Badal further declared that the process of “Kaya Kalap” total transformations of the state started four years ago would be taken to its climax this year. He also said that the administrative reforms started by the govt. would be carried forward and these would eliminate the harassment to the people in govt. offices.

    Accusing Capt. Amarinder Singh for misleading the general public through his political stunts, Mr. Badal said that when ever the assembly elections drew near he (Amrinder Singh) comes out of hibernation. He dared Amarinder singh to explain where was he during the last four years and now all of sudden he had shown his ‘guest appearance’. Mr. Badal said that he was blatantly telling lies to woo the voters but he was sadly mistaken that he could not befool the people any more because his previous regime had left the people cheated and jittery over his party’s non performance.

    Exposing the Congress led UPA govt. at centre Mr. Badal said the recent spiraling prices of the food commodities had now hiked the rate of food inflation to 18.6% as compared to 6-7% during the NDA govt. He cited many examples how the Congress govt. had proved to be an utter failure in delivering the goods and indulging in exploitation of a common man on contrary to its claim of the votary of ‘Aam Admi’. He also blamed the Congress Govt. at Centre for blatant corruption after its involvement in the world’s biggest multi crore scams like Rs. 8,000 crore scandal in commonwealth games, and Rs. 1.76 lac crore 2G spectrum which had brought disrepute to our country in the eyes of international comity.

    Mr. Badal also assailed the Centre for its failure to evolve a self sustaining mechanism to effectively combat the threat perceptions to the national security from the internal as well as external aggression.

    In his address after paying homage to the 40 Muktas on the occasion, the Deputy Chief minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also attacked Mr. Manpreet Badal for criticizing the Chief Minister’s functioning for in inept handling of administrative matters like the continuation of subsidies which was a part of our party’s manifesto without even caring for least respect for a elderly person and a seasoned politician like Mr. Badal from whom my younger brother learnt the ABC of politics. He vehemently said that subsidies would continue for the weaker sections of the society in terms of social security pension, shagun scheme becides free power to the farmers to compensate them for apathetic attitude of the centre by not giving them remunerative MSP of their crops. He categorically said that the progressive and the people friendly policies would ever continue by the SAD-BJP govt. to ensure overall development and welfare of all sections of the society in the state. He confidently said that the SAD-BJP alliance would rule the state not only for next term of five years but for at least coming 25 years.

    Dwelling on the administrative reforms, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the state govt. would soon implement all the 70 Citizen Centric facilities to the people within next three months to save them from inordinate delay due to the cumbersome procedure and harassment.

    Slamming Capt. Amarinder Singh for time and again saying that SAD-BJP govt. had registered fake cases against over 20,000 workers of the Congress Party, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that he had doubts whether Congress Party had total membership of 20,000 workers in the state.
    Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included SGPC President Mr. Avtar Singh, Distt. SAD Present Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, M.P. Faridkot Bibi Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, M.P. Ferozpur Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, SAD Genral Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar. Besides the senior leaders and workers of SAD- BJP and members of SGPC.
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    BUDGET SESSION OF PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA FROM MARCH 4 TO 25, 2011 CHANDIGARH JANUARY 13: The 11th Session (Budget) of the 13th Punjab Vidhan Sabha has been tentatively convened from 4th to 25th March, 2011. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect last evening for the approval of Cabinet before sending for the final nod by the Punjab Governor for summoning the 11th Budget Session of the 13th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

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    PB. GOVT. EXTENDS THE TENURE OF GOVERNANCE REFORM COMMISSION FOR ONE YEAR

    CHANDIGARH JANUARY13:

    The Punjab Government has extended the term of the Punjab Governance Reform Commission for a year as its term had already expired on January 8, 2011.


Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had issued necessary orders in this regard. Likewise, the Chief Minister also approved the extension of one year to the Chairman of the Commission Dr. Parmod Kumar on the same terms and conditions as the implementation of the Commission's recommendations were still pending in the various departments.

It may be recalled that the Commission was initially constituted for a term of two years to streamline the functioning of the public dealing offices by suggesting ways and means to cut short the cumbersome procedures in order to bring efficiency and transparency in the administration besides providing citizen friendly services to the public in a hassle free manner.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, January 13:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 14-01-2011 to 21-01-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch 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 distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized 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 water available would be utilized in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower, Lahore Branch with their distributaries respectively.
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Pushpa Gujral Science City An Emblem of Pride for Punjab

A vision group consisting of top scientists from the field of science communication set up by the Governing Body of the Science City has recommended that in the next phase, the Science City should set up new galleries in the futuristic and emerging areas of science and technology such as Nano-technology, New Materials, Tele-communications, Genetic Engineering, Cybernetics and Science of Food etc.. These galleries should be experience-based like Simulation of Big Bang or creation of life in a laboratory, or setting up of a low-gravity environment. The Science City will be shortly submitting a project proposal to the Central Government for next phase of development with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 30 Crores. The vision group was chaired by Dr. Saroj Ghosh, former Director General, National Council of Science Museums, Govt. of India.

