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Amarinder attacks Akalis over Punjab police chief

Chandigarh, July 8, 2011: Former Punjab chief minister and state Congress president Amarinder Singh Friday said the state's police chief who is tipped to contest assembly elections in the state next year should have resigned.

Amarinder Singh Friday asked Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to also spell out the post retirement role of the Director General of Police (DG) P.S. Gill.

The name of the DGP, who is scheduled to retire Sep 30 this year, is doing rounds that he is likely to contest the state assembly polls, scheduled February-March next year, from the Moga assembly seat.

Singh said the Akalis should spell out if the DGP will remain in his post till he retires.

"Now that you have said that he will continue till his superannuation, you should also tell people of Punjab whether he is going to be your party candidate from Moga or not," Amarinder Singh asked Badal.

"He should ideally have gracefully demitted his office or at least recused from the top job in the police," Amarinder observed.

He accused the Akali Dal of politicizing the state police and making police officers work like party agents.....IANS/ NRIpress.com

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BIKRAM SINGH MAJITHIA APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF YOUTH WING OF SAD

Chandigarh, July 8 :

Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today appointed young and dynamic MLA and former Minister S. Bikram Singh Majithia as President of the Youth wing of SAD. He also announced that Mr. Majithia would announce the organisational  set up of the youth wing within 15 days of his appointment.

            In a statement issued from the party head office here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that Mr. Majithia was already working with dedication for strengthening the party and youth wing in particual and has organised well attended rallies in different districts of the state which have proved his unmatched ability, committement and his political wisdom and visionary approach to  mobilize the youth and motive them. He  further said that senior leadership of the party was unanimous of this view that at this juncture of increased political activity and year of election, only Mr. Majithia  is fit candidate for the post of Presidentship of the youth wing, accordingly he has been nominated President of the Youth Wing.

            He hoped that Mr. Majithia would infuse a new spirit in the youth wing of SAD.
 HARISH RAI DHANDA APPOINTED CHAIRMAN PPSC
Chandigarh July 8:
The Punjab Governor today approved the appointment of Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda as Chairman Punjab Public Service Commission.
            This was disclosed by an official spokesman

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SIX PPS OFFICERS POSTED AS JAIL SUPERINTENDENTS

Chandigarh July 8:-
 The Punjab Government has posted 6 PPS officers as Superintendents of the 6 Central Jails in Punjab.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Home Department said that  Mr Ajay Maluja has been posted as Superintendent  Central Jail, Bathinda, Mr  Makhan Singh has been posted as Superintendent, Central Jail, Amritsar, Mr. Jagmohan Singh has been posted as Superintendent, Central Jail, Faridkot, Mr.  Narinder Pal Kaushal has been posted as Superintendent, Central Jail, Patiala, Mr Shammi Kapoor has been posted as Superintendent, Central Jail, Gurdaspur and Mr. Randhir Singh Uppal as Superintendent, Central Jail, Ludhiana

FIVE PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED
Chandigarh July 8:-

             The Punjab Government today issued transferred orders of five PPS officers with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Home Department said that Mr. Sukhvinder Singh has been posted as S.P. Operations Hoshiarpur and Mr. Rashpal Singh has been posted as ADCP Traffic & Security Amritsar.

            Likewise Mr. Paramjit Singh has been posted as S.P/Detective Batala and Mr. Bhupinder Singh Sidhu has been posted as S.P/Detective Mohali.

            Mr. Naresh Kumar has been posted as ADCP Special Branch Amritsar.
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CM FOR PROMPT PAYMENT OF RS. 1.5 LAC TO THE HOSPITAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF EACH CANCER PATIENT

 Manpreet  created a wedge between me and the people of Gidderbaha- Badal

Kot Bhai (Sri Muktsar Sahib) July 8:-
          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that he would stay at night in the same village where he will hold a Sangat Darshan to feel the pulse of the people so that he could address the problems being confronted by them in a far more meaningful and result oriented manner.

