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SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES 4 LANING OF CHANDIGARH-FATEHGARH SAHIB-PATIALA ROAD
·        APPROVES RS. 30 CRORE SEWERAGE NETWORK FOR FATEHGARH SAHIB
·        A WORLD CLASS SPORTS STADIUM ON THE NAME OF BABA ZORAWAR SINGH AND BABA FATEH SINGH IN NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR
·        INDUCTS FORMER CONGRESS MINISTER HARBANS LAL IN SHIROMANI AKALI DAL

Fatehgarh Sahib, October 15: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced the 4 laning of Chandigarh-Fatehgarh Sahib-Patiala road to accelerate the ongoing overall development of this historic city.
Addressing an impressive gathering after inducting former Congress Minister Mr. Harbans Lal in Shiromani Akali Dal, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab government has initiated a unique project of Rs.13000 crore to connect every city and town of the state with 4/6 lane roads in next 3 years and with today’s announcement the people of Fatehgarh Sahib and adjoining areas would be greatly benefited with the cutting of journey time to Chandigarh as well as Patiala. He also approved Rs.30 crore for provision of 100% sewerage coverage in the historic city besides Rs.2 crore for the beautification of Sirhind drain and developing it as a picnic spot on the pattern of Sukhna Lake. He also announced to construct a world class multi-purpose sports stadium on the name of Baba Zorawar and Baba Fateh Singh, the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in the next financial year and promised to organize matches of World Kabbadi Cup 2013.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to bring all the holy and historic cities of the state on religious tourist circuit and to put Fatehgarh Sahib on that circuit a number of infrastructure development projects were also under active consideration of the state government. He said that the next 3 years was very crucial for the development of the state as the SAD-BJP government has chalked out an Rs.8745 crore urban development project for 142 cities and towns of the state to be implemented in this stipulated time frame. Besides this a Rs.10000 crore project was also being given final touches with an aim to provide on an average Rs.100 crore for various development projects in each assembly constituency and the thrust area would be the provision of various civic amenities in the rural areas on urban pattern.
Welcoming Mr. Harbans Lal and his thousands of supporters in Shiromani Akali Dal, the Deputy Chief Minister assured them due regard in party fold and expressed confidence that they would make a significant contribution in the overall development plan of the state government for the historic city. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Harbans Lal said that being a Congressman he was feeling ashamed due to the non-stop unearthing of scandals of Congress led UPA government’s Ministers and Member Parliaments, ever increasing inflation making the life of a common man miserable and total neglect of poor people. He said that he was very much impressed with the pro-poor agenda of Shiromani Akali Dal and its policies aimed towards the welfare of common man besides its unique development programme. He said that he was joining the Shiromani Akali Dal without any precondition and would work wherever the party President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal deems fit. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary SAD said that Mr. Harbans Lal was the main stay of Congress in the area and with his inclusion in SAD, the party would decimate Congress in coming Lok Sabha elections.
Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Justice Nirmal Singh (Retd.) MLA, Mr. Randhir Singh Cheema, Former Minister, Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi and Mr. Jagjeevan Pal Singh Khirnian, both former MLAs, and Mr. Jagdeep Singh Cheema, District President SAD. Later on Mr. Sadhu Ram, former Block Congress President along with his supporters also joined Shiromani Akali Dal.

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CONGRESS HABITUAL OF STIRRING UP RELIGIOUS SENTIMENT TO SATIATE ITS LUST FOR POWER - BADAL
·        BLAMES CONGRESS FOR INDULGING IN DESECRATION OF RELIGIOUS PLACES TO INCITE COMMUNAL FRENZY IN PAST
·        ONE MEMBER FROM EACH FAMILY OF SHAHPUR KANDI AND RANJIT SAGAR DAM  OUSTEE TO BE GIVEN JOB FROM THE CUT-OFF-DATE OF LAND ACQUISITION
SUJANPUR (PATHANKOT) OCTOBER 15:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today blamed the Congress senior leadership for vitiating the peaceful atmosphere in the state out of sheer frustration being out of power and said: “Congress is habitual of stirring up religious sentiments of the people and spitting venom of hatred and communal frenzy by issuing provocative statements just to malign the sanguine image of the SAD-BJP alliance which is committed to preserve the hard earned peace and harmony in Punjab at all costs”. 
            Addressing the media persons on the sidelines of the mammoth Vikas Rally organized by the BJP, Mr. Badal said that Congress was bent upon to disturb the peace and amity in the state by igniting the passions of the people by raising the bogey of terrorism in the state by raking up inflammatory issues just to satisfy its lust for power.  He categorically said that Punjab was the only state in the country which was peaceful and these Congressmen were portraying our government for reviving militancy here for which they were sadly mistaken because the clear mandate given by the people in the last assembly elections in favour of SAD-BJP was a testimony to our firm commitment to maintain peace and harmony in the state.  He recalled the unethical and immoral acts of the Congress indulging in desecration of religious places to incite communal tension in past for which the people of Punjab were now wise enough to comprehend the real motive behind it to capture power thereby creating rift between the two principal communities of Punjab.  Mr. Badal said that the real face of Congress had been unmasked and therefore people have out rightly rejected it by giving the SAD-BJP alliance another chance to serve them as we fought this election exclusively on the poll plank of peace, communal harmony and development.  He advised the Congress to desist from such nefarious designs as these could trigger off a situation of unrest and communal tension in the state which could be further exploited by our hostile neighbour Pakistan thereby putting the national security in peril.
            Asked to comment on the possibility of SAD joining third front likely to be mooted by the President of Samajwadi party Mr. Mulayam Singh Yadav, the Chief Minister out rightly rejected it, saying that SAD would always stood firmly by NDA and our alliance with BJP led NDA was based on principles & ethics and was not just a matter of convenience. 
            On the issue of starting construction work of prestigious Shahpur Kandi Barrage, Mr. Badal said that it was the SAD-BJP government which had already completed the prestigious Shahpur Kandi project and now it was duty bound to honour of its commitment to ensure early completion of Shahpur Kandi Barrage as the global tenders have already been floated.
            Earlier, addressing the public gathering, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would give jobs to one member of all the oustees families of Shahpur Kandi and Ranjit Sagar Dam from the cut-off-date on which their land was acquired from time to time for this project as way back in 1973, 1985 and 1990.  This decision would benefit about 500 families which had been demanding this issue to the resolved since long.  The Chief Minister also agreed to the demand put forth by Sujanpur MLA and Deputy Speaker Mr. Dinesh Singh Babbu to sanction sewerage, water supply, roads and street lighting projects for Sujanpur and assured that there would be not paucity of funds till its completion.  He also announced to construct a bus stand at Sujanpur and assured that he would take up the matter with Ministry of Railways to get RoB sanctioned over the busy Pathankot-Jammu railway line at the earliest.  To pay a befitting tribute to the great Warrior Maharana Partap, Mr. Badal announced to erect a statue in his memory at Pathankot bus stand.  He also promised the local residents that he would soon look into their demand for establishing Degree College at Pathankot & Sujanpur. He directed the Secretary Higher Education to examine this issue thoroughly in consultation with the concerned MLAs.
            Outlining the priorities of SAD-BJP government, Mr. Badal said that his government was committed to provide the basic civic amenities of sewerage, drinking water, roads and street lighting in all the 145 towns across the state at a cost of Rs.6000 crore within next three years.  He said Punjab would become self reliant in power within one and a half year as three upcoming thermal plants at Rajpura, Talwandi Sabo and Goindwal Sahib would start generation in a phased manner.  Stressing the need to develop skills amongst the youth to enable them to be employed gainfully, Mr. Badal informed that the state government had tied up with the world renowned German Company GIZ to set up four advanced multi skill development centers at a cost of Rs.250 crore in Hoshiarpur Bathinda, Ludhiana and Amritsar for imparting skill development training to one lakh youth in next four years.  These youngsters would be trained in accordance with the needs of the local industry to cope up the acute shortage of skilled manpower being faced by it.  Mr. Badal also pointed out that with the concerted efforts of state government, Punjab has been ranked no.1 from 14 position in education and it has also been adjudged the best state for health infrastructure in the country.   
            The Chief Minister thanked the people of Pathankot district for winning all the three assembly seats of Pathankot, Sujanpur and Boha by BJP candidates.  He assured that the SAD-BJP alliance government would leave no stone unturned to satiate their expectations in ensuring overall development and prosperity of the people in the region. 
            In his address the National General Secretary BJP and Incharge Punjab BJP affairs Mr. Shanta Kumar said that the days of Congress led UPA government at Center were numbered as the frequent scams and scandals was the hall mark of UPA government and people were not going to spare them in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.  He said earlier the UPA government had brought disrepute to the country because of the involvement of its Ministers in multi-crore scams and now the cases of their relatives were also being tumbled out gradually. 
            Speaking on the occasion, Pathankot MLA and President Punjab State BJP Unit Mr.Ashwani Sharma expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for already accepting their long pending demand by giving a gift to them by up grading Pathankot as district.  He said the day was not very far off when the people of Punjab would show the door to the congress in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections to pave a way for the installation of BJP led NDA government at Center. 
            Earlier, in his welcome address local MLA and Deputy Speaker Mr. Dinesh Singh Babbu said that the people had reposed unflinching faith in him by electing as MLA from Sujanpur with thumping majority.  He urged the Chief Minister to sanction liberal grants for the development of the Sujanpur constituency as it was the backward area and people had lot many expatiations from the present government. 
            Prominent amongst others who also spoke on the occasion included, Ex MP Gurdaspur Mr. Vinod Khanna, BJP leader Mr. Swaran Salaria, MLA Boha Mrs. Seema Devi, former Cabinet Minister Master Mohan Lal and  District President SAD Pathankot Mr.Hardeep Singh Lamini.  The rally was well attended by several senior party leaders and workers of SAD-BJP and members of other allied organizations of BJP.  

TEHRI AND JANGIPUR, A TRAILER FOR CONGRESS IN ENSUING LOK SABHA POLLS: SUKHBIR

• CONGRESS SET FOR INNING DEFEAT IN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS
• CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD STOP SELLING OF POPPYHUSK IN RAJASTHAN
• A TEAM UNDER IG BATHINDA WORKING ON LEADS IN SHRUTI CASE
• PUNJAB TO INITIATE RECRUITMENT OF 1.5 LAKH YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT JOBS

PATIALA, OCTOBER 15: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, today said that the species of Congress Party was on verge of extinction in India and loss of CM’s son in Tehri and scrapping through in Jangipur despite TMC’s tactical support was the trailor of Lok Sabha elections for the ruling UPA.

          Speaking to media persons after inducting Mr. Ajay Thapar, a close confidant of Union Minister of State for External Affairs Mrs. Parneet Kaur and Captain Amarinder Singh and 101 Congress families at the residence of Mr. Shaginder Singh Sunny Aulakh, in the fold of Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. Badal said that the people of this country were fed-up of price rise, revelation of new multi-lakh crore scam every second day and arrogance and disconcern of Congress leadership from the hardships of common public has forced the public to punish Congress Party. Predicting mid-term Lok Sabha polls, Mr. Badal said that UPA-II would not survive in the winter session of Parliament and its allies including NCP has already started shortlisting the candidates for next Lok Sabha polls. Mr. Badal said that SAD was fully prepared for Lok Sabha elections and was preparing to give inning defeat to Congress Party by SAD-BJP capturing all the 13 seats in Punjab. He said that Congress cadre totally demotivated and demoralised and SAD was flooded with the requests from Congress leaders, who were making beeline to join development oriented party SAD.

          Lashing at Rahul for deliberately denigrating the youth of Punjab by dubbing them addicts, Mr. Badal said that half read Congress General Secretary should have gone through the reports as it pertained to the study of a sample of 600 addicts of Amritsar district out of which 73% were in the age group of 16 to 35. Rebutting Congress Leader of House Mr. Sunil Jakhar, Deputy Chief Minister quipped that the study he was quoting must have been conducting on Youth Congress cadre as majority of them were high on the drugs.

          When asked about steps taken by Punjab Government to curb the menace of drugs, Mr. Badal said that BSF under Union Home Ministry has totally failed to check the inflow of drugs and narcotics from Pakistan Border and Punjab Police has redoubled its efforts by intensifying its war against drug lords. “More than 50% of National recovery was made by Punjab Police and that shows the commitment and efforts made by them,” he added. Mr. Badal said that he has ordered forfeiture and auction of properties of drug lords and more than 700 bad elements have already been arrested by Punjab Police.
          Asking Congress leaders not to shed crocodile tears on drug addiction and prove their sincerity by asking their Congress Government in Rajasthan to stop the legal sale of Poppy-husk that was being smuggled to Punjab. “Why can’t centre enact law to ban the legal sale of narcotics,” he posed a question.

          Speaking on Law and Order front Mr. Badal said that newly recruited 50,000 policemen have completed their induction training and they would be put on law and order duties.
          Unveiling Rs. 1000 crore intensive CCTV plan for all cities of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Police was procuring new software under which photographs of Proclaimed Offenders would be fed and any PO found roaming in city would alert the ‘Centre Control Room’ ensuing its immediate arrest. He said that CCTV cameras would also help in capturing the images of vehicles parked wrongly, record the footage of overspeeding vehicles and image record in CCTV camera would also use as evidence in cases of chain snatchings and petty crimes on the roads.

          Focusing on intensifying patrolling in the Rural Areas, Mr. Badal said that within 2 months Rs. 52 crore ‘Rapid Rural Response Police System’ would become operational, with police appearing on the scene of crime within maximum 10 minutes. He said that he has already sanctioned purchase of fully equipped 1285 motorcycles, 319 four-wheelers and these vehicles would be equipped on the pattern of Scotland Yard. He said that a separate police control room is being established for Rural Areas and a Zail (Rural Beat) system was being introduced in which a zail consisting of 2-3 villages would be under the direct command of 1 police inspector, who would daily patrol these villages.

          When asked about slow progress in Shruti kidnapping case, Mr. Badal said that a team under IG Bathinda was following certain important leads, which cannot be disclosed at this moment. He said that some arrests have been made and police has recovered the vehicle and assured early breakthrough in the case. He said that no Akali leader has been or would be allowed to meddle in the case.

          Announcing a statewide recruitment program, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government would soon initiate a massive recruitment program to fill 1.5 lakh posts in the Government departments. He said that SAD-BJP Government made 1.25 lakh recruitments in the Government departments purely on merits and said that these recruitment would also be done in most transparent merit based procedure.

          Earlier, Mr. Badal went around SARAS mela and mingled with the artisans. He said that Punjab was setting up a heritage village in Amritsar, in which artisans from different states would be allowed to showcase their craft.
          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, former SGPC President Kirpal Singh Badungar, former MP Biba Amarjit Kaur, Patiala Mayor Mr. Jaspal Singh Pradhan, Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon and Mr. Shaginder Singh Sunny Aulakh. 
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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON AGRASEN JAYANTI
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 15
The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of the state, especially the Vaishya community on the eve of ‘Agrasen Jayanti’. 
In a message, Mr. Badal said called upon the people to seek inspiration from the ideology of Maharaja Agrasen who during his regime gave the message of welfare state by strengthening social harmony and unity. 
Mr. Badal said that Vaishay community had played a vital role in the socio-economic progress of the country and hoped this community would actively participate in the development process in future also.  He said that a real tribute to Maharaja Agrasen would be to follow his teachings still relevant in the present circumstances.  He appealed to the people to commemorate this auspicious day rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion.
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FANCY VEHICLE NUMBER TO BE
AUCTIONED ON OCTOBER 22

Chandigarh, October 15,
 According to a spokesman of the Transport Department Punjab, the fancy vehicle number PB-11-BB series would be auctioned on October 22 and 23, 2012 in the office of District Transport Officer Patiala.
The spokesman further said that open auction would be held under the Punjab vehicle rules and the reserved price for the PB-11-BB -0001 has been fixed at Rs. 50,000 where as the price for PB-11-BB -0002 to 0009 has been fixed at Rs. 10,000. Adding further, he said that similarly the reserved price for PB-11-BB -0010 to 0099 has been fixed at Rs. 3000 where as the price for PB-11-BB -0100 to onward have been fixed at Rs. One thousand.
He also said that interested persons could submit the application with bank draft in the name of DTO Patiala by the October 19, 2012.
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PUNJAB TAKES INITIATIVE IN INCREASING MILK PRODUCTION------PHILLAUR

• ANIMAL HEALTH CARE ON TOP PRIORITY

Chandigarh October 15: In order to provide impetus to growth of cattle in the state, the Punjab government has formulated an extensive strategy to preserve, protect, strengthen and improve livestock thereby increasing milk production in Punjab.
          Disclosing this here today Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Punjab said that the department was engaged in the breed improvement of the livestock species in order to raise their productivity, besides this quality health care and preventive vaccination services were also being rendered to the livestock population of the state.
          Adding further, the Minister said that superior quality germ plasm from the best bulls of exotic origin with daughter yield of 12000 liters per lactation would be imported for giving fillip to breed improvement programme launched in the state. Similarly, high genetic sex semen would also be imported for the production of female calves for increasing milk production, said the Minister.
          Referring to the animal health care in Punjab, Mr. Phillaur said that animal health services were being extended to the entire livestock population of the state through a well knit and well equipped network of 2852 Veterinary institutions which would be further strengthened by providing multi-specialty veterinary services especially in the rural areas. For the prevention of major livestock diseases like FMD, HS, Brucellosis etc vaccination programme would be further reinforced by adopting latest scientific techniques, said the Minister. To tackle various types of problems of worm infestation affecting animal health, the minister said that periodic deworming of adult as well as small animals would be done in Pashu Rog Niwaran Melas to be organized in the villages on regular basis. Latest diagnostic tests would be performed for the timely and proper diagnosis of various diseases for accurate animal health care, added Mr. Phillaur.
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DAIRY INDUSTRY ASSURED OF ALL HELP TO ENABLE IT TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARDS ACT 2006.
                 
