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Punjab News: 2011

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO SIGN MOU WITH NEW YORK COLLEGE OF CRIMIMINAL JUSTICE

  Chandigarh July 18

                      As per the directions of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Punjab government will soon sign a MoU with John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York to initiate a Police training programme as a part of police reforms in the state.

Disclosing this here today the Principal Secretary Home Mr. DS Bains informed that the a visiting team of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the City University of New York had proposed a two-way interaction programme to be started between the police forces of New York State and Punjab, under which 5 to 10 high-ranking Police officers from Punjab would get one week  training in New York and a team of 5 officers with different areas of expertise would visit Punjab in the first phase.  The main aim of this joint venture would be to train the police personals to motivate our Police force to perform better, said Mr. Bains.

                    During a de-briefing session held at the Punjab Bhawan today, Dr. Maria Haberfeld, the Leader of the US Team said that during her visit to Police Training Colleges Phillaur and Jahan Khelan training institution, she was impressed with the quality of training being imparted, whereas the facilities could be improved. She further suggested that new topics like manpower management, resource management, leadership development, and better deployment of the force to be introduced in the Police training syllabus to enhance the skill and performance of our police force. She also said that the Police force in the State was severely under-staffed and it needs a system for recognizing and rewarding good work so as to motivate the delivery system. Expressing concern over the long duty sometimes even 14 -16 hours a day, she said that perspective planning for shift work could resolve this problem.

                    The criminal justice system had a direct impact upon the effectiveness of policing and long period spent by the Courts in deciding cases had a deleterious effect, since a criminal was not deterred by the fear of quick conviction, said Dr. Maria.

                    The Team had discussions with the Judges in the districts and it found that the same judges were hearing criminal and civil cases, besides marriage disputes. No guidelines or priorities were clear and she suggested that specialized courts should be set up for different kind of work, and better time management would resolve the problem of large-scale pendency of high-priority and important cases.

                    As far as the reform of prisoners was concerned, the Team found that the prison management system was functioning satisfactorily. The Team noted that on the job training was an important measure to rehabilitate convicts in society after they were released and it was hoped that more funds would be pumped into this aspect. Dr. Maria stated that the Prison system in the USA was privatized to some extent and the same could be considered in Punjab also.

                    The Principal Secretary Home, Mr D.S.Bains stated that he had advised the visiting Team to prepare modules for training which would be useful for officers of Punjab police visiting New York and similarly training modules could be deployed for the team of John Jay College which visits Punjab . He appreciated the concept of templates in which a check-list is provided to the Police officers for investigating crime and especially the steps required to be taken when they arrive at the scene of crime. Mr. Bains hoped that this two-way training process would improve the already efficient Punjab Police and also create better results in the force which is already credited with achievement of  stipulated  targets  with ease.  He expressed pleasure that the visiting Team had found the State Police force to be effective, motivated and competent.

                    It may be recalled that the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr Badal had visited New York,  seen the College and advised them to send a Team for studying Punjab Police to improve its expertise in the following Departments –  Computer Information Systems in Criminal Justice and Public Administration, Correctional Studies, Criminal  Justice, Criminal Justice Administration and Planning, Criminology, Culture and Deviance Studies, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Science, Gender Studies, International Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Police Studies, Security Management etc.

                    It may be mentioned here that the visting US team comprising Dr. Maria Haberfeld, Professor and Chair, Department of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration, John Jay College, the City University of New York, Mr. Michael Walker, Mr. Robert Thursland and Mr. William Fraher had visited various places in Punjab, met top-ranking officers, intrected with trainees at Police Training College at Phillaur and Jahan Khelan, observed the functioning of Police at the grassroot levels in urban and rural areas, besides visiting subordinate courts and some Jails also.

 

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BADAL ANNOUNCES TO SET UP SRI GURU JAMBAHESWAR CHAIR IN THE PUNJABI UNIVERSITY PATIALA

PUNJAB TO BESTOW AMRITA DEVI AWARD UPON THE BEST ENVIRONMENTALIST ON AUGUST 15

CHANDIGARH JULY 18:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to set up Sri Guru Jambaheswar chair in the Punjabi University Patiala to promote his teachings and ideology in the society. 

An announcement to this effect was made by Mr. Badal while releasing a book titled “Sri Guru Jambaheswar Ji Ki Mimnsa” in Hindi written by Dr. Hira Lal Maheshwari from Jaipur depicting the life and the teachings of Sri Guru Jambaheswar ji. 

            Appreciating the efforts of Bishnoi community for the protection of wild life and environment throughout the country, Mr. Badal also announced that Punjab government would soon initiate a special state award after the name of legendry Amrita Devi Bishnoi, who laid down her life amongst 363 villagers who also sacrificed their lives in a gruesome massacre led by the forces of Raja Abhey Singh in 1730 in Rajasthan as an action against the villagers protecting the trees from cutting.  He said that the maiden Amrita Devi award would be conferred on the eminent personality from Punjab with outstanding work in the field of environment and wild life protection on the coming Independence Day. 

            On the demand of the members of the Bishnoi community, Mr. Badal also agreed to recommend the case to include Bishnoi community in OBC list to the Centre at the earliest after completing all the formalities.  He also directed the PUDA to explore the possibility to construct Bishnoi Bhawan. 

            On the occasion, a large number of members of Bishnoi community from Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab especially from Abohar-Fazilka belt converged here. 

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, Member Planning Commission Ch. Sanjiv Godara Situ, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Akhil Bhartiya Jeev Raksha Bishnoi Sabha Chairman and President Mr. Hanuman Dass and Mr. Ramesh Kumar Rahar, Bhishnoi Sabha Punjab Abohar President Mr. Surinder Kumar Godara, Vice President Mr. Ram Murti Bhadu, Akhil Jeev Raksha Punjab President Mr. Ram Kumar Delu, Director and President Sahitya Samiti Bishnoi Sabha Mr. Vinod Kumar Jhambdass and Mr.Rajinder Kumar Delu, President Bishnoi Sabha Panchkula Mr. Achint Ram Godara and Special Secretary Health Haryana Mr. PR Bishnoi. 

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SEVERE JOLT TO CONGRESS IN CHANDIGARH

KANG ALONG WITH FOLLOWERS JOINS S.A.D IN THE PRESENCE OF SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

 

Chandigarh, July 18:  Chandigarh Congress today received a major setback with Senior Congress leader and Councilor Mr. Jagjit Singh Kang(Gora), his twin brother Kala Kang along with thaeir hundreds of followers and family members joined Shiromani Akali Dal in the presence of its President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.It may be added that both are the the real brothers of former Congress Minister Jagmohan Singh Kang.

