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Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal during Press Conf. at Phagwara.

BJP Kisan Morcha’s Farmers parliament in Delhi on May 12-13, says Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, National Secretary. 
Bharatiya Janta Party Kisan Morcha has convened a farmers’ parliament on May
12 and 13 in New Delhi to discuss the problems faced by farmers in the country.

Phagwara- 15 April, 2012

National Secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha, Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal said in a letter written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has stated that the Centre’s policies are anti-farmers and the present MSP calculating system is incapable of bailing out farmers from the serious economic crisis they are reeling under. “Pawar’s letter echoes the issues BJP Kisan Morcha had been raising and fighting for. To discuss these farmers’ issues we have convened a farmers’ parliament on May 12 and May 13 at New Delhi,” said Grewal. He said BJP Kisan Morcha held Rail Roko in all eight wheat producing States wherein at more than 96 places 2 lakh farmers sat on Dharna on Railway tracks. “Keeping in view the increased farmer suicides and pitiable condition, we have been demanding special Parliamentary session on the issue, but for Congress-led UPA Government, farmers are last priority,” he added. Grewal said that at the farmers’

parliament, former chairman of Farmers’ Commission MS Swaminathan, journalist P. Sainath, BJP national president Nitin Gadkari, Lok Sabha opposition leader Sushma Swaraj, Rajya Sabha opposition leader Arun Jaitley, former union agriculture minister Rajnath Singh, former Rural Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, BJP-Ruled states’ Chief Ministers have been invited at the Parliament. At the Parliament issues of present situation and challenges for farming sector, Government policies vis-à-vis nose diving income of farmers, market insecurities and farmers, natural calamities and poor disaster management, agriculture input and increasing prices, lack of infrastructural facilities and bills presented before Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, land acquisition bill, seed bill, pesticides management bill and biotechnology authority bill will also be discussed. At this time Seeta Gogna Ahmedgarh, Avtar Singh Mand, Arun Kumar Khosla, Dev Sharma, O.P. Gupta
Ex- Chairman, Tejesvi Bharadwaj, Beera Ram Baljit, Chander Mohan  Chawla, Pankaj Chawla, Tilak Raj kalucha, Mahesh Maria, Balveer Virmani, Gurdev Singh,  Kashmir Singh Sarpanch, Phagwara were present.

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CLP leader appeals for restraint

CHANDIGARH, April 15: Congress Legislative Party leader Mr Sunil Jakhar today asked the party leaders to exercise restraint and not go public on any issue concerning the party. He said, the party leaders should raise such issues, if any, at the appropriate forum.

In a statement issued here today, Mr Jakhar maintained that the party was facing crucial challenges at this juncture. He said, the Akali-BJP government has already started targeting and victimising the party workers and this is the time to stand by them. He stated that the party rank and file was united and it only needed the moral boosting from the leadership.
As the loyal and disciplined soldiers the party leaders should abide by the decision and directive of the high command. “Since everybody has put forth his/her point of view before the party high command, let us wait for the high command to decide”, he said, while adding, “the decision should be acceptable to all of us”.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL-- AMARINDER TRYING TO BECOME A MARTYER BY ENACTING POLITICAL DRAMAS -SAD

Chandigarh, April 14 :

The Shiromani Akali Dal described the action of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh of storming a police station at Dayalpura in Rampura Phul as a political drama aimed at  getting sympathy by becoming a martyr in the eyes  of the Congress workers of the state  and an attempt to save the office of President ship of state Congress Committee.
          Reacting to the action of the Congress Chief and subsequent ‘press release’,  party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that Capt. Amarinder Singh must be aware of the facts of the case regarding which he was making such a  hue and cry. This case was registered on January 11th this year when Model Code of Conduct was in force in the state due to assembly elections and administrative and police machinery was working as per the directions of the Election Commission of India.
          The SAD leader further said that Capt. Amarinder Singh must also be aware that keeping in view the merits of the case the District and Sessions Judge Bathinda has already rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of the accused in the present case. He wondered that given the facts of the case how can the Congress President claim that it is a case of political vendetta registered by the SAD-BJP government ?
          Dr. Cheema said that everyone in the Punjab knows that the Maharaja of Patiala is unable to digest the humiliating defeat at the hands of the SAD-BJP combine in the assembly elections and now he is resorting to this type of political tamasha at a time when his own party leaders have approached their high command against him and his removal from the post of President is just a matter of time.

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Congress MLAs against airing views in public; say let High Command take final call

CHANDIGARH, April 14:

Thirty-six Congress MLAs today appealed all the party leaders to desist from issuing press statement or speaking against one another. They said, since the party high command was already seized of the matter they should wait for its decision. “Instead of targeting our own party leadership we must take on the government to defend our workers”, they observed.
The legislators in a joint statement issued here today maintained that going public was against the party interests particularly when it was the time to boost the morale of the party rank and file. They said, the high command’s decision should be acceptable to everyone.

They pointed out, the Akali-BJP alliance government had already resorted to vendetta and victimisation of the party workers. This is the time to stand by the party workers and leave the decisions about the party affairs to the high command.
They stated that the party leaders should be concerned about the plight of the workers and fight the Akali onslaught unitedly. “We need to focus on the forthcoming elections to the municipal corporations and the parliamentary elections”, they said, while adding, going public on internal party matters only creates confusion and misunderstanding besides demoralising the workers which must be avoided at all costs.

The signatories to the statement included: Mr Laal Singh, Ashwani Sekhri, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Ms Aruna Chaudhary, Sukh Sarkaria, OP Soni, Ramanjeet Sikki, Rana Gurjeet, Sangat Singh Giljian, Sunder Sham Arora, Tarlochan Singh Soondh, Gur Iqbal Kaur, Joginder Pal Jain, Balbir Sidhu, Jagmohan Singh Kang, Gurkirat Kotli, Amrik Dhillon, Surinder Dawer, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurcharan Singh Bhoparai, Rana Sodhi, Raja Warring, Kewal Dhillon, Joginder Singh Panjgraian, Ajaib Singh Bhatti, Jeet Mohinder Singh SIdhu, Arvind Khanna, Mohammad Sadique, Harchand Kaur, Ajit INder Singh Mofar, Charanjit Singh CHanni, Ms Karan Brar, Navtej Cheema and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot. 
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38 LAKH CHILDREN TO BE ADMINISTERED POLIO DROPS IN PUNJAB : - HEALTH MINISTER

Chandigarh, 14 April:

            Sh Madan Mohan Mittal, Health Minister, Punjab here today stated that the NID Pulse Polio round will be begin on Sunday 15th April 2012, wherein more than 38 Lakh children below the age of 5 years age would be administered polio drops. He added that on Sunday 15,377 Pulse Polio booths will be established across Punjab, followed by house to house visits by health workers on Monday and Tuesday. He informed that 30,754 teams comprising manpower of 70,000 has been deputed for the exercise and senior officers including Ms Vinni Mahajan, Health Secretary, Ms. Raji P. Shrivastava, MD, Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Sh S.K. Sandhu, Mission Director NRHM, Dr J.P Singh, Director, Health Services have been allocated different districts for supervising of the campaign. He appealed people to reach the nearest Polio booth and get their children of 0-5 years age administered the Polio vaccine on Sunday. Sh Mittal appreciated that with the warm support of the people and dedicated efforts of the staff, Punjab has been able to maintain a polio-free status for more than past 2 years, An official spokesperson of Health Department informed that in Ludhiana city, Kumkalan block & Sahnewal block there shall be a 5 day house to house activity and in district Mohali there shall be 4 day house to house activity Sunday onwards, hence no booth activity will be held in these areas in particular

Capt Amarinder storms Dayalpura police station to protest vendetta against Congress workers

DAYALPURA (RAMPURA PHULL), April 13:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh, accompanied by thousands of party workers and senior leaders, today stormed into the police station Dayalpura offering himself for arrest to protest against the false cases slapped against the former MLA Gurpreet Singh Kangar and several others. However, the accused SHO who is responsible for registering the false case besides indulging in brutalities upon the Congress workers’ families had left the police station before Capt Amarinder’s arrival.
Capt Amarinder warned the Akali-BJP government that in case it did not stop the vendetta against the Congress workers they will be forced to come on the streets. He said, despite the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s claims, several cases of vendetta have been registered in different parts of the state. He announced that he will be visiting each and every worker who has been victimised with vendetta.
The PCC President was accompanied by senior leaders who included PCC general secretaries Harminder Jassi, Fateh Jang Bajwa, Kushaldeep ‘Kikki’ Dhillon, Arvind Khanna, Rana Gurjeet, Joginder Singh Panjgraian, Darshan Singh Brar, Ajit Singh Shant, Chiranji Lal Garg and others.
Talking to reporters inside the police station, Capt Amarinder said, “this government seems to be desperate to put the Congress workers behind the bars and I have come here today to tell them if you are so desperate arrest me but don’t harass my workers”. He regretted that the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had not stood by his word.
He pointed out, the Chief Minister had committed and promised inside the assembly that he will not allow any vendetta to take place and also look into those cases brought to his notice. However, the vendetta continues and the Congress workers continue to be victimised and the Chief Minister continues to turn a blind eye towards all that is happening under his nose, he remarked.
The PCC President went to the house of Tarsem Singh and Baljeet Singh who have also been falsely implicated in the case alongwith Kangar. Their family members narrated as how the SHO Sikander Singh alongwith 20 other policemen let loose a reign of terror on the family including the elderly and the children. One of the ladies told Capt Amarinder that when she tried to reason out with the SHO that why was he victimising the family members, he (the SHO) told her that as long as Tarsem and Baljeet were not arrested he will be detaining their children and the elderly who included 11 year old Dilawer and 82 year old Sardool Singh.
Capt Amarinder said, the only fault of Tarsem and Baljeet was that they had supported Congress. “Is this the democratic government that Mr Badal is presiding over? Is this the democracy that you vicitmise your political opponents to coerce them into submission?” he asked, while warning of dangerous repercussions.
The PCC President said, if the government is really so desperate to put Congress workers behind the bars they will flood the jails and the space will be too short. “Today we had only planned a symbolic demonstration to register our protest and visit the victims’ families and if the vendetta does not stop we will storm all the police stations and it will be difficult for the government to control the situation”, he warned, while hoping the Chief Minister is able to see reason and stop vendetta.
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Congress to gherao police stations across Punjab; SAD-BJP caught in its own web

TALWANDI SABO (BATHINDA), April 13:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today announced that the Congress workers will gherao the police stations across Punjab wherever the government indulges in vendetta against the party workers. He said, he will soon be visiting Majithia, where a block president has been abducted, Gurdaspur and some other places to protest against the vendetta cases.
Addressing a well attended political conference organized by the local MLA Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Capt Amarinder said, this government had nothing to do or offer to the people as it is already bankrupt hence it was now trying to intimidate its political opponents. “But let me make it clear to them that democracies don’t work like that and ultimately rule of law has to prevail and it will prevail”, he asserted amidst thundering applause from the people sitting there.
The PCC President lashed out at the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal for turning a blind eye towards the vendetta cases. He said, on the one hand he was claiming to look into the vendetta cases and on the other hand his police officers were harassing and victimising Congress workers. “This has to stop lest it will prove to be too costly for you”, Capt Amarinder warned the government.
Referring to the financial mess the government has placed itself in, he said, employees had not been paid salaries for some months and bills amounting to hundreds of crores were pending payment since there was no money in the treasury. “This is their own doing and they have been caught in their own web”, he remarked while pointing out, “they went on spending wantonly and promising moon to people with the firm belief that Congress will come to power so that we (in case the Congress had formed the government) will be in financial crisis”.
Assuring the Congress workers that the party was as strong as ever, he said, “in fact we are the largest party and more powerful than other political parties”. He said, this was not going to be the last election and this was not the end of the game. He asked the workers to be prepared for the 2014 parliamentary elections and ensure that Congress government is formed at the centre. “So what if we could not form the government in Punjab, we will again form the government at centre”, he told the workers while assuring them not to worry.
Ridiculing the claims of the Akali-BJP in their manifesto that they will provide round the clock power, he said, the summer was yet to start and the power cuts had already started. He said, even the power projects the Akali-BJP government was trumpeting about had no commitment to sell their power to Punjab as they can export it at their own will and Punjab will continue to remain in darkness.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included PCC general secretaries Rana Gurjeet, Arvind Khanna, Fateh Jang Bajwa, Jeet Mohinder  Sidhu( who had organized the conference), Ajaib Singh Bhatti, Gurkirat Kotli, Joginder Singh Panjgraian, Ajit Singh Shant, Darshan Singh Brar and others.



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INDO-PAK LEADERS STRIVE FOR OPEN BORDERS AS BADAL-CHIDAMBARAM INAUGURATE ICP AT ATTARI

Attari (Amritsar), April 13, 2012
India Pakistan moved a major step ahead in becoming active trade partners of Central Asian countries with leaders of both countries endorsing the call of Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal to remove all artificial barriers between both the countries as Union Home Minister Mr P Chidambaram, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Baal, Union Commerce Minister Mr Anand Sharma, Commerce Minister of Pakistan Mr Makhdoom Fahim and Chief Mnister of Eastern Punjab Mr Mohamed Shabaz Sharif  formally jointly inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari Border today.
As Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal described ICP as gateway for both countries to prosperity, peace and mutual brotherhood, the Union Home Minister Mr Chidambaram  strongly endorsed the demand of Punjab CM to allow import and export of all goods manufactured in both countries instead of restricting it to 137.
In his address at the inauguration of India’s first ever ICP, Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the National governments of India and Pakistan to take initiatives to make the Indo-Pak border soft, secure and peaceful to give boost to the present relatively sluggish economic performance in the region.
Expressing gratitude to the Government of India for establishing ICP over an area of 120acres at a cost of Rs 150 crore, the Chief Minister described it as a step forward in a direction to script a Golden Chapter in history of Indo-Pak relations. Mr Badal said from today onwards this historic day of Baisakhi would also be remembered as “Red Letter Day’ in history of Indo—Pak relations with the opening of ICP, which would prove to be a boon.. Mr Badal lamented that joint Punjab which was the most prosperous provinces of the Sub continent had shrunk due to circumstances which was known to everybody.
The unfortunate man made tragedy of partition of 1947 led to the migration  of  lakhs of people across the Indo Pak border consequently our people on both sides of Punjab not only suffered economically, socially and culturally but were even deprived of their holy shrines like Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Panja Sahib, Katasraj temple left in Pakistan and Ajmer sharif and Roza Sharif in India. He said that people of border areas in both Punjabs once considered to be most affluent were the worst sufferers of tragedy.

          He said, “I am desperately waiting for the day when people of both the Punjabs would freely move across the borders without visa restrictions because all of us ardently wish that these physical barriers in form of borders  must be abolished forthwith to further cement the age old socio-cultural and emotional ties between both the countries”.  Mr Badal also urged the National Governments of India and Pakistan to relax the visa norms to an extent for allowing at least the MPS and MLAs to visit these countries without visa besides the pilgrims from both the countries may also be allowed to visit their respective holy shrines in these countries without visa. Striking a nostalgic note about his youthful days spent in Lahore while pursuing graduation in a local college there, Mr Badal said still those memories were afresh in his mind especially about the social and cultural bonds which the people shared at that time.     