Chandigarh-October 15: The Punjab Government was committed to extend every possible help to the dairy sector of the state to enable it to meet the challenges thrown by Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, Rules and Regulations.  This was stated here today by  Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, IAS, Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Punjab while delivering presidential address in the inaugural ceremony of one day National Seminar on Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and its impact on Dairy Industry today organized by Indian Dairy Association Punjab Chapter at Chandigarh. He appreciated the proactive role of IDA Punjab Chapter which was an organization of producers of Milk and Milk Products taking up the responsibility to spread the awareness about the new law. This initiative of the producers organization speaks volumes of their readiness to comply with the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. He said that the new Act was very comprehensive and covers everything  which could be conceived as an item to be consumed by the human being. He paid rich tribute to Dr. V.Kurian, who is known as the Milkman of India and said that the philosophy with which he initiated the dairy cooperative movement was now more relevant.
 Milk and milk products constitute a very vital component of our daily food in all age groups . Compliance with the new provisions in this sector was of prime concern. Moreover, it has unique predicament in many ways. Milk was  a highly perishable commodity and required critical infrastructural facilities to maintain the quality throughout the supply chain. Mr. Sandhu while emphasizing the need to comply with all the provisions of new regulations in view of the concern about the health of the consumer assured that the government would do everything possible to facilitate such a compliance by different stakeholders in dairy sector.
                  S. Inderjit Singh, Chairman , Indian Dairy Association, Punjab Chapter  in his welcome address gave a brief account of Indian Dairy Association and told that it is an apex National Body of Dairy Professionals. Punjab Chapter is its extended arm operating within the state. Today’s seminar was being organized by the State’s Chapter with the main objective of spreading awareness among different stakeholders. Since, the Act, Rules and Regulations were new and have very wider implications for all food business operators . Dairy sector supports a variety of large number of Food Business Operators having unique characteristics and problems. He thanked the Chief Guest and other dignitaries for sparing the time to grace the occasion. He appreciated the whole hearted support of  Sh. N.R.Bhasin, IDA President, Sh. M.P.S Chadha, Chairman, IDA, North Zone and Dairy Industry for their active support to make the seminar a success.
Mr. M.P.S Chadha, Chairman, IDA, North Zone while paying the tribute to Dr. V.Kurian described him as a one man army, which brought White Revolution in the country. He spearheaded Cooperative movement  in dairy sector. The whole gathering in the seminar paid rich tribute  to the Milkman of India by observing two minutes silence.
Dr. Karanjit Singh, Director, Family Welfare cum Nodal Officer(Food), Punjab in his address explained the status of implementation of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 in Punjab. He told that Panchayats and Local Bodies have been authorized to register the petty Food Business Operators and Registration was being done by organization camps also. He assured that the department would ensure that Food Business Operators do not face any harassment.
Ms. Shruti Sharma, Technical Officer, FSSAI, New Delhi Dr. P.K. Singh,College of Dairy Science & Technology, GADVASU, Ludhiana, Mr. Ujjwal Kumar, Country Head, CQM Ms. Suman Kumari, Technical Officer, FSSAI, New Delhi, Sh S.P Singh, IRQS Dr. P.K.Vats, Director, Food Safety, CQM made their presentations on different technical aspects involved in the FSSA 2006 in the two technical sessions, which were chaired by Sh. M.P.S Chadha, Chairman, IDA, North Zone and Dr. G.S.Rajorhia. More than 100 delegates coming from different fields of dairy sector interacted with the speakers and got their doubts cleared.

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RESULTS OF BY-POLL A REFLECTION OF SIMMERING ANGER OF PEOPLE AGAINST THE MISRULE OF UPA- MAJITHIA

DREAM OF RAHUL TO BECOME PM OF COUNTRY WOULD NEVER COME TRUE

DAYS OF UPA GOVERNMENT NUMBERED; COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN FOR LOK SABHA POLLS

BY-POLL RESULTS A VERDICT AGAINST IMMATURE LEADERSHIP OF RAHUL

PUNJAB REVENUE MINISTER PREDICTS MID-TERM LOK SABHA POLL

DARES STATE CONGRESS LEADERSHIP TO RAISE VOICE AGAINST CENTRE’S STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT TOWARDS THE STATE

Chandigarh, October 14-
            Terming the poor performance of Congress in the recently concluded Lok Sabha by-polls as the reflection of simmering anger of people against the anti-people policies of Congress led UPA government, Punjab Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia said that the people’s verdict has shown that Rahul Gandhi’s dream of becoming Prime Minister of the country would never come true.

            Lashing out at the UPA Government, Mr Majithia said that the defeat of Uttarkhand Chief Minister’s son at Tehri and a narrow escape of President Mr Pranab Mukherjee’s son in Jangipur byelection have proved that the days of Congress at centre are numbered adding that the countdown had begun for the next Lok Sabha polls. He said that Congress has lost Tehri seat even when the father of its candidate was the Chief Minister of the state but the defeat of party in the by-poll has proved that it was a writing on the wall that people are fed up from this most corrupt government of the country which has plundered more than 4 lakh 60 thousand crore Rupees through the scams like 2G, CWG, Adarsh society, coalgate and now Vadragate.

Mr Majithia further said that the result of these by-polls should not be merely construed as victory or defeat in a by-election but it actually reflects the resentment amongst the voters against the “misrule” of the UPA government. He said that it was a paradoxical situation that Congress led UPA Government, which had came into power on the name of Aam Aadmi, has today broken their backbone by hiking the prices of the essential commodities in an unprecedented manner. Mt Majithia said that the frequent hike in prices of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products along with the cap imposed on LPG had exposed the anti-people stance of the Congress. The Revenue Minister further said that due to the wrong policies of this government the agonies of farmers, traders and the common man had increased a lot but the Union Ministers of this government were living lavish lifestyles by usurping the public money.   

Making a scathing attack on National General Secretary of Congress Rahul Gandhi, the Revenue Minister said that Rahul must remember that the poor performance of Congress in this by-poll was a clear cut verdict against his immature and arrogant leadership. He said that the verdict of people was not only against the UPA but it was  a clear cut indication that despite of repeated attempts by the sycophant congress leaders the countrymen are not ready to accept an immature leader like Rahul Gandhi as the future PM of the country. Training his guns against the Gandhi family, Mr Majithia categorically said that wherever Rahul Gandhi has campaigned for Congress candidate the party has been trounced badly on that seat. The Revenue Minister said that it was a clear testimony that well aware of the dubious character of the Gandhi family the people of country do not want that any member of this family should come on the forefront.

Asking the Congress leaders to refrain from continuing as mute spectators, Revenue Minister said that the state Congress leaders must raise voice for safeguarding the interests of Punjab and Punjabis. He said that Punjabis were well aware of the atrocities of the Congress with the state due to which they had taught a befitting lesson to the state Congress leadership by ensuring the victory of SAD-BJP alliance for second consecutive term. He said that brave Punjabis could never forget the wounds given by Congress to them and would never tolerate immature leaders like Rahul and his coterie to tarnish the image of their state by giving baseless and irrational statements. Daring the state Congress leadership to raise voice against the step motherly treatment meted out with Punjab, Mr Majthia said that the day is not far when due to such anti-Punjab policies the state Congress leadership would not even find a single flag bearer of their party. “People of Punjab will wipe out this party which has always conspired to ruin our state” he added.      
Predicting a mid term Lok Sabha poll, he said that the disarrayed allies of the UPA would now pull out the support from this anti-people Congress thereby paving way for early Lok Sabha polls. The Revenue Minister also said that the Shiromani Akali Dal SAD)-BJP combine would win all the 13 Lok Sabha seats of the state in coming Parliament elections adding that fed up by the wrong policies of the Congress led UPA government at Centre the countrymen were eager to rout it out from power thereby paving a way for the BJP led NDA, of which SAD was also a constituent, to form the next government. Mr Majithia called upon the ranks and files of Shiromani Youth Akali Dal to pull up their socks and get ready for giving a final blow to the Congress party by exposing their anti-people policies amongst the people. “The time is ripe when the Congress which has always discriminated with our state can be taught a befitting lesson by ousting it from Punjab forever but for it every worker of Youth Akali Dal has to play a decisive role” he added. 

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CM INAUGURATES 10-BEDDED HOSPITAL AT BHANI SAHIB
CENTRE MUST BAN SALE OF POPPY HUSK IN RAJASTHAN-BADAL

BHAINI SAHIB (LUDHIANA) OCTOBER 14, 2012

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal inaugurated an ultra-modern 10-bedded hospital in the name of Satguru Ram Singh ji, at Bhaini Sahib constructed by the state government in a record time of eight months at a cost of Rs. 85 Lac.
Accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and MLAs, Mr. Badal visited here today to pay his gratitude to  Sri  Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji for extending his continues blessings and support to SAD-BJP alliance.

Addressing a largely attended function on the occasion of ‘Naam Simran’ religious congregation organized by Namdhari Darbar, Mr. Badal lauded the unparalleled contribution of Namdharis in the independence struggle of the country and said that their government had celebrated 150th anniversary of ‘Kuka Movement’ launched in 1857 by Satguru Ram Singh Ji, in a befitting manner. He said that these were the pro-people policies & programs on the agenda of SAD-BJP alliance coupled with the blessings of Satguru Sri Jagjit Singh Ji Maharaj that SAD-BJP got historic win during recent Punjab Assembly Elections-2012 and became the first political alliance, which was succeeded in forming second consecutive state government in Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that the to bring social reforms and for caving a harmonious society, Namdharis under the leadership Satguru Ram Singh Ji had enormously contributed to liberate the country and launched an effective drive to eradicate the social evils like dowry, killing of newly born female child in the society for which one and all would always bow their heads in reverence. Showing mark of respect the state government had also revived the Chair in the name of Satguru Ram Singh Ji in GNDU and made regular budgetary provision for its smooth functioning, added Mr. Badal.
While paying rich tribute to the Kuka martyrs, Mr. Badal  said that the supreme and unparalleled  sacrifice made by 66 Kuka martyrs, who were blown after tying to the British cannons,  would always remain a  great source  of inspiration for those who have the courage of conviction. He further said that the Kukas were amongst the first warriors of the country who used non-cooperation as the political weapon against the British Rule and created history, the same idea was later adopted by Mahatma Gandhi for the country’s freedom struggle under the name of Non-cooperation movement, he added. Mr. Badal said that our real tribute to Kuka martyrs would be to rise above the parochial considerations of caste, colour and creed to strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, universal brotherhood. SAD-BJP government was fully committed to the same principle for maintaining peace and amity in the state, added Mr. Badal.
Talking to the media persons on the issue of drug trafficking, Mr. Badal categorically said that Centre should impose an immediate ban on the sale of poppy husk in Rajasthan and it was the moral obligation of the Centre to deal it as a national problem. He further suggested the Centre to setup a second defiance line on the international border to completely check the menace of drug trafficking. 
Reiterating the firm commitment of SAD-BJP government for the all round development of the state, Mr. Badal said that during previous term they had initiated numerous programs to bring multifaceted developments for improving the fields like education, health care, infrastructure, industry etc. besides provision of better civic amenities to facilitate people of Punjab and with the grace of Almighty they had succeeded cent-percent. Committing to accelerate the pace of development during present tenure, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be made surplus power state very soon with the completion three thermal power stations at Rajpura, Talwandi Sabo and Goindwal Sahib.
On this occasion Mr. Badal also presented a set of coi no8ns of Rs. 100 & Rs. 5 commemorated to the Kuka movement recently released by GoI.      
          Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion included Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Health and Family Welfare Minister, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon PWD Minister, Mr. Swaran Singh Phillaur Jails Minister, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains, Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda ( All MLAs),  Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, Mr. Santa Singh Umedpuri Chairman SSS Board, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria Ex- Minister, Prem Singh Chandumajra General Secretary SAD, Surinder Singh Namdhari, Mr. H S Hanspal,  Ranjit Singh Talwandi Ex- MLA and Iqbal Singh Channi President M C Khanna.

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BADAL REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO PERPETUATE THE RICH CULTURAL LEGACY OF STATE

WORK ON ‘JANG-E-AZAADI’ MEMORIAL TO START SOON- CM

EXHORTS SPIRITUAL LEADERS TO PLAY A PROACTIVE ROLE IN CURBING THE MENACE OF DRUGS IN THE STATE

SAS Nagar, October 14

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government was making all out efforts to perpetuate the rich cultural and religious legacy amongst our younger generations for which a number of path breaking initiatives have been taken by them. 
            Addressing a religious congregation here today at Badmajra-Balaungi, the Chief Minister said that realizing well that it was the duty of the state government to acquaint the youngsters with their rich cultural heritage the state government have erected Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, ‘Chhota Ghallughara Kahnuwan Chhambh Shaheedi Memorial’ at Kahnuwan, Memorial of Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rahiran and Fateh Burj at Chhapar Chiri to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the legendry Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur who laid down the foundation of Khalsa Raj in India with the victory over Mughal rule. He further said that the Punjab government has already spent Rs 400 crore on the construction of Virasat-e-Khalsa which has emerged as a huge centre for attraction amongst the people from all strata of society.
Likewise the Chief Minister said that now in order to pay glorious tributes to the great martyrs and sons of the soil for their immense contribution in the Indian freedom struggle, the state government would soon start work for constructing a ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial on 25 acres of land at Kartarpur in district Jalandhar. Mr Badal said the work on this exemplary memorial to be erected at the cost of Rs 100 crore would be completed in two years after its commencement.
The Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP government had been instrumental in giving due recognition and respect to Punjabi, our mother tongue. He said that in an unprecedented decision the state government has already ordered that all the official work of the government would be done in Punjabi.
Exhorting the spiritual leaders across the state to play a proactive role in curbing the menace of drugs besides other social maladies in the state by making the people aware about them, the Chief Minister said that it was the need of the hour that the ‘Sant Samaj’ and the spiritual leaders should make all out efforts for preaching the tenets of Sikhism, which could play a pivotal role in curbing social evils that had plagued the society. Mr Badal also impressed upon the people to follow footsteps of our great Gurus who preached us to serve the mankind with utmost dedication and devotion.  
Lauding the role played by Head of Gurmat Ruhaani mission Charitable Trust Baba Lakhbir Singh in organizing such a massive congregation, former Union Minister and senior Akali leader Mr Balwant Singh Ramoowalia said that the trust had played vanguard role in preaching the tenets of Sikhism on one hand and undertaking several philanthropic tasks in the service of mankind on the other.  

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CM NOT TO MEET MPs, MLAs AND THE SENIOR PARTY LEADERS BESIDES GENERAL PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 16

Chandigarh, October 14-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would be unable to meet MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders at CMO in Punjab Civil Secretariat and general public at his residence on Tuesday October 16, due to gazetted holiday on account of Maharaja Agarsain Jayanti.  
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that due to gazetted holiday Mr Badal would not attend his office on October 16 to meet the MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders from 11am to 1pm as per schedule. Likewise on the same day, the Chief Minister would also be unavailable to the general public from 4 to 6 pm at his residence. 
The spokesman also said that due to some pressing engagements the Chief Minister would also be unavailable to MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders at CMO on Wednesday October 17 also whereas he would meet the general public at his residence on the same day. Inconvenience caused to MPs, MLAs besides general public was highly regretted, the spokesperson added.

