Punjab News ----NRI REPORTS

Punjab News: 2011

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr, Sukhbir Singh Badal redressing the greivances of people and distributing grants for development works to 53 Panchayats of Moga district in a series of Sangat Darshan held here on July 5, 2011.

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CM DIRECTS GURU RAMDAS DENTAL COLLEGE AMRITSAR NOT
TO CHARGE FEE FROM FIFTH YEAR STUDENTS OF BDS
ASKS VC BFUHS TO ENSURE STRICT COMPLIANCE OF DCI GUIDE LINES

Chandigarh, July 5, 2011

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the management of Sri Guru Ramdas Institute of Dental Sciences and Research, Amritsar not to charge fee from the students for 5th year of BDS Course as per the guidelines of Government of India & Dental Council of India and endorsed by the Baba Farid University Health Sciences.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting presided by Mr. Badal at Chief Minister’s residence this evening. It was also decided in the meeting that an appropriate action would be taken by Baba Farid University and Health Sciences against the erring management of such Private Dental Colleges which flouted these guidelines stipulated by Government of India & Dental Council of India by charging fee from the 5th year students of BDS Course. The Chief Minister also categorically asked the Vice Chancellor Dr. SS Shergill of Baba Farid University of Health Science to ensure strict compliance of the regulations of Dental Council of India.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included: Medical Education and Research Minister Arunesh Shakir, Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Agarwal, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Medical Education and Research Mrs. Anjali Bhawara and Director Medical Education and Research Dr. Jai kishan.
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SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEMISE OF PRINCIPAL MOHAN SINGH PREM
CHANDIGARH JULY 05:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal has condoled the sad demise of Shiromani Patarkar & renowed Punjabi writer Principal Mohan Singh Prem, who died today after a prolonged illness at Patiala. Principal Prem was the father of Patiala based PTI correspondent Mr Gagandeep Singh Ahuja.

Mr. Badal expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to members of family to bear this personal loss.
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PUNJAB TO CONDUCT SPECIAL SURVEY FOR VILLAGES AFFECTED BY URANIUM: SUKHBIR

ROs TO BE INSTALLED IN 2600 VILLAGES
CORPORATION FOR MOGA UNDER PROCESS
OPPOSITION TO SEWAGE PROJECTS BY CONGRESS POLITICALLY MOTIVATED
CAPTAIN CAN NOT BEFOOL SIKHS BY SHEDDING CROCODILE TEARS ON 1984 RIOTS
CONSTITUTION OF S.I.T. BY SUPREME COURT IS AN INDICTMENT OF CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT

BAGHA PURANA (MOGA): The Punjab Government has decided to conduct a special statewide survey to identify villages/tracts affected by the problem of Uranium.

Talking to media persons at village Rajeana after holding Sangat Darshan for 53 Panchayats and dedicating to the state ttwo water works and one 66KV Power Sub-Station with a combined cost of Rs 5.25 crore, Mr. Badal said that water supply and sanitation department was engaging the services of BARC to engage one agency to conduct the survey and Punjab government is installing RO systems in all affected villages to provide problem free potable water to the residents. He said that 100 ROs have already been installed in Moga district and more 2600 ROs would be operational by the end of September.

Reacting to the opposition of congress to laying of sewage pipelines in urban areas and mandis, Mr. Badal said that all sewerage lines are being laid as technically certified by the carrying capacity of that area. Describing congress as seasonal party that hibernates for four years and starts creating voices at the time of election, Mr. Badal said that party that has never focused on development agenda was feeling perplexed by accelerated development of the state. He said that no opposition for the sake of political opportunism was acceptable to the people of Punjab.

When asked about the Corporation status for Moga, Mr. Badal said that it was under active process of the state government. He said that the issue of diversion of river Ravi by the Pakistan, washing away thousands of acres of fertile land of Gurdaspur districts, has been reffered to Union government and it was for them to pressurize Pakistan on this issue. He rubbished the reports of vendetta politics against congress leadership and challenged them to come out with a list, who have suffered due to alleged vendetta politics of SAD-BJP government.

