Congress condemns forcible acquisition of 880 acres of agriculture land in Mansa, urges govt. to defer acquisition in view of proposed national legislation.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath

Congress condemns the draconian attitude of the SAD-BJP govt. towards the farmers of Mansa yesterday who were rounded up for peacefully protesting unfair and forceful acquisition of their agricultural land.

As we were aware, there is a hue and cry across the country over acquisition of agricultural land, without the consent of the farmers and without fair market price. Only recently the Hon’ble Supreme Court has cancelled acquisition of agricultural land in Uttar Pradesh handed over to big companies to construct colonies and flats.

More saddening is the fact that on one hand Sh. Badal CM and his party claim to be the sole champions of farmers and on the other hand, they are forcing the farmers to part with their land and that too for a private company.

Mr. Badal has more than once claimed on the floor of the house that no land would be acquired without the consent of the farmers but in the case of 880 acres of farm land, not only their land is being taken away but more than 350 farmers were arrested too. Mr. Badal should realize that not all farmers of Punjab are feudals like his family and don’t hold lands and assets running into thousands of crores, for these small and marginal farmers their land is source of livelihood.

Congress demands that the SAD-BJP govt. should for the time being put this acquisition on hold as the UPA govt. is likely to bring a legislation at the national level for land acquisition during the ensuing Parliament session.

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• PUNJAB TO SAVE FORESTS FROM ENCROACHMENTS BY TIGHTENING SECURITY OF FORESTS: SHAKIR
• 188 SECURITY GUARDS AND 72 MORE BEING RECRUITED
• FOREST DEPARTMENT RECLAIMS 85 ACRES ENCROACHED LAND IN MEHTABPUR

CHANDIGARH, JULY 24: The Punjab government is set to secure the precious Forest land in the state from encroachments and has taken steps to tighten the security of forest land.

          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Arunesh Shakir, Forest and Wild Life Protection Minister, said that Forest area of Punjab was facing widespread encroachment during last three years due to scarcity of staff. He said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has given approval to strengthen the security network of Forest Department and has given nod for recruitment of 250 employees including 188 security guards and 20 Executive Assistants. He said that the department has already started recruitment that would be completed by next month. The Minister said that security guards and executive assistants would be recruited on regular basis whereas rest of technical staff would be on contract basis.
Expressing concern over encroached forest land the Minister said that encroachment over the forest land was widespread due to the scarcity of staff. The Minister said that new recruitment in the department would help to control the encroachment of forest land.

Mr Shakir said that the government was serious to protect the Forest land and wildlife. He said that the Forest Department has recently regained the possession of 85 acre land in Mehtabpur village of Hoshiarpur district, that was illegally encroached by some miscreants and this land had been now handed over to the forest department.
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PUNJAB SETS TARGET TO PLANT FRUIT SAPLINGS ON 4000 HECTARES OF LAND
·       FARMERS TO GET 75% SUBSIDY FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THREE PHASES

CHANDIGARH, JULY 24:

The Horticulture Department of Punjab Government with the beginning of the rainy season starting from the second fortnight of July has set a target to plant fruit saplings on 4000 hectares of land in the state. The state government has also decided to provide a subsidy of 75% in three phases with the ratio of 60:20:20 to the farmers under this Special Scheme.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Punjab Agriculture Minister said that the Horticulture Department has made all preparations to achieve the set target and has also initiated awareness campaign in this regard. He said that after plantation of these fruit saplings the total area covered under this scheme would reach upto 74,000 hectares of land in Punjab. He said that leaving apart the Banana fruit all other fruit saplings including Guava, Kinnos, Peach and Pear would be given a maximum subsidy of 75% per hectare of the total cost in three phases.

Mr. Langah said that for plantation of Banana saplings 50% subsidy of the total cost would be given in two years in two phases including 75% in first phase and 25% in the second phase. While the subsidy on Guave, Kinno, Peach and Pear would be given in three instalments.  He said that the maximum subsidy would be provided on four hectares of land for the purpose of plantation, pesticides, manures, draft preparation and to protect the saplings from seasonal heat and cold.
The Agriculture Minister said that the Department was doing its level best to increase the area under fruit cultivation every year. He said that the Horticulture Department has engaged 23 government and 53 private registered nurseries to prepare perfect and disease free fruit saplings for distributing amongst farmers in Punjab for plantation and to supply the saplings to other states. He said that the Horticulture Department had planted the evergreen saplings of Mango, Guava, Lichi, Kinno, Plums, Papaya, Pomegranate, Banana and seasonal fruits including Grapes, Peach and Pear on 4476 and 4083 hectares of land respectively in the year 2009-10 and 2010-11.

