Punjab News ----NRI REPORTS

Chandigarh June 5 – The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today strongly condemned the brutal police action against peaceful gathering at New Delhi’s Ram Lila Ground early this morning. Mr. Badal said that the government has created a situation in which “the people of the country are at war with the government” on the issue of corruption. He said that the situation as “extremely alarming.”

Mr. Badal also demanded that black money stashed away in foreign banks should be brought back, confiscated and declared a national asset.. He said that he and his party fully supported the efforts of the members of the civil society and eminent people like Shri Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev in removing corruption from the country’s public life and for bringing back staggering sums of black money lying in foreign banks.

In a statement here, the Chief Minister said that the people of the country were fed up with rampant corruption in every sphere.

“Eliminating corruption in high places and bringing back staggering amount of black money stashed away in foreign banks are national issues which needed to be addressed with utmost seriousness.

Mr. Badal described the incident at Ram Lila ground this morning as “dark spot on democracy and a shocking violation of fundamental democratic rights of the people to put their views across in a peaceful manner. “It is unimaginable that such unwarranted repression to crush a peaceful and democratic struggle was resorted to in the capital of the world’s largest democracy,” said Mr. Badal. He said that he saw no justification for the sudden and totally unwarranted police action against Baba Ramdev and his followers last night especially when the government itself had allowed the gathering in the first place. He said that the government’s midnight cancellation of the permission was neither rational nor practical and this was bound to lead to an ugly situation. “The government’s approach to the issue has itself become a problem and can complicate the situation. The responsibility for the unpleasant turn that the situation ahs taken rests squarely with the UPA government,” said Mr.Badal.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal strongly condemned what he described as the "shocking" police action against peaceful gathering at New Delhi's Ram Lila Ground in the early hours of today.

Mr. Badal said that It was unbelievable that the government could resort to such high handedness without the slightest provocation and without any prior warning.

In a statement, Mr. Badal said that such brazen violation of civilized norms and fundamental democratic rights in the national capital of the world's largest democracy is bound to tarnish the image of the country in the global community. He described the development as utterly incredible as the gathering was neither posing any threat to peace nor indulging in any violent or provocative act. Mr. Badal said that his party strongly supported the move to bring back black money stashed away in foreign banks.

BADAL ORDERS INQUIRY INTO FINANCIAL IRREGULARITIES IN GIANI ZAIL SINGH COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY BATHINDA

Taking cognizance of the news reports in the various sections of the press regarding the financial irregularities in the different departments of the Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering & Technology, Bathinda, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered an inquiry to be conducted by the Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. Suresh Kumar to thoroughly probe into the matter and submit the report positively to him within a fortnight.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal has asked the Principal Secretary Technical Education to fix the responsibility of the concerned officers/officials involved in the financial irregularities.

The Punjab Government today announced setting up of ‘Chief Minister Cancer Relief Fund’ to provide financial help up to Rs 1.50 lakh to the cancer patients.

Disclosing here today Minister for Health and Family Welfare Mr. Satpal Gosain said that Punjab Government was committed to weed out the scourge of Cancer afflicting state population in different areas of Punjab. He said that to help the needy cancer patients the Punjab Chief Minister constituted the specific Fund for providing financial help of Rs. 1.50 lakh to the patient.

He said that all request for this financial fund would be scrutinised by a committee consisting of Chief Minister, Health Minister, Principal Secretary to Health and this committee would sanction grant as per the recommendations of concerned Civil Surgeon. The Minister said that this fund would run from government corpus and voluntary financial contribution by private individuals

Giving the details of the Fund the Minister said that applicant would have to the apply for fund with estimate of expenditure to be incurred on the treatment of the patient. He said that after sanction of the fund from Committee, money would be transferred directly to the hospital by cheque or draft. He said that financial help for the treatment would be keeping in view of those diagnostic tests in government hospital,/ PGI. He said that however, in the case of emergency this fund would be directly disbursed after obtaining the sanction from Chief Minister.

The Health Minister said that Punjab government was committed to provider latest facility for the treatment of Cancer and two ultra modern cancer hospitals were being construct at SAS Nagar Mohali and Bathinda at the cost of Rs. 200 Crore.

