• July 30, 2011: Manpreet Singh Badal's secretary and OSD Charanjit Singh Brar resigned
  
  

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Govt to allot vacant industrial plots-
Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal Vice Chairman PSIEC Punjab Government. Measure will give a fillip to small-scale industry in the state.

Bhukhari Kalan( Master Sardar Kesar Singh Grewal Nagar) Ludhiana , July 27 To give a boost to the small-scale industry in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to offer vacant industrial plots lying unutilised in various parts of the state to the deserving contenders under a special scheme.

Announcing it here today, vice-chairperson of the PSIEC (Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation Ltd.) Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal told that foolproof transparency would be maintained while allotting these vacant plots to the aspirants.

In the first phase, the 500 sq yds, 1,000 sq yds and 1 acre plots would be offered at Mohali, Amritsar, Bhatinda, Mandi Gobindgarh, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Raikot. It has been learnt that there are 28 industrial focal points (IFPs) in the possession of the PSIEC, while six (three in Amritsar, two in Jalandhar and one in Ludhiana) have been lying with their respective municipal corporations.

To offer further incentives, the PSIEC has allowed the bearers to utilise 10 per cent of their plot area for commercial purpose (to market and sell their product), while exempting them from CLU (change of land use) charges.
Besides, the provisions would be kept for some residential plots and IT parks in these IFPs.

The PSIEC has planned to set up new IFPs at Mohali in an area of 73 acres, at least 220 acres at Kapurthala and 50 acres at Raikot for the purpose. The reserved price of the plots at Mohali has been kept as Rs 10,000 per sq yard.
"The small and medium industries have been contributing significantly to the industrial production of the state, besides providing around 70 per cent employment to a large number of unskilled, skilled and technical persons.
Therefore, it was necessary to give it a fillip. We will be providing improved infrastructure in terms of better road and communication connectivity, housing facilities for workers and staff, hassle free power connections etc. The PSIEC aimed to promote export and marketing of products manufactured by small scale units too," he said.

Meanwhile, Grewal told that the state government had been vigorously pursuing with the Government of India for sanction of cluster projects of different types of industry. A project for handloom tools cluster, Jalandhar, has already been approved by the Government of India. Similarly, the Government of India has agreed in principle for setting up of a foundry and machine tool cluster at Batala, sewing machine cluster at Ludhiana and Phulkari at Patiala.

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 Sukhpal Singh Khaira)
MLA, Bholath                                                                                   28.07.2011

Smt. Kusumjit Kaur, IAS
Chief Electoral Officer,
Punjab.

Subject :   Request to seek status report of various types of drugs and liquor seized by Punjab Police under the NDPS Act and the Punjab Excise Act across all Police Stations of the State.

Madam,

As stated above, large quantities of various types of drugs such as poppy husk, opium, smack, cocaine and illicit liquor are seized by the Punjab Police in order to curb such illegal activities in the State.  Importantly two types of law govern these illegitimate activities of violations of law.  While NDPS Act covers unlawful and illegal smuggling and sale of drugs such as cocaine, heroine, opium, poppy husk, smack etc., the Punjab Excise Act is used to prevent any illegal trade of liquor in the state.  We have been often reading about large quantities of such drugs seized by the police at times worth crores of rupees.

These unlawful and illegal drugs and liquor seized by the police are taken into custody at the police stations.  During the course of trial such drugs are kept as case properties, but in those cases where the trial has been completed, these illegitimate and dangerous drugs are supposed to be destroyed in accordance with the law.

It has often been noticed that despite the law clearly stating that drugs and liquor where trial has been completed be destroyed, the police in connivance with various types of mafia including politicians don’t destroy these drugs for ulterior motives.

I, as elected representative would request you to seek a detailed report from DGP Punjab Police, about the quantum of such types of drugs and liquor in custody of the police in the state.  I have an apprehension that seized drugs and liquor in custody of the police are likely to be misused by police-politician mafia and the ruling party to influence voters during the ensuing Vidhan Sabha elections.

Therefore, in order to ensure free and fair elections it is highly imperative that such drugs and liquor do not fall into wrong hands.  I would request you to intervene in the matter at the earliest.

3 IPS AND 18 PPS TRANSFERRED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, July 28: The Punjab Government has today issued the transfer orders of 3 IPS and 18 PPS Officers with immediate effect.

