DHANDA RELEASES BOOK ON VAT

A new edition of the book entitled "Punjab VAT Manual and Ready Reckoner" has released here today at Excise and Taxation Commissioner's office, Chandigarh by Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Local Bodies) Punjab, Baba Ajit Singh, Chairman Punjab Small Traders Board and A Venu Prasad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Punjab. The book is authorized by Sh. P.C. Garg (Advocate) and his son CA Ritesh Garg (Chartered Accountant).
They are well known names in the filed of Tax Laws.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda said that P.C. Garg & his son Ritesh Garg authors of this book are serving the State of Punjab by not only compiling all tax laws of Punjab Government at one
place but by also making these laws understandable. Mr. A Venu Prasad said that as this latest edition is updated and revised would be helpful for Advocates, Industrialists as well as Departments Officers, Examples and Rady Reckoner given in the book are very helpful in understanding the complex laws of taxation. He congratulated the authors for such task and wished them a success in their future endeavours.

Baba Ajit Singh on behalf of the Traders of Punjab congratulated the authors as well as publishers. He said that trade would always remains indebted to them for their services for the traders particularly small traders.
The book deals with Punjab VAT Act, Punjab VAT Rules, Luxury Tax, Entry Tax, Lottery Lumpsum Tax Infrastructure Cess, Deferment and Exemption Rules with condition under PVAT Act, Punjab Municipal Fund, The Punjab Entertainment Duty, Institutions & other building Tax, it not only contains Acts & Rules but also contains judgments, comments, circulars, notifications, etc.

Prominent among others who present on the occasion included S. Karamjit Singh (Vice President Taxation Bar Association, Ludhiana), Mr. Sanjeev Garg, (General Secretary Taxation Bar Association, Ludhiana), Mr. Rajinder Dharwal (Adv.), Mr. Anil Arora (Adv.) Mr. Pritam Singh Bharowal and Mr. Hardip Singh Plaha.

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DR.UPINDERJIT KAUR ASKS CENTRE TO GRANT ONE TIME COMPLETE DEBT WAIVER OR RESCHEDULING OF DEB

TNew Delhi May 23:
Punjab Finance Minister Dr. Upinderjit Kaur today urged the Centre to grant one time complete debt waiver or at least debt rescheduling to cope up with the financial stringency in the state.

Taking part in the deliberations in the regional consultation on the process of formulating the 12th Five Year Plan here at Delhi Secretariat, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said that Punjab should be given choice between small saving loans or market loans. GoI should reduce interest rate on small saving loans by 1.5% and to bring it at par with market rates. She also vehemently pleaded for not to extend the present policy of tax holiday to the neighbouring states which had already hampered the overall development in the state. Dr Upinderjit Kaur requested that Punjab, being a border state, should also be given special status keeping in view the major contributions made by the state.

Dr. Upinderjit Kaur also impressed upon the GoI's Committee to immediately submit its report, which was headed by Union Secretary Expenditure to assist the three debt ridden states namely Punjab, West Bengal and Kerala in getting out from the fiscal stress, as the deadline of August 2010 had already been expired. She categorically stated that the state alone could not overcome the financial problem without adequate central assistance. Finance Minister pointed out the State had to resolve to borrowing during the prolonged militancy due to expenditure on security forces and these loans were not fully written off. Likewise, the abolition of freight equalization policy and tax concessions to the neighbouring states had rendered the manufacturing sector in the state fully uncompetitive. The share of central taxes had marginally increased from 1.299% to 1.389% as per 13th Finance Commission recommendations. She however, mentioned that the additional burden of pay commission and accumulation of huge debt have resulted in fiscal distress for which the state had to spent almost Rs.9000 crore per year on debt servicing.

On the agricultural front, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur demanded that Minimum Support Prices should be fixed as per Dr. Swaminanthan formula, giving a profit margin of 50 % over cost of production. The beleaguered peasantry was not getting adequate returns from agriculture and was reeling under financial strain. She also highlighted the problems of foodgrain storage and sought financial assistance from the Centre to address this issue on the priority. Finance Minister said that the substantial foodgrains were lost every year due to unscientific system of storage and projected the state's requirement of 78 lac MT of long term storage capacity and at least 25 lac MT should be in the form of silos. She also demanded Rs.100 crore as permanent annual central assistance to institute of national significance, the Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana which had played a pivotal role in ushering in green revolution and subsequently attaining national food security, should be made financially viable to undertake constant research in high yielding varieties. She asked Ministry of Food, GoI for an early settlement of outstanding dues of Rs 7461 crore pending with the Food Corporation of India for which the state was paying hefty interest.

