Connecting over 25 millions NRIs worldwide
Most trusted Name in the NRI media
NRI PEOPLE- OUR NETWORK
 
Punjab News: 2011


TALWANDI, ATWAL, BIBI GULSHAN AND CHAUTALA VISIT BADAL FAMILY TO CONDOLE THE DEMISE OF BIBI SURINDER KAUR BADAL

Badal  (Muktsar) May 31: 

          Senior Akali leader and SGPC Chief Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi, Congress MP Mr. Mohinder Singh Kaypee, former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Members Parliament Bibi Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, INLD MLA from Haryana Mr. Abhay Chautala, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, former Minister Ch. Jagjit Singh were amongst the scores of prominent political leaders and religious personalities who visited village Badal to share their grief with the family on the untimely demise of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal.

          Jathedar Talwandi was accompanied by his son Mr. Jagjit Singh Talwandi. Prominent amongst those who called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Signh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal included former MLAs Mr. Chiranji Lal Garg, Mr. Gora Singh Tangwali, Ex PPSC Member Mr. Jaspinder Singh Jakhar, SAD Ex-servicemen Chief Mr. Gurjinder Singh Sidhu, Mr. Tarwinder Singh Marwaha from Delhi, Spokesman Editor S. Joginder Singh and Bibi Jagjit Kaur, Punjab Health System Corporation Vice Chairman Mr. Gurdeep Singh Brar, former MLA Mr. Surinder Dabur.     

          Vice Chancellor of GNDU Dr. Ajaib Singh and Vice Chancellor Dr. R.C. Sobti also share condolences with the bereaved family.

The Bhog and Antim Ardas of Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal would be performed on June 2.

It may be added that Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal died at PGI on May 24 after battling Cancer for two years and she was cremated in village Badal on May 25.

 

PUNJAB LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN AGAINST VECTOR BORNE DISEASES

 

Chandigarh, May 31:  The Punjab government has issued instructions to all Deputy Commissioners to launch a special campaign to check the spread of vector borne diseases.

          Punjab Chief Secretary today held a high level meeting and said that with summer approaching, health department should launch a coordinated campaign to check the vector borne diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Chickengunya, Japanese encephalitis, Lymphatic Filariasis and Kala azar.

          Chief Secretary also asked the health department to advertise the symptoms of these vector borne diseases for educating general public so that they could approach nearest health centre, noticing these symptoms.

          The department was also asked to educate the migrants in Punjab and to tourists coming to the state regarding the symptoms of these diseases and precautionary measures.

           Detailed instructions in this regard had been issued to concerned district authorities.

 

PUNJAB TO ADOPT GUJARAT MODEL TO IMPROVE CHILDREN AND OBSERVATION HOMES - LAXMI KANT CHAWLA

 

Chandigarh, May 31:   The Punjab government is contemplating to adopt Gujarat Model to improve the working of Children and Observation Homes. 

          Prof. Laxmi Kant Chawla, Social Security, Women and Child Welfare Minister who was on three day visit to Gujarat visited Children and Observation Homes in Rajkot. She was impressed by the facilities in these homes as inmates were enjoying homely environment including well ventilated and air cooled rooms. She was also impressed by the recreation facilities in the observation homes including computer and technical education being provided to the inmates.         
          The Minister has issued instructions to the Department to adopt Gujarat Model for improving facilities in observation homes.

TERM OF CHAIRMAN, PUNJAB STATE POWER CORPORATION LIMITED EXTEND

  1. ·        TERM VARIOUS MEMBERS ALSO EXTENDED

 

CHANDIGARH, MAY 31:

          The Punjab Government today issued orders extending  the term of appointment of Mr. K.D.Chaudhri, Chairman-cum-Managing Director; Punjab State Power Corporation Limited for three years with effect from 4.6.2011 or up to age of 62 years which ever is earlier, subject to his satisfactory performance of duties.

          According to an official spokesman orders regarding extention of term have also been issued for Mr. S.C.Arora, Director/Finance; Mr. Gurbachan Singh Chhabra, Director/Generation; Mr. H.C.Seth, Director/Human Resource; Mr. Surinder Pall, Director/Commercial; Mr. Arun Kumar Verma, Director/Distribution and Mr. Ravinder Singh, Director/Technical, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. There term has also been extended for three years with effect from 4.6.2011 or up to 62 years of age which ever is earlier, subject to satisfactory performance of there duties.

         

110.40 LAKH TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

 

Chandigarh, May 31: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 110.40 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening whereas 102.17 lakh Tonnes wheat procured last year.

                   Out of total procurement of 11040994 tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 109.15 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.5%) till date whereas private traders procured 33836 tonnes (0.5%) of wheat. Till May 30, PUNGRAIN had procured 17.48 lakh tonnes (15.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 25.82 lakh tonnes (23.4%). PUNSUP procured 24.57 lakh tonnes (22.3%), PSWC procured 12.50 lakh tonnes (11.3%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 12.15 lakh tonnes   (11.0 %) 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 13.67 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 8.60 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.