He said that yesterday’s order for constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe stashing of Black Money in Swiss and other foreign banks, was reflection of lack of faith of Apex Court in the sincerity of Congress led UPA Government in tackling this issue. Mr. Badal said that Congress led UPA government was dragging its feet to make public the names of account holders of Swiss Banks and now the Apex Court was forced to constitute a SIT to probe this whole nexus. He said that this government after multi lakh crores scams was paranoid to make public the names of Indians having accounts abroad as most of the Congress leaders have stashed their ill-gotten money from these scams in these accounts. He said that National Democratic Alliance (NDA) from day one had been seeking declaration of Black Money stashed in foreign banks as government money but Congress Party to save the skin of its top leadership was resisting this issue. He said that this ruling of Apex Court was clear indictment of Congress led UPA government that has looted the nation in series of scams.

When asked about the list of 51 projects claimed by Captain Amarinder Singh, Mr. Badal said that Captain Amarinder Singh’s press statement though started with claim of 51 projects but exhausted after listing 19 fictitious claims. Perhaps Captain does not know counting beyond the figure 19, Mr. Badal quipped. The Deputy Chief Minister said that he was happy that Captain as himself exposed his zero performance by listing out fictitious projects.
On asking about wall being constructed by Haryana Government on the left bank of Hansi-Butana, Mr. Badal said that Congress party was out to finish Punjab. He said that it was the Congress Party that constructed SYL Canal to rob its precious water and now it was Haryana Congress Government at the behest of Congress High Command that was constructing this artificial barrier to drawn Punjab in the floods. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal had been struggling to protect the water rights of Punjab from the day one and would not allow the nefarious design of Congress party to succeed again. He said that SAD-BJP government was availing legal as well as political avenues available to it to stall work on this wall. He said that Captain Amarinder Singh instead of issuing public statements on this issue should pressurize Prime Minister and Haryana Chief Minister to stop this anti-Punjab wall.

When asked about bandh called by SAD-BJP against hike in petroleum prices, Mr. Badal said that the massive response to the bandh has shown to the country that people of the nation would not take this repeated hikes in petroleum prices lying down. He said that SAD-BJP government had been demanding a transparent price fixation formula, linking of MSP with price index but Congress party was out to help multi-national oil companies, robbing the pockets of ordinary citizens. He said that there was no justification of 11 price hikes of petroleum products during last 9 months whereas crude in the international market was touching record low of $90. He questioned the rationale of Union Government in asking the states to reduce tax on oil products at the time when center government was taking lion share of 70% from taxes collected from the state, leaving Punjab with meager share of 1.31%.

When asked about Captain Amarinder Singh’s statement on ’84 riots, Mr. Badal said that Amarinder by shading crocodile tears cannot get justice to over 7000 Sikh families, who were slaughtered by Congress goons on the streets of National Capital. He said that if Amarinder was sincere he should depose against Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar in the Court and asked Sonia Gandhi to expel these leaders from the party. He said that every Sikh was clear about one fact that till congress party was controlling the strings of power, no Sikh can get justice.

Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Faridkot MP Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Former Education Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, SAD leader Jagtar Singh Rajeana, Mahesh Inder Singh Nihal Singh Wala, District Planning Committee Chairman Tarsem Singh Ratia and District SAD President Tirath Singh Mahla.

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KHOSLA NOMINATED AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF
SAFAI KARAMCHARI WELFARE BOARD

MANN APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE HOSHIARPUR

CHANDIGARH JULY 05:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today nominated Mr. DP Khosla as the Vice-Chairman of the newly created Safai Karamchari Welfare Board Punjab.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Mohinder Pal Singh Mann has been appointed as the Chairman of the District Planning Committee Hoshiarpur against a post vacated by MLA Dasuya Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi, who had resigned from this post following his elevation as the Chief Parliamentary Secretary. Formal orders regarding these appointments would be issued shortly by the concerned departments.

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PUNJAB CM CONDOLES THE SAD DEMISE OF PRINCIPAL MOHAN SINGH PREM
CHANDIGARH JULY 05:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr.Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Shiromani Patarkar & renowed Punjabi writer Principal Mohan Singh Prem, the father of the Patiala based PTI correspondent Mr Gagandeep Singh Ahuja. Principal Prem breathed his last at a private hospital in Patiala after a prolonged illness this morning. He was 83 and is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.
In a condolence message, Mr.Badal recalled his relentless services as an eminent educationist besides a renowned journalist who performed his professional duties with utmost dedication, commitment and sincerity.
Mr. Badal expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to them to bear this personal loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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BATH WRITES PRENEET KAUR TO ENSURE VISA IN TIME TO INDIAN ORIGIN IN USA

CHANDIGARH JULY 05:

The Punjab NRI Minister , Capt Balbir Singh Bath today urged the Union , State Minister for External Affairs Preneet Kaur for streamlining the procedure to obtain visa in time to the people of Indian origin in USA who were desirous of visiting India to meet their relations or simply on business-cum-pleasure trip.