According to a spokesman of Punjab Government Mr. Arun Pal Singh IPS has been posted as DIG/Inteligence-2 Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Kaushtubh Sharma IPS has been posted as AIG/SSOC Amritsar and Mr. Harsh Kumar Bansal IPS has been posted as AIG/SB-1 Punjab Chandigarh,

Meanwhile Mr. Pritpal Singh Virk PPS has been posted as AIG/CI Patiala, Mr. Sandeep Goyal PPS has been posted as AIG/CI Operation Chandigarh Hqr and Ludhiana, Mr. Arun Kumar Mittal PPS (direct recruit) has been posted as AIG/CID Unit Chandigarh (2) and in addition AIG Training Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Satvir Singh Atwal PPS has been posted as Additional DCP –2 Ludhiana, Mr. Sushil Kumar PPS has been posted as Additional DCP –4 Ludhiana, Mr. Harjinder Singh PPS has been posted as Additional DCP Crime Ludhiana, Mr. Sukhpal Singh PPS has been posted as Additional DCP/City & Crime Ludhiana, Mr. Gurdeep Singh PPS has been posted as Commandant 2nd IRB Ladha Kothi Sangrur, Mr. Sukhdev Singh PPS has been posted as Additional DCP/ Industrial Security /Traffic Jalandhar, Mr. Ranbir Singh PPS has been posted as SP/Traffic Tarn Taran, Mr. Navjot Singh PPS has been posted as Additional DCP/ City and Security Jalandhar, Mr. Manjit Singh PPS has been posted as Additional DCP-1 Ludhiana, Mr. Balwinder Singh PPS has been posted as SP/City Fazilka, Mr. Gurmeet Singh PPS has been posted as Commandant 1st IRB Patiala (2) and in addition SP/Excise and Taxation Patiala.

Meanwhile Mr. Surinder Kumar PPS under posting as SSP Gurdaspur has been posted as SSP Pathankot, Mr. Balkar Singh Sidhu PPS has been posted as Joint Director Crime, Intelligence Bureau Punjab, Chandigarh and Mr. Harmohan Singh PPS has been posted as Additional DCP/ Special Branch Ludhiana.

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SGPC ELECTIONS ANNOUNCED FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

CHANDIGARH, JULY 28: The General Elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee were last held in July, 2004 and now the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs has fixed September 18, 2011 as the date of holding poll of the next Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Election. The programme for the purpose of holding elections on September 18, 2011 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13 of the Sikh Gurdwara Board Election Rule, 1959 will be notified in the relevant Gazettes of the State of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Dated 28th July 2011 Chief Commissioner Gurdwara Elections

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES FREE EDUCATION FOR GIRL STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS AIDED SCHOOLS

Chandigarh, July 28: The Punjab government has issued a notification waiving off all charges from girl students studying in 9th to 12th standards in government as well as in aided schools.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the State government said that now no admission fee, re-admission fee, amalgamated fund, PTA fund, sports fund, ICT fund, Geography, fine arts, physics, chemistry and biology fee would be charged from any girl student. These orders would be implemented from current academic session i.e. 2011-12. A notification no. 7/23/2011-5 edu.4/4918 dated 22nd July, 2011 has already been issued in this regard

It may be mentioned here that at present no fee was being charged from girl students up to 10th standard in State government schools.

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7 IAS AND 7 PCS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, July 28: The Punjab government today ordered the transfers/postings order of 7 IAS and 7 PCS officers with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab government said that Mr. Anurag Verma, IAS has been posted as Commissioner Jalandhar Division and in addition Commissioner/Appeals Jalandhar, Mr. Ashok Kumar Singla, IAS has been posted as Deputy Commissioner Moga and in addition given the charge of Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Moga, Dr. Sirra Karuna Raju, IAS posted as Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur, Mr. Harbhupinder Singh, IAS posted as Director-cum-Special Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Smt. Alaknanda Dayal, IAS posted as Special Secretary, Finance and in addition Director Lotteries and in addition Director Small Savings Punjab, Mr. Basant Garg, IAS posted as Deputy Commissioner Fazilka and Mr. Sibin C., IAS posted as Deputy Commissioner Pathankot in addition Commissioner Municipal Corporation Pathankot.

The spokesman said that Mr. Rajinder Pal Singh, PCS has been posted as SDM, Ajnala, Mr. Parminder Singh Gill, PCS posted as District Transport Officer, Hoshiarpur, Mr. Tejinder Singh Dhaliwal, PCS posted as SDM Amloh, Mr. Harminder Singh, PCS posted as ADC (Development), Hoshiarpur in addition Assistant Commissioner (General) Hoshiarpur, Mr. Anil Kumar Garg, PCS posted as SDM Patiala, Mr. Ajmer Singh, PCS posted as ADC and ADC (Dev.) Moga and the services of Mr. Satish Kumar Singla, PCS has been placed at the disposal of the Department of Local Government for appointment as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Phagwara.
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4 SSPs 13 SPs AND 16 DSPs TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, July 28: The Punjab government has today issued the transfer orders of 4 SSPs and 13 SPs and 16 DSPs with immediate effect.

