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FIVE BJP MLAS SWORN IN AS PUNJAB CABINET MINISTER

CHANDIGARH, MAY 15:

The Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Tikshan Sood, Ms Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Mr. Satpal Gosai, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jaiyani and Mr. Arunesh Shakir as Cabinet Ministers, Punjab at a brief but impressive ceremony held at Punjab Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, Mr. S.S. Brar, who is holding the charge of State Chief Secretary sought the permission of the Governor to start the swearing in ceremony. Soon after being sworn in Mr Tikshan Sood, Ms Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Mr. Satpal Gosai, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jaiyani and Mr. Arunesh Shakir signed the oath, which was counter signed by the Governor.

The oath to these Cabinet Ministers was administered by the Governor in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.

Prominent amongst others who attended the swearing in ceremony included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Mr Shanta Kumar,Senior National Vice President incharge of the party affairs in Punjab, Member of Rajya Sabha, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, besides Members of Punjab Council of Ministers, senior leaders of political parties, top brass of State civil and police administration. Likewise, the members of the journalist fraternity and the invitees from all over the State also attended the ceremony. On the occasion, the newly sworn in Cabinet Ministers were accompanied by their family members, friends and well wishers.

The Swearing-in-Ceremony ended with the National Anthem played by the Police Band. High-Tea was also served to the guests at the Punjab Raj Bhavan after the ceremony.

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Barnala MLA Kewal Dhillon says SAD-BJP will meet DMK's fate

Congratulating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for being able to form coalition governments in the three out of five states that went to polls recently, Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon today said that the people's verdict clearly reflected good work done by the party. Stating that Congress was now set to sweep assembly polls in Punjab next year, he said governance offered by the parties that were routed in the polls, especially DMK, which was hit by the 2G spectrum scam, power cuts, skyrocketing prices and deteriorating law and order, was very similar to the Akali-BJP rule in Punjab, and therefore the state government should now give up any hope of retaining power.

Stating that the economy of the state was in dumps due to too much importance being given by the state government to secure business interest of the ruling Badal family, Dhillon said it is too late for the SAD-BJP coalition to learn from the DMK fiasco as both parties were fighting internal battles. While the hollow claims of the state government on economic front were laid bare by its own former finance minister, who is now up in arms against SAD, the BJP too is facing rough weather with five of its ministers being made to resign over corruption issue.

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BRIG. (RETD.) DS GREWAL APPOINTED AS ACTING CHAIRMAN OF PPSC
3 YEAR EXTENSION FOR BACCHI AS DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION)

CHANDIGARH MAY 13: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the proposal to appoint, Member of the Punjab Public Service Commission Brig. (Retd.) DS Grewal as acting Chairman of the Commission in place of the former Chairman Mr. SK Sinha, who passed away recently.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that this decision has been taken by the Chief Minister to facilitate the functioning of the Commission.

In another decision, Mr. Badal also gave approval to grant extension to the Director (Administration) of the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. Mr. Gurbachan Singh Bachi for another term of next three years. The present term of Mr. Bacchi was slated to expire on June 3, 2011.
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CM RECOMMENDS ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATIONS OF BJP MINISTERS TO GOVERNOR

CHANDIGARH, MAY 12

ThePunjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today recommended the acceptance of resignations, submitted by four Cabinet Ministers and two Chief Parliamentary Secretaries of the BJP, to the Governor Punjab.

Giving details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that the four Cabinet Ministers belonging to BJP including Local Government Minister Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Technical Education Minister Ch. Swarna Ram, Health & Family Welfare Minister Prof. Laxmi Kanta Chawla and Forest Minister Mr Tikshan Sud along with two Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Sukhpal Singh Nannu and Mr. Arunesh Shakir had submitted their resignations to the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal. Going by the wishes of BJP high command the Chief Minister has recommended the resignations to Governor for acceptance, added the spokesperson.