In a letter written to Smt. Preneet Kaur, the NRI Minister narrated his own experience during a recent visit to USA in which he noticed that people had to wait for months together to get visa applications processed and had resulted in a lot of harassment and financial loss of people of Indian Origin who were desirous of visiting their roots but could not do so for want of visa in time.

Adding further the Minister said that this is very unfortunate
especially when these persons have been contributing immensely to the economy of India and shaping the future of the nation in general and Punjab in particular for many generations. Punjab takes pride in claiming that there was no country in the world where Punjabis had not migrated and earned a name for them.
In this backdrop, any unnecessary delay which hinders the visit of those who had a deep link with our ethos shall be counterproductive, added in the letter.Capt. Bath urged the Union Minister of State Minister for External Affairs Preneet Kaur to personally look into the matter and direct the officials of Indian Embassy in United States of America and other countries to expedite the processing of applications of visa pending
with them in order to check any further delay and harassment in this
regard.
The Minister reiterated that Punjab Government has already been actively encouraging Indian origin Punjabis from foreign countries to visit Punjab. Recently, in collaboration with Ministry of Overseas, Indian Affairs, the state government has successfully launched “Know India Programme” in which youth from various countries visited different parts of Punjab to get first hand information and knowledge about Punjab’s rich cultural ethos.

TRANSFERS IN HEALTH DEPARTMENT BANNED

Chandigarh, July 5: The Punjab Government has banned the transfers in Health Department with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today Punjab Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosian said that the transfers had been banned as per the directions of Chief Minister, Punjab. It may be mentioned here that the department had already completed the whole process of transfers as per schedule by June 30.
He categorically said that now no application, for transfer of any doctor, para-medical staff would not be considered. Mr. Gosian appealed to all the employees of the department to devote their full time for the service of the needy people.

BJP National Leader and PSIEC Vice Chairman Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has thanked the people of the state for making half day Punjab Bandh.

CHANDIGARH - July 4, 2011

BJP National Leader and PSIEC Vice Chairman Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal has
thanked the people of the state particularly industrialists, traders,
shopkeepers, and other businessmen besides leaders and workers of the BJP-
SAD combine and all People's of Punjab for making half day Punjab Bandh a
very huge success.

In a statement issued from Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab Head office here
today party Grewal said that as per reports reaching here people of the
state have whole heartedly supported this half day bandh. Grewal told that
shops, bazars, markets and other commercial establishments remained closed
in all the big and small towns of the state and situation was completely
peaceful. Grewal said that traders were themselves eager to maintain bandh
which indicated their anger against the increased prices of petroleum
products.

Grewal stated that shops were completely shut down even in the interior
streets of Amritsar, Patiala, Sangrur, Firozepur, Bathinda, Jalandhar and
Ludhiana. Grewal said that Centre Congress lead UPA Government should read
the writing on the wall.

PUNJAB TO INCREASE FLOOR AREA RATIO OF INDUSTRIAL PLOTS

TO ALLOW COMMERCIAL USAGE OF 10% AREA OF INDUSTRIAL PLOT

CHANDIGARH, JULY 4: Increasing Floor Area Ratio(F.A.R) of industrial plots from 1:1 to 1:2, allowing 10 % area of plots for commercial use, simplifying conversion of industrial plots from lease hold to free hold were the certain important decisions taken in the meeting of Medium Industries Development Board under the Chairmanship of Local Bodies and Industrial Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud.

In the meeting, it was decided to technically explore the possibilities of extending (F.A.R) of industrial plots from existing 1:1 to 1:2. The Minister constituted a committee consisting of senior officers from Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC), PUDA, Mayors and MCs of Patiala, Ludhiana and Jalandhar and two members of the Board to technically examine the issue and submit report in 60 days. It was also decided to allow the maximum 10 % use of the total area of the industrial plots allotted by all government agencies as showrooms/factory outlets for display/sale of their own products and decision was taken that no land use charges would be taken.