According to a spokesman of Punjab government Mr. Balkar Singh Sidhu, PPS and Mr. Rajinder Kumar Shardha, PPS have been posted as SSPs of newly created districts Pathankot and Fazilka respectively. Mr. Manminder Singh, PPS has been posted as SSP Tarntaran and Mr. Surinder Kumar Kalia as SSP Gurdaspur.

Besides this Mr.Gurmit Singh, PPS has been posted as SP (H) Ferozepur, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, PPS as SP(D) Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr. Gagan Ajit Singh , PPS as additional DCP-II Jalandhar, Mr. Manmohan Singh PPS as SP (H), Tarntaran, Mr. Ranbir Singh, PPS as SP (Traffic) Tarntaran, Mr. Naresh Kumar, PPS as additional DCP-II Amritsar, Mr. Gursharan Singh Bedi, PPS as Zonal SP /Crime Bathinda, Mr. Jai Pal Singh, PPS as Zonal SP/Crime, Patiala, Mr. Harmohan Singh PPS as SP(H)/SBS Nagar , Mr. Satinder Singh, PPS as SP/Intelligence, Mr. Manjit Singh, PPS as additional DCP-I, Ludhiana, Mr. Ravinder Kumar Bakshi as Assistant Commandant, 2nd IRB /Ladda Kothi, Sangrur and Mr. Bhupinderjit Singh, PPS as Assistant Commandant Ist/IRB Patiala.

The spokesman further said that Mrs. Gurmeet Kaur, PPS has been posted as DSP/Jaito, Mr. Bikramjit Singh PPS as DSP/City Bathinda, Mr. Kesar Singh PPS as DSP/City-I, Patiala, Mr. Surinderpal Singh, PPS as DSP/SD/Sardulgarh with additional charge of DSP/SD/Budhlada, Mr. Harjit Singh, PPS as DSP/SD/Fatehgarh Churian, Mr. Balwinder Singh PPS as DSP/Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, Mr. Narinder Singh, PPS as ACP/Hqrs. Amritsar, Mr. Ranjit Singh, PPS as DSP/D, Batala, Mr. Kehar Singh, PPS as ACP/Focal Point, Ludhiana, Mr. Jaswant Singh, PPS as ACP/Traffic, Amritsar, Mr. Cheta Singh, PPS as DSP/Hqrs. Patiala and Mr. Gurpreet Singh, PPS as DSP/D, Tarntaran. Besides this, five DSPs namely Mr. Paramjit Singh, PPS, Mr. Tilak Raj, PPS, Mr. Nahar Singh, PPS, Mr. Ranjit Singh, PPS, Mr. Mohinder Singh, PPS and Mr. Gurdarshan Singh, PPS have been posted as DSPs in Chief Minister Security, Pb., Chandigarh.
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BATH APPEALS NRIS TO INVEST IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, JULY 28:

Punjab NRI Minister S. Balbir Singh Bath urged Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to invest in the state. Mr. Bath said that path breaking initiatives for providing Punjab with world class infrastructure, opportunities for human resource development and people to government re-orientation were set to turn international focus on State, a global destination.

Mr.Bath said that Punjab has one of the densest per capita presences of NRIs in the country and the areas, like Doaba region, can actually be described as the NRI belt of the country. The contribution of the NRI fraternity to the prosperity of the state was immense as their villages carries the stamp of their contribution as the State government had already launched a scheme in which if an NRI contributes 25% for a development project at his native place, the Government made the remaining 75% share.

He further said that the state was laying special emphasis on education and health services. Major steps have been taken to streamline the education system. Apart from upgrading the school education structure, Punjab has added four new universities and for world class professional education, it had secured the ISB and IIT for our state. He informed that Punjab has declared hospitality sector as an industry as it has a tremendous potential for tourism and invited NRIs to be a part of that process.

Mr. Bath said that to check the any kind of harassment of common peoples as well as of NRIs, the State has set in motion the process of drastically reforming the system through a massive exercise known as Governance reforms. This will not only speed up the delivery systems in the state but would also considerably reduce the harassment that the common man has to face in government offices for getting routine things done, like securing driving licences, getting complaints registered in police stations and securing routine revenue documents like the copies of the FIRs, the fards or birth and death certificates.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHARIF SEASON ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, JULY 28:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the kharif Season through Canal water from 02-08-2011 to 09-08-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder respectively.

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

The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A' being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in Group 'B'.