Welcoming Kang brothers in party fold, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal assured to utilize their services for the strengthening of Shiromani Akali Dal in state Capital as they had a long history of selfless service to the public. It may be mentioned here that Chandigarh unit of Shiromani Akali Dal along with number of Sikh Organizations today organized a grand felicitation ceremony here at Tagore Theatre to honour SAD President and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for his unmatched contribution in ushering an era of all round development in Punjab besides strengthening the party.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Badal expressed confidence that SAD-BJP combine would register a thumping victory in coming Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections thereby paving the way for representation of capital in Parliament by a BJP-SAD nominee.

Talking about Punjab he said that with successful initiation of mega projects in the fields of power, infrastructure, education, civil aviation, transport and health besides other unique initiatives in the form of e-tendering, governance reforms, computerized Fard Kendras and  police outreach centers, the Punjab was all set to become top governed state of the country. He revealed that the SAD-BJP government in Punjab has brought down the debt to GDP ratio to 30 percent, which was 45 percent during previous Congress regime. The debt to GDP ratio of Cingress led UPA government was 51 percent, he quipped.

Lambasting Congress for its anti poor policies, Mr. Badal said that it has made the life of a common man miserable by unleashing unprecedented inflation. He said that time has come, that the people should reject the non performing governments. He said that the Congress was bamboozled with overwhelming response to SAD-BJP in Punjab and its State President was issuing baseless statements opposing Sangat Darshan programme and chief Minister's stay in villages during such programmes.

Earlier, senior Akali Leader and former Mayor Bibi Harjinder Kaur welcomed SAD President and assured to work wholeheartedly for strengthening of Party in the State capital. Mr. Satya Pal Jain, former MP, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Sanjay Tandon, President, BJP, Chandiagrh , Mr. Amarinder Singh, Member SGPC, Mrs. Sheelam Sohi, General Secreatry, Istri Akali Dal and Buland Singh, President, SOI, Chandigarh also spoke on the occasion.

CONGRESS SHOULD SHED DOUBLE STANDARDS-GREWAL

 Chandigarh, July 18

Harmeet Singh Dhillon

 The Shiromani Akali Dal today lambasted the Congress in the state for resorting to double standards on the issue of direct interaction of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to get update on the problems of the common people among whom he has moved about for more than half a century of his political life and attained the status of a Jan-nayak, unmatched by any Congress leader.

In a statement issued today from Shiromani Akali Dal’s head office, party General Secretary and spokesman S. Maheshinder Singh Grewal said that it was not Badal who was imitating Rahul Gandhi who was novice as compared to this tallest leader of the region but vice versa. He advised the Congressmen to go through every day routine of the Chief Minister and only then they would realize that Badal’s decision to spend nights in the village was just one part of this direct interaction. He said that Badal was the only leader who was rooted to the ground and shared problems of the people.

Mr. Grewal said that the problem with the Congressmen was that the state party Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh was far removed from the social reality in the state, whom the common man cannot even approach, what to talk of their leader going to the common people. With the elections just a few months away, the faction ridden Congress party in the state was too scared. He reminded the Congressmen that during his last tenure as the former Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh moved out only towards the end, that too in a caravan of cars which, rather than listening to the problems of the people, was more an exercise in final good bye. The people of Punjab rightly rejected him and his party in the elections. The Congressmen could only exploit the sentiments of the people as had been the bitter experience in Punjab. He said that Badal’s policies had always been pro-people while the Congressmen had nothing to do with the masses.

Mr. Grewal said that even the Congress led UPA government had adopted the welfare schemes initiated by the Badal government. He said that benefits have been given to the deserving sections in Punjab on an unprecedented scale despite the fact that the purse strings are being tightly controlled by the centre and the criteria for the allocation of grants goes against Punjab, a fact which has repeatedly been taken up by the Akali Dal, both when in power and out of power.

  

CM FOR STRENGTHENING EARLY CANCER DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

Badal reviews various PIMS Projects

 CHNADIGARH JULY 18

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Medical Education and Research Department to chalk out a comprehensive plan to provide free treatment to the poor patients afflicted with cancer in all the Medical Colleges of the state.

          Mr. Badal was presiding over 28th governing body meeting of the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences Society (PIMS), Jalandhar to review the status of construction and academic functioning of the institute.

Expressing concern over the plight of poor cancer patients in the far flung areas of the state, Mr. Badal impressed upon the need to introduce mobile units equipped with latest technical support with special provision of counseling experts to provide early cancer diagnostic service.

Mr. Badal was apprised in the meeting that the admission process of the Medical College of PIMS Medical & Education Charitable Society at Jalandhar had been completed and the first session would commence from 1st August 2011. Regarding the up-gradation and strengthening of Govt. Medical College, Patiala it was informed that the executing and implementing agency HSCC had submitted final concept design, whereas for setting-up of comprehensive Cancer Diagnostic Treatment Centre at Bathinda the case had been sent to Atomic Energy Development Board (AERB) for approval.

The Governing Body also approved the Rs. 5 crore enhancements for the construction of Medical Education Bhawan at Mohali.  

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Medical Education & Research Minister and Vice Chairman of the governing body of PIMS society Mr. Arunesh Shakir, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Advocate General Mr. Baldev Singh, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Medical Education & Research Ms. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Finance Mr. Dalip Kumar, Director Research & Medical Education Dr. Jai Krishan Director PIMS Dr. AS Padda and Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Medical & Health Sciences Dr. SS Shergill.

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PUNJAB GOVT TO SOON LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN FOR NUMBERING OF SCs/BCs HOUSES IN THE VILLAGES

 CHANDIGARH JULY 18:

          The Punjab Government would soon launch a vigorous state wide campaign for numbering of the houses belonging to SCs/BCs in the villages.

A decision to this effect was taken in a high level meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at his residence.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal said that in the non-availability of ownership records of the ancestral houses in the villages, the people were facing lot of hardships in securing loans from banks for petty business for their livelihood ultimately putting them in quandary. He said the numbering system of these dwelling units would serve as a meaningful purpose to maintain record in support of their ownership right over this immovable property. 

          The Chief Minister directed the Rural Development & Panchayat department along with Revenue department to undertake a massive campaign of numbering and maintaining a record register of the houses at villages through village Panchayats. He also advised the departments to organize joint meetings with the representatives of various bankers to find out ways and means to provide bank loans to these inhabitants on the basis of records maintained by the Panchayats.      

          Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Revenue Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, SCs & BCs Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Chief Secretary Mr. SC Agrawal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. AR Talwar, Principal Secretary Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. GS Sandhu, Secretary Science & Technology Mr. Visvajit Khanna and  Director Local Government Mr. Raminder Singh.

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CM GIVES NOD FOR RS 1.58 CRORE FOR HONORING 79 SPORTSPERSONS WITH MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AWARD

Chandigarh, July 18

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to grant Rs 1.58 crore to the Sports Department for honoring 79 sportspersons with prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award who have brought laurels to the state as well as the country by making outstanding contribution in different sports at the International level.

            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a meeting of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Apex Committee in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal here at Chief Minister's residence this evening.

            Taking part in the deliberations, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal apprised the Chief Minister that this coveted Maharaja Ranjit Singh award comprising a cash prize of Rs 2lac, a scroll, roll of honor and a blazer was given to sportspersons keeping in view their spectacular achievements during last five years and fifteen such sportspersons were selected every year. He said as many as 79 players have been selected for their rare feat in respective sports discipline for the last six years from year 2005 to 2010 by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award screening committee headed by him. He also informed the Chief Minister that the prize money of this state level award had been enhanced from Rs 1 lac to Rs. 2 lac from this year and notification has already been issued in this regard.

            It may be recalled this award has been given to 238 sportspersons till the year 2004.

            Lauding the initiative of state sports department for the promotion of the sports, the Chief Minister asked Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to organize a gala state level function to confer these awards on the sportspersons in a befitting manner. He also directed the sports department to put forth a comprehensive proposal to also honor those eminent sportspersons who could not be covered under this award by bestowing the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ on them in recognition with their superb contribution in sports arena.

            Prominent amongst others present in the meeting included: Member Rajya Sabha and President Punjab Olympic Association Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Secretary Sports Mr. PS Aujla, Director Sports Mr. Pargat Singh, Secretary     Punjab Olympic Association Mr. Raja Sidhu and Deputy Director Sports Mr. SL Lotte.

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 PUNJAB AWARDS FIVE MEDALIST PLAYERS WITH THE POST OF DSP

SUKHBIR APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF MANJIT KAUR, AVNEET KAUR, RANJAN SODHI, PALWINDER CHEEMA AND AMANDEEP KAUR AS DSP

A PROMISE TO PLAYERS FULFILLED-SUKHBIR

CM TO HAND OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS SOON

 

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 18: The Punjab government today approved the appointment of five gold medalist players of Asian and Commonwealth Games as Deputy Superintendent of Police. The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also hold the charge of Home Affairs and Sports Department, today gave his approval. The Players have been appointed in the pay scales of 10300-34800+5000 grade pay.

             Disclosing this here today,  an official spokesman said that as per the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister Gold Medalist graduate players had been offered the post of DSP. He said that Punjab Chief  Minister Mr,. Parkash Singh Badal would soon hold a function to hand over appointment letters to these players.

             It may be added that the previous SAD-BJP government had appointed Gagan Ajit Singh (Hockey), Sunita Rani (Athletics) and Harbhajan Singh (Cricket) as DSP.  Gagan Ajit and Sunita Rani now stand promoted as SP whereas Harbhajan did not join the job.

             Congratulating the players, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that SAD-BJP government was making all efforts to motivate the players by giving them suitable jobs, hefty cash prizes and by providing world class sports infrastructure.

             It may be added that Manjit Kaur from Sainpur village of Gurdaspur district had won Gold medal in 400X400 relay in 2010 Asiad as well as Commonwealth Games. Avneet Kaur from Bathinda had won Gold in Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006. Ranjan Sodhi of Guru Harsahai had won Gold in 2010 Asian Games in double trap event. Palwinder Singh Cheema, a Punjab Police Arjuna Awardee, had won Gold in 2002 Manchester Games in Wrestling while Bronze in 2006 Asian Games. Amandeep Kaur was member of Indian Hockey Team won Gold in 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.

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    PAY SCALES OF NURSING STAFF REVISED

Chandigarh, July 18: The Punjab government has decided to implement the revised pay scales of nursing staff as per the recommendations of 5th Pay Commission.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Punjab government said that revised pay scales would be implemented from 1st September,2011. Grade pay of Nurses has been enhanced to Rs. 4600 from the present Rs. 3200 and Rs. 3600 and now their initial pay would be Rs. 18030 in place Rs. 13500 and Rs. 14430.

Similarly, the grade pay of Nursing sister/Sister tutor/Public Health Nurse (Teaching) has been enhanced from Rs. 3800 to Rs. 4800.Besides this, their initial pay has also been enhanced from Rs. 14590 to Rs. 18250. The pay band of Matron/ District Public Health Nurse has been revised from 10300-34800 to 15600-39100 and their grade pay has also been enhanced from Rs. 4200 to Rs. 5400 and now they would get initial pay of Rs. 21000 in place of 16290. The grade pay of Nursing Superintendent/Principal Tutor has been increased from Rs. 5400 to Rs. 6600 and their initial pay would now be rs. 25250 instead of Rs. 21000/.

The spokesman further said that the grade pay of Superintendent, Public Health School, Mohali has been enhanced from Rs. 5700 to Rs. 7400 and his initial pay would be now Rs. 31120 in place of 22820.  While grade pay of Deputy Director Nursing has been increased from Rs. 6600 to Rs. 7600 and his initial pay would now be Rs. 31320 in place of 25250.

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SIDHWAN CANAL PROJECT- DORAHA TO FEROZEPUR ROAD STRECTH TO OPEN FOR TRAFFIC ON OCTOBER 1: SUKHBIR


CHANDIGARH, JULY 18: The Industrial city of Ludhiana is all set to get
some relief from chronic traffic snarls as left hand side of Sidhwan
Canal Project right from Ludhiana to Ferozepur Road would be opened to
traffic on October 1.

               Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today reviewed
the progress of this Rs 416 crore project to construct 26.900 Km four
lane road with carriage way on each side from the medium of Doraha
(NH1) to Ludhiana-Ferozepur Road (NH95) providing a bypass for traffic
going to Ferozepur.

 It was informed in the meeting that work on flyover at
Gill-Malerkotla Road Junction was complete 65% whereas flyover as
Dugri Road junction was near completion. It was also informed that two
bridges on Sidhwan Canal were completed 95% up to deck slab level
whereas work on other three bridges was in full swing. Similarly, work
on two ROBs to be constructed on Dhuri Railway line and Pakhowal Road
Junction were being executed speedly. It was informed that work on
underpasses would start after closure of canal in November.

The Deputy Chief Minister asked Railway Authorities to expedite work
of ROBs and Powercom was asked to speed up shifting of Hi-tension
cables.

