Punjab News ----NRI REPORTS

Punjab News: 2011

CM ASKS TO RECRUIT STAFF FOR NEW JAILS SOON
CHANDIGARH, JULY 01,
          The Punjab Government would soon initiate the   process to recruit wardens and other staff for new jails soon to streamline the functioning of these newly built modern Jails at Kapurthala and Faridkot opening shortly in the state.
A decision to this effect has been taken at a high level meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal with the Jails administration to review the work relating to the finishing touches being given in these newly constucted Jails here late last evening.
          Mr. Badal asked the Senior Jail Officers to immediately start the process of recruitment to appoint head wardens, wardens and other miscellaneous staff, besides completing all the other necessary works for making these Jails operational with in two weeks.
            Mr. Badal also directed the Punjab Health System Corporation and Health Department to provide necessary equipment and staff for the Hospitals in these jails    without any further delay. Mr. Badal also approved to utilize the services of security personnel from PAP and PESCO for the Jails at Kapurthala and Faridkot as a stop gap arrangement till the completion of the new recruitment process.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Jail Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Home Mr. DS Bains, Secretary Finance Mr. Dalip Kumar, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Secretary Surplus pool Mr. Dharamvir and MD Punjab Police Housing Corporation Mr. MK Tiwari, besides other senior officers of Police and Jails departments.

CM SEEKS COOPERATION FROM RETIRED ARMY OFFICERS TO TRAIN YOUTH FOR COMMISSION IN ARMED FORCES
CHANDIGARH JULY 01:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal called upon the retired Army officers to join the state government's mission to enable the Punjabi youth to secure commission in the armed forces.
Mr. Badal was presiding over the 1st Governing Body meeting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Mohali here at the Chief Minister's residence late last evening. Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal asked the retired Army officers to have regular interaction with the cadets as a confidence building exercise in the newly developed concept of Honorary Mentor System in this world class institute with modern infrastructure.
The Chief Minister in the capacity of Chairman of the Governing Body of the institute gave nod to the concept of Two-year academic training program especially designed for the cadets besides imparting class room teaching facility in the Shemrock Senior Secondary School, Sector 69 Mohali. Apart from this special emphasis would be laid to provide the best coaching in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry to all the students so that they could compete well in the various competitive examinations after +2 examinations. The Chief Minister was apprised by the Director of the Institute that at present 46 cadets were undergoing training.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Employment Generation Mr. DS Jaspal, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Secretary Housing & Urban Mr. SS Sandhu, CA GMADA Mr. Sarabjit Singh, Secretary Finance Mr. Dalip Kumar, Secretary School Education Mr. Hussan Lal, Deputy Commissioner Mohali Mr. Varun Roojam, Director Dashmesh Academy Maj. Gen. (Retd.) JS Ghuman and Director MRSAFPI Maj Gen. (Retd.) BS Grewal.

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALL SET TO CONDUCT FIRST EVER TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST ON JULY 3

RECORD2,53,084 CANDIDATES TO APPEAR AT 314 CENTRES IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, July 1:
The Punjab Education department is fully geared up to conduct the first ever Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test ( PSTET ) on July 3 in the State and total 314 examination centers have been set up in all 20 districts.
Disclosing that this here today, a spokesman of Punjab Education department said that this test was being conducted in two parts, firstly for those, who have to teach students from Class 1 to 5 and other for those who have to teach students of class 6 to 8. First test would be from 10.00 am to 11.30 am and second from 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm. The spokesman further said that total 1,13,604 candidates were appearing for first test and 1,39,480 candidates would appear in second test.
The spokesman informed that the Right to Education Act-2009 (RTE) was being implemented through out the country and the Union Human Resource Development Ministry had issued a notification authorizing National Council for Teacher Education Academic Authority for fixing minimum qualification for an eligible teacher. He informed that RTE Act has made it mandatory that Teacher Eligibility Test would be compulsory for joining as teacher in any Government, aided, unaided or any other school of any institution. Keeping in view this central act, the State government was bound to conduct this TET, the spokesman added.

PUNJAB LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE TO CHECK MOSQITO BREEDING: GOSIAN

GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS TO PREVENT MALARIA, DENGUE

Chandigarh, July 1

Punjab today launched special drive to check menace of mosquito breeding by issuing instructions to all medical officers to involve public to make it "man based drive"
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr Satpal Gosian, Punjab said that mosquitoes were not only a nuisance as biting insects, but were also involved periodically in transmitting disease to human and animals. Mosquitoes transmit disease, such as, Malaria, Dengue, Yellow fever and Ecephalitis.
The Minister said that Mosquito control agencies should take effective steps to check the spread of mosquito menace. Besides this he said residents could help significantly by controlling mosquitoes around their homes and properties. Most efficient method of controlling mosquitoes was by reducing the availability of water suitable for Larwal and pupal growth. Mosquitoes thrives in smaller bodies of water in protected places, like unwanted tin cans and tires, water coolers, clogged roof and drains etc., he added. The water inside the desert coolers should be replaced at least twice in a week.
The Minister said that all the government hospitals in the State have been put on alert and directed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines and fluids. Detailed guidelines in this regard have been issued to all the civil surgeons in the state to ensure all possible measures and steps to prevent any outbreak of dengue.

NO REGISTRATION OF PROPERTY BELOW COLLECTOR RATE
DISCRETION OF REVENUE AUTHORITIES IN CALCULATING STAMP DUTY DONE AWAY

CHANDIGARH, JULY 1: The Punjab Government has issued instructions banning registration of any property below the notified collector rate.
According to an official spokesman, instructions have been issued to all district authorities to ensure that no property was registered by the Revenue Authorities below the collector rate notified by the district authorities.
In a significant step to curb the discretion of Revenue Authorities in calculating the stamp duty on the building portion while registering the property, the Punjab Government has amended the Punjab Stamp (Dealing of under valued instrument) Rule 1983. He said that now the ground floor of the building would be evaluated at 10% of the cost of the land and subsequent floors at the rate of 5% each. This amendment will remove all discretion and make the process transparent and convenient to the people.
PUNJAB TO SETUP 18 MODERN 'SOIL TESTING LABS': LANGAH
22,000 QUINTALS JANTAR SEED WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF COST AMONG FARMERS DURING CURRENT SEASON

ADEQUATE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PROVIDE MANURES TIMELY