The first of its kind land purchase policy initiated by Punjab Forest Department has received resounding response with farmers offering a 2012 acre of land for sale to the department.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Arunesh Shakar Forest and Wild Life, Labour, Medical Education Minister said that Punjab Government had called for tenders for purchasing barren and agriculturally unsuitable land from the farmers so that forest could be developed on this land. He said that forest Department had evolved a policy under which Government and Non Government Agencies cutting the forest trees for the purpose of construction of National Highways, widening of roads, laying gas and sewerage pipe lines were required to deposit money earned by cutting the trees to the forest department. He said that under this policy GAIL had already deposited Rs. 5.85 crores for laying gas pipe line from Bathinda to Nangal. Similarly NHAI has deposited Rs. 11 crore for widening road from Amritsar to Pathankot on 100 km stretch.

The forest Minister said that Government had invited tenders from interested farmers to sell land to the forest department at the rate of Rs. 5 Lac per acre. It was mandatory that farmer should offer land not less than 25 acre land. He said that this limit of 25 acre was not required for land offered by farmers adjoining forest area.

Emphasizing to reach the target of 15% of forest area by 2020, the Minister said that forest department has already identified 60 acre of land on the embankments of Ravi in district Gurdaspur for which tenders would be floated soon. The Punjab Government has set aside Rs. 35 crore to purchase land from the farmers this year alone.

The forest Minister said that the forest department has already purchased 30 acre land in district Tarn Taran and it would plant saplings on this land during ensuing monsoon season so that loss due to development to the environment could be minimized.

Chandigarh, June 5-: The Punjab is all set to find a lasting solution to the mushrooming slums in the urban areas especially in Industrial belt of Ludhiana and Amritsar, by constructing 5142 rehabilitation units for the slum dwellers.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Tikshan Sud, Local government and Industry Minister said that Punjab government has sanctioned Rs. 141.46 crores for slum rehabilitation programme. He said that Ludhaina, Jalandhar and Amritsar were facing acute problems due to mushrooming slum in which migrant and industrial labour have to live in unhygienic conditions. He said that SAD-BJP government was committed for over all development of labour class and Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal took keen interest in allocating Rs. 141.46 crores for construction of these rehabilitation dwellings.

The Minister said that the state government has already acquired land for construction of slum rehabilitations units in Ludhiana and Amritsar. He said that slum dwellers would be one room, kitchen and toilet set for each family of slum. He said that each unit would be given independent power and water connection and these colonies would have proper facilities of playground, schools and health centre. The Minister said that he has issued instruction to complete the construction and allotment of these units within 9 month.

Capt Balbir Singh Bath, NRIs Minister Punjab today inaugurated the Advanced Dental and Medical Centre at Sector 37 Chandigarh. This centre, equipped with highly advanced techniques is headed by Dr. Vinod Chandel MDS (AIIMS, New Delhi) and Diploma in Laser Dentistry Aachen University Germany.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the setting up of the advanced centre was a step forward to strengthen health care infrastructure in southern sectors of Chandigarh. Capt. Bath went around the clinic, inspected the equipment and appreciated that the public would get the expertise in the form of qualified and experienced doctors. There would be a Physician, Skin specialist, Pediatric dentist, Orthodontist besides the best facilities of dental care. The Minister told the team of doctors under Dr. Chandel to monitor and evaluate the system and expand its reach to the maximum extent. Laser Dentistry in India was emerging as a precise and effective way to perform a number of dental procedures. This technology was also made available monitored by qualified doctors. He also discussed surgical procedures and dental implant strategies with the doctors and asked them to ensure best quality services through this Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vinod Chandel, said that Chandigarh needed a specialized dental clinic which would provide all dental modalities as well as medical care under one roof. This Advanced dental care center was an effort to provide all such facilities under one roof.

I welcome the extension of scope of ‘Shagun’ scheme to economically weak but much more needs to be done, for social welfare of the poor………………………………..Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA Bholath

I appreciate the extension of ‘Shagun’ scheme to girls belonging to economically weaker sections of the society, which will now include girls of Christians, backward classes etc. This will to some extent ameliorate the down trodden of our society.

I wish to remind the SAD-BJP govt. of its poll manifesto promise of increasing the old age and widow pension from the Rs 250 to Rs 500 per month. The present quantum of pension is too meager keeping in view the inflation and extremely expensive living in today’s world.