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

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FAZILKA AND PATHANKOT ARE NEW DISTRICTS IN PUNJAB

• DHARAMKOT OF MOGA AND GURU HARSAHAI OF FEROZEPUR GIVEN SUB-DIVISION STATUS
• FULFILLED 45 YEARS OLD DEMAND OF PEOPLE- SUKHBIR
• THREE NEW MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS OF MOGA, PATHANKOT AND PHAGWARA NOTIFIED
• RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT NOTIFIED TO COVER 67 SERVICES
• PUNJAB CIVIL SERVICES (RATIONALISATION OF CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE) REPEALED

Addressing the media persons after the meeting of council of Ministers, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that by taking all these decisions the SAD-BJP government has fulfilled its promises made in the manifesto to the people of Punjab. He said that these historic decisions reflect that the SAD-BJP government was committed to take Punjab on the path of accelerated development and was conscious of aspirations of people of Punjab.

Giving the details of the decision, Mr. Badal said that Mr. Badal said that newly created district Fazilka would include three sub-divisions of Fazilka, Jalalabad and Abohar and three sub-tehsils of Arniwala, Shiekh Subhan, Sito Guno and Khuhian Sarvar. Headquarter of Fazilka district would be Fazilka City and it would have 314 Revenue Villages. He said that Pathankot district would include Pathankot and Dhar Kalan sub-divisions besides sub-tehsils of Naraut Jaimal Singh and Bamial. He said that headquarter of Pathankot district would be at Pathankot and it would have 421 Revenue villages. The meeting also sanctioned the requisite staff for newly created districts.

Mr. Badal said that the council of Ministers also took the decision to upgrade Dharamkot of district Moga and Guru Harsahai of district Ferozepur as Sub-Divisions/Tehsils. Dharamkot would have 150 villages whereas Guru Harsahai would have 166 villages. The Cabinet also sanctioned the requisite staff for the new sub-divisions. Mr. Badal said that as announced in Jalandhar the Punjab Government today has notified the upgradation of Pathankot, Phagwara and Moga as Municipal Corporations to accelerate the development process in these cities.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab has created a history by becoming first state in the country to notify the ordinance promulgating ‘The Punjab Right To Service Ordinance’ empowering the citizens to get 67 citizen services in a scheduled time as a matter of right. He said that Punjab is proud to implement the most comprehensive act in the state as others states have implemented this act in two or three services. Mr. Badal said that now citizens of the state were King as civil servants have been made accountable to deliver services to the citizens within the scheduled time.

Mr. Badal said that the Punjab government has repealed Punjab Civil Services (Rationalisation of Certain Conditions of Services) Act 2011.

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BONANZA FOR PUNJAB FARMERS AS PUNJAB APPROVES 75,000 TUBE WELL CONNECTIONS

• · APPROVES NEW AGRICULTURAL PUMPSET POLICY
• · TO EXPEDITE RELEASE OF TUBE WELL CONNECTIONS
• · SAD-BJP GOVERNMETN FULFILLED ITS PROMISE TO THE FARMERS

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, said that in a major step to clear the backlog of tube well connections under the new policy 25,000 connections would be released in General Scheme whereas 50,000 additional connections would be released in Accelerated Release of Tube Well Connections (ARTC) scheme. He said that till date the SAD-BJP government has released 182589 tube well connections during last four years and with the release of 75,000 connections, 257589 connections would be released in the tenure of this government that would be the highest number of connections released by any government in its tenure. Mr. Badal said that the release of 75000 connections in a single year would be the largest number of connections released by any government during single calendar year. The Spokesman said that presently there were 14 lakh tube well connections installed in the state, out of which 1143267 connections were operated with Power connections.

Giving out the details of the scheme, Mr. Badal said that over 15,000 connections would be released to the General Category whereas 7500 connections would be provided to priority categories and 45,000 connections would be release under ARTC scheme.

Emphasising on giving priority to the small and marginal farmers, Mr. Badal clarified that the applicants with land holding up to 5 acre would be given 30% connections whereas other 30% would be given to those having land above 5 acres and remaining 30% would be given to priority categories including Martyrs of Kargil War, Operation Rakshak, J&K Insurgency, Gallantry Awardees, Scheduled Castes, Oustees, Ex-Servicemen, Kandi areas etc. He said that apart from these 75000 numbers additional AP Connections have also been planned for Sem Area, Drip/Micro Sprinkler System, Gram Panchayat, Religious Institutions, Gaushalas, Harijan Farmers Co-operative Society without cut- off date. It would be over and above the fixed annual target of 2011-12.