She raised the unfortunate incidents of suicides by the farmers and said that rural debt has risen to Rs. 35000 crore. State did not benefit much from the debt waiver scheme offered by GoI due to less number of small and marginal farmers and few defaulters. She urged the Government of India to waive off all agricultural loans as a one time measure regardless of the size of land holdings.

The Finance Minister also urged the Centre for early approval of the project of Rs.3800 crore for rehabilitation of canals already submitted to the GoI. She said since Punjab was a major contributor of food grains to the central pool it should be categorize as a special state for assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP). Likewise the criteria for 1:1 should also be abolished so that more projects could be taken up.
Showing satisfaction over the 12th plan performance, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur said the Planning Commission had fixed a target of 5.9% growth for the state during the 11th plan as compared to national average of 9%. She informed that the state achieved growth rate of 9.25%, 6.55% and 7.84% in 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 as per the new series of National Accounts. The growth rate of the state was now practically equal to the national average. The Annual Plan size for the first four years was Rs. 29096 crore against which plan performance to the extent of Rs. 24338 crore which works out to 84%. The year-wise plan performance during the first four years of the 11th Plan has been to the extent of 98%, 112%, 58% and 81%.

Pointing out to revise the V.N Gadgil Formula devised to allocate Central Assistance for State Plans she demanded that the States which do relatively better in national objectives including fiscal management and resource mobilization, should be suitably rewarded. She suggested that all Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the sectors falling in the domain of the States should be discontinued forthwith and funds thus released be distributed to the States under the Gadgil Formula.

She also raised an issue to widen the scope of National Rural Employment Guarantees Scheme (NREGA) by including works like constructions of toilets for SC and BPL families, lining of distributaries, minors, water courses, boundary walls for schools and hospitals and white washing of government buildings etc. Dr Upinderjit Kaur highlighted the gross in justice done to the state by fixing the wage rates under NREGA at Rs.123 per day for Punjab and Rs.179 for Haryana and other states and sought immediate review of wages to end this disparity once for all.
She demanded that the old formula of giving 60% weightage to fuel consumption in the state and 40% to the geographical area should be restored instead of the present 30% and 70% as the State has to bear the loss upto 35% of the annual accrual. Finance Minister also requested to GoI to approve Rs. 100 crore for pending works of CRF and clear the backlog of Rs. 93.61 crore as on 31.12.2010.

The Finance Minister pleaded to extend Pardhan Mantri Swashthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY) in the next 12th Five Year Plan so that all the medical colleges could be upgraded in a time bound manner. She mentioned there was acute shortage of doctors especially the specialists and the efforts of GoI for increasing the seats in medical colleges were really loadable. She also urged the Centre to launch a scheme for attractive private investments in health and medical education.

Outlining the industrial scenario in the state, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur asked the Government of India to extend Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) up to Amritsar in Punjab and it should be linked with Western Freight Corridor. Eastern Freight Corridor should also be extended up to Amritsar. She also underlined the need to take fresh initiatives to boost trade with Pakistan. More items should be allowed to be traded through land route with Pakistan. The Hussaniwala border in Ferozepur district should also be opened for trade. Punjab, which was primarily an Agriculture and Landlocked State, should be provided assistance for development of agro processing industries, she added.

Dwelling on the major initiative taken by the state government in the departments like animal husbandry, rural development, urban development, infrastructure, education, technical education social security, welfare of SC/BCs, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur demanded substantial hike in the funds allocated under the centrally sponsored schemes to the states.
Summing up the deliberations the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia appreciated the state government's bold initiatives for bringing pro-people and development-oriented programs in the state. He underscored the need to bring far more disciplined approach in the management of financial crisis so that Punjab could take off for high growth trajectory.

Prominent amongst others the meeting was also attended by the Chief Ministers of Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, Planning Minister Uttrakhand Mr Parkash Pant, Mr.Amarjeet Singh Shahi Chief Parliamentary Secretary Finance and Planning department, Mr. Rajinder Bhandari Vice Chairman State Planning Board Punjab, Mr. S.S. Brar Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr. Satish Chandra Principal Secretary Planning and other senior officers of the Planning Department of Punjab were present in the meeting.
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109.64 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 23: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 109.64 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 102.17 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

Out of total procurement of 10964631 tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 108.77 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.4%) till date whereas private traders procured 60999 tonnes (0.6%) of wheat. Till May 22, PUNGRAIN had procured 17.35 lakh tonnes (15.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 25.68 lakh tonnes (23.4%). PUNSUP procured 24.43 lakh tonnes (22.3%), PSWC procured 12.67 lakh tonnes (11.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 12.12 lakh tonnes (11.1 %) of wheat.