Meanwhile the Governor, who was at Jaipur, was contacted for the swearing in ceremony of the new Ministers. The swearing in ceremony of the new Ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries would be held on Sunday, added the spokesperson.
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CENTER ACCEPTS BADAL'S PLEA ON BLACK LISTS OF NRI SIKHS

DELETED 142 OUT OF 169 NAMES FROM THE DREADED LIST:

PUT DETAILS ON GOVT WEBSITE, SUKHBIR TO CENTER


Chandigarh May 12 –Acting on the repeated pleas of the Punjab government, the Government of India has finally deleted the names of 142 persons out of total of 169 from the Black Lists of “Sikh NRIs”. Only 27 names now remain on the List. Punajb govt wants any discrepancy on names removed through mutual consultations between the state and the central officials.

The issue of Black Lists, which was one of the major political demands of the Shiromani Akali Dal and formed a part of its poll promises in February 2007, was also a key issue agitating the minds of the NRIs. The SAD and the Punjab government had been demanding that the lists should be regularly reviewed and the names on it should be made public and the unjust denial of access to common and innocent NRI Sikhs should stop. The Union government’s earlier refusal to do so had become a major source of harassment and exploitation of Sikhs many of whom were denied access to the country even though their names did not figure on the Black list.

Reacting to the center’s acceptance of the SAD demand, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the Home portfolio, today demanded that all the details, including, the names of the remaining persons, should be put on the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to eliminate any further exploitation of Sikhs in the matter. “There should be an automatic mechanism for periodic review of these lists. While those facing criminal charges should be brought before the law,there should be no harassment of the innocents,” said the Deputy CM.

The center’s decision comes at the end of several review meeting between the officials of the Punjab and the Union governments and the recommendations of the central and state security agencies. The center has informed the Punjab government that its action follows the “consultations it had with the state govt. officials and the security agencies, the Government of India.”.

The issue of the revision of Black Lists was raised by the Chief Minister Mr. Parkas Singh Badal at the All India Chief Ministers’ Conference on Internal Security in New Delhi on February 7 last year. The Honorable High Court Delhi had also asked the government to consider the matter expeditiously.


This issues was again brought up by Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal representing Punjab at a meeting of All India Chief Ministers’ Conference on behalf of Mr. Badal (senior).

The Chief Minister had also urged the Prime Minister and the Union MHA through separate demi-official letters in July last year. The issue figured during several meetings he and the Deputy Chief Minister had with the PM.
Consequent upon these meetings, the Union Government had sent a CD containing details of the persons on the Black List. After a thorough review, the Punjab government recommended that those booked for terrorist activities should face the law of the country and the names of all the rest who did not have any criminal cases against them should be removed from the list.
The Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a statement has thanked all right thinking persons and organizations in India and abroad for their help to the state government in getting this demand accepted by the center.
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ETT PAPERS LEAKED – SEKHWAN SCRAP
SETT EXAMS·
SCERT barred to conduct ETT Exams

Chandigarh May 12:

The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan today scraped the ongoing ETT exams that commenced from 29th April 2011.

According to an official spokesman the Education Minister took the step of scraping the whole ETT exams on finding that ETT examination question papers were available to the selected candidates much before the time of examination. He noticed that question paper of ETT exam to be held on 11th May at 2 pm was available with the students in the morning itself. Similarly, the question paper of examination to be held on 12 May was available with the students at 12 noon.
The spokesman said that Education Minister noticing the fact that question papers might have been leaked to the students has ordered the scraping total ETT examination that started from 29th April 2011.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister has barred SCERT to hold ETT exams till further orders. The spokesman said that Minister has asked Mr. Sanjay Popli, Additional Secretary Education to hold an enquiry into this whole episode and register criminal case against those found guilty.
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ALL PUNJAB POLICE PERSONNEL TO GET UNIQUE IDs· EVERY POLICE PERSONNEL TO BE DESIGNATED AS AN OFFICER

Chandigarh May 12:

The Punjab Police became the first force in the country that has issued Unique Identification Number (UID) to all members of its force right from constable to DGP rank besides all ministerial staff working with the Punjab Police. In another decision every member of the force has been designated as an officer.