He further said that Department is successfully running six Fruit Protection Laboratories at Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Abohar, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Ludhiana, where seeds are prepared and sold to the farmers on reasonable rates along with imparting training amongst them.

SUKHBIR UNVEILS URBAN DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE

•  MOGA, PHAGWARA, PATHANKOT GET MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS
• SERIES OF URBAN REFORMS USHERED IN
• SELF CERTIFICATION OF BUILDING PLANS,  CLU AT LOCAL LEVEL, INCREASE OF CONSTRUCTION FROM 5 TO 15 YEARS, AMNESTY ON ARREARS OF INTEREST ON HOUSE TAX, WATER AND SEWERAGE CHARGES, SINGLE CERTIFICATE FOR BUILDING COMPLETION AND OCCUPATION, CONVEYANCE DEED AT ALLOTMENT RATES, MORE POWERS TO MCs TO MAKE LIFE OF CITIZENS EASY
• GAUSHALAs EXEMPTED FROM BUILDING FEE HOUSE TAX
• HOUSE TAX EXEMPTION ON LAND AND HOUSE FOR WIDOWS, FREEDOM FIGHTERS, GALLANTRY AWARD WINNERS, EX-SERVICEMEN, PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS AND CITIZENS ABOVE 70 YEARS FOR SELF USE AND ALSO OF  RENTED PROPERTY AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
• SHOWCASES THE UNPRECEDENTED DEVELOPMENT IN URBAN AREAS DURING SAD-BJP REGIME

JALANDHAR, JULY 22: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today pushed the gas paddle on plethora of Urban Reforms by announcing a major package of urban reforms while also showcasing the unprecedented development projects completed by the SAD-BJP government during last four years.

            In first of its own kind Citizen Centric Urban Development Governance and Reforms Sammelan organized at Bath Castle, here today, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister mesmerized with his multimedia presentation on record projects accomplished during last four years. The audience was from all parts of the state including  cabinet ministers, the councilors from all cities, prominent citizens.

            Accompanied by Local Government Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud, the Deputy Chief Minister made series of announcements including Municipal Corporation status for big cities of Moga, Phagwara and Pathankot, self certification of building plan, change of land use at MC level, extending non construction period of buildings up to 15 years, amnesty in payment of arrears of house tax, water supply and sewerage charges in respect to interest, single certificate for building completion and occupation, conveyance deed at allotment rate etc.

Mr. Badal was also announced regularization of all water supply and sewerage connections from 1 August 2011 to 31 October 2011 of houses up to 250 square yards with a nominal payment of Rs 500. He also announced regularization of water supply and sewerage connections for commercial establishments constructed on plots up to 125 square yards with nominal payment of Rs 100. Mr. Badal also announced exemption of building fee and house tax on Gaushalas throughout the state. He also drew a major applause when he announced exemption of tax on land and buildings stated in urban local bodies of widows, freedom fighters, gallantry award winners, ex-servicemen, physically challenged persons and citizens above 70 years for self use, rented property and commercial also.  
             Giving a major relief to the people Mr. Badal said that residences constructed in unauthorized colonies would no longer have to get No Objection Certificate from local bodies for getting power connections from Powercom.

            It was also decided to launch a campaign to recruit wards of those municipal employees, who have died during service.

            The Deputy Chief Minister gave major relief by announcing to cover many service like building plans, revised building plans, completion certificates, occupancy certificates, NOCs, duplicate and reallotment letter, conveyance deed, retransfer of property, water supply and sewerage connections under Right To Service Act to be implement from August 15 this year. Establishment of pensioners’ grievances redressal cell and enhancing the level of E-Tendering up to Rs 10 lakh were also major announcements in this sammelan.