The Chief Minister also impressed upon the Government of Pakistan to extend its approved  list of 137 items traded from Attari land route to be brought at par to about6000 items being traded now through Mumbai- Karachi Sea route. He also urged the Government of Pakistan to allow transit of Goods to Afghanistan as it has already allowed trade from Afghanistan to India. He also emphasized the need to provide matching infra structure of the ICP on the other side of border in Pakistan to give a further fillip to the trade between the two countries. Mr Badal also requested Pakistan government to accord ‘Most Favoured Nation’ to India as  the latter had already granted the same status to Pakistan. He said that ICP would open new vista of trade as it would be India’s gateway to Afghanistan and central Asia. He said both the Punjabs being landlocked states would be immensely benefitted from the cross border trade through the newly established ICP which would lead to quantum jump in Indo-Pak trade, expected to increase by three to four times.
The Chief Minister also urged both the National Governments to allow a direct corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to the historical Gurudwara associated with SriGuru Nanak Dev Ji at Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan, in view of the religious sentiments of the Sikhs, thereby facilitating the lakhs of pilgrims to pay obeisance at the holy Sikh shrine. He also requested the Government of India to extend visa facility at ICP Attari for sanctioning visa to enable the people who intend to visit Pakistan by crossing over, which would save a lot of time, money and energy, as now the people have to go all the way to Delhi for getting visa. Mr Badal also urged the GoI for bringing the Railway traffic within the ambit of ICP through its extension into the Rail track. The opening of Attari-Wagah Check Post for Road should also include Rail cargo to further boost two way trade. Likewise the Chief Minister also requested the Union Government to further extend the dedicated Rail freight corridor from Kolkatta to Ludhiana up to Attari in order to boost the cargo trade. 
          Seeking liberal compensation or the farmers whose land is beyond border fencing Mr Badal said hat Union Home Minister must consider compensating such farmers who braving all odds at the border were filling the food kitty of border.     
            Addressing the gathering Union Home Minister Mr P Chindambam said that this is a historic day as India has opened its gateway of trade and prosperity to Central Asian countries that is bound to increase Indo-Pak trade four folds. He said that it is first of the 13 ICPs to be constructed on the border of Pakistan, Bangladsh and Nepal and assured that he would come back within two weeks to review whether teething problems of this ICP has been sorted out or not.
Endorsing the demand of Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal of free trade between both the countries, Mr Chidambaram said that both countries were endevouring for free travel for which Joint Working group has been formed. He hoped that new liberal visa regime under the consideration of Pakistan Cabinet would fulfill most of the demands. The Union Home Minister said that both countries should also favourably consider the issue raised by Punjab CM allowing Visa free travel to elected representatives of both the countries. He said hat trade was a great driving force and appealed to both the countries to remove all trade barriers between the two countries ushering in an era of peace and prosperity for the Sub Continent.
Mr Anand Sharma the Union Commerce Minister Government of India in his address made an impassioned appeal to rise above petty conflicts and come forward to remove all trade barriers. Advocating the demand raised by Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal he insisted that Pakistan should consider allowing export of all those items through ICP Attari that were being allowed through Mumbai port. He said that it would be a win-win situation for both the countries as both the sides would be largely benefitted from these trade ties. The Union insisted also said that to further cement the economic ties between both the nation multiple visas for the traders of both the countries validating upto an year would be soon issued by both the governments.       
In his address the Chief Minister of Eastern Punjab in Pakistan Mr Mohamed Shahbaz Sharif emphaising the need for greater political will in the leadership of both countries said that both countries would have to rise above past bitter experience and work together for economic integration. He questioned that if European Union Countries could have a single currency, single trade agreement then why can’t India and Pakistan emulate the same. Making an emotional appeal the Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister said hat there was cultural affinity between the people of both sides of border and now India and Pakistan must launch a war on Economic excellence, trade innovation, collective power generation to attain the role of economic leader of full Asia. He said that instead of circular route for importing goods through Mumbai-Dubai-Karachi or Karachi-Singapore Mumbai why can’t both countries trade through Attari.
Echoing the demand of his counterpart in Indian Punjab Mr Parkash Singh Badal for opening Hussainiwala and Fazilka borders he said that greater participation on land route trade was better for both countries and hoped that commerce Ministers of both countries would come to an agreement on this. Lauding the role of Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal in popularizing the traditional game of Kabbaddi, Mr Sharif  invited Punjab’s Kabbaddi and Wrestling team to Lahore for tournaments.
Addressing the gathering the Federal Commerce Minister of Pakistan Mr Makhdoom Fahim said that with the inauguration of ICP a new era of economic prosperity would herald in the region which would go a long way in removing the maladies like ooverty and unemployment faced by both the countries.
Prominent amongst those present on he occasion included Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Union State Minister Mr Ashwani Kumar, Members of Punjab Cabinet including Bhagat Chunni Lal, Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr Gulzar Singh ranike, Mr Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentray Secretaries including Mr NK Sharma, Mr Virsa Singh Valtoha, Congress Legislative Party leader Mr Sunil Jakhar, Veteran Congress leader Mr RL Bhatia and representatives of trade and commerce body from both the countries.

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SUKHBIR AIMS TO MAKE PUNJAB LEADING INDUSTRIAL STATE OF COUNTRY

  • CM TO MEET PM SOON TO INVITE HIM FOR INAUGURATING BATHINDA REFINERY
  • WOULD REQUEST P CHIDAMBRAM TODAY TO OPEN FAZILKA AND FEROZEPUR BORDERS FOR TRADE
  • ALL SET FOR MAKING MALWA TEXTILE HUB OF THE COUNTRY
  • AMRITSAR AND AJITGARH TO BE NEXT IT DESTINATIONS OF WORLD
  • BUSY IN SETTLING SCORES IN THEIR OWN PARTY CONGRESS HAS NO FIGHT WITH AKALI DAL

TALWANDI SABO (BATHINDA), APRIL 13:

Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab vowed to make state a leading industrial power of the country with state as emerging as most favoured investment destination. He announced Malwa as next Textile Hub of the country and Amritsar and Ajitgarh as IT destinations of the world.

            Addressing the mammoth gathering at the political conference organised by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) to mark the festival of Baisakhi here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the new industrial focus of the Punjab government was aimed at reducing red tape, making single window functional its true spirit besides launching of plethora of reforms to make state industrial and investment friendly. He said that a complete over haul of industry department was in offing and state has finalized a plan to create land bank to provide land to the investors off the shelf. Similarly time bound and deemed clearance were certain novel initiatives that state was taking to wade through the web of red tape stunting the industrial growth of the state.
            The Deputy Chief Minister said that Bathinda refinery a 21500 crore project that was stalled by Captain Amarinder Singh for five years has already started functioning supplying Kerosene, Petrol and other by products to various parts of the county besides exporting its products. He said that he along with Chief Minister would soon meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh requesting him to formally dedicate this prestigious project to the country.
            Emphasizing the need for making Punjab a gateway to Central Asian countries Mr Badal said that inauguration of Integrated Check Post today would change the economic profile of whole sate. He said that he would also request Mr P Chidambram the Union Home Minister to take early steps for opening Fazilka and Ferozepur Borders for trade with Pakistan so that these border cities could regain their lost stature. 
Announcing the beginning of Malwa as next textile hub of the country, Mr Badal said that he has inaugurated one textile plant and Malwa would soon have biggest Denim plant of the country that would directly manufacture international quality Denim from raw cotton and surely it Wrangler, LEE and other international brands in Washington. He said that Textile industry was most suitable for Malwa region of Punjab as it was employment intensive that would provide direct employment to over One lakh youth mostly girls in over one year. He said that punjab would get Textile industries worth 60000 crores in next two years in he textile hub of Malwa.
    Thanking the people of Punjab for reposing faith in the developmental agenda of the SAD-BJP government, Mr Badal said that the responsibility of governance given to us has firmed our resolve to put Punjab back on the pinnacle of glory by pushing the gas paddle of governance reforms.
Announcing Amritsar and Ajitgarh as future IT hubs of the world, Mr Badal said that both these cities with proximity to International Airports, world class road infra structure, road connectivity coupled with Human Resource back up would soon beat Bangalore to emerge as most favoured IT hubs of the IT wizards. He said that SAD-BJP government has pumped in more then 6000 crores on the upgradation of the infra structure of Amritsar and Ajitgarh and its results were now visible on the ground.
Later in the media interaction when queried about symbolic Dharna of PPCC President Captain Amarinder Singh protesting against the alleged framing up of a Congress worker, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP government does not believe in Vendetta Politics. He said that a criminal case was filed on the directions of Election Commission of India regarding election related violence in the month of January and that worker was evading the arrest. He said that Police has just followed the directions of ECI and state government has no role in it. He quipped that busy in infighting the Congress party has no fight with SAD.
Earlier he paid obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, where he was offered Siropa by Takht Sri Damdama Sahib’s Jathedar Balwant Singh Nandgarh. 
Prominent amongst those, who were addressed the political conference included Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Member Rajya Sabha, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Mr. Chettan Singh Samaon, Mrs. Rajwinder Kaur, Mr. Hari Singh Zira, Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta (All MLAs), Mr. Avtar Singh, SGPC Chief, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal (both former ministers) and Mr. Amarjit Singh Sidhu, senior Akali leader . 
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CM FOR MASSIVE PLANTATION ACROSS NATIONAL AND STATE HIGHWAYS IN PUNJAB

BADAL FELICITATES FOREST DEPTT. FOR ACHIEVING COUNTRY’S FIRST-STATE STATUS IN AFORESTATION FOR PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 13

The Punjab Government has decided to launch a massive sapling plantation drive over the vacant land across the national and state highways in the state.

A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a high level meeting of the senior officers of Forest and Irrigation departments here today at his residence.
Disclosing this a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that appreciating the concerted efforts of the forest department for achieving the India’s first-state status for Punjab by increasing 100 square kilometer of forest area during year 2010-11, Mr. Badal directed the forest department to identify vacant and shrub covered land across the national and state highways for further aforestation. He also directed that keeping in view the developments and needs for the next 20 years, long stretches of same variety trees must be planted in a planned manner over both sides of these highways.
Expressing concern over the issue to remove the trees of the forest department planted earlier over the banks of drains & canals, which presently causing breaches and hindered the cleaning operation of cannals and drains, Mr. Badal asked the Financial Commissioner Forest Mr. DS Bains and Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sidhu to resolve the issue amicably under the legal opinion for enabling the Irrigation department to undertaking its ongoing clean operations smoothly in a time bound manner i.e. well before the ensuing monsoon season.
            Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Financial Commissioner Forests Mr. DS Bains, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sidhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. HS Gujral, Chief Engineer Irrigation Mr. Amarjit Singh Dullt, Chief Engineer Drainage Mr. Vinod Chaudhary and Conservator of Forests Ferozepur Mr. Saurabh Gupta. 
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BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR


CHANDIGARH, APRIL 13:

            The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people on the 121th birth anniversary of Bharat Rattan Baba Saheb Dr. B R. Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution.

      In a message, Mr. Badal said that one should be committed to realize the dreams of Dr. Ambedkar, who had a vision of great democratic India to ensure equality for all.  The Chief Minister said that Dr. Ambedkar had always advocated democracy in every field, be it social, economic and political. “For him social Justice meant maximum happiness to the maximum number of people” said Mr. Badal.

      On this occasion, Mr. Badal appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar and shun the parochial considerations of religion, caste, colour and creed to create a harmonious and egalitarian society.
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MAJITHIA FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF BAISAKHI

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12:  Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Department, Punjab today felicitated the people of Punjab on the eve of Baisakhi.
Mr. Majithia, in a message, said that this festival has a great significance for the farmers of Punjab as this day traditionally marks the beginning of harvest of Rabi crops, on a joyous note.
          Mr. Majithia said that this festival has a great religious significance for Sikhs as on this day  in the year 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh ji established Khalsa Panth,  a body of people dedicated to the principles of truth, justice, and equality; the cardinal principles of Sikh faith. He said that the massacre of hundreds of innocents by the British at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on this day in the year 1919 proved as the last nail in the coffin of British rule in India.
          Mr. Majithia called upon people to celebrate this festival collectively and utilize this day to pay our gratitude to all those known and unknown freedom fighters, who laid their lives so that we all can breathe in freedom.
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PRIORITY TO REDUCE ROAD ACCIDENTAL DEATHS IN PUNJAB: KOHAR

  • DELEGATION OF WHO CALLS ON TRANSPORT MINISTER

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12: Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister Punjab today stressed upon to reduce the ‘Road Accidental Deaths’ in the state and said that the reduction in the increasing deaths due to road accidents was the call of the hour.
            Presiding over a meeting with the delegation of World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr. Kohar said that almost 4000 persons lost their lives in every year due to the road accidents in Punjab. The priority of the Punjab Government was to reduce these numbers through making the people aware about the traffic rules.
            The delegation of the WHO under the chairmanship of Dr. Sverker Almgvist informed Mr. Kohar that 14 lakh people lost their lives every year due to road accidents in the world out of which 1.60 lakh from India. He said that WHO with the collaboration of other international organizations has introduced a R.S.-10 Program to check the accidental deaths in the world.
            Dr. Almgvist further said that R.S.-10 program has been started in India in 2010 and running successfully in Punjab as well as in Andhara Pradesh. This program has been implemented in Jalandhar district and after receiving positive results, now WHO would implement the same in other districts of the state.
            Dr. Almgvist said it has been observed that drink driving was the main cause behind the road accidents and WHO were making the people aware to follow the traffic rules besides using Radio, TV, News Papers and other mode of communications to educate the people about road safety rules.
            Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Mr. Harjit Singh State Transport Commissioner, Mr. Mandeep Singh Secretary/Director Transport and Dr. Kamaljit Singh Sohi.
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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON BAISAKHI


CHANDIGARH APRIL 12:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab and Punjabis living in different parts of India and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, symbolizing the spirit of
Punjab, Punjabi & Punjabiat.

          In a message on the eve of Baisakhi, Mr. Badal reminded the people of our centuries old rich legacy and said that on this sacred day in
1699, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji - the Tenth Master of the Sikhs created 'Order of Khalsa' at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib by baptizing 'Panj Pyaras (beloved ones) belonging to different regions and religions thereby carving out a casteless society and preaching the gospels of love and compassion for mankind, universal brotherhood and communal harmony.

          Mr. Badal also said that this festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and ripening of Rabi crops. The farmers of the state gather the fruits of toil and rejoice over their prosperous future.
On the occasion, Mr. Badal called upon the people to celebrate this joyous festival in unison with traditional gaiety and fervor to strengthen the secular and social fabric of our country.


SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF BAISAKHI

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12:  Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today felicitated the people of the Punjab on the eve of Baisakhi.

          In a message Mr. Badal said that this festival has a great significance for the farmers of Punjab as this day traditionally marks the beginning of harvest of Rabi crops, on a joyous note. This harvest festival is indeed an occasion for them to rejoice over their fruits of toil and for all of us to acknowledge Punjabi farmers' contribution in making India self-sufficient on the front of food security.

          Mr. Badal said that this festival has a great religious significance for Sikhs as on this day  in the year 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh ji established Khalsa Panth,  a body of people dedicated to the principles of truth, justice, and equality; the cardinal principles of Sikh faith.
          The Deputy Chief Minister said that the massacre of hundreds of innocent Punjabis by the British at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on this day in the year 1919 proved as the last nail in the coffin of British rule in India.
          Mr. Badal called upon people to celebrate this festival collectively and utilize this day to pay our gratitude to all those known and unknown freedom fighters, who laid their lives so that we all can breathe in freedom. Let us also acknowledge the contribution of humble farmers who are working day and night to feed the nation, Mr. Badal added.

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CM ALLOTTES PORTFOLIOS TO NEWLY APPOINTED CPSs

Chandigarh, April 11, 2012:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today allocated the portfolios to the 21 newly appointed Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that  Mr Sohan Singh Thandal has been allotted the Irrigation department and has been attached with Irrigation Minister Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Chaudhary Nand Lal (Forest & Wildlife, Labour) attached with Mr Surjit Kumar Jyaani, Sant Balvir Singh Ghunas has been given Jail, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Achieves and Museums attached to Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr Des Raj Dhugga has been allotted Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development attached to Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr Harmeet Singh Sandhu has been allotted PWD attached with Mr Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Mr Mantar Singh Brar has been given Rural Development and Panchayats attached with Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Bibi Mohinder Kaur Josh has been allotted Medical Education and Research attached with Bhagat Chunni Lal, Mr Amarjeet Singh Shahi has been given Revenue and Rehabilitation attached with Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr Avinash Chander has been allotted Higher Education attached with Mr Sikander Singh Malooka.

            Meanwhile Mr KD Bhandari has been attached with Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and allotted Co-Operation, Mr Inderbeer Singh Bolaria has been allotted Education attached with Mr Sikander Singh Malooka, Technical Education and Industrial Training Institutes has been allotted to Mr Amarpal Singh Ajnala attached with Mr Anil Joshi, Mr Gurcharan Singh Babehaali has been allotted Agriculture attached with Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr Virsa Singh Valtoha has been given Water Supply and Sanitation, Defence Welfare attached with the Chief Minister, Mr NK Sharma has been allotted Industry and Commerce attached with Mr Anil Joshi, Mrs Nasaara Khatoon has been allotted Social Security, Women and Child Development attached with Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu has been allotted Health and Family Welfare attached with Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr Parkash Chand Garg has been allotted Food and Civil Supply attached with Mr Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu has been allotted Sports and Youth Services and SC/BC Welfare attached with Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike respectively, Mr Sarup Chand Singla has been allotted Excise and Taxation attached with Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mr Som Parkash has been allotted Local Government attached with Bhagat Chunni Lal.   
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ALL VILLAGES TO BE COVERED UNDER FRESH DRINKING WATER WB SCHEME IN NEXT TWO YEARS

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11, 2012

The Punjab Government has decided to cover all the villages under WB scheme to provide fresh drinking water during next two years.