The Science City has an ambitious plan of opening three prestigious attractions during the year 2011. A Panorama - Life Through The Ages - is being set up in a 80 ft dia dome structure building with a cost of Rs. 2 Crores. It will provide an insight as to how the Earth and then the life on it has evolved. The Panorama will display and demonstrate the major events from the Origin of Earth –“Big Bang”, Origin of Life, Unicellular animals / plants to Multi-cellular animals / plants, Dinosaurs and prehistoric man to modern man. This panoramic gallery – first of its kind in terms of its concept and display - is likely to be opened to the public in July 2011. A gallery on Science of Sports is planned to be opened to the public in March 2011. This unique gallery – being set up for the first time in the country at a cost of Rs. 1 Crore - will explain and display the role science plays in the sports field. It will highlight as to how the science makes sports fast, interesting, challenging and enhance the capacity & safety of sports persons. It will also demonstrate the best suitable material and equipments used in various sports such as Cricket, Volleyball, Badminton, Lawn Tens, Basket ball, Hockey, Football, Rock Climbing and a glimpse of rural sports. The Climate Change Object Theatre is being set up to offer a one-of-a-kind experience filled with magnificent environmental effects. The multi- screen show will outline the serious and contemporary challenge of climate change and discuss the causes and impact of global warming, with special reference to Indian sub-continent. The show will display our current lifestyle and how it is affecting environment and ecology of the planet earth. The focus will be not just on negative practices, but to reinforce the positive steps that will help to minimize the impact of global warming on the planet. The Show – being set up at a cost of Rs. 1 Crore - will provide a foundation for learning, an avenue to inspire and educate Science City visitors and the community about climate change, sustainable development, renewable energy and environmental responsibility.

The Ministry of Railways is setting up a Railway Gallery in the Science City. The highlights of the Gallery would be working models of Bullet Train, Delhi Metro, Kalka Shimla and Jammu Srinagar Railway line, which have already been set up. It will also display the technologies used in the railways. The gallery is being set up at a cost of Rs. 90 lakhs.

The Science City, Kapurthala is on a fast track. This year, it will break all its previous records in terms of number of visitors to the Science City. It received 3.50 lakhs visitors from April 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. This is highest number of visitors ever since the Science City (PGSC) was opened to the public on March 19, 2005. More than 18 lakhs visitors have visited the Science City so far. The Science City has set up Night Sky watching facility and a student’s hostel in the complex. It has also introduced Membership Scheme to enable visitors to visit the Science City any number of times during the year on payment of nominal entry fee.

Today, whenever and wherever there is a talk of Science in the region, it is not complete without a mention of the PGSC. Set up with the objective of inculcating scientific culture and temperament among the general masses, it has become a preferred tourist destination in the state. Through its various programs, the Science City is playing a vital role in promoting innovation and creativity in the young minds.

The Science City has become an emblem of pride for Punjab. With the opening of the planned activities to the public during the current year, the Science City, Kapurthala will be competing with the best Science Centres at the international level.

The 2011 Science City calendar will be released at the Press Conference.
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MAJOR DHILLON TO HEAR GRIEVANCES OF PUBLIC FROM MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY AT CHANDIGARH

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 12:

Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon Political Secretary to Punjab Chief Minister would be available to hear the grievances of the general public from 10 am to 2 pm from every Monday to Wednesday at Chief Minister's Residence 45, Sector 2, Chandigarh or in Room No. 12, 4th Floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Major Dhillon could be connected at Village Badal in Sri Muktsar Sahib district for the remaining two days of the week to redress the grievances of the people.

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JAGGA APPOINTED AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF PEPSU TOWNSHIP DEVELOPMENT BOARD

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appointed Mr. Jagdish Kumar Jagga as the Vice Chairman of Pepsu Township Development Board.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that a notification to this effect would be issued soon.

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CM GIVES NOD FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF 5000 LINEMEN
ASKS CMD PSPCL TO ISSUE ADVERTISEMENT FOR RECRUITMENT

Chandigarh January 12, 2011

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the file for the recruitment of 5000 Linemen in the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) on the contract basis.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister Office said that Mr. Badal directed the Chairman and Managing Director PSPCL Mr. K.D. Chaudhary to immediately issue the advertisement for the filling of these posts and complete the entire process of the recruitment at the earliest.
Mr. Chaudhary apprised the Chief Minister that the PSPCL in its Board of Directors Meeting held on November 1, 2010 had approved this proposal but somehow the sanction from the Administration Department was delayed due to official formalities. Decks have now been cleared with the Chief Minister’s final nod for the recruitment on file.
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CAPT. BALBIR SINGH BATH TO BE SWORN IN AS CABINET MINISTER ON JANUARY 16

Chandigarh January 12, 2011

Capt. Balbir Singh Bath, MLA from Sri Hargobindpur Sahib in Gurdaspur district would be sworn in as Cabinet Minister at Punjab Raj Bhawan on January 16, 2011 at 10.30 AM.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Bath would be administrated the oath of office and secrecy by Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V. Patel.