CHANDIGARH, JULY 1: The Punjab Government has decided to setup 18 modern 'Soil Testing Labs' across the state to help the farmers to get the nutrients checked at a nearby place.
Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah said that the construction work of 'Soil testing Labs' was underway, that would be completed soon.
He said that during the current season the agriculture department would distribute 'Jantar' seeds among the farmers free of cost, through which green manure on 44,000 hectares area would be produced. He said that adequate arrangements have been made to provide chemical manures to the farmers across the state and there would be no lack of manures in the current season.
He said that 58 Soil Testing Labs were already operational in the state, out of which 4 mobile laboratories were functioning successfully. He said that all the laboratories have a capacity to test the 5.95 lakh samples of soil and till date 2.30 lakh samples have been tested in these laboratories. He said that in 2009-10 a state-of-the-art soil testing laboratory had been setup in Mukatsar district in association with IMT Laboratory, Pune, having capacity of testing soil, water and leaves.
Mr. Langah said that with the setting up of 18 modern soil testing labs, it could be easy to test the presence of to small to see elements in the soil. He said that it would not only be helpful to increase the fertile power of soil but also to give more produce of crops.

PRESS NOTE-- The Twelfth Session of the Thirteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh July 1:-

          The Twelfth Session of the Thirteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 13th June 2011, has been prorogued by an order of the governor of Punjab, dated 1st July 2011.
          This was disclosed by a spokesperson of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha here today.
IFS and PFS officers transferred
CHANDIGARH, JULY 1:The Punjab Government today ordered the postings and transfers of 6 IFS and 6 PFS officers with immediate effect.
       According to an official spokesman Mr. Dharminder Sharma has been posted as Conservator of Forests (Research) Hoshiarpur on promotion. Mr.Harsh Kumar has been transferred and posted as Conservator of Forests Ferozpur. Mr. H.S. Grewal as Conservator of Forests, Parks and Protected Area (Wild life wing, Punjab), Mr, Satinder Kumar Sagar \as Divisional Forest Officer Patiala, Mr. Tajinder Singh as Divisional Forest Officer (soil conservator) Mohali, Mr. Rajinder Singh Pannu as Divisional Forest Officer Ferozpur, Mr. Ashwani Kumar as Divisional Forest Officer, Gharshanker, Mr. S.P.Anand Kumar as Divisional Forest Officer Parks and Protected Area (Wild Life Wing, Punjab).Mr. Balbir Singh as Divisional Forest Officer(wild life) Roopnagar.
He said that Mr. Wilbart Samson has been transferred and posted as Divisional Forest Offier, Amritsar, Mr. Sanjay Bansal as Divisional Forest Officer (wild life) Patiala and Mr. K.D. Kaler Divisional Forest Officer, Gurdaspur.
POSTINGS AND TRANSFERS IN MEDICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
CHANDIGARH, JULY 1:
The Punjab government has today ordered the posting and transfers of seven Professors, Associate Professors, Senior lecturers working in Government Medical Colleges Amritsar, Faridkot and Patiala with immediate effect.
Dr Balwant Singh Sidhu, Professor of Psychiatry department ,Government Medical College Amritsar has been transferred to Government College Patiala. Dr Tejinder Pal Kaur Senior Lecturer (now associate professor)Skin and V.D department Guru Gobind Singh Medical College Faridkot has been transferred to Government Medical College Amritsar. Dr Arwinder Singh Associate Professor Radio diagnosis Department, Government College Amritsar has been transferred to Government Medical College Patiala. Dr Rajiv Sharma Senior Lecturer (now associate professor)Medicine Department, Government Medical College Patiala has been transferred to Amritsar. Dr Jaswant Singh Senior Lecturer (now associate professor) Medicine Department, Government Medical college, Amritsar has been transferred to Patiala. Dr Avtar Singh Dhanju, Senior Lecturer (now associate professor)Medicine Department, Government Medical College Amritsar has been transferred to Patiala. Dr Varun Mohan Senior Lecturer (now associate lecturer)Medicine Department Government Medical College Amritsar has been transferred to Patiala.
Shiromani Akali Dal -BJP Core Committees meeting
TWO MEMBER COORDINATION COMMITTEE TO CHALK OUT ACTION PROGRAMME AGAINST INFLATION

District level Coordination Committees constituted to make July 4 bandh , a grand success