A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with World Bank's team and senior officers of the state government here at his residence.
The leader of the World Bank's team, Mr. Shyamal Sarkar informed that as many as 690 villages had been covered under the scheme to provide fresh drinking water to the people in the first phase and assured the Chief Minister that Rs. 630 crore project to provide fresh drinking water in 700 villages along with sewerage system facilities in 100 villages would be taken up in the next phase and completed with in two years.
Expressing concern over the quality of work under this scheme, the Chief Minister asked Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. Sanjay Kumar to introduce a new system of inspection not just only through the senior officers of the department but from some reputed agency with the involvement of general public.
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District Congress presidents ask party leaders not to demoralise workers

CHANDIGARH, April 11:

The District Congress Committee presidents from across the state today appealed the senior party leaders from the state to exercise restraint on the issue of leadership and leave it to the party President Ms Sonia Gandhi. They said, the sustained campaign prompted more by personal prejudices and ambitions than any party interest, must not be seen as any articulation of the voice of grass-root workers who are concerned with more pressing matters like harassment, victimisation and discrimination at the hands of the government.

In a joint statement, the district presidents maintained that they have been constantly and continuously interacting with the party rank and file at the grass-roots level who are concerned and worried about being victimized by the government. They said, the way senior leaders have been continuously raking up the issue, which should otherwise be left to the high command, in the press has only demoralised the party workers who have already started facing the Akali onslaught.
The District presidents said, party high command was already seized of the matter. Besides, it had set up a high powered committee which is already looking into the issues raised by different leaders from the state. “Parroting the same thing again and again is not going to lead to anything except for damaging the party interest”, they observed while appealing the leaders to use their energies for articulating the problems of the Congress workers.
They pointed out, several cases of vendetta have been registered against the Congress workers and ex-legislators. Citing the example of Rampura Phull where two time-MLA, Gurpreet Kangar, who lost recently is falsely being implicated in a case of attempt to murder along with several supporters. “If they are really concerned so much about the party they should also come to these workers’ support and not just harp on one point agenda motivated by personal ambitions and prejudices”, they remarked.
The signatories to the statement included Pawan Dewan (Ludhiana Urban), Jugal Kishore Sharma (Amritsar Urban), Milkiat Singh Dakha (Ludhiana Rural), Harpartap Singh Ajnala (Amritsar Rural), Prem Kishen Puri (Patiala Urban), Hardayal Kambhoj (Patiala Rural), Satbir Singh (Nawashahar), Sukhjinder Randhawa (Gurdaspur), Shyam Sunder Arora (Hoshiarpur), Rajinder Singh Rana (Mohali), Sukhbinder Saini (Ropar), Harinder Singh Bhambri (Fatehgarh Sahib), Surinder Gupta (Faridkot), Harjit Singh Parmar (Kapurthala), Dharampal Agnihotri (Tarn Taran), Jagsir Singh Gaggowal (Mansa), Arun Walia (Jallandhar Urban), Kanwarjeet Singh Lali (Jallandhar Rural), Anoop Singh (Ferozepur), Ashok Kumar (Bathinda Urban), Narinder Bhaleria (Bathinda Rural), Jagdarshan Kaur (Moga), Jagjit Singh Dhaula (Barnala) and Devinder Darshi (Pathankot). 



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CM FOR MASTER PLAN TO STRENGTHEN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRY FARMING AND FISHERIES

PROPOSAL TO START ZIRA AND FARIDKOT SUGAR MILLS ON BOT BASIS

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11:
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries departments to prepare a master plan for the integrated need based development and strengthening of all the veterinary network of hospitals and dispensaries in the state.
          Disclosing this today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over a high level joint meeting of the senior officers of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries departments here at his office. 
          Taking part in the deliberations Mr. Badal said that undoubtedly Punjab was the number one agrarian state in the country but the procurement infrastructure in the state was not up to the mark as per the requirements. Pointing out the weak procurement setup for maize, Mr. Badal said that soon he would take-up this matter with the centre to ensure proper marketing network for the maize procurement. He asked the Agriculture department that to ensure better dry quality of maize, a pilot project to be initiated under which dryers would be set up in some mandis for drying maize to get its better remuneration  for the farmers.
          On the proposal mooted by Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, the Chief Minister agreed to start Zira and Faridkot Sugar Mills on BOT basis in view of the large production of Sugarcane in the area. He also asked the officers to chalk out the modalities in this regard. He directed the department to make people aware about their various schemes and policies through launching a mass campaign. He also informed that state government was providing various agriculture appliances along with sugarcane harvester at subsidized rates. Mr. Badal also asked the Agriculture department to prepare a comprehensive plan for the setting up of vegetable centers near the vegetable growing areas to boost the income of vegetable growers.
          Expressing concern over various issues raised by Vice-Chancellors of Punjab Agriculture University and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University through their power point presentations, Mr. Badal emphasized the need to facilitate small dairy farmers in order to enhance their income. It was informed in the meeting that in the year 2011-12, Rs. 7 crore were disbursed amongst 1036 beneficiaries as subsidy on the purchase of 2 to 10 cattle   under the NABARD's loan scheme and the target fixed for current financial year was to disburse Rs. 22 crore amongst 2000 beneficiaries under the present scheme.
          Mr. Badal also asked the Animal Husbandry Department to chalk out the modalities for insuring adequate supply of 'By Pass Fat' an energy booster for high yielding dairy animals.
          Prominent amongst others who present on the occasion included Animal Husbandry Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Chairman Punjab State Farmers’ Commission Dr.GS Kalkat, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. JS Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KS Pannu, Director Animal Husbandry Mr. HS Sandha, Director Diaries Mr. Inderjit Singh, Director Fisheries Mr. BK Sood, Director Agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor PAU Dr. BS Dhillon, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Dr. VK Taneja.
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CM ANNOUNCES REMISSION FOR PRISONERS ON BAISAKHI

CHANDIGARH APRIL 11:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to grant remission of sentence from one year to two months on April 13, 2012 the auspicious occasion of "Baisakhi" to the inmates who have been convicted by the criminal courts in the state. 
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the remission of one year would be granted to the prisoners who had been awarded imprisonment from 10 to 20 years.  Likewise remission of 9 months who had imprisoned for 7 to 10 years, 6 months in case of 5 to 7 years, 3 months to the prisoners who had been sentenced for a jail term of 3 to 5 years and 2 month to the prisoners with less than 3 years on the pious occasion of Baisakhi.    However, the remission would not be granted to a person convicted in heinous crimes. 
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CM NOT TO MEET MPs, MLAs AND THE SENIOR PARTY LEADERS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) DUE TO UNFORESEEN ENGAGEMENTS

CHANDIGARH APRIL 11:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would not be available tomorrow (Thursday) at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat owing to some unforeseen important engagements.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal had reserved three days during a week viz. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to meet the MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders from 11am to 1pm.  In convenience caused to be dignitaries due to a sudden change in the program was regretted, added the spokesperson. 
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MAJITHIA ON BEHALF OF AMRITSAR RESIDENTS THANKS CHIEF MINISTER FOR MAKING INTEGRATED CHECK POST POSSIBLE, 65 YEARS AFTER INDEPENDENCE

  • DECRIES CONGRESS LED UPA FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST PUNJAB FOR ALLOWING EXPORT OF LIMITED ITEMS
  • NON- EXTENSION OF FREIGHT CORRIDOR UP TO WAGAH  EXPOSES DISCRIMINATORY FACE OF CONGRESS PARTY
  • SEEKS SEPERATE ICP FOR RAIL HEAD AT WAGAH
  • THE DREAM THAT STARTED WITH DELHI-LAHORE BUS CULMINATED WITH ICP

AMRITSAR, APRIL 11: The Punjab Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia on behalf of people of Amritsar ,today thanked Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for making the dream of Integrated Check Post at Attari-Wagah border, a reality, 65 years after independence. He said that the journey of making Punjab trade hub of Central Asia that started with Delhi-Lahore Bus with the initiative of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee regime has culminated with ICP.

            Hailing ICP as ‘game changer’ for the socio-economic development of Punjab, Mr. Majithia said that if Congress led UPA government stops discriminatory attitude against Punjab and allows ICP to work in the full capacity of a normal port, the Indo-Pak trade would witness four-fold increase from present US $2.5 billion to US $ 10 billion. Decrying Congress led UPA Government for putting hurdles in the growth of Punjab, he said that double face of Congress Party gets exposed from the fact that they are allowing the export of only limited 137 items, most of them including perishable vegetables whereas all ports of the country were allowed export of 5400 plus items. He questioned that why Punjab was being singled out. Mr. Majithia said that even the list of 137 is farce an addition of 4 items have been made to earlier list of 12-14 items and remaining were basically types of same commodity.
Mr. Majithia said that if Congress Legislative Party leader Mr. Sunil Jakhar was sincere to his proclamation to plead with Congress led UPA government, he should get Wagah ICP declared as a normal full-fledged port, allowing the export of all 5400 plus listed items. He said that let Mr. Jakhar join our efforts to allow road route export to Afghanistan and other CIS countries through Wagah ICP.
            Demanding extension of Freight Corridor up to Wagah, Mr. Majithia said that the time has come that Union Government should stop seeing Punjab with coloured glasses and removed this major hurdle coming in the way of economic growth of Punjab. He also demanded separate ICP for rail head at Wagah.
            Asking for relaxation in Visa rules for genuine trader, Mr. Majithia said that it was imperative that genuine traders recommended by CII and FICCI should be granted multiple entry Visa promptly on the pattern of SAARC Visa. He also demanded improvement in interchanges both at rail and road.

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OPEN FAZILKA AND FEROZEPUR BORDERS FOR TRADE WITH PAKISTAN: SUKHBIR 
·      INTEGRATED CHECK POST TO CHANGE THE FACE OF PUNJAB
·      SEEKS EXPANSION OF EXISTING LIST OF 137 ITEMS FOR LAND ROUTE TRADE
·      ALSO SEEKS LIBERALIZED VISA REGIME TO GIVE BOOST TO BUSINESS WITH PAKISTAN 

ARNIWALA/ GHUBAYA (JALALABAD), APRIL 11: 

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the SAD-BJP Government would  reiterate its demand with the Union Government to take credible steps to open Fazilka and Ferozepur borders with Pakistan for the purpose of trade, to change the economic profile of this border region of Punjab. 

Speaking to media persons here on his thanks giving tour to Jalalabad constituency after winning the elections, Mr. Badal said that he would personally raise this issue with the Union Home Minister Mr. P. Chidambram on April 13 during the inaugural ceremony of Integrated Check Post at Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar district. He said that the integrated check post if fully utilized would change the economic profile of this landlocked border state. Mr. Badal regretted that though Pakistani Prime Minister Mr. Yusuf Raza Gilani had drawn a small negative list of 1209 items for trading with India but now Punjabi traders have discovered with dismay that they can trade only 137 items through Wagah border. He said that we had pinned great hopes on opening of Land Route trade with Pakistan. Mr. Badal said that Congress led UPA Government must put diplomatic pressure to expand the list of items so that it could become thriving trade route for the central Asian countries. He said that it was imperative for us to make Attari-Wagah, a gateway to trade with Afghanistan and other central Asian countries.

Seeking the opening of Fazilka and Ferozepur borders, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this region has suffered most in post-partition era. He said that once thriving business towns, these cities have suffered a lot with the closure of trade route and industry also has shunned this area due to this being the border region. He said that we must broaden the trade route to regain the lost glory of this region. 

Demanding a liberalized visa regime for Indian and Pakistani traders, Mr. Badal said that to get optimum benefit of integrated check post, Congress led UPA Government must strive for making suitable changes in Visa rules especially for traders and investors. He welcomed the initiative of On-Arrival Visa for senior citizens.
Thanking the people of Jalalabad constituency for reposing their faith in him by ensuring his thumping victory, Mr. Badal said that his re-election with record margin has firmed his resolve to make infrastructure of Jalalabad equivalent to city beautiful Chandigarh. He said that he along with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would call on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to seek special industrial package for border area of Punjab for a long term solution to unemployment problem of this region.
He announced a major hospital for Jalalabad city besides a World class Stadium to host world cup kabaddi matches. He also announced to set up a degree college at Arniwala Sheikh Subhan. He said that every year civic infrastructure of 20 villages of Jalalabad constituency would be upgraded and he would hold bi-monthly Sangat Darshans to redress the grievances of public and to take feedback regarding various development initiatives. Expressing concern over water logging problem in certain villages of the area, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to submit a detailed report so that the irrigation department could be directed to sort out this problem at the earliest. He said that in next two years the area would be greatly benefited with completion of four lanning of three most important roads namely Ludhiana-Ferozepur, Bathinda-Chandigarh and Amritsar-Zira. He said that SAD BJP Government was fully committed to accelerate the pace of development works as the people of the state have given their approval to the development agenda of our government by bringing back it in power.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya Member Parliament, Mr. Gurpal Singh Grewal MD Fazilka Central Cooperative Bank, Jathedar Suba Singh Dabwala Executive Member SGPC; Mr. Gurpinder Singh Advocate; Mr. Prem Kumar Valacha Chairman District Planning Committee Fazilka ; Mr. Vardev Singh Mann; Mr. Raj Chauhan President MC Jalalabad ; Mr. Ashok Aneja and Mr. Rohit Vohra , President, YAD, Ferozepur.
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PUNJAB STRIDES TO BECOMING THE LEADING INDUSTRIAL STATE: JOSHI
All approvals within 30 days through the Single Window Clearances Services

Chandigarh, April 11. 2012

The Punjab is all set to emerge as a leading industrial powerhouse of the nation with the sustained efforts of the Punjab Government to set up industrial hubs in the different areas of Punjab. Regular inflow of FDI in the industrial sector will be ensured by providing the best infrastructure coupled with the supply of uninterrupted power. All clearances to set up new industry would be given within 30 days through the single window system. It was disclosed by Mr. Anil Joshi, Minister for Industry and Commerce, Punjab in a press conference held at hotel Shivalik View , Chandigarh.

Addressing the press conference Mr. Joshi said that earlier in the day he held a meeting with the General Manager-cum-Mining Officers and directed them to stop the illegal mining being carried out in their respective districts. He expressed that industrialist were facing problems for setting up new industry in the state being Punjab a land locked state with exuberant land price. He said that to tackle this problem it was decided that all the General Managers, District Industries Centers (DICs) in the state would now identify the land laying vacant for the creation of “Land Bank” and inform the Head Office immediately so that this land could be offered to the industrialist for setting up industry.

                  He said that for strengthening the Single Window Clearances Services for getting the clearances by the industry from different departments, it was stressed that henceforth all technical support for the purpose would be given by the Punjab Infotech.  He said that in case the clearances were not granted by the concerned department as per the time schedule given in the Punjab Industrial Facilitation Act, the Deemed Approvals would be given by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Punjab for getting the necessary facilities/concessions by the concerned industry.
            Prominent among other who present at the Press conference included Sh.A.R.Talwar, IAS, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce, Punjab, Sh.S.S.Bains, IAS, Director of Industries & Commerce, Punjab, Smt.Amandeep Kaur, PCS, Joint Director (Admn.), 
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2610 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, April 11: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 2610 tonnes of wheat till last evening
                   Out of total procurement of 2610   tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 2592 tonnes of wheat (99.3%) till date whereas private traders procured 18 tonnes (0. 7%) of wheat. Till April 10, PUNGRAIN had procured 549 tonnes (21.0%) whereas MARKFED procured 197 tonnes (7.5%). PUNSUP procured 398 tonnes (15.2%), PSWC procured 1337 tonnes (51.2%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 109 tonnes (4.2 %) of wheat.
                   The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 2 tonnes (0.1%). 
          The spokesman added that District SAS Nagar with 1651 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 889 tonnes of procurement was at second slot.   
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
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IAS & PCS OFFICER TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh April 11:-
            The Punjab Government today transferred one IAS and one PCS officer with immediate effect.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. K K Yadav, IAS has been posted as Deputy Commissioner Bathinda and in addition Administrator, Bathinda Improvement Trust, Bathinda
            Mr. Jagwinderjit Singh Grewal, PCS has been posted as SDM Patti and in addition DTO Gurdaspur vice Mr. Jasbir Singh-II.
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PUNJAB ALL SET FOR MAJOR REFORMS IN INDUSTRIES DEPARTMENT

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL CONSTITUTES A REFORMS COMMITTEE TO SUBMIT REPORT IN 30 DAYS ---- PUNJAB TO CREATE LAND BANK TO FACILITATE INDUSTRY

Chandigarh, April 10:

Industries department in Punjab is all set for major reforms as Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister today set the ball rolling for making state no. 1 investment destination.