The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 16.49 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 13.52 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with 10.21 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Ludhiana with 8.58 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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PUNJAB APPROVES REGISTRATION OF IMMOVABLE PROPERTY SOLD/AUCTIONED BY THE GOVT. /PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKING OR LOCAL BODIES

CHANDIGARH, MAY 23:
With a view to facilitate the people of the State, the Punjab Government has approved to do the registration deed of immovable property sold/auctioned by the government/public sector undertaking or local bodies.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Revenue Department Punjab said that an amendment in this regard in the public interest has been done in the Punjab Stamp (Dealing of Under Valued instruments) Rules, 1983, for rule 3-B.

The spokesman said that as per the new amendment, " Notwithstanding anything contained in rule 3-A, the rate fixed for allotment at the fixed price or at the price accepted after public auction of an immovable property by the Government or a public sector undertaking or a local body, shall be deemed to be the Collector's rate as fixed under rule 3-A of such property, and the stamp duty shall be changed for registration of instrument of such property at the rate so fixed, at the time of execution of first conveyance deed of such property; provided the conveyance deed is got registered upto the 30th day of September, 2011, after making full amount of the said price, or within a period of one year from the date, the last installment of such price had fallen due as per the Schedule fixed for payment in respect of such property, as the case may be."

A notification in this regard has already been issued and it would be come into force w.e.f.March 8, 2011, the spokesman added.
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Building contractors involved in various construction works of the Punjab Government to register their workers with the Labour Welfare Board

PRESS NOTE
CHANDIGARH, MAY 5:

In the light of decision of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, the Punjab Government has directed all the building contractors involved in various construction works of the Punjab Government to register their workers with the Labour Welfare Board so that they could get due benefits from the various schemes launched by the Board.

Stating this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that instructions in this regard had already been issued to all the departments to take immediate action in compliance with the Supreme Court directive in this matter.

He further said that construction works being under taken on contract by the Government Departments should also register themselves as main employer of the contract labour under section 7 of Regulation and Abolition Act 1970 and license as a contractor should be taken under section 23 of the above act, he added.

State Government has also directed to send one percent cess collected under section -3 of Building and Other Construction Labour Welfare Cess Act within a month in the from of bank draft in the name of Punjab Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chandigarh. The field staff of Labour Department can also be contacted in this regard, the spokesman added.

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BADAL ORDERS SPECIAL GIRDAWARI TO ASSESS DAMAGE TO COTTON & KINNOW CROPS BY UNTIMELY RAINS & HAILSTROM ANNOUNCES RS.1 LAC aS EX-GRATIA GRANT FOR each DECEASED KILLED DUE TO LIGHTENING

CHANDIGARH MAY 22: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered a special Girdawari to assess the damage caused to the recently sown cotton crop besides loss to the Kinnow and fodder crop in Bathinda, Muktsar and Abohar regions due to the recent untimely rains and hailstorm. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal had directed the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) to issue detailed instructions to the concerned Deputy Commissioner's to immediately carry out girdawari in the areas lashed by rains and hailstorm to ascertain damage caused to cotton, fodder and kinnow crops on the priority. Adequate compensation as per government's norms would be given to the affected farmers, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister has assured the farmers that the government was committed to protect the interests of the farmers against natural calamities and would do every thing possible to compensate them for the losses suffered due to the current spell of recent rains and hailstorm in the Malwa belt of the state.Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also condoled the death of five persons who were killed as lightening struck them on Saturday evening. He also announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs.1 lac each for the next of the kin of the deceased who were killed in the lightening. He also directed the concerned deputy commissioners to instruct the district health authorities to extend all possible help and free treatment to the injured by the lightening.
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BADAL APPROVES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
WORTH RS. 56 CRORE FOR 10 TOWNS IN LUDHIANA DISTRICT

PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT A MEMORIAL IN THE MEMORY OF MHARAJA DALIP SINGH AT VILLAGE BASSIAN

CHANDIGARH, MAY 21

Punjab Government has decided to construct a memorial-cum-museum in the memory of Mharaja Dalip Singh to be developed by INTACH over a land of 5 acres at village Bassian near Raikot.

A decision to this effect was taken today by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a series of meetings to review the ongoing development projects in Ludhiana district here at the Chief Minister's residence.
It may be recalled here that Maharaja Dalip Singh had a historic association with Bassian, as he was kept in custody in a rest house there by the Britishers before taking him to London.