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VARIOUS WELFARE SCHEMES FOR FARMERS

Chandigarh, October 14: Traditional marketing system of fruits and vegetables is unfavorable for farmers as major share of consumer rupee is pocketed by the traders. The farmers used to get low price for their produce whereas the consumers had to pay higher price for poor quality products available in the markets.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Agriculture Department said that Punjab State Marketing Board had already  started “farmers’s market”  with a view to give boost to the small farmers around cities so as to provide direct access to the consumers, by eliminating the middlemen. It is also known as the “Apni Mandi” because it belongs to both the farmers and the consumers who can mutually help each other.
The spokesman said that offices of different departments of Punjab Government relating to Agriculture at Sub Divisional Headquarters were not concentrated at one lace and farmers have to shuttle from one corner of the town to another. The Board has initiated a scheme for construction of Vikas Bhawans at all Sub-Divisional Headquarters. The work on 18 such Vikas Bhawans has already been completed at a cost of Rs. 411.86 lacs. The Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Soil Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Food and Civil Supplies,Fisheries, Food Corporation of India, MARKFED and PUNSUP are planned to have their administrative offices located in each of these complexes. Vikas Bhawans have been constructed at Sub Division and Head Quarters in the State. These Vikas Bhawans have been constructed with a view to house offices related to farmers under one roof at Ajnala, Tarn Taran, Patti, Fazilka, Abohar, Nabha, Malerkotla, Batala, Dasuya, Phagwara, Zira, Sunam, Barnala, Gurdaspur, Jagraon(Ludhiana), Mukatsar.
The spokesman further said that  Mandi Board has started the scheme of Grading of Foodgrains & oilseeds in 89 markets of the state. Under this scheme wheat, paddy, Toria (rape seed), Sarson (Mustard seed) and sunflower seeds are graded in the market before auction. Samples are drawn from the heaps of the produce for measuring different parameters, Such as moisture, dust and dirt, trash, weevil led, shriveled and damaged grains, grains of other varieties and other commodities and foreign matter etc. The grade cards are displayed on heaps before auction. Grading staff has been go to trained from the Government of India. The future programme includes laboratory analysis of important quality factors of commodities. The buyer shall be encouraged to pay price to the farmer on the basic of scientific information.
The spokesman said that  in order to encourage better price for better quality product, Cotton Grading Scheme has been made operative. Visual grading was undertaken in all the 25 important markets . Three modern laboratories have been set up, one each at Rampuraphul, Malout and Mukatsar. Five more laboratories are being set up at Bathinda, Mansa, Abohar, Kotkapura, Gidderbaha with the help of Technology Mission on Cotton (Govt. of India). In these labs different quality Para- meters of cotton like fineness, maturity, strength, span length, ginning percentage & trash contents are numerically tested. The basic objective of grading is to get the proper price to producer and graded quality to purchaser . The grade is assigned to the produce (Cotton) before its sale so that farmers and purchasers stand educated about the quality of the produce ensuring remunerative price commensurate with quality. It helps both the seller and the buyer to transact the business on a dependable base. For farmers the grading tests are free whereas from traders a nominal fee is charged.
            The spokesman said Moisture Meters have also been provided in the mandis for reckoning the moisture content and to facilitate proper price fixation and settlement of disputes regarding quality. This helps farmers in getting appropriate prices of their produce. This helps Punjab markets are being used maximum for sale and purchase of wheat and paddy. These moisture meters are being used in a big way.           
The spokesman said that Punjab Mandi Board has introduced new farmer's incentive scheme in all the mandis of the State. Under this scheme, the Secretary Market Committee will issue gift coupon to the seller farmers on production of J form. One gift coupon will be given to the farmer selling each of 50 quintals of agricultural produce (paddy and wheat). Draws will be held for each Market Committee at its office twice a year.
       The spokesman said This scheme will be applicable for wheat and paddy produce only and will be valid for the wheat form 1st April to 31st May and for paddy from 15th Sept. to 15th Dec. There will be total 9 prizes for each Market Committee. First prize will be of Rs. 50,000 , next 3 prizes for 35,000 each and last 5 prizes for 20,000 each.
       The spokesman said This scheme will encourage the farmers to bring their produce in mandis, help in maintaining the proper sale records and will get also help to encourage the farmer to get the sale price.
The spokesman further said scheme was started for giving scholarships to the poor and deserving students from rural areas through Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana at the rate of Rs. 600/- per month. The total number of scholarships of different classes in the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry and Kandi area (foothills) is 284. This goes a long way in fostering interest of the students in agriculture and related subjects for studies besides, promoting the cause of agricultural marketing
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MADHOPUR-BEAS LINK CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE FOR 23 DAYS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 14:
The Madhopur-Beas Link (MB Link) canal would remain closed from October 15 to November 7, 2012 (both day inclusive) for 23 days for the work providing protection to the village abadi and agricultural land on the both side of MB Link creek by providing studs, revetment and straightening the flow of water in the middle.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal has been taken keeping in view the pleasing weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops.
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2002484 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 14:
          Paddy Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. Government agencies and private millers procured more than 2002484  tonnes of paddy till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1770  procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy
 The spokesman of the Punjab government said that Out of total procurement of 2002484  tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 1697873 tonnes of paddy till date whereas private traders procured 304611 tonnes of paddy. Till October 13, PUNGRAIN procured 436297  tonnes (25.7%), MARKFED procured 381359 tonnes (22.5%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 399329 tonnes (23.5%) PSWC procured 169227 tonnes (10.0%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 176027 tonnes (10.4%) of paddy.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 135634  tonnes (8.0%). 
          The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 334668 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ferozpur with 278098 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Jalandhar with 220338  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
 

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BADAL BLAMES CENTRE FOR CALLOUS APPROACH ON DRUG TRAFFICKING IN PUNJAB

TERMS RAHUL’S STATEMENT AS DELIBERATE CONSPIRACY TO TARNISH THE IMAGE OF PUNJABI YOUTH

REGIONAL PARTIES HOLD BRIGHT FUTURE- CM

PUNJAB NOT RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY FOR ATTACK ON BRAR IN LONDON 

INAUGURATES THIRD SARAS FAIR-2012 AT PATIALA

PATIALA, OCTOBER 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today blamed the Congress led UPA Government for allowing drug trafficking across the International and state borders adjoining Punjab, despite our repeated requests to seal them effectively for checking the prevalent practice of drug abuse.
        Mr. Badal was addressing the media persons after inaugurating the SARAS Fair, 2012 here at Sheesh Mahal. Describing the media reports regarding National General Secretary of Congress Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s vague statement ‘about 7 out of 10 youth in Punjab were given to drugs’, as totally illogical, erroneous, politically motivated and above all a deliberate conspiracy to tarnish the image of our youth and an onslaught on their dignity. Mr. Badal categorically said that he had impressed upon the Centre time and again especially the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to completely insulate these borders to prevent drug trafficking but in vain, for the reasons best known to them. The Chief Minister accused Rahul Gandhi for being misinformed on this count, adding he said Mr. Gandhi should have rather crosscheck the factual position from Centre before issuing such provocative and half-baked statements.
The Chief Minister further said Mr. Gandhi should at least know that Centre was directly responsible to safeguard the International borders and it was obligatory on its part to take effective measures to check the menace of drug trafficking through intensified patrolling by the BSF and other Central para-military forces under its control. He also asked the Government of India (GoI) to take up the matter with the Rajasthan Government to strictly ban the open sale of poppy husk which was readily available their like wheat and sugar here at shops. He asked the Centre to immediately impose a complete ban on the unethical sale of poppy husk in Rajasthan which had adversely affected Punjab, as it was smuggled into our state due to Centre’s soft policy on this Inter-state border.
        Asked to comment on the recent trend of joining of leaders from the National Parties like Congress to the Regional Party Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. Badal replied that most of the leaders and workers were disenchanted with the dismal performance of Congress and they were confident that only Regional Parties could resolve their day-to-day issues and ensure justice to them on priority. He envisioned that Regional Parties hold a bright future as they were far more sensitized to the local issues of the people as compared to National Parties. He cited media reports in section of Press that recently Congress Ministers of UPA Government got sanctioned majority of Roads in their states out of Road projects worth Rs. 1500 cr. Likewise, it had also been the tendency of the Union Railway Ministers to get maximum projects sanctioned in their native states. Such unprincipled practices led to wide spread regional disparities which could only be eliminated by the regional parties, asserted Mr. Badal. He asked the UPA to be fair in removing the regional disparities by adopting a policy for uniform allocation of funds and development projects amongst the states. Mr. Badal lamented that India was heading towards the starved and poorest nations according to the recent news report and cautioned the Centre to take corrective measures promptly to reverse this trend.
        Replying to another query regarding the SAD eyeing on Patiala Parliamentary seat, Mr. Badal said party was not only concentrating with focused attention on its overall development but surely to capture the seat with thumping majority.
        To another question on the statements of former Lt. Gen. Mr. KS Brar, the Chief Minister urged the media to exercise restraint on such issues for the sake of maintaining congenial atmosphere of peace, communal harmony and amity in the state. He said how could Punjab could be held responsible for an attack on the life of Mr. Brar in London, adding either it was the responsibility of UK Government or the Indian Government to provide adequate security to him.    
        Divulging the details of SARAS Fair, 2012, the Chief Minister said that it was a healthy platform for the craftsman and artisans from 20 states to exhibit their artifacts and handicrafts. He motivated the youth to develop skills for any profession or trade which was the need of the hour and mentioned that the Punjab Government had already tied up with world renowned German Company GIZ to impart skill training to 5 lac youth. The company would soon set up five Skill Development Centres in the state to impart training to the youth according to the basic requirements of local industry.
        Earlier the Chief Minister was felicitated by former MP Mrs Amarjeet Kaur at her residence during his visit.    
Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, General Secretary SAD Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former Ministers Mr Harmail Singh Tohra, MrHamir Singh Ghaga, Mr Ajaib Singh Mukhmailpur, Mr Raj Khurana  and Mr Surjeet Singh Kohli, Mayor Mr Jaspal Singh Pradhan, former Chairman Youth Development Board Mr Gurpreet Singh Raju Khanna and Former Chairman Punjab SSS Board Mr Tejinder Pal Singh Sandhu besides SGPC members, senior leaders and party workers of SAD-BJP alliance

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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH CHILD HEALTH CARE WEEK
CM APPROVES NEXT THREE MEGA MEDICAL CARE CAMPS FOR MANSA, BATALA AND TRAN TARAN
BUDGETARY PROVISIONS ANNOUNCED FOR SUCH CAMPS IN FUTURE
GIVES NOD TO SET UP SOCIETY FOR ORGANISING REGULAR CAMPS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12-

The Punjab government would chalk out a comprehensive plan to organize ‘Child Health Care Week’ throughout the state to checkup the eyes, ENT, dental, general anemia and stomach related problems amongst school going children.
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a high level meeting to review the follow-up action taken by the Health Department after organizing a successful Mega Health Care Camp at village Badal.
Expressing satisfaction over the recent Mega Health Care Camp at Badal, the Chief Minister approved to organize next three camps on the same patron at Mansa, Batala and Tran Taran in the months of November, December and January respectively.
Showing concern over the reported lazy eye related problems amongst the young school going children, Mr. Badal asked the health department to chalk out a plan for organizing Child Health Care Week in the state to provide an adequate health care facility for the school going children especially in the rural sector for sack of healthy and active generation.
It was informed in the meeting during this recent Meg Medical Care Camp at Badal, as many as 17636 patients were provided health care treatment out of them 367 were referred to different hospitals for further treatment. The Government Medical Colleges were directed to provide free treatment to these patients. It was also observed that 90% of the patients were benefitted during this Mega Camp. For the rest 10% patients those who needed expensive treatment for the diseases like Hepatitis-C, the Chief Minister asked the Health Department to chalk out some policy for subsided treatment through involving some NGOs or Companies working in the field of health care. He also approved to set up a society for organizing such Mega Health care camps regularly in the state.  Mr. Badal also announced that in future Government would make some budgetary provisions for organizing these mega health care camps.

            The Chief Minister also directed the Health Department to expedite the process for providing free generic drugs to the patients in government hospitals. He also directed that the list of these generic medicines must be displayed properly on boards in all the hospitals to facilitate the patients.
            Prominent amongst those attended the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Principal Secretary Health Mrs Vinnie Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema besides the eminent doctors of specialized fields.
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Capt Amarinder defends Rahul Gandhi; lashes out at Sukhbir for running away from real problem

CHANDIGARH, October 12:

Defending Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's statement on the issue of drug menace in Punjab, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today lashed out at the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal for running away from the real issue of drug addiction and unemployment in Punjab. “This is characteristic of Akalis to go into the denial mode and run away from the real problem”, he remarked.

Reacting to Sukhbir Badal’s criticism of the Congress general secretary referring to the menace of drug addiction in Punjab, Capt Amarinder said, the Punjab government should instead take serious note of the issue and not go into the denial mode.
Justifying the statement made by Mr Gandhi, the PCC President pointed out, it was the Akali government of Punjab which in the year 2009 submitted to the High Court that the youth in Punjab were afflicted by the problem of drug addiction.
“Rahul Ji has only restated the facts Punjab government has submitted under oath to the Hon’ble High Court”, he pointed out, while remarking Sukhbir was either ignorant of the ground realities and the facts and figures accepted by his own government or was deliberately hiding the facts.

The former Chief Minister regretted that instead of appreciating the concern of the Congress general secretary, the Punjab government has yet again gone into the denial mode. He also referred to the rejection of Punjab youth during the military recruitment as quite a number of them are found medically unfit.

Capt Amarinder said, even a United Nations Development Fund survey had found that about 70 per cent of Punjab youth had tried one type of drug or the other at some point of time. “If Congress general secretary stated the same thing why are you feeling so much pained about it?” he asked Sukhbir while advising him that instead of going into the denial mode he should better find solution to the problem.

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SUKHBIR BLAMES CENTER FOR ITS FAILURE TO CHECK SMUGGLING OF DRUGS AND AMMUNITION ACROSS THE BORDER

·        RAHUL’s VISIT WAS TOTALLY POLITICAL AND DIVERSIONARY EXERCISE FROM VADRAGATE

·        ALL LEADERS INCLUDING CONGRESS LEADERS GETTING SECURITY COVER AS PER THREAT PERCEPTIONS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12: 

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today rubbished the statement of Congress General Secretary Mr. Rahul Gandhi regarding “7 out of 10 youth” of Punjab are drug addicts and said that by making this baseless and exaggerated, sweeping  statement Mr. Gandhi has insulted 52 % youth population of Punjab painting every single youth with black brush.

            Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of conference on Power organized by CII here today Mr. Badal describe the immature statement of Congress general secretary as a diversionary exercise to deflect the attention of media from ongoing Vadragate and Coalgate. Describing the visit of Mr. Rahul Gandhi a purely political exercise, Mr. Badal said that by making this statement he has tried to cover the internal contradictions and infighting in the Punjab unit of Congress Party that was dominating the visit of Rahul to Punjab.

            Holding Union Home Ministry under whose command Border Security Force operates responsible for increasing trans border smuggling of Drugs and Ammunition from across Pakistan, Mr. Badal said that Punjab cannot be blamed for increasing flow of drugs as BSF has failed to check the inflow of drugs. He said that Western borders was so porous that drug recoveries by Punjab police during last five year were more than 50% of National Recovery, indicating the total collapse of BSF. He said that it was imperative for Union Government to properly seal the border with Pakistan to check the menace of smuggling of drugs, ammunitions and fake currency.

            When asked about complaints of Congress leaders regarding reduction of security cover, Mr. Badal said that security cover was decided by a committee in which representatives of Central agencies were also there on the basis of threat perception of each leader and security cover was increased or decreased as per their reports. He said that he was not drawing any distinction between leaders of various parties because as a Home Minister of the state he was responsible for security of every citizen of Punjab.

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Drug addiction: Majithia attacks Congress attempts to 'misquote " survey: Cong policies over 50 years played havouc with youth

Chandigarh October 12 -  The Punjab Revenue and Public Relations minister Bikarm Singh Majithia today saw a “sinister and devious political game-plan” behind  the  Congress General Secretary Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s  deliberate misuse of distorted figures from  a reported survey to dub the Punjabi youth  as “drug addicts”. Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s  statement, said Mr. Majithia, is based on a deliberate distortion and misquoting the findings of one of the surveys  on the subject and amounts to defaming and weakening  the sword of the country, the Punjabi youth, and inflicting fresh wounds on their young minds”
          “ Mr. Rahul Gandhi is a product of metropolitan mindset and fails to understand the dangerous the problems being faced by the people of the country, especially the youth. Why did he deliberately misquot and misinterpret the figure? Why is he out to  defame and demoralize the youth of Punjab which is not only the sword arm but also the food basket of India?  Where have over 50 years of their misrule taken the country and its youth ? What has been the impact of their disastrous policies like hurting religious sentiments of the people, attacking their places of worship with guns and mortars ? Does he think this had no impact on the minds of the young whom he today calls drug addicts?   Why is he today deliberately misquoting a survey that too on the  sacred precincts of a place of high learning like the university to slap such an irresponsible allegation against Punjabi’s youth of whom the whole country was proud. ,”  said mr. Majthia in a statement here.

       Referring to the survey referred to by the Congress leaders, “The actual figure even according to that survey is many times less than claimed by the AICC General Secretary. And even for the  existence of  the problem on that lesser scale , the ruinous policies of the successive Congress governments   in Delhi and Punjab are directly responsible. The SAD-BJP government  has in fact waged a war on the menace which was a legacy of the previous Congress governments and “we have been successful in reducing its magnitude to a considerable extent. The policies of the Congress government led to massive unemployment among  the youth and further spread poverty, illiteracy and inequality. These in turn become breeding grounds for drug addiction. ”
  
According to the details of that survey,  only one member in 67% rural families may have taken drug under one   or the other pretext. Taking average size of the rural Punjab family to be between five and seven members, this figure translates into just 14% of the overall population under survey, which was conducted in the worst affected areas.  So how has Mr. Rahul Gandhi calculated this to mean 70% of the youth is hard to understand .” 

    Elsewhere, the same survey gives a different figure, saying that “only three out of ten boys and one out of ten girls may be taking one or the   form of drugs. Which means that even the worst case scenario would put the computed combined  figure at just around 18% of the youth.

     The reported survey, said Mr. Majithia, covered the status of Punjab during the period immediately after the Congress government between 2002 and 2007.”We battled a legacy left by them and we have been succeeding in our efforts. We have had a tough legacy to handle but we have handled it  with commendable success.”