Chandigarh, June 30: Shiromani Akali Dal -BJP Core Committees have constituted a two member coordination committee comprising of Senior SAD Leader & Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan and Punjab BJP President Mr. Ashwani Sharma to chalk out an effective action plan against unprecedented inflation unleashed by Congress led UPA government. It may mentioned here that the Core Committee has finalized a three tier program to lodge a strong protest against the back breaking inflation firstly by organizing a Punjab Bandh on July 4 and then submitting memorandums through Ministers, MPs and MLAs from State to Governor and President.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sekhwan and Mr. Sharma today constituted District level coordination committees to make June 4 bandh a grand success. They said that district presidents of SAD and BJP, MLAs and Halka Incharges have been included in these coordination committees and further directed to motivate the cadre to go all out to strongly protest against inflation. Mr. Sekhwan pointed out that the recent hike in prices of petro products have costs residents of Punjab Rs.1500 crore and the Punjab government from its limited sources has given a relief of more than Rs. 100 crore.
Mr. Sekhwan categorically said that SAD-BJP would take its fight against inflation to its logical end and would not allow Congress led UPA to make the life of common man miserable.
Mr. Sekhwan and Mr. Sharma have appealed the members of district level coordination committees to coordinate with Beopar mandals and non government organizations to make the proposed bandh of July 4, a grand success to bring congress out of deep slumber. They have also appealed all the Punjabis' to join hands for registering a strong protest against back breaking inflation unleashed by Congress led UPA government.
PUNJAB TO DEVELOP SRI GOINDWAL SAHIB
AS AN EDUCATIONAL HUB
CHANDIGARH JUNE 30:
            In a significant decision, the Punjab Government today decided to develop Sri Goindwal Sahib as an educational hub to impart quality education ranging from school to College & University level in the field of school, higher and technical education besides social sciences.
A decision to this effect has been taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a series of meeting regarding the issues related to Technical Education department and Punjab Technical University Jalandhar.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister directed the Vice Chancellors of PTU, Guru Nanak Dev University and Baba Farid University of Medical & Health Sciences to soon visit Sri Goindwal Sahib along with the representatives of Technical Education, PSIEC and school education to explore the possibilities to provide the best education to the students and ensure a congenial academic atmosphere.
The Chief Minister approved the proposal for setting up of two PTU centers at Bathinda and Sri Goindwal Sahib. Mr. Badal also informed that the Bathinda center of PTU would be the second campus dedicated to higher education with PG and research facilities.
Mr. Badal also asked all the Universities to give special attention for starting teachers training courses with sole objective to produce quality teachers for the state. It would not only open new avenues for employment but also improve the education standards in the state. Expressing concern over the increasing trend amongst the students to opt for technical education institutes outside Punjab, Mr. Badal asked the Universities to give special thrust on the quality education for which collective efforts must be initiated in unison to impart class education in the state.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Finance Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Technical Education Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jaiyani, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Vice Chancellor PTU Dr. Rajneesh Arora, Director Technical Education Mr. VP Singh and Vice Chancellor Guru Nanak Dev University Dr.AS Brar.
CM APPROVES TO ENHANCE THE TOTAL PROJECT
COST OF HARPAL TIWANA ACADEMY
CM ASKS PWD TO COMPLETE ENTIRE CONSTRUCTION WORK OF ISHMEET SANGEET ACADEMY BY OCTOBER, 2011
CHANDIGARH JUNE 30:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to enhance the total project cost of Harpal Tiwana Academy Patiala from Rs.12.08 crore to Rs.14.50 crore to establish an electric sub station, a guard room facility and other works including regular anti termite treatment of the huge wooden structures of the theatre.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting to review the ongoing works for the Harpal Tiwana Academy Patiala and Ishmeet Sangeet Academy Ludhiana here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning.
Mr. Badal also approved a sum of Rs.1 crore as one time financial assistance to run the Harpal Tiwana Academy. On the occasion, Mr. Manpal Tiwana the son of Mr. Harpal Tiwana informed that academy would tie up with 'Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London' and 'University of West London' for arranging joint workshops and other activities related to theatre.
Emphasizing the need to train young budding theatre artistes of urban as well as rural Punjab on professional grounds, Mr. Badal asked the officers to prepare a management plan under the chairmanship of deputy commissioners Patiala for effective day to day running of the academies along with other activities like workshops, festivals and courses for young artistes.
Regarding the Ishmeet Sangeet Academy, Ludhana Mr. Badal asked the Cultural Affairs Department to chalk out a comprehensive plan in a week’s time for its smooth running to impart quality music education. He also directed that there would be no compromise over the quality of the musical equipment besides the staff to be appointed.   He also approved to appoint Dean academic for the academy. Mr. Badal strictly directed PWD department to complete all the construction work at the academy site till October 2011 positively. He also directed that the hostel for 25 students and residential facilitate for 5 staff members would also be constructed separately.
Prominent those who were present included Tourism Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. KBS Sidhu, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Tourism & Cultural Affairs Mr. Hussan Lal, Mrs. Neena Tiwana and uncle of late Ishmeet Singh Dr. Charan Kanwal Singh.

BADAL SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF HARYANA CM TO STOP PROTECTION WORKS ON HANSI-BUTANA
HOODA REPLIES PUNJAB CM’S LETTER ON JUNE 2
HARYANA GOVERNMENT ALSO MENTIONS ABOUT PUNJAB CM’S LETTER IN ITS WRITTEN STATEMENT FILED IN SUPREME COURT
CHANDIGARH JUNE 30:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal sought the personal intervention of his counterpart in Haryana Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda to immediately issue instructions to the concerned authorities to stop the alleged protection works on outer slope of left bank from reach RD 45000 to RD 57000 of Hansi branch – Butana Branch Multipurpose Link Channel (MPLC).
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal in a Demi Official letter dated May 18, 2011 to Mr. Hooda mentioned the said canal had been constructed without any technical study on the aspect of likely impact of blockade of sheet flow of flood waters caused by the construction of the embankments of the MPLC on the state of Punjab. The purported study of IIT Roorkee, clearly brings out that this aspect was not considered either by IIT Roorkee or by the Haryana state.
            Mr. Badal further pointed out that the Punjab state had filled original suit under article 131 of the Constitution before the Supreme Court being O.S.1 of 2007 and was an order was passed on August 17, 2007 restraining the state of Haryana from rupturing the Bhakra Main Line Canal and consequently the canal could not be made operational. The suit was pending and at present, the witnesses produce by the states are being examined. The apprehension of the state of Punjab unfortunately proved correct in the year 2008, 2009 and 2010 when huge damage was caused to the life and property of people of Punjab due to submergence of Punjab’s area caused by the blockade of the sheet flow of flood waters by the MPLC.
            Mr. Badal further revealed that during the floods of July, 2010, there was huge accumulation of flood water due to synchronization of flood discharges in river Ghaggar and its tributaries and the high embankment of Hansi-Butana canal prevented the free flow of these flood waters. There being hardly any escape route for the accumulated water, nature took its course and the embankment breached at RD 53000 of the Hansi Butana canal.   The said breach at RD 53000 of the link canal in Haryana territory provided relief to the people on the upstream of the left bank of the canal who were undergoing extreme stress due to flooding. The Haryana state now intends to take some safety measures against breach to protect the Ghaggar-1 which now from the part of the left bank of the link channel from RD 45000 to RD 57000. The bundh had lost its relevance after construction of embankments MPLC in reach RD 0 to RD 45000 which has completely blockade sheet flow of flood water. It is gathered that by way of protective measures, Haryana has duged 8 feet deep foundation below natural surface level NSL to construct a concrete toe wall for supporting pucca concrete pitching which is proposed to be provided on outer slope of the left bank from reach RD 45000 to RD 57000.
Mr. Badal further informed that the work has been undertaken without any concurrence of the Punjab government. Moreover, by taking the said protective measures, Haryana would alter the status-quo that exists between the parties in the subject matter of the dispute pending final adjudication before the Supreme Court in OS 1 of 2007 file by the state of Punjab. If these pucca protective measures are taken, the flood accruing during the coming monsoon season will cause increase submergence and loss to crops which was mitigated during the floods of July, 2010 as a result of natural breach at RD 53000 of link channel which permitted free flow across the canal.
Reacting sharply to the news reports in various sections of the press, regarding the non-receipt of the DO letter written by Mr. Badal on May 18, 2011 to the Haryana Chief Minister, the spokesperson asserted that the letter was duly acknowledged by Mr. Hooda and the reply was also sent to Punjab Chief Minister by him on June 2, 2011.
It may be recalled that a specific mention about Mr. Badal’s letter had also been made by the Haryana government in its written statement filed in the Supreme Court on June 13, 2011 in response to the case filed by the Punjab government in the Apex court on June, 6,. 2011 restraining and stopping the Haryana government from the construction of the centre toe wall and providing concrete lining on the outer slope of its embankment along with Hansi-Butana canal to block natural escape route of accumulated flood water from the Punjab side.
...
PUNJAB SEEKS APPROVAL TO CONDUCT FIFTH ‘AROGYA MELA’,
·       FIRST STATE TO HOLD FOUR SUCCESSFUL AROGYA MELA’S
·       SENDS PROPOSAL TO UNION GOVERNMENT
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 30: The Punjab government today sent a proposal to Union Government seeking approval for organizing 5th ‘Arogya Mela’ in Patiala since Punjab has become first state in the country, that has already held four successful Arogya Mela’s.
           Disclosing this here, Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosain said that state government was fully determined to promote treatment through Ayurved vis-à-vis Allopathy through Arogya Mela’s. He said that earlier Amritsar, Ludhiana and Bathinda had witnessed a massive response to such Arogya Mela’s while now the state has decided to organize 5th Mela at Patiala.
          Mr. Gosain said that center has praised the initiatives of Punjab government to promote Ayurveda by holding Arogya Mela’s, which also promotes the techniques of AYUSH including Ayurved, Greek, Yoga, Naturepathy and Homeopathy. He said that the aim of such mela’s was to encourage the people towards treatment through Ayurved and state governments was fully responsible to achieve the task during this center sponsored events of health care.
          Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Satish Chandra said that Punjab has finalized all the preparation regarding Arogya Mela’s. He said that 5th Mela would be conducted at Patiala immediate after receiving nod from Union Government.
BATH DEMANDS ONE RANK ONE PENSION, CSD CAR PURCHASE FACILITY FOR WIDOWS
DEMAND ONE TIME GRANT OF 35 CRORE FOR WAR MUSEUM LUDHIANA
Chandigarh June 30:

Punjab Defence Services Minister Capt. Balbir Singh Bath has sought immediate decision of Union Government on the long pending issue of One Rank One Pension to bring parity in the pensions of ex-servicemen. Capt. Bath was participating in the 29TH Meeting of Kendriya Sainik Board at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today under the Chairmanship of Defence Minister of India Mr. A.K.Antony in which Chief Ministers and Ministers from all the States including Punjab Governor Mr. Shiv Raj Patil participated.
Capt. Bath raised the long outstanding issue of One Rank One Pension and Union Defence Minister assured that Government of India was making efforts to bring in Parity in pensions of Ex-Servicemen.
On the occasion Capt Bath raised critical issues concerning the welfare of Ex-servicemen with the Defence Minister to resolve those at the earliest. He apprised the Defence Minister that presently widows of JCOs/Other Ranks are not entitled to purchase car through CSD. Car is now a requirement and no longer considered as a luxury. This facility needs to be introduced. He also brought to the notice that JCOs/Ors are entitled cars upto 1300 CC only. Some Ex-servicemen may like to pursue a second career as transport./taxi operators. Hence they are denied the facility of purchasing a car with engine capacity greater than 1300 CC. Hence it is desirable to change the present policy enabling Ex-servicemen to buy a bigger engine capacity vehicle. Capt Bath also brought out that pension of widows/war widows has not been revised by the Govt of India following the Sixth Pay Commission whereas other categories have started drawing revised rates of pension w.e.f. 01 July, 2009 and requested to resolve the issue expeditiously. Capt bath further brought to the notice of the Defence Minister that the reservists who had not opted to be released as reservists and were sent home, need to be given pension on revised rates
Capt Bath also apprised the Rajya Raksha Mantri that to commemorate the deeds of Khalsa Armies of Sher-E-Punjab and to preserve soldierly heritage of its martyrs and Gallantry Award Winners. A War Museum of an International level, one of its own kind, has been established by the Govt of Punjab. It has been befittingly named after a great Warrior, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The War museum is located at Ludhiana in a vast area of 4 acres. The total outlay for the complete development of the Museum including civil works comes to Rs. 30-35 crores as of today. Since the soldiers heritage belongs both to the State and the Central Govt, the Minister requested the Defence Minsiter to consider giving one time grant of Rs 35 crores to develop the War Museum giving befitting tribute to our Martyrs and Soldiers. Sh Pallam Raju, RRM has considered the matter sympathetically to allocate adequate funds for the purpose. On a request made by Capt Bath to visiit Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum, Sh. P Raju, Rajya Raksha Mantri has very kindly consented to visit the Museum on 11th July, 2011.
The Minister informed the August Gathering that to restore increase in the share of the State in officer cadre of the Defence Services, a motivational scheme has been launched where in a cadet joining NDA, IMA and OTA is given one time incentive of Rs One lakh. This will motivate more youth to join as commissioned officer in the Defence Services from Punjab.
Capt Bath further added that Punjab Govt has started Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Institute in Mohali near Chandigarh to provide coaching facility to train selected students of +1 and +2 class for commission into the Armed Forces through NDA. This institution is headed by an officer of the rank of Major General. First batch of training has already been started and for entry into Merchant Navy, Naval Academy has already been working at Ropar. It has all been possible only because of the farsightedness of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Punjab, Sardar Parkash Singh Ji Badal.
Prominent amongst those who represented Punjab included Mr. C.Roul, Principal Secretary Defence Services Welfare and Lt. Col. H.P.Singh Director Sainik Welfare.
PUNJAB ESTABLISHESPROTECTION HOME/CENTRES FOR INTER-CASTE
MARRIAGE COUPLES AT DISTRICT LEVEL

Chandigarh, June 30:
          In order to prevent honour killing, the Punjab Government has established protection Homes/Centres at district level to provide protection to the inter-caste newly married couples.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Home Affairs & Justice Department Punjab said that such protections Homes/Centres have been established at Barnala, Gurdaspur & SAS Nagar (three in each district), five in Mansa, four in Hoshiarpur, two in each Faridkot & Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts and one each in other districts under the supervision of respective Deputy Commissioners.
          The spokesman further said that where newly wedded couples felt their life and property was in danger; Punjab Government would provide security at reasonable cost besides boarding and lodging to secure life and liberty of these couples for a period of six weeks after their marriages in this protection Homes/Centres..
          He further said that such couples might be given protection by giving application in the court of District Registrar who might recommend adequate security to Deputy Commissioner or head of police force. He advised the such newly wedded couples to contact with their respective Deputy Commissioners or Senior Superintendents of Police at any time for any kind of help in this regard.