            Showcasing the achievements the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab is the only state in the country that has provided water supply to 86 % of population and covered 61 % of population with underground sewerage connections. He said that SAD-BJP government has allocated Rs 2802 crores for these services against 584 crores of congress regime. He said that the holy city of Amrtisar would get underground sewerage with Japan International Project of Rs 443 crores. Mr. Badal said that it goes to credit of SAD-BJP Government that projects worth Rs 531.71 crores have been completed in the towns of Amritsar, whereas towns of Gurdaspur saw completion of project worth Rs 92.56 crore. Similarly, in Taran Tarn and Patti projects worth Rs 56.04 crores witnessed completion and cities of Bathinda saw unveiling of projects worth Rs 183.68 crores during last four years. Once known backward cities of Mansa saw completion of projects worth Rs 109.56 crore whereas cities of Mukatsar district saw completion of development projects worth Rs 148.54 crores. Mr. Badal said that it is for the first time that record number of projects worth Rs 549.24 crores were accomplished in industrial  city of Ludhiana whereas Moga saw completion of project worth Rs 86 crores. Nawan Shahr witnessed to completion of development projects worth Rs 34.42 crores whereas Ferozepure district saw completion of development initiatives worth Rs 118.87 crore. The Cyber district of SAS Nagar witnessed resurgent development with completion of project worth Rs 184.37 crore whereas cities of Ropar district were beneficiaries of Rs 120.25 crore projects. Congratulating the people of Jalandhar, Mr. Badal said that your city witnessed accomplishment of development projects worth Rs 198.97 crore whereas district Hoshiarpur got a lion share of projects worth Rs 178.63 crores while the adjoining district of Kapurthala saw the completion of development projects worth Rs 123.45 crore whereas Patiala saw completion of projects worth 64.58 crores. Similarly, in cities of Sangrur projects worth 34.64 crores whereas district Barnala witnessed completion of projects worth Rs 26.91 crores. Challenging congress to compare their achievements with record achievements of SAD-BJP government, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this is the blue print of development that no body can dare to deny.

            Mr. Badal said that our achievements were not restricted to development projects but we focused on improving road connectivity. He said that last year witnessed completion of flyover and Railway Over Bridges/Railway Under Bridges (ROB/RUB) road projects worth Rs 2486 crores in six districts of Mohali, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Ludhiana and Jalandhar alone. He said that only Jalandhar got five ROBs and premix carpeting of roads at the total cost of Rs 161 crores.     

             Focusing on alleviation of poverty, Mr. Badal said that this government was constructing 9352 houses for the slum dwellers in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Rajpura and Jalandhar alone.

            Exhorting the youth to join games, Mr. Badal said that the ruling SAD-BJP government has allocated record budget for sports infrastructure and 13 stadiums including 6 hockey stadium would be ready within one month at the total capital cost of Rs 120.5 crores.

            The Deputy Chief Minister said that he was fully alive to the problem of financial health of Urban Local Bodies and that why this government has given a grant of Rs 1744 crore to Municipalities against the Rs 975 crore grant given by previous congress regime.

            Congratulating the Local Government Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud for his novel initiative of Solid Waste Management Project, Mr. Badal said that most scientific system has been put in place. He said that the Punjab would become first state in the country to cover the whole state under this project from September 15 this year. He said that the state has been divided into 8 clusters and waste would be processed and converted into Power. He said that all cities would get 3.5 Lakh light points converted into LEDs within two months.

            Speaking about the Rs 750 crore additional grant to the urban local bodies, Mr. Badal said that the state has raised 750 crore from HUDCO that would be utilized in improving civic amenities in urban areas in next two months. Mr. Badal also  announced starting of Air Conditioned City Bus Service in remaining municipal corporation towns of Ludhiana, Amritsar and Bathinda very soon.

            Drawing the futuristic vision of Ludhiana Metro Rail Project with cost of Rs 8705 crores and POD transportation services in Amritsar worth Rs 188 crore are set to change the face of Punjab.