Mr. Badal said that he was committed to execute this project on
schedule to benefit the citizens of Ludhiana and he would personally
visit the project to review its progress. Prominent amongst those
present in the meeting included Mr. Tikshan Sud, Local Bodies
Minister, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Secretary PWD, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon,
Former MP.

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PUNJAB SETS IN MOTION THE PROCESS  TO RECRUIT 225 COACHES

CHANDIGARH, JULY 18:

The Punjab Government has initiated exercise to
recruit 225 coaches to give sports a boost at grass root level.
       Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that the state
government has invited applications for game wise junior coaches for
Athletics, Basketball, Lawn Tennis, Volleyball, Rifle Shooting,
Cycling, Fencing, Football, Hockey, Kabaddi, Wrestling,
Weight-lifting, Boxing, Handball, Judo, Cricket, Swimming, Badminton,
Table Tennis, Gymnastic, Kho-Kho, Archery, Softball, Golf, Roller
Skating, Power Lifting, Horse Riding Chess, Rowing, Knowing and
Yachting.

       The Spokesman said that the aspirants could log on the website of
sports department www.pbsports.gov.in for the Performa and the last
date of submission of applications is August 8, 2011. He said that the
applicants should also have Diploma of Coaching from Sports of
Authority. He said that in absence of regular diploma from National
Institute of Sports, applicants can submit Diploma in Physical
Education or degree in Bachelor of Physical Education from any
recognised university or organisation besides having position in open
national or having first position in All India Inter University Meet.

       He said that no interview would be conducted during the selection
process. He said that only deserving candidates would be called for
counseling while applicants having Bachelor in Physical Education
would be preferred as compare to applicants having Diploma in Physical
Education. He said that every applicant should have to produce the
gradation certificate issued by the Sports Department of Punjab.

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70000 CONSTABLES in Punjab to get enhanced pay 

 Chandigarh July 18:

 The Punjab Government today issued notification revising the pay scales of over 70000 constables of Punjab Police as per the recommendation of 5th Punjab Pay commission.  The constables would get revised pay scale from 1st September, 2011.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of Punjab Government said that the grade of the constables had been revised from existing 5910-20200 + GP- 1900 to 5910-20200 + GP 2000. He said that now the initial pay of the constables would be Rs. 8240 as compared to Rs. 7800 previously.

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PHOTOGRAPH IN SERVICE BOOK MADE MANDATORY  

Chandigarh July 18:

 The Punjab Government today directed all the employees working in different departments to fix their latest photograph in their respective service books with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that it was mandatory for all the employees to fix their photograph in their respective service book. He said that it has been noticed that despite repeated reminders, employees were not supplying their photographs and it may cause them difficulty at later stage.

 

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TYPING TEST MANDATORY FOR CLERKS 

 Chandigarh, July 18: The Punjab government today issued a notification making Punjabi Typing Test mandatory for clerks.  

            The Official spokesman said that an amendment in the Rule 15 of Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Conditions of Services) 1994 has been made to this effect.  He said that now any clerk joining any government department would have to qualify Punjabi Typing Test with the speed of minimum 30 words per minute. He said that it would be the discretion of the clerks to opt for computer/electronic typewriter or manual typewriter. The clerk would have to qualify this test within 1 year from the date of his appointment.

            The spokesman further said that the test would be conducted by the Board or the Appointing Authority or the department of Information and Technology as per the case may be.

            He said that directions for compliance have been issued to all Heads of the departments, Commissioners of Divisions, Registrar, Punjab and Haryana High Court, District and Session Judge, Deputy Commissioners and to all the Sub- Divisional Magistrate.

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LEARN BASIC KNOWLEDGE FIRST SAD ADVISES CONGRESS

Chandigarh, July 17 : Shiromani Akali Dal today advised Punjab Congress leadership to learn basic principles of law and other subjects before speaking on any issue publicly.

            In a statement issued here today SAD General Secretary Balwinder Singh Bhunder said that it seems from the statements of the Punjab Congress leaders that they lack the basic knowledge on wide range of subjects regarding day to day life. He said it was surprising that Congress leaders including Capt. Amarinder Singh and his coterie are advising the SAD-BJP on the functions of the government without having an idea of what can be done and what to say.

He said that even a layman understands a fact that a case which is being dealt by the higher court cannot be heard by the lower court. He said that case regarding the Hansi Butana canal as well as of the wall being constructed along the canal by the Congress government of Haryana  are already under the consideration of the Supreme Court and even then Congress leaders are advising government on approaching Punjab and Haryana High Court.

            Mr. Bhunder said that  this is not first instance earlier too Congress leaders had tried to mislead the public with their baseless, irrelevant and malicious statements which are only an attempt to get their presence felt in the media and prove their attendance before the Congress high Command.

He advised the Congress leadership to  learn the basics of every field before issuing public statements. He said that criticism should be constructive and positive whereas criticism for sake of criticism is speciality of the knowledge-less personalities.

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SAD TO CONGRESS : IF PM CAN’T INTERVENE NOW, HOW DID INDIRA GANDHI ALLOCATE WATER ?

Chandigarh, July 17:

The Shiromani Akali Dal strongly reacted to the statement of Capt. Amarinder Singh issued today on the issue of intervention of Prime Minister in Hansi Butana and described it as 'an admission of sins'  by the Congress Party.

The SAD spokesman and Secretary Dr Daljit Singh Cheema asked Congress State President that if water dispute was an interstate issue, then how did Mrs Indira Gandhi , who was Prime Minister at that time, intervened and forcibly allocated water to Haryana during emergency? The Shiromani Akali Dal is always of the view that this act of Mrs. Gandhi was totally illegal and unconstitutional and has described it as one of the gravest excesses of emergency. It was on the basis of this illegal action of Mrs Gandhi that the matter became interstate. Otherwise it was never an interstate issue and as per the internationally accepted riparian principal only Punjab had the right of these river waters.

Lashing out further on Captain Amarinder Singh, SAD Secretary said that now Captain Amrinder Singh wants that Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal should withdraw case from Supreme Court and act in the same way as the then congress CM Mr. Darbara Singh had betrayed the state by withdrawing case from the supreme court. 

He reminded Congress President that akalis know how to safegaurd the interests of the state, and they shall do it this time also. But instead of hatching conspiracies against the state, the Congress leaders should sit at home and wait with patience.

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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRY FOR UPCOMING TEXTILE PARK

·         50% exemption from Market Fee, RDF and ID Cess for 10 years

·         10% land of the total land acquired allowed for commercial use without any CLU, EDC and License fee.