SPORTS DEPARTMENT SEEKS INFORMATION OF SPORTS QUOTA BACKLOG FROM ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
STATE GEARS UP TO FILL THE BACKLOG ON THE DIRECTIONS OF DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 30: The Punjab government today sought the status of backlog pertaining to sports quota in all Government Departments.
According to an official spokesman, on the directions given by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to fill up the vacant posts of Sports Quota, the Sports and Youth Services Department has issued letters to all Government Departments, Semi-Government institutions, Boards and Corporation seeking detailed information and particulars vacant posts of Sports Quota. He said that it was also asked from all departments that how many vacancies have been filled by the departments under 3 % reserved sports quota.

The spokesman said that information was also sought that how many vacancies of sportspersons in Government Departments were lying vacant besides describing about the backlog of sports quota. He said that strict instructions of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has been conveyed to concerned departments to provide the full details within a week so that the backlog could be filled soon.
CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION WEEK SEES THE RELEASE OF 667 CHILD LABOURERS –ARUNESH SHAKIR
LUDHIANA WITNESSES MAXIMUM CASES OF CHILD LABOUR
Chandigarh, 30 JUNE
Over 667 children engaged as child labour were got released by the teams of labour department during the Child Labour Eradication Week observed in the State from 12 to 18 June 2011.
Disclosing this here today Mr Arunesh Shakir Labour Minister said that during the course of this activity special teams were constituted under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner concerned, these teams conducted raids in 6166 different centres. He said that during such raids 667 cases of child labour were detected and 608 offenders were challaned for the offence.
All these offenders have been fined Rs 20000 each. The fine money collected has been deposited in the fund of Child Rehabilitation Society of each district. He said that challans would be submitted to the respective courts, that would pronounce punishment ranging form Rs 10000 fine to 6 month imprisonment.
He said that among these cases, 426 children were found to be working in dangerous occupations. He said that maximum 175 cases of child labour were found in district Ludhiana,in Moga 72 whereas in Jalandhar 72 such cases of Child Labour were detected. He further added that previous year the Punjab Government had got released 621 children working as child labourers .
He said that the state government was committed to abolish the child labour in the state. He said that during the observance of this week the teams besides conducting raids also organized special seminars for sensitizing general population so that the children belonging to the poor family could also enjoy their childhood.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL REPORT OF EMPLOYEES –PUNJAB EXTENDS SUBMISSION DATE BY ONE MONTH

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 30: The Punjab Government today issued directions to extend the date for submission of Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) of Group A, B and C officers/employees by one month from 30th June 2011 to 31st July 2011.
According to an official spokesman, amendments in the APAR Performa may takes some time therefore it has been decided to grant one time extension for submission/conveying of APAR.
Instructions in this regard have been issued by Personnel Department to all heads of departments, Divisional Commissioners, Registrar Punjab and Haryana High Court, Deputy Commissioners, District Session Judges and Sub Divisional Magistrates of the state.

TWO MEMBER COORDINATION COMMITTEE TO CHALK OUT ACTION PROGRAMME AGAINST INFLATION
· District level Coordination Committees constituted to make July 4 bandh , a grand success

Public movement against UPA govt-Oil Companies nexus would force Centre to roll back petro price hike : Dr Cheema
Chandigarh, June 30 : Congress led UPA government’s nexus with the oil companies in looting the people of the country has been fully exposed and mass protests by the public against this nexus and loot would force the Centre to roll back hike in the prices of petroleum products. This was stated by the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today. He said that massive response by the people to the July 4th bandh jointly called by SAD-BJP would not only awaken the UPA government from deep slumber but would also built a strong movement against the corruption of the UPA and high inflation due to its corrupt practices.
          In a statement issued here today Dr. Cheema said that all the commercial establishments including shops, bazaars, shopping malls and other would remain closed for half day upto 1.00 pm. He said that both the parties have instructed their district level leaders to get in touch with different trader unions and get their support for to make this bandh a huge success.
          Lashing out at Centre he said that Centre was already looting the states with huge amount of direct taxes and now in connivance with oil companies to give them benefit of hundreds of crore rupees and in return get benefit for the leaders of the ruling alliance it was forcing the burden of increased prices on the states. He asked why the states would pay for the misdeeds of the Centre ?
          Dr. Cheema said that joint programme of both the parties would launch a huge public movement against the price hike and force the union government to withdraw the hike.

A joint meeting of Core Committees of SAD-BJP was held in Chandigarh under the Chairmanship of SAD Patron S. Parkash Singh Badal. The meeting decided that to protest against the unbearable hike in petroleum products by the Congress led UPA government, all shops, market and other commercial establishments will remain closed on July 4th upto 1.00 pm in the whole state.
          The meeting also appealed to the NDA leadership that keeping in view the magnitude of problem a nationwide programme should be organised to expose the corrupt nexus between the UPA and oil companies. In addition it was decided that a high level delegation of all the MPs and MLAs of SAD-BJP will meet the Governor of Punjab and will hand over a memorandum in the name of President of India demanding immediate roll back of the petroleum prices.
          The meeting also praised the decision of the Punjab government in which it decided not to levy any VAT on the increased prices of these petroleum products though it will cast the state for more than 90 crores.
          According to SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema the meeting strongly condemned the attitude of the Union government and its nexus with the oil companies.
The leaders of both the parties who attended the meeting included BJP state President Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Sh. Tikshan Sud, Balramji Dass Tandon, Madan Mohan Mittal, Prof. Rajinder Bhandari, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Jathedar Avtar Singh President SGPC, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Jathedar Tota Singh, Gurdev Singh Badal, Charanjit Singh Atwal, Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Sikander Singh Maluka, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Bibi Gurcharan Kaur, Rajesh Bagga, Manjit Singh Rai and Brij Lal Rinwa.