          Reviewing the implementation of Administrative Reforms in a high level meeting to make Industries department investor friendly, Mr. Badal said that after upgrading the infrastructure of the state, it was imperative for Industry Department to remove all bottlenecks coming in the way of investors’ investing in Punjab. The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also holding the newly created portfolio of Investment Promotion constituted a Reforms Committee under Dr. Parmod Kumar that would submit its report within 30 days suggesting reforms in the Industry Department. Mr. Badal said that his endeavor was to make Punjab as most investor friendly state and set-up single window service in its true spirit. He said that if industries department does not receive clearance from any department, it would be deemed approved.
Emphasizing the need for creating a Land Bank, Mr. Badal said that the experiment of other states offering land to the industrial houses ‘off shelf’ has been very successful as no industrial house wants to get entangled in land acquisition disputes. He said that it was the prime duty of the State Government to provide land clear of all hindrances to the investors with all the clearances including Pollution Clearance, Forest NOC, Power Connection, NOC from Labour Department etc. to the investors so that they would immediately go ahead with the setting up of project.
          Asking the department to study the concept of Industrial Estates threadbare, Mr. Badal said that department should come out with the workable proposal for promotion of industry in the state. Stressing  the need of a regular monthly meeting of ‘Empowered Committee and Project Approval Board’, Mr. Badal said that it was the duty of the department to ensure that these meeting do take place every month. He said that performance of Secretary and Director of Industry Department would be gauged from the fact that how much investment they could attract with their efforts.
          Punjab Industries Minister Mr. Anil Joshi gave out a briefing of pending investment proposals and steps taken by the department to attract investments in the state.
          Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary, Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Chairman Right to Service Commission, Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Governance Reforms Commission, Mr. Karan A. Singh, Principal Secretary Science and Technology, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister and Mr. S.S. Bains, Director Industries.
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CM’s meeting with DCs

BADAL REVIEWS FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS AND WHEAT PROCUREMENT ARRANGEMENTS

CM ASKS DCs TO BRIDGE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN
ADMINISTRATION AND MASSES 

CHANDIGARH APRIL 10:
    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Deputy
Commissioners to ensure that all the sanctioned flood protection works must be completed well before the onset of the ensuing monsoon season in the state.
Presiding over the first meeting of the Divisional Commissioners and
Deputy Commissioners of the state after assuming the charge of Chief Minister   for the fifth time here at Chief Minister's office this morning, Mr. Badal directed the finance department to immediately release the requisite funds to the drainage department for timely completion of flood protection works. He also asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue to ensure prompt payment of compensation to the affected persons due to loss/damage caused to the life and property, in case of any eventuality of floods.  Mr. Badal said that the vulnerable areas should be earmarked for the flood protection works on the priority to save the life and property from the fury of floods.   He also instructed the Deputy Commissioners to personally supervise all these flood protection works so that these could be executed as per the approved design and specifications.  
Reviewing the arrangements for procurement of Wheat during the current Rabi Marketing season (RMS) to ensure smooth, hassle free and quick procurement in the state, Mr. Badal directed the Deputy Commissioners to personally oversee the procurement operations jointly with the functionaries of the Food and Civil Supplies department and the heads of the procurement agencies to undertake the procurement as per their allotted share so that every grain of the farmer was lifted.  He asked the Chief Secretary to closely monitor the procurement operations with the Principal Secretary Food & Civil Supplies and other heads of the procurement agencies on the day- to-day basis.   He also asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure prompt payment to the farmers for their produce purchased by the procurement Agencies within 48 hours so that the farmers were not harassed in any way.
The Chief Minister also categorically asked the Deputy Commissioners to get all the encroachments on the rural link roads removed by demarcating the area of the road. He also asked the Mandi Board and PWD (B&R) department to jointly launch an action oriented program to remove these encroachments by erecting pre-caste pillars across both sides of the roads for demarcation of the boundary of the roads.  He also gave nod for utilization of funds under NREGS for this purpose.
Mr. Badal directed all the field officers to be accessible to the general public for redressal of their grievances in order to win over their confidence and faith in the administrative machinery.   He asked the Deputy Commissioners and the field officers functioning under them to keep two hours reserved from 11 am to 1 pm for the general public on every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in their offices.  He also reiterated that no officer would function from camp offices at their residences in future.  The Chief Minister said that the state government had recently issued guidelines for officers to attend their offices from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Thursday to carryout official work besides listening to the grievances of the general public.  He directed them to keep their field visits and tours on other days.  He also impressed upon the officers to discharge their duties sincerely, diligently with humane approach and commitment to ensure good governance, clean and accountable administration.  He stressed on the need to bring an attitudinal change in their behavior to win over the hearts of the people and this could only be achieved by bridging the communication gap between the people and the administration. He also asked the Deputy Commissioners to attend to the Court work regularly for at least two days in a week to dispose off pending cases related to appeals in revenue matters.    
The Chief Minister also underscored the need to launch a massive drive for aforestation during the ensuing monsoon season by planting saplings in the educational institutions, banks of the canals and rivers, cremation grounds etc. in a planned manner to keep the environment pollution free and to make Punjab clean and green.   He also asked the forest department to find out ways and means for requisite funds to ensure upkeep and maintenance of these trees. Mr. Badal also asked the deputy commissioners to launch a special campaign with a view to effect the partition of joint land holdings in Punjab, which have not been partitioned formally since consolidation of lands in mid sixties.   He gave a target that atleast 50% of the joint land holdings be partitioned within a period of one year.   He also asked the deputy commissioners to ensure that routine cases of mutation henceforth, except contested ones to be disposed off within 15 days from the date of registration of sale deed.
The Chief Minister also asked the deputy commissioners to immediately initiate the process of shifting of the various office buildings taken on rent in districts to the district administrative complexes to minimize the harassment to the general public, who had to visit these scattered offices for their day-to-day works.   He also asked the deputy commissioners to launch a massive awareness campaign to educate the people about the citizen-centric services provided to them under Right to Service Act especially in the rural sector.
Mr. Badal also asked the PWD (B&R) department to immediately renovate the Circuit Houses which were in dilapidated condition at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Shimla with the ultra-modern amenities.  He desired that the Circuit House of Amritsar should be reconstructed as a state-of-the-art complex equipped with modern civic amenities keeping in view the importance of Amritsar as holy city. 
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Forests Mr. DS Bains, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sidhu, Principal Secretary Finance & Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Mrs. Vinni Mahajan,  Principal Secretary Personnel Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Principal Secretary School Education Mr. Hussan Lal, Principal Secretary Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Secretary Water Supply & Sanitation Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Secretary PWD (B&R) Mr. PS Aujla, Secretary Food & Supplies Mr. DS Grewal, Secretary Transport Mr. Mandeep Singh,  Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. KS Pannu and Mr. KJS Cheema.
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21 MLAs SWORN IN AS CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES 

CHAPPAR CHIRRI (SAS NAGAR) APRIL 10:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today administered the oath of office and Secrecy to 21 MLAs as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs) at Chappar Chirri.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Chief Minister’s office said that amongst 21 MLAs sworn in as CPSs, 17 were from Shiromani Akali Dal and 4 from BJP.  The newly appointed CPSs who took oath in an impressive ceremony here at legendary Sikh warrior Baba Bandha Singh Bahadur War Memorial included Mr. Balbir Singh Ghunnas, Ch Nand Lal, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr.Desraj Dhugga, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Avinash Chander, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mr.Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonny, Mr. Pawan Kumar  Teenu, Mr. Parkash Chand Garg, Mr. Sarup Singla, Mr. N.K Sharma, Mrs. Nisara Khatoon (all SAD MLAs) besides Mr. K.D Bhandari ,Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi, Mr. Som Parkash and  Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu (all BJP MLAs). 
Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh conducted the proceedings of the Swearing-in-ceremony of newly appointed CPSs. 
Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bhagat Chunni Lal, Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Mr.Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Sikandar Singh Malooka, Mr. Anil Joshi and Mr.  Sharanjit Singh Dhillon (all Cabinet Ministers), MP Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, MP from Amritsar Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, MP from Khadoor Sahib Dr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, President BJP Punjab Unit Mr. Ashwani Sharma and Secretary SAD and MLA Ropar Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema  besides the officers, party leaders, workers of SAD-BJP.  The newly appointed CPSs were accompanied by their family members, friends and supporters. 
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PUNJAB GODOWN OWNERS HONOUR TOTA SINGH ON BECOMING AGRICULTURE MINISTER


CHANDIGARH, APRIL 10:

The Punjab Godown Owners today expressed their gratitude to newly inducted Punjab Agriculture Minister Mr. Tota Singh for earnestly taking up their grievances and making efforts to solve them.
          Mr. Sandeep Gilhotra, President of Godown Owners Association extending thanks towards the Agriculture Minister for making efforts to resolve the long pending grievances of association said the godown owners were suffering dur to no increase of rent for 10 years and imposition of service tax by Government of India to the owners whereas the owners were not using any service and were facing harassment by the Service Tax department. The association thanked Mr. Tota Singh for pursuing their issues with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
          Mr. Gilhotra said that they were happy that the rent has been now settled on the Haryana pattern that is 17 PMT and Service Tax would be reimbursed by Punjab State Warehousing Corporation.  He said that the Punjab Government under able leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has always stood for the cause of Godown Owners and hoped that the owners would not have to suffer because the Punjab Government has already sorted out most of their grievances.
          The Minister has also assured them that in future the godown owners would get share in increased proportional rent by the FCI to the State Warehousing Corporation. The owners would not have to run from pillar to post for their grievances in future. The corporation would issue the rent before the 15th of every month. Prominent amongst those, who were present on the occasion included Mr. S.S. Sodhi, Vice President and Mr. Devi Dayal, General Secretary of association.  
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TWO PCS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh April 10:-
          The Punjab Government today transferred two PCS officers with immediate effect.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Om Parkash Popli, PCS has been posted as Special Secretary, Secretariat Administration and in addition Special Secretary Co-ordination and in addition Project Director, IWDMS (Deptt. of General Administration) against vacant post.
          Likewise, Mrs. Amandeep Kaur, PCS has been posted as Joint Director (Admn.) O/o Industries and Commerce, Punjab against  a vacant post.

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Navjot Kaur  Sidhu takes oath as MLA

Chandigarh April 9 :

Punjab Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal today administered the oath of office to newly elected MLA from Amritsar (East) Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu in a simple function held in his chamber at Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Immediately after administering oath, the Speaker congratulated Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu.



Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu could not take her oath earlier. Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu , Member Parliament ; Mr. K.D.Bhandari, MLA and Mr. Nusrat Khan & Mr. Kawaljeet Singh Lali both ex. MLAs were also present on the occasion.

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Terrorists like Bhullar and killers of late Sh Rajiv Gandhi should be hanged immediately: Bittu

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SC AGRAWAL INAUGURATES WORKSHOP AND TRAINING CAMP ON GOOD GOVERNANCE

 Chandigarh April 9:

Mr. SC Agrawal, IAS (Retd.), Chief Commissioner of the Punjab Right To Service Commission inaugurated the training programme today at Mahatma Gandhi state Institute of Public Administration. In his inaugural address, he advised all the participants that software for the appeal application is being developed by the TCS which would be uploaded on the Commission website shortly. He has emphasised to reduce the paper work and all the information should be uploaded on the official websites of the respective departments.  All the Commissioners of the Commission were also present in the training programme.

            In order to promote transparency and accountability, the Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011 was enacted with the sole objective of providing and effective frame work for time bound delivery of services being provided by various Government departments.

            With the expansion of economy, there has been tremendous awareness all around and public at large has been feeling that though they were entitled to various services under various enactments, yet there was no time limit fixed for delivery of these services.

            To make people feel empowered, the Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011 has been enacted which is governance citizen centric, aiming at transparency and accountability at various levels of governance, thereby enhancing the trust of the people in the functioning of the government. The Punjab Right To Service Act, 2011 ensures that the delivery of services happens in a hassle-free and time bound manner and corruption is controlled.
            Punjab is the first State which has not only brought legislation but constituted Punjab Right To Service Commission which has been mandated not only to decide revision petitions against the orders of notified Second Appellate Authorities but also to take measures to get the provisions of the Act implemented at the grass root level.
            In case of denial or delay in delivery of services, this Act has inbuilt mechanism to penalize the delinquent officials and also to compensate the aggrieved persons.
            On its part the Commission has taken up, on priority, the task of disseminating awareness about salient features of this Act to the public. For this purpose, apart from distributing literature, Members of the Commission have visited various districts in the field and have had discussion with different target groups.
            The present Government stands committed to further streamline and strengthen the public service delivery mechanism by expanding the canvas of services under the purview of this Act and by developing the infrastructure capable of meeting the requisite provisions.
            In furtherance of the initiative of the Commission to implement the Act in an effective way, training programmes are being conducted by the Commission at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration Punjab (MGSIPAP), Chandigarh from 9th to 12th April 2012 and 25th to 27th April 2012 to impart training to the officers and officials responsible for providing services and hearing grievances. Divisional Commissioner, Second Appellate Authority (Deputy Commissioners), First Appellate Authority (Sub Divisional Magistrates), System Administrator of the Suwidha Centres, Sub Divisional System Administrator and Data Entry Operators of the offices of Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners from different Districts of the State are participating in the training programme.
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CM REITERATES FIRM COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT FOR CONTINUING THEPOWER SUBSIDY TO THE FARMERS AND THE WEAKER SECTIONS

LAYS DOWN FOUNDATION STONE OF STARTING THE PILOT PROJECT OF
CONSTRUCTING TOILETS IN RURAL AREAS BY SULABH INTERNATIONAL

BADAL REFUTES ALLEGATION OF POLITICAL VENDETTA BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT

CONCLUDING DAY OF THANKS GIVING TOUR OF THE CHIEF MINISTER


Aspaalan, (Sri Muktsar Sahib)

           Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government was firmly committed for continuing the power subsidy to the farmers and the weaker sections of the state.

           Addressing the gathering here during the concluding day of his thanks giving tour of the Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that there was hardly any reason to stop these subsidies which have been given by the SAD-BJP alliance ever since they have been voted to power in the year 2007. He reiterated that Punjab being a welfare state it was duty of the state to provide these subsidies to the farmers and the weaker sections of the society. Moreover he said
that as Agriculture is no longer a profitable venture and has already reached a point of saturation so being an agriculturally dominant state it was the duty of the state government to protect the interests of the farmers.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that owing to the high inflationary trends prevalent in the country the state government also feels its moral responsibility of giving a relief to the weaker sections of the society by providing them free power. However, he said that the state government would not at all tolerate the theft of power and water in the state adding that strict action would be taken against those people who were caught indulging in such activities. Mr. Badal exhorted the people to refrain from such activities and co-operate the state government in ensuring the overall development of the state. The Chief Minister also promised the people that concerted efforts were being made by the state to make the state power surplus in the coming year.

Later on talking to the newsmen after laying down the foundation stone of the constructing the Sulabh Toilet in village Gursar Jodhan, Mr. Badal said that the financial condition of the state was very good and there was no dearth of funds for carrying out the all round development of the state. He said that state government has joined hands with Sulabh International to construct toilets in the rural areas of the state so as to facilitate the poor families living in these areas. The Chief Minister said that this pilot project would be covering whole of the state and soon the state would become the first one in the country to provide toilets in every household of the villages.

Replying to a query regarding the allegations of vendetta being leveled by certain Congress leaders of the state, the Chief Minister said that in his whole political career spanning over more than five decades, he had never believed in politics of vendetta. Refuting such allegations leveled by the Congress leadership, Mr. Badal said that he would look into all such cases which were brought to his notice by them.

 The Chief Minister also denied the allegations leveled by former Finance Minister and his nephew  Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal that his phones were being tapped by the state government. Mr. Badal
categorically said that the state government was not indulging in any such activity adding that there was hardly any need of tapping the phones of the political leaders.

Welcoming the invitation extended by Pakistan President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari to Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for visiting Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that it was a laudable step as it would help in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

He reiterated that with the improving of the bilateral ties between both the neighboring countries, promotion of trade would take place which would benefit them in general and Punjab in particular. He said that being a land locked state Punjab is going to be a major beneficiary from opening of borders of the state for cross border trade with Pakistan.
On the last day of his thanks giving tour the Chief Minister addressed public gatherings at Karamgarh, Kabarwala, Saraawan Bodla, Aspaal, Kattianwali, Pakki Tibbi, Gurusar Jodha, Dabwali Dhab, Burj Sidhwan and Chappianwali.

            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister Mr Sukhjeet Pal Singh, Chairman of Sulabh International Mr Bindeshwar Pathak and Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandak Committee Member Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali.
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Capt Amarinder condemns reign of police terror in Rampura Phull; threatens to flood jails with Congress workers

CHANDIGARH, April 8:

Condemning the reign of terror let loose by the police in Rampura Phull against the Congress workers who included teen-aged children and septa and octogenarian elderly people, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today threatened to flood the jails with Congress supporters in protest if the government really wished to put Congressmen behind the bars.