            Speaking on the occasion, Local Government, Industry and Commerce Minister, Mr. Tikshan Sud said that Punjab would be the only state that would achieve the target of water supply to 95% and sewerage network to 75% population by February 2012. He said that by giving a record grant of Rs 1744 crore to municipalities, launching statewide solid waste management program, getting sanctioned Rs 750 crore loan for strengthening urban infrastructure, decentralization of powers of local bodies, this government has shown to the country that how a government with focus can work wonders on the development fronts. He also announced promotion for 160 clerks, who completed 15 years of service, in Municipalities and Local Bodies and 210 Inspectors. He said that he would soon hand over promotion letters to them personally.  He congratulated Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for his historic Right To Service Act and said that he was getting queries from many state to replicate this act in their state.

                        Besides Mayors from all five Municipal Corporations, Presidents and Councillors from all 90 Municipalities, Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Bhagat Chunni Lal, Deputy Speaker,  Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Revenue Minister, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Jails Minister, Mr. Satpal Gosain, Health Minister, Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, Mr. KD Bhandari, Mr. Sital Singh, Mr. Avinash Chander, Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu and Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Former Ministers including Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Master Mohan Lal, Gurdev Singh Badal, Jagdish Singh Garcha, Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Gobind Singh Longowal and Maheshinder Singh Grewal were amongst thousands of SAD-BJP dignitaries, who were present on the occasion.
  

   Fallowing is a list of announcements made by Deputy Chief Minister

 BATH FOR IMMEDIATE DISPOSAL OF NRI PROPERTY CASES


Chandigarh, July 22:

Mr. Balbir Singh Bath, NRI Affairs Minister Punjab, has asked the civil and police officers of the
state to immediately respond to the grievances of the NRIs so that they are not harassed and their grievances are redressed instantaneously.
         Reiterating the Punjab Government's resolve to watch the interests of the NRI fraternity, the Minister said that the government has initiated many new steps for the welfare and security of the NRIs in the state. In order to safeguard their properties in Punjab, East Punjab Rent Act has already been amended empowering NRIs to get their property on rent vacated from the one tenants. In addition to this limit on any such property is being removed, conditioning that such property in question must be more than five years old in NRI name. Moreover, every district in Punjab was having separate revenue court for the NRIs. Besides this exclusive NRI police stations have been setup in 6 districts having predominant NRI population. One court for NRI population has been opened in Jalandhar in consultation with Punjab and Haryana High Court. Mr. Bath has  also asked  especially look into the property cases of the NRIs lying pending with the  Fast Track Revenue Courts set up for the NRIs and ensue their disposal within a stipulated time frame.
The Minister further said that camps are being organized in 6 most affected districts of the state where on the grievances of the NRIs would be redressed on the spot. Accordingly Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Ludhiana districts have been covered.

               Adding further, he said that dedicated police-stations for NRIs have been established and Exclusive and fast track courts have been set up to resolve their disputes. He said that the government has already done away with the unnecessary but cumbersome practice of filing affidavits in many spheres. He said Punjab had now emerged as the world's the most preferred investment destination with tremendous opportunities where the NRIs could invest in power, renewable energy, infrastructure and industrial growth sector and state government would provide single window service to process their investment proposals.

NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTE REVIEWS ON GOING WELFARE SCHEMES FOR SCHEDULED CASTES

Chandigarh July 22:-
            The four member delegation of the National Commission for Scheduled caste, New Delhi headed by its Chairman Dr. PL. Punia today reviewed various ongoing schemes and programmes initiated by the Punjab Government to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes in the state. Mr. Punia asked the administrative secretaries of the department concerned to closely monitor such schemes and ensure their proper implementation.
            The Chairman along with the members of the commission discussed at length the problems faced by the scheduled caste in Punjab with the Mr. R. Venkat Ratnam, Principal Secretary Welfare of SCs/BCs and senior officers of various departments of the state. Mr. Venkat Ratnam assured the visiting delegation that the state government would work as per the directions and guidelines of the commission.
 Mr. Naranjan Singh, Chairman, Mr. Dalip Singh Pandhi, Member Punjab Scheduled Caste Commission consists of Raj Kumar Verka, Vice Chairman, Mr. Shivanna member, Mr. T. Thecthan Joint Secretary, Mr. S.N. Meena under Secretary besides Mr. S.C. Agrawal Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr. Suresh Kumar Principal Secretary Technical Education and Cooperation, Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu Principal Secretary Finance, Mrs. Indu Mishra Director Welfare of Scheduled Caste and Mr. P.S. Gill DGP Punjab were also present in the meeting.
No.PR-11/ 507