          It may be recalled that Mr. Badal stayed at  Govt school Chappianwali last night and listened to Gurbani Kirtan and part- took langer in the local Gurdwara.

          On the second day of the Sangat Darshan being held in District Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mr. Badal said that it was the SAD-BJP Government which was really sensitized to the grass root problems of the people residing in the rural areas where as Congress had never bothered to solve their problems due to their vested and self centered approach. He said our Government was committed to give a new face lift to the villages by ensuring over all development and the Sangat Darshan programme was the healthy platform to achieve this objective by redressing the grievances of the people on the spot thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and the administration.

          Slamming the former Finance Minister and President of the Punjab’s People Party Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said that he was an opportunist and was misguiding the people but he could not befool them anymore  because they were well aware about his conspiracies to destabilize the Shiromani Akali Dal. He however said that Manpreet would never succeed in his plan to lower the popularity of SAD amongst people.  Mr. Badal said that it was the Shiromani Akali Dal which gave him an opportunity to serve the people of this region as MLA and later elevated him as Finance Minister. He said Manpreet never wanted him to hold Sangat Darshan in the Gidderbaha Assembly Constituency region and always stood like a wall between him and the people of Gidderbaha for the reasons best known to him.
          Referring to the Cancer fund of Rs. 20 crore, the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner and Civil Surgeon Muktsar to ensure timely payment of Rs. 1.5 lac  as a grant to given to the concerned hospitals for the treatment of the patients afflicted with Cancer on the priority. He said no laxity would be tolerated in this behalf because government could not afford to play havoc with the lives of the people.

          Later talking to the media persons, Mr. Badal hailed the decision of Shiromani Akali Dal to appoint former Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia as the president of Youth Akali Dal as he deserved this coveted post due to his tremendous capabilities and capacities to cherish the aspirations of our youth and hoped he would further strengthen the youth wing of Shiromani Akali Dal zealously with firm commitment.

                    Prominent among other those who were present on the occasion included Member Parliament from Faridkot Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Mr. Navjeet Singh Kauni and Mr. Gurpal Singh Gora both SGPC members, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema.

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DOCTORS INDULGING IN PRIVATE PRACTICES
WOULD NOT BE SPARED----SHAKIR

Chandigarh July 8: Mr. Arunesh Shakir, Medical Education  and Research Minister Punjab today warned  doctors posts in the Medical Colleges against indulging Private Practice and said that erring doctors  should remain prepared for the strict action. 
              He has directed the senior officers of the Department to identify the erring doctors, who were habitual of indulging in illegal practices and also claiming Non Practicing Allowance, so that the necessary action could be taken against them in the larger public interest. Taking a serious view of the incidents of doctors indulging in private practices particularly in Patiala and Amritsar districts where gross irregularities have been found putting the lives of the patients in danger

             He said that some doctors have been found issuing false medico-legal reports for their financial benefits which give way to the anti-social and criminal elements and bring a bad name to the Government as well as society. The Minister said that it has also to the notice that certain doctors also charge money for operating upon the patients which goes contrary to the medical ethics.

       Adding further the Minister said that it was unfortunate that the doctors who were on administrative duties given accommodation within the premises of the institute prefer to stay outside flouting the rules and affecting the administration of the medical colleges. Giving strict instructions, Mr. Shakir warned such Medical Officers to pull up their socks otherwise strict administrative action would be taken against them.

            Mr. Shakir directed the DRME, Joint DRME and all principals of Government Medical, Dental, Ayurvedic and Nursing Colleges to call the Medical Superintendents in an emergent meeting  in the end of this month at Chandigarh  with a view to check the irregularities. Steps being taken by the government to curb ragging in the medical colleges would also be reviewed in the meeting, he added.