Mr. Badal said that the eligible AP Applicants would be allotted connections as per seniority and normal service connections charges @ Rs 3600 per BHP would be charged from the general category consumers. He clarified that however those seeking out of turn release of connections/load/demand will pay actual cost of release of connections or PSERC prescribed per BHP/KW/KVA service connection charges, whichever is higher.

Mr. Badal said that this scheme may be opened upto 31.12.1992 first having pending application 61116 Nos. for two weeks and if the response is less than target, it will be extended upto 31.12.1994 having total pending applications 90817 for another two weeks and still short of target, we may extend it upto 31.12.1996 having total pending applications 108705 for another two weeks. The scheme may close within six weeks from its start to enable timely floating of tenders etc. He said that the applications/ option under proposed ARTC scheme shall be available to applicants already registered under General Category & pending for issue of Demand Notice. He added that the connections under ARTC shall be released on turnkey basis through open tender process or departmentally. The material conforming to standard specification of PSPCL will be purchased/ procured by the Contractors from approved suppliers of PSPCL and the release of Tubewell connections under the policy shall commence after July/Aug. 2011.

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CABINET APPROVES FAZILKA AND PATHANKOT AS NEW DISTRICTS

DHARAMKOT AND GURU HARSAHAI UPGRADED AS NEW SUB-DIVISIONS

Chandigarh July 27:

The Punjab Cabinet today approved the creation of Fazilka and Pathankot as the new districts of the state following the recommendations of the committee of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Local Government Minister Mr. Tiksan Sud.

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal this evening.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that with this decision the total number of districts in Punjab had gone up from 20 to 22. Newly created Fazilka district would consist of three sub-divisions viz Fazilka, Jalalabad and Abohar besides three sub-tehsils Arniwala Sheikh Suban, Sito Guno and Khuian Sarwar. Likewise, the Pathankot district would comprise two sub-divisions of Pathankot and Dharkalan along with two Sub-Tehsils namely Narot Jaimal Singh and Bamial. The cabinet also approved the creation of posts of officers as well as the ministerial staff for these two newly created districts according to the government norms.

The Cabinet also approved the upgradation of Sub-Tehsil Dharmkot in Moga district and Sub-Tehsil in Guru Harsahai in Ferozepur district as new sub-divisions besides giving approval for the creation of new posts for these newly upgraded sub-divisions.

The Cabinet also gave nod to promulgate ordinance for the establishment of Guru Ki Kashi Self Financed University at Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district.

The Cabinet also approved to amend the Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) Rules 1976 to evolve a transparent criteria for the recruitment of the PCS (EB) officers from other categories of employees like District Revenue Officers (DROs), Tehsildaars, Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioners (AETCs), Block Development and Panchayat officers (BDPOs) and Ministerial Staff etc.

The Cabinet also gave go ahead to amend the various sections, sub sections and Preamble of Punjab Tax on Entry of Goods into Local Areas Act, 2000.

The Cabinet also gave approval for the creation of the post of ex-officio Vice Chairman in the Punjab ex-servicemen corporation.

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REVIEW CAP ON COTTON EXPORTS AND ALLOW ADDITIONAL

EXPORTS OF 1 MILLION BALES- BADAL WRITES TO PM

Chandigarh, July 27: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the personal intervention of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh urging him to review the cap on the exports of cotton besides allowing additional exports of about one million bales to ensure remunerative price to the cotton growers for their produce during the ensuing Kharif Marketing Season 2011.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal apprised him that Punjab is one of the major cotton producing states of the country and it produces about 20 lakh bales of cotton annually. As per estimates of the Cotton Advisory Board of India, the total cotton production in the country during 2010-11 is likely to be 339.3 lakh bales while the domestic consumption of cotton is estimated to be 240 lakh bales. Hence as per current scenario there is surplus of cotton in the country. The union government had imposed a quantitative restriction on cotton exports in October, 2010 when prices of the natural fiber had shot up. The government allowed export of only 6.5 million bales of cotton during 2010-11 seasons to protect domestic textiles industry in the wake of rising prices of the raw material.

The Chief Minister also informed Dr. Manmohan Singh that the restrictions on cotton exports led to softening of cotton prices which have been sharply criticized by farmers' organizations of cotton producing states. During kharif 2010, prices of cotton remained firm and consequently, the area under cotton during current kharif season increased.

Mr. Badal also pointed out that the production of cotton in the country is likely to increase. The International Cotton Advisory Committee has estimated that global cotton production could reach 27.3 million tonnes by 2012 due to improving prices. In light of these facts, he impressed upon the Prime Minister to immediately review the restrictions imposed on the exports of cotton and permitting additional exports of about one million bales to the cotton growers during the current kharif marketing season.