The meeting also decided that PSIEC would do away the practice of obtaining undertakings from the allottees regarding zoning violations at the time of registration of conveyance deeds and conversion of lease hold plots to free holds, for industrial /residential and commercial plots developed by PSIEC so that the plot holders could get their conveyance deeds registered and mortgage their plots in simple way. It was further decided that the lease hold plots, which are already mortgaged with the financial institutions and allottees of such plots, if interested in converting their lease hold plots to free holds, in that conditions the financial institutions will return the lease deed to PSIEC. After conversion of plot from lease hold to freehold the Corporation will issue the NOC for mortgage of plots without any difficulty.

It was also decided that the extra entry gates would be allowed by PSIEC/other allotting agencies in Punjab for each extra unit allowed in one industrial premise by Industries Department. The Minister said that Punjab Government has associated members from industry in the Medium Industry Development Board that proved very fruitful for solving the problems being faced by the industry as these members gave suggestions based on their experience in running the industries in various fields. He said that the Board has forwarded various suggestions to different government departments from time to time for solving the problems, which were being faced by industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Medium Industry Development Board, Mr. Mahinder Bhagat said that Board has convened eight meetings till now and discussed various problems being faced by industries.
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PUNJAB TO INCREASE FLOOR AREA RATIO OF INDUSTRIAL PLOTS

TO ALLOW COMMERCIAL USAGE OF 10% AREA OF INDUSTRIAL PLOT

RAGGING MEDICOS TO FACE CRIMINAL ACTION-ARUNESH SHAKIR
Chandigarh, July 4:

Mr. Arunesh Shakir Medical Education and Research Minister today issued directions to all Principals and staff of all Government and Private Medical, Dental, Ayurvedic, Homeopathy, Para medical and nursing colleges to immediately to immediately suspend the students found indulging in the practice of ragging.

In a communiqué addressed to Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Medical Sciences, Director Medical Education & Research, Director Ayush and Principals of Medical Colleges, Mr. Shakir said that it was imperative for all educational institutions to implement the latest guidelines issued by Apex Court to check the menace of ragging. The Minister said that since the new session in all the Medical Institutions is about to commence, there is greater need for the authorities of the institutions to keep a strict vigil on the activities of students to check the practice of ragging of newcomers.
He said that all institutions must deal with the students indulging in ragging in strictest possible manner including immediate suspension from the institution. He said that all institutions must implement Raghvan Committee recommendations to check the ragging menace. He said that any delay by any institution to take action against erring students would frustrate the basic purpose of the complaint. He said that if authorities were prima facie satisfied about the errant act of any student, they can in appropriate cases pending final decision, suspend the students from the institution and the hostel, if any and give opportunity to him to have his say (later).

The Minister said that the heads of educational institutions should immediately inform the police in case any incident of ragging came his their notice and se the criminal law in motion.

Mr. Shakir asked the Vice Chancellors Baba Farid University and DRME to make appropriate amendment in the affiliation rules to debar any educational institution that was trying to shield errant students.

The Minister said that any laxity shown by management, administration, Principal, faculty or staff in implementing the guidelines of the Apex Court, would be treated very seriously and would invite stern disciplinary action. He reiterated that management, principal and staff to take effective steps to ensure that no new student becomes victim of this wrong practice of ragging.

Making it imperative for the management to implement the latest guidelines of Supreme Court of India, the Minister said that the every Institute was required to nominate Medical Superintendent as nodal officer to check ragging. He said that old and senior students and their parents have already been notified regarding new directions of Supreme Court regarding ragging. He said that latest guidelines of Supreme Court on ragging have already been included in the prospectus and new students were informed about these guidelines at the time of counseling..

Calling upon the Principals to remain constantly vigilant against this practice and monitor the situation on day to day basis, he said that principal and staff must watch the attitude of new comers and any sign of depression noticed in new student should be probed deeply. He also called upon new students to fearlessly report any incident of ragging coming to their notice to authorities as their identity would be kept secret.

Making an impassioned appeal to the senior students to welcome the new students with love instead of ragging them, he said that junior students expect senior students to depict leadership qualities in such situations

Sukhbir Singh Badal thanks people for overwhelming support to the Punjab Bandh
Shiromani Akali Dal

Sukhbir Singh Badal thanks people for overwhelming support to the Punjab Bandh
Centre should read writing on the wall-Sukhbir Singh Badal

Chandigarh, July 4 : Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab S. Sukhbir Singh Badal has thanked the people of the state particularly traders, shopkeepers, industrialists and other businessmen besides leaders and workers of the SAD-BJP combine and all Punjabis for making half day Punjab Bandh a huge success. He said that Centre should read the writing on the wall.