Mr Majithia said that the state government had already waged a war against social evils such as drug addiction . “We are constrained with certain typical strategic and geographical disdvanatages. Punjab has a long , porous and active international border with Paksitan and falls on the infamous “narco-terrorist route spreading from Afghanistan to the Far east countries. We also have the additional disadvantage that in some of states like Rajsthan, the sale of drugs is made legal and legitimate. This is the fall out on Punjab but we are fully vigilant and are dealing with it all levels, social, political and administrative.

PUNJAB TO BE POWER SURPLUS BY 2013-SUKHBIR
·        TO GENERATE 14487 MW AGAINST 6591 MW GENERATED DURING CONGRESS RULE
·        AFTER BECOMING POWER SURPLUS PUNJAB AIMS TO BECOME CHEAPEST SOURCE OF POWER
·        PLANS TO EXPORT POWER TO OTHER STATES, IF ALLOWED TO PAKISTAN ALSO
·        PLANS TO SET-UP ANOTHER THERMAL PLANT AT PITHEAD IN JHARKHAND
·        PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO HAVE 400 KV RING MAIN SYSTEM OF POWER DISTRIBUTION
·        SET TO INTRODUCE GIS MAPPING OF TOTAL POWER NETWORK
·        CALLS FOR STREAMLINING CENTRAL SANCTIONS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12: The Punjab is all set to become first power surplus state in the country and by the end of 2013 it would generate 14487 MW of power against 6591 MW that was being generated when SAD-BJP government took the reins of power in 2007.

Inaugurating the Conference of Power Reforms for the North, Target 24X7 Electricity for All organized by Confederation of Indian Industry here today, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab said that our government took the task of power generation as most important task of governance. He rued that Power sector that was being recognized now, should have been given priority at least 40 years ago visualizing the rising demand for power but our policy planners failed to act in time and made us habitual to live in the era of power shortages. He said that when he announced that Punjab would be power surplus within next five years, his announcement was joked upon as a futile dream and now he has shown to the world that if determined, you can achieve the impossible tasks. He said that by the end of 2013, Punjab would have its own generation capacity including BBMB share of 8816 MW with 355 MW share from Central Sector Projects, 1033 MW from share from Ultra Mega Projects, 647 MW share from Damodar Valley Project and 436 MW from NRSE projects.

Assuring power surplus status of Punjab for at least next 30 years, Mr. Badal said that not being contented with power surplus scenario they have already planning for future expansion. Mr. Badal informed that Punjab is all set to establish one thermal plant at pithead of Punjab government coal mine in Jharkhand and was exploring more revenues in renewal energy sector preferably from biomass. He said that work has already started for 206 MW Shahpur Kandi project and 18 MW Mukerian Hydel stage-2 would be commissioned in March 2013
He said that after becoming power surplus we are aiming to become cheapest source of power in the country and we would export power to other states and if allowed by Union government to Pakistan also. He said that he is going soon to Pakistan and would explore the possibility of export the power to Pakistan.
Expressing concern over depleting coal reserves, Mr. Badal said that time has come that country should exploit the Hydel power potential to its full capacity. He said that hardly 20% Hydel potential is being exploited. Mr. Badal also suggested that Union government should take initiative of facilitating gas pipeline from Iran and Kazakhstan through Pakistan to northern states and this could solve the energy crisis of whole country.

Focusing on strengthing of transmission and distribution network, Mr. Badal said that Punjab besides increasing generation capacity has also invested Rs. 3900 crore on strengthening transmission and distribution network that included construction of 1003 grid sub-stations with total installed capacity of 49705 MVA besides laying 22216 kilometer transmission lines. He said that as number of electricity consumers, which were presently 63.73 lakh, are expected to rise to 97.33 lakh, we have already geared up for future challenges. He said that total connected load in next two years is going to double and Punjab Government by bringing out electricity meters outside homes has been able to bring down the T&D losses from 22.53 % to 17.7% and was focusing to further bring it down to 14.75 % in next two years.

Assuring world class power supply network, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the first state to have 400 KV ring main system with GIS mapping of all 132 KV and 220 KV sub-stations.

Focusing on renewable energy sector, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was focusing on generating 500 MW power from Biomass sector besides giving power to the state, gives the financial benefit of Rs. 4000 per acre to the farmers. He announced that Punjab is coming out with a New Solar Policy to encourage entrepreneurs in this new field. Mr. Badal said that besides saving energy by encouraging people to shift to CFL the Punjab has adopted ESCO model for installing LED street lights in all 142 towns of the state.

On this occasion, Mr. Debashish Mazumdar, Chairman, Regional Committee on Power Reforms and Renewable Energy, Mr. Praveer Sinha, Conference Chairman and Co-Chairman, Regional Committee on Power Reforms and Renewable Energy, Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, Power Minister of Haryana and Mr. D.L. Sharma, Vice Chairman, CII, Punjab State Council and Director Vardhman Textile Ltd also gave their presentations.

NS KANG BEREAVED
 CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS FATHER JUSTICE SUKHDEV SINGH KANG

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 12:

Punjab Financial Commissioner Revenue and Principal Secretary Information & Public Relations Mr. NS Kang was bereaved today when he lost his father Justice Sukhdev Singh Kang (81) who breathed his last at PGI this morning after a prolonged illness. He is survived by two daughters and a son.

In a condolence message, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Justice Sukhdev Singh Kang and described him as a legal luminary and eminent jurist besides an able administrator with the rare qualities of head and heart. He recalled the outstanding services rendered by Justice Kang towards the Nation as Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Governor of Kerala.
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family, relatives and friends to bear this irreplaceable loss.

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NS KANG BEREAVED, FATHER EXPIRES
·      SUKHBIR AND MAJITHIA CONDOLE DEMISE OF FORMER GOVERNOR  S.S.KANG

Chandigarh, October 12: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has expressed grief over the sad demise of Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kang (81), former Governor of Kerala and Chief Justice of J&K High Court, who breathed his last here today. It may be mentioned here, that he was the father of Mr. N.S. Kang, IAS, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Punjab.
In a condolence message, Mr. Badal said that Mr. Kang was a legal luminary, who became Chief Justice of J&K High Court and then appointed as Governor of Kerala. Meanwhile, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Public Relations Minister, Punjab has also condoled the demise of Mr. S.S. Kang.
Expressing their heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Badal and Majithia prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and courage to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

BRIEF BIODATA OF MR. S.S. KANG:

He was the fourteenth Governor of Kerala from January 25, 1997 to April 18, 2002. He served as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court from February 1979 and was subsequently promoted and transferred as the chief justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, a post he held from October 24, 1989 to May 14, 1993. Following his stint as the Governor of Kerala, he was appointed a member of the National Human Rights Commission.

MR. S.S. KANG CREMATED WITH FULL STATE HONOUR

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12:
Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kang, former Governor of Kerala and Former Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir High Court, who was died early today was cremated at Chandigarh with full state honour. His son Mr. N.S. Kang, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Punjab lit the pyre and performed his last rites.
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister, Punjab paid homage to the departed soul and laid wreath. Mr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, MLA, Roopnagar laid wreath on behalf of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, whereas Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA, Jalandhar laid wreath on behalf of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab. Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary, Home, Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Local Bodies, Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, Punjab paid tributes on behalf of Chief Secretary, Punjab, Kerala Government and Governor of Punjab, respectively. Contingent of Punjab police saluted the departed soul by firing rounds in the air.
Prominent amongst other, who were present at the cremation included; Mr. B.S. Sudan, Secretary, Home, Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Secretary, Personnel and Power, Mr. Roshan Sunkaria, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Mr. V.K. Sharma and Mr. Neelkanth Avadh (all IAS), Mr. Gagandeep Singh Brar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Punjab, Mr. D.S. Mangat, Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab and Mr. Gurwaryam Singh, Additional Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab.
Several High Court judges and members of High Court Bar Council were also present at the cremation.

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1481454 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 12:
          Paddy Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1481454  tonnes of paddy till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1770  procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy
 The spokesman of the Punjab government said that Out of total procurement of 1481454  tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 1209928 tonnes of paddy till date whereas private traders procured 271526 tonnes of paddy. Till October 11, PUNGRAIN procured 315083  tonnes (26.0%), MARKFED procured 279012  tonnes (23.1%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 276955 tonnes (22.9%) PSWC procured 107650  tonnes (8.9%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 127785  tonnes (10.6%) of paddy.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 103439  tonnes (8.5%). 
          The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 274435 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ferozpur with 181656 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Jalandhar with 166557  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
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SPEED UP THE IMPLEMENTATION OF E GOVERNANCE PROJECTS FOR BETTER SERVICE DELIVERY-CHIEF SECRETARY

• PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ORGANISE ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE ON NATIONAL E GOVERNANCE PLAN

Chandigarh, October 12
The Punjab Government today organized a ‘Round Table Conference’ on implementation of National e Governance Plan (NeGP)  in the state under the Chairmanship of Mr . Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary of Punjab in Chandigarh.
Chief guest Mr. J. Satyanarayana, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Govt. of India said that to deliver services in a better way to the citizens, we should change management & workflow process. He further explained that any e-Governance initiative can be made successful only by achieving more and more e-transactions and continuous monitoring of e-transactions being made through e-Governance applications should be monitored and compared periodically to assess the performance.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rakesh Singh emphasized on the speedy implementation of various e Governance projects in the State for creation of Service delivery platforms for providing citizen centric services in a hassle free, transparent & time bound manner.
Mr. S.C. Agrawal, Chief Commissioner Right To Service Commission, shared commission’s experiences about implementation of Right To Service Act in its first year of its enactment.
Mr Anirudh Tewari, Secretary, Governance Reforms, presented the current status of ongoing e-Governance projects in the State including e-District, CSC, SWAN & other e-Governance initiatives in the state like SUWIDHA, Saanjh Kendras & FARD Kendras.
Mr. Gaurav Dwivedi, Director, DeitY shared the integrated framework for delivery of services under e-District mission mode project and emphasized that State should make all possible efforts to roll out e-District project in all Districts. He highlighted that the best feature of e-District project is that it has completely automated back-end processes to improve the efficiency of the service delivery in a highly transparent manner.
Participants included Mr. Rajiv Gauba, Addl. Secy. DeitY & Sh. Gaurav Dwivedi, Director, DeitY, Principal Secretaries & Secretaries of various departments who are implementing e-Governance projects in their respective departments.

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PUNJAB TO CONDUCT SURVEY OF SIX DIFFERENT MOTHER TONGUES
CHANDIGARH,OCTOBER 12

Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India has embarked upon a plan scheme “Mother Tongue Survey of India’ under 12th Five Year Plan.  Under this Scheme, the mother tongues which were unclassified in 2001 Census are being taken up for survey. A total of 600 Mother Tongues have been earmarked for survey , including 6 from Punjab.
Elaborating the Mother Tongue Survey, Mrs Seema Jain, Director Census, Punjab said that 6 languages have been selected for survey in Punjab for the current year namely Ramdasi, Bhagalpuri, Bhaguri, Bhawalpuri, Peshawari and Bhagri. She said that Field data collection would be conducted by the non-linguists i.e. statistical officials of the Census Directorate by using audio-visual equipments where the entire data elicitation from the actual informant/speaker of the selected mother tongue will be captured using videography. For this purpose, a training has been imparted to the officials where they have been equipped with the necessary skills and orientation to take up the task. The field data collected is being videographed for analysis and archival purpose.
The statistical personnel for the field survey will be accompanied by local guide cum interpreter and videographer. For each Mother Tongue, the data will be collected from a maximum of 8 different informants and the interview of each informant would take about 10 days of time. The questionnaire includes 1562 Wordlist, 543 Sentence list and a Story.  A total of 8 samples will be covered under each Mother Tongue.
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SIRHIND CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE FOR 10 DAYS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12:
The Sirhind canal off-taking from Ropar Head Works would remain closed from October 15 to October 24, 2012 (both day inclusive) for 10 days due to the construction of four-laning of road with flyovers along with Sidhwan Canal by Public Works Department (B&R).
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal for shorter span has been taken keeping in view the congenial weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES NEW GUIDELINES TO RECOVER EXCESS PAYMENT DUE TO WRONG FIXATION OF PAY

·       SUPERSEDS EXISTING INSTRUCTIONS IN LIGHT OF SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12:
The Punjab government has issued new guidelines regarding the recovery of wrongly paid benefits to an employee of the state or its instrumentalities on the basis of recent judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, superseding the existing instructions.
Divulging the details, an official spokesman of Finance Department said that in pursuance of judgement dated August, 17, 2012 of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, it has now been decided that the recovery of wrongly paid benefits in various types of cases would be regulated as; cases in which wrongly paid benefits was noticed and recovery thereof was ordered or made but the concerned employee approached the Hon’ble High Court and the recovery was either stopped or refunded in compliance with the orders of Hon’ble High Court and if such cases have already attained finality, these may not be reopened; secondly, cases in which wrongly paid benefit was noticed and recovery thereof was started but the concerned employee approached the Hon’ble High Court and has obtained a judicial verdict in his favour which is yet to be implemented, in such cases suitable judicial proceedings, such as appeal or review, would be instituted in a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law laid down in the judgement; third, the cases in which wrongly paid benefit came into notice but recovery thereof was not made in view of the guidelines issued by the government. Since these instructions were not the subject matter of judicial scrutiny before the Hon’ble High Court, such cases would be reopened and necessary recovery would be effected; fourth, the cases in which the wrongly paid benefit has either already come into notice or would come into notice after the date of issue of the guidelines of government through letter to all departments in this regard, in such cases recovery would be made; fifth, in the cases of extreme hardship in which an exception is provided as per judgement, these cases related to those recipients of wrongly paid benefits who have either retired or are on the verge of retirement or who are employed in the lower rung services i.e. in Group-D. Recovery in such case would be waived with the specific approval of the Department of Finance and finally, cases of wrongly paid benefits which are still pending in the courts; such cases would be defended in the light of the judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court.
The spokesperson further said that all recoveries required to be made under these orders and these would be effected after following the proper procedure.

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TWO IAS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh October 12:-
          The Punjab Government today issued the transfer and posting  order of two IAS officers in the state with immediate effect.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. C Roul IAS Principal Secretary Defense Services Welfare has been posted as Princiapal Secretary Governance Reforms.
          Likewise, Smt. Ravneet Kaur IAS Secretary Planning has been posted as Secretary Defense Services Welfare.
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MEGA EDUCATION CITY TO COME AT MULLANPUR FOR GIVING A FILLIP TO HIGHER EDUCATION- CM
BADAL INAUGURATES THIRD BHARTIYA VIGYAN SAMMELAN (BVS) AND EXPO-2012’
LT. GEN BRAR NOT AWARE OF GROUND REALITIES OF THE STATE SCENARIO- CM
BADAL ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR BEING HABITUAL OF RAISING BOGEY OF MILITANCY WHEN OUT OF POWER
REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE SAD-BJP TO MAINTAIN PEACE, BROTHERHOOD AND COMMUNAL HARMONY AT ALL COSTS

Jalandhar, October 11-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today announced that a mega education city over an area of 1500 acre would soon come up at Mullanpura near Chandigarh to give further impetus to the quality higher education in the state.
            In his inaugural address on the third ‘Bhartiya Vigyan Sammelan (BVS) and Expo-2012’ to imbibe the scientific temper amongst our youth here at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in collaboration with Punjab Technical University and the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), the Chief Minister said that the upcoming education city would house eminent world class educational institutions and universities in humanities, medical, pharmaceutical, engineering etc. to impart the start of art education to the students of our country as well as from other parts of the world. Appreciating the initiative of LPU, PTU and PSCST to hold this four day mega conference, Mr Badal said that it would go a long way in inculcating scientific and technical fervor amongst our youth through interaction with not only scientists, technocrats, academicians, policy makers, research scholars and students from “structured organizations,” but also with innovative farmers, technicians and artisans, on the topics relevant to global community in general and to Indian science and technology in particular. He said the this conference was dedicated to eminent mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan who is part of a rich Indian heritage of mathematics with other luminaries like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara, Sankara who created and built upon the foundations of science as we know it today. 
The Chief Minister lauded the stupendous efforts of the management of the LPU team led by Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal in creating a huge infra structure at par excellence with any educational institute of international repute. He pointed out that this world class institute over an area of 600 acres was the outcome of sheer commitment and dedication to spread quality education to every nook and corner of the country.   
      The Chief Minister assured that the state government would earnestly implement all the decisions for the betterment of higher education likely to be emerged on the basis of consensus from detailed deliberations in the BVS. Mr Badal said, “I am confident that the valuable inputs and suggestions given by the delegates to the Punjab Government would be seriously viewed in the formulation and implementation of the future plans/programs for the provision of safe drinking water, cleaning of ponds besides the treatment of industrial effluents effectively for the irrigation purposes”.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the SAD-BJP government during its previous regime had set up 17 new colleges besides nine universities to herald a new era of educational revolution. Mr Badal hoped that this conference would offer a healthy platform to the scientists and researchers in mitigating the problems like potable drinking water, health care and hygiene, depleting water table, air, water and vehicle pollution confronted by the people of the country in general and Punjab in particular.
In his welcome address the Chancellor of LPU Mr Ashok Mittal expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his unstinted support in the creation of this India’s largest campus university with intake of 30000 students from 28 states and 26 countries across the globe. He assured Mr Badal that LPU would continue its endeavor to impart education of highest international standards to the students in future also.  
On the occasion the Vice chancellor of the PTU Dr Rajneesh Arora while proposing a vote of thanks hoped that this conference would offer a healthy platform to scientists, researchers and academicians to give their vital inputs to enhance the standard of scientific and technological education in the country.
Later, during an informal interaction with the media persons, the Chief Minister said the former Lieutenant General Mr KS Brar was issuing statements without having adequate knowledge about the ground realities of the state. Mr Badal said that how a person living within the four walls of his house in a far flung state and above all who has not even visited Punjab since long could comment on the scenario of the state. He said such statements could create a sense of insecurity and panic amongst the peace loving people of Punjab. The Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP government since its inception had been instrumental in maintaining the law and order in the state besides promoting peace, communal harmony, amity and brotherhood. Seeking support and co-operation from media, Mr Badal categorically urged the media to refrain from publishing/airing such sensational news content which could vitiate the peaceful atmosphere and jeopardize the hard earned peace in the state.
Asked to comment on the apprehension expressed by Congress leadership on the possibility of revival of militancy in the state, the Chief Minister out-rightly rubbished these reports saying, Congress was habitual of racking up such issues out of frustration especially when they were out of power. He said Congress had always a destructive agenda to pursue while we have a constructive approach to ensure overall development of the state and welfare of its people. Blaming the Congress leadership for such irresponsible and inflammatory statements without having least concern for the state and its people, Mr Badal said that SAD-BJP alliance was committed to keep the social fabric of harmony, peace and brotherhood intact in the state and has successfully ensured peaceful atmosphere during its previous and as well as in present regime. To substantiate his claim the Chief Minister said even the clear mandate by the electorate during the last assembly elections in the favour of SAD-BJP reflected their unflinching trust and confidence reposed in our pro-people policies especially maintaining the communal harmony and peace on the top priority.    
Prominent among other who were present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Som Parkash and Mr KD Bhandari, Mayor Mr Sunil Jyoti, Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr SS Channy, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Pro- Chancellor LPU Ms Rashmi Mittal and VC LPU Ramesh Kanwar.        