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CM GIVES NOD FOR ALLOTMENT OF LAND TO VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS ON COLLECTOR RATES IN RAJPURA

Chandigarh July 27: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today presided over the 93rdmeeting of PEPSU Township Development Board and gave approval to the allotment of the sites for various institutions viz Gurdwara Shaheed Bhai Mati Dass Ji, Rajput Bhawan, Press Club, Brahama Kumaris World Renewal Spiritual Trust and Khalsa Senior Secondary School in Rajpura on collector rates under the PEPSU Township Development Board Disposal of Property Rules, 2003.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister Office said that Mr. Badal also gave ex-post facto approval for the revised budget estimates for the year 2010-11, besides approving budget for the current financial year 2011-12. The Chief Minister also gave approval for the construction of the new building of Janjghar in Tripuri over an area of 25 acre at a cost of Rs.2.27 crore.

Meanwhile, the Director Technical Education Mr. Vikas Partap informed in the meeting that the upcoming multi disciplinary academy over an area of 18 acre would be completed by this September 30. The Chief Minister also gave approval for the construction of Mini Secretariat adjacent to the New Judicial Court Complex over an area of 5 acre at an estimated cost of Rs.7 crore. Mr. Badal was apprised that the newly constructed government hospital in Tripuri had already been made functional with the requisite medical and para-medical staff positioned along with medical infrastructure to provide the best medical and diagnostic facilities to the people of the nearby areas.

Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S Guru, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. K.B.S Sidhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. A.R Talwar, Special Secretary Local government Mr. Arvinder Singh, Special Secretary Mr. R.L Meena, Administrator PEPSU Township Development Board cum Special Secretary Revenue Mr. R.K Kaushik besides MLA Raj Khurana, Municipal Councilor Rajpura Ms. Sarita Gaira, Managing Director Punjab System Health Corporation Mr. Raji P Srivastava besides Chief Engineer Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. R. L. Kauldhar and Chief Engineer PWD (B&R) Mr. Ashok Kumar Singla.

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BHAI GHANHYA TRUST DEBARS THREE HOSPITALS FOR MALPRACTICES

Chandigarh, July 27: The meeting of the Bhai Ghanhya Trust was held here under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister and the Chairman Bhai Ghanhya Trust to review the performance of the Bhai Ghanhya Sehat Sewa Scheme.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the scheme has become operative w.e.f. May 16, 2011 and would continue up to May 15, 2012. As many as 1.24 lac families covering 2.85 lac beneficiaries have been covered under the Scheme under which indoor treatment up to Rs.1.5 lac for hospitalization exceeding 24 hours was available on cashless basis in approved hospitals. 278 hospitals have been approved for providing treatment to the beneficiaries on cashless basis in Punjab and Chandigarh. The approved hospitals included Super Speciality Hospitals viz Fortis Mohali, Hero Heart, Ludhiana, Fortis Escort, Amritsar and Guru Ram Dass Hospital, Amritsar. Apart from indoor facilities certain procedures like dialysis, cataract, chemotherapy,radiotherapy, tonsillectomy etc. were also available on OPD basis. Scheme also provides treatment for pre-existing diseases and pregnancy services. The newly born child was covered under the scheme from the day of birth up to six months without any extra premium.

It was also informed in the meeting that 5360 beneficiaries have availed cashless treatment worth Rs.7.28 crores from May 16-July 26, 2011 besides the treatment taken by the beneficiaries on re-imbursement basis from the Government Hospitals. Three hospitals including Sri Guru Harkrishan Charitable Hospital, Sohana (Mohali), Guru Nanak Multi speciality hospital, Ghuman (Gurdaspur) and MS Memorial Hospital, Gurdaspur which violated the terms and conditions of the scheme during February 1, 2010 to January 31, 2011 their removal from the list of hospitals and debarring them from participation in the current scheme was also approved by the Trust. It was also decided to initiate the process of renewal of Scheme for the next year at least six months before the expiry of the current Scheme.

Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included the Chief Secretary Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Financial Commissioner Cooperation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Registrar Cooperative Societies Mr. Kirandeep Singh Bhullar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gagandip Singh Brar, CEO of the Trust Mr. K.S. Palne, Medical Consultant to the Trust Mrs. Shweta Mohindroo besides other trustees.
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CAG ASKS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT FOR TIMELY AUDIT OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE

Chandigarh, July 27: Comptroller and Auditor General of India Mr. Vinod Rai today emphasized the need to have regular and timely auditing and accounting of all public expenditure to ensure accountability, transparency and good governance in the system on one hand and judicious utilization of public funds for the intended purposes on the other.