SHIVRAJ V. PATIL RELEASES PROF. KAUSHAL’S TRILINGUAL POETRY BOOK -RAINBOW


Chandigarh, July 22: The Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh,Mr. Shivraj V. Patil today released a book Rainbow – a trilingual poetry book penned by noted scholar, academician and writer Prof. Joginder Kaushal.
        Mr. Patil released the book at a simple but an  impressive function organized here at Punjab Bhavan by the Old Students’ Assocaiton (OSA) of Govrnment Mahidnra College Patiala, under the auspices of Prof. Joginder Kaushal Memorial Trust on his 83rd Birth Anniversary.
        Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patil highly appreciated the poetic acumen of Prof. Joginder Kaushal who potrayed the agonies of mankind in the idom of common man. He cited few verses from the poems of Prof. Kaushal to bring home the idea of his versatility and capability of
understanding the concept of society and humanity in a holistic manner. He said though he never met Prof Kaushal in his life but his poems reflected his thought process and was a testimony to his poetic caliber at par excellence. He remarked Prof Kaushal’s poetry was the perfect blend of
past, present and future.
         In introductory remarks, renowned Farm-agri-Economist and former Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Patiala Dr. S.SJohl described Prof. Kaushal as an iconic personality in the literary circles who not only earned name and fame through his literary works but also proved to be an excellent teacher with the rare qualities of head and heart. Sharing few nostalgic moments with Prof. Kaushal during his stint as Vice Chancellor,
Dr. Johl said Prof Kaushal was a wonderful human being who never lost his cool which was evident from his poetic works.
        In his welcome address, President of the OSA, Mr. J.Roy Mangla said that today’s function was a befitting tribute to our great mentor who streward the academic glory of prestigious Mahindera College to zenith. He said Prof. Kaushal was a multi-faceted personality who performed varied roles in different capacities as the first elected President of the Government Mahindera College Students’ Union besides  the President of the Punjabi University Teachers’ Union (PUTA) for six times .
        On the occasion, the younger daughter of Prof. Kaushal Ms. Shikha Kaushal Nehra proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the Prof. Joginder Kaushal Memorial Trust and said  The Trust is indebted to His Excellency, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil and all other dignitiaries  who made this event
really memorable.
        Prominent among others who attended the function included Mr. Justice (Retd.) M. R.Agnihotri who is the President of the Chandigarh chapter of OSA, President Lok Bhalai Party Mr. B.S.Ramoowalia, Former Minister and MLA Samana Mr. Brahm Mahindra, Dr. (Mrs.) Inderjit Kaur.Sandhu , Dr. Joginder Singh Puar both former Vice Chancellors of
Punjabi University Patiala. Several eminent personalities from Judiciary, Media, and Bureaucracy besides noted historians, academicians, writers and poets were also present on the occasion.
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CM ASKS SPORTS DEPARTMENT TO EXPEDITE THE RECRUITMENT DRIVE OF COACHES

BADAL REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF UPCOMING SPORTS SCHOOL
AT GHUDDA

CHANDIGARH, JULY 21:

In a bid to revive the glory of sports at the national as well as international level, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated that the upcoming sports school at village Ghudda would be one of the best sports institutions in the country. 

While presiding over a joint meeting of the senior officers of School Education and Sports departments to review the progress of the sports school with hostel facility, Mr. Badal approved to provide free daily diet up to Rs. 200 per student strictly as per the advice of expert dietitians to ensure healthy and nutritious food so that they could stay healthy and agile.  He also gave a nod to appoint a Director with outstanding contribution in the field of sports besides vast administrative experience to run the school efficiently.  He also asked the sports department to chalk out a plan to establish a corpus fund to develop this state-of-the-art school and make it self-sustainable.
Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister asked the sports department to speed up the recruitment process to recruit coaches for the smooth functioning of sports training facilities in the state.
Meanwhile, the Director Sports Mr. Pargat Singh apprised the Chief Minister that at present 90 boys and 44 girls had been admitted in the Sports School and the services of the eleven coaches from sports department have be placed at the disposal of school to impart rigorous training to the budding sports persons in eight different sports disciplines.  Apart from regular class room teaching all the students were being given four hour daily training to groom them for the different sports events, added the Director.     
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Sngh Brar, Secretary School Education Mr. Hussan Lal Director General School Education B. Purshartha and Director Sports Mr. Pargat Singh.
…