Capt Amarinder disclosed that failing to arrest those whom they have falsely implicated under section 307 of the IPC, the police instead have detained their relatives including 10 year old Dilawar Singh, 12 year old Swaran Singh, 14 year old Sarabjit Singh, 17 year old Amandeep Singh, 75 year old Nirbhay Singh, 82 year old Sardool Singh and others.
The PCC President revealed that during the intervening night of April 7 and 8 a posse of about two dozen cops led by SHO Dayalpur in Rampura sub-division, Sikander Singh, descended on the houses of the Congress workers who have been falsely booked in a case under section 307 of the IPC and ran amuck. Besides mercilessly beating up the family members including children and women, they ransacked the houses and took away valuables.

He said, since the workers had filed a bail application, the SHO apparently to please his political masters let loose a reign of terror on the relatives of the workers sparing not even children as young as ten year old like Dilawar and the elderly as old as 82 year old Sardool Singh.

Capt Amarinder regretted that despite bringing the cases like this to the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal’s notice several days ago, no action had been taken against the over-enthusiastic police personnel who are victimising the Congress workers.
He said, it was shocking that the CM was touring the nearby areas of Lambi for thanksgiving while his police personnel were victimising the Congress workers around the same time. “What a thanksgiving tour?” Capt Amarinder remarked, while referring to the strange coincidence between the thanksgiving tour of the CM and the vendetta against the Congress workers.
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PERSUADE ZARDARI TO OPEN TRADE FROM BORDERS OF PUNJAB FOR BOOSTING THE ECONOMY OF STATE, CM TO GoI

OPENING OF TRADE WITH PAKISTAN FROM STATE WILL PROVIDE NEW AVENUES FOR TRADERS AND FARMERS OF PUNJAB- BADAL

APPOINTMENT OF CPS IN THE INTEREST OF STATE- CM

 FOURTH DAY OF THANKS GIVING TOUR OF CM IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Banwala Anu (Sri Muktsar Sahib), April 8

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that during the ongoing visit of Pakistan President Mr Asif Ali Zardari to the country, the Government of India should persuade him for opening trade from borders of the state, so that impetus could be provided to the economy of Punjab.

            Talking to the newsmen here on the fourth day of his thanks giving tour of the Lambi Assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the visit assumes significance as improving of the bilateral ties between both the neighboring countries along with promotion of trade between them would benefit both the countries in general and Punjab in particular. He said that Punjab being a land locked state had been a victim of the wrong policies of the successive Congress government at the Centre, who have virtually ignored economic development of the state. However Mr Badal said that if the borders of the state were opened for cross border trade with Pakistan then it would prove to be a major boon for the farmers of the state, who were on verge of economic disaster due to the exorbitant hike by the current Union government in the agricultural inputs. 
            The Chief Minister said that opening of trade from the state would open new avenues for the traders and the farmers of Punjab as through Pakistan they could be able to establish trade links with the other countries of Arab world, where the demand of things produced in the state was very high. He said that the SAD-BJP government has been regularly pursuing the Union government to open the Hussainiwala and Attari borders for trade with Pakistan but all of their efforts have proved futile. Mr Badal said that the Union government must ensure that while exporting agricultural commodities to Pakistan it should give preference to Punjab, which was the food bowl of the country. “Punjabis have a lot of expectations from the current historic visit of Mr Zardari to the country, so the Government of India must take initiative for safeguarding the economic interests of the state” added Mr Badal.

            Replying to another query regarding the criticism of the state government by the Congress party on the appointment of 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPS) in the state, the Chief Minister said that it was in the interest of the state as it would give adequate representation to all the communities and areas of Punjab. He further said that the CPS would also play a vital role in the development of the state as along with the officers they would also provide imperative feed back to the state government from grass root level. “In addition to it the administrative experience gained by these political leaders during their stint as CPS will also help in producing capable Ministers and Chief Ministers for the state in future” added Mr Badal.

            Terming the village level surveys being conducted by the officers and experts of the Universities of the state for knowing the needs and problems of the people as a revolutionary step, the Chief Minister said that it would help the state government in redressing the needs of people in an optimum manner.

            Earlier addressing the gatherings of people in villages including Lambi, Kheowali, Bhaagu, Banwala Anu, Chak Midhu Singhwala, Mehna, Khuddian Maha Singh, Khuddian Gulab Singh, Sehna Kehra and Aadniyaan, the Chief Minister thanked the people of state for giving a historic verdict in the favour of developmental policies of the SAD-BJP alliance. Rapping the state Congress leadership for their anti Punjab stance he said that people of the state have rejected their communal and divisive policies which could have brought the blacks days back in Punjab. Mr Badal lamented that due to the wrong policies of the Congress Punjab has suffered adversely during the troublesome period of more then a decade.
The Chief Minister said that the forces who want to derail the process of development in the state were having the backing of Congress party. However he said that the state government was committed for maintaining peace, communal harmony and amity in the state. Mr Badal said that people of the state were wise enough to know the gimmicks of the Congress leadership due to which they have rejected the agenda of hatred propagated by the state Congress leaders in the recently concluded elections. He reiterated that the SAD-BJP alliance government of the state would ensure the overall development of the state in coming two years so that Punjab could excel the country in almost every field.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister Mr Sukhjeet Pal Singh and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Major Bhupinder Singh.      

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CM DARES NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION TO SHOW HOW DAILY EXPENSES ARE MANAGED AT JUST RS 28

URBAN AREAS OF THE STATE TO GET MAJOR FACELIFT BY 2015- BADAL

CM REITERATES TO FULFILL ALL THE PROMISES MADE IN THE POLL MANIFESTO

THIRD DAY OF THANKS GIVING TOUR OF THE CHIEF MINISTER IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Bidowali, (Sri Muktsar Sahib), April 7, 2012

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today dared the members of Planning Commission of India to prove that whether they can manage their own daily expenses at a meager figure of Rs 28, in the prevalent situation of high inflationary trends.

            Talking to the media persons here on the third day of his thanks giving tour in the Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that by claiming that anyone with a daily consumption expenditure of Rs. 28.35 and Rs. 22.42 in urban and rural areas respectively is above the poverty line, the National Planning Commission has made the mockery of the poor people. He said that it was unfortunate that the Commission has said that people earning more then minuscule figure of Rs 28 in rural areas were rich in the country. Mr Badal said that it has once again proved that the Congress led UPA government which claims to be votary of common man was in reality totally insensitive towards the problems faced by them. “Members of the Commission owe an explanation to the countrymen that whether they can manage their own daily expenses at Rs 28” he added.  
He said that such baseless polices are framed by these people while sitting in their Air Conditioned offices without examining the ground reality, which further add to the woes of the poor people. The Chief Minister said that owing to uncontrollable inflation that has been witnessed in the regime of the UPA government it has became difficult for anybody to manage their household and at such time these claims of the Planning Commission just rub the salt on the wounds of poor people. “The people who fix such caps are hardly aware of the spiraling rates of the basic commodities due to which they make such cruel jokes with the countrymen” added Mr Badal.
            Replying to a query the Chief Minister said that the state government was fully committed for the development of the cities across the state adding that all the cities of the state would get a major facelift as they would get basic civic amenities like water, sewerage, street lights and roads by the year 2015. Mr Badal said that the cities of Punjab have witnessed unprecedented development in their last regime, which would be continued now also. He further said that they were already making strenuous efforts for ensuring the facilities to the urban areas of the state.           
When asked to comment about the promises made by the SAD-BJP alliance in its poll manifesto, the Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was committed for fulfilling all the promises made by them in their poll manifesto. He said that it has just been a month ever since they had been back in the saddle but then also they have started making efforts to ensure that all the poll promises are fulfilled in the coming days.
            Refuting the apprehensions regarding the closing of free distribution of the bicycles to the school going girls under the Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, the Chief Minister said that the scheme was a flagship program of their government and it would never be stopped. However he said that they would be extending this benefit to the school going girls of two more classes.
            Earlier addressing the gathering of people in villages including Dhaula, Tharajwala, Lalbai, Bidowali, Mann, Gaggar, Mithri Budgir, Singhewala, Dhani Singhewala, Fathuhiwala and Killianwali Mandi, the Chief Minister reiterated that he had no words to express the gratitude of the voters of the area who had reposed faith in him by electing MLA from the area, thus paving the way for becoming the Chief Minister of state for record fifth term. He assured the people that no stone would remain unturned for ensuring the all round development of the area. Mr Badal also sought the co-operation and help of the people for properly implementing polices and programs initiated by the state government so that Punjab could become the number one state of the country. “It is not only mine but your responsibility also to work untiringly for ensuring the overall development of the state by promoting the ethos of peace, communal harmony and brotherhood”, he added.    
            The Chief Minister said that in a bid to implement the program as per the felt needs of the people state, he has directed the top officers of the various departments to conduct a village level survey across the state for knowing the needs and problems of the people. He further said that the officers of the government have already started such surveys which would be very beneficial for redressing the problems of the people. At village Bidhowali the Chief Minister also sought the report from the officers of Power and Health department regarding the village level survey recently conducted by them and gave them instructions to make it more comprehensive.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister Mr Sukhjeet Pal Singh and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Major Bhupinder Singh.

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CHEEMA SLAMS CONGRESS FOR ITS DOUBLE SPEAK ON CPS ISSUE

Chandigarh, April 8:

The Shiromani Akali Dal expressed surprise at the statement of the leader of the opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar on the issue of appointment of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries by the government of Punjab.

          In a statement released from the party head office here today the Party Secretary and Spokesman Dr.Daljit Singh Cheema said that  before commenting on the issue the honourable leader of the opposition should have verified the records of the Congress government led by Capt. Amarinder Singh. He asked Mr. Jakhar that if Chief Parliamentary Secretaries are not required then why did the Congress government appointed  Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries in their time. He said that  this shows the double standards of the Congress party. They are criticizing the SAD-BJP government  and at the same time hiding the working of their own government.

          Dr. Cheema further said that the Constitutional amendment limiting the size of the cabinet came in the year 2003 and at that time Capt. Amarinder Singh was the Chief Minister of Punjab. He said that  the Congress party not only appointed the Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and Parliamentary Secretaries  but even went to the extent of amending the provisions of the Punjab State Legislature (Prevention of Disqualifications) Act 1952 in the year 2005 to declare the office of the CPS as an office of no profit.
          He said that it is surprising that the Congress party is criticizing the appointment of CPS knowing well that this precedent was set by none other but  the Congress party itself.

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21 CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES TO BE SWORN IN AT CHAPPAR CHIRI

Chandigarh, April 7:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would administer the oath of office and secrecy to newly inducted 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries on April 10 at Chappar Chiri in District Ajitgarh.

According to an official spokesman the venue of swearing in has been finalized at Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial at Chappar Chiri. Those who would be sworn in on Tuesday include Mr. Balbir Singh  Ghunnas ,Ch Nand Lal , Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr.Desraj Dhugga, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Avinash Chander ,Mr.Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha ,Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonny Ajnala , Mr. Pawan Kumar  Tinu, Mr. Parkash Chand Garg ,Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Mr. N.K Sharma, Mrs Nisara Khatoon, Mr.K.D Bhandari ,Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi, Mr. Som Parkash and Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu.

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JP Kissan Morcha will stop the trains in important stations of Jammu and Kashmir on April 3, 2012 demanding bonus of Rs. 500 on per quintal of wheat............Read

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CM SLAMS UPA GOVERNMENT FOR RUINING THE COUNTRY THROUGH POLICY OF EXCESSIVE CENTRALIZATION OF POWERS

CENTRE MUST TAKE ADVICE FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE DRAFTING OF PRO-PEOPLE POLICIES- BADAL

UPA WAS FAR MORE CONCERNED TO PURSUE THE INTERESTS OF THE BIG INDUSTRIAL HOUSES BUT WAS LEAST BOTHERED TO MITIGATE THE WOES OF THE FARMERS OF THE STATE- CM

CM CONTINUES THANKS GIVING TOUR OF LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE DAY

Middu Khera (Sri Muktsar Sahib), April 6, 2012

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today lamented that the Congress led UPA Government at the Centre was bent upon ruining the country socially, politically and economically by adopting the policy of excessive centralization of powers.

Addressing the gathering here on the second day of his whirlwind thanks giving tour of the Lambi assembly segment, the Chief Minister assailed the Union government for ignoring the welfare of people by formulating the policies autocratically, without concerning the state governments. He said that the tendency of the Centre government to usurp the powers of the state government was very dangerous as it not only violated the fundamental principles of democracy but because it also develops a feeling of alienation amongst the state. Advocating a better deliberation between Union government and the state government before formulation of a national level policy, the Chief Minister said that the Centre must take advice from the state governments so that good policies for the betterment of people could be drafted and implemented properly. “At present the Union government was not taking any advice from the state governments due to which sheer chaos was prevailing in the country” added Mr Badal. 
Lashing out further at the Union government, the Chief Minister said that the UPA government has failed to perform on all the fronts as a result of which the common man was reeling under heavy economic burden. He said that it was irony of fate that the Congress party had came to power on the name of “Aam Aadmi” but in order to extend largesse to big oil companies it had deliberately hiked the fuel prices exorbitantly in last few years for their own vested interests, much to the dismay of common man. The Chief Minister said that it was ironical that the Union government was far more concerned to pursue the interests of the big industrial houses but was least bothered to mitigate the woes of the farmers of the state, who played a vital role in making the country self sufficient in food production. He said that the fact that the Congress led UPA government had never bothered to give remunerative prices of their crops to the farmers reflects the indifferent attitude of the Union government towards them. “The massive hike in agricultural inputs during the current regime of UPA government has increased the agonies of the farming community as it was on the brink of economic disaster” added Mr Badal.
However he said that the only way to come out of the current mess caused by the anti-farmers polices of the Union government was to promote diversification of agriculture along with the co-operative farming in the state, for which their government was making stupendous efforts. Mr Badal said that the state has already excelled in the field of fish farming and now they were trying to make the farmers aware of the other allied fields of agriculture through which they could generate handsome income. Likewise the Chief Minister said that in order to provide self employment opportunities to the unemployed youth of the state, the SAD-BJP alliance government would be opening new institutes for imparting technical education to them so that they could earn their livelihood.
He said that in the same manner the state government would be recruiting the new staff in its departments annually in a transparent manner so that jobs could be provided to the unemployed youth and efficient administration could be given to the people. Thanking the people for voting the SAD-BJP alliance back to power in the state, the Chief Minister assured them that the alliance would fulfill all the promises made to the people. He also said that they would leave no stone unturned in making the state number one in the country.
On the second day of his thanks giving tour the Chief Minister addressed thanks giving meetings in 10 villages which included Killianwali, WarringKhera, Lohara, Ghumiara, MidhuKhera, FattaKhera, Hakuwala, BhullarWala, KanduKhera and Bhitiwala.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Chairman of Sulabh International Mr Bindeshwar Pathak.

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DISTRICT LEVEL FARMERS TRAINING CAMPS FROM APRIL 8
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 6: 

The Agriculture Department would start a series of district level ‘Farmers Training Camps’ from April 8 in view of Kharrif season.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Moga would witness the first camp on April 8, followed by Kapurthala on April 9. The Spokesman said that the camps would be organized at Mansa and Ludhiana on April 10 while in Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Hoshiarpur the exercise would take place on April 11 and in Ajitgarh District on April 12.  The Spokesman said that the dates for camps in Bathinda, Sangrur and Amritsar would be announced soon. He said that the department has already conducted these camps in Faridkot, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Jalndhar, Roop Nagar, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala and Tarn Taran.

The Spokesman said that the teams of university experts have been constituted for imparting training to the farmers in view of Kharrif season and directions have also been issued to make these camps a success. He said that all camps would be organized under the sheds of Grain Markets.

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21 CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES TO SWORN IN ON APRIL 10

Chandigarh, April 6: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would administer the oath of office and secrecy to 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries on April 10 at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh.

According to an official spokesman those who would be sworn in on Tuesday include Mr. Balbir Singh  Ghunnas ,Ch Nand Lal , Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr.Desraj Dhugga, Mr. Montar Singh Brar, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Avinash Chander ,Mr.Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha ,Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonny Ajnala , Mr. Pawan Kumar  Teenu, Mr. Parkash Chand Garg ,Mr. Sarup Singla, Mr. N.K Sharma, Mrs Nisara Khatoon, Mr.K.D Bhandari ,Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi, Mr. Som Parkash and  Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu

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Congress demands a CBI probe into illegal mining at the behest of  political mafia, causing hundreds of crores losses to public exchequer besides destroying the ecology of the state.

  • Request for a judicial inquiry into the lapses of preferential treatment to the convicts of Harpreet murder case and their transfer to a jail outside Punjab.........click

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Citing Kangar’s case, Capt Amarinder reminds Mr Badal of his commitment against vendetta

CHANDIGARH, April 5:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today reminded the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal of his commitment about acting against the vendetta cases registered against the Congress workers while pointing out how one of the ex-legislators, Gurpreet Kangar and 21 others were being falsely implicated in a case under section 307 of the IPC.