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Punjab should designate 2011 as Infrastructure and Skills Development Year: NRI convention

Chandigarh, January 12, 2011:

A Punjab NRI convention organized by IPCSI (International Punjabi Chamber for Service Industry) here today urged the Punjab government to declare 2011 as the year for Infrastructure and skills development Inaugurating the conference, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Manoranjan Kalia said with a new industrial policy in place, offering a package of incentives and facilities for setting up projects, there was greater scope for NRIs from Punjab to set up their profitable ventures in the state and boost its economy.

Held under the aegis of the Punjab government with focus on infrastructure development and on channelizing the investments both from within the country and overseas, the conference, organized on the occasion of the 8th Punjabi Parvasi Divas, strongly recommended involving the Indian Diaspora, especially of Punjabi origin, to make use of their resources, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit for the overall economic development of the state, especially of its backward areas.

The NRI convention which saw participation from over 100 NRIs of Punjab origin from across the globe, including USA, UK, France, Canada, Netherlands, Norway, etc, besides an equal number of top corporates, also called for NRIs to adopt Punjab youth from the poorer sections for providing them education up to +2 level. The main objective of the conference was to recognize the contribution of the financial services coupled with that of the NRIs and the domestic corporate to the Indian economy and the role they can play in catapulting the country, especially of Punjab, into higher economic growth and promoting the infrastructure, social educational and environmental causes and other allied activities.

There are enormous opportunities for NRI professional, entrepreneurs and businessmen, trade and commercial organizations to get actively involved in the development process of Northern India, particularly Punjab, as well as become mechanisms that allow transfer of their skills, leveraging of contacts, attracting investment, enhancing trade and providing networking and insight into the global market psyche.

Among the speakers were Mr. Mahendra Khari, an eminent NRI from the UK, who is the President elect of the IPCSI, Prof. Satinder Dhiman from the Woodbury University, California, Mr. S C Agrawal, Chief Secretary Punjab, Shri S S Channy, Principal Secretary Industries Punjab, Mr Peter Sandhu, MLA from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mr. Kamaljeet Singh Hayer, President of NRI Sabha, Punjab, and Mr. Inderjeet Singh Mullanpuri, editor of Deshvidesh Times and Dr Arunh Gupta an eminent Ayurvedist, European Union..

The main focus of IPCSI is promoting service industry growth in the State of Punjab which at present is lagging behind with 45 % contribution to the state GDP compared to the contribution of the Service Industry in the national growth which is above 60 percent. The efforts are to build service industry infrastructure for its various components such as health services, tourism, transport including air transport, hospitality services including hotels, resorts, theme and amusement parks, ropeways, convention centers, golf courses, developing heritage villages, human resource development, retail & real estate, IT and ITES, media and entertainment and other such sectors.

Our basic effort is how NRIs could be linked up in developing service industry in the State of Punjab and at the same time helping the youth of Punjab to become respectable citizens of the State. In the last NRI conference IPCSI had focused on skills development and making Punjab the skill capital of the world. In between the last conference and the present event, approximately 15,000 youth (mostly rural) were trained in skill devilment in the state and providing them employment opportunities.
Our focus now is how the NRIs and skilled manpower requirements could be matched with the aspiring youths and who are keen to go abroad i.e. where the demand and supply meet on common platform while fulfilling each other’s requirements. In this regard, IPCSI is exploring those skills which could benefit them when they go abroad for employment.

IPCSI strongly urges the NRIs to adopt some children especially, belonging to the weaker sections of the society from their respective districts to give them basic education and skills development to make them employable and give suitable opening to the deserving youth as per NRIs requirement. Such an arrangement would help the youth of Punjab to a great extent while strategically channelising their talent. The effort is that these youths who are keen to go abroad should not fall in the hands of touts or travel agents and other unscrupulous persons who send them abroad without giving them appropriate skills and sometimes in illegal ways.
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Markfed releases Diary & Calendar for the year 2011

12th January, 2011, Chandigarh.


S. Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister Punjab today released Markfed Diary & Calendar for the year 2011. The Single Sheet Calendar carries a beautiful picture of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar. On the occasion the Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Markfed for playing a pivotal role in the growth of Punjab’s economy.

S. Jarnail Singh Wahid, Chairman, Markfed disclosed that the New Year Diary /Calendar will be supplied to all the village level Co-operative Societies very soon. Mr. Surinderpal Singh Kalike Vice Chairman Markfed, S. Ajeet Singh Pannu, IAS, M.D Markfed, Sh. H.K Nagpal, AMD, Sh. B.M Sharma, Chief Manager (PR) were also present on the occasion.



 


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