DR. MEGHA SINGH GIVEN WARM SEND OFF

Chandigarh, May 31:

    Joint Director Press Dr. Megha Singh was given a warm send off here  today by the employees of the Information and Public Relations Department on his retirement. It may be recalled that Dr. Megha Singh has sought voluntary retirement as he has been tipped for the post Assistant Editor in Punjabi Tribune.

   Speaking on the occasion, Director, Information and Public Relations Mr. D.S. Mangat recalled the outstanding services rendered by Dr. Megha Singh during a span of nearly 25 years as a golden period in the history of Public Relations. He said Dr. Megha Singh's contribution in strengthening the Public Relations Department would be ever remembered by one and all and would also be a source of inspiration for the
budding PR men. He said Dr. Megha Singh was a hard core professional committed to the ethics of PR through out his career and always enjoyed cordial relations with media. 

Mr. Mangat wished Dr. Megha Singh a bright and prosperous future during his new assignment, which he is likely to take up tomorrow.

    Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Additional Director (Administration) Mr. Gurwaryam Singh besides the senior officers and employees of the department.



DHINDSA CONGRATULATES SDO MANMEET SINGH FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF HARSIMAR IN PMET

Chandigarh May 31:-

          The Punjab PWD (B&R) Minister Mr. Parminder singh Dhindsa today congratulated Mr. Manmeet Singh Bhatia for exceptional performance of his daughter in All India PMET exam conducted by CBSE.

          In a congratulation message the Minister said that Harsimar Kaur  by scoring All  India first position in such a prestigious examination has brought laurels to the state. He said that both mother and father needed to be complemented for encouraging and motivating the prodigy child to achieve this goal.

          It may be added that Mr. Manmeet Singh Bhatia is working as Sub Divisional Engineer in Punjab PWD (B&R) Department.

 

Mamata Banerjee to introduce Punjabi as second language in WB

Chandigarh, May 30:

The Punjabi Cultural Council has hailed the revolutionary decision of the newly constituted West Bengal Government under the dynamic leadership of Ms Mamata Banerjee as Chief Minister to accord status of second official language to Punjabi in the state.

In a congratulatory letter to the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamta Banerjee and Tourism Minister Mr Rakshpal Singh, Mr Jaswant Singh Chaapa and Mr Harjeet Singh Grewal, the Chairman and President of the Council respectively said that by this decision the Punjabi community all over India as well as abroad was not only overwhelmed but was also looking forward to other states to replicate the same decision there too. They further said that the Punjabis had played a pivotal role in development of West Bengal recognizing which Mamta Banerjee had given due status to Punjabi as second official language which was highly laudable. Punjabis which almost constitute four lakh population of the West Bengal had been anxiously longing for this decision to happen since long.

The council also demanded that the West Bengal Government should also take further initiative for the promotion Punjabi language and culture in a holistic manner by establishing Punjabi Sahit Academy in the state. The Council also urged the West Bengal Government to immediately initiate the process for the recruitment of Punjabi teachers in the schools so that this decision could be implemented in the right earnest.

Shiromani Akali Dal

Chandigarh May 29:

          Shiromani Akali Dal today sought " direct and immediate intervention" of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to save the life of  Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar ", on grounds of statesmanship, humanitarian and civilised concern and over all national interest."

    A statement released on behalf of party patron Parkash Singh Badal and president Sukhbir Singh Badal here this afternoon also said that the Prime Minister should personally see that the highest norms of jurisprudence, legal precedents  and issues of statesmanship are kept firmly in  view in the matter and a sympathetic view taken. This, said the statement , would be "an act of grace" which will ensure that the atmosphere of acrimony, suspicion and estrangement  between the Sikhs and the center s not vitiated any further further.

  Signatories to the statement, SAD Secretary General  SUkhdev Singh Dhindsa, and General Secretaries Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal cited the judgement of the apex court in a similar case involving the state of Orissa and Dara in the case of murder of some Christians accused of engaged in conversions. The Court had commuted the death sentence to the accused to a life imprisonment in view of "the religious and emotional factors" that led to the crime. The Akali leaders said that there was no reason why the same yardstick should not be applied this case.

They said that the country would in no way be threatened if the death sentence is commuted to life imprisonment inthe Bhullar case also while it would, on the other hand, play a major role in strengthening emotional bonds among the people. A failure to do so, on the other hand, would further strengthen the suspicion that two sets of laws and standards operated in the country, one for the accused belonging to the majority community and the other for the rest. "Such an impression must not be allowed to gain ground, " said Mr. Dhindsa, mr. Bhunder and Mr. Grewal gesture would be extended to Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar

 

ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR KHRIFF SEASON    ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh, May 28:

          The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Khriff Season through Canal water from 30-5-2011 to 6-6-2011. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Abohar Branch, and Patiala feeder respectively.