SUKHBIR ORDERS SPECIAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST PETTY CRIMES AND CHAIN SNATCHINGS
·        DISTRICT POLICE CHIEFS TOLD TO KEEP AN EYE ON BAD ELEMENTS
·        AMRITSAR ALL SET FOR MAKE OVER WITH SUKHBIR CLEARING 2951 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR HOLY CITY AND ITS PERIPHERY AREA
·        AMRITSAR TO BE THE FIRST CITY FOR INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT EXPERIMENT
·        WATER SUPPLY, SEWERAGE, ROAD NETWORK, MAINTENANCE OF PARKS TO BE HANDLED BY SINGLE AGENCY WITH 10 YEARS UPKEEP CONTRACT

Amritsar, October 11: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today issued instructions for launching state wide campaign against petty crimes including snatchings and asked all District police chiefs to personally monitor this campaign.

Talking to media persons after reviewing the development projects of holy city of Amritsar and its adjoining areas, Mr. Badal said that he is not going to tolerate any laxity on law and order front and area SHO under whose command area a crime takes place, would be held accountable and responsible. Mr. Badal said that DGP has been asked to launch a special drive against bad elements and 700 such people have already been booked by the state police. Mr. Badal said that he has already sanctioned an urban police model and a separate Rs.52 crore Rapid Rural Police Patrolling system that would become operational next month. Vowing to curb the drug trafficking, Mr. Badal said that he was committed to free the youth from the menace of drugs and has already directed forfeiture of ill gotten properties of drug lords. He said that it was due to intensive campaign of Punjab Police that total recoveries in the state were more than half of the national recovery.

Mr. Badal informed that within next 6 months all the corporation cities of the state would be put under high-tech close circuit cameras surveillance to keep a strict vigil on any mischief by bad elements.
Mr. Badal said that Amritsar was all set to get a new look with today’s meeting approving Rs.2951 crore projects for holy city and its periphery towns. Mr. Badal said that Punjab government has already requisitioned the services of an international expert town planner to draw the blue print of development of holy city while maintaining its heritage look and character. He said that the purpose of total exercise was to put Amritsar on international tourist circuit and to prolong the stay of international tourists from existing one night to minimum six nights. He said that his plan includes a religious-cum-historic tourist circuit including visit to retreat ceremony at Attari border, Goindwal, Tarn Taran, Khadoor Sahib, Gobindgarh Fort, Harmandir Sahib, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala Bagh and Ram Tirath. He said that this could be possible only if we upgrade the infrastructure of holy city to international level and tourists feel at home while roaming in the city.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the plan envisions an entertainment hub at Attari border with food court, historical exhibition ground besides light and sound and laser show on the pattern of Singapore. Reviewing the development works, Mr. Badal said that he has already approved Rs.8745 crore urban development projects for 142 towns and Amritsar would be the first city to taste the fruit of integrated development. He said that according to the development model all urban services including sewerage, water supply, internal road networks, road engineering, beautification of parks, greening of pavements, street lights would be developed and maintained by a single agency and that agency would be responsible for its upkeep for next 10 years. He said that multiple agencies, overlapping works hinder the progress of the city and Amritsar was all set to don a new look in next 3 years. He also reviewed the implementation of pod project and asked tourism department to open tourist facilitation kiosks at important points and depute English, French and Spanish knowing tourist guides who should be well conversant with the Sikh history and culture of Amritsar. He also asked tourism department to promote Amritsar cuisine at international fora as Amritsar is known for it. He asked that development and promotion of heritage village be handed over to professional tourism agency having experience in running such establishments.
On this occasion Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister directed the Corporation authorities to make a complete plan for covering the open channel carrying sewerage water along with bypass and creating multiple problems from unbearable stinking to overflowing resultantly damaging the Majitha road. He also asked to explore the commercial viability of this project besides providing a much needed relief to the people living in adjoining areas.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria and Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Bakshi Ram Arora, Mayor Amritsar, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Director Local Bodies, Mr. Karmjit Singh Sra, Director Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner and Mr. Dharm Pal Gupta, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Amritsar.
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27 POLICE OFFICERS TRANSFERRED IN MAJOR POLICE SHAKE UP
Chandigarh, October 11:

            The Punjab Government today ordered the transfers and postings of 27 Senior Police Officers in order to fill up vacancies and on administrative grounds with immediate effect
            Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. R.P. Singh IPS, ADGP/Traffic has been transferred and posted as MD, Punjab Police Housing Corporation (PPHC), Mr. Arpit Shukla IPS IGP/Provisioning to IGP/Hqrs, DR. S.S. Chauhan IPS, IGP/Hqrs. to IGP/Traffic, Mr. Kuldip Singh IPS, IGP/Crime to IGP/Modernisation, Mr. A.S. Rai IPS IGP/Modernisation to IGP/Provisioning, Mrs. Shashi Prabha Dwivedi IPS, IGP/Training to IGP/Crime, Mr. R.P.S. Brar IPS, IGP/Traffic to IGP/Community Policing (CP) &Training, Mr. L.K. Yadav IPS, DIG/PR to DIG/CM security, Mr. Arun Pal Singh IPS, DIG/CM Security to DIG/Admn. PAP and Mr. Paramraj Singh IPS, DIG/Ferozpur Range to DIG/Border Range.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tulsi Ram PPS, under transfer as Superintendent Central Jail Kapurthala has been posted as SSP/Batala, Mr. Rajpal Singh PPS, SSP/Batala to Comdt.,4th IRB Kapurthala, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor PPS, DCP, Ludhiana to SSP/Faridkot, Mr. Gurinder S. Dhillon PPS, SSP/Faridkot to Comdt., 5th Cdo., Mr. Ravcharan Brar PPS, SSP/Khanna to SSP/Bathinda, Mr. Sukhchain Singh Gill IPS, SSP/Bathinda to SSP/Hoshiarpur, Mr. Balkar Singh Sidhu PPS, SSP/Hoshiarpur to Comdt., Ist IRB Patiala. Mr. Inder Mohan Singh PPS, SSP/Sri Muktsar Sahib to SSP/Khanna, Mr. Surjit Singh PPS, SSP/Barnala to SSP/Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mr. S. Bhupathi IPS, SSOC (Intelligence) to DCP Ludhiana, Mr. Mandeep Singh PPS, Comdt. Ist IRB Patiala to SSP Barnala, Mr. Harjinder Singh PPS, DCP/Amritsar to Comdt. 3rd. IRB Ludhiana, Mr. Sukhwant Gill PPS, Comdt. 2nd. Commando Batallion Bahadurgarh to Comdt. 3rd. Commando Battalion Mohali, Mr. Rakesh Kaushal PPS, Comdt. 3rd. Cdo. Bn. Mohali to AIG/Intelligence, Mr. Naveen Saini PPS, Comdt. 75th. Bn. PAP, Jalandhar to AIG/PPCR, Mr. Manminder Singh PPS, SP/Sports, PAP to Comdt. 75th Bn. PAP Jalandhar, Mr. Sushil Kumar PPS, ADCP-IV Ludhiana to Comdt. 2nd. Cdo. Bn. Bahadurgarh and Mr. Suresh Kumar Sharma ADCP-IV Ludhiana.
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PUNGRAIN LEADS IN PADDY PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB
·        1236243  TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN STATE
·        DISTRICT TARN TARAN BAGS FIRST POSITION WITH 254244 PADDY PROCUREMENT

Chandigarh, october 11:

        Paddy Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. State procurement agency PUNGRAIN achieved first position in paddy procurement. PUNGRAIN procured 2263104, the 26.5 per cent of the total procurement of the state, till october 10.
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1236243 tonnes of wheat till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1770  procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy
 The spokesman of the Punjab government said that Out of total procurement of 123643 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 9912225 tonnes of paddy till date whereas private traders procured 245018 tonnes of paddy. Till October 10, PUNGRAIN procured 263104  tonnes (26.5%), MARKFED procured 230407 tonnes (23.2%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 220344 tonnes (22.2%) PSWC procured 83484  tonnes (8.4%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 105105 tonnes (10.6%) of paddy.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 88781  tonnes (9.0%). 
          The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 254244 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Kapurthla with 150042 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ferozpur with 140349  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
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PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO INTRODUCE ENERGY EFFICIENT STREET LIGHTS-CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT
·        TO REDUCE ATLEAST BURDEN OF Rs. 24 CRORE FROM THE TOTAL ENERGY BILLS
·        3.5 LAKH STREET LIGHT POINTS TO BE CONVERTED INTO LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ACROSS THE STATE
·        ALL 142 URBAN LOCAL BODIES TO BE COVERED TO IMPROVE THE OVERALL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
·        DIVIDES STATE IN SIX CLUSTERS INCLUDING BATHINDA, PATIALA, FEROZEPUR, JALANDHAR, LUDHIANA AND AMRITSAR

CHNDIGARH, OCTOBER 11:
The Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce Energy Efficient Street Lighting project in the state with a view to improve the overall energy efficiency of all the Urban Local Bodies, which would lead to a substantial savings in the electricity consumption besides reducing operation and maintenance expenditure.
Disclosing this here today Chunni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister said that the project would encompass the replacement of about 3.5 lakh Street Light points with Light Emitting Diode (LED) based on Energy Efficiency Equipments throughout the state. He said that presently all the Urban Local Bodies were paying an amount of Rs. 53 crore on energy bill and Rs. 17 crore on the operations  and maintenance charges. He said that after the installation of new LED street lights it would witness a substantial reduction of Rs. 24 crores in the energy bills for the ULBs besides the operations and maintenance expenditures. He said that a uniform illumination system would also cover under this project across all the roads.
Mr. Bhagat said that the Energy Efficient Street Lighting project would cover all 142 towns including all Municipal Corporations to improve the overall energy efficiency, which would register a massive saving in the electricity consumption. He said that the LEDs would give a complete operating efficiency along with automatic dimming system during night hours.
Giving details of energy efficient street lighting clusters, Mr. Bhagat said that the work on this project has been started at Bathinda cluster while the work on remaining clusters including Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Ludhiana and Patiala would commence in December 2012. He said that there were 20 Urban Local Bodies in Amritsar, 30 in Jalandhar, 20 in Ludhiana, 31 in Patiala, 17 in Ferozepur, and 19 in Bathinda, which would cover under Energy Efficient Street Lighting project.
          Mr. Bhagat said that LEDs and other street light functioning would be operated and maintained on Public-Private-Partnership basis for a period of 10 years. He said that the LEDs have been designed as per the specifications by Research and Design and Standards Organisation (Ministry of Railways) and  after becoming the project operational all the LED faults would be repaired within a period of 48 hours and in case of failure of the same the concerned company would be liable to face the penalty of Rs. 100 per light point per day. 
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PUNBUS STARTS THE PROCESS OF GETTING SERVICES OF NEW DRIVERS

Chandigarh, October 11
To ensure the playing of buses as per the kilometer allotted to each, Punjab Government has initiated the process of appointing new drivers.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of PUNBUS said that for getting the services of the new drivers PUNBUS has started the process of selection of the outsourcing agencies by inviting tenders through E-Tendering for the selection. The entire process of appointing new drivers for  PUNBUS buses, would be completed by next month.
The spokesman said that PUNBUS was committed to provide the quality public transport facilities to the people of the state and for this purpose it has decided to add 350 new buses in existing fleet of PUNBUS. He said that management has decided to ensure the plying of buses as per the kilometer allotted to each.
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PUNJAB TIGHTENS NOOSE AGAINST PANCHAYATS FAILING TO SUBMIT UTILIZATION CERTIFICATES
·       ORDERS TO RETURN UNUSED GRANTS
·       TO HOLD WEEKLY REVIEW MEETINGS TO CHECK THE STATUS OF UTILISE CERTIFICATES
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 11:
The Punjab Government today reiterated its commitment for the overall development of rural belts in the state tightening the noose against those Panchayats, who failed to submit Utilization Certificates in time besides directing officials of Panchayats to review the status of grants issued to the Panchayats by holding weekly meetings.
          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayats said that officers of the Panchayat Department would ensure the proper utilization of grants disbursed to the panchayats.
          Reviewing the status of Utilisation Certificates of Grants during a state level meeting of department participated by Division Deputy Directors, Deputy Directors and other officers of the department, Mr. Sandhu directed that the Panchayat Officers would verify the grant utilization certificates submitted by Panchayats to maintain the transparency. He said that it has come to the notice of department that the Panchayats were not submitting the grant utilization certificates in time with the department, which was the reason behind delay in issue of next installment of the grant.
          Addressing the meeting    Director Rural Development and Panchayats Department, Mr. Balwinder Singh directed the officers to bring back the grants lying pending unused with the Panchayats, Rural Clubs and Non Government Organisations with immediate effect. He also directed the officers to take strict measures for bringing back grants. He said that legal action may also be taken against any organization if dilly-dallying to return the grants.
          Special instructions have also been issued in the meeting to get Shamlats (common lands in villages) evacuated from the possession of illegal occupants. Mr. Sandhu asked the officers to strictly follow the directions issued in this regard as this issue would be included in the agenda of Chief Secretary’s meeting besides the meetings of Deputy Commissioners in the state.
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PUNJAB ASKS TO ALL DEPARTMENTS TO DEPUTE CHIEF VIGILANCE OFFICERS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 11:

The Punjab Government today issued orders to its all departments to appoint Chief Vigilance Officers by October 17.  