The Chief Minister directed the administration also to chalk out a plan to establish an engineering college in the memory of Mharaja Dalip Singh at Bassian.
Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal approved Rs 56 crores plan for the execution of developmental works in 10 towns of district Ludhiana. Out of the total amount Rs. 13 Crore has been allocated for Khana, Rs 12.80 crore for Jagraon, Rs. 5.70 crore for Raikot, Rs. Rs. 1.53 crore for Samrala, Rs. 7.87 crore for Machhiwara, Rs.8.37 crore for Sahnewal. Rs. 2.97 crore for Mullanpur, Rs 1.63 crore for Doraha and Rs. 1 crore each for Maloud & Payal .
Mr. Badal also approved Rs. 1 Crore to establish a library in the memory of erstwhile Muslim Ruler of Raikot, Rai kalla and directed the Local Government Department to finalize its plan.

Expressing concern over the slow pace of ongoing development works Mr. Badal directed the Punjab Sewerage Board to initiate strict action against those erring private executing agencies, which are responsible for undue delay in the implementation of these works across the state.

Emphasizing the need to maintain the quality norms Mr. Badal asked the Local Government to get all the plans approved by the Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Lt. Gen (Retd.) Mr BS Dhaliwal Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included former Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Mr. Charnjit Singh Attwal, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Gurcharn Singh Galib (both former MPs), Advisor to the Chief Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Managing Director Punjab Infra-Structure Development Board Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Secretary Local Government Mr. SS Rajput, Director Local Government Mr. SK Sharma, Chief Administrator Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) Mr. AK Sinha, Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Mr. Rahul Tiwari and Member SS Board Mr. Gurcharan Singh Grewal, former MLA Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi and President Punjab Sahitya Academy Ludhiana Mr. Gurbhajan Gill.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES TRAVEL AND SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO MINISTERIAL STAFF

• CHIEF SECRETARY S S BRAR ASKS EMPLOYEES TO CALL OFF THE ONGOING AGITATION

• UNION TO HOLD GENERAL HOUSE MEETING TOMORROW

Chandigarh April 20; The Punjab Government has accepted a few major demands of the Ministerial staff of the government after having a detailed discussion over their demands with the representatives of the Punjab Ministerial Staff Union here today.

Disclosing this here today Mr. S.S.Brar, Chief Secretary Punjab while meeting the delegation of the union this evening said that Senior Assistant, Junior Auditor/ Auditor, Senior Scale Stenographers, Junior Assistant, Junior Scale Stenographers, Steno Typist and Clerical categories have been granted the Travel and Special Allowance. A notification has already been issued in this regard, said Mr. Brar.

Adding further, he said that Punjab Government has accepted in principal to grant special and travel allowance to Supt.Grade 1 and
11 and Cashier/Accountant and other categories also. All other pending demands of the employees would be taken up for sympathetic consideration on 3rd of June at Chandigarh along with the senior officers concerned of the government.
The Chief Secretary made a fervent appeal to all the employees' on strike to call of their agitation in the larger public interest and the Union has also assured that the General House meeting would be held tomorrow to discuss the calling off the agitation.

It is worth mentioning that the Punjab Government has also issued a notification to grant special and travel allowance from June 1 2011 to senior Assistants, Junior Auditors/Auditors and Senior Scale Stenographers would get Rs.600/- as travel allowance and Rs.480/- as special allowance. Similarly Junior Assistant and Senior Scale Stenographers would get Rs.500/- as travel allowance and Rs.300/- as special allowance. Steno Typists and Clerks would get
Rs.400/- as Travel Allowances and its Rs.240/- as special allowance.

The Chief Secretary, Mr. Brar with the grant of these allowances, the Ministerial Staff of Punjab State would get a hike of Rs.640/- to Rs.1080/- per month in their salaries.
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PEDA TO LIGHT PRESIDENT'S ESTATE BY SOLAR ENERGY -SUKHBIR
ANOTHER FEATHER IN CAP AFTER LIGHTING PARLIAMENT HOUSE ANNEXE

Chandigarh, May 20: Punjab Energy Development Agency's (PEDA) proficiency in the area of renewable energy was nationally recognized as Union Government today decided to allocate the work of installation of Renewable Energy System at the most prestigious building in the country – The President Estate at New Delhi. It was done after the successful commissioning of the 80KWP Solar Photovoltaic Rooftop Power Plant at Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi by the PEDA.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister said that it was matter of great pride for every Punjabi that Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recognizing the pioneering work of PEDA in this field has decided to allocate this prestigious project to PEDA. A communication from the Union Ministry to this effect was received by Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Secretary, Science and Technology today. The Ministry has lauded the effort of PEDA in successful commissioning of the earlier allocated Solar Photovoltaic Grid Interactive Power Plant of 80KW capacity in the Parliament House Complex, which was now in operation since 1st April’2011. The Deputy Chief Minister has also taken this opportunity to congratulate PEDA team for this excellent work carried out at National Level.