Releasing the UID number here today Mr. P.S.Gill, DGP, Punjab said that every member of the force would be given a permanent Unique ID Number which would be issued on the bases of his year of recruitment, Unit at the time of recruitment rank at the time of recruitment and belt number given at the time of recruitment. He said that UID would help in tracing the policemen and UID number would be printed by Ultra Violet technology to check the fake ID cards and all policemen would be issued UID cards from Police headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, the DGP said that in a novel measure to motivate the police force, it has been decided to change the nomenclature of every employee of Police Department to Officer. Constable and Head Constable rank employees would be known as junior enrolled police officer; where as ASI, SI, Inspector rank employees have been nomenclature as senior enrolled officers. The DGP said that DSP, DCP and ASP and other higher rank officers have been kept in the category of superior police officers. The DGP said that this path breaking move has been taken as per the recommendations of New Draft Punjab Police Rules.
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ETT PAPERS LEAKED – SEKHWAN SCRAPSETT EXAMS· SCERT barred to conduct ETT Exams

Chandigarh May 12:
The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan today scraped the ongoing ETT exams that commenced from 29th April 2011.

According to an official spokesman the Education Minister took the step of scraping the whole ETT exams on finding that ETT examination question papers were available to the selected candidates much before the time of examination. He noticed that question paper of ETT exam to be held on 11th May at 2 pm was available with the students in the morning itself. Similarly, the question paper of examination to be held on 12 May was available with the students at 12 noon.
The spokesman said that Education Minister noticing the fact that question papers might have been leaked to the students has ordered the scraping total ETT examination that started from 29th April 2011.

Meanwhile, the Education Minister has barred SCERT to hold ETT exams till further orders. The spokesman said that Minister has asked Mr. Sanjay Popli, Additional Secretary Education to hold an enquiry into this whole episode and register criminal case against those found guilty.
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ALL PUNJAB POLICE PERSONNEL TO GET UNIQUE IDs· EVERY POLICE PERSONNEL TO BE DESIGNATED AS AN OFFICER

Chandigarh May 12:

The Punjab Police became the first force in the country that has issued Unique Identification Number (UID) to all members of its force right from constable to DGP rank besides all ministerial staff working with the Punjab Police. In another decision every member of the force has been designated as an officer.

Releasing the UID number here today Mr. P.S.Gill, DGP, Punjab said that every member of the force would be given a permanent Unique ID Number which would be issued on the bases of his year of recruitment, Unit at the time of recruitment rank at the time of recruitment and belt number given at the time of recruitment. He said that UID would help in tracing the policemen and UID number would be printed by Ultra Violet technology to check the fake ID cards and all policemen would be issued UID cards from Police headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, the DGP said that in a novel measure to motivate the police force, it has been decided to change the nomenclature of every employee of Police Department to Officer. Constable and Head Constable rank employees would be known as junior enrolled police officer; where as ASI, SI, Inspector rank employees have been nomenclature as senior enrolled officers. The DGP said that DSP, DCP and ASP and other higher rank officers have been kept in the category of superior police officers. The DGP said that this path breaking move has been taken as per the recommendations of New Draft Punjab Police Rules.
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PUNJAB CM CONDOLES THE DEMISE OF SARDARNI SURJIT KAUR

CHANDIGARH MAY 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sardarni Surjit Kaur mother of the special correspondent of Daily Ajit at Patiala, Mr. Jaspal Singh Dhillon, who passed away at Rajindra Hospital Patiala today after a prolonged illness. She was 70 and survived by three sons and two daughters.

Mr. Badal expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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WHEAT PROCUREMENT CROSSES LAST YEAR MARK OF 102.70 LAC MT
105.02 LAC MT OF WHEAT PROCURED TILL LAST EVENING

CHANDIGARH MAY 11:

Punjab has successfully procured 105.02 lac MT of Wheat through government agencies and private traders during the current Rabi season till last evening, thereby crossing the last year procurement mark of 102.70 lac MT.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the entire procurement operations through out the state had been all smooth and hassle free due to the concerted efforts of the Food & Civil Supplies department and other state procurement agencies.

Out of total procurement of 105.02 lac MT of Wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 104.77 lac MT of Wheat (99.8%) till date whereas private traders have procured 24601 tonnes (0.2%) of Wheat. Till May 10, PUNGRAIN had procured 16.54 lac tonnes (15.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 24.99 lac tonnes (23.8%). PUNSUP procured 23.66 lac tonnes (22.5%), PSWC procured 12.18 lac tonnes (11.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 11.62 lac tonnes (11.1 %) of Wheat.
The Central Government agency FCI had procured just 15.76 lac tonnes of Wheat which was the 15% of the total procurement of Wheat in the state.