CM URGES PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE TO TAKE-UP PUNJAB’S PENDING ISSUES WITH GOI
DEMANDS SEPARATE PACKAGE FOR AGRO INDUSTRIES IN PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH JUNE 29:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today strongly urged the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce to take up various pending issues of the state like setting up of Steel Silos, package for Agro Industries development, relaxation in norms to setup SEZs, export of brown rice & Kinnow and other issues with the Government of India (GoI) for there early solution.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Chief Minister had hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce led by its Chairman Member Parliament Mr. Shanta Kumar at Punjab Bhawan on Tuesday. The other members of the committee included Prof. Sk. Saidul Haque, Mr. Deoraj Singh Patel, Mr. Kalikesh N Singh Deo, Mr. KN Balagopal, Mrs. Kamla Devi Patle, Mr. OS Manian, Mr. KP Dhanapalan, Mr. Yashvir Singh, and Mr. Sanjay Dina Patil (all MPs).
The Chief Minister Haryana Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Food & Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Local Government & Industries Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud and Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah were also present.
Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal informed the Committee that presently state was facing an acute shortage of storage facilities for the food grains purchased by state agencies on behalf of FCI, that resulting heavy depletion of food grains. To overcome this situation the state government had chalked out a comprehensive plan to setup about 100 steal silos in the private sector as per the requirement of the state. As the capital investment in such silos, the rental cost worked out was more than what the FCI reimbursements for Godowns. The Chief Minister said that he had personally taken up this matter of reimbursements of this differential rental cost with the Ministry of Agriculture and Planning Commission but the matter was still pending with GoI.
Mr. Badal also informed that Steel Silos were a better choice today as compared to Godowns due to better storage quality for a longer period, moreover it also occupies less space. He further added that an experimental steel silo system for storing 50,000 tonnes of food grains had been set up in Punjab and the state government had created a fund of Rs. 26 Crore to meet the viability gap through the interest accrued from this fund for this model silo unit.
Punjab being an agrarian state, Mr. Badal urged the Committee members to plead the case of the state with the Centre for providing separate package for development of Agro Industries in Punjab on the lines GoI had provided for Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) for encouraging tourism and hydro-power generation projects.
Mr. Badal demanded that as there was a great demand of brown rice to Central Asian Countries like Kazakhstan, Ukraine, GOI might allow rice manufacturers/exporters to export brown rice/superfine rice to these countries, which would not only ease out the problem storage but also earn foreign currency for the country. Likewise Kinnow could be exported to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Ukraine from Punjab in winter season, if GoI provide reasonable airfreight assistance to exporter/growers of Kinnow enabling them to start exports.
Referring to the scarcity and high value of land in Punjab Mr. Badal asked the Committee for recommending relaxation in the prescribed GOI norms for setting up of SEZs, according to which the minimum land requirement for IT sector is 10 hectares, warehousing sector is 40 hectares, specific including agro sector is 100 hectares and multi product Industry is 1000 hectares. Likewise, the Chief Minister also raised the issues of strengthening marketing infrastructure of dairy cooperatives through providing cold chain and refrigeration system and freight subsidy for export of wheat products from Punjab as Punjab is a land locked State.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. SC Aggrawal, Chief Secretary Haryana Mrs. Urvashi Gulati, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. SS Channi, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Agriculture Dr. BS Sidhu and MD Punjab Agro Mr. Vikas Garg.
PUNJAB BECOMES FIRST STATE TO SUCCESSFULLY
CONCLUDE E-AUCTION OF SAND MINES
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29: The Punjab government today successfully concluded the E-Auction of Sand and Gravel Mines realising the dream of SAD-BJP government to provide Sand and Bajri to the common masses at a reasonable rate.
Expressing happiness at the successful conduct of first E-Auction in the country of Sand Mines, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Industries and Commerce Minister said that this successful conduct of E-Auction has exposed the congress party that was crying hoarse on the new People-Friendly policy. He said that new policy was devised for mining of sand and bajri in order to control the soaring prices of sand which were getting out of reach of the common man. Minister Informed that since the kind of policy has been introduced for the first time in the country by any State while watching the interest of consumer and not looking at only the revenue at the consumers cost.
The Minister informed that the novel feature of the policy was reverse bidding to ensure the sale of sand etc. at the controlled rate of maximum of Rs.300/ 100cu.ft. at the quarry site including loading charges. He said that instructions have been issued that the telephone numbers and mobile numbers of Deputy Commissioner and the Mining Officer concerned shall be displayed at the quarry site so that in case of any grievance or complaint of over charging, one could approach the Deputy Commissioner to lodge complaints against the violators. He said that for the first time, the rates have been notified for the 180 sale points throughout the State at different locations and nobody shall be allowed to sell sand/bajri at rates higher than the prescribed ones which have been public and will be displayed at every sale point again with telephone numbers of public authorities. He said that for the first time Punjab governmetn has initiated an action to include the sand etc. an essential commodity under the Essential Commodities Act 1955 so that the offenders could have deterrent effect of a stringent punishment under the provisions of acts and rules which is going to make it a non bailable offence. According to him rules have also been amended to enhance the quantum of punishment which will be to the extent of Rs. 25,000/- and punishment upto 2 years.
Lashing at congress for criticizing the policy, Mr. Sud said that E-Auction has ensured the total transparent bidding as Punjab Infotech had issued fake ID Numbers to those participating in the auction along with digital signatures so that one could participate in the auction sitting at home without any influence. He said that reverse bidding process though has impacted the revenue of the state but it has ensured availability of Sand and Gravel at controlled price besides doubling the compensation of farmers. He said that 180 sale points in different cities have been identified on which control price of Sand and Gravel would be displayed. He said that to check the trans border trade entry tax has been imposed.
He said that for E-Auction Punjab Infotech gave training to 118 officers, besides to 250 contractors who were also issued digital signatures. Mr. Sud said that E-Auction of SAS Nagar, Ropar, Patiala, Ludhiana, Faridkot and Moga was conducted on 27th June whereas on June 28th E-Auction of Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur was successfully conducted while on June 29th E-Auction of Ferozepur, Bathinda and Mansa was conducted

PUNJAB INTRODUCES NEW POLICY FOR CULTIVATION AND MARKETING OF VEGETABLES TO PROMOTE DIVERSIFICATION

· SCHEME TO BE LAUNCED IN FIVE DISTRICTS INCLUDING LUDHIANA IN FIRST PHASE
· EACH FARMER GROUP CULTIVATE THE CROP ON 20 HECTARE OF LAND

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29: The Punjab government today introduced a special ‘Vegetable Initiative in Urban Cluster’ scheme for cultivation and marketing of vegetables in order to encourage the farmers towards Diversification.
Disclosing this here, Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah said that state government has made all preparation to implement this special scheme to encourage farmers towards diversification. He said that at least 15 farmers could make a group, who would cultivate the crop on 20 hectares of land besides marketing. He said that Punjab government would provide a subsidy of Rs 2 lakh for the crop cultivation while 50% subsidy would also be given on the processing equipments with an aim to divert the attention of farmers towards cash crops.