PUNJAB REVISES FAMILY PENSION OF
PRE 1.1.2006 PENSIONERS/FAMILY PENSIONERS

Chandigarh, July 8: The Punjab government has decided to revise the family pension of pre 1.1.2006 pensioners/family pensioners.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the State government said that the existing pensioners, in whose case the family pension had not come into operation as on 1.1.2006 as pensioners are/were alive on that date, the family pension (including additional pension wherever applicable) would also be updated as per the recommendations of the 5th Punjab Pay Commission. The updated rates of family pension would apply as and when family pension becomes payable in such cases. Besides this, in case a pensioner has died on or after 1.1.2006, the updated family pension would become payable to the family pensioner from the date of death of pensioner, he added. 

TRANSFERS OF CIVIL AND POLICE OFFICERS AS PER ECI DIRECTION SOON -SUKHBIR

• CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT FAILED TO CONTROL PRICE RISE
• REPEATED RAISING OF INTEREST RATES IMPACTING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
• DEMANDS HIGHER SHARE FOR STATES IN CENTRAL TAXES
• NIHALSINGH WALA GETS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS OF RS. 9 CRORES  

Badhni Kalan ( Moga ) , July 7: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the state government would soon transfer Civil and Police Officers as per the stipulations of Election Commission of India and process of making lists of such officers was underway.

       Talking to media persons before holding third phase of Sangat Darshan programme in Moga district today Mr. Badal said that the state government has received directions from Election Commission of India to transfer all such officers who are posted in their home district or where they have completed a tenure of three years out of four year or such offices/officials against home Commission had recommended disciplinary action or who have been charged for any lapse in Election or election related work or who were transferred under the order of Commission.  He said that lists of such officers were being prepared to ensure that they may not be assigned any election related duty.

       When asked about step taken by Congress led UPA government to check price rise of essential commodities Mr. Badal said that people of the country were fed up listening assurances from the Prime Minister since last three years that prices would soon come down. He said that Congress led UPA government has failed in its primary duty to provide essential goods at reasonable rate and the steep hike in the price of petrol diesel and LPG has exposed the nexus of Union government with the multinational oil companies.

       The Deputy Chief Minister said that Union government has raised the interest on loans ten times during last nine months and this repeated raising of interest on the plea of controlling inflation was impacting industrial growth. He said that impact was clearly visible on the bottom-line of medium and small scale units.

       Lashing at Congress led UPA government for discriminating against states Mr. Badal said that it was matter of great concern that Union government takes away 70% lion share from the Central Taxes collected from the state and Punjab was left with meager 1.31% of remaining 30% share. Rubbishing the  suggestion of Union government to the states to lower taxes on petroleum products, Mr. Badal said that let Union government raise our share from 1.31% to 10%, we are ready to withdraw all taxes from petrol.

       Later in the day Mr. Badal distributed a grant of Rs. 8.35 crores to 46 Panchayats of Badhni kalan and Ajitwal for various development works.

       Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion Member Parliament Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, former Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sital Singh Dharmsot, Akali leader Mr. Gurmail Singh Sangowal and SGPC member Mr. Harinder Singh Rania. 

STATE DRUG CONTROLLER SUSPENDED

Chandigarh July 7:-

          The Punjab Health Department today suspended Mr. Bhag Singh State Drug Controller with immediate effect.
          According to an official spokesman Mr.Bhag Singh has been suspended for negligence of duties. He said that during the period of suspension his head quarter would be Punjab Health System Corporation SAS Nagar Mohali and he would not leave Head Quarter without prior permission.

PROCESS FOR CANCELLATION OF LICENSE OF CHEMIST SHOPS SELLING BANNED STEROIDS BEGIN
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES SHOW CAUSE NOTICE TO TEN CHEMIST SHOPS

Chandigarh July 7:-

          The Punjab Health Department today started the process of cancellation of license of chemist shops for selling banned steroids without prescription to the players getting training in National Institute of Sports. Ten shops raided yesterday were sent show cause notice by the health department and they have been asked to reply within 21 days.
          It may be added that on the strict instructions of Punjab Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosian the Health Department raided shops of in the vicinity of NIS Patiala and three shops were found selling banned steroids and records of seven shops were not in order.