The spokesperson added that Ferozepur with 12.58 lac tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 10.07 lac tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Ludhiana with 8.47 lac tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.

The State Government has set up 1734 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of Wheat, the spokesman added.
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PIOs IOs AND AIOs TO BE MORE RESPONSIVE TOWARDS APPLICANTS

Chandigarh May 10: Mr. Ashok Singla, IAS, Special Secretary in the department of Administrative Reforms Punjab today asked the PIOs, IOs and AIOs to be more responsive and quick while disseminating the information asked under the RTI Act 2005.

While addressing the PIOs, IOs and AIOs, appointed in various government departments of the state during a seminar organized by the government to adequately train them, Mr. Singla said that there was a need to generate more awareness amongst the applicants and the designated officers deputed to handle RTI cases in the government offices about this comparatively new Act, which came into being in 2005. This would not only promote the good and transparent governance in the state but also help the government to improve its day-to-day functioning in the larger public interest. He has asked the PIOs and IOs to take a liberal view as per the guidelines laid down in the RTI ACT 2005. He also asked the officers to give valid information within the stipulated time frame to the applicant. Fee would be returned to the applicant if the information was not given in time. Referring to the rejection of the application, he said that the applicant would be communicated in writing along with the grounds of rejection by the officers concerned. Mr. Singla urged the officers to have a complete knowledge of the Act as well as the government rules under which the information was sought. Lack of information and lack of knowledge could invite harsh penalties for the IOs and PIOs, he added. The violation of the RTI Act 2005 should be avoided at any cost.

Mr. Ashok Singla, IAS, Special Secretary in the department of Administrative Reforms also emphasized about generating more awareness amongst all categories of society regarding the RTI Act
2005 and said such seminars would be organized all over the state at districts and divisional levels to apprise the officers about the RTI ACT 2005.
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NRI YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CALLS ON PUNJAB GOVERNOR

CHANDIGARH, MAY 9:

A group of 25 students and young professionals of Indian origin sponsored by Government of Punjab today called on Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil at Punjab Raj Bhavan.
Mr. Patil had a long question and answer session with the students on various subjects and implored them to face the challenges of the outside world with a positive attitude. He exhorted the students that in this competitive age, focus should be on enhancing capabilities and confidence to achieve excellence through commitment, vision, determination and hardwork.
Welcoming the students to Punjab, Mr. Patil told them that today technology, planning and vision is required. He said that if we develop the capabilities to use the entire resources of land, space and ocean then you need not to worry about anything in the future. Our emphasis should be on developing science and technology. We have to see both to work on balanced approach. It is, therefore, essential to enhance the potential of our human resources and produce competent and confident individuals rich in knowledge and innovative in approach, he added. Mr. Vikas Partap, Commissioner NRI Affairs, Government of Punjab giving brief note about the visit of students, said that Know India Programme provides a unique forum for students and young professionals of India origin to visit India, share their views, expectations and experiences and to bond closely with contemporary India. He said that the participants are selected based on nominations received from Indian Missions/Posts abroad.Mr. M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, Punjab is also present on the occasion.Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF ASHA ATTRI

Chandigarh May 9:

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed shock at the sudden demise of Smt. Asha Attri , IAS (retd.), Member, Punjab Education Tribunal, who expired here today after a brief illness.
In a condolence message the Deputy Chief Minister described Mrs. Asha Attri as an able administrator who worked through out her career with commitment and dedication.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed his heart felt sympathies with bereaved family and prayed to almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.
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BADAL ASKS LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT TO CLEAR ALL PENDING PROPOSALS WITHIN A WEEK REVIEWS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN SANGRUR DISTRICT

CHANDIGARH MAY 09: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Local Government department to clear all the pending proposals for ensuring basic civic amenities in all the cities and towns across the state with in a week.