According to an official spokesman, the Vigilance Department has asked all Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries to appoint CVO in their respective departments. The Spokesman said that they have asked the departments to submit the details of deputed CVOs including his/her name, residential and official address, telephone and mobile numbers with the Vigilance Department by October 17. He said that if any department has changed any CVO appointed already, the details of newly appointed officer would have to be submitted with the department by October 25.
          The spokesman said that Printing and Stationary Department, Director Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Dairy Development, Punjab Agro Export, Transport Department (DST, STC, PRTC and Civil Aviation), Director Colonisation, Director Horticulture, Social Security and Women and Child Development Department, Director Employment Generation and Training Department, Director Agriculture, Personnel Department (Establishment-5 Branch) and Police Department has already appointed their respective CVOs. He said that the details of the appointed CVOs have been received by the Vigilance Department while the remaining department should provide the details within given timeframe.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT STARTS 6 YEAR B.TECH COURSE FOR MATRIC STUDENTS
·        TO OPEN PUNJAB INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ACROSS THE STATE  
·        STUDENTS WOULD GET ADMISSION ON 10th  MERIT BASIS
Chandigarh, October 11
The Punjab Government has started a 6 years B.Tech Degree course for the students belonging to rural areas directly after 10th class with an aim to provide them the Engineering education on very nominal fee.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Punjab Government has decided to establish Punjab Institutes of Technology (PIT) across the state, that would work in collaboration with Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar. He said that earlier Punjab Government has set up a PIT at Mansa on trial basis and keeping in view the success of this, Punjab Government has taken a decision to set up these institutes in the whole state. 
He said that the admission process has already been started in Mansa PIT from the session, in which students who had passed 10th have got admission on their merit in 10th class. He said that 30% seats have been reserved for rural students. He said that the Punjab Government has also ordered to create a special quota in each PIT for the students belongs to the weaker section of society and the upper Income limit has been fixed at 2.5 lakh annually to get the reservation benefit under this category. Besides that the students willing to admit in PIT, should have passed the 10th from the schools falls under the rural areas.
He said that in the case of private school in rural areas, the fee charged by school should be at par with the Government schools. PIT would not charge any tuition fee from the students admitted under this category, spokesman added.
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PBPL TO SET UP 3 BIOMASS POWER PROJECTS OF 36 MW
AT A COST OF RS.250 CRORE

• 7 MORE SUCH PROJECTS TO COME UP IN PUNJAB WITH CAPACITY OF 84 MW WITH INVESTMENT OF RS.560 CRORE IN NEAR FUTURE

• CM ASKS THE GROUP TO PUT UP PROPOSAL FOR TRAINING INSTITUTE 

• DIRECTS DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION FOR STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF BAN ON THE BURNING OF PADDY STRAW 

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 10:
Punjab Biomass Power Limited (PBPL) led by its Chairman Mr. Vini Ahuja today firmed up the proposal to generate 36 MW additional power with an investment of Rs.250 crore in three different locations across the state at village Bhunnerheri and Jalkheri in Patiala and Purkhali in Ropar district with a capacity of 12 MW each by making 100% use of paddy straw as biomass.   
            An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Ahuja to the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting here at CMO this morning. 
            Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Ahuja apprised the Chief Minister that the group had already implemented a similar project of 12 MW generation capacity at Ghanaur in Patiala district at a cost of Rs.90 crore which was fully operational.  He said the group was credited to set up its maiden project in Punjab with the use of 100% use of paddy straw for the first time in the world and was now confident of moving ahead in a fast mode to deliver decentralized distributive generation of power and has tied up with financial institution like IL&FS to deliver these projects in the next 3-5 year on time frame.   
            Unfolding the future plans to tap optimum biomass power generation in the state, Mr. Ahuja informed the Chief Minister that the PBPL would soon set up seven more such bio-mass power projects with the total capacity of 84 MW involving an investment of Rs.560 crore.  He also sought cooperation and support from the state government in setting up of a training institute for renewable energy (biomass) power projects in PPP mode to impart technical training to the Punjab youth with a job assurance to them on their successful completion in the power projects of the company. 
            The Chief Minister assured the Chairman of PBPL that the state government would extend all possible assistance and support for the speedy implementation of these biomass projects.  Responding to the issue raised by Mr. Ahuja for setting up of training institute for renewable energy (Biomass) power Projects, Mr. Badal asked him to submit a comprehensive proposal so that a timely action could be taken on it.  Mr. Badal also assured the delegation that the Punjab Energy Development Agency which was the designated agency in the state would ensure prompt single window clearance to facilitate timely execution of such projects.  He also directed the Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board to ensure fast clearance for biomass power projects so that these could be implemented in a fast mode by the developers.    Mr. Badal also asked the PPCB to ensure strict implementation of the ban on the burning of paddy straw which was the basic biomass fuel for these projects.  He also directed the district administration authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the ban in order to check the practice of burning paddy straw recklessly in the fields after harvesting which was not only environmentally hazardous but also a sheer wastage of biomass fuel for these projects. 
            Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary Finance Mr. Satish Chandra, Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gaggandip Singh both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister, CMD PSPCL Mr. KD Chaudhary, Executive Director PEDA Mr. TPS Sidhu and Chairman PPCB Mr. Ravinder Singh. Meanwhile, the Punjab Biomass Power Ltd. was represented by its chairman Mr. Vini Ahuja, MD Lt. Col. (Retd.) Monish Ahuja, senior Vice President and plant operation Col. (Retd.) Satish Mehta and Arun Kapoor. 
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AHLUWALIA NOMINATED AS NON-OFFICIAL MEMBER ON BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 10:   
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval to nominate progressive farmer and eminent horticulturist Mr. Kulwant Singh Ahluwalia on the Board of Management of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana as non-official member for a term of three years.  
            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Ahluwalia has been nominated as non-official member under the progressive farmers’ category in place of Bhai Narinder Singh Sidhu, whose terms ended on September 10, 2012.    
            It may be recalled that Mr. Kulwant Singh hails from a well known Horticultural family of Chhauni Kalan Village in Hoshiarpur district owning Citrus Orchards.  Before completing his Masters in English Literature, he did Pre-medical and then Graduated in Economics and Geography to acquire knowledge on diverse subjects. In the foot-prints of his father, Mr. Harbans Singh, he opted for cultivation of Citrus especially Kinnow Orchards as profession and is managing about one hundred acres of citrus.  He has the honour of being a Director of Punjab Agri Export Corporation, and was in Farmer’s Advisory Committee of PAU, Ludhiana. Being a versatile personality on Horticulture, he visited Israel to study agricultural systems in 1997. Later he attended Fruit & Vegetables Exhibition & Seminar in Hon Kong and visited CIS Countries in a Trade Study Mission of Horticultural Crops.  He not only helped to establish the Hoshiarpur Citrus Estate and the Leaf & Soil Test Laboratories in Citrus Estates in Punjab but is always instrumental in running the citrus & agricultural development affairs of the state.

DELEGATION OF BRICK-KILN OWNERS CALL ON DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER

• SUKHBIR ASSURES TO PLEAD THEIR CAUSE TO UNION ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10: A delegation of Brick-Kiln owners from all over the state today met Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to apprise him about the adverse fall out on brick-kiln industry after recent directive of the Supreme Court.

                The delegation sought the support of Punjab Government to plead their cause to Union Environment Ministry as the Apex Court observation may prove detrimental for the industry that was critical for the development of the state and was providing employment to lakhs of people.

                The Deputy Chief Minister assured them that Punjab Chief Minister has already written to Union Environment Minister Ms. Jayanti Natrajan to look into the problems of brick-kiln industry citing the practical problems of the industry. He said that the Chief Minister would also speak to Union Environment Minister and if required, he would also lead the delegation to them.

                Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Kamal Sharma, Advisor to CM, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary SAD, Mr. Sarbjit Singh Makkar, former MLA and representatives of various brick-kiln associations. From the official side Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. D.P. Reddy, Principal Secretary Excise and Taxation, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM, Mr. A Venuprasad, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr. Vikas Partap, Director Industries were also present on the occasion.
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Hon’ble Chief Justice Sh. A.K. Sikri and Justice Sh. R.K. Jain comprising the first double bench issue notice of motion to Govt. of Punjab for 1st November 2012, on my petition seeking withdrawal of Rs. 1 crore grant given to Lawerence School Sanawar HP on 4th October 2012 by Sh. Sukhbir Badal Dy. CM Punjab.

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 10:

Sukhpal Singh Khaira
Ex-MLA

As stated above, the Hon’ble first DB headed by CJ Sh. A.K. Sikri and Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain issued notice of motion to the state of Punjab through its Chief Secretary for 1st November 2012, on my petition seeking withdrawal of the wrongful grant given to Sanawar Public School by Dy. CM Punjab.
            As we are aware Sh. Sukhbir Badal Dy. CM had handed over a cheque of Rs. 1 crore to the Lawerence Sschool of Sanawar on 04.10.2012 as Chief Guest. The said Rs 1 crore was given out of Punjab Nirman Funds PM 10 scheme of the annual plan of 2012-13.
            Taking up the petition today the court observed that such funds cannot be given out of Punjab and for that the notice was issued to the following :-
1.      Chief Secretary,
2.      Principal Secretary Planning,
3.      Principal Secretary Finance.
Sh. Ashok Aggarwal Advocate General Punjab who was present on the occasion assured the court that the said cheque of Rs. 1 crore would not be used by the Sanawar School till the disposal of the petition.
For further information you can contact Advocate Sh. H.C. Arora on 98140-13764.
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JAGTAR SINGH SIDHU BEREAVED –SUKHBIR AND MAJITHIA CONDOLES THE DEATH OF PRITAM SINGH
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:
The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed deep shock at the demise of Mr. Pritam Singh (85), Father in law of Mr. Jagtar Singh Sidhu, Assistant Editor, Punjabi Tribune, who expired here today at PGI after a prolonged illness.
Mr. Badal expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Information and Public Relations Minister has also condoled the death of Mr, Pritam Singh.

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DHILLON APPROVES FOUR LANE PROJECT FOR MORINDA-KURALI-SISWAN-BADDI ROAD
·       FOUR LANE TO BE OPERATIONAL BY JUNE 2014

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10: The Punjab Government today approved four lane project for the Morinda-Kurali-Siswan-Baddi road with a total cost of Rs. 71 crore. The construction work for this project would start from December 2012 and the completion would take place in June 2014.  

          Disclosing this, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister today said that this four lane project would facilitate thousands of daily commuters besides saving both their time and money. He said that the construction on this total 30 kilometer long stretch up to Baddi (Punjab Border) would commence from December this year and the state government has given all the necessary clearances regarding the project.
          Talking about the advantages of this 4 lane road, Mr. Dhillon said that with the completion of Morinda-Baddi project traffic congestion on Kharar-Chandigarh road would witness reduction besides saving precious time of daily commuters. He said that this would also upgrade the standards of Kandi area.

          Reiterating the commitment of SAD-BJP Government to provide best road network in the state, Mr. Dhillon said that Rs. 224 crore would be spent on under construction Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha road, which would be completed by December 2013. The Minister also said that PWD has issued strict directions to complete the patch work on main roads in the state by November 15. He said that the SAD-BJP Government has upgraded 328 kilometer road stretch besides completing construction of 18 bridges in the state.

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PUNJAB SETS ASIDE RS.952 CRORE FOR RELINING OF RAJASTHAN FEEDER PROJECT
·      PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEAR; 80 CRORE BE INCURRED IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:
The Punjab Government has initiated the complete relining of Rajasthan Feeder Project with the investment of Rs.952 crore. The project would be completed in four years. Rs.80 crore would be incurred in this financial year on this project.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Irrigation Department said that the Punjab Government has chalked out an elaborate strategy to strengthen the irrigation facilities in the state. He said that Rs.1128 crore has been reserved for upgrading various irrigation facilities. He further said that Rajasthan Feeder Project emerging from Harike Head works supplies water to Rajasthan. He said that this canal passes through district Ferozepur, Faridkot and Sri Muktsar Sahib. He said that owing to dilapidated condition of its embankments, water seeps from various quarters on its way to Rajasthan, which resulted in water logging affecting 84,800 hectare of agriculture land.
He said that the complete relining of Rajasthan feeder project would provide much relief from water logging on one hand and Rajasthan would get adequate water supply on other hand. He said that the Punjab Government has also been concentrating to strengthen the century old canal network in the state, which is currently operating at 30 per cent its designated capacity. He said that beside rehabilitation of canal network, unlined water courses would also be lined.

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OLD AGE ALLOWANCE ADMISSIBLE TO ONLY ALL INDIA SERVICE PENSIONERS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:
The Punjab government has provided relief to pensioners and family pensioners belonging to All Indian services of Punjab Cadres by granting them old age allowance.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of government said that the Finance Department clarified that grant of old age allowance is applicable to the pensioners/family pensioners related to the Punjab cadre of All India Services. He said that instructions in this regard have been issued to all departmental heads, Commissioners of Divisions and Deputy Commissioners in the state.

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MINISTERS OF ANDHRA PRADESH VISIT PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:
A delegation of Ministers of Andhra Pradesh today visited the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and met Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal. The delegation was on two day visit of Punjab to study the procurement methodology for paddy crop.
During the meeting with the Mr. Atwal, members of Cabinet Sub-Committee to study paddy procurement guidelines in Punjab, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Kanna Lakshminarayana, Agriculture Minister, Mr. N. Raghuveera Reddy, Revenue Minister and other officials also discussed the code of ethics of the working of Punjab Legislative Assembly, besides having acquaintance with the historical background of the building. Afterwards the delegation had a round of the Legislative Assembly.
Prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Harpreet Singh, Commissioner of Civil Supplies & Ex-officio Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies, Hyderabad, Mr. D. Varaprasad, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, AP State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd (both members of delegation), Mr. Ved Prakash, Secretary, Punjab Legislative Assembly, Mr. D.S. Grewal, Secretary, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab.
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EXCELLENT TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED TO PEOPLE –KOHAR
Chandigarh, October 10
Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar Transport Minister Punjab directed the officers to expedite the process of new bus stand under construction at Roopnagar.
He asked the officers to complete all the formalities the earliest so that new bus stand could be completed within the stipulated time. It may be recalled that state cabinet had already approved transforming of 4.54 acre land of Improvement Trust Roopnagar to the Depot manager PUNBUS Roopnagar and Two acre to General Manager Punjab Roadways Roopnagar.
Mr. Kohar reiterated that the state government was committed to provide excellent Transport infrastructure in the state. He further stated that Punjab Government has already modernized about a dozen bus stands in the state. He said that new bus stands had been built in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Sri Anandpur sahib and Majitha with the total cost of 11.60 crore, 13.47 crore, 7.30 crore, 4.78 crore and 2.70 crore respectively. Beside, Pathankot, Jagraon, Moga, Firozpur, Sahid Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sri Muketsar Sahib, Nagal and Dera Baba Nanak bus stand also given the face lift and they were named after the martyrs name. He said that a world class AC bus stand was being constructed at Mohali and would to be completed soon. He further said that Punjab Road Transport Corporation also built new bus stands at Phagwara, Moonak, Patran and Amloh in last five years.      
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953084 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 10:
          Paddy Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. Government agencies and private millers procured more than 953084  tonnes of paddy till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1770  procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy
 The spokesman of the Punjab government said that Out of total procurement of 953084 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 742963 tonnes of paddy till date whereas private traders procured 210121 tonnes of paddy. Till October 9, PUNGRAIN procured 194136  tonnes (26.1%), MARKFED procured 177593 tonnes (23.9%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 163782 tonnes (22.0%) PSWC procured 52880  tonnes (7.1%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 82089 tonnes (11.0%) of paddy.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 72533  tonnes (9.8%). 
          The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 213535 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Kapurthla with 121655 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Amritsar with 116256  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
 

EVERY STUDENT TO BE MADE DIGITALLY LITERATE-MALUKA

• 795 MORE NEW COMPUTER LABS WOULD BE ESTABLISHED

 Chandigarh October 10: With a view to enable every student of Punjab state to become digitally literate, the Punjab Government would establish 795 more new computer labs under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project in the state.
            Disclosing this Education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that under centrally sponsored ICT scheme, the Punjab ICT Education Society (PICTES) had launched this ambitious computer learning programme for 6th to 12th classes in all upper primary and secondary schools the state in a phased manner. "Computer education subject has also been made compulsory.
The minister further added that the students had acquired a number of IT skills during the ICT education program. He said four phases of ICT were fully operational and running as planned in the state. Under the phase-V & VI the State Government would provide 653 and 142 computer labs in the remaining government schools.
                        Mr. Maluka further said that all ICT schools have been provided with generator sets and broadband internet connections with unlimited download facility which would facilitate further during implementation of state-wide school management of information system (MIS) & geographic information system (GIS) which was under development. Computer books had already been provided to all the students free of cost.
He added that this computer learning programme would certainly facilitate and catalyze the growth of digital economy in the state by leveraging this infrastructure and re-engineered workforce and would create job opportunities for students as well as computer teachers.
Education Minister further said that under this project, school teachers were also being trained in effective delivery of education by using IT tools for teaching with latest methodologies & aids. "The earlier assessment had confirmed that enrollment in the ICT schools had gone up considerably and attendance had improved. Besides this, the overall teaching/learning environments in the schools have also improved", she asserted.
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GOVERNMENT RELEASES FIRST INSTALMENT FOR HAND TOOL CLUSTER JALANDHAR

Chandigarh, October 10
The Hand Tool Industry in Jalandhar is all set to get new look with Government releasing first instalment of RS. 17.48 crore.
Disclosing this here today Industry and Commerce Minister of Punjab Mr Anil Joshi said that the Punjab government had approved to set up the Hand Tool Cluster in Jalandhar with the cost of Rs 79.49 crore. He said that this project had been delayed .The Minister said that  he has held series of meetings with the Union Government officials and stressed the need of it as Jalandhar has known for its hand tool industry worldwide, that needed to be further expanded. He said that out of the total Rs 79.49 crore, Union Government has released the first instalment of Rs 17.48 crore to the SPV.
He said that Punjab Government has committed to revive the glory of Hand Tool Industry in state as it was providing employment on the large scale by exporting items around the world. He said that earlier Punjab Government had sanctioned to set up a Machine Tools Cluster at Batala with the cost of Rs 83 crore with an aim to develop the small and medium scale industry in border areas. New Hand Tool Cluster would be equipped with the modern technology and latest machinery besides providing all the basic facilities required for Hand Tool Industry in the Cluster, he added.
He said that these projects would prove to be a boon for the small scale industry in state which would create employment opportunities for thousands of youths.
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PUNJAB TRANSFERS 1 IPS AND 3 PPS OFFICERS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER, 10:
The Punjab government today transferred one IPS and three PPS officers in the state with immediate effect.
A spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Bikram Pal Singh Bhatti IPS has been posted as Assistant Inspector General Police/ Personal-1, CPO Punjab, Chandigarh.
 Besides that Mr. Jaipal Singh, PPS has been posted as SP Crime, Ludhiana, Mr Bhupinder Singh Virk, PPS, SP Crime Patiala and Mr. Rakesh Kaushal, PPS has been posted as AIG/PPCR. Intelligence wing, Punjab Chandigarh.