SINGLA APPOINTED AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF PUNJAB AGRO FOODGRAINS CORPORATION LTD.
CHANDIGARH JULY 21:
The Punjab Government today appointed Mr. Satpal Singla as the Vice-Chairman of the Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. (PAFC)
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that according to the notification issued by the state Agriculture Department Mr. Singla had been appointed as Vice Chairman of Board of Directors of Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. under the Article 129(a) of the Memorandum and Article of Association of the Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Ltd. (PAFC).
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No.CMO-11/199

MASTER MOHAN LAL LEADS DELEGATION OF PATHANKOT RESIDENTS-DEMAND DISTRICT/MUNICIPAL CORPORATION STATUS FOR PATHANKOT
SUKHBIR ASSURES EARLY DECISION ON THEIR DEMANDS
CHANDIGARH, JULY 21:

Former Minister and Pathankot MLA Master Mohan Lal today led a delegation of Municipal Councillors, Sarpanches, Block Samiti Members and prominent citizens of Pathankot area pressing upon Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to honour his promise made to the residents to grant district status and Municipal Corporation status to Pathankot. 
          Former Minister reminded the Deputy Chief Minister that he had made commitment to the people of Pathankot that SAD-BJP government had made to the people of Pathnakot that it would soon provide district status as well as Municipal Corporation status to Pathankot. Master Mohan Lal also raised the demand of allocating Rs 15 crores to relays the road that had been dug up due to laying of sewerage in Pathankot. He thanked the Deputy Chief Minister for allocation of Rs 69.4 crore for 100% sewerage in Pathankot.  
          Extending congratulations to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for laying foundation stones for various development projects in Pathankot, Master Mohan Lal sought immediate starting of construction works on such projects. He said that it was the need of the hour to start construction work on Abadgarh to Dinapur Bridge, Kath Bridge to Civil Hospital besides construction of Chakki Bridge and Ring Road.  
          Assuring early decision on their demands put forward by Master Mohan Lal, Mr. Badal said that a two member committee has already been constituted to study the demand of district status and it would soon submit its report in this regard. He said that SAD-BJP government was fully alive to the need for strengthening urban infrastructure and has spent maximum amounts on this. 
  Mr. Badal assured the delegation that the construction works on different development projects in the area would be started soon and necessary funds for construction of broken roads and beautification of city would also be released within a month.
           Prominent amongst those, who were present on the occasion included Thakur Kartar Singh, Chairman Block Samiti, Suresh Sharma, District President Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, Chunni Lal, Darshan Lal, Kamla Rani and Madhu Raina, all councilors.      

It may be mentioned that Alcoholics Anonymous is present in 185 countries, with a membership with over thirty lacs recovering alcoholic. Out of 100 people consuming alcohol, approximately 8-10% become alcoholics. With the help of the A A program, many of them stop drinking. The Asia Oceanic Service Meet (A.O.S.M) of Alcoholics Anonymous, wherein delegates from over 20 Asian and Pacific Rim Countries are meeting will be held from 22nd to 24th July’ 2011 at the North Park Hotel Panchkula. The focus would be on ‘How to reach maximum number of still suffering alcoholics and their families in minimum possible time. The Board of Trustees of A A India, having alcoholic and non-alcoholic trustees will also be meeting on the sidelines of the A.O.S.M
Those who express there views on this occasion were Mr. Arun, Mr. Ashish, Mr. Mohan and Mrs. Shashi.    
                

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON    ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, July 21:
          The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Kharif Season through Canal water from 25-7-2010 to 01-08-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder,  Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch respectively.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B'  being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A'  respectively.
        The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and 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. Sabraon Branch with its distributaries being in the first preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies available would be utilised in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower, Lahore Branch,  with their distributaries respectively.