Presiding over a series of meetings with the delegations led by senior leaders from Sangrur, Bhawanigarh, Dhuri, Malerkotla, Amargarh, Mandi Ahmedgarh, Barnala, Dhanuala, Longowal, Dirba and Sunam, Mr. Badal asked the senior officers of the key departments to ensure timely completion of the on-going developmental works with in stipulated time frame and categorically said that no laxity would be tolerated on the part of any executing agency.

Responding to the local issues raised by the leaders of these areas, Mr. Badal asked them to submit their detailed proposals to the Local Government department which would in turn get the estimates for these projects thoroughly checked and verified from the Technical Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal. He also asked the representatives to prioritize their works to be executed in their constituency in view of the demand of local residents.

It was informed in the meeting that the Local Government department would soon fill all the vacant posts of Executive Officers in the Municipal Councils to ensure smooth implementation of the on-going development schemes in the state.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to oversee the construction activity involved in the development projects under execution in the towns to ensure quality work within the stipulated norms and parameters duly approved by the Technical Advisor. He said that the norms of public money utilized for the welfare of the people must be adhered to. He also directed the Chief Engineer Drainage to explore the possibility of channelizing abandoned drains in Dhuri area especially in wake of floods. He also asked the MD Sewerage Board & Water Supply to complete the projects of sewerage and sewerage treatment plants underway expeditiously.

Mr. Badal specifically asked Deputy Commissioner Sangrur to hold separate meetings with the representatives to sort out the local issues like construction of bus stand, garbage dumping ground, street lighting, roads, bricklining of passages and installation of tubewells. The Chief Minister also asked the municipal councils and village panchayats to identify land for burial grounds on the demand of Muslim community.

Taking part in the deliberations, Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa asked the local leaders to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the entire Sangrur district to ensure basic civic amenities to the residents at their doorsteps. He profusely thanked Mr. Badal for taking keen interest in the development of Sangrur district through initiating various welfare schemes and development projects aimed at the overall development of the region as well as of the people.
On the demand of the leaders, the Chief Minister agreed to hold a sangat darshan program in Dhuri, Malerkotla and Sangrur, on 25, 26 and 27 May where he would interact with the members of the village panchayats to address the local issues in more meaningful and result-oriented manner.

The visiting delegations comprised MLA Dhuri Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Chairman PRTC Mr. Ranjit Singh Ballian, Mr. Gobind Singh Longowal, Mr. Gobind Singh Kanjla (both ex-MLAs) Chairman Punjab Wakf Board Mohd. Izhar Alam, Mr. Parkash Chand Garg. Besides these meetings were also attended by Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Chief Administrator PUDA Mr. AS Miglani, Secretary Housing & Urban Development Mr. SS Sandhu, Secretary Local Government Mr. SS Rajput, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gagandip Singh Brar, Director Local Bodies Mr. SK Sharma and MD Sewerage Board & Water Supply Mr. Satpal Angrula.
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CM CONDOLES DEMISE OF MRS. ASHA ATTRI

CHANDIGARH MAY 09:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Member Punjab Education Tribunal Mrs. Asha Attri, IAS (Retd.) who passed away here after a brief illness.

In his condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mrs. Attri as 'an able administrator and a fine human being with the rare qualities of head and heart as she always discharged her duties with commitment and dedication'.
Sharing his heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to give courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

It may be recalled that Mrs. Asha Attri was the wife of former DGP Mr. KK Attri and belonged to Punjab cadre of IAS 1969 batch.
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SUKHBIR SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF BORDER AREAS’

· Wheat procurement crosses 103 Lakh tones mark with record Rs. 10663 crore payment made to the farmers
· No justification for congress led UPA to raise fuel prices
· CBI role in Khurana case questionable
· District status for Fazilka to be decided by committee soon
Mandi Ladhuka (Ferozepur) May 09:
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today sought a special package for the development of border areas so that this region could be compensated for lack of industrial development being the sensitive border area of country. He also decried Congress led UPA Government for not effectively pursuing the demand of area for opening the trade with Pakistan through Hussainiwala and Fazilka borders.