SAD OPPOSES AMENDMENT IN DELHI SIKH GURUDWARA ACT, 1971
·        CONGRESS TRYING TO SCUTTLE DGMSC ELECTIONS TO KEEP SARNA BROTHERS IN ILLEGAL CONTROL OF DELHI GURUDWARAS
·        TERMS IT DIRECT INTERFERENCE IN THE INTERNAL RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF SIKHS

Chandigarh, October 9:
Harmeet Singh Dhillon
The Shiromani Akali Dal today strongly reacted to the cabinet decision of Shiela Dixit Government of New Delhi amending Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Act, 1971, increasing the life of the house from existing 2 years to 4 years and proposing direct election to the post of President DGMSC, terming it anti-democratic exercise to scuttle the elections that were to be held before December 31, 2012 as per court directive. The Shiromani Akali Dal also termed it as direct interference of Congress in the internal religious affairs of Sikhs and warned against playing with the Sikh sentiments.
In a statement issued here today, Shiromani Akali Dal President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that this backdoor exercise by Congress Party indicates the fact that they are sure that Sarna brothers, moving with the tacit support of Congress party would be wiped out from the DGMSC elections and Congress wants to keep them in illegal occupation of Gurudwara body by tweaking the law. Mr. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal had been pleading the Union Home Ministry to hold elections to DGMSC at the earliest as Sarna brothers were shamelessly looting the offerings in the Gurudwara’s under their control by avoiding contracts against the rules. The head pointed out that there was total mismanagement in religious as well as financial affairs of Gurudwaras and Sikhs of Delhi were very pained to witness total neglect of Gurudwara properties. Mr. Badal said that elections to DGMSC were being postponed by Union Home Ministry on one plea or other and at last Delhi High Court had to intervene, that ordered Union Home Ministry to hold elections to DGMSC by 31st December positively. He said that now realizing the fact that Sarna and party that was operating under the direct control of Congress party would be totally wiped out from the DGMSC elections, now Shiela Dixit Government has come to their rescue to keep them illegally in the power that would not be allowed by Shiromani Akali Dal.
Opposing the proposed amendment in the act, providing for direct election to the post of President, Mr. Badal said that in every democratic institution right from Panchayat, Zila Parishad, Municipal Committee, Municipal Corporation, Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha leader of the house is elected by the majority and DGMSC could not be an exception to democratic norm by proposing direct election to the post of President who may not enjoy the support of majority of members. He said that this amendment was against the democratic spirit of our constitution and Congress government would not be allowed to foist its own cronies on purely religious body of Sikhs.
Mr. Badal said that he along with Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Members of Parliament of Shiromani Akali Dal and its NDA partners would soon call on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde urging them to stop this mischief of Shiela Dixit Government with iron hand and hold the elections before 31st December 2012 as per Court directive. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal and its NDA partners would organize Dharna in New Delhi to expose the dubious role of Congress party in its anti-sikh campaign.
Mr. Badal said that Congress party since independence had been trying to interfere in the internal affairs of Sikhs for which people of Punjab in general and Sikhs in particular have paid very dearly due to the seditious experiments of Congress party. Mr. Badal said that fearing total decimation in Gujarat and Himachal Pardesh elections, Congress party was out to denigrate the Sikh community as per clear cut campaign drawn by its political laboratory. He said that this sudden controversy on peace memorial in Sri Harmandir Sahib, raising the boggy of return of militancy, has to be seen in the context that Congress was back again in the vote politics to create a phobia amongst the Hindu voters at the time of elections. Mr. Badal said that Sikhs do not need any certificate of patriotism from Congress party as 80% of freedom fighters who laid down their lives in the struggle for freedom were Sikhs. He said that now electorate have become very mature and they know that how Congress party kept the pot of militancy boiling for 10 long years in Punjab as a part of their electoral game and would not allow Congress party to fiddle with the internal affairs of Sikhs.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would soon discuss this issue with the core group, political leadership including legal experts to chalk out future course of action in this regard.

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Congress leaders ask Bikram Majithia to introspect as he has only Congress blood in his veins

  CHANDIGARH:

Senior Congress leaders from Majha today criticised the revenue minister Bikram Majithia for his criticism of the Congress and the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde’s observations about the Operation Bluestar memorial. They also ridiculed his criticism of the Congress saying Bikram has as much Congress blood flowing in his veins as any other Congressman or a Congress leader and has got benefitted much more from the Congress than anybody else.

Reacting to Majithia’s statement about Operation Bluestar memorial claiming it to be a memorial to peace and his allegations against Congress that it had betrayed Punjab and the Sikhs, senior party leaders remarked, “either Bikram was trying to be a hypocrite or was ignorant of his own family history”.

In a joint statement senior Congress leaders from Majha, including Sukhjinder Randhawa, Lali Majithia, Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Harpartap Ajnala and Sukh Sarkaria reminded Majithia that his grandfather Surjit Singh Majithia was a Congress leader and a parliamentarian and had served as the Deputy Minister for Defence in the ministry of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

“Does he mean to say that his own grandfather had betrayed the Sikhs and Punjab as he was a minister in the Congress government?” the Congress leaders asked.

Referring to his claims about the “peace memorial” inside the precincts of the Harmandir Sahib, the Congress leaders said, again Bikram had no locus standi as his great grandfather Sundar Singh Majithia had been forcibly removed from the SGPC after protest from the Sikh Sangat for the reasons best known to the family.

The Majha leaders advised Majithia to look within and introspect before pointing a finger at others, particularly the Congress as his family has benefitted from the party. “Bikram should know that his current standing today is because of his family’s association with the Congress”, they pointed out, while asking him not to be so ungrateful. “If you are in Akali Dal today just perchance, it does not mean that you forget your Congress roots”, they reminded Majithia.

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START SHATABDI EXPRESS ON BATHINDA- DELHI ROUTE: CM URGES JOSHI
Chandigarh, October 9-
Seeking personal intervention of Union Railways Minister Mr CP Joshi, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today urged him to immediately start a Shatabdi Express train on Bathinda- Delhi Route via Jakhal-Rohtak to facilitate the people of Malwa belt.
In a letter to Mr Joshi, the Chief Minister apprised him that with the commissioning of Guru Gobind Singh Oil Refinery, Bathinda has recently emerged as a Petro-chemical hub in the North India and establishment of prestigious Central University, Hotel Management Institute Bathinda etc. had further necessitated the sanctioning of Shatabdi Express train on this route.  He said that the people of the region especially the residents of Bathinda had been demanding this train since long adding that that the local residents had been continuously impressing upon him to take up the matter with the Ministry of Railways to run a Shatabdi Express from Bathinda to Delhi via Jakhal-Rohtak to facilitate the people of region for a comfortable and speedy journey towards the national capital.
The Chief Minister also informed Mr Joshi that as the people from other states, especially the Army and Air Force personnel, frequently visit Bathinda due to Air Force Station and Army Cantonment located here to enable them a hassle free journey to the city. Mr Badal also pointed out that as several people from the area have to go Delhi for boarding international flights therefore this train was all the more important for them. Urging Mr Joshi to run Shatabdi Express on Bathinda-Delhi route forthwith, the Chief Minister said the starting of this train would usher in an era of economic development and prosperity in the region.       
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PB GOVT EXTENDS UPPER AGE LIMIT AGE FOR GOVT SERVICE FROM 37 TO 38
Chandigarh October 9:-
        The Punjab Government has extended the upper age limit for direct recruitment in government jobs from 37 to 38 years.
        Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that this decision is in pursuance of decision taken by Punjab cabinet on August 28, 2012 that granted one year extension to Group-A, Group-B, Group-C and Group-D employees retiring at the age of 58/60. He said that till this policy of one year extension remains in force the upper age limit for direct recruitment would remain extended from 37 to 38 years. The spokesman further said that the Personnel Department has issued notification in this regard and all the department have been instructed to ensure the implementation.

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PUNJAB TO HAVE SEPARATE POLICY FOR MARRIAGE PALACES- SUKHBIR

• ALL 1177 MARRIAGE PALACES IN THE STATE TOLD TO GET THEM REGULARIZED
• PUBLIC SAFETY, PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND SMOOTH PARKING TO BE ENSURED IN NEW POLICY

Chandigarh, October 9: Punjab has drafted a new policy for existing marriage palaces in the state keeping in mind public safety and public convenience.
This was disclosed by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal when a delegation of marriage palace owners called on him seeking early resolution of their problems. Mr. Badal said that he has already studied the problems being faced by marriage palaces and legal issues involved after recent court directive. He said that it has been decided to come out with the comprehensive policy for marriage palaces so that they can get them regularized after meeting the stipulations laid down in the policy. Mr. Badal said that new policy focuses on public convenience, public safety and smooth parking arrangement by each marriage palace. The policy mandates that each marriage palace would meet the fire safety norms as public security cannot be compromised. Mr. Badal said that the policy has created a new category for marriage palaces as earlier it was clubbed under commercial category giving a major relief to marriage palace owners. Mr. Badal said that the policy is working out classification of marriage palaces as per their location and size and detailed rates of change of land use, licence fee and other charges payable at regularisation would be notified in the policy. Mr. Badal said that keeping in view that working of marriage palaces was seasonal activity, a separate category for marriage palaces has been created.
Assuring decentralized and single window service for regularization of marriage palaces, Mr. Badal said that it was in the interest of marriage palaces to get their marriage palaces regularized at the earliest after meeting the norms laid down in the new policy.
Besides representatives of various associations of marriage palace owners, prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister besides Chief Administrators of all urban development bodies in the state.

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PUNJAB TO LOOK INTO THE SUGGESTION OF INCREMENTAL FLOOR AREA RATIO FOR INDIVIDUAL PLOTS- SUKHBIR

• NEW ACT SOON TO CHECK ILLEGAL COLONIES
• BUILDERS TOLD TO PROVIDE PROPER INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE INVESTORS
• ASSURES TO LOOK INTO SUGGESTIONS AND PROBLEMS OF BUILDERS AND MEGA PROJECT INVESTORS

Chandigarh, October 9: The Punjab government would positively look into the suggestion of introducing incremental floor area ratio for individual residential plots, that would give a major relief to plot holders.
This was announced by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal responding to suggestions given by a delegation of builders and mega project associations that called on him today seeking early redressal of their problems.
Addressing them, Mr. Badal said that Punjab government has already taken various steps to facilitate the planned growth of real estate sector and now it becomes the responsibility of builders and mega project owners to fulfil their promises made by them to the investors and general public while selling them plots and flats. He said that it was imperative for them to ensure self-sustained infrastructure proper internal road network, potable water supply system and underground sewerage besides common sewerage treatment plant as stipulated in the policy. He said that he was ready to give total support to builders and mega project owners provided they provide proper service to their plot and flat holders.
Mr. Badal said that he would look into the suggestions of increasing incremental floor area ratio for individual residential plots in the state. Presently FAR for 225 sq.m plot was 1.65, for 225-325 sq. m. was 1.40, for 325-430 was 1.25 and for 430 sq.m and above was 1.00. Mr. Badal said that he would ask urban development department to look into the suggestion and submit a report at the earliest.
Mr. Badal also assured to look into their suggestion regarding uniform building byelaws, clearance of PAPRA in parallel with plan approval process, accelerating the construction of access roads to new upcoming projects, 10% additional FAR for Green buildings certified by NEED and decentralization of plan approval system.
Mr. Badal announced that Punjab government was coming out with the new Act to check illegal colonies in the state. Mr. Badal asked them to lay the road network in their mega projects on green pattern. He said that projects coming up on highways and state highways would provide service lane along with the highway.
Besides representatives of various associations of builder and megar project owners, prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy Chief Minister besides Chief Administrators of all urban development bodies in the state.

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PUNJAB TO HAVE UNIFORM BUILDING BYELAWS FOR WHOLE STATE- SUKHBIR

• MAJOR REFORM TO CHECK THE DUPLICITY OF CONTROL AND HARASSMENT OF PUBLIC
• A MAJOR STEP FOR PLANNED URBAN GROWTH IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, October 9: The Punjab government would soon have uniform building byelaws for whole state to ensure planned growth of urban areas and to check the harassment of public by multiple authorities.
Presiding over the meeting of urban development department, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister  said that there were different sets of building byelaws for different buildings creating confusion in the minds of developer as well as public. He said that presently there were separate building byelaw for industry, another set of byelaws for IT sector, separate for municipal areas, separate for areas falling under local bodies and another set of byelaws for areas falling under urban development bodies. He said that duplicity of control and confusion regarding the fact which set of byelaws would be applicable on a said building was resulting in haphazard growth in the urban areas. He said that besides this with different bodies moving in different angles, the urban development was suffering from lack of uniformity.
Mr. Badal said that he has asked the urban development authorities to come out with a model set of building byelaws which would be applicable to all buildings whether industrial, commercial, IT sector or residential.
He said that uniform building byelaws for whole state was major administrative reform initiative by SAD-BJP government to check the harassment of the builder as well as general public. He said that the simplification would also result in early clearance of building plans submitted by the people. Mr. Badal said that he has separately ordered decentralization of building plan approval system to encourage people to opt for sanctioned plan and ensure uniform development of urban areas.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister besides Chief Administrators of all urban development bodies in the state.

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INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS OF MANDI GOBINDGARH MEET SUKHBIR

• SEEK EARLY RESOLUTION OF THEIR PROBLEMS

Chandigarh, October 9: Eleven industrial association of Mandi Gobindgarh today called on Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal seeking early resolution of their problems.
Mr. Badal listened to their problems and sought their suggestions for improvement of government systems and to make the system transparent, efficient and trust worthy. Principal Secretary Excise & Taxation Mr. D.P. Reddy, Commissioner Excise & Taxation Mr. K. Venuparsad were also present in the meeting. The industrial associations narrated their functional problems in the area of e-trip, tax collection and also told about problems being faced by the industry from various regulatory departments. Mr. Badal asked Principal Secretary Excise & Taxation Mr. D.P. Reddy to look into their suggestions and come out with the report within 5 days.
Addressing them, Mr. Badal assured early resolution of their problems and said that he in consultation with other industrial associations and various government departments would come out with viable and transparent solution to their problems. He appealed them to work for industrial growth of the state.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary SAD and representatives of eleven industrial associations.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO INTRODUCE NEW NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY POLICY–MAJITHIA
·        PRIME MINISTER DR. MANMOHAN SINGH INAUGURATES INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ‘ENERGY ACCESS’
·        MAJITHIA INVITES FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES TO INVEST IN PUNJAB 
·        PUNJAB TO HOLD BID FOR 400 MW NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY PROJECTS IN NOVEMBER
·        PUNJAB OFFERS HIGHEST TARIFF IN INDIA TO PURCHASE POWER GENERATED FROM BIOMASS PROJECTS 
·        FARMERS TO EARN AN ADDITIONAL INCOME OF Rs 2000-2500 PER ACRE FOR RICE STRAW

NEW DELHI/ CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 9:

 Punjab is all set to introduce a New Non-Conventional Energy Policy-2012 to meet the increasing demand of clean energy and to reduce the burden on conventional energy resources.

Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Non-Conventional Energy Minister, Punjab stated this during the two-day International Seminar on ‘Energy Access’ inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, here at Vigyan Bhawan, in which delegates from more than 30 countries and United Nations participated. Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Union Power Minister Mr. Veerappa Moily presided over the seminar.

Participating in the deliberations on ‘Energy Access’, Mr. Majithia said that Energy is the lifeline for overall development of any nation and according to the need of the hour in this sector, the Punjab Government has finalized a blueprint to eliminate the energy poverty in the state. He said that the expansion of Renewal Energy projects with proper execution could reduce the environmental threats including global warming etc.
The Minister said that by introducing the new and attractive policy on Non-Conventional Energy projects, the Punjab has announced the highest ever tariff to purchase power generated by bio-mass projects in the country. He said that more than 27 Lac Acres area in Punjab was under Rice cultivation, which produced 21 lakh MT rice straw which can be used as a raw material in Biomass Plants. He said that Punjab government has adopted modern techniques in the area of bio-mass projects which would utilize 100% paddy straw in boilers, which would prove a boon for the farmers as they would get an additional income between Rs 2000-2500 per acre for their paddy straw.    He said that to attract the giant players of Biomass sector, the Punjab Government has offered highest tariff of Rs 5.83 per unit to purchase the power generated by the Biomass plants while Andhra Pradesh was offered Rs 5.18, Haryana Rs 5.65, Maharashtra Rs 5.74, Rajasthan Rs 5.16, Tamil Nadu Rs 5.12, Uttar Pradesh Rs 5.24 per unit.

Mr. Majithia said that Punjab is leading to become a power surplus state as Punjab Government has made massive investments in both the Conventional and Non-Conventional Energy sectors. He said that four under construction thermal plants were on advanced stage of completion and with the generation capacity of 3920 MW from these plants, Punjab would become a power surplus state by the end of next year.