·         100% power at doorstep

Chandigarh, July 17

           The Punjab government today announced a comprehensive package of incentives for attracting World Class Textile Unit upcoming Textile Park being set up in Malwa region, to provide value addition to cotton farmers of that region. It  may be added that a Textile Park having composite Textile Processing units from Cotton to Garment,  is being setup with minimum Fixed Capital Investment of Rs.250 crore in districts of Bathinda, Mansa, Faridkot, Ferozepur, Mukatsar, Sangrur and Barnala .

            Announcing this policy Punjab Industry  Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud said that this policy have been framed to attract  leading textile brand names of the World who have already evinced interest to set up their units in collaborations with local textile industry in the Textile  Park. He said that  this special package would attract huge investment in textile sector as well as made sure that  farmers could get good price for their cotton crop. The main component of package was 50% exemption from Market Fee, RDF and ID Cess for 10 years or upto 50% of Fixed Capital Investment, whichever is earlier, that would be provided on purchase of cotton. He said that this concession would be available after the commencement of production of the units upto fabric manufacturing. 

            Another major incentives for Textile Industry was allowing 10% land of the total land acquired / purchased by the Promoter for such projects for commercial use without payment of any Change of Land Use, External Development Charges and License fee charges. He said that on the demand of Textile Industry it has been decided to allow Clubbing of investments in the units setup at multiple locations (not more than 2), on minimum 50 acres of land.  He said that however, the usage of not more than 10% commercial area in proportionate to the land at each location would be allowed.

      The Industry Minister said that the major attraction of this package was 100% power at doorstep with the facility of Power Grid at the cost of the unit. He said that Punjab government was also allowing the units to set up captive Power Plants for self use.  Meeting the major requirement of Textile Industry, the package provide for water at doorstep subject to availability of Canal water (other than the closer of Canal) after being studied by the Irrigation Department. Mr. Sud said that the cost of the land and cost of construction of the water carriage channel would be borne by the Developer; however no departmental charges of the Irrigation Department would  be taken for this purpose.  He said that Water charges as applicable would be paid by the developer.

            He said that courses for the skills required by the Park would be allowed to be introduced in the nearest Industrial Training Institutes for ensuring proper human resource backup. He said that each unit setup within the Park would  get all the above benefits. In case the Developer, instead of a Park sets up a single unit and fulfill the condition of composite unit, he would also get these benefits.

           Mr. Sud clarified that these incentives would be in addition to the incentives admissible under the Textile Policy of the State Government and the implementation period to complete the project would be 5 years from the date of signing of agreement for Mega Project.

             He said that State Government has also identified large chunks of land in the districts of Bathinda, Mansa and Ferozepur for this purpose which could be procured by the companies desirous of setting up of Textile Parks in the State. He said that besides providing large scale employment, such parks would enable value addition to the cotton producer in the State, within the State in the shape of clothing and garmenting which at present was taking place outside the State.

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  PUNJAB'S NEW INITIATIVE TO SAVE STATE BIRD BAAZ FROM EXTINCTION

  • NEW BREEDING CENTRE BEING DEVELOPED AT CHHATBIR ZOO

 

Chandigarh, July 17:   The Punjab government is taking keen interest to set up a  new breeding centre to save the State Bird Baaz (Eastern Gosh  Hawk) going into extinction as  this bird has a great religious significance in Sikh history.  Being connected with Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji, Punjabis are emotionally attached to Baaz and its declining numbers have worried Punjabis.  The situation has come to a point that whenever a Baaz is seen in any where in Punjab, people from nearby areas start assembling to have Darshan of religious symbol of Tenth Guru.

            Mr.Arunesh Shakir, Wild life Minister today said that SAD-BJP government has pushed forward the proposal to increase the number of Eastern Gosh Hawk by setting up a breeding centre in Chhatbir Zoo.  He said that under this plan Eastern Gosh Hawk would be bred in the centre and first few Eastern Gosh Hawks would be imported and a proper environment to be provided in the centre for their breeding. He said that a team of Central Zoo Authority would soon visit the Zoo to finalize this proposal. He said that Eastern Gosh Hawk was normally found in the hilly areas with low temperature and Eastern Gosh Hawks produced in the centre would be released in such areas where they could survive and flourish.

            It may be added that Punjab government had already taken another initiative for breeding Peacock by setting up peacock breeding centre in Bathinda that would start functioning very soon.

                       

WOMEN KABADDI TEAMS FROM FIVE NATIONS TO BE THE ADDED ATTRACTION IN 2ND WORLD CUP KABADDI

·        FIRST AND SECOND PRIZE DOUBLED TO 2 CRORE AND 1 CRORE RESPECTIVELY

·        16 NATIONS TO VIE FOR PRESTIGIOUS WORLD CUP KABADDI TITLE

·        PUNJAB FIRST TO HOST INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT OF WOMEN KABADDI

Chandigarh July 17: Announcing to double the prize money to Rs. 2 crore for World Cup Kabaddi tournament being organized IN Punjab; Deputy Chief Minister S.Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab is all set to organize exhibition matches of Women Kabaddi team for Five Nations during World Cup Kabaddi scheduled in last week of October and 1st week of November this year.

.           Reviewing the arrangement for World Cup Kabaddi in the high level meeting with Sports Department and office bearers of Punjab Kabaddi Association the Deputy Chief Minister said that there was also a need to encourage Women Kabaddi team beside World Kabaddi and it was decided that exhibition matches of women kabaddi team of five countries including INDIA, USA, Canada , UK and Iran would participate in these matches. For the women section prize money would be 25 Lakh for the winner and 15 lakh for runner up & 10 lakh each for other participating teams. He said that it was for the first time that any international tournament for women kabaddi would be organized with such high prize money.

Finalizing the arrangements for World Cup Kabaddi it was decided that 16 nations would vie for World Cup Kabaddi title and there would be divided into four leagues having four countries each. The country stopping each league would qualify for semi finals. He said that the prize money for the title has been doubled to two crore where as team securing 2nd and 3rd Position would get Rs. One Crore and  Rs.51 Lakh respectively.

 Mr. Badal said that All matches would be organized in the flood light and telecast live throughout the World fulfilling the long pending demand of Punjabis living in Canada USA , Europe, Australia and Gulf countries. The newly constructed flood lit stadium in Bathinda would witness glittering opening ceremony that is set to put opening ceremony of Commonwealth Games to a shade. Bathinda would also host both semifinals. The industrial city of Ludhiana would witness the culmination of 2nd World Cup Kabaddi as closing ceremony and final match would decide World Champion in the traditional game of Punjab. He said that this time it has been decided to take this game to the hotbed of  traditional Punjab style kabaddi game and it has been decided to hold the matches in the 12 venues mostly in the rural areas. This year four new venues at Dhudike (Moga), Mansa, SBS Nagar (Nawansheher) and TaranTarn have been included to take this game to the rural hotbed of the State and Patiala , Jalandhar , Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur are set to welcome players from all over the World for this keenly contested 2nd World Cup Kabaddi.