          The shops that were issued show cause notice today included Harjit Medicos, Ajay Medicos, V.V Chemists and Drugists, Vimal Medicos, Shana Medicos, Goyal Medical Hall, Sant Chemist, Kohali Medicine Traders, Chief Medical Store and Hind Medicos.

MANUFACTURERS AND RECYCLERS OF PLASTIC CARRY BAGS TO REGISTER THEMSELVES WITH PPCB

Chandigarh, July 7:  The Punjab Pollution Control Board has directed that any person manufacturing and purposing to manufacture, recycling or proposing to recycle carry bag and multilayered plastics or any plastic waste would have to get register with the Board as per the provision of Rule 9 of the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules-2011.

          Disclosing this here today, Mr. K.S.Pannu, Chairman, PPCB  informed that all units covered under these rules have been asked to apply for registration with PPCB within 30 days and in case of  non-compliance of these directions, strict action under section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 would be initiated against the erring units that too without any further notice.

          He further said that any violation of the said Plastic Rules was punishable for a term which may extend to five years with fine, which may extend to Rs. 1 lac or with both.  In case, the failure or contravention continues, they made be punished with additional fine which may extend to Rs. 5000/- for every day during the failure or contravention period.
          It may be mentioned here that Union Environment and Forest Ministry has already notified the Plastic Waste (Management and handling) Rules-2011 for manufacture, recycle and use, collection, segregation, transportation and disposal of post consumer plastic waste under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act-1986 vide notification no. S.O.249(E) dated 4th  February, 2011.

NOMINATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PADMA AWARDS INVITED

Chandigarh,  July 7:  The Union government has invited nominations and recommendations  for Padma Awards namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri  from the state government.

            According to an official spokesman the nominations for these awards have been sought by Union government from all States, Union Territories and also from several other sources to enable broad based consideration. The state government is required to send recommendation of those people who have "work of any distinction" and has to credit distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines such as art Literature, Education, Sports, Medicines, Social Work, Science Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.  All persons without any distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.

            The state government has asked the concern to submit recommendation on the performa ten copies in English and Punjabi with in this month, so that it could be forwarded to the Union government timely. It was clarified that recommendations regarding government officers/officials be sent through concerned Ministers, where as recommendations regarding IAS/IPS officers were to be sent through Personnel branch of Chief Secretary.


GET YOUR LEARNER LICENCE IN COLLEGE ITSELF-PRINCIPAL AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE LEARNER LICENCE

Chandigarh, July 7: The Punjab government today took a path breaking decision authorizing Principals of all Government Colleges, Polytechnic Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes; Medical Colleges empowering them to issue learner license to the students after conducting mandatory test about the knowledge of traffic rules. An amendment in Motor Vehicle Act 1988, Rule 4, 10, 11 of Central Motor Vehicle Act has been made in this regard.

          According to an official spokesman, this was the main recommendation of Punjab Governance Reforms Commission that suggested that to check the harassment of public in the District Transport Offices, certain government agencies should empowered to issue learner licence.  This amendment would give a major relief to college going youth, who had to run from pillar to post to get learner licence, to drive two wheelers or four wheelers. Fearing harassment most of the youth opted to drive vehicles without licence thereby getting caught by traffic police and endangering the lives of others by driving without licence.

          According to the notification all Principals have been authorized to accept applications on required form along with three passport size photographs, proof of residence as applicable in the rules, proof of age, proof of citizenship and appropriate fee prescribed under Motor Vehicle Act. While submitting applications for issuing learner licence, every applicant  would present himself before the Principals   of the Government I.T.Is, Government Polytechnic Colleges, Government Engineering Colleges, Government Medical Colleges and Government Colleges, as the case may be for a preliminary test and  Principals would satisfy themselves  regarding the knowledge of candidates of traffic rules, regulations and traffic symbols. After fulfilling the all formalities the Principals would themselves issue learner licence to the students and submit the original records to the DTO office and fee charged to the concerned Treasury
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          The spokesman said that this amendment, first of its own kind in the country, is set to emerge as trend setter for other states