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

          The spokesman further said that Harieka Head works and Firozpur Head works and its distributaries of Group 'A' being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilized in Abhor Branch and its distributaries of Group "B"

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

Punjab Youth Congress starts its membership drive

Punjab Youth Congress body dissolved

More than 10 lac youth will be enrolled-- Bittu

Chandigarh: 28-05-11

Punjab youth congress today launched its membership drive from Chandigarh during an impressive function held at Punjab congress bhavan. The first fifty membership forms were submitted to Sh Jitendra Singh MP, Secretary AICC and incharge Indian youth congress and Sh. Rajiv Satav president Indian youth congress by S Ravnit Singh Bittu MP and president Punjab youth congress at the function. Subsequently the body of Punjab youth congress was dissolved today with immediate effect till the new election process is completed and new body takes over.

Addressing the gathering of youth congress workers Sh Jitendra Singh said that youth congress is always there to help the Punjab Pradesh congress and this time also youth congress will participate in the coming assembly elections in Punjab along with senior congress. Youth congress workers will work at the booth level to mobilise support for the senior party leaders. Hence will bring about a change by throwing the akalis out of power. Singh said that it is now for the second time youth congress is having democratic elections in Punjab again and we expect major response from the youth of Punjab by participating in the membership drive. Foundation of advanced management of elections, a premier organization which will be overseeing the election process in Punjab, has already deputed more than 200 workers from across the country in Punjab to complete the election process by November this year. Sh. Rahul Gandhi started this experiment from Punjab which was very successful and then it was undertaken in other 16 states also. The election model is such that it very transparent, free and fair. Singh appealed to the youth of Punjab that if they want to change the politics and really perform then they should come forward in this election and participate. He also thanked S Ravnit Bittu and his whole team for doing excellent works in their tenure and assured them they will be duly adjusted in the senior party structure accordingly.

Speaking at the function Indian youth congress president Sh Rajiv Satav said that the membership drive will be for 28 days till 24 June 2011 and there is a major change this time as compared to the last election. This time we have introduced the committees at the booth level also so that worker at the booth level gets proper representation. Earlier it was only at zila and block level. Satav further said that this drive is open for all between the age group of 18 to 35 years and appealed the youth of Punjab that like Sh Rahul Gandhi gave opportunity to S Ravnit Bittu and Sh Vijayinder Singla by giving them tickets for the parliamentary elections this time more youth will get opportunities like this. So they should come forward and join the youth congress membership drive. Satav also appreciated the jobs done by Bittu and his whole team and expected that they would also support the new team which takes over by November this year.

Thanking the senior leadership for their continuous support, S Ravnit Bittu said that because of the system developed by Sh Rahul Gandhi that we have reached till this place and anybody can fit into this system so more youth should come in this membership drive. He assured the leaders that he will personally see that this time the enrolment should go more than 10 lacs members from across the state. He said that youth congress has done a lot in the last two years starting from doing 1800 km padyatra in 45 days across Punjab then a protest march towards the Punjab assembly and finally the recent indefinite hunger strike at Ludhiana. 

Smt Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, leader of opposition in the Punjab assembly, in her speech requested Sh Rahul Gandhi to tour Punjab to oversee the condition of farmers and the number of suicides by them due to the negligence of the state government.

Senior Pradesh congress leader S Lal Singh also spoke at the occasion and assured that every help from the Punjab Pradesh congress will be given to make this membership drive successful.

Among others Sh VijayInder Singla MP, S Avtar Brar MLA, S Ajit Singh Shaant MLA, S Joginder Singh Panjgrain MLA, S Sadhu Singh Dharamsot MLA, Sh Harbans Lal MLA, S Charanjit Channi MLA, Sh Joginder Jain MLA, S Ajitinder Mofar MLA, Sh Jassi Khangura MLA, S Balbir Sidhu MLA and many senior party leaders and youth congress office bearers were present at this function.           

 

CM, DY. CM IMMERSES ASHES OF SURINDER KAUR BADAL AT GURDWARA SRI PATALPURI SAHIB

THOUSANDS PAY FLORAL TRIBUTES TO SURINDER KAUR BADAL EN ROUTE KIRATPUR SAHIB

KIRATPUR SAHIB (ROPAR) MAY 27:

           Amidst chanting of Gurbani by thousands of mourners across the state, the ashes of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal, the wife of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and mother of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal were immersed by them in the river Satluj at Gurdwara Sri Patalpuri Sahib Patshahi Sixth.

           The ashes of Mrs. Badal contained in an urn (Kalsh) were brought from her native village Badal here at Gurdwara Sri Patalpuri Sahib in a special flower decked vehicle in which the Chief Minister accompanied by his son Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, his daughter Preneet Kaur and daughter-in-law & Member Parliament Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur along with his grand children besides his son-in-law Food & Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon and the former Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia.  This vehicle was followed by a cavalcade of hundreds of vehicles carrying thousands of people from all walks of life who had come to pay their tributes.

Earlier, the ashes were gathered from the cremation ground at village Badal by the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister besides their other family members and relations including former Member of Parliament Mr.