In a statement issued from the party head office here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that as per reports reaching here people of the state have whole heartedly supported this half day bandh. He said that shops, bazaars, markets and other commercial establishments remained closed in all the big and small towns of the state and situation was completely peaceful. He said that shops were completely shut down even in the interior streets of Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Jallandhar. He said that traders were themselves eager to maintain bandh which indicated their anger against the increased prices of petroleum products.

He said that even in remote areas including as Abohar, Malout, Mansa, Pathankot, Gurdaspur,Ropar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Atari, Jandiala, Tarntaran, Khadur Sahib, Kahnuwan, Kadian, Mukerian, Dasua Hoshiarpur, Gidderbaha, Balachaur, Nawanshehr, Phagwara, Nakodar, Raikot, Samrala, Mullanpur Dakha, Jagraon, Zeera, Faridkot, Kotakpura, Khemkaran, Patti, Ajnala, Dera Baba Nanak, Morinda, Chamkaur Sahib, Samana, Patran and other places commercial establishments remained closed. He said that similar reports were pouring in from other parts of the state.
Dr. Cheema further disclosed that a high level delegation of both the parties including all the MPs and MLas would meet the Governor of the state and submit a memorandum in the name of the President of India.

MLA Dhillon attacks govt on poor infrastructure in govt hospitals
Kewal SIngh Dhillon
MLA, Barnala, and vice-president, PPCC

Chandigarh: Reacting to Punjab's failure to get permission to increase number of seats in its state-run medical colleges, whereas in its neighboring states Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have got nod from Medical Council of India (MCI) to increased seats in their government colleges, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president and Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon today said that the development reflected the pathetic state of health services in the state.

Holding the SAD-BJP government responsible for deteriorating health infrastructure in the state, Dhillon said that while the government failed to add any new infrastructure, it was determined to sell whatever assets were lying with the health department in the garb of raising funds. "Recently the health department had announced to dispose off prime properties in government hospitals
in all districts including Barnala, which could otherwise be utilised to expand infrastructure needs of these hospitals," he said

Reminding the government regarding its decision to improve infrastructure in the two existing medical colleges at Patiala and Amritsar to accommodate more students rather than building new infrastructure for new medical colleges, he said MCI's refusal to allow additional seats in these colleges was proof that these colleges were in a pathetic condition.

He claimed that the neglect of government medical colleges was deliberate, as the SAD-BJP government has encouraged privatization of medical education in the state in the last four-and-half-years as in the current tenure of present government four new private medical colleges emerged in the state.

Dhillon questioned the government as to what happened to Rs 126 crore which was to be spent on the two medical colleges to raise the number of seats there. He lamented that the state failed to spend the said amount to improve infrastructure in the two colleges despite the fact that the Union health ministry has timely sought a list of current staff and other facilities in the state-run hospitals from the state last year as it wanted to give 100 more seats in each college.

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ENSURE BAN ON AFFIDAVITS FOR 89 SERVICES—DCs DIRECTED
· TOLD TO PUT DETAILS ON FLEX BOARD AT PROMINENT PLACES

Chandigarh, July 3:
The Punjab government has issued directions to the all Deputy Commissioner and Sub Divisional Magistrates to properly ensure compliance of ban on Affidavits for 89 services as finalized by the Government.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab government said that Punjab government had done away with submission of affidavits in all those cases where it was not legally mandatory to provide relief to the common masses, who had been spend lot of money and energy for preparing these affidavits. He said that ban on affidavits was one of the major recommendation of Punjab Governance Reforms Commission setup at the initiative of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. The spokesman said that it had come to the notice of the State Government that different districts were not brining to the knowledge of common people the 89 services for which affidavits have been banned. He said that directions have been issued to the all Deputy Commissioners, SDMs to display 89 services at different prominent places in District Administrative Complexes, SDM Offices, Tehsil Offices, Suwidha Kendrayas, District Courts and other public places for the information of the public so that no body could fleece them for unnecessary affidavits. He said that DCs and SDMs have been asked to conduct surprise checks to ensure that all District Offices were complying with the directions regarding waiver of affidavits.
The spokesman said that after thorough deliberations with the officers and representatives of public, this list of 89 services had been approved.