I want to make a special demand for increase in the widow’s pension to a minimum of Rs 1000 P.M having seen miserable state of affairs of destitute widows, particularly when they loose a breadwinner early in age. It is highly imperative to increase their pension to the said amount. At times many widows have minor children and are landless and jobless unable to make two ends meet.

Another area lacking attention and planning on the part of state govt. is the housing problem even in a developed state like Punjab. As we are aware Punjab has the highest percentage (32 percent) of Scheduled Castes population in the country. Even in the developed area like ‘Doaba’ there are large number of people particularly SC’s rendered virtually homeless or living in extremely congested small homes, owing to their growth in population over a period of years. I can give clear cut examples of my constituency where approx. one- fourth population of every village is extremely poor and of this section most families are living in very small houses i.e. two to three families residing in 1-2 ‘Marlas’ of area. Govt. can send a team to see pitiable conditions of life in V. Dyalpur block Dhilwan Distt. Kapurthala as a test case.

I would propose that govt. should plan a cluster housing scheme for the poor throughout the state. For this purpose govt. should identify common Panchayat or Shamlaat land and build very low income group houses or flats cluster that can accommodate homeless of five surrounding villages. All amenities such as approach road, safe drinking water, lighting and disposal of village water like facilities be created for these planned clusters. Each cluster should be built to accommodate 500 poor needy families. To begin with one thousand such housing clusters should be created to provide respectable living for the poor of our state.

I am sure if the state govt. plans this housing scheme with care, we could raise funds from institutions like the World Bank, NABBARD or such international organizations. This would go a long way to improve living conditions of the poor in our state, which would be real social welfare.

Chandigarh : Peoples Party of Punjab (PPP) strongly condemns the central government action against a peaceful protest to fight corruption in high places by Baba Ramdev.PPP has been raising its voice against corruption in Punjab and efforts to suppress the voice of the people find strong resonance in what happened at Ramlila ground. PPP supports Baba Ramdev in his countrywide drive against corruption.

Governments of the day, be it in Punjab or Delhi are not doing enough to curb corruption, instead are intend upon repressing the people protests with force or are dressing it up with false propaganda to befool them.

A comatose government, unwilling to act against corruption has found a soft target in arresting and beating those who are demanding affirmative action against the menace that is eating into the very foundations of Indian democracy.

The very basis of founding PPP has been to stand up against corruption and bring about inclusive growth. Awakening of the common man and his demand for booking the corrupt cannot be stopped by brutal force.

Not just Baba Ramdev, many more voices with rise in unison unless stringent laws are not applied to contain and book the corrupt.

Chandigarh, June 5 : Shiromani Akali Dal on Sunday strongly condemned the midnight lathicharge by Delhi police on Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev and his supporters and said that Congress party was desperate to suppress movement against corruption in the country.

In a statement released from the party head office here today party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the lathicharge on Baba Ramdev and his supporters has exposed the real face of the Congress led UPA in the country. He said that fear of exposure of indulgence of its leaders in the corruption was making the party desperate to suppress the movement against the corruption in the country which has gained momentum with the efforts of Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev.

He said that the brutal lathicharge by the police on the innocent men, women and children and that on midnight has proved that it was a well planned action of the Congress Government of the Delhi carried out on the orders of the UPA. He said that repeated attempts by the UPA ministers on proving this action right further confirms this fact that UPA was all out to punish the peaceful agitators for making appeals to curb corruption and make system in the country transparent.

SAD leader said that since independence Congress was indulging in scams but this UPA government has created a record of sorts with 2 G Scam, CWG Scam, Adarsh and other scams and ill gotten money of the elements promoted by the this government was stashed in Swiss and other foreign banks. He said that it was right time for the people of the country to make this movement more stronger and force this government to bring back black money and declare it a national property for using it on the development of the country.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today called upon people to follow the path shown by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Sikh Guru, who laid down his life for preserving the rich traditions of humanism and secularism.