Mr. Rai called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at his residence this afternoon. He apprised the Chief Minister about the significance and relevance of the auditing and accounting, mandated by the constitution of India to provide independent assurance to our stakeholders, the legislature, the Executive and the Public to ensure proper utilization of public funds. Mr. Rai also appreciated the state government’s initiative to empower the PRIs in the right earnest, which were being involved in the development process carried out at the village level by Panchayats.

Appreciating the efforts of the Accountant General of Punjab, which have been entrusted with the task to oversee the budgetary spending by the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies. Mr. Badal said that this exercise had really proved to be fruitful in inculcating a sense of financial prudence and proper utilization of public funds. He also asked Mr. Rai to arrange a short duration training programme or workshop for the members of Panchayat especially the Panchayat Secretaries to equip them with basic norms of the auditing & accounting procedure to ensure proper execution of development works.

Taking part in the deliberations, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. K.B.S. Sidhu informed Mr. Rai that Punjab government had already laid special emphasis on the development of the core sectors of health and education besides infrastructure and growth. He said that the state had already set up a task force to ensure speedy and progressive use of accrual system of accounting in the government departments as well as in the public sector undertakings.

Mr. Rai was accompanied by Additional Deputy CAG Mr. B.B. Pandit, Principal Director CAG Mr. S. Alok, Principal AG (Audit) Punjab Mr. S. Murugiah and AG (A&E) Punjab Mr. Ajaib Singh.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. D.S. Guru, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. S.S. Sandhu and Secretary School Education Mr. Hussan Lal.

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Chandigarh, July 27: The Punjab government has today ordered the transfer/posting orders of 12 IAS and 3 PCS officers with immediate effect. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab government has said that the services of Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS has been placed at the disposal of department of Agriculture for appointment as Managing Director, Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, Mr. R. Venkatratnam, IAS has been posted as Secretary Election, Punjab and in addition Commissioner Ferozepur Commissioner and Commissioner Faridkot Division, Mr. Balbir Singh Sudan, IAS, Secretary Personnel and General Administration has been given the additional charge of Secretary Welfare of SCs and BCs and the services of Mr. V.K. Meena, IAS has been placed at the disposal of Department of Industries and Commerce for appointment as Managing Director, PFC.

The spokesman further said that Mr. Dipinder Singh , IAS has been posted as Deputy Commissioner Hoshiarpur, Mr. Vikas Garg, IAS as Deputy Commissioner Patiala, Dr. S. Karuna Raju, IAS as Deputy Commissioner Faridkot, Mr. Harbhupinder Singh, IAS as Deputy Commissioner Moga, Mr. D.D. Ternach, IAS as Project Director NRHM, Punjab, Mr. Vijay Namdeorao Zade, IAS as Additional Secretary Finance, Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav as Deputy Commissioner Bathinda and Mr. Ravi Bhagat, IAS as Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur.

Besides this, Mr. Harminder Singh, PCS has been posted as Assistant Commissioner General, Hoshiarpur with additional charge as ADC (Development) Hoshiarpur, Mr. Devinder Singh, PCS as Deputy Director Local Bodies, Ludhiana and Ms. Anupam Kaler, PCS as SDM Kapurthala, the spokesman added.

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Chandigarh, July 27:

Punjab government has released Rs. 67 crore under the Post Matric Scholarship scheme to provide financial assistance to the scheduled caste girls students in the state during the year 2011-12.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike welfare of Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes Minister, Punjab said the main aim to implement the post-matric scholarship to enable them to complete their education in Medical Engineering and other Professional courses being costly. The students domicile of Punjab and whose parents/guardians annual income does not exceed Rs. 2 lac are eligible for applying under the scheme.

The Minister said that more besides the relieving families of the burden of educating the girl child grant to scheduled castes girls studying in Post Matric and Post Graduate Classes is provided.

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PUNJAB TO ALLOT VACANT/UNPLANNED INDUSTRIAL LAND TO ADJOINING PLOT HOLDERS-TIKSHAN SUD

CHANDIGARH, July 27:

The Punjab Government has decided to allot left out unplanned bits and pieces of land which cannot be carved out as independent plots, to their adjoining plot holders to cater to their expansion requirements for their projects, thereby providing major relief to the industrial plot holders of different focal points/estates/colonies.

Disclosing this here today Punjab Local Bodies and Industries Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud announced that such leftover/ unplanned pieces of land would be offered for allotment to the adjoining plot holders on the current reserve price fixed by the concerned developing agency of the Government. He clarified that the left over pieces of land reserved for green/open spaces/common public utility services would not be covered in this scheme.