The spokesman revealed that affidavits have been waived in the 89 services including for issuance of certificate of Nambardari, Un-married Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Duplicated Registration Certificate, Duplicate Licence, Cancellation of Higher Purchase Agreement, Sanction of Aides under National Horticulture Mission. and National Agriculture Scheme, Release of subsidy on agriculture tools, for handicap scheme, sanction of loan under Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY), declaration for condonation of shortage of lectures by college students, sanction of grant under Shagun Scheme, issuance of Backward area certificate, Rural Area certificate, Kandi Area Certificate, SC/BC certificate, No Due Certificate regarding Loan against land, Freedom Fighter Certificate, Dependent Certificate, for addition or deletion of name in Ration Card, issuance of New Ration Card, Registration of Marriage, Registration of document, No Objection Certificate from both the Party in case of joint property, sanction of Tubewell connection under priority category, declaration at the time of admission of students, Issuance of Duplicate Ration Card, Counter signatures on translated copies of Ration Card, Sanction of Licence for new fair price shop (Ration Depot) or duplicate copy of the same, issuance of Licence for Brick kiln or Duplicate copy of the same, Issuance of change of land use as per master plan , Regarding Change of Title in case of water connection , change of name regarding House Tax, for waiver of House Tax, for Commercial Electricity connections, amendment in Birth or Death Certificate, Late registration of Death and Birth, Permission for construction of basement, regarding non- litigation in case of property, regarding Construction as per approved Building Plan, regarding completion Certificate of building, regarding vacation government land, issuance of Survivors Certificate or Succession Certificate, NOC of marriage palaces, NOC of video Parlour, Title of Printing Press /Newspaper, Regarding Character certificate (Media related), Issuance of Residence Certificate and sanction of benefits under family planning scheme.

Similarly, no affidavit required would be required for issuance of Police Clearance Certificate, Release of Subsidy in Schemes of Fisheries Department, digging up of new pond, renovation of old pond, for providing feed and food to fishes, for providing 16 Marla free of cost land for setting up of new Tubewell, sanctions of Ex-India leave, sanctions of Final Payment of GPF and Medical reimbursement, issuance of Surviving family member Certificate, employment on compassionate ground, availing of leave travel concession, sanction of proficiency step up under assured progression scheme, sanction for approval for higher education, Issuance of NOC for Passport by an employee, declining of promotion by an employee, sanction of GPF/CPF advance to the employees, joining of an employees after availing long leave, sanction of pension after retirement, All other matters regarding GPF of employees, Allotment of residential houses the employees appointed on contracted basis, sanction of advances of House building and vehicles, sanction of Ex-gratia and other benefits on the death of an employee, Regarding voluntary retirement, reimbursement of Medical bills to the retired employees, at the time of clearance of probation period by an employee, declaration before joining government services, declaration of Inter-district transfers, Permission to sale after conveyance deed (NOC) by allottee, transfer of Plot/House/Commercial site (before CD) by allottee, Issue of Conveyance Deed: No due Certificate and Copies of documents: for duplicate copies of documents, issue of re-allotment letter/transfer of ownership letter, issue of permission to mortgage, issue of Certificate of Registration as an Estate agent, Issue of Certificate of Registration as promoter, Permission for professional consultancy and STD services in residential houses.

The spokesman said that services for which affidavits were being taken as being mandatory included Issue of Passport, regarding sale/purchases of ammunition, regarding titles of Magazines/Newspapers, Issue of new or renew of the licences for pesticides and seeds, regarding sale/purchase of vehicles, regarding Primary enquires of Panches/ Sarpanches , registration of Society under Society Registration Act, 1860, Regarding M.P. LAD scheme, Loan from different banks, regarding Direct Loan Scheme, Regarding National Sweeper Employees Scheme, Regarding National Scheduled Caste Finance Schemes, for setting up of agencies under small saving scheme, Regarding permission to the concerned owners for cutting in closed areas under Section -4 of five year felling programme, regarding approval of diversion of Forest Land under F.C.A.1980 from the concerned user agency, permission to sale after conveyance deed (NOC) by purchaser, by GPA/Sub-GPA of purchaser, indemnity bound by purchaser, transfer of plot/house/commercial site (before CD) by purchaser, by GPA/Sub-GPA of purchaser, indemnity bound by purchaser, Issue of Conveyance Deed. No due certificate and copies of documents: for C.D. through GPA and permission to change of ownership as a consequence of death of owner of Plot/House/Commercial Site.
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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES PENSION FOR EMPLOYEES AND RETIRED EMPLOYEES OF PRIVATE AIDED SCHOOLS
· INJUSTICE OF CONGRESS REGIME UNDONE BY RESTORING AND ENHANCING PENSION
·RELEASES RS. 40 CRORES FOR PAYMENT OF ARREARS