Participating in the deliberation Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka President Punjab Kabaddi Association said that 16 nations that are going to participate in the tournament that be India, Pakistan, Iran, Canada, USA, UK, Italy, Australia, Spain, Afghanistan and New teams including Sri Lanka, Norway, Tiawan, Irish Army and Argentina. He said that like last tournament doping test would be conducted strictly on all participating players.

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PUNJAB SET TO BOOST CULTIVATION OF SUNFLOWER-LANGAH

Announces 50 percent subsidy for exhibition plots, agri-implements and weedicides

Area under cultivation to double with production set to touch 44.5 thousand metric tons

Chandigarh, July 17: The Punjab government has decided to increase the area under cultivation of oil seed crops with special emphasis on increasing production of Sunflower. To achieve this target, it today announced liberal subsidies for exhibition plots, agri- implements and weedicides.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langah said that the State government would provide subsidy for agri- implements used in cultivation of Sunflower besides on weedicides being used for this purpose. He informed that it has decided to set up 80 exhibition plots measuring 5 hectares each throughout the State and the farmers would be provided subsidy of Rs.2500/-per hectare and Rs. 12,500/-for each exhibition plot of 5 hectares. He said that in the first phase it has been decided to set up these plots in Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, SBS Nagar, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, SAS Nagar and Rupnagar districts.

He said that during the year 2011-12 the area under cultivation of Sunflower was expected to increase to 25,000 acres and the production to touch 44.5 thousand metric tones. In the previous year i.e. 2010-11, the area under cultivation of Sunflower was 14.4 thousand acres and production was 25.6 thousand metric tones.

He said that the State government was providing subsidy under ICOPAM scheme and the farmers could also avail it for groundnuts and mustard also.

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 ONLINE SCHOLARSHIPS IN PUNJAB COLLEGES FROM 2011-12 SESSION- SEKHWAN

 

Chandigarh, July 17: The Punjab Government has decided to provide online scholarships to the eligible students for the year 2011-12 and directions in this regard have been issued to all Government/Aided/Un-Aided Colleges besides all the Universities of State.

          Disclosing this here today, Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan said that the DPI (Colleges) has uploaded the prescribed policy along with two performas on department’s website www.dpipunjab.org . He said that detailed information regarding students, who have got admissions in the colleges, should be uploaded on the website before July 31, 2011. Besides this, one each hard and soft copy should also be sent to the department.

          The Minister informed that the State government had already sent the cheques/drafts for disbursement of the scholarships for the session 2010-11 and the concerned institutions has been asked to furnish the information regarding disbursement to the department by August 31, 2011.

Meanwhile, it has been clarified that only those students would be eligible for the scholarship, who had submitted their scholarship forms by November 31, 2010. In case, a beneficiary could not get his/her scholarship amount by August 31, 2011, he/she may contact DPI (Colleges), Punjab’s office at Chandigarh.

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JAIRAM RAMESH ASSURES BADAL FOR REVISION OF WAGE RATES UNDER NREGA IN
PUNJAB AT PAR WITH HARYANA

PROMISES EARLY SURVEY OF BPL FAMILIES IN PUNJAB


NEW DELHI JULY 16:


    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Rural Development Minister Mr. Jairam Ramesh to enhance the wage rates of NREGA for Punjab from Rs.123 to Rs.178 per day to bring at par with that of Haryana.
The Chief Minister called on Mr. Ramesh in his office here at Krishi Bhawan this afternoon.
The Chief Minister apprised Mr. Ramesh that the earlier wage rate of Rs.123 was being revised to Rs.153 per day by the GoI.  He said in Punjab even an unskilled labourer earns nothing less than Rs.200 per day, making it very hard to find labour for NREGA works.  He also requested Mr. Ramesh to allow the entire stretch of the water courses
to be taken up under NREGA in order to draw full benefits from the new channel.  He referred to NREGA guidelines which now only allow construction of water courses in the fields of certain select categories of beneficiaries such as SCs, small and marginal farmers, beneficiaries of loan waiver scheme of GoI.   Mr. Badal rued that constructing parts of channels at places belonging to eligible farmers while leaving out the rest would be impractical and not serve any meaningful purpose.


Mr. Badal also raised the issue with Mr. Ramesh to seek his approval for early survey of BPL families in the state so that the relevant schemes for them could be implemented in the right earnest.   He also emphasized the need to include five agricultural operations including: hand planting, Harrowing (De-weeding), Insecticide Spraying, Watering
and Fertilizer application to be covered under the scope of NREGA works, which involved manual labour. Raising the issue of construction of latrines in the rural areas, the
Chief Minister urged the Ministry of Rural Development to also include the construction of latrines in the list of approved works under NREGA.  He said that large number of rural households especially those belonging to SC, BC and other BPL sections needed latrines in their inhabitations.  Likewise, he also requested Mr. Ramesh to allow the
defraying cost of diesel for the purpose of disposal of sullage of water as is a ‘fit charge’ on NREGA, as disposal of sullage water was the most distressing affliction faced by the villagers across the state.


Responding to the demands put forth by the Chief Minister Mr. Ramesh assured him that the Ministry of Rural Development was already contemplating to give ample flexibility in view of its strict guidelines, which were hampering the process of rural development in
many states.    He also assured that the Chief Minister that the fresh survey for the identification of BPL families in Punjab would be soon conducted by the Ministry.  He also informed Mr. Badal that the Ministry was already exploring the possibility to give financial grants for the up-gradation of rural road network in the states viz. Punjab, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra during the 12th five year plan and these discussions were already in the advanced stage of implementation.


The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Secretary Ministry of Rural Development, GoI Mr. BK Sinha

 PM CONFERS KRISHI KARMAN AWARD TO PUNJAB

FOR HIGHEST EVER FOOD GRAIN PRODUCTION IN 2010-11


NEW DELHI JULY 16:


           Punjab State has been awarded the ‘Krishi Karman’ Award for achieving the highest ever food grain production in 2010-11.
           Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presented this prestigious award in the presence of Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shard Pawar to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at a function held here on ICAR foundation day at National Agricultural Sciences Complex.  The award comprises a plaque, a citation and a cash prize of Rs.2 crore.