In a message issued here today on the eve of Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the unparallel and supreme sacrifice made by Guru ji for preserving the supreme values of humanism and secularism would continue to guide the humanity in times to come. He said that monumental compilation of Adi Granth Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji by Guru Arjan Dev ji by collecting the sacred Bani of different Gurus, Saints and Sages has provided beacon of light to society. Guru ji's message of equality of humankind in 'Sri Sukhmani Sahib' and prayer for universal peace and motivating the people to do good deeds irrespective of results was his biggest contribution.

Mr. Badal called upon the people to observe Martyrdom day of Guru Ji with traditional devotion, dedication by renewing our resolve to create the society based on cardinal principles of peace progress and prosperity.

The Punjab Government has decided to take a step to meet the shortfall of specialist doctors in the state hospitals by offering re-employment to retired PCMS doctors.

Disclosing this today the Health Minister Mr. Satpal Gosain said that Government had to resort to re -employment as Punjab was facing shortfall of 332 specialists’ doctors in various streams. He said that Punjab was offering re-employment to those specialist doctors who have retired from the PCMS.

He said that Retired PCMS Specialist doctors who were less than 65 years of age and had a satisfactory service record could be considered for re-employment on contractual terms for two years which could be extended up to five years, (subject to age limit of 65 years) depending upon their performance.

He said that according the instructions finalizing by the state government, the selected specialist would be paid last pay drawn minus pension. The Minister said that the specialist doctors would work against a vacant clinical post and there appointment would not be transferable.

Chandigarh, June 4 : Punjab Forest and Wild Life Minister Mr. Arunesh Shakar today gave a call to preserve forests cover in the state for the benefit of future generations.

In a message to the people the Minister said that it is matter of great pride that the World is celebrating today the World Environment Day on the theme ”Forests – Nature at your Service”.

He said that SAD-BJP government has taken various steps to reach the goal of 15% forest cover in the state by the year 2020. He said that state government had recently notified a Land Purchase Policy under which forest saplings would be planted on land purchased from the farmers to compensate for trees being cut for expansion and construction of roads.

He said that Forests cover one third of the earth’s land mass, performing vital functions and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. In fact, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. The Minister said that play a key role in our battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon dioxide.

Mr. Shakar said that Forests feed our rivers and are essential to supplying the water for nearly 50% of our largest cities. He said that they create and maintain soil fertility; they help to regulate the often devastating impact of storms, floods and fires.

Stressing the importance on Forests, he said that they also provide shelter, jobs, security and cultural relevance for forest-dependent populations. The Minister said that they are the green lungs of the earth, vital to the survival of people everywhere.

Expressing concern Global deforestation the Minister said that this was continuing at an alarming rate under which every year, 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed. That’s equal to the size of Portugal.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to follow the precious legacy and the noble path shown by Sri
Guru Arjan Dev ji, the fifth master of the Sikhs who made a supreme
sacrifice for preserving the rich values of humanism, secularism and
unity of mankind.

In a message on the martyrdom day of Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, the Chief
Minister said that Guru ji laid down his life for the humanitarian
cause and his unparalleled sacrifice would ever act as a source of
inspiration for the future generations. Guru ji compiled the sacred
'Bani' of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, which is a 'beacon light and would
continue to guide the destiny of human beings to enable them to lead a
meaningful life. The real homage to the great Guru would be to follow
his noble teachings, high ideals in true spirit and strive hard to
safeguard the interests of oppressed and disadvantaged sections of the
society.

"We must remember the underlying spirit and message associated with Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji's selfless sacrifice", said Mr. Badal.

The Punjab Local Bodies, Industry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Ch. Bhajan Lal who passed away due to a massive heart attack at Hisar last day. He was 80.

The Minister also sent a message of condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

Govt mishandling state-owned corporations: Kewal Singh Dhillon

Chandigarh
Political office of S Kewal Singh Dhillon
Barnala MLA

: Punjab Congress vice-president and Barnala MLA Kewal Sngh Dhillon today criticized the SAD-BJP government for mishandling state-owned utility service providers like Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. Stating that the power corporation is down in the dumps as it has not been getting due revenue considering that the Punjab government has been diverting the same to meet its own liabilities, he said that the patch-up work being done by the government will prove damaging for industrial environment in the state in the long run.