Gurdas Singh Badal and his son former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal.  Meanwhile, the President SGPC Mr. Avtar Singh performed the Ardas ceremony before the gathering ashes (rasam phul chugan). The cavalcade which started from village Badal at 10 am reached its final destination at Sri Kiratpur Sahib at 5 pm via Malout, Bathinda, Maur, Mansa, Sunam, Bhiwanigarh, Patiala, Sirhind, Morinda and Ropar.

Thousands of people were standing in queues on both sides of the road en route to Kiratpur Sahib to pay their homage to Mrs. Badal and showered flower petals.

Earlier, at Gurdwara Patalpuri Sahib Jathedar Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh recited the Path Sri Japuji Sahib and performed the Ardas ceremony before the immersion of ashes.  Later Mr.

Badal accompanied by his son Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, his daughter Mrs. Preneet Kaur and Son-in-Law Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon immersed the ashes of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal.

Eminent religious and spiritual personalities including Head Damdami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, Sant Baba Nihal Singh Harianavelan

Wale, Baba Labh Singh Kar Sewa Wale and   President SGPC Mr. Avtar Singh.

Several prominent leaders and dignitaries who were present at Sri Gurdwara Sri Patalpuri Sahib during the immersion of ashes included SAD Secretary General & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, General Secretary SAD & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, SAD Vice Presidents Mr. Gurdev Singh Badal, Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Mr. Sher Singh Gubhya (both Members Parliament), Mr.

Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, (all Cabinet Ministers) former Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Des Raj Dhuga, Mr. Jagdip Singh Nakai, Mr. Mohan Lal (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries).  Mr.Gobind Singh Longowal and Mr.  Madan Mohan Mittal (both former Ministers) besides Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains and Member Punjab SS Board Mr. Gurcahran Singh Grewal were also present.  Apart from these several MLAs, senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP and Members of SGPC also present.

            Top brass of state Civil and Police administration including the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. DS Guru, DIG Ropar Mr. MF Faroqui besides Deputy Commissioner Ropar Mr. GK Singh and SSP Ropar Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh were also present.

PPP POSTPONES ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS

Chandigarh : In view of the demise of Smt. Surinder Kaur Badal, People’s Party of Punjab have also postponed its all programmes for a week’s time.  According to the press release issued from its Chandigarh office, public rally scheduled for 30th May at Dera Bassi will now be held on Monday the 6th June 2011 at 4.00 P.M.  All Public Meeting fixed for 31st May will now be held on 5th June which include public rallies at Swadi Kallan at 12 noon and Bhulath at 5 p.m.  Similarly, programmes fixed for 1st June have also been postponed on that day S. Manpreet Singh Badal will pay homage to Punjab Mata Smt. Vidhyawati Mother of Shaheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat Singh Ji in a Bhog Ceremony of Shri Akhand Path being organized at Khatkar Kalan,  Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal will also address public rallies on 3rd June at Dhuri and Mehal Kalan and 4th June at Guru Har Sahai and Ferozepur.

He also appealed all workers of the PPP to complete the membership drive by the end of May and deposit the forms where after further steps to formulate the organization will be taken.

MOBILE NUMBERS OF VOTERS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE VOTER DATA BASE EC PUNJAB TO LAUNCH PHOTOGRAPHY CAMPAIGN

Chandigarh May 26:  Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer Punjab has directed the officers concerned to ensure the timely collection of mobile numbers of all the voters registered in the electoral roll in accordance with the directions of the Election Commission of India so that it could be included in the voter data base.

            In a statement issued here today, Ms Sidhu  said that collection of telephone numbers would be done through Booth Level Officers during the month of June, 2011. She has urged all the voters of Punjab to supply their mobile numbers to EROs or BLOs in order to derive full advantage of this programme.

            Adding further, she said that the Election Department of Punjab would launch a photography campaign for achieving 100 % photos in the re poll and 100% EPIC preparation and distribution in the state. The voters whose photographs have not yet been incorporated in the election rolls and who have not yet got their  EPIC cards  have been requested to fill up form no.001-B along with two photographs and submit the details to Booth Level Officers.

            Ms Sidhu also said that continuous updation of voter lists by adding new voters was also in progress. Any Indian citizen who has attained the age of 18 years as on 1.1.2011 and not yet registered as a voter could do so by applying to ERO in form no.6 with two photos or giving the application to the BLO concerned. Any correction, if required could be made through form No.8 and changes in address etc. could be done through form 8-A. All the required forms and the details of electoral registration officers/BLOs were available on the department'

 

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ACHIEVED WHEAT PROCUREMENT TARGET

 Chandigarh, May 23: Punjab Government has achieved wheat procurement 110 lakh tones target fixed for Rabi crop during the year 2011-12. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Food and Civil Supply Department said that Government agencies and private millers had procured more than 110.07 lakh tonnes of Wheat till last evening. He said that department had fixed May 31, 2011   for wheat procurement on Minimum Support Price.

The Spokesman further said that State Government fully satisfied over wheat procurement operation made by the various agencies. State Government had set up 1734 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.