Mr. Badal said that it was matter of great satisfaction that Union Ministry has acknowledged the work of PEDA and allocated this prestigious project keeping in view the experience of PEDA in planning and implementation of such similar projects in past.

Giving the details Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Secretary Science & Technology said that that the project of 80KWP Grid Interactive Solar Power Plant at Parliament House Annexe was a challenging task for PEDA but the Agency despite time and security constraints was able to execute the project successfully. He said that as part of the Renewable Energy Systems to be installed, a 2000LPD Solar Water Heating System had also been commissioned which was providing hot water to the kitchen of the Parliament House Annexe, Canteen. Mr. Khanna said that for successfully executing the President Estate project, a joint team of PEDA and MNRE officers would visit the President Estate and then a detailed project report (DPR) would be prepared for installation of Renewable Energy Systems.

Mr. T.P.S Sidhu, CEO PEDA said that the organization was setting up a number of prestigious projects in the field of Solar Power Generation., SPV Rooftop Projects at the Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, Durgiana Mandir and Punjab Raj Bhawan that were under installation and would be commissioned in another one month time. He said that in addition a 100KW Rooftop SPV Power Plant was being setup at Pushpa Gujaral Science City, Kapurthala along with another 50KWP Rooftop SPV Power Plant at Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.
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BADAL APPROVES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS NEARLY WORTH RS. 35 CRORE FOR BORDER
TOWNS IN FEROZEPUR DISTRICT

CHANDIGARH, MAY 20
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved Rs 34.50 crores for the execution of developmental works in the border district of Ferozepur.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr Badal while presiding over a series of meetings to review the ongoing development projects in the Ferozepur district. These meetings were attended by the senior leadership of the SAD-BJP of different assembly constituencies of Ferozepur District besides district administration here at Chief Minister's residence this afternoon.

The Chief Minister out of Rs 34.50 crore allocated Rs 7crore for Abohar, Rs 5.75 crore for Ferozepur city, Rs 5.50 crore for Guru Har Sahai, Rs 3.25 for Zira, Rs. 3 crore for Talwandi Bhai and Rs. 2 crore each for Ferozepur cantt, Makhu, Mudki, Fazilka and Mallaawala towns. He also said that the overall development of the border region was always at the top priority on the agenda of SAD-BJP government.

Mr Badal directed the officers of the state government to initiate strict action against those erring private executing agencies who were causing inordinate delay in the implementation of developmental works across the state. The Chief Minister said that the state government was fully committed for ensuring all round development in the state. However he asserted that any sort of delay in completing these developmental works due to the callousness of executing agencies would not be tolerated at any cost and strict action would be taken against such agencies. Likewise, Mr.. Badal also emphasized the need to maintain the quality norms in the ongoing developmental projects.

He asked the Technical Advisor to ensure these prescribed standard quality norms and any deviation from these norms would not be acceptable at any cost. The Chief Minister also asked the officers to ensure proper monitoring of the ongoing projects so that the agencies undertaking such projects complete the work in a time bound manner. Mr. Badal said that the underlying objective of executing these developmental works was to enable the people to have easy access to the basic civic amenities and any laxity on the part of these agencies would not be tolerated.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Local Government Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud, Member Parliament from Ferozepur Mr Sher Singh Gubaya, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Lt. Gen (Retd.) Mr BS Dhaliwal, Advisor to the Chief Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Mr Surjeet Kumar Jiyani Transport Minister, Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Senior Akali Leader Hari Singh Zira, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Managing Director Punjab Infra-Structure Development Board Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Secretary Local Government Mr. SS Rajput, Director Local Government Mr. SK Sharma, Chief Administrator Punjab Urban Development Authority Mr. AS Miglani, Chief Administrator Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) Mr. AK Sinha, Chief Administrator Bhatinda Development Authority Mr Ravi Bhagat and Deputy Commissioner Ferozepur Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav.

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BADAL ASKS SPORTS DEPARTMENT TO IMMEDIATELY CLEAR THE PENDING CASES
OF SPORTS PERSONS FOR JOBS

CHANDIGARH, MAY 20

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Sports Department to immediately initiate action to provide government jobs to eligible sportspersons who have brought glory to the state in recognition of their rare achievements in the sports at national and international fora in consonance with the state sports policy.