He said while the power corporation is already finding it difficult to raise loans with its accumulated losses of Rs 12,000 crore, the government, as reported in media, very slyly adjusted Rs 981 crore due to the utility, as subsidy payable on account of free power to the farm sector. He said the government was compromising the functioning of state corporations and boards to give an impression that everything was all right with the state functioning just before the election year, whereas the realty was jus the opposite.

Dhillon said that despite the fact that the state made costly purchase of electricity at the cost of adding to the burden of the power utility to make sure that power consumers do not get irked in the election year, the state still faces power shortage. He said given that states like Bihar and Chhattisgarh are wooing industry in Punjab, like cycle manufacturers, to set up plants there, unless the government comes up with strong incentives, a second wave of industry migration may begin in Punjab after hundreds of units shifted to Himachal and Uttarakhand. Dhillon said the government's shortsightedness has left the state's economy in a mess and it very much realizes that nothing can be done in its remaining term, therefore it is indulging in a massive cover-up operation.

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Chandigarh, June 4: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today called upon people to follow the path shown by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Sikh Guru, who laid down his life for preserving the rich traditions of humanism and secularism.

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Ch. Bhajan Lal who passed away due to a massive heart attack at Hisar this afternoon. He was 80.

In a condolence message the Chief Minister said that Ch. Bhajan Lal's death will leave a big void in Haryana political circles.

The Chief Minister also sent a personal message of condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed grief at the demise of former Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhajan Lal who died in Hisar today after heart seizure.

The Deputy Chief Minister has shared heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family in this difficult hour.

"We must remember the underlying spirit and message associated with Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji's selfless sacrifice", said Mr. Badal.

Chandigarh June 3: The Punjab Government today issued detailed instructions widening the scope of Shagun Scheme for 2011-12 including economically poor girls of backward class upper class, Christians community besides earlier notified schedule caste girls.

Mr. Guljar Singh Ranike , Welfare of SC and BC Minister said that according to the instructions the Shagun amount of Rs. 15000/- would be credited in the bank account of beneficiary through on line process. It would be imperative that age of the beneficiary girl should be 18 year or more and the applicants family income should not exceed Rs. 30000 per year. BPL families and blue card holders would not have to submit income certificate and other candidates would have to attach income certificate attested by competent authority. He said that this benefit of Shagun was available only for two girls in a family.

The Minister added that eligible girls would have to apply for the shagun before the marriage or on the date of marriage and no form would be accepted after the marriage. The form should give the bank account number of the beneficiary so that shagun amount could be credited directly in their account. After the receipt of form district Welfare Officer would check the eligibility of the applicant and send the form to the head quarter for release of shagun amount. The applicant parents / guardians should be the domicile resident of Punjab.

The Minister added that economically poor widows or divorcee girls would be also eligible for shagun at the time of re-marriage.

The Minister said that family would have to give a certificate to the district welfare officer that marriage has been solemnized on the said that after receiving the benefit of Shagun.

INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT FOR CITIES FROM OCTOBER-TIKSHAN SUD

FIRST EVER DOOR TO DOOR COLLECTION AND SCIENTIFIC PROCESSING PROJECT IN THE COUNTRY

The First ever door to door collection of garbage and Solid Waste Management Project for major cities of the State would become operational from October, 2011.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Tikshan Sud, local Bodies and Industries Minister said that under the project the door to door collection of garbage from every home would be ensured and solid waste would be processed in scientific manner to ensure minimal pollution and value addition by the processing of garbage. The Minister said that sites for setting up Solid Waste Processing plants have already been identified and the Department has secured clearance to start this project on war footing.

The Minister said that to implement this project the whole state has been divided into 8 sections, including three metros cities-Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar besides Ferozepur, Bathinda, Patiala, Sangrur, Pathankot and GMADA (area under Greater Mohali Development Authority).

He said that Punjab Government was very keen on this environment friendly project to find a lasting solution to this problem.

RICH TRIBUTES PAID TO MRS SURINDER KAUR BADAL BY NOTED NATIONAL POLITICAL LEADERS AND RELIGIOUS PERSONALITIES

Glowing tributes were paid to Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal, the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and the mother of Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal by the eminent national political leaders and religious personalities at the Bhog and antim ardaas ceremony organised here today at the New grain market.