                        Out of total procurement of 11007910 tonnes of wheat Government agencies procured 109.14 lakh tonnes of wheat (99.1%) till date whereas private traders procured 26548 tonnes (0.1%) of wheat. Till May 25, PUNGRAIN had procured 17.44 lakh tonnes (15.8%) whereas  MARKFED procured 25.75 lakh tonnes (23.4%). PUNSUP procured 24.51 lakh tonnes (22.3%), PSWC procured 12.66 lakh tonnes (11.5%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 12.18 lakh tonnes     (15.1 %) of wheat.           

                        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 16.58 lakh tonnes of wheat which was the 15.1% of the total procurement of wheat in the state.

                        The spokesman added that Ferozepur with 13.63 lakh tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas district Sangrur with  10.22 lakh tonnes of procurement was at second slot and District Ludhiana with 8.59 lakh  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position 

 TEARFUL ADIEU TO SURINDER KAUR BADAL*

 

*SEVERAL RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL PERSONALITIES BESIDES TOP BRASS OF STATE CIVIL AND POLICE ADMINISTRATION PAY THEIR LAST RESPECTS *

 

*BADAL (MUKTSAR) MAY 25:*

 

Thousands of people from all walks of life today bid a tearful adieu to Mrs.

Surinder Kaur Badal the wife of Punjab Chief Minister and the mother of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who passed away at PGI on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.  She was cremated here at her native

village, where her mortal remains were consigned to the flames.   Her son

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal lit the pyre amidst heart rendering scenes.  A sea of humanity assembled at the cremation ground to attend the cremation.

 

The Chief Minister accompanied by his daughter Preneet Kaur and daughter-in-law & Member Parliament Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur along with his grand children in the funeral van reached the cremation ground.  Besides Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, his brothers-in-law Food & Supplies Minister Mr.

Adesh Partap Singh Kairon and former Minister Mr. Bikramjit Singh Majithia along with his cousin former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal shouldered the bier to the cremation site.

            Braving the scorching heat wave, thousands of people across the state started pouring in since morning at their residence, where the body of Mrs. Badal was kept to enable them to have her last glimpse (antim darshan).

  Earlier in the morning former MP and the younger brother of the Chief Minister Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal along with his son Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal reached the residence to share their condolences with the bereaved family.

            Cutting across the party lines several prominent leaders including Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Mr. Farooq Abdullah, Union State Minister for Communication Mr. Sachin Pilot, former Congress Ministers Mr. Tej Parkash Singh and Mr. Sunil Jakhar, Former MLA Mr. Arvind Khanna and Lok Bhalai Party Chief & former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia gathered here to offer their condolences with the bereaved family members and paid floral tributes to the deceased.

            Several prominent leaders and dignitaries who laid wreaths on the body of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal included Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil, Haryana Governor Mr. Jagan Nath Paharia, Haryana Chief Minister Mr.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, former Haryana Chief Minister and President Indian National Lok Dal Mr. Om Parkash Chautala, former Union Minister Mr. Buta Singh, Chairman All India Anti Terrorist Front Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bitta.

             Eminent religious and spiritual personalities including Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Head Damdami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, Head Dera Radha Swami Beas Baba Gurinder Singh, Sant Man Singh Pehowawale, Sant Amrik Singh Kar Sewa Wale, Baba Kashmira Singh,  President SGPC Mr. Avtar Singh and Prof. Kirpal Singh Baduangar and Bibi Jagir Kaur (both former Presidents of SGPC)

            Prominent amongst others who attended the cremation included SAD Secretary General & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, General Secretary SAD & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, General Secretaries SAD Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr.Maheshinder Singh Grewal, SAD Vice Presidents Mr. Gurdev Singh Badal and Mr. Tota Singh,  Dr.

Rattan Singh Ajnala and Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan (both Members of Parliament), Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar,  Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Mr. Satpal Gosian, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mrs.

Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Mr. Arunesh Shakir, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, (all Cabinet Ministers) Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, former Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. KD Bhandari, Mr. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Des Raj Dhuga, Mr.

Avinash Chander, Mr. Sukhpal Nanu, Mr. Bikramjit Singh Khalsa (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries).  Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains were also present.  Managing Editor of the Ajit Group of Newspaper Dr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard also attended the cremation. Apart from these several MLAs, senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP and Members of SGPC also attended the cremation.

            Top brass of Civil and Police administration including the officiating Chief Secretary Mr. SS Brar, DGP Mr. PS Gill and Chief Punjab State Information Commissioner Mr. RI Singh along with various academicians, legal experts and media persons also attended the cremation.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Punjab IAS Officers Welfare Association Mr. Suresh Kumar and General Secretary of Punjab PCS Officers Association Mr. Narinder Singh Sangha also laid the wreaths on behalf of their respected associations as a mark of the respect to the departed soul.

According to the family sources, the *Angitha Sambal *would be performed on May 27, 2011 (Friday) at 10 am and Bhog & Antim Ardas would be held at village Badal on June 2, 2011 (Thursday) at 1 pm.