Disclosing this here today Mr Badal said that the state government was committed to provide government jobs to the eligible sportspersons who have brought laurels to the state as per the laid down guidelines of the sports policy. The Chief Minister said that as per its policy the state government had already recruited several eligible sportspersons, who have won medals while competing in national as well as international sports events, in various government departments. Mr Badal categorically asked the sports department to clear all such pending cases within the ambit of sports policy on priority so that the left out sports persons could be given jobs without any further delay.

The Chief Minister however asked the sports department to contact three eligible sportspersons namely Abinav Bindra, Avneet Sidhu and Ronjan Sodhi, whose names had already been cleared by the Cabinet in its meeting held on November 3, 2010, for issuing appointment letters as group ‘A’ officers as per their choice of departments. Mr Badal also asked the Sports department to immediately move a case to the cabinet for seeking exemption in the minimum educational requirements in the case of six sportspersons, who did not fulfill the prescribed qualifications.

The Chief Minister also asked the sports department to bring a detailed memorandum before the next meeting of cabinet for seeking approval in this regard.

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.ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHRIFF SEASON ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, May 20:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Khriff Season through Canal water from 22-5-2011 to 29-5-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala feeder, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch and Bathinda Branch and respectively.

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

The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Sabraon Branch with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower,Lahore Branch with their distributaries respectively.
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Chandigarh, May 20:

Several Path-breaking steps have been implemented in the revenue matters to make them people friendly and free from cumbersome procedures which caused undue harassment to the public earlier.

Disclosing this here today Punjab Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar said that the condition for transfer rights on the sale of allotted surplus land had been reduced from 15 years to five years by amending the Punjab Utilization of Surplus Area Scheme. He said that an amendment had been made in the Punjab land Reforms Act, 1972 to make the adult daughters eligible to get permissible area from the land in addition to the adult son.

The Minister said that to empowerment of the women, the government had amended the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953 thereby deleting the word (male) in order to give protection of tenancy now to female tenants also, which was earlier discriminatory against women.

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SEKHWAN SCRAPS CLUBBING OF MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Chandigarh, May 19: The Education Department today issued directions to do away with clubbing of middle and elementary schools running from the same campus and said that both schools would have separate administrative control.

A decision was taken by Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan on the recommendations of committee constituted to study the problem as both schools were having separate directorates and clubbing system was creating problem in the administration of schools. Mr. Sekhwan said that as Punjab government has recruited over 70,000 teachers and this arrangement of clubbing done during era of shortage of teachers should be dispense with.

Issuing directions to streamline the working of schools, Mr Sekhwan said that any absenteeism, dereliction of duties by teaching staff and groupism among employees causing the problem of indiscipline would not be tolerated.

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10 ROBs/RUBs, THREE HLBs WORTH RS 210.56 CRORE TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC BY DECEMBER THIS YEAR: SUKHBIR· OKAYS SEVEN MAJOR ROADS WORTH RS 947.30 CRORES
· PUTS PANIPAT-JALANDHAR EXPRESSWAY ON FAST TRACK· OKAYS NEW RING ROAD FOR LUDHIANA CITY

Chandigarh, May 19: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved seven major roads with combined capital cost of Rs 947.30 crores and promised that these roads would be dedicated to the people within one year.

Reviewing the progress of State and National highways in a meeting with representatives of PWD (B&R)NHAI and private road developers here today Mr Badal okayed four laning and strengthening of seven State Highways including Kotkapura-Muktsar (30Km), Morinda-Kurali-Siswan-Haryana Border (30 Km), Batala-Mehta-Beas (35.39 Km), Kapurthala-Nakodar-Phillaur (65.98 Km) and three roads along the canals including Manpur Head to Jagraon-Raikot Road along Abohar Branch (53.50 Km), Manpur Head to Barnala-Raikot along Bathinda Branch (47.44 Km) and Nidampur-Lehra Road along Ghaggar Branch (49 Km).

The Deputy Chief Minister asked Secretary Mr. S.K.Sandhu to float the tenders of these seven roads within 15 days with a target to complete them within a year. He said that constructions of three roads along canals would be taken up at the earnest as though no land acquisition was involved in these projects.