Mr. Badal was addressing the media before dedicating to the State various development works in Fazilka and Jalalabad constituencies besides listening to the problems of the people in a series of 2nd phase of Sangat Darshan programme. Mr. Badal said that he along with Chief Minister and local MP had met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh seeking this package and despite assurance nothing has materialized on the ground.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that he had also raised the demand of opening of Hussianiwala and Fazilka borders to Union Home Minister Mr. P.Chidambram , when he came to lay the foundation stone of an integrated check post at Hussainiwala recently. Mr. Badal regretted that Congress Led UPA Government was deliberately keeping Punjab backward and not honoring the State for its contribution in making the country self reliant on food security front. He said that despite record wheat procurement, Punjab was not being allowed to export wheat to Pakistan and other Middle East countries that could provide remunerative price to the farming community for their produce.

Mr. Badal congratulated the official machinery for ensuring smooth and hassle free wheat procurement through out the State. He said that against 100 lakh wheat procurement on the day last year, the procurement agencies 102.58 Lakh tones of wheat in the mandis of the State out of which only 19.2 % has been procured by Government of India procurement agency FCI. Mr. Badal said that procurement agencies were working day and night and leave of procurement staff has been cancelled for the ongoing procurement season. Mr. Badal said that on the State Government instructions the farmers were being paid for their produce with in 48 hours of purchase of their produce. He said that by Sunday evening a record payment of Rs.10662.63 crore has been made to the farmers out of which maximum Rs.4024.81 crore has been made in Ferozepur Division.

Lashing at Congress led UPA Government for proposed hike in the price of diesel, petrol and LPG, he said that it was the only government in the globe that raises the price of fuel products when crude prices fall in international market. He said that with crude crashing to $ 98 from $ 125, the proposal of Congress Led UPA Government to raise the fuel price was went to crush ordinary citizens already relling under the impact of unprecedented price hike. Mr. Badal said that the proposed hike of Rs. 5 per liter for petrol and Rs. 30 for LPG would crush Aam Adami whereas heavy diesel price hike would crush farming community, transport sector besides having its cascading effect on the inflation.
Replying to a query on district status to Fazilka, Mr. Badal said that a committee constituted by the Punjab Chief Minister was already going into this issue and on receiving the report of committee the State Government would take a decision for creation of new districts including Fazilka.

On a question posed regarding arrest of CPS Mr. Raj Khurana and Summons by CBI to two Cabinet Ministers Mr. Manoranjan Kalia and Mr. Swarna Ram, Mr. Badal said that going through the whole operation we get a feeling that trap by CBI has needlessly embroiled BJP leaders without having any direct evidence. He questioned the undue haste shown by CBI in this whole episode.

Earlier, addressing the gatherings during Sangat darshan programmes, Mr Badal said that Punjab government was all set to link up all major cities with 4/6 lane roads at the cost of Rs 6669 crores besides construction of 32 ROBs at the cost of Rs 329 crores. Mr Badal said that all cities and mandis were being provided underground sewerage at the cost of Rs 3029 crores and Rs 3227 crores have been spent to upgrade power distribution infrastructure through out the state. Promising power cut free summer, Mr Badal said that instructions are already being issued to provide minimum eight hour power supply to tube wells besides 24 hours electricity to domestic sector.

Mr. Badal hold sangat darshan programs at village Ladhuka, Mandi Ladhuka, Kirianwali, Singhewala, Jaimalwala and Bahmaniwala for 25 villages of the area. He also laid the foundation stone of Rs. 2 crore bridge on Mandi Ladhuka drain. Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion included Irrigation Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhnon, Member Parliament Sher Singh Ghubaya, Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Mr Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, both MLAs.

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102.82 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 09: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 102.82 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 101.31 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 10282150 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centres of Punjab, Government agencies procured 102.58 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.8%) till date whereas private traders procured 23651 tonnes (0.2%) of wheat. Till May 08, PUNGRAIN had procured 16.12 lakh tonnes (15.7%) whereas MARKFED procured 24.51 lakh tonnes (23.8%). PUNSUP procured 23.17 lakh tonnes (22.5%), PSWC procured 11.96 lakh tonnes (11.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 11.40 lakh tonnes (11.1 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 15.39 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15.0% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 12.23 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 9.94 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Ludhiana with 8.35 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.