           The spokesperson further said that this coveted award has been bestowed on the Punjab government for effectively promoting agricultural technologies and services so adopted by the farmers that resulted in significant production gains.  Notable initiatives of the state government which contributed toward this significant achievement are: conservation of irrigation water through active promotion of laser land leveling and zero tillage, setting up agricultural machinery service centers on a massive scale involving private and public sector, improvement in seed replacement rate with assured seed treatment; control of yellow rust disease of wheat; enactment of “Punjab preservation of Sub-soil Water Act, 2009 to ensure timely transplantation of paddy” and public private partnership in Agriculture extension.


           The Chief Minister was accompanied by Agriculture Minister Mr. Sucha Singh Langha, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru and Director Agriculture Mr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu.



PUNJAB CM CALLS ON DR. AHLUWALIA TO SEEK EARLY RELEASE OF ACA WORTH RS.400 CRORE
DR. AHLUWALIA ASSURES CM OF TIMELY RELEASE OF ACA


NEW DELHI JULY 16:


    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission of India Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia to expedite the release of Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to the tune of Rs.400 crore to Punjab on the priority.

The Chief Minister called on Dr. Ahluwalia here at his office in Yojana Bhawan this morning.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister apprised Dr. Ahluwalia that Planning Commission had already approved one time ACA of Rs.400 crore for the annual plan 2011-12.  Of the original proposal of Rs.400 crore ACA, the Planning Commission did not approve schemes worth Rs.110 crore.  Consequently the Chief Minister submitted a detailed revised proposal to Dr. Ahluwalia seeking ACA of Rs.180 crore for construction of brick paving of village roads/paths to dhanis, Rs.25 crore for up-gradation of PSIEC Focal Points, Rs.45 crore for low dams and Rs.90 crore for other irrigation works besides Rs.30 crore for Kapurthala Chowk Fly over at Jalandhar, Rs.10 crore for Aganwadi Centre and Rs.20 crore for the strengthening of college infrastructure.  Mr. Badal impressed upon Dr. Ahluwalia to advise the Ministry of Finance to immediately release the ACA of Rs.400 crore to ensure timely completion of these projects.   He also raised the issue of giving economic package to Punjab along with the states of West Bengal, Assam and Kerala.Dr. Ahluwalia assured the Chief Minister of positive response and said he would soon take up the matter with the Ministry of Finance to release the said ACA by September 2011 so that the various development projects and welfare schemes could be taken up by the Punjab government at the earliest.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Naresh Gujral, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Irrigation  Dr.G.Vajralingam and Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan New Delhi Mr. K Siva Parsad.

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BADAL CALLS ON PM TO SEEK HIS INTERVENTION TO DIRECT HARYANA GOVT. TO STOP CONSTRUCTION OF TOE WALL ALONG HANSI-BUTANA CANAL

URGES PM TO EXPEDITE APPROVAL FOR FOOD GRAINS STORAGE CAPACITY

SEEKS PROCUREMENT OF MAIZE THROUGH FCI ON THE PATTERN OF WHEAT & PADDY


NEW DELHI JULY 16:


Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to seek his personal intervention to immediately resolve the contentious issue of Hansi-Butana thereby directing the Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda to stop the on-going construction of concrete  toe wall along the left bank of Hansi Butana canal.

    Mr. Badal accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. DS Guru today met the Prime Minister at his official residence to update him about the recent developments on the Hansi-Butana issue this afternoon. Mr. Badal apprised the Prime Minister that the Haryana government was deliberately constructing the wall to block the natural flow of water during floods, blatantly ignoring the warning of technical experts and engineers, that such a reckless step could cause major devastation leading to huge loss of lives, cattle, houses and crops in Punjab due to floods, like last year.  He urged the Prime Minister to direct the Haryana Government to desist from obstructing natural flow of water of canal especially as advised by the technical experts. He said that Haryana has constructed the Hansi-Butana canal despite the fact no water has been allocated so far.

Allaying law and order problem in the country, Mr. Badal apprised the Prime Minister that the unilateral action of Haryana in raising this wall ignoring inter-state treaties could have long term ramifications on Indian polity as it could set a wrong precedent for other states to replicate Haryana’s illegal action on all such inter-state disputes
leading to total anarchy in the country.

  Referring to the problem of storage of food grains, Mr. Badal informed the Prime Minister that despite repeated requests to the Centre it had not yet initiated any action, regardless of the fact that with the arrival of new Paddy crop in the Mandis the situation of storage would further worsen.  He mentioned that the Centre had already given nod to enhance the storage capacity  to 13 Lac MT and subsequently 9 lac MT capacity was recommended by the state level committee thereby raising the total approved storage capacity of 22 lac MT.  Whereas there was still a shortage of 27 lac MT against total required capacity of 49lac MT in the state.

Mr. Badal also requested the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Railways to speed up the movement of food grains from the state so that more storage space could be made available for the storage of new Paddy.  He lamented the movement was too slow at present, on an average of about 15 lac MT was being moved per month.  He pointed out that total food grain stock of 201 lac MT was laying in the state as on today.

Raising another issue to ensure procurement of maize to encourage the farmers to shift some cultivable areas from rice to maize, Mr. Badal impressed upon the Prime Minister to take up this matter with the Food Corporation of India to procure maize from the state farmers that too as efficiently as wheat and paddy.  He also mentioned that there may be some losses to FCI in this operation initially but these could be made good by GoI, treating it as an investment in improving the sustainability of agriculture production in the state and thereby ensuring the national food security in the long run.  Consequently, this initiative would go a long way to ensure the sustainability of livelihoods of two third of the state population besides diverting some area from rice to maize right now, added Mr. Badal.

 Brig. G S Sidhu AVSM cremated

 Chandigarh. July 15

                        Brig. G S Sidhu AVSM father of Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab who died yesterday, after brief illness at the age of 88, was today cremated at Sector-25 cremation ground. Brig. Sidhu is survived by his wife and three daughters.

            Mr. G S Brar Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister laid wreath on the mortal remains of Brig. Sidhu on behalf of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal . Mr. Viswajit Khanna Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister laid wreath on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal. Mr. D S Mangat Director, Public Relations Punjab also laid wreath. Mr. Daljit Singh Cheema Advisor to Chief Minister also laid wreath. Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu accompanied  with her two sisters and Great Grandson lit the pyre.

 Dignitaries from all walks of life, senior serving and retired civil and police officers including Chief Secretary Mr. S C Agrawal attended the cremation.