Reviewing the construction schedule of ROBs/RUBs, it was informed in the meeting that 10 ROBs/RUBs and three High Level Bridges would be opened to the public by December this year. The ROBs that would be completed this year include ROB at Bathinda, RUB at Bathinda on Bathinda-Talwandi Sabo Road, ROB at Beas, ROB at Budhlada, RUB at Sunam near Grain Market, ROB at Morinda Bypass, ROB at Fatehgarh Sahib, ROB at Chawa-Payal on Samrala-Bija road, ROB Barnala near SD College and ROB at Shambhu in Patiala district. It was also informed that High Level Bridges over river Sutlej at Gidderpindi, widening of existing high level bridge over Kasur Nullah and construction of HLB over Muradpura drain besides construction of multi-lane High Level Bridge including three lane flyover, approaches and junction on canal UBDC crossing Amritsar-Jalandhar road would be dedicated to the public by December this year.
Asking PWD department to put four laning of road along Sidhwan Canal (Southern Bypass of Ludhiana) on fast track, Mr Badal asked Chief Engineer to ensure completion of this 27 Km stretch by December this year. It was informed that construction of approach road to IIT Ropar, and connecting road to Submersible Bridge over Bhangi Chowk at Hoshiarpur, widening/strengthing of Rajpura-Chandigarh Road to Thermal Plant, Four laning of Beas-Batala Road would be completed by November this year.

It was also informed in the meeting that 16 more ROBs approved by the government include ROB at Gidderbaha, ROB at Khanna, ROB near Jakhal (Gurney-Jakhal Road), ROB at Chhajli (Sunam-Lehra Road), ROB in Amritsar City on Amritsar-Attari railway line crossing Khazana Gate, ROB on Amritsar-Sahnewal railway line at Wallah, ROB at Tarn Taran City on Amritsar Khemkaran line, ROB at Mukerian (Mukerian-Gurdaspur Road), ROB Amritsar (Amritsra-Bhikhiwind Road), ROB Suranassi (Bidhipur Crossing at Jalandhar), ROB at Gobindgarh on Gobindgarh-Kheri Naud Singh Road, ROB Malerkotla on Malerkotla-Raikot Road, ROB at Kapurthala near Science City, ROB at Kotkapura-Fazilka railway line and ROB on Northern Byepass Patiala. He said that these 16 projects with combined project cost of RS 254.70 crores be put on fast track.

Monitoring the schedule of the National Highways Projects, Mr. Badal asked NHAI to expedite construction of Panipat-Jalandhar six lane expressway as public was facing lot of inconveniences.
Mr. Badal also okayed a Ladowal Ring Road linking NH 95 to NH 1 to be constructed at the cost of Rs 314 crores and said that this road should be completed within six months as it was necessary to decongest traffic in Ludhiana besides giving an alternate route for traffic going to Jalandhar.

Prominent among those, who participated in the meeting included Mr Viswajeet Khanna, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Secretary Urban Development, Mr S.K Sandhu, Secretary PWD, Mr Dev Raj, Regional Director NHAI, Mr R.P. Singh, Chief Engineer, Col Rajat Project Director NHAI and Mr. G Arora, GM LBG Consultants.
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STOP DAY DREAMING SAD ADVISES AMARINDER BE READY TO FACE HISTORIC DEFEAT : Dr. Cheema

Chandigarh, May 19 : Shiromani Akali Dal on Thursday advised Punjab Congress President and Former Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh to stop day dreaming about his coronation as Chief Minister of Punjab and be ready to face the historic defeat at the hands of the SAD in the coming Vidhan Sabha elections.

Reacting to the statement of Capt. Amarinder Singh about early elections in the state SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that from the statements of Capt. Singh it appears that he was too eager to get back power. He said that ever since he has been appointed the Chief of state Congress party he has predicted early elections on more than half a dozen times. Some times he dreams that outster of Manpreet would result in fall of government, sometimes he hopes that SAD would go for early elections but when he faces the reality of neither of these two factor to fructify he leads delegations to Raj Bhawan demanding dismissal of the SAD-BJP government and now again he was dreaming of early elections.

SAD leader said that people of the state can well understand the psyche of a person who has royal background, lives with pleasure life styles but was now out of power for his misdeeds and zero performance. He said that Capt. Amarinder had failed to perform as Chief Minister of the state for he paid a price in form of defeat in 2007 elections. He said that history would repeat itself in 2012 elections as Congress would face a humiliating defeat at the hands of SAD-BJP combine for not only misleading public on non-issues and for trying to stop the unprecedented development initiatives launched by the SAD-BJP government under the dynamic leadership of S. Parkash Singh Badal and visionary approach of S. Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Dr. Cheema said that Congress wants to avoid the SGPC elections which are over due for the last two years and is hell bent on creating conditions for the postponement of SGPC elections but on the other hand it was demanding early elections for which no cause what so ever exist on the ground.
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BADAL ORDERS PPCB TO SET UP 24 HOURS CAMP OFFICE AT JALANDHAR TO REGULARLY MONITOR INFLOW OF EFFLUENTS

CHANDIGARH MAY 19:

In a bid go check inflow of toxic effluents and domestic waste, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to immediately set up a 24 hour camp office at Jalandhar to keep a close tab on the flow of these effluents and municipal waste in the river waters.