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KHURANA RESIGNS AS CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY

Chandigarh May 8:-

Chief Parliamentary Secretary Punjab Mr. Raj Khurana today submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and the same has been forwarded to the Punjab Governor for its acceptance with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Khurana in his resignation letter addressed to the Chief Minister has stated," On the complaint of certain persons a false and frivolous case has been registered by CBI Chandigarh against me. Although, I am not involved in any illegal activity, but I submit my resignation as Chief Parliamentary Secretary on moral grounds. I have full faith in our judicial system which shall part justice".
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SHIVRAJ V. PATIL LAUNCH CHANDIGARH CHAPTER OF GLOBAL PUNJABI SOCIETY

CHANDIGARH, MAY 6:
The Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil after launching the Chapter of Global Punjabi Society here today said that the Chandigarh Chapter will certainly help in sharing experiences, perceptions and ideas for promoting mutual understanding besides reminding the Punjabis of their roots and cultural heritage.Mr. Patil said that there is a lot of diversity in India and the world. Diversity makes the country and the world, rich and beautiful. The diversity depends upon the geography, history and the concepts that have developed through the different periods of time. It should be protected and enriched, and allowed to add to the attractiveness of existence.

,Mr Patil said that it should function as a uniting force and not as a dividing energy. If it functions as a uniting force, it would add to the strength and capability of one and all. If it works as a dividing force, it is bound to make all, smaller, weaker, and less capable.

The Governor said that in fact, all things that look different in their shapes, colours, and forms, and outer appearances, are in essence, in ultimate analysis, not different from one another, in their inner most reality and core of existence. This reality is expressed in spiritual language, as the presence of one and the same divinity in all things, non-living and living. In scientific language, in the modern periods of time, it is not only expressed, but proved as one and the same charges, of energy in all things that exist. That is why now it is accepted that, the time, the space, the matter, the energy are not different but the essence of the same reality and unity.

When this is understood, imbibed and realized, human beings and all other living creatures, and non-living things also, matter and energy become all powerful, divine, and the main source of energy. In this reality lies that essence of unity which is presented, in small forms of society and its chapters. This part of our country has always been a very important part of India. Its soil, its rivers, the concepts and philosophies that have developed here, its politics, its economics, its spirit of adventure, its capacity to face difficulties and challenges, its capabilities to over come the difficulties, and face the challenges, its capacity to sing and dance, and enjoy the essence of life, its capacity to put in hard labour, have made it a pioneering area in many fields. It is because of this, the Vedas, Upanishads and immortal philosophies of existence saw the light of the day in this area. It is because of this, Mahabharta, and Ramayan came into existence in this area. It is because of this, wars and struggles were made in this area, to protect and preserve its wealth in matter and in thought and continue the flow of enrichment like the waters of the rivers doing in joining the oceans.

Stressing upon following the teachings of our spiritual gurus in our daily life ,the Governor said that Punjabis, world over were known for their enterprise, hard working and due to their leadership qualities. He said Punjabis have contributed immensely to the social, economical and political development of our country. Punjab had been the land of Gurus and Seers, so the common Punjabis should seek solace in their teachings, he added. Lauding the efforts of the Global Punjabi Society in the cause of promoting Punjabi and Punjabiat through out the world, Mr Patil said Punjab had a rich culture and urged the people to maintain its richness. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Patil said the need of the hour is to spread, the message of Punjabi spirit of brotherhood, love, peace and prosperity to create a healthy society. He said the Global Punjabi Society will go long way in strengthening the bonds between the Punjabis living in India and abroad. Honouring Punjabis, who have achieved success and recognition in different walks of life, and encourage them with scholarships, by the Global Punjabi Society, would further help in promoting Punjabi Language and rich Punjabi cultural values, he added. Mr. Patil also gave awards who excel well in their respective fields to promote Punjabi language and culture.