SEVERAL RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL PERSONALITIES BESIDES TOP BRASS OF STATE CIVIL AND POLICE ADMINISTRATION PAY THEIR LAST RESPECTS

BADAL (MUKTSAR) MAY 25:

Thousands of people from all walks of life today bid a tearful adieu to Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal the wife of Punjab Chief Minister and the mother of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who passed away at PGI on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.  She was cremated here at her native village, where her mortal remains were consigned to the flames.   Her son Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal lit the pyre amidst heart rendering scenes.  A sea of humanity assembled at the cremation ground to attend the cremation.  

The Chief Minister accompanied by his daughter Preneet Kaur and daughter-in-law & Member Parliament Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur along with his grand children in the funeral van reached the cremation ground.  Besides Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, his brothers-in-law Food & Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon and former Minister Mr. Bikramjit Singh Majithia along with his cousin former Finance Minister Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal shouldered the bier to the cremation site. 

            Braving the scorching heat wave, thousands of people across the state started pouring in since morning at their residence, where the body of Mrs. Badal was kept to enable them to have her last glimpse (antim darshan).    Earlier in the morning former MP and the younger brother of the Chief Minister Mr. Gurdas Singh Badal along with his son Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal reached the residence to share their condolences with the bereaved family.  

            Cutting across the party lines several prominent leaders including Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Mr. Farooq Abdullah, Union State Minister for Communication Mr. Sachin Pilot, former Congress Ministers Mr. Tej Parkash Singh and Mr. Sunil Jakhar, Former MLA Mr. Arvind Khanna and Lok Bhalai Party Chief & former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia gathered here to offer their condolences with the bereaved family members and paid floral tributes to the deceased.   

            Several prominent leaders and dignitaries who laid wreaths on the body of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal included Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil, Haryana Governor Mr. Jagan Nath Paharia, Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, former Haryana Chief Minister and President Indian National Lok Dal Mr. Om Parkash Chautala, former Union Minister Mr. Buta Singh, Chairman All India Anti Terrorist Front Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bitta.

            Eminent religious and spiritual personalities including Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Keshgarh Sahib Giani Tarlochan Singh, Jathedar Takhat Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Balwant Singh Nandgarh, Head Damdami Taksal Baba Harnam Singh Dhuma, Head Dera Radha Swami Beas Baba Gurinder Singh, Sant Man Singh Pehowawale, Sant Amrik Singh Kar Sewa Wale, Baba Kashmira Singh,  President SGPC Mr. Avtar Singh and Prof. Kirpal Singh Baduangar and Bibi Jagir Kaur (both former Presidents of SGPC)

            Prominent amongst others who attended the cremation included SAD Secretary General & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, General Secretary SAD & Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, General Secretaries SAD Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr.Maheshinder Singh Grewal, SAD Vice Presidents Mr. Gurdev Singh Badal and Mr. Tota Singh,  Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala and Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan (both Members of Parliament), Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar,  Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Mr. Satpal Gosian, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mrs. Laxmi Kanta Chawla, Mr. Arunesh Shakir, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, (all Cabinet Ministers) Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, former Deputy Speaker Lok Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. KD Bhandari, Mr. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Des Raj Dhuga, Mr. Avinash Chander, Mr. Sukhpal Nanu, Mr. Bikramjit Singh Khalsa (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries).  Advisor to Chief Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Media Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Harcharan Bains were also present.  Managing Editor of the Ajit Group of Newspaper Dr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard also attended the cremation. Apart from these several MLAs, senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP and Members of SGPC also attended the cremation. 

            Top brass of Civil and Police administration including the officiating Chief Secretary Mr. SS Brar, DGP Mr. PS Gill and Chief Punjab State Information Commissioner Mr. RI Singh along with various academicians, legal experts and media persons also attended the cremation. 

Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Punjab IAS Officers Welfare Association Mr. Suresh Kumar and General Secretary of Punjab PCS Officers Association Mr. Narinder Singh Sangha also laid the wreaths on behalf of their respected associations as a mark of the respect to the departed soul. 

According to the family sources, the Angitha Sambal would be performed on May 27, 2011 (Friday) at 10 am and Bhog & Antim Ardas would be held at village Badal on June 2, 2011 (Thursday) at 1 pm. 

HC censure proves state govt's inability to promote industry
Jalandhar

Kewal Singh Dhillon
Barnala MLA

Raising concern over the health of industry in Punjab, Barnala MLA and Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Kewal Singh Dhillon today said that SAD-BJP government has been giving lame excuses for its failure to revive industry in the state to hide its own inefficiency. Referring to the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s strong censure of the state government while deciding a case filed by a group of industrialists, he said the honourable court’s remark that the “Punjab’s government’s claim of having a well-oiled system of attracting entrepreneurs was nothing but a sham”, has proved beyond doubt that all these years the SAD-BJP coalition has been hoodwinking the general public by presenting the state as a victim of Centre’s policies.