Mr. Langah said that the scheme would be introduced in five districts including Ludhiana, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar and Sangrur in first phase, which would be further implemented across the state, while Ludhiana would be the center of scheme. He said that government would also facilitate the farmers with the marketing facilities, so they could make the scheme a success without any obstacle.

The Minister said that government would give subsidies and grants to the farmers on the basis of their cluster areas and groups. He said that each group would get subsidy of Rs 2 lakh for the formation of group while another subsidy of Rs 22500 to 33700 would be given for the cultivation of crop for per hectare. He said that farmers could also get subsidy of Rs 2.10 lakh for poly and net houses for vegetable cultivation and 50% subsidy would also be given on 4000 square meter area. He said that agriculture department has been working on war level to provide best marketing facilities to the farmers.

Mr. Langah said that a 50% subsidy would also be given for setting up of retail shops for marketing of vegetables, formation of vegetable collection center, Mobile Vending Cart and for processing units. He said that interested farmers could approach the District Horticulture Officer to form a group, which would be registered under Societies Registration Act-1860.

DGP FLAGS OFF 50 SCORPIOs FOR SUB-DIVISIONS

Chandigarh, June 29: Punjab DGP Mr. P.S. Gill today flagged off 50 Scorpio vehicles for Deputy Superintendents of Police holding charges of various Sub-divisions in the State in a simple ceremony held here at Punjab police headquarters.
       Focusing on modernization of the force, the DGP said that in the coming days more vehicles, anti-riot equipments, modern uniform articles for police personnel and communication equipment would be provided to equip the State police with state-of-the-art technology.
       He said that these Mahindra Scorpio, LX, BS-III, 7 Seater Vehicles would be suitable for operational purposes both on highways and in rural areas, as the criminal elements in Punjab were now using high speed vehicles. The said vehicles were being given to the DSP rank officers holding charges of sub-divisions in the State.
       Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Zonal Head-North, Mahindra & Mahindra informed that Scorpio was a multifunctional vehicle having technical features which match with present operational requirements of Punjab police. This vehicle was powered by 4 cylinder, CRDE, hawk, 4 stroke, turbocharged diesel engine with average mileage of approximately 14.8 kms per litre. The vehicle has a torque level of 290 @ 1800 nm @ rpm. The vehicle has a high ground clearance of 180 mm and wheel base of 2680 mm which was appropriate for field duty in Punjab, he added.
       Mr.R.P.Singh, ADGP/Traffic & Railways, Mr. H.S. Dhillon, ADGP/Administration and Mr. Jasminder Singh ADGP/Provisioning were also present on the occasion.

PUNJAB INTRODUCES WELFARE PACKAGE FOR LABOURERS

PACKAGE INCLUDES INTEREST FREE LOANS, EX-GRATIA GRANT FOR WIDOWS AND \SHAGUN FOR DAUGHTERS OF LABOUR CLASS
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29: The Punjab government has notified a package of welfare measures for labour class in the State including ‘Interest Free Loans’ for labourers to purchase household goods. The package also included provision of Rs 40,000 ex-gratia grant for the widows of industrial workers.
Disclosing this here today, Labour Minister Mr, Arunesh Shakir said that according to package finalized Punjab Labour Welfare Board would provide the ‘Interest Free Loans’ to the labourers for purchasing Cycles, Sewing Machines, Fans, Televisions, Wheat and Paddy. He said that now labourers could also avail this loan facility to purchase computers also for the purpose of providing better education to their wards.
The Minister said that the Board would also disburse an amount of Rs 40,000 to the widows of the labourer besides providing Rs 5100 to the daughters of labourers at the time of their marriages. He said that SAD-BJP government has revised the Punjab Labour Welfare Board Fund Act-1965 and also revised the minimum rates of wages.

Mr. Shakir said that the minimum rates of wages have been revised from September 2008 for all categories of workers and these were linked with the Consumer Price Index Number. He said that the minimum wages, which were adjusted after every six months based on increase in CPI numbers, would be Rs 3842 per month and Rs 147.33 per day from March 1, 2011 for an unskilled industrial worker while an unskilled agriculture worker would get Rs 153.81 per day without meal and Rs 138.29 per day with meal. He said that labourers attached with agriculture purposes would now entitle to get Rs 28434 annually.

The Minister said that Government has also made double the amounts deposited by labourers and owners of industries, which would be spent on the welfare of labourers. He said that now labourers would deposit Rs 2 while owners would have to give Rs 4 to labourers welfare fund.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPOINTS HARDEV SINGH RIAR AS MEMBERS BOARD OF MANAGEMENT PAU

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29: The Punjab government today appointed Mr. Hardev Singh Riar as member of Board of Management of Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana for the period of three years.

According to an official spokesman, earlier Mr Riar has been Chairman of Market Committee Sri Hargobindpur, member District Vigilance Monitoring Committee and District Development and Planning Board, Gurdaspur. He said that having vast experience in the field of agriculture Mr. Riar has also been visited the foreign countries including Kazakhastan, Azerbaijan and Ukraine for agriculture along with delegation headed by Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT EXTENDED TENURE FOR ANOMALY COMMITTEE
Chandigarh, June 29:
        Punjab government has extended the tenure of Anomaly Committee for upto 30th September, 2011.The Anomaly Committee was constituted by the Punjab government to sortout shortcomings in the 5th Pay Commission.
        A spokesman of Punjab government today said that now anomaly Committee has been asked to submit its report till September 30, 2011.
          He said that Punjab government was committed to safeguard the interests of government employees and pensioners.

FURNITURE FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITHIN TWO MONTHS

RS. 60 CRORES SET ASIDE TO EQUIP 4000 PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Chandigarh, 29 June: All Primary Schools are set to get furniture within two months as Punjab government today sanctioned Rs. 60 crores for over 4000 primary schools in the state.
              Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal took keen interest in this project to ensure that no primary student sits on the 'Tat' and every school was provided proper furniture.
              He said that over 11.92 lakh Primary school students studying in the government Primary schools would be provided furniture. He said that with the continuous growth of the country, the living standard in the rural and urban areas was also increasing, due to which children in government schools at primary level who have to sit on a 'Tat' get an inferiority complex. He said that this scheme would help them to bring government schools at par with model schools.
              The spokesman added that SAD-BJP government was committed to improve the literacy rate in state especially amongst the girls. He said that during last four and half year Punjab's position in education index has improved from 13th to 3rd in the country and the state was focusing on first position. He said that State government has recruited over 70,000 teachers and 10,000 more teachers would be soon recruited in near by future.