He further said that Department of Industries and Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation Limited would shortly invites applications from prospective entrepreneurs offering them an opportunity to apply for allotment of such pieces of land to the concerned allotting agency by third week of August. He said that this initiative was a significant step towards meeting the long pending demand of those industrialists/entrepreneurs interested in expanding their industrial units.

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Chandigarh, July 26

In a significant decision, the Punjab Government today issued detailed policy guidelines for release of Agriculture Pumpset (AP) connections in Punjab annually in the beginning of the year. The total number of AP connections released by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) in a year will not exceed the target fixed by the State Government.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Chief Minister's Office said that the proposed target for the current year was fixed as 25000 AP connections. Further, in order to clear the backlog of General Category applications pending since long, 50,000 additional connections under Accelerated Release of TubeWell Connections (ARTC) scheme are proposed to be released on priority through outsourcing / departmentally in view of the present financial constraints of PSPCL. Of the total AP connections to be released in a year as per the target fixed, the category-wise break-up would be as under:-

a) General Category 60% (15000 Nos.)

b) Priority Categories 30 % (7500 Nos.)

c) Providing connection 90% of (45000 Nos.)

under ARTC priority total ARTC

over and above (a & b) connections

Under the priority categories it will be ensured that the Tubewell connections will be released as per ratio indicated below:-

General Category:
i)
Applicants with land holding upto 5 acre
:
30% (7500 No.)
ii)
Applicants with land holding more than 5 acre
:
30% (7500 No.)

Other Priority Categories as mentioned below: - 30% (7500 No.)

Punjab Water Resources Management & Development Corporation Limited) T/W Connection Priority.
Land Across International Border Fencing Priority.
Kandi Area (10 BHP and above Submersible Pumps only).
Priority Across the River Ravi.
Priority under Family Partition.
Ex-Serviceman Priority.
Priority to Land Owners/ Oustees whose lands are acquired by the Govt. of Punjab.
Priority for Members of Schedule Castes
Gallantry Awardees ( Armed Forces and Civilians )
Martyrs of Kargil War, Operation Rakshak in J & K and insurgency.

Besides AP connections would be released on priority to Gaushalas, Gram Panchayats and the Religious Institutions as per the stipulated terms and conditions. Likewise common Tubewell connection on priority for irrigation of land alongside of Canal/ Distributaries and Tubewell connection on priority for Harijan Farmers Co-operative Societies would also be released as per the prescribed norms.

The “AP Policy – Guidelines for Release of Agricultural Pumpset Connections in the State of Punjab” for the year 2011-12 would be soon put on the website of PSPCL for necessary information of the public and AP consumers, added the spokesperson.

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Right to Service Ordinance 2011 Notified

The Punjab Government today notified the services, designated officers, first appellate authority, second appellate authority and the stipulated time limit for the purpose of section 3 of the Punjab Right to Service Ordinance 2011.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that the Punjab CM Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the file in this regard. This unique initiative was the brain child of the Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal to ensure 67 timely citizen centric services to the people as a part of his agenda to implement governance reforms. This landmark decision would save people especially the common man from the harassment due to inordinate delay for cumbersome procedures.
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CHANDIGARH JULY 26:

In a bid to provide easy loan facility to the poor people residing in Lal-Dora(Village premises) without any ownership record, the state government would soon launch a vigorous state wide drive in coordination with various Banks.

A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal with the senior officers of different Banks at his residence late last evening.

The representatives of various banks participated in the meeting included Chief General Manager, Satate Bank of India Mr. SK Sehgal, General Manager State Bank of Patiala Mr. Abhay Nath, Deputy General Manager RBI (Rural Planning & Credit Department) Mrs. Anitha Srinivasan, Asstt. General Manager, Punjab National Bank Mr. SM Agarwal and Zonal Manager, Punjab & Sind Bank Mr. Gurnam Singh.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal called upon the Bankers to come forward for this noble social cause to provide small loans to the poor people to start some petty business for their livelihood. Expressing concern over the plight of the poor in villages Mr. Badal said that in the non-availability of ownership records of their ancestral houses in the villages premises (Lal-Dora), despite their strong will to start some small business at village level, poor people were facing lot of hardships in securing loans from banks.

The bankers agreed to circulate the instruction to their respective branches in the state for ensuring easy loan disbursement without any guarantee to the genuine and needy poor persons. They also agreed to organize first such loan camp at village Badal next week in coordination with Welfare department, Punjab.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included 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 Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Secretary Welfare Mr. R. Venkat Ratnam, Registrar Cooperative Societies Mr. Kirandeep Singh Bhullar, Director Local Government Mr. Raminder Singh and Director Welfare Mrs. Indu Misra.