He said the state government has unnecessarily been harping too much on industry in the state suffering due to incentives being extended to the nighbouring hill states as it has itself done nothing to promote entrepreneurship. Referring to the court’s observation that instead of taking immediate steps to save the industry in the state, Punjab government has been denying the benefits already announced, he said the ruling coalition should look look within and set things right before complaining about external factors. Dhillon claimed that industry in the state is fast losing confidence in the government as it has failed to honour its own promises and even policies it itself framed. He also rued the failure of single window clearance system introduced by the government, claiming that no such system is in place.

Criticizing the state finance minister Upinderjit Kaur for being unaware of the fact that a committee headed by Union secretary (expenditure) to assist debt-ridden Punjab, West Bengal and Kerala had already submitted its report on the matter, he called her pitch for full debt waiver a half-hearted call without doing the homework on ground realities.  He said a state finance minister cannot afford to live in ignorance, except in case where the job be forcibly imposed on him or her for political reasons. He said the state government is just whiling away its remaining tenure as it is well aware of its fate in the ensuing state elections.

 
SURINDER KAUR BADAL PASSES AWAY

CHANDIGARH MAY 24:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was bereaved today when he lost his wife Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal, who breathed her last at PGI at 2.00 pm after battling with Cancer for nearly two years.  She was 73 and is survived by her son Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister and a daughter Mrs. Preneet Kaur. 

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that her cremation will take place tomorrow i.e. May 25 (Wednesday) at village Badal in district Muktsar at 12 noon.  

            Meanwhile, the Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha,  all the Punjab Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MPs and MLAs of SAD-BJP, Members of SGPC, besides the rank and file of the SAD-BJP also mourned the sad demise of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal.  Senior civil and police officers of the state administration also condoled the death of Mrs. Badal.  

 

MRS.SURINDER KAUR BADAL- A PROFILE

 S. Surinder Kaur Badal (72) was the pillar of strength behind the more than 50 year long political career of S. Parkash Singh Badal. The senior Badal patriarch of 90 year old Shiromani Akali Dal, a party known for Morchas, Struggles and Jail Bharo Andolans for protecting the territorial and water rights of Punjab, had left the responsibility of nurturing the family nest to Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal. S. Badal who out of his 50 year political career, spent 17 years in the jails, the longest stint spent by any political leader in India, was carefree from family front just because of stability offered by Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal to the family. If S. Parkash Singh Badal could touch the pinnacle of glory in his political career, it was just because he was free from any tension of family responsibility.

          Bibi Badal born in the family of S. Harjoginder Singh (Father) and Bibi Umrao Kaur (Mother) on 26th June 1938 in Village Chak Fateh Singh Wala in District Bathinda. Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal was second of their four siblings. She had an elder sister Savinder Kaur and two younger brothers Inderjit Singh and Late Gurpreet Singh. Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal got her schooling in Victoria School Patiala. She got her education from Pre University to MA in Kanya Maha Vidyalaya College Jalandhar. She was married to S. Parkash Singh Badal in the year 1959 and she gave birth to Parneet Kaur in the year 1960. Mr. Sukhbir Singh was born on 9th July 1962.

She was the direct descendent of legendry Sikh General Baba Fateh Singh who killed Wazid Khan, Governor of Sirhind, facilitating the recapture of Sirhind from Mughals.

          Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal spent initial years of marriage in looking after her kids Biba Parneet Kaur her elder daughter and Kaka Sukhbir Singh and ensured that their education was not disturbed by the hectic political life of their father. She also ensured their proper up bringing and inculcated the values the Badal clan inherited since generations. She ensured to keep them away from hustle and bustle of politics till Sukhbir completed his management graduation from US University.

          The last Five Years of Bibi Surinder Kaur Badal were most satisfying for her as she embarked upon the campaign of involving lacs of devotees in "Langar Sewa" of Sri Harimandir Sahib. She mobilized lacs of devotees and collected their offerings from door to door in the villages for the Langar of Golden Temple and conducted the visit of thousands of poor persons to Darbar Sahib fulfilling their life time desire. 

She breathed her last in PGI on 24th May, 2011 at 2PM.

 

 INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB, PUNJAB CABINET MINISTERS CONDOLE PASSING AWAY OF MRS. BADAL

Chandigarh; May 24:

    Punjab Cabinet Ministers have expressed deep sorrow at the untimely demise of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal , wife of S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab and mother of S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, who expired here today after battling with Cancer.

    In a joint condolence message, Punjab Cabinet Ministers S. Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Mr. Tikhshan Sood, Dr. Upinderjit Kaur, S. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Ms. Laxmi Kant Chawla, S. Ajit Singh Kohar, S. Gulzar Singh Ranike, S. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Satpal Gosai, S. Sucha Singh Langah, S. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, S. Hira Singh  Gabria, S. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jyani, Capt. Balbir Singh Bath and Mr. Arunesh Shakir described her as a pious and God-fearing lady who contributed her might for the welfare of downtrodden and oppressed in the Society.


Expressing their heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, the ministers prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to the family in this difficult hour.