Thousands of people from across the state have converged at the venue of bhog ceremony since morning to pay homage to Mrs Badal. Besides scores of regional leaders of various political parties, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, top brass of the state civil and Police administration, party workers of SAD-BJP and the members of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) also attended the bhog and antim ardaas of Mrs Badal.

Expressing gratitude to the people for sharing the grief in this hour of crisis, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal said that he on the behalf of Badal family was highly indebted to each one of you present here for showing a sense of belonginess and generosity. He said, “It was not only a personal loss to the family but also to the region and its people with whom my wife shared emotional ties since long for ensuring its overall development and their well being”.

Mr Badal profusely thanked the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who along with his wife shared his heart felt condolences telephonically with him and his family immediately after hearing about the sad demise of Mrs Badal. He also appreciated benevolent gesture of several leaders of national stature, who expressed sympathies with the family cutting across the political affiliations.

Paying tributes to Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal, the former Deputy Prime Minister Mr LK Advani recalled his ties with the Badal family since the formation of Bharatiya Jan Sangh under the leadership of Dr Shayama Prasad Mukherjee and later BJP and now the SAD being one of its the most trustworthy and strongest ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Mr Advani asked the people to take a vow to eradicate the menace of female foeticide from Punjab as a real tribute to Mrs Badal and also lauded the efforts of Member Parliament Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who had already launched a crusade against it and positive results were forthcoming.

In his address to offer tributes to Mrs Badal, the former BJP National President and Ex Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr Rajnath Singh said she was a multi-faceted personality with the qualities of head and heart. He said Mrs Badal throughout remained a source of inspiration behind Mr Parkash Singh Badal’s successful political career who steered the state as Chief Minister for four terms

Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha Mrs Sushma Swaraj said that Mrs Badal was a unique example of womanhood who strived hard for the empowerment of women and played a significant role in championing the cause of women, especially in the rural sector. She said Mrs Badal’s apt handling of domestic affairs gave an opportunity to Mr Badal to emerge as the tallest political figure on the national arena, for which he was even today respected by one and all for his rare political acumen and statesmanship.

Paying homage to Mrs Badal, the Gujrat Chief Minister Mr Narinder Kumar Modi described her as a moving spirit for Mr Parkash Singh Badal’s dynamic political personality and her son Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal’s tremendous abilities and capabilities which had put Punjab in the high orbit of growth and development.

Former Haryana Chief Minister and President of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Mr Om Parkash Chautala in his tributes to Mrs Badal said that her immense contribution at the domestic front had enabled the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal to achieve glory in political circles because he could exclusively devote himself to the overall development of state and for the welfare of its people, especially the peasantry. Without mincing any words Mr Chautala said politics was a whole time job and Mr Badal had done justice to it only due to the sheer dedication and motivation of his wife.

Former Member Parliament and Member of Working Committee of All India Congress Committee Mr Jagmeet Singh Brar recalled his affinity with Mrs Badal, who was just like a mother to him and said she was a perfect blend of love, compassion and faith. Mr Brar said that her contribution as a life partner in political life of Mr Badal was remarkable. He quoted, “Race is known by the womenhood”, which goes well with Mrs Badal’s charismatic personality.

In his homage to Mrs Badal the President Lok Bhalai Party and former Union Minister Mr Balwant Singh Ramoowalia said that the real tribute to her would be to ban the extravagant marriages in the state.

Member of National Executive of Communist Party of India Dr Joginder Dayal in his address paid to tributes Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal said that all of us should take a solemn pledge to do away with the social evil of female foeticide which was a slur on the Punjab’s rich cultural legacy.

While paying tributes to Mrs Badal the Managing Editor of the Ajit group of Newspapers Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard said that she was an icon of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat as she always stood against the social maladies like dowry and female foeticide.

In his address Giani Gurbachan Singh the Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib said Sardarni Surinder Kaur Badal was a perfect daughter, an accomplished wife and a caring mother who personified the concept of women hood in the right earnest.

Paying homage to Mrs Badal, the Head of Damdami Taksal Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma said she motivated the people to organise community kitchen (Langar) at Sri Darbar Sahib and Kirtan Darbars in Punjab and other parts of country to propagate the basic tenets of sikhism amongst them especially the common masses.