PUNJAB’S BOOSTER DOSE FOR MAIZE CULTIVATION - LANGAH

• 50% SUBSIDY ON ALL MAIZE SEEDS AND WEEDICIDES
• PRODUCTION EXPECTED TO TOUCH 5.25 LAC TONNES

Chandigarh, July 7:   Farmers are showing keen interest in maize cultivation with series of incentives announced by state government and maize   cultivation is set to touch 1.50 lac hectares against 1.3 lac hectares last year.

              Disclosing this here today Punjab Agriculture Minister, Mr.Sucha Singh Langah said that maize production was expected to touch 5.25 lac  tonne mark with average 36 quintal per hectare yield during current year .
              He said that during year 2010-11 the area under maize cultivation was 1.3 lac hectares and the total production was recorded 5.02 lac tone with average 36.73 quintal per hectare yield.  While in year 2009-10 the total area under maize cultivation was 1.39 lac hectare and the total production was 4.75 lac tone with average yield of 34.14 quintal per hectare.
He said that Punjab government has been providing seeds of two seeds of hybrid maize namely PEHM-1 and PCM-3 free of cost to the farmers of the state. He said that 20,000 mini kits of 2Kg seed each of maize were being distributed free of cost to the maize growing farmers.

 Mr. Langah said that the state government under a public private partnership has chalked out an ambitious plan to set up 110 exhibitions plots of one hectare each in 5 districts to cultivate maize on trial basis. He said that under this programme Punjab Agriculture University, Monsanto India Ltd. and Shri Ram Bio Seeds would jointly provide 50% subsidy of maize seeds and required pesticides along with technical guidance.  

               He further said that in an other programme the state government has selected 50 blocks for providing technical guidance to the maize growing farmers.  He said that these blocks were in Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Nawan Shahar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Patiala, Mohali , Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana.

               Mr. Langah advised the farmers to opt only those maize varieties which were recommended by the PAU besides ensuring the purchase of seeds from reputed seed shops.

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHRIF SEASON    ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, July 07:

            The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Khriff Season through Canal water from 09-7-2011 to 16-7-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch and  Bathinda Branch and respectively.

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

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

            The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Kasur Branch with its distributaries being in the first preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in Sabraon Branch, Lahore Branch, Main Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.

SCHEDULE FOR RIMC ENTRANCE TEST ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, July   07:

              The entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College ( RIMC ), Dehradun for July, 2012 term would be conducted here at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan (Sector-15) on 1st & 2nd  December, 2011.
             Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab informed that only boys were eligible to apply for the admission. Candidates appearing for the test should not be born earlier than 2nd July, 1999 and not later than 1st January, 2001 . They should either be studying in Class VII or passed Class VII from any recognized school at the time of admission to the RIMC. Selected candidates will be given admission in Class-VIII. The written part of the examination would consist of three papers namely, English, Mathematics & General Knowledge and the viva-voce test would be held for only those candidates who qualify in the written exam and the date for the viva voce test has been fixed as on April 05, 2012 (Thursday).

             He informed that the copies of application forms, prospectus and set of old question papers could be obtained from the Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun on payment of Rs.350/- through demand draft in favour of Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun payable at SBI Tel Bhavan (Code No.01576) Dehradun. Applications in duplicate in prescribed form should be accompanied by a bank draft for Rs.50/-(Rs.5/- in case of  Scheduled Caste and scheduled tribe) in favour of Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun payable at SBI Tel Bhavan (Code No.01576) Dehradun alongwith three passport size photographs of the candidate. Besides this, the candidate should furnish a certificate of age in duplicate from municipal birth register.

          He further said that the applications in duplicate duly completed must reach here at Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab before 30st September, 2011. Application received after 30-9-2011 will not be entertained.