The PCC President brought to his notice the false case slapped on two time Rampura Phull MLA at the behest of his political opponents on the same day the results were declared.

Giving details of the case Capt Amarinder said, a false case had been registered against Kangar and 21 others on January 11, 2012 under various sections, including 307, of the IPC by the police at the behest of his political opponents. After the investigations the case was cancelled at that time only.

However, the PCC President revealed, immediately after the results were declared on March 6, the case was reopened against Kangar and others at his opponents’ behest the same day. He said, the worst part was that despite having joined the investigation, the police misled the court that he was not cooperating with the investigation that led to rejection of his bail plea. He remarked, the police were doing it with a clear intent of intimidating Kangar and his supporters.
Capt Amarinder hoped that the Chief Minister takes note of this cases as also other similar cases and asks his police to desist from such vendetta and victimization lest the Congressmen be forced to come on roads to seek justice.
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21 CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES TO SWORN IN ON APRIL 10

Chandigarh, April 6: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would administer the oath of office and secrecy to 21 Chief Parliamentary Secretaries on April 10 at Punjab Bhawan Chandigarh.

According to an official spokesman those who would be sworn in on Tuesday include Mr. Balbir Singh  Ghunnas ,Ch Nand Lal , Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr.Desraj Dhugga, Mr. Montar Singh Brar, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Avinash Chander ,Mr.Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha ,Mr. Amarpal Singh Bonny Ajnala , Mr. Pawan Kumar  Teenu, Mr. Parkash Chand Garg ,Mr. Sarup Singla, Mr. N.K Sharma, Mrs Nisara Khatoon, Mr.K.D Bhandari ,Mr. Amarjit Singh Sahi, Mr. Som Parkash and  Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu

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MAJITHIA SEEKS WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT FROM REVENUE OFFICERS TO TRANSFORM THE DEPARTMENT

·       TO FILL ALL VACANT POSTS OF REVENUE DEPARTMENT
·       ASKS TO COMPLETE THE REMAINING COMPUTERIZATION OF FARD KENDRAS BY JUNE

Chandigarh April 5:
Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia sought the whole hearted support from Revenue Officers to transform the department there by changing the impression of Public from their heads and hearts regarding this major department.
The Revenue Minister was presiding over a meeting of Punjab Revenue Officers Association, which called on him.       Mr. Majithia pointed out that the Revenue Department was a major contributor in the state revenue therefore the people of state fully deserve better facilities besides total transparency in the day to day working of the department. He said that he was always open to the suggestions aimed for the efficient functioning of the department and his main thrust was to check any foul play with NRIs or less educated persons. He asked the Revenue officials to work with more commitment and dedication to enhance the Revenue and assured them better infrastructure.  The revenue officers brought in the notice of the Minister regarding depletion of strength of subordinate officials resultantly affecting the pace of disposal of work in the department. Mr. Majithia assured them to fill the vacant posts at the earliest.
The Minister informed that the State Government was contemplating to mark the NRIs in Revenue record so that the revenue officials are made more vigilant to register the sale or purchase of the properties of NRIs. He asked them to complete the remaining work of computerization of 17 Fard Kendras as till date, 146 such Fard Kendras have been made live out of total 163 such Kendras. He said that the now a farmer could be given Jamabandi of his own Khasra resultantly cutting the cost of computerized Fard.

Punjab Revenue Officers Association led by its President Ram Singh, District Revenue Officer Moga assured the Revenue Minister of total cooperation to improve the functioning of department and provision for better facilities to all the stake holders.
Mr. N.S.Kang Financial Commissioner Revenue and Mr.S.Sudan, Secretary Revenue was also present on the occasion.

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BADAL APPROVES 10 MEMBER PANEL TO BE HEADED BY DR. KALKAT FOR EVOLVING LONG TERM STATE AGRICULTURE POLICY

CHANDIGARH APRIL 05:

           
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal approved the constitution of 10 member committee to formulate a long term State Agriculture Policy for the rejuvenation of the agriculture sector thereby improving the livelihood of people in rural areas.
           
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Committee would be headed by the Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission Dr. GS Kalkat besides Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. JS Sandhu, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Ludhiana Dr. VK Taneja, Vice Chancellor PAU Ludhiana Dr. BS Dhillon, Director National Centre for Agricultural Economics & Policy Research New Delhi Dr. Ramesh Chand, Director Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Bangaluru Dr. AS Sidhu, Consultant, Centre for Reviving Green Revolution, PAU Ludhiana Dr. AS Dhatt and Ex-Director Agro Economic Centre PAU Ludhiana Dr. Karam Singh would be the members besides MD Milkfed & Member Secretary Punjab State Farmers Commission Mr. BS Sidhu would be its Member Secretary. The Committee would submit its report within three month.
            The spokesperson further said that it was the need of the hour to evolve a long term State Agriculture Policy to overcome the stagnation in the agriculture sector, besides improving the economic lot of rural masses by making agriculture profession remunerative and economically viable. 
It may be recalled that agriculture is the backbone of Punjab economy since it provided direct or indirect employment to about 50% of the state’s population and contributes around 28% towards Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).   However, agriculture based on Rice-Wheat cropping system has slowly turned into an unrewarding activity due to unfavorable price regime and lack of value addition.  The situation is likely to be further exacerbated due to increase in production of rice and wheat in other parts of the country and integration of agricultural trade with global markets.


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8 PPS CADRE POLICE OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, April 5:
The Punjab government today transferred eight PPS cadre police officers with immediate effect. It was disclosed by an official spokesperson of Punjab government. He said that, S. Harpreet Singh, has been transferred and posted as DSP/SD, Garhshankar, S. Sant Singh as DSP/SD, Anandpur Sahib, Sh. Bimal Kumar as DSP/SD, Malerkotla, Sh. Rajinder Singh as DSP/City-II, SAS Nagar, S. Ravinderpal Singh as ACP/West, Jalandhar, S. Balkar Singh as ACP/North, Jalandhar, S. Mukhwinder Singh as ACP/East, Ludhiana and S. Bhupinder Singh has been transferred and posted as DSP/SD, Shahkot

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PUNJAB GOVT. FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE OFOF SUB SOIL WATER PRESERVATION ACT NO SOWING OF PADDY NURSERY BEFORE MAY 10 AND ITS TRANSPLANTATION BEFORE JUNE 10

CHANDIGARH APRIL 05:

       Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked all the field officers to ensure that there should be no sowing of seedling of Paddy before 10th of May and its transplantation before June 10 in view of the strict compliance of Punjab Preservation of Sub Soil Water Act, 2009.

       Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal has categorically asked the Deputy Commissioners to launch an awareness campaign to educate the farmers for the compliance of these provisions under law in the right earnest.

          He said that since the ground water was the most precious natural resource and should be judiciously used by adhering to the norms of sowing of paddy nursery and its transplantation within the stipulated dates under the provision of Act.

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PUNJAB GOVT. TO SOON AMEND NORTHERN INDIA CANAL & DRAINAGE
ACT TO CHECK WATER THEFT IN THE STATE

CM GIVES NOD TO RECRUIT SDOs AGAINST VACANT POSTS THROUGH PPSC

CHANDIGARH APRIL 04:
           
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the irrigation department to immediately moot a proposal for amending the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act to check the growing malpractice of water theft in the state. 
This was decided by Mr. Badal in a meeting to review the functioning of irrigation department here at Chief Minister’s Office this morning. 

Mr. Badal asked the Chief Engineer Canals to submit a comprehensive proposal for making amendments in the relevant provision of punishment clause under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act to prevent the unscrupulous persons indulging in theft of water on the pattern of Haryana and Rajasthan.  Likewise, Mr. Badal also agreed to the proposal of the department to bring the operation and maintenance of water courses by making relevant amendments in the said Act. 
The Chief Minister also gave in principle approval to fill the vacant posts of the SDOs through Punjab Public Service Commission and asked the department to immediate initiate the process for the recruitment.  Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary to immediately allow the irrigation department to fill the 50% of vacant posts of patwaris through promotion in order to cope up the shortage of patwaris, which had adversely hampered the functioning of the department since long.  He also conceded to the proposal for the creation of the post of Engineer-in-Chief in the department. 
Mr. Badal further asked the chief secretary to convene a joint meeting of the officers of forests and irrigation departments to direct the forest department not to undertake plantation of trees on the banks and berms in future which resulted in colossal damage due to frequent breaches in the canal, distributaries and minors. He also asked the Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon to regularly check the quality of construction of on-going projects in the state and further make concerted efforts to bring micro and macro improvement in the canal system because the canal irrigation was the life line of state’s agrarian economy.  He also directed the Principal Secretary Irrigation to coordinate with the Secretary Ministry of Water Resources GoI to assess the feasibility of relining of Rajasthan and Sirhind feeders without its closure through some latest available technology otherwise the work on these projects should be started positively by April 1, 2013 by closing the canals.  He assured the departmental officers that he would soon call on the Union Water Resources Minister for the early resolution of all pending issues with the Ministry.   He also asked the Principal Secretary Irrigation to chalk out a time bound action plan for the eradication of water logging in the water logged areas in the state.   
Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer Drainage apprised Mr. Badal that the funds to the tune of Rs. 4966.11 lac were required for desilting of water logged and wet drains in the State before the onset of Monsoons,    2012. He assured the Chief Minister that the detailed projects relating to Flood protection works on River Ravi            and Sutlej amounting to Rs. 13461.00 lac and Rs. 7750.00 lac respectively Under Boarder areas scheme would be submitted to GoI within 15 days.  Besides, flood protection works sanctioned under NABARD RIDF-XVII amounting to Rs. 7973.88 lac were being taken up in hand at site immediately. 

Prominent among others who attended the meeting included Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sindhu, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. Satish Chandra, Technical Advisor to Punjab Govt. Lt. Gen.(Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, besides Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. KS Pannu both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister.


SUKHBIR PUTS ‘BIG TICKET’ INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON FAST TRACK

CONSTITUTES A COMMITTEE UNDER CHIEF SECRETARY TO REMOVE IMPEDIMENTS IN THEIR TIMELY COMPLETION

TO PERSONALLY MONITOR EVERY PROJECT
SEEKS REPORT FOR MAKING AMRITSAR AN INTERNATIONAL TOURIST DESTINATION

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 4: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today put the ‘big ticket’ infrastructure project on fast-track constituting a high-level seven member committee under Chief Secretary to ensure the time bound completion of all these projects.

            Presiding over a high-level meeting of Administrative Secretaries here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP Government has  come to power with a promise to make Punjab most favourite investment destination by assuring world class infrastructure besides 24 hours quality power supply. He said that it was his personal commitment to the people of Punjab that all ‘Big Ticket’ projects including Thermal Plants, Road Infrastructure Project, Industrial Parks, Textile Park, Educational Institutes, would be completed in a time-bound manner in most professional way. He constituted a seven member committee under Chief Secretary that would include secretaries of Civil Aviation, PWD, Finance, PIDB, Housing, Industry and Local Government that would review the progress of every project and remove the teething problems coming in the way of timely completion of them.

            Seeking fixed deadlines for completion of every project in the check list,  Mr. Badal said that these deadlines would be sacrosanct for him and it was  imperative for the committee to work out a system to meet these deadlines. He said that he would  personally monitor these project on monthly basis. 

            Emphasising on making the holy city Amritsar an international tourist destination, Mr. Badal asked the Principal Secretary Tourism to submit a plan of action in this regard. He said that Amritsar has a great potential as it was all set to become a business hub of North India with the inauguration of Rs 110 Crore Integrated Check Post at Attari border that would have cascading effect on trade and commerce of Punjab.

            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Mr. D. S. Bains, Principal Secretary Civil Aviation Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Secretary PIDB Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gagandeep Singh Brar and Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu. 
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MAJITHIA SEEKS WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT FROM REVENUE OFFICERS TO TRANSFORM THE DEPARTMENT
·       TO FILL ALL VACANT POSTS OF REVENUE DEPARTMENT
·       ASKS TO COMPLETE THE REMAINING COMPUTERIZATION OF FARD KENDRAS BY JUNE

Chandigarh March 4:

Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today sought the whole hearted support from Revenue Officers to transform the department there by changing the impression of Public from their heads and hearts regarding this major department.

The Revenue Minister was presiding over a meeting of Punjab Revenue Officers Association, which called on him. Mr. Majithia pointed out that the Revenue Department was a major contributor in the state revenue therefore the people of state fully deserve better facilities besides total transparency in the day to day working of the department. He said that he was always open to the suggestions aimed for the efficient functioning of the department and his main thrust was to check any foul play with NRIs or less educated persons. He asked the Revenue officials to work with more commitment and dedication to enhance the Revenue and assured them better infrastructure.  The revenue officers brought in the notice of the Minister regarding depletion of strength of subordinate officials resultantly affecting the pace of disposal of work in the department. Mr. Majithia assured them to fill the vacant posts at the earliest.

The Minister informed that the State Government was contemplating to mark the NRIs in Revenue record so that the revenue officials are made more vigilant to register the sale or purchase of the properties of NRIs. He asked them to complete the remaining work of computerization of 17 Fard Kendras as till date, 146 such Fard Kendras have been made live out of total 163 such Kendras. He said that the now a farmer could be given Jamabandi of his own Khasra resultantly cutting the cost of computerized Fard.

Punjab Revenue Officers Association led by its President Ram Singh, District Revenue Officer Moga assured the Revenue Minister of total cooperation to improve the functioning of department and provision for better facilities to all the stake holders.
Mr. N.S.Kang Financial Commissioner Revenue and Mr. B.S.Sudan, Secretary Revenue was also present on the occasion.
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BADAL APPROVES 10 MEMBER PANEL TO BE HEADED BY DR. KALKAT FOR EVOLVING LONG TERM STATE AGRICULTURE POLICY

CHANDIGARH APRIL 04:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved the constitution of 10 member committee to formulate a long term State Agriculture Policy for the rejuvenation of the agriculture sector thereby improving the livelihood of people in rural areas.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Committee would be headed by the Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers’ Commission Dr. GS Kalkat besides Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. JS Sandhu, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Ludhiana Dr. VK Taneja, Vice Chancellor PAU Ludhiana Dr. BS Dhillon, Director National Centre for Agricultural Economics & Policy Research New Delhi Dr. Ramesh Chand, Director Indian Institute of Horticultural Research Bangaluru Dr. AS Sidhu, Consultant, Centre for Reviving Green Revolution, PAU Ludhiana Dr. AS Dhatt and Ex-Director Agro Economic Centre PAU Ludhiana Dr. Karam Singh would be the members besides MD Milkfed & Member Secretary Punjab State Farmers Commission Mr. BS Sidhu would be its Member Secretary. The Committee would submit its report within three month.

            The spokesperson further said that it was the need of the hour to evolve a long term State Agriculture Policy to overcome the stagnation in the agriculture sector, besides improving the economic lot of rural masses by making agriculture profession remunerative and economically viable. 
It may be recalled that agriculture is the backbone of Punjab economy since it provided direct or indirect employment to about 50% of the state’s population and contributes around 28% towards Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).   However, agriculture based on Rice-Wheat cropping system has slowly turned into an unrewarding activity due to unfavorable price regime and lack of value addition.  The situation is likely to be further exacerbated due to increase in production of rice and wheat in other parts of the country and integration of agricultural trade with global markets.


BADAL REVIEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR WHEAT PROCUREMENT

ASKS KAIRON & CS TO TAKE UP ISSUE FOR CREATING
ADDITIONAL STORAGE CAPACITY WITH GoI

CHANDIGARH APRIL 04:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would soon meet the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Food Minister Prof. KV Thomas to seek their personal intervention for expeditious evacuation of previous stocks of Wheat and Rice from Punjab to other states to solve the storage problem in the state.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that he would also call on the Union Railway Minister Mr. Mukul Roy, if needed for allocating special railway rakes to transport the already stored Wheat and Rice from Punjab to the other parts of the country as per the demand of Food Corporation of India. 

Taking part in the deliberations while presiding over a meeting to review the arrangements of Wheat procurement during the Rabi Marketing Season 2012 here at Chief Minister’s Office, Mr. Badal asked the Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon to intensify efforts to seek GoI’s prompt clearance for creation of scientific storage of food grains for atleast 25 lac MT in the state. 

The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture & Food, GoI for settlement of pending issues related to the procurement by the FCI. Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary to take up the matter for creation of additional storage capacity of 20 lac MT, which had been diverted to other states and get it sanctioned back to Punjab as the state was facing acute storage capacity. 