Earlier Bhai Lakhwinder Singh, Bhai Harjinder Singh Srinagar Waale, Bhai Joginder Singh Riar and Bhai Ravinder Singh performed the gurbani kirtan and the antim ardas was performed by Bhai Kulwinder Singh.

Chandigarh, June 02: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 110.53 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 102.17 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 11053380 tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 110.28 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.5%) till date whereas private traders procured 34862 tonnes (0.5%) of wheat. Till June 01, PUNGRAIN had procured 17.53 lakh tonnes (15.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 25.87 lakh tonnes (23.4%). PUNSUP procured 24.54 lakh tonnes (22.2%), PSWC procured 12.50 lakh tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 12.12lakh tonnes (11.0 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 16.61 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 13.70 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 10.28 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Ludhiana with 8.61 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position

The State Government has set up 1734 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

A STEP CLOSER TO TOTAL COMPUTERIZATION OF LAND RECORDS AS 105 FARAD KENDRAS BECOME OPERATIONAL - KOHAR

The Punjab has come closer to realize the dream of total computerization of land records with operationalisation of 105 out of 156 Farad Kendras in the State.

Disclosing this here today Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Punjab S. Ajit Singh Kohar said that this was the major Governance Reforms initiative of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal that would provide online record facility to lacs of land holding farmers and citizens through out the State. He said that the purpose of setting up of computerized farad Kendra was not only to provide Farads but also to feed land data in the computers to avoid undue harassment to the public. Any person could check his land record on internet. Adding further he said that this revolutionary step of the state Government would not only to help the public to have a transparent procedure but also check various discrepancies occurred in the old system of land record. Remaining Farad Kendras would be opened in the State on priority, said Mr. Kohar.

He also said that Punjab Government has opened computerized farad Kendra at Adampur, Bhogpur, Kartarpur, Shahkot and Nakodar in District Jalandhar: Hoshiarpur,Garshankar, Dasuya and Bhunga in Hoshiarpur: Bhikhi, Mansa Sardulgarh,Chuneer and Budlada in Mansa: Dhilwan, Phagwar, Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthla and Bhulth in Kapurthala District: Dina Nagar Bamial, NJ Singh, Shri Hargobindpur, Naushera Majja and Kanuwan in Gurdaspur District: Bariwala, Lambi, Doda, Lakhewali, Malout, Mukatsar and Giddarbaha in Mukatsar District: Morinda, anandpur Sahib, Roop Nagar, Chamkaur Sahib, Noorpur Bedi and Nangal in Roop Nagar District: Dehlon and Kumkalan in Ludhiana: Bhadson, Ghanour, Dudhan Sadhan, Pattran, Samana, Rajpura and Nabha in Patiala District: Balachaur and Nawan Shahar in S.B.S. Nagar: Badni Kalan, Nehalsinghwala, Bhagapurana and Dharamkot in Moga: Dhanola, Bhador, Tappa and Barnala in Barnala District: Faridkot, Sadik, Jaito and Kotakpura in Faridkot District: Fatehgarh Sahib, Bassi Pathana, Amloh, Khamano and Mandi Gobindgarh in Fatehgarh Sahib: Majitha, Attari, Tarsika, Ramdas, Ajnala and Lopoke in Amritsar District: Amargarh, Dhuri, Sherpur, Bhawanigarh, Longowal, Munak, Khanauri, Sangrur, Ahmedgarh, Lehragaga, Malerkotla, Sunam and Dirba in Sangrur District: Mamdot, Sitoguno, Makhu, Talwandi Bhai, Arniwala, Khunian-Sarwar and Zira in Ferozepur District: Nathana, Talwandi Sabho, Sangat, Mour, Bhagta Bhai Da and Rampura Phul in Bhatinda District: Patti, Khdur Sahib, Khemkaran and Goindwal Sahib in Taran Tarn and S.A.S.Nagar in S.A.S.Nagar District.

Mrs. Nirmal Tandon (Secretary/Minister) was given a warm send off by the 'Punjab Secretariat Personal Staff Association', Chandigarh (Regd.) yesterday on her superannuation retirement after putting in 40 years of distinguished services.

Punjab Agriculture Minister, Mr. Sucha Singh Langha also graced the occasion and honoured Mrs. Nirmal Tandon.