DEVELOPMENT SURCHARGE TO BE DIRECTLY CREDITED TO THE MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND

Chandigarh, June 29

    The Punjab government today cleared the decks for direct credit of development surcharge in the account of Municipal Infrastructure Development Fund to expedite the tempo of urban development. Necessary amendment in the Punjab VAT Rules 2005 (Rule 37) have been made in this regard.

    Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that it would a dynamic step towards the development of cities. He said that in the past municipal corporations, municipal councils etc. faced shortage of funds which effects the growth of cities. He said that with the population increasing rapidly it must to strengthen the local bodies.
He said that this amendment in the VAT rules would bring a boom in the development of basic infrastructure like drinking water, sewerage projects, parks and roads in cities.

He said that besides that with the introduction of new challan VAT form-2, VAT payers could pay VAT online. He said that it would also makes the VAT refund process very easier and now traders, shopkeepers and other VAT payers could also get VAT refund cleared in just a click to their online VAT no. He said that it would save the time and money of common man as well as reduce the burden of government offices.

GIVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO 84 RIOT VICTIMS FOR RED CARDS-DCs ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS

Chandigarh, June 29
The Punjab government today issued instructions to all the Deputy Commissioners of the state to continue the process of making Red Card for eligible 1984 riot victims.
Disclosing this here today official spokesman said that Deputy Commissioners have been asked to consider the application of the riot victim and appropriate action be taken for making Red Cards. He said that DCs have also been instructed not to link the process of making Red Card with the Rehabilitation grant.
The official spokesman said that it has been decided that all the pending applications for making Red Card would again be considered. He said that if any application lacks certain documents, petitioner would be given another chance to complete the documents. He said that DCs would consider such cases and issue Red Cards.
He said that it has been also decided to reconsider the already cancelled petitions. He said that DCs have been to reconsider such petitions, if the petitioner furnished new evidence.

DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATION FROM AUGUST 08, 2011

Chandigarh, June 29

Central Committee of Examination, Punjab is organizing the next departmental examination of certain categories of Officers/Officials from August 08 to August 12, 2011 at local Lajpat Rai Bhawan in two shifts i.e. from 9.00 A.M. to 12:00 noon and 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that these categories includes Assistant Commissioners/ Extra Assistant Commissioners, I.P.S officers, Civil Judges (Junior Division), Tehsildars/ Revenue Officials, Officers of Forest Department I.F.S., Officers of the Agriculture/ Soil Conservation Services/Horticulture Services, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries department, Wardens/Inspectors of Wild Life Preservation department, Officers/Officials of the department of Jails, Excise and Taxation department, Cooperation, Dairy Development, Block Development and Panchayat Officers, Lady Circle Supervisors of Rural Development and Panchayat Department and Officers of Labour & Employment Departments.
The spokesman further said that those IAS/IPS/PCS (Executive Branch), PCS (Judicial) and other officers who intend to appear in the said examination should send their applications to the Additional Secretary to Government Punjab, Department of Personal and Secretary, Central Committee of Examination (PCS Branch), Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, through their Departments in the prescribed Performa by 15th July, 2011. No direct application will be entertained under any circumstances. Incomplete applications will be rejected and no Roll No. will be issued. The candidate, who does not get his Roll No. by 25th July, 2011 should contact the Central Committee of Examinations, the spokesman added.

PUNJAB REGULARIZES THE SERVICES OF 389 CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

JYANI HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS
ANNOUNCES SETTING UP OF 43 NEW ITIS, 250 SKILLED DEVELOPMENT CENTERS AND RECRUITMENT OF 680 TEACHING FACULTY IN ITIS

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 29: The Punjab Technical Education Minister Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jyani today announced setting up of 43 new ITI’s , 250 skilled development centers and filling up the posts of 680 instructors in ITIs within next six months.
Mr. Jyani was speaking to the media persons after handing over regularization orders to 389 contractual employees of Technical Education Department. The minister said that the Punjab government was committed to provide vocational education to the students to make them economically self-dependant. He said that ITIs would change its curricula according to the changing needs of industry so that employability of ITI trainees could be increased.
Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Technical Education, Mr. Vivek Partap Singh, Director Technical Education, Mrs. Daljeet Kaur, Additional Director Technical Education and Mr. Jagjit Singh, Joint Director of Technical Education also spoke on the occasion.

Sikhs have already moved on, but never forget – Manpreet Badal

Sikhs have already moved on in life despite the 1984 pogrom. This was stated by Manpreet Singh Badal, acting president of People's Party of Punjab (PPP), while reacting to the statement by Home Minister P. Chidambaram. He objected to the statement that it is time to forgive and forget.

"How can the Home minister of the largest democracy in the world ask people to forget crimes?" Manpreet Singh Badal asked. The duty of the Home Minister is to ensure that crimes committed are duly punished. By asking people of forget that 1984 pogrom took place amounts to giving a clean chit to perpetrators of massacre. "It is the duty of the Home Minister to ensure law and order, and by asking people to forget, he is implicating himself as a protector of the criminals who killed innocent Sikhs during that dark period," Manpreet said.

He added that the Sikh community had already moved on in rebuilding a new India. It does not advice from the Minister to move on. Let the Minister look at the contribution of the Sikh community towards building and rebuilding India. Instead he should have said, "Sikhs have moved on and I compliment them for their tenacity and determination". He should have saluted the contribution of Sikhs and Punjabis in building a new India, rather than asking them to forget and move on.
Manpreet Singh Badal said he was proud that the community which had suffered so much had integrated itself in the Indian national mainstream and excelled in almost all fields whether it is politics, sports, finance or administration to name a few. They had done so despite terrorism, state sponsored carnages and the like. So Mr. Chidambaram instead of lecturing, should have complimented the community.

On the issue of forgive and forget, the PPP acting president said this was a blasphemous statement coming from the Home Minister. Home Ministers are supposed to ensure that criminals are pursued. If you forget a crime, the criminal can get away scot free. And if that is what the Home Minister wants, then he is guilty of protecting criminals who organized the 1984 pogrom.

He also reminded the Home Minister that of George Santayana's dictum that "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". Does the Home Minister by forgetting the past wish to repeat it?