It may be recalled that the GoI/FCI had worked out storage of covered space in Punjab to the tune of 71 lac MT.  However, while the state government floated tenders for construction of this capacity GoI without taking state government into confidence reduced the sanctioned capacity to 51 lac MT and a capacity of 20 lac MT was diverted to other states.  Even after the construction of 51 lac MT covered godowns, Punjab would have to store around 30 lac MT wheat on unscientific plinths and there would still be a shortage of covered space for the storage of rice. Mr. Badal also asked the Secretary Food & Supplies to keep close liaison with all the Deputy Commissioners and District Controller Food & Supplies to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement.   
Meanwhile, the Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Mr. DS Grewal explained to the Chief Minister at present there was an acute shortage of storage in the state in view of slow movement of food grains by Government of India.  As on 1st April 2012 there was 68.5 lac MT wheat and 67 lac MT of rice stored in the state as compared to the opening stock of 51 lac MT of Wheat and 68 MT of Rice of the  corresponding period of last year. 
Mr. Grewal apprised the Chief Minister that the production of wheat was likely to touch 156 lac MTs this year and arrangements for the procurement of 115 lac MT of Wheat through state procurement agencies had been finalized.  As many as 1769 purchase centers (Mandis) in the state had been setup for the smooth procurement of the Wheat.
Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included Food & Civil Supplies Minister Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Secretary Food & Civil Supplies DS Grewal, Director Food & Civil Supplies Dr. Harkesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KS Pannu, Secretary MD MARKFED Mr. AS Pannu, MD PUNSUP Mr. Vikas Partap, Secretary Mandi Board Dr. KS Sra, MD Punjab Agro Mr. Ashok Gupta and GM FCI Punjab Region Mr. Neel Kanth. 

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE OCCASION OF MAHAVIR JAYANTI

CHANDIGARH APRIL 04:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended warm greetings to the people of the State especially the Jain community on the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

            In a message Mr. Badal called upon the different sections of the society to follow the philosophy and teachings of Lord Mahavira, who propagated the principles of simple living and high thinking to achieve the ultimate goal of salvation to the humanity. Mr. Badal said that the message of Lord Mahavira for universal brotherhood, communal harmony and peace was still relevant in the present materialistic society.
            The Chief Minister appealed the people to follow the path shown by Lord Mahavir ji to celebrate this auspicious occasion in unison and with religious fervour to further strengthen the secular and social bonds of our society.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ENHANCED FAMILY PENSION

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 4: The Punjab Government has issued notification enhancing the family pension payable to the family of a Government employee, who dies in harness.

According to an official spokesperson, the rate of family pension in respect of employees, who dies in harness, during the first fifteen years from the date of death or till the Government employee would have attained the age of sixty five had he survived, whichever period is less would be 60% for the employees drawing pay upto Rs 10,000 while for employees drawing pay above Rs 10,000, it would be 50% of pay subject to minimum of Rs 6000.

The spokesperson said that the rate of family pension in respect of employees, who dies in harness after first fifteen years from the date of his/her death or till the Government employee would have attained the age of sixty five had he survived, whichever period is less, would be 40% for the employees drawing pay up to Rs 10,000 while it would be 30% of pay subject to minimum of Rs 4000 for the employees drawing pay above Rs 10,000.

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SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF MAHAVIR JAYANTI

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 4:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today felicitated the people of the State on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, the birthday of Lord Mahavira.
      In a message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Lord Mahavira epitomized non-violence, renunciation, sacrifice, and compassion. His teachings have greater relevance today and would continue to act as a source of inspiration to the society, he added.
Mr. Badal called upon people to celebrate this festival collectively in a befitting manner, with a renewed resolve to follow the principles of truth and universal love as preached by Lord Mahavir.

CM FINALIZES SIKH CIRCUITS LUXURY TRAIN AS
‘PANJ TAKHTS YATRA EXPRESS’
---M ASKS DHUMAL TO IMMEDIATELY RESOLVE ANANDPUR SAHIB-NAINA DEVI ROPEWAY
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FOUNDER OF SULABH INTERNATIONAL CALLS ON CHIEF MINISTER
 SULABH INTERNATIONAL TO CONSTRUCT 15000 LATRINES IN FOUR BLOCKS OF DOABA, MAJHA AND MALWA

CHANDIGARH APRIL 03

In a bid to make Punjab free from open defecation, Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved a pilot project to be executed by the Sulabh International Social Service Organization (SISSO) for the construction of 15000 rural latrines at a cost of Rs.27.75 crore in Adampur block in Doaba, Ajnala in Majha and Sanaur & Lambi blocks in Malwa within a year under the integrated development program. 

            A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the founder of the SISSO Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak here at Chief Minister’s office this morning. 

            It may be recalled that the Punjab government has decided to construct 12 lakh rural latrines in 12800 villages across the state through Mandi Board, PWD (B&R), Water Supply & Sanitation, and Rural Development & Panchayats Departments of which nearly one lakh latrines had been already been constructed.
  
The Chief Minister was apprised in the meeting by the Financial Commissioner Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu that the department had already entrusted the task of fresh survey to the department to ascertain the exact status of the rural latrines to be constructed under the uncovered blocks.              Mr. Badal highly appreciated the efforts of the SISSO in the field of rural sanitation and biogas in the country as well as in the abroad.   He also urged Dr. Pathak to prepare an action plan to install biogas plants in the villages to make judicious use of heaps of cow/buffalo dung lying across the roads there which were posing a severe threat to the environment.
            The Chief Minister also desired to allot the work of public toilets in the Corporation cities of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda and asked the Local Government department to tie up with SISSCO in this behalf.  He also asked Mr. Pathak to suggest some viable technology for cleaning of village ponds which were hazardous to the environment but also to the very health of the human beings. 
            Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Pathak thanked the Chief Minister for reposing faith and confidence in SISSCO and assured of best quality norms and standards in the construction of rural latrines besides undertaking guarantee for their upkeep and maintenance for one year.  He also stressed the need to educate people especially living in the rural areas about the personal hygiene and cleanliness in context of the rural latrines, adding he mentioned that SISSO would motivate them to develop a habit to use these latrines, who in turn would prevail upon others to popularize the concept of rural latrines.  He also
            Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Secretary Sanitation & Water Supply Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Director Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Balwinder Singh Multani besides Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Mr. KS Pannu all Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister. 


NO OFFICER TO FUNCTION FROM THEIR CAMP OFFICE AT RESIDENCE - CM
ALL FIELD AND STATE HEADQUARTER OFFICERS TO ATTEND TO OFFICE WORK FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY


CHANDIGARH APRIL 03:           
 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed all the officers of the state government not to function from their camp office at their residences. 

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal had taken a serious note over the growing tendency amongst senior officers to operate from the camp office at their residences.  Mr. Badal strictly warned such officers to shun this un-desirable practice and asked them to function from their offices from 9 am to 5 pm.  The Chief Minister impressed upon them to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, honesty and professional commitment in the public interests. He also asked the officers to maintain decorum and punctuality in offices to win over the confidence of the general public.Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also asked the officers to be present in their offices from 9 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Thursday every week to carryout official work besides listening to the grievances of the general public and directed them to keep their field visits and tours on other days.  Mr. Badal categorically said that no complacency would be tolerated at any level in terms of ensuring good governance, clean and accountable administration.
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BADAL FOR SPECIAL CAMPAIGN BY REVENUE DEPARTMENT FOR PARTITION OF JOINT AGRICULTURAL LANDS

CHANDIGARH APRIL 03:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the officers of Revenue department to launch a special campaign with a view to effect the partition of joint land holdings in Punjab, which have not been partitioned formally since consolidation of lands in mid sixties.

Presiding over a high level meeting of senior officers to review the functioning of revenue department held here at Chief Minister’s residence, Mr. Badal observed that a large number of disputes in villages were arising due to non-partition of joint land holdings. 

The Chief Minister further directed the revenue department right from Patwari to Financial Commissioner Revenue to gear up for launching a vigorous campaign for partition of joint properties both as a measure of amicable settlement amongst the members of the joint holdings as well as through legal procedure where family members could not amicably resolve the disputes of partition.  He gave a target that atleast 50% of the joint land holdings be partitioned within a period of one year. 
Mr. Badal also asked the department to ensure that routine cases of mutation henceforth, except contested ones to be disposed off within 15 days from the date of registration of sale deed.

Taking part in the deliberations, the Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia apprised the Chief Minister that the department had already prepared a comprehensive road map to bring path-breaking reforms to generate more sources for additional revenue generation.  He also informed Mr. Badal that under the computerization program the land record of the eight districts had been posted on the web site, whereas the record of remaining districts would be uploaded and made available on line to the general public by the June end 2012.  Of total 22 district administrative complexes, 10 had been constructed and the remaining 12 would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 172 crore.   Prudent decisions and reforms had resulted in the collection of Rs.2900 crore on account of registry fee during 2011-12 which was likely to go up in the current fiscal. 

The Chief Minister also asked the revenue officials especially the Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Patwaris to be vigilant to safeguard the property rights of NRIs mainly from the mal practices of impersonation as NRIs by the unscrupulous persons.   He emphasized the need to punish the corrupt officials and reward the competent and honest ones to bring far more transparency and efficiency in the day-to-day functioning of the revenue department.   He also asked the Deputy Commissioners to regularly visit the Fard Kendras under their jurisdiction to ensure their proper functioning to ensure their efficiency and result-oriented functioning. 
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Secretary Revenue Mr. BS Sudan, Special Secretary Revenue Mr. RK Kushik and Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar & Mr. KS Pannu besides OSD to Chief Minister Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh.

GURDASPUR DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER INCLUDING FOUR SUSPENDED ON THE CHARGE OF EMBEZZLEMENT IN FUNDS
·       DIRECTIONS TO SSP TO LODGE FIR AGAINST THE ACCUSED
·       DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATION ALSO SUSPENDED ON THE CHARGE OF  NEGLIGENCE IN DUTY
·       CORRUPTION AND INDISCIPLINE WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED: MALUKA

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 3:

Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab today suspended District Education Officer, Gurdaspur Mrs. Shindo Sahni, District Resource Person Mr. Ram Lubhaya, A.P.C (General) Pawan Mahajan and Clerk Narinder Kumar Sharma on the findings of more than Rs 2 crores embezzlement in funds released for the school dresses and furniture. Mr. Maluka also suspended Director (Administration) Mrs. Manjit Kaur Ghuman, who was posted in the office of DPI (Secondary), for negligence in duty.
          The Education Minister said that corruption and indiscipline in the Education Department would not be tolerated at any cost and the guilty officers and employees would not be spared. He said that during suspension headquarter of Mrs. Sahni would be Circle Education Office, Nabha while headquarter of Mr. Ram Lubhaya, Mr. Pawan Mahajan and Mr. Narinder Kumar Sharma would be District Education Office, Sangrur.
          Mr. Maluka said that directions have been issued to the SSP Gurdaspur for registration of FIR against the DEO and others. He said that during suspension headquarter of Mrs. Ghuman would be Circle Education Office, Faridkot.
 
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EGS VOLUNTEERS DEMAND MET;REEMPLOYED 1874 VOLUNTEERS

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 3: The Punjab Government today reappointed 1874 EGS volunteers on the same terms and conditions for the next two years.

          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister said that the SAD-BJP government sympathetically considered the genuine demand put forward by these volunteers and accorded them with two years extension. He said that it was decided in the meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that major education reforms would be rolled-out during 2012-13 session besides constituting a special board to fill all the vacant posts in the Education Department on regular basis.

          Mr. Maluka said that the concerned departments have been asked to submit the proposals at the earliest regarding recruitment. He said that it was also arrived at that the due process for recruitment would be initiated and completed in the current academic session.
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ACCIDENTAL OR HOMICIDAL DEATH OF AN EMPLOYEE DURING THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTY-PUNJAB ANNOUNCES LUMP SUM PAYMENT OF Rs. 5 LAC EX-GRATIA AMOUNT FOR LEGAL HEIRS

Chandigarh, April 3:

The Punjab government has decided that in case of accidental or homicidal death of an employee during the performance of his duty, his legal heirs would be entitled to a lump sum payment of Rs. 5 lac as Ex-gratia amount.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab government said that the ex-gratia would not be linked to the basic pay or the group of the employee concerned. The spokesman further said that the full amount of Ex-gratia payment admissible under these orders would also be payable to those employees, who incur complete permanent disability during the performance of duty rendering them unfit for further service. Similarly, in case of those employees’, who incur partial permanent disability during the performance of duty, Ex-gratia payable would be proportionate to the percentage of partial permanent disability incurred by him.
The spokesman clarified that the Ex-gratia grant would not be admissible in the case of those government employees, who commit suicide during the performance of duty.

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PUNJAB TOPS COUNTRY IN FISH FARMING:-RANIKE

Record production of 6560 kg fish per hectare

Chandigarh, 3 April:-

Fish Farming in Punjab has emerged as a boon for farming community, reeling under the pressure of stagnated vicious cycle of two crops. It has immensely contributed to their income with less investment and easy gain. It was disclosed by the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Diary Development Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike. He said that the practice of Fish Farming is on the rise in Punjab, which is evident from the fact that most of the farmers in the state had converted their barren lands into Pools for the Fish Farming. He said that the state government was aiming at the development of Fish Farming in the districts suffering from the problem of soar water, like Mukatsar ,Faridkot and Ferozpur.He said that the Punjab Government had also initiated efforts for Fish Farming in the natural reservoirs of water such as lakes.The minister disclosed that till date 11,000 hectare land had been brought under the Fish Farming, which resulted in providing employment to 50,000 unemployed youth directly and indirectly.He said that the department had imparted training to around 10,000 persons to equip them with the hi-tech techniques of Fish Farming.

The minister further said that for the 2012-2017 five year plan, the state government had forwarded a plan of Rs 49875 laks, which incorporated many new techniques in the field of Fish Farming. He said that the departments run 14 government fish breeding farms.  He said every year around 350 lakh quality fish was provided to the farmers on subsidized rates. He said that the government owned one state level hi-tech laboratory and two district level mobile laboratories to substantiate Fish Farming. 
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PUNJAB GOVERNOR ACCEPTS RESIGNATION OF BIBI JAGIR KAUR

CHANDIGARH APRIL 02:

Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today accepted the resignation of Rural Water Supply & Sanitation and Defence Services Welfare Minister Bibi Jagir Kaur, who stepped down as Cabinet Minister on moral grounds following her recent conviction by a special CBI court.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Bibi Jagir Kaur had tendered her resignation to the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, which was subsequently forwarded to the Governor for his acceptance.
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PUNJAB TO RECAST STATE PLANNING BOARD ON THE LINES OF PLANNING COMMISSION OF INDIA

PUNJAB TO LAUNCH COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME FOR INTEGRATED NEED BASE DEVELOPMENT OF PUNJAB

BADAL ASKS VCs TO CONDUCT VILLAGE LEVEL SURVEYS IN THE STATE FOR MAPPING THE GROUND REALITIES

CHANDIGARH APRIL 02:
      The Punjab Government has planned to launch a holistic and comprehensive programme for need-based integrated development of urban as well as rural Punjab.
      A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister, Mr.
Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high level meeting with the senior officers of the state government and the renowned academicians from Panjab University here late last evening at his residence.
Mr. Badal said that state planning Board would also be re-casted on the lines of Planning Commission of India. The experts of international repute in the fields of education, vocational training, health, social sciences, agro based industries and other discipline would be involved to prepare a blueprint in order to carryout multi faceted development through out the state, said Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister directed the Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Prof. RC Sobti to depute a team comprising the senior faculty members under his direct supervision to conduct a detailed constituency wise village-survey in the areas under Punjab University for mapping the ground realities related to the livelihood of general public. He advised that survey must cover the social, economical, educational, employment, quality of living and all other aspects of the people from the rural areas.
Mr. Sobti agreed to initiate a pilot project for conducting detailed survey in Lambi constituency.
Mr. Badal further said that similar pilot project surveys would also be conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University in Ajanala and by Punjabi University in Sanaur Constituencies.  The Chief Minister further stated that these surveys would enable the state government for launching this integrated development programme in a more effective result oriented manner.
Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. KS Pannu, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh Prof. RC Sobti, Dr. Nandita Professor & Chairperson, Department of Education Pb.
Univ., Dr. Gurmail Singh Professor & Chairperson, Department of Economics, Dr. Sudhir Sharma Department of Public Administration, Dr.
Kiran Preet Kaur Coordinator, Centre for Social Work and  Mr. Harpreet Singh Architect, Panjab University, Chandigarh
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FREEDOM MARTYRS MEMORIAL TO COME UP AT KARTARPUR OVER 20 ACRES OF LAND
CHANDIGARH APRIL 02

To honour his commitment to construct world class Freedom Martyrs Memorial in Punjab, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister today approved  land measuring 20 acres for setting up this historic monument at Kartarpur on Jalandhar-Amritsar national highway.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that a decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the top brass of the state administration in his Office this morning.
The spokesperson further said that the state agriculture department had given this land to the state government for the construction of the state-of-the-art memorial to showcase the rich legacy of numerous freedom fighters, patriots and martyrs of Punjab, who made significant contribution in the Indian freedom struggle. 