SENIOR STATE BJP LEADERSHIP MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF SURINDER KAUR BADAL

CHANDIGARH MAY 24:

            Senior state BJP leadership deeply mourned the sad demise of Surinder Kaur Badal, who passed away here at PGI after a prolonged illness. 

            In a condolence message, the President of the Punjab Unit of BJP Mr. Ashwani Sharma described Mrs. Badal as a 'multi-faceted personality with the qualities of head and heart, who dedicated her entire life for the welfare of the oppressed sections of the society.  Her immense contribution towards the empowerment of women in the state would be ever remembered by one and all. 

            Sharing his heartfelt condolences on the death of Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal, the Leader of BJP Legislative Group and Local Govt. Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud said; "She was a dynamic personality with a passion to serve the humanity through selfless service.   She always remained a source of inspiration for Mr. Badal during his entire political career.

 

CHIEF MINISTER'S OFFICE PUNJAB TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT TO PROTECT INTERESTS OF ERSTWHILE PSEB EMPLOYEES NOTIFIED 

CHANDIGARH MAY 24:

            The Punjab government today issued a notification regarding the Tripartite Agreement signed amongst the state government, the management of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PCPL) & Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd. (PSTCL) and associations of PCPL & PSTCL on 19th November 2010 to safeguard the interests of the employees of erstwhile PSEB in view of the restructuring of the PSEB.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the agreement stipulates that successor entities of PSEB namely PSPCL and PSTCL shall remain Government companies. All the personnel on effective date of transfer shall stand transferred to PSPCL. The rank, scale of pay, inter-se-seniority and terms of appointment would continue as existing in the Board shall be maintained.  The retirement benefits and other facilities shall in no way be reduced than the one existing on the date of transfer. All existing welfare measures like HBA, compensatory appointments/Solatium, medical reimbursement, LTC, electricity concession, group insurance etc. shall continue in the Corporations. All employees shall be given all benefits of service in all respects. The Government & PSPCL guarantee the continuation of payment of pension, family pension, retirement benefits such as gratuity, encashment of leave, medical reimbursement, commutation of pension etc. to employees who had already retired or will be retiring from these Corporations as prevailing in the Board. The existing procedure of adopting beneficial provisions of Punjab Government circulars shall continue.

The agreement also provides that there will be no retrenchment of any employee. Surplus employees will be retrained for redeployment in the Corporations. The existing differential in the salary of employees of erstwhile PSEB vis-à-vis their counterparts in the government will be maintained. Any modification in the transfer scheme, Memorandum of Association, Article of Association, qualification and experience of CMDs and Directors will be made after consultation and understanding with the signatories to this agreement, but Government decision in this regard will be final. The agreement also provides that the conditions of service such as promotion, transfer, seniority, leave allowances etc. shall continue to apply mutatis-mutandis. The Government will also ensure that Corporations create separate trusts for GPF and pension and required funds would be deposited by the PSPCL in this regard. The State Government has also guaranteed to make appropriate arrangement for funding the terminal benefits. The Punjab Government would also ensure that Financial Restructuring Plans shall be prepared within current Financial Year and will be implemented for commercial liability of these Corporations.

All signatories to this agreement would assure constructive cooperation to the Government, PSPCL and PSTCL for improving the productivity and financial viability of these corporations.

 

Transfer rights on the sale of allotted surplus land

Chandigarh, May 24:

            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.

 

SAD LEADERS CONDOLE DEATH OF SURINDER KAUR BADAL

Chandigarh, May 24

                Senior leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal condoled the death of Mrs Surinder Kaur Badal wife of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here today.

            Expressing profound grief over the death of Mrs Badal the Secretary General of Shiromani Akali Dal and Rajya Sabha MP, Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that Punjab has lost an eminent personality which had played a pivotal role in the struggle for the development of the state. He said that Mrs Badal would always be remembered for her service rendered to the mankind.

                      Similarly the General Secretary of the party Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra also said that death of Mrs Badal is a big loss not only for the Badal family but for the entire state. He said that during her entire life Mrs Badal was committed for the service of the downtrodden sections of the societ

 

SENIOR STATE BJP LEADERSHIP MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF SURINDER KAUR BADAL

CHANDIGARH MAY 24:

            Senior state BJP leadership deeply mourned the sad demise of Surinder Kaur Badal, who passed away here at PGI after a prolonged illness.

            In a condolence message, the President of the Punjab Unit of BJP Mr. Ashwani Sharma described Mrs. Badal as a 'multi-faceted personality with the qualities of head and heart, who dedicated her entire life for the welfare of the oppressed sections of the society.

Her immense contribution towards the empowerment of women in the state would be ever remembered by one and all.

            Sharing his heartfelt condolences on the death of Mrs.Surinder Kaur Badal, the Leader of BJP Legislative Group and Local Govt. Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud said; "She was a dynamic personality with a passion to serve the humanity through selfless service.   She always remained a source of inspiration for Mr. Badal during his entire political career.