Chandigarh, July 3:

The Punjab Government today took a historic decision to restore the pension of more than 3000 retired teaching as well as non teaching employees of 95 percent grant –in- aid private aided schools. Pension in these schools was stopped by previous Congress regime in the year 2003 for post 2003 retirees. What to call of restoring old pension, the SAD-BJP government took the major step to enhance the pensions of more than 6000 such employees who had retired before 2003 and they would now get enhanced pension as per the recommendations of 5th Pay Commission.
Disclosing this here today, Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan informed that previous Congress regime had stopped the pensions of employees of private aided schools retired in year 2003 and afterwards but the SAD-BJP government led by Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had decided not only to restore their pensions but also to enhance the pensions of those employees, who had retired earlier. He revealed that Rs. 40 crores have already been released to pay the arrears of enhanced pension. Similarly, liability of Rs. 287 crores has been worked out to pay pensions as well as arrears of pensions to more than 3000 those employees, who were now being granted pensions. Their arrears would be paid in five equal yearly installments, added Mr. Sekhwan.

Describing the decision of previous Congress regime a grave injustice with the employees of private aided schools, Mr. Sekhwan said that the present government was committed to redress their grievance from day one as it was fully convinced that keeping in view the 95 percent grant-in-aid to those schools they were entitled for pension in principle.
Reiterating the State government’s commitment to provide quality education, Mr. Sekhwan said that with the appointment of more than 70 thousand teachers, setting up of 123 Adarsh schools and 21 model schools, construction of 310 schools and 18384 class rooms, free education to girls up to 12th free bicycles to 1.46 lac girl students at the cost of Rs. 75, the State was all set to become top state on Educational Development Index.

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LARGEST NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES CONSTRUCTED DURING SAD-BJP REGIME- DHINDSA
Ø WORLD CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE BUILT WITH RS. 730 CRORE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

Chandigarh, July 3:
The Punjab Government by constructing record number of buildings of schools, colleges, polytechnics, Universities has given a new push to education and technical education sector.
Disclosing this today the Punjab PWD Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said that Department of PWD had constructed new Buildings of 18 Polytechnic Colleges, 13 University Colleges, 12 Model Schools, 6 Adarsh Schools and 351 Nabard Schools. He said that 51 schools had also been upgraded. The Minister added that the construction work of most of the projects had completed and the rest of projects near completion. He said that the instruction to the concerned authorities had been issued to complete the work within stipulated time.

Giving details of the projects the Minister said that new buildings of 18 Polytechnic Colleges had been constructed with the cost of Rs 120 crore. He said the academic session in these newly built institutions would be started soon. He said that 13 new Degree Colleges had also been constructed by the department with the cost of Rs 170 crore.
Mr Dhindsa said that the department with the motive of strengthening school education had constructed buildings of 12 new Model School and 6 Adarsh Schools with the cost of Rs 60 crore. He said that department was also constructing 351 Nabard Schools with the cost of Rs 140 crore. He said that Rs 120 crore had been incurred on the upgradation of 55 Schools from Middle to High.

On this occasion senior engineer (Buildings) Mr Ashok Kumar Singla said that the construction work for some of the projects was going on in full swing and the projects would be completed within stipulated time period.
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PUNJAB TO GIVE BIG PUSH TO PULSE PRODUCTION
· SUBSIDY ON SEEDS, PESTICIDES AND MACHINERY TO BE PROVIDED
·TO TOUCH 20,000 METRIC TONNES PRODUCTION OF MOONGI, MAHN AND ARHAR   THIS YEAR
CHANDIGARH, JULY 3:
The Punjab Government today announced a new package for the farmers to motivate them to grow pulses on large scale under its ongoing diversification drive with an aim to expand area under cultivation of pulses. Under the package the state government would provide subsidies on pulses seeds, pesticides to be used for pulses cultivation and the agro machinery besides providing total technical support.