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a high level meeting here at Chief Minister Residence this afternoon. Mr. Badal categorically said that PPCB should regularly monitor the inflow of industrial effluents and sewage into the river waters and no laxity would be tolerated in this regard. He said that the newly created camp office would be manned by an officer not below the rank of Executive Engineer of PPCB as the health issue of the people was of paramount concern to the government and it could not be ignored by the callous attitude by the enforcing agencies meant to check the menace of water pollution at any cost.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Member Secretary of the PPCB Mr. Babu Ram apprised the Chief Minister that the effluents from 61 tanneries which had joined the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in the leather complex, Jalandhar were now discharging 100% treated water and the likewise the local electroplating units had also set up their individual effluent treatment plants to ensure discharge of treated water in to the Kala Sangian Drain. In future it would be mixed with the treatment water of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) of 50 MLD capacity which was proposed to be set up at Kapurthala road, Jalandhar by the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) to bring down the toxic level of the treated waste water of CETP.

The Chief Minister also asked the Chief Engineer Drainage to prepare an action plan to utilize the treated water for the irrigation purposes in a time bound manner. Mr. Badal also asked the PWSSB to go ahead with the project of setting a STP of 235 MLD capacity instead of 205 MLD as approved by the Ministry of Environment GoI for treating the municipal waste of Jalandhar town under the National River Conservation Project (NRCP). He also directed the Local government department to immediately process the case for giving firm commitment on behalf of the state government to the Ministry of Environment, GoI to bear the additional cost of Rs.30 crore to be incurred on the project pending with the Ministry.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, Principal Secretary Industry Mr. SS Channy, Secretary Local Government Mr. SS Rajput, Director Industry Department Mr. SS Bains, Managing Director Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) Mr. Satpal Angrula, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Jalandhar (MCJ) Mr. Vinay Bublani, Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh and Mr. NS Sangha (both OSD's to the Chief Minister).

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Bittu very ill – Advised complete rest by doctors

Chandigarh 18-02-11
S Ravnit Bittu, Member of parliament (Sri Anandpur Saahib) and president Punjab youth congress is severely ill due to the hunger strike of seven days which he kept at Ludhiana for the formation of drug prevention board. Bittu has been advised complete bed rest by the doctors and his condition is stable. He has been vomiting and due to hunger strike the body is not accepting the regular food diet. His condition is under observation as he is recovering at his official residence in Delhi but if there is no signs of improvement in the coming days he might have to shift to hospital.

Bittu has cancelled his all engagements for coming seven days.
Bittu had kept hunger strike in Ludhiana for seven days against the drug menace in Punjab and demanded the formation of drug prevention board which was accepted by the chief minister Punjab. He assured the chief minister to cooperate fully for the formation of this board.

Sh Rahul Gandhi inquired about the health of Bittu. Several senior leaders of Indian youth congress and senior leaders of Punjab congress also inquires about his health.


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27 DSPs PROMOTED AS SPs IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, May 18: The Punjab government today issued orders promoting 27 Deputy Superintendent of Police as Superintendent of Police, checking a long standing stagnation in the cadre.
According to an official spokesman those who have been promoted as Superintendent of Police included Sukhdev Singh, 1030/PAP, Daljit Singh, 1865/PTL, Bahadur Singh, 1367/ LDH, Manohar Lal, T.P/ 65, Narinder Kumar, T.P./ 66, Jatinder Singh T.P/68, Ranbir Singh T.P/69, Jasdeep Singh T.P/71, Navjot Singh T.P/72, Manjit Singh T.P/73, Gurmit Singh T.P/75, Swarndeep Singh T.P/76, Balbir Singh T.P/77, Gautam Singal T.P/79, Lakhbir Singh T.P/81, Arun Saini T.P/82, Barjinder Singh T.P/ 83, Ashish Kapoor T.P/84, Jaspal Singh T.P/85, Manjinder Singh T.P/86, Bhupinder Singh T.P/ 88, Raminder Singh T.P/ 89, Simratpal Singh T.P/ 90, Rajeshwar Singh T.P/91, Parampal Singh T.P/ 92, Mohan Lal T.P/ 93 and Manmohan Kumar T.P/ 96.

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MITTAL APPOINTED AS POLITICAL SECRETARY TO DEPUTY CM

Chandigarh May 17:-

Mr. Prem Mittal of Ludhiana appointed as Political Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that order in this regard has been issued.