                        Prominent among those Civil and Police officers who were also present on the occasion included Mr. Rajan Kashyap, Former Chief Secretary, Mrs Tejinder Kaur,  Mr. Gurjit Singh Cheema, Mr. N S Kang , Mr. R C Nayar, Mr. K J S Cheema, Mr. Suresh Arora ADGP, Mr. Gurinderjit Singh Sandhu, Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Mr. Anurag Verma, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Mr. Vivek Partap, Mr. Gurdev Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioners from various districts and Senior serving and retired army officers from the unit of Brig. Sidhu.

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 DR. MAHLA AND KALER EXPRESS

GRATITUDE TO THE CHIEF MINISTER

 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 15

           A deputation of Vimukat Jaati led by Dr. Tarsem Singh Mahla and Mr. Major Singh Kaler, who were recently appointed as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of newly constituted Vimukat Jaatiyaan Bhalai Board Punjab, called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to express gratitude over their appointments.

           On this occasion Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden sections of the society. He said that by constituting this board the state government has fulfilled a long pending demand of the Vimukat Jattis. He asked Dr Malha and Mr. Kaler to work in unison for the welfare of their community in particular and of the state in general.

           In the presence of President, Youth Akali Dal Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia  both Dr. Malha and Mr. Kaler assured the Chief Minister that they would work hard with full dedication and devotion to meet the high expectations of Mr. Badal for overall development of the community.

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 TIKSHAN SUD DEDICATES Rs. 20 CRORE BMC FLYOVER TO JALANDHAR RESIDENTS

·       INAUGURATES ULTRA MODERN NRI BHAWAN

·       FLAGS OFF GYMNASIUM AND SPORTS KITS FOR DISTRIBUTION IN VILLAGES

·       NRI COMMISSION TO BE SET UP SOON-BATH

JALANDHAR, JULY 15: Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud today dedicated Rs 20 crore BMC flyover to the Jalandhar residents besides inaugurating an ultra modern NRI Bhawan constructed at the cost of Rs 2 crore. Mr. Sud also flagged off four trucks containing gymnasium equipments and sports kits to be set up as well as distributed amongst rural youth through out the state.

       Interacting with media at NRI Bhawan, Mr. Sud said that SAD-BJP government was committed to ensure all round development of the state. He said that major infrastructure projects initiated in the form of world class roads, ROBs/RUBs, elevated roads besides other civil amenities as per the need of concerned area have started fructifying. He said that laying of sewage systems in all developing towns were going on full swing. Similarly, the drinking water supply was also being augmented as per the local needs of any locality.

 

       Mr. Sud said that an ambitious project to make 137 cities and towns of Punjab ‘Garbage Free’ through door-to-door scientific collection of garbage as well disposal of solid waste management was being launched statewide from September 15 and expressed confidence that this unique initiative would play a significant role in improving the environment in the state. He said that the new BMC flyover would ease traffic congestion in BMC Chowk area thereby saving the precious times of local commuters. Replying a query regarding completion of Domoria ROB, Mr. Sud informed that the Railways have approved tender for the completion of remaining work on the part of Railways and expressed confidence that it would be completed in next three months. He also informed that the state government has approved bifurcation of sports hub prohect to be undertaken by the local Corporation.

       Congratulating the NRIs for setting up an ultra modern NRI Bhawan in the heart of city, Mr. Sud said that now NRIs have another facility to take any guidance or register their problems or grievances as Commissioner Jalandhar Division would also be available there to resolve their issues.

       Replying a query on this occasion, Punjab NRIs Affairs Minister Capt. Balbir Singh Bath said that the Punjab government would soon announce the formation of NRIs Commission with two experts of NRIs affairs on its board. He assured that the state government would take up the issues affecting NRIs at every appropriate front to get them resolved.

        Later on, Mr. Tikshan Sud and Captain Balbir Singh Bath, flagged off trucks carrying gymnasium  equipment through out the state. They informed that Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has decided to revive the sports culture in the state to motivate youngsters for different sports thereby checking the increasing trend of drug addiction amongst youth.

They said that the Punjab Government has been setting up 6500 gymnasium at the cost of Rs 15 crore in different and far-flung villages of the state. Besides this, 18,000 sports kits of worth Rs 15 crore were also being distributed amongst rural as well as urban youth. They said that construction as well as renovation of 13 world class stadiums at the cost of Rs. 142 crore was on war footing. They said that after the successful conduct of World Kabaddi Cup, a Four Nation Hockey Tournament and first ever Punjab games, the State government was fully prepared to host second World Kabaddi Cup and four nation Gold Cup Hockey Tournament in coming months.

Prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included Bhagat Chunni Lal, Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Avinash Chander and Mr. K.D. Bhandari, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Former Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Mr. Sarbjit Singh Makkar MLA, Mr. Scot Slessor, Consulate General of Canada, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Patron NRI Sabha, Mayor Rakesh Rathour, Mr. Baljit Singh Neelamahal, Chairman Improvement Trust and Mr. Kamaljit Hayer, President NRI Sabha.

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 AMARINDER MISLEADING PEOPLE TO COVER MISDEEDS OF CONGRESS PARTY : SAD  MATTER ALREADY IN SUPREME COURT : DR. CHEEMA

             Chandigarh, July 15 : Shiromani Akali Dal has strongly condemned the latest statement of Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh on Hansi Butana issue and said that he was trying to mislead the people with his statements to save the face of his party’s government in  Haryana and at the Centre.

            Reacting to the statement of Capt. Amarinder Singh on his advice to approach Punjab and Haryana High Court over the issue of Construction of wall along Hansi-Butana canal, the SAD Secretary and Spokesman  Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the matter of Hansi Butana canal as well as issue of construction of wall along the canal are already under the consideration of the Supreme Court and so High Court cannot take up this case.

            Dr Cheema said that infact Capt. Amarinder Singh was trying to indicate the Haryana  government that Punjab was not united on the issue. He reminded the Congress leader that when the bill regarding termination of water agreements was introduced in Vidhan Sabha the SAD had not only fully supported the bill rather the then leader of the opposition S. Parkash Singh Badal accompanied the CM forgetting all the differences and went to the Governor of Punjab to  get the bill approved

           He said that  Congress was playing petty politics  and ignoring interests of the state with the sole motive to please the Congress President Sonia Gandhi and to cover up the misdeeds of the Congress party.   He said that this act of Congress leadership was a clear cut betrayal  with the people of Punjab.

            Dr.  Cheema reiterated that SAD-BJP government led by S Parkash Singh Badal was sincerely pursuing  the case of Hansi Butana canal as well as of the wall being constructed along the canal in the highest court of Country and will take to the logical conclusion.