        Disclosing this here today, the Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah said that under the diversification drive, the government would provide 50% or maximum subsidy of Rs 15,000 on 'Zero Till' machines and 50% subsidy would be given on 'seed drill machines'. Mr. Langah said that 50 % or a subsidy of Rs 30,000 could be taken by farmers on 'Rotavator' while Rs 1.5 lakh or subsidy of 50% would be given on 'Computerized Laser Leveller'. He said that a seed subsidy of Rs 1200 per quintal would be given besides 50% subsidy on zinc sulfide and injections to be used for pulses cultivation.

The Minister said that Punjab government had opened 20 'Farmer Field School' last year to provide scientific training for the cultivation of pulses to the farmers, which would be increased to 35 this year, where farmers could get the training in different groups for three to four hours in a day. He said that instructions have been issued to go ahead with these Farmer Field Schools with an aim to give a big push to the farmers towards Pulses Cultivation.

         Mr. Langah said that Punjab has witnessed 77,000 hectares land under pulses cultivation during the recent season of pulses fallen between March-April, which was 41,000 hectares in 2010-11. He said that during the ongoing season of pulses cultivation (From July onwards) farmers of state sowed Moongi on 10,000 hectares of land, Mahn on 5000 hectares of land while Arhar on 7,000 hectares of land and it was hoped that a total 20,000 metric tonnes production of pulses would be received this season whereas during previous season in 2010-11 state had received a total 16,000 metric tonne produce of pulses.

        He said that Punjab government was committed to provide all requisite facilities to the farmers of state including seeds, subsidies and the arrangements of proper marketing.
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NEW DIRECTIONS ISSUED TO HIRE PRIVATE BUILDINGS FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES
• MANDATORY TO GET PRIOR APPROVAL FROM GENERALADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

CHANDIGARH, JULY 3:

            The Punjab Government today issued directions for all heads of Departments to route the proposal through General Administration Department for taking private buildings on rent for opening offices in Chandigarh and SAS Nagar or vacating the building where Government Offices were being run in these cities.
An official spokesman today said that earlier the individual agreements of rent deed singed by owner of the building and concerned departments led to various legal hurdles forcing the State Government to issue the fresh instructions. He said that new directions also provide that more than one department can operate different offices in one building making to optimum utilization of available space.

       He said that rent of private building would be paid by concerned Government offices besides pursuing the legal formalities and proceedings. He said that now buildings can not be vacated by any government department without getting approval from General Administration Department. He said that Departments seeking to setup their offices in private buildings would have to prepare a detailed case including all necessary information regarding carpet area of the building, sanction from Finance Department etc. He said that the case would be evaluated by GAD and permission would be granted to the department.

'DISASTER RISK REDUCTION' PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN AMRITSAR, JALANDHAR AND LUDHIANA-KOHAR
CHANDIGARH, JULY 3:

            The UNDP supported 'Disaster Risk Reduction' (DRR) programme has been launched in the three districts of state including Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana, under which Digitisation of road network and canal would take place, which would be used as an input for preparation and analysis of risk and vulnerability atlas.

            Disclosing this here today S. Ajit Singh Kohar Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster management Minister said that to start the program in the trio districts project for database development and preparation of Composite Risk Atlas would be completed soon. He said that in order to effective preparation for the DRR it is mandatory to know about the history of disasters and action taken during disasters in past so that the best way to put all necessary information on record was to prepare an Atlas where all disaster related information would be available in both digital and paper form.
The minister said that Geographical Information System (GIS) would be equipped with all the information about the important physical and social infrastructural facilities including health amenities, educational institutes, recreational facilities, religious places, fire stations, medical shops, water tanks, sub stations, food storage center, industries, relief center, roads-railway network, graveyards, tube wells, canals, water bodies, open lands, play grounds, stadiums, parks etc, which would be become useful during a disaster scenario and be updated regularly.

          He said that besides uploading the necessary information on GIS, an exercise of modeling the flood hazard areas of Punjab was also carried. He said that Revenue Department and Rehabilitation and Disaster Management have initiated the preparations of Composite Risk Atlas on 1:10,000 scales on GIS environment. He said that the Atlas would incorporate all the physical, social and economical aspects affecting risk of Punjab to disasters. He said that the UNDP has implemented Disaster Risk Reduction Program in 17 states across the country including Punjab.