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BADAL APPROVES THREE CENTRAL AND A DISTRICT JAIL AT A COST OF
 RS.200 CRORE

CHANDIGARH APRIL 02:
            The Punjab Government has decided to construct three Central Jails at Bathinda, Amritsar and Ferozepur besides a district jail at Muktsar at a cost of Rs.200 crore. 
            A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting here at Chief Minister’s Office with the senior functionaries of the Jails department this morning.   The Chief Minister further said that these upcoming central jails would be set up over an area of 70 acre each and the district jail would be in an area of 25 acre. 
 Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister asked the DGP Jails to work out modalities to generate resources to make the functioning of the jails across the state self sustainable and economically viable through the participation of local industry.   Mr. Badal also asked the jail authorities to garner the participation of big industrial houses for this purpose.
It was informed in the meeting to curb the growing habit of drug addiction amongst the inmates; the state government had already taken a decision to set up drug de-addiction centers in all the seven central jails, of which these would be set up in four such jails in the first phase. 
The Chief Minister agreed to the proposals mooted by the Principal Secretary Home demanding Rs.3 crore for walky talky communication network within the jails, Rs.1.6 crore for CCTV Camera, Rs.2.7 crore for video conferencing equipment besides Rs.5 crore for imparting vocational training to the inmates. 
The DGP Jails assured the Chief Minister that a pilot project would be initiated with the local industry involving 400 inmates within a fortnight as a reformatory measures. 
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Jail Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Principal Secretary Home Mr. DS Bains, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Development Mr. Gurinderjit Sing Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KS Pannu, Chief Administrator PUDA Mr. AS Miglani DGP Jails Mr. Sashi Kant and IG Jails Mr. Jagjit Singh.

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CM GIVES NOD TO FILL ALL VACANT POSTS OF TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
CM DECLARES YEAR 2012 & 2013 TO BE DEDICATED FOR UPGRADATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES IN GOVERNMENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

CHANDIGARH APRIL 02:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to fill all the vacant posts of the teachers in schools and lecturers in the colleges on regular basis to ensure smooth functioning of these government educational institutions in the state. 
          Presiding over a review meeting of school and higher education here at Chief Minister’s Office this morning, Mr. Badal directed the Principal Secretary Higher Education and Secretary School Education to immediately initiate the process of recruitment so that these teachers could be appointed at the earliest.  He called upon the officers to ensure the recruitment process in a transparent and fair manner to attract the best available talent from the open market to achieve high standards of education.  Mr. Badal also asked the Secretary School education to look into the viability of establishing the state level teachers’ recruitment board for the selection of teachers in the state to cope up the enormous task of recruiting almost 10000 to 12000 teachers, who retire every year.   The Chief Minister further asked the school and higher education departments that the recruitment and promotions of the teachers should be regularly done every year so that no vacancy was kept pending. 
          The Chief Minister also declared that the year 2012 and 2013 would be exclusively devoted to the overall development of government schools and higher institutions infrastructure equipped with well trained and highly qualified human resources to emerge Punjab as a front runner state on the educational front in the country. 
          Mr. Badal also directed the Secretary School Education to immediately done away with the prevalent practice of deputation of teachers from one school to another.  He also gave go ahead to the village panchayats to spend money on the repair and upkeep of schools, which would now be a fit charge on the funds of panchayats.  
          The Chief Minister also directed that the 25% of the discretionary grants placed at the disposal of ministers must be utilized for the upgradation of infrastructure in the government schools.
          Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also asked the (DPI Colleges) to fill all the vacant posts of Principals in the colleges at the earliest to ensure their proper functioning.  He also directed the Principal Secretary Higher Education to chalk out a detailed action program in consultation with the Principals to upgrade the infrastructure and equipment in all the Govt. colleges and submit a detailed report within a fortnight.  The Chief Minister also asked the higher education department to prepare a comprehensive proposal for seeking requisite funds from governemnt for the development of colleges in a holistic manner.   
          The Chief Minister also decided to affect the transfers of teachers in all the government schools from April 10 to May 10 so that all the teachers were in place at the new stations well before the start of new academic session 2012-13.  With a view to ensuring continuity of the teachers till the completion of academic session, the Chief Minister also decided to retire them only twice a year i.e. March 31 and September 30 irrespective of their date of superannuation.
          The Chief Minister also agreed to the proposal of school education department to only allow three months ex-India leave to the teachers subject to the approval of administrative secretary and leave period exceeding three months would now be approved in ‘rarest of the rare cases’ at the level of Chief Minister.  It was informed in the meeting that the foreign leave was blatantly misused by the teachers thereby hampering the school education to a great extent.   
          Mr. Badal also asked the Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Malooka and Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra to work in tandem to evolve a strategy to bring overall improvement in the system of school education through synergy in the schools under the control of Departments of School Education and Rural Development & Panchayats.  He also stressed the need to upgrade the infrastructure equipment and human resources in all the schools be it primary, upper primary, high and senior secondary to impart the best education to the students because the school education was a gateway to the higher education.  He also asked the school education department to put up a detailed proposal for the upgradation of upper primary schools from primary, upper primary to high and high to senior secondary as per the norms under Right to Education Act.  He further said that requisite land for the upgradation of these schools would be provided by the state government.
          The Chief Minister also gave nod to re-constitute the school management committees which were primarily entrusted with the task of running affairs of the schools on day to day basis.  The new committees to be re-constituted would now comprise of 13 members; amongst them 9 would be from parents of the students besides a sarpanch, a panch, a social worker and a teacher.
          The Chief Minister also asked the officers of the School and Higher Education departments to personally visit the schools and colleges to interact with the Principals and staff to apprise themselves with the short comings in these institutions and to rectify them in an effective manner according to their felt needs.  He also advised the Secretaries to undertake extensive field visits to acquaint themselves with the current status of the educational institution and also to interact with the staff and students in order to get proper feedback.  He called upon the officers to work with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitments to transform the education system where it was affected by certain ills which could be easily mitigated. 
          Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Malooka, Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Principal Secretary Rural Development Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Higher Education Mr. G. Vajralingam, Secretary School Education Mr. Hussan Lal, Mr. Gaggandeep Singh Brar and Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister, OSD to Chief Minister Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh, besides the officers of higher and school education department.

BADAL FOR LAUNCHING A VIGOROUS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR EARLY DETECTION & DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER

CALLS UPON PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTES TO ADOPT AREAS FOR THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

CHANDIGARH APRIL 2:

            The Punjab Government would soon launch a vigorous awareness campaign for early detection of cancer with a motto- ‘Cancer is curable, if it is detected in time’.

            A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a high level meeting with the senior officers of the Health Department.
Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal said that till date the state government had sanctioned about Rs. 23 crore as financial assistance under state illness fund for the treatment of 2020 cancer patents in the state but there were still large number of un reported cancer patients in Punjab. He said that there was a general trend amongst the people to ignore or conceal the health related problems, which leads them to a miserable condition. It was the need of the hour to make people aware by launching an awareness drive through the mass media for educating people about various symptoms of dreaded diseases like cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and stroke etc. to save precious lives by ensuring in time proper health care, said, Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister called upon different private medical colleges, big private hospitals and non-government organizations (NGOs) to work in unison with the government’s mission to provide timely detection facilities and treatment to the cancer patients. He said that earlier also the concerted efforts of the SAD-BJP had succeeded in launching breast cancer detection drive in collaboration with Roko Cancer Charitable Trust in Faridkot, Ferozepur, Moga and Muktsar, where 569 suspected cases of breast cancer were detected after examining 29171 female. Mr. Badal asked these private health institutes to adopt certain areas as per their convenience for detection and treatment of cancer patients in the state for the sack of humanity.
The Chief Minister further said that he would take up the matter with Centre to provide medicines for the cancer patients at cheaper rates. 
Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included, Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KS Pannu, Principal Secretary Finance and Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Director Health Dr. JP Singh.
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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME FOR INTEGRATED NEED BASE DEVELOPMENT OF PUNJAB

PUNJAB TO RECAST STATE PLANNING BOARD ON THE LINES OF PLANNING COMMISSION OF INDIA

BADAL ASKS VCs TO CONDUCT VILLAGE LEVEL SURVEYS IN THE STATE FOR MAPPING THE GROUND REALITIES

CHANDIGARH APRIL 02:

            The Punjab Government has planned to launch a holistic and comprehensive programme for need-based integrated development of urban as well as rural Punjab.

            A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high level meeting with the senior officers of the state government and the renowned academicians from Panjab University here late last evening at his residence.
Mr. Badal said that state planning Board would also be re-casted on the lines of Planning Commission of India. The experts of international repute in the fields of education, vocational training, health, social sciences, agro based industries and other discipline would be involved to prepare a blueprint in order to carryout multi faceted development through out the state, said Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister directed the Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Prof. RC Sobti to depute a team comprising the senior faculty members under his direct supervision to conduct a detailed constituency wise village-survey in the areas under Punjab University for mapping the ground realities related to the livelihood of general public. He advised that survey must cover the social, economical, educational, employment, quality of living and all other aspects of the people from the rural areas.
Mr. Sobti agreed to initiate a pilot project for conducting detailed survey in Lambi constituency.  
Mr. Badal further said that similar pilot project surveys would also be conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University in Ajanala and by Punjabi University in Sanaur Constituencies.  The Chief Minister further stated that these surveys would enable the state government for launching this integrated development programme in a more effective result oriented manner.
Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. KS Pannu, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University, Chandigarh Prof. RC Sobti, Dr. Nandita Professor & Chairperson, Department of Education Pb. Univ., Dr. Gurmail Singh Professor & Chairperson, Department of Economics, Dr. Sudhir Sharma Department of Public Administration, Dr. Kiran Preet Kaur Coordinator, Centre for Social Work and  Mr. Harpreet Singh Architect, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PROMOTED 238 TEACHERS AS HEAD MASTERS     NO SCHOOL WOULD REMAIN WITHOUT HEAD MASTER: MALUKA

Chandigarh, April 2
The Punjab Government today promoted 238 teachers as head masters and appointed them as school heads in different districts of the state. The Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka passed the orders on the recommendations of Departmental Promotion Committee.
Mr. Maluka said that the SAD-BJP Government was committed to bring reforms in school education and would soon resolve the long pending demands of teachers regarding promotions. He said that the matter of promotions from teachers to lecturers and lecturers to principals was under consideration of government and the list would be out soon.
            The minister said that his top priority was to fill up the vacant post of head masters and principals through timely promotions.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON    ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 02:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi Season through Canal water from 14-04-12 to 21-04-2012. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab,  Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder respectively.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and  balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B'  respectively.
The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A'  being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in  Group 'B'.
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Sabraon Branch with its distributaries being in the channels of first Preference would run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilized in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower, Lahore Branch with their distributaries respectively.

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Capt Amarinder asks Ms Bhattal to furnish details of donors so that AICC can inquire


CHANDIGARH, April 1:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today asked Ms Rajinder Kaur Bhattal to furnish the details of the donors, who she claims to have donated about Rs 500 crores to the party, so that these could be forwarded to the All India Congress Committee for a through inquiry and investigation.

Rebutting Ms Bhattal’s charges that he was solely responsible for the party’s defeat, he asked her, had it really been so, why she could not manage to get her candidates to win. He also questioned the logic of Ms Bhattal’s allegation that he got his party candidates defeated. He pointed out and asked, “I was the Chief Ministerial candidate myself and each and every seat was precious to me…does she mean to say I did not want to become the Chief Minister?”

Referring to her allegation that he started vendetta against the Akalis and now he was hand in glove with the Akalis, Capt Amarinder remarked, this has only vindicated and reinforced the public belief that who is hand in glove with whom. “Good that she has finally spoken the Akali language publicly thus clearing all the doubts in the minds of people”, he remarked while adding, it has only reinforced public opinion about her relationship with the Akali Dal.

“And when she endorses Akalis allegations against me, she has forgone the moral authority to speak on behalf of the party workers”, he asserted, while asking, “does she mean to say that the Akalis are justified in having registered over 50,000 cases against Congress workers in retaliation to my vendetta against them?”
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BADAL EXHORTS PEOPLE OF STATE TO ROUT OUT CONGRESS DURING THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTIONS

GLORIOUS TRIBUTES PAID TO JATHEDAR GURCHARAN SINGH TOHRA

Tohra (Patiala), April 1, 2012

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the people of the state to rout out the Congress party in the next General Elections as it was not possible to accelerate the pace of development in the state without forming the government of the allies of Shiromani Akali Dal at Centre.

            Addressing the gathering at the state level function organized here to mark the death anniversary of former President of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the Chief Minister termed the Congress party as the number one enemy of the state. He said that since long time the Congress party has been meting out step motherly treatment to the state by irrelevantly meddling in its social, political, economic and even the religious matters. Mr Badal said that owing to this discriminatory policy of the Congress, Punjab which was once considered as most prosperous and advanced state of the country has now lagged behind in many sectors.
 The Chief Minister said that it is only the vision of the SAD-BJP government which has ushered a new era of all round development in the state adding that the state government would leave no stone unturned to accelerate it further. He reiterated that the need of hour was to ensure peace, communal harmony and amity in the state so that tempo on ongoing development could be maintained. Mr Badal lamented that some inimical forces were trying to mislead the people about SAD by using the ‘Panthic Agenda’. However he said that, the SAD has always adopted the ‘Panthic Agenda’ as shown by the Sikh Gurus which include welfare of all sections of society, communal harmony and giving equal respect to every religion. The Chief Minister said that raising slogans of hatred and adoption of warpath always could not be termed as ‘Panthic Agenda’.

Terming the construction of historical memorials related to the Sikh history as biggest achievement of their previous regime, the Chief Minister said that soon a state of art memorial for depicting the role played by Punjabis in the freedom struggle of country would be constructed in the Doaba region of the state.
Expressing gratitude to the SAD workers who had played vital role in the formation of SAD-BJP government again in the state, Mr Badal said with the formation of the government in the state the responsibility of ensuring peace and communal harmony along with the proper implementation of government schemes and policies also lies on their shoulders.
Paying laurel tributes to Jathedar Tohra, the Chief Minister said that he was the only multi faceted personality of the Panth who had contributed immensely in every field whether it was religious, political, social or educational. He said that Jathedar Tohra played a significant role in the formation of successive Akali Governments in the past adding that the party could be made stronger by getting an inspiration from Jathedar Tohra’s sacrifice and commitment towards party.
Prominent amongst those who addressed the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Rajya Sabha MP and SAD General Secretary Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, SAD General Secretary Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former Punjab Minister Mr Harmail Singh Tohra and Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh.    

 

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Punjab Governor released a book on “Stress: Kill it before it kills you”

Chandigarh 1st April 2012

Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Sh. Shivraj V. Patil has released the book “Stress: Kill it before it kills you” at Punjab Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh. Dr Anshu Kataria, President, Chandigarh Management Association (CMA) and Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges (AGC) introduced and presented the author Col (Retd) D.S.Cheema to the Governor.



The Governor complimented Col. Cheema for bringing out his publication and wished him high success in his endeavors. While enquiring from Col. Cheema about the areas of his respective work, the Governor emphasized the need for bringing about continuous improvements on such typical issues.

Col. Cheema felt that most of the things which have the most profound impact on our lives get neglected the most. He sited the example of the most important investment being the one in oneself; most important action being the action to look after one’s body, mind and soul; the most important skill in life being the communication skill (communication with self and with the outside world) and most important ‘muscle’ being gratitude and forgiveness. However there are very few who actually do something to fill the all important Knowing –Doing gap.

Col. Cheema explained that stress is a national disaster and is killing millions of people every year. Stress is also a must; since no stress means death. In fact, stress is like the tension on a violin string; only enough to make good music but not more that snaps the string. There is a stress which is within our control and there is a stress which is beyond our control. One has to identify one’s own stress and do every thing to minimize it since stress cannot be completely eliminated. The author felt that in ultimate analysis all conquests which are of permanent nature and leave no regrets are those which are over oneself and the only corner of the universe which one is certain to improve is oneself. Hence it is the primary duty of every individual to use certain time-tested simple techniques given in the book to lead a life of purpose.

Mr. Gursharan Batra, MD, Gee Impact Infracon, Mr. Sumesh Chawla, MD Chandigarh Overseas Pvt. Ltd. and Sh. RC Jeevan, former Principal ,DAV College, Chandigarh were present on the occasion and congratulated the author for bringing out such valuable literature.

It is to be mentioned that Col Cheema, a post-graduate in Management and Engineering, is a prolific writer who writes regularly for many national dailies and has authored 10 more books on self-management and personal development.

 

 

 

 

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