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Bittu thanks S Parkash Singh Badal, chief minister of Punjab for accepting their demandCM assures to make the board within one and half month

Ludhiana 060511

S Ravnit Singh Bittu, Member of Parliament (Sri Anandpur Sahib) and president Punjab youth congress, today thanked the chief minister Punjab S Parkash Singh Badal for accepting their demand for the constitution of drug prevention board. The chief minister office issued an official communication yesterday regarding the set up of drug prevention board within one and half month, which was delivered to Bittu today at the hunger strike site. Bittu sat on the hunger strike for more than 120 hours and today he broke his hunger strike by accepting the glass of coconut water. Bittu had a glass of coconut water from the hands of Smt Harnam Kaur Nimmo, resident of Maqbulpura Amritsar, who lost six her children due to drugs.
Talking to the media after breaking the hunger strike S bittu said that this is just the starting, we will actively pursue and oversee how the government constitutes the board in one and half month and before that a house committee should be formed which will have members from all the political parties. Stringent laws should be made within the board so that there is a fear in the mind of drug peddlers and even the medical shop owners. Bittu said his first step against the drugs for the state of Punjab has matured and now he will take it further.

Regarding the recent corruption charges against the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal Badal and BJP government Bittu said that either the chief minister should resign immediately owing moral responsibility for the rampant corruption or he should break the coalition. The UPA government immediately acted on the issue of corruption where in lokpal bill has been agreed to be drafted, two of union ministers are facing charges and are lodged in the jail then why can’t S Parkash Singh Badal not take any action on these corrupt ministers and MLA”s? It is shame for the democracy
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Bittu said that one of the Shiromani Akali Dal spokesman charged him with owing liquor vends, I can give a affidavit or swear upon anything if he proves that I owe a liquor vend. He said that I don’t drink liquor and am pure vegetarian. He questioned the Shiromani Akali Dal spokesman to justify the party ethics with the senior leaders who have seven star properties where in liquor, cigarettes and even hukkas are served.

Bittu thanked the people of Punjab for supporting them on this social cause to make Punjab drug free state. He also thanked his Indian youth congress leadership for supporting him fully on this issue and special thanks to Sh Rahul Gandhi who is always worried about the problems of Punjab. Bittu also thanked his whole team who were there on the hunger strike for more than 120 hours and directed them to take this message further in their respective constituencies.
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Congress urges the Governor to dismiss the rampantly corrupt SAD-BJP govt.

under article 356 of the constitution, as the public exchequer is unsafe in their hands. The scandalous arrest of Sh. Raj Khurana by the CBI has exposed the corrupt wheeler dealer SAD-BJP govt. It is astonishing how government housed provided to ministers have been turned into dens of corruption to fix deals. The 1.5 crore bribe meant for Sh. Manoranjan Kalia Local Bodies Minister is only the tip of an iceberg. Congress alleges that there is rampant corruption in the Local Bodies department, It demands an in depth enquiry to all decisions taken by the Local Bodies Minister since assumption office by him in 2007.

Congress challenges the BJP that if it has an iota of morality as a national party, it must without further delay suspend Sh. Kalia and Sh. Khurana from the primary membership of the party on the lines of suspension of Sh. Kalmadi by the Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi. In case the BJP fails to take concrete action it would be considered a party of hypocrites indulging in double standards.
Only a few days back the CM had suggested death penalty as a measure to curb corruption, will he now have the courage to dismiss Sh. Kalia and Sh. Khurana? Or was it a usual Badal statement?

Infact the present SAD-BJP govt. is nothing but a bunch of gangsters in the garb of politicians and ministers. Only the other day Sh. Sohan Singh Thandal has been sentenced to three years imprisonment in a graft case. Sh. Sucha Singh Langah Minister, Sh. Virsa Singh Valtoha MLA, Sh. Tota Singh Ex-minister, Sh. Gurdev Singh Badal Ex-minsiter and scores of Akali’s are facing serious corruption charges in courts. The Akali’s have not left the august office of Speaker unblemished as Sh. Nirmal Singh Kahlon is chargesheeted by a special CBI court at Patiala. Badal clan, the fountainhead of corruption manipulated their acquittal in the 78 crore disproportionate by misusing the might of the state. Many MLA’s such as Mohanlal Banga, Nandlal Balachour and Ex-MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur are facing murder charges.

Congress is of the opinion that the public exchequer is no more safe in the hands of these ‘Looters’ fixing deals in govt. residential houses. Similarly it is harboring and protecting criminals indulging in heinous crimes. Therefore, the congress urges the Hon’ble Governor to invoke article 356 of the constitution to dismiss the rampantly corrupt govt. being run by a group of criminals.

Sukhpal Singh KhairaMLA Bholath