Lauding the services of Mrs. Tandon at different capacities with different Ministers and Senior Officers of the State Government, Chairperson of the Punjab Secretariat Personal Staff Association, Mrs. Anita Jain described her as an outstanding member of the staff who always discharged her duties with utmost dedication, sincerity, honesty and professional commitment.

On the occasion President of the association Mr. Darshan Lal Bhateja wished Mrs. Tandon a bright and prosperous future.

NITIN GADKARI, ARUN JAITLEY , NAVJOT SIDHU, MUNISH TIWARI, BITTU REACH BADAL VILLAGE TO CONDOLE THE DEATH OF BIBI SURINDER KAUR BADAL

BJP National President Mr. Nitin Gadkari , Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar , BJP leader Arun Jaitley , BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu, Congress MPs Mr. Munish Tiwari and Ravneet Singh Bittu , Cabinet Ministers Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Mr. Satpal Gosain, Mr. Arunesh Shakir were amongst scores of political leaders and religious personalities who called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal , Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal to offer their condolences on the tragic demise of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal.

Prominent amongst those who also reached village Badal to share their grief with the bereaved family in this hour of sorrow included former MP Mr. Dhian Singh Mand, State BJP Vice President Mr. Som Parkash, former Haryana Ministers Mr. Jagdish Nehra and Mr. Shamsher Singh Surjewala former MLA , Dr. Ram Kumar, Punjab Sewerage Board Chairman Mr. Baldev Raj Chawla , Punjab BJP General Secretary Mr. Kamal Sharma , Deputy Chairman Trade Board Mr. D.P.Chandan, Chairperson Social Welfare Board Mrs. Vijay Lakshmi , National President Shiv Sena Hindustan Mr. D.S.Kaka , Mr. Harinder Pal Singh Tohra, Youth Welfare Board Chairman Mr. Raju Khanna, Editor Day and Night Kanwar Sandhu and Folk Singers Mr. Mohammad Sadiq and Sardool Sikander.

Meanwhile the venue of Antim Ardas function of Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal has been shifted from village Badal to Navi Anaj Mandi, Bathinda Road, Malout due to inclement weather in the region.

The Punjab Government has initiated a normal peacock breeding project in Malwa Region of the State to check the depleting strength of peacocks in the State especially in the Malaw region.

Disclosing this here today Forest and Wild Life Minister Mr. Arunesh Shakir today said that Mr. Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister Punjab was quite concern about ill effects of insecticides and pesticides on the National Bird Peacock and was taking keen interest in this project.

The Minister said that Chief Minister would soon inaugurate this project in Bathinda district. He said that due to increasing urbanization and increasing use of pesticides the number of peacocks in Mansa , Bathinda , Mukatsar, Moga, Ferozepur and Sangrur has gone down drastically. He said that in this centrally sponsored project eggs of peacocks collected from Chattbir Zoo Mohali and Tiger Safari Ludhiana would be bred under scientific supervision at "Beehar Pond" Bathinda. He said that after successful completion of this breeding programme, peacocks would be released in the Malwa Belt.

It may be added that the number of peacocks were quite high in Chattbir Zoo and Tiger Safari Ludhiana whereas in Doaba situation was normal but in Malwa the number of peacocks was near extinction.

The Punjab State today clocked a new record in wheat procurement with various government agencies and traders procuring 11050312 tonnes of wheat beating the previous year procurement target of 110 lacs tonnes wheat.

According to an official spokesman Out of total procurement of 11050312 tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 11026230 tonnes of wheat (99.7%) till date whereas private traders procured 33982 tonnes (0.3%) of wheat. Till May 31, PUNGRAIN had procured 17.52 lakh tonnes (15.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 25.83 lakh tonnes (23.4%). PUNSUP procured 24.59 lakh tonnes (22.3%), PSWC procured 15.50 lakh tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 12.10 lakh tonnes (11 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 16.60 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 13.69 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 10.28 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Ludhiana with 8.61 lakh tonnes of procurement ranked at third position

The Spokesman said that this year the state government had made elaborate arrangement for procurement of wheat expecting a bumper crop. Total 1734 marketing centers all over the state work day and night to ensure hassle free procurement. He said that farmers were given payment of their produce within 48 hours after lifting of their wheat. He said that a total payment of Rs.12178.91 crores has been made to the farmers