          Disclosing that Punjab would double its capacity for generating renewable energy in the state in next three years, Mr. Majithia said that initiating its commitment of doubling the capacity Punjab is going to launch a Bid for 400 MW Non Conventional Energy Projects in November 2012. He said that till now Punjab has total 515 MW renewal energy capacity, included 326MW of Biomass/Bagasse cogeneration including captive cogeneration projects, 46.5 MW Biomass Power Projects (IPP), 132 MW Mini Hydel Projects, 9.325MW capacity Solar Power Projects(IPP) and 1MW Waste to Energy Project. 
He said that under the upcoming policy Punjab would also provide Wheeling and banking facilities to the investors. Besides that the Punjab Government has decided to provide 50 % exemption on electricity duty on the power used during construction period by the investors. He also said that 100% Entry Tax exemption would also be given to the project holder in respect of all supplies made by setting up of the New Renewable Energy Projects besides that the Government has also announced VAT exemption on equipments required for these projects. The Minister further said that Government land, if available would be provided on lease for a period of 38 years having no CLU, EDU and any other fees for setting these projects. 
          Mr. Majithia said that Union Government should bring a special package of incentives for installation of Solar Energy systems so the people can use solar energy for their routine purposes.
          Mr. Majithia also exhorted the delegates and representatives from various countries to invest in Punjab for the proliferation of Non-Conventional Energy projects. He assured them that the Punjab Government would provide all the necessary amenities for the construction of plants besides providing attractive incentives.
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FAMILY PENSIONERS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE CAN OPT BETWEEN TRAVEL CONCESSION (TC) OR LEAVE TRAVEL CONCESSION (LTC)

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 9: The Punjab government had given option to family pensioners who get employed in government service or re-employed family pensioners to either claim the benefit of Travel Concession or the benefit of leave Travel Concession available to government employees.
Divulging the further details, the official spokesperson of the Finance Department said that the department has clarified that a family pensioner, who got employed in government service, should have the option to claiming either the benefit of Travel Concession as a family pensioner of the benefit of Leave Travel Concession admissible to a government employee. He said that the family pensioner could exercise the requisite option within a period of six months from the date of the joining the government services or from the date of issue of this latter, whichever is later. The spokesperson further said that the option once exercised, would be entertained as final.

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Rahul Gandhi to arrive in Amritsar on Wednesday

CHANDIGARH, October 8, 2012

Congress general secretary Mr Rahul Gandhi will be arriving at Amritsar on Wednesday at 10 am. After landing at Raja Sansi Airport at Amritsar he will straightway drive to the venue of his first meeting on the Airport Road itself. He will be received by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh and other senior party leaders from Punjab.
During the first session he will be addressing the office bearers of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, the PCC members, the members of the executive body, the District Congress Committee presidents, the block presidents, the MPs, the MLAs, ex-MLAs and ex-MPs and all those who contested the 2009 parliamentary and 2012 assembly elections, and the heads of the four frontal organizations including the Punjab Mahilla Congress, the NSUI, the Punjab Youth Congress.
This will be followed in the afternoon by his address to a convention being organised by the Punjab Youth Congress on the Attari no border. The convention will be attended by the executive members of the PYC and all the elected office bearers of the PYC.
Next day Mr Gandhi will meet the former PCC and district presidents at the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee office.
Later in the day he will address a students’ rally being organised by the Punjab unit of the National Students’ Union of India in the Panjab University.

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Cong antipathy to Sri Guru Granth Sahib pains and shocks Majithia
Opposition to "peace monument" amounts to lack of faith in the Holy Scripture

 Chandigarh October 8, 2012

The Punjab Minister for Revenue, Rehabilitation, Information and Public Relations Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that he had been deeply pained over what he described as “ill-informed, ill conceived and most unfortunate”  statement of  Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde  about the Peace Memorial for the 1984 tragedy in the holiest of the holy shrines, Sri Harmandar Sahib." This statement, has clearly been issued without studying the details of the monument project and it is clear that he has not been properly briefed and  in fact been informed.

“The Congress party  is raising a hue and cry over a purely religious issue of peace monument  only to divert the people’s attention from the mind-boggling scams that have hit the UPA. “Now that the flames of scams have reached the Royal Palace of the Gandhis through exposure of scams of Robert Vadra, the Congress party’s desperation has crossed all limits and it has been driven into this mindless opposition of a spiritual monument. Ther statements are shocking for their lack of sensitivity towards the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.” said Mr. Majithia in a statement here this evening.
 Mr. Majithia said that Punjab today is led by a visionary statesman like Mr Parkash SIngh Badal who has made supreme sacrifices and spent 15 years in jails in free India fighting for peace, human dignity, human rights and who considers communal harmony as his greatest achievement in life 

         Mr. Majithia, who is also the president of the Youth Akali Dal,  said that the whole world knows that the memorial would  be a spiritual monument. It will not be individual centric but will be divinely inspired by the presence of Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib in it and by love that conquers all enmity and ill will.   Do they not know that Guru Granth Sahib is an embodiment of the spirit of Sarbat Da Bhala.  “Therefore,   it is shocking that the Congress party and its leaders were still deliberately indulging in a vilification campaign over this  monument which will symbolize and spread the divine message of love, peace and human brotherhood as enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib.  “What is the Congress party’s case on the issue really? Are they telling that whole world that a monument which has Sri Guru Granth Sahib as its inspirational core will preach hatred, violence and terrorism? Is this the Congress party’s official view about Guru Granth Sahib and the Sikh religious places of worship? Has their desperation reached a level at which they have gone completely berserk in their opposition of the Sikh faith? asked Mr. Majithia.
    Mr. Majithia said that it was this mindset because of which the Congress government in 1984 had committed the cardinal sin of ordering an army assault on the abode of peace, divine love and spiritual enlightenment. That mindset is till persisting, and the Congress party and its leadership were now busy in a vilification campaign against the spiritual monument.
    Mr. Majithia took on Captain Amarinder Singh, daring him to clarify his stand on the army assault. “If he thinks building a peace monument against Operation Blue Star is wrong, then why had he enacted the drama of resigning from the Congress party in protest against this very operation?
    Captain Amarinder Singh should also clarify his stand on the innocents killed in 1984, said Mr. Majithia .
      Mr. Majithia said that   it was surprising and unbelievable that the Union Home Minister and the PPCC president were both opposing a monument which will symbolize the message of peace, communal harmony and human brotherhood as enshrined in the Holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib, transcending narrow communal, sectarian or ideological and political differences.   By doing so, the Congress party was in fact opposing the ideals enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib.
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PUNJAB ISSUES NOTIFICATION OF GIVING OPTION OF 1 YEAR EXTENSION IN SERVICE TO ITS EMPLOYEES

• TO BE APPLICABLE TO EMPLOYEES RETIRING ON OR AFTER 31 OCTOBER 2012

Chandigarh, October 8: The Punjab government today issued a notification amending Rule 3.26 (a) of Punjab Civil Services (First Amendment) Rules, Volume-I, Part-I, 2012, giving an option to its employees retiring on or after 31 October, 2012 for one year extension in the service with some conditions.
According to an official spokesman, this notification has been issued as per the decision of Punjab Cabinet taken on August 28, 2012.
According to the notification, this notification would be applicable to all Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D employees. This extension would be available to only those employees who would fill the required performa giving an option seeking one year extension in the service. The notification mentions that this option has to be submitted to Head of Departments at least three months before the date of retirement of the employee and option can be submitted till the date of retirement. Once submitted, the option will be final and would not be allowed to change, he clarified. 
According to notification, during the extended period of service under clause (a) of the rule a government employee shall be entitled to pay equal to the pay last dawn by him on the date on which he attains the age of 58 or 60 years as the case may be. The spokesman said that however, if a promotional post is available, he shall be eligible for consideration for promotion against that post and on promotion his pay shall be fixed under the relevant rules.
The notification mentions that the employees opting for extension would get all pensionery/retirement benefits after completion of extension period.

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SK MUNJAL APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF PTU’s BoG

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 08:

The Punjab Government today appointed Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Joint Managing Director, Chairman of Hero Corporate Service, Hero Moto Corp., Ludhiana as Chairman of the Board of Governors of Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar for the period for three years from the date he assumes the charge of the new assignment.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the notification to this effect had already been issued by the Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training. The terms and conditions of Mr. Munjal’s appointment would be issued separately.
        It may be recalled Mr. Munjal is a senior member of the $ 5.1 billion plus Hero Group and is responsible for developing growth strategy and implementation of new business plans for the Group.  He is on the boards of the Indian School of Business at Hyderabad and Mohali besides the Member of the Board of Governors of IIT, Ropar. Mr. Munjal
also remained the President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the year 2004-05. He has made significant contributions to the economic reforms process in India and is currently a member of Prime Minister’s Council on Trade & Industry. Apart from these challenging assignments, he is also the President of Dayanand Medical College and
Hospital, Ludhiana, besides his participation in several social and philanthropic activities.
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CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAVE OF SRI GURU RAM DASS JI
CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 8:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the Punjabis living in the country and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of fourth Guru of Sikhs Sri Guru Ram Dass ji, the founder of holy Sri Amritsar Sahib.    
In a message, the Chief Minister said that the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ram Dass ji would forever guide mankind on the path of righteousness, self-less service, humility and compassion.   Guru Sahib redeemed the humanity from the pangs of agony and sorrow in the materialistic world by showing the path of spirituality.  
On the occasion, the Chief Minister appealed the people to celebrate this auspicious day with utmost devotion and religious fervor rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.
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SUKHBIR FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF
PARKASH PURAB OF GURU RAM DASS JI

Chandigarh, October 8: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab on the eve of Parkash Purab of the fourth Guru of the Sikhs Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji.
In a message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Guru Ram Dass inspired us to live a life of compassion, humility, integrity and service to humankind. He was instrumental in building of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, considered to be the most sacred shrine of the Sikhs worldwide.
Calling upon people to follow the teachings of Guru Ram Dass Ji, Mr. Badal said that we have to work collectively to realize the Society envisioned by Guru Ji.

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MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON
PARKASH PURAB OF GURU RAM DASS JI

Chandigarh, October 8: Revenue,Information and Public Relations Minister of Punjab Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today greeted the people  on the eve of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji.
In a message, Mr Majithia said that to give the message of humanity, brotherhood , Guru ji had laid down the foundation stone of  Golden Temple at Amritsar, the holiest place of Sikhs.

PUNJAB ASKS IAS OFFICERS TO SUBMIT COMPLETE PROPOSAL FOR FOREIGN TOUR APPROVAL

Chandigarh, October 8:

The Punjab government today issued guidelines to all IAS officers to submit detailed application according to the check list issued by the government for seeking permission to go abroad at least 15 days before the tour.

According to an official spokesman, it has been noticed that cadre clearance/sanction proposals/proposals for foreign tours of IAS officers sent to personnel department usually lacked purpose of their foreign trip and also give incomplete details of the delegation and does not give information regarding the expenditure being borne on the tour. Besides this in number of cases, these proposals were being submitted just 2-3 days before the tour resultantly the concerned authorities got very short time to process such cases.

The spokesman said that the cases for cadre clearances/sanction of foreign tours of IAS officers should be submitted at least 15 days in advance. Besides this, before sending any such proposal to the personnel department the concerned administrative department should ensure such details like the name of institution sponsoring foreign tour/programme, whether sponsoring organization is a private or government/international, economic resources of the sponsored organization, any personal motive or benefit of the organization sending foreign tour invitation, the purpose of foreign tour, the benefit of foreign tour/programme to government/concerned department, which organization/department would bear the expenditure, the size of delegation for foreign tour/seminar/study tour, whether the permission of Chief Minister has been taken for the foreign tour.
The spokesman further said that it has to ensured prior permission of Government of India if the foreign tour for 3 weeks or more or the officer was invited directly and Punjab government was not bearing any expenditure on that or in the case invitation was from any private concern or officer was to get any fee or remuneration for work done by him.  
The officers have been asked to give detail of expenditure to be borne during foreign tour. Instructions in this regard have been sent to all Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries and Head of Departments.

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JOSHI PROVIDES MAJOR RELIEF TO INDUSTRIAL PLOT HOLDERS OF JALANDHAR FOCAL POINT
RECOVERY OF ENHANCED LAND COST SLASHED FROM Rs 323 PER SQ. YARD TO Rs 98 PER SQ. YARD
 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8:
The Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister today give a major relief to industrial plot holders of Focal Point Jalandhar Extension by slashing the recovery of enhanced land cost from Rs. 323 per square yard to Rs. 98 per square yard.
             In a meeting held here today with the industrial associations of Focal Point led by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. K. D. Bhandari, it was brought to the notice of Minister that PSIEC had issued notices in 2005 to 262 allottees of industrial plots of Focal Point Jalandhar Extension for recovery of enhanced land cost @ Rs. 323 per square yard. They informed that these recovery notices were issued based on the enhancement of land compensation by ADJ Jalandhar. The associations pleaded that they had been requested the Government to lower the enhanced land cost as this amount was exorbitant.
             Agreeing to their plea, the Minister decided to slash the recovery of enhanced land cost from Rs. 323 per square yard to Rs. 98 per square yard. This interim recovery would be made on furnishing an undertaking by the allottees to pay the difference between the actual recoverable enhanced land cost and interim enhanced land cost after finalization of the pending cases in various courts of law. This recovery would be subject to the judgment of Supreme court.
          The Minister said that this issue by making payment of interim the long pending demand of allottees for obtaining different nature of clearances to set up their projects would be satisfied. The concerned plot holders after discharging the liability of interim payment as above, should be able to seek clearances for permission to Mortgage, Transfer, Registration of Conveyance Deed, Change in Constitution etc.
He said that Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation had issued notices during the year 2005 to the allottees of industrial plots of focal point Jalandhar(Extension) for the recovery of enhanced land cost @ Rs. 323/- PSY. These recovery notices were issued based on the enhancement in land compensation awarded by the court of ADJ Jalandhar @ Rs.5,000/- per marla & Rs.690/- per marla. Terming the amount of recovery being exorbitant, plot holders had been requesting the Government to review and re-calculate the recoverable amount of enhanced land cost.
Shri Anil Joshi further said that a new policy for allotment of industrial plots/land in different focal points/industrial estates/colonies would be notified by the Government in due course of time. After finalization of new allotment policy, plots available in different areas should be advertised and made available to the entrepreneurs for setting up their units. He urged upon the prospective entrepreneurs to bring fresh investment in Punjab and take benefit of the conducive industrial environment prevailing in the state.
          Jalandhar Industrial Focal Point (Extension) Associations,  Laghu Udyog Bharti & allottees have welcomed the announcement made by the Industries & Commerce Minister, Punjab for giving major relief to the industrial plot holders of Focal Point Jalandhar (Ext.) and settling their demand which had been lingering for more than 15 years.
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SUBSIDY ON PURCHASE OF MILCH CATTLE----PHILLAUR

·ADVANCED DAIRY FARMING INSTITUTE TO BE SET UP

Chandigarh October 8: In order to develop dairy farming and encourage youth towards adopting it as a lucrative business in Punjab, the state government has decided to give 25 percent subsidy on the purchase of milch cattle. An advanced institute of dairy farming in collaboration with Israeli firm Dairy Farming Solutions (DFS) would be set up in the state. The institute would also provide the technique for the scientific handling and processing of milk.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Dairy Development Minister Punjab said that more hi-tech dairy units would be set up in the state and the subsidy amount for setting up the dairy units with 2 to 10 cattle would be deposited in the account of the beneficiary once the dairy unit was set up. Adding further, the minister said that in order to promote Dairy as an alternative venture to the agriculture, the Dairy Development Department has launched a comprehensive training  Programme for  young dairy farmers  in the state. He called upon the trainees to acquire excellence in the venture, so that they could run profitable dairying on modern lines as per latest techniques. He also emphasized the need to develop best breed of cows and buffaloes to enhance the production of milk in terms of quality and quantity.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ALLOTS  ONE ACRE LAND FOR CHARITABLE HOSPITAL AT GOINDWAL SAHIB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER, 8:

The Punjab Government today allotted one acre land for to construct a Charitable Hospital at Shri Goindwal Sahib, which would mainly benefit the border belt of Taran Taran and Amritsar district .

          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab today handed over an allotment letter to the representatives of the Brahm Giyani Sant Tara Singh Welfare Trust to built a Charitable Hospital at Shri Goindwal Sahib. Punjab government has allotted one acre land at the cost of Rs.48 lac and also gives relaxation for payment in 8 installments, instead of 5,he added.
A spokesman further said that presently, there was no hospital in Shri Goindwal Sahib, which results harassment of public as they have to travel Tarn Taran. Jalandhar or Amritsar.

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PUNJAB ORDERS DEPTS TO SEND THEIR E-MAIL IDS IMMEDIATELY
·       STATE PUT ON TRACK THE SYSTEM OF E-SUMMONING

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8:
The Punjab government has directed all the departments to send their precise e-mail IDs immediately so that a system could be put in place for better correspondence between departments and receipt of summons and notice of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court.

While disclosing this here, an official spokesman of state government said that following the directions of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, the state government had asked all the department heads to send their official e-mail IDs including the Boards and Corporations under them for sending of notice/summons through e-mail, but some departments have not send their e-mail IDs yet.

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440503 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 8:
          Paddy Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. Government agencies and private millers procured more than 440503  tonnes of paddy till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1770  procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy
 The spokesman of the Punjab government said that Out of total procurement of 440503 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 277176 tonnes of paddy till date whereas private traders procured 163327 tonnes of paddy. Till October 7, PUNGRAIN procured 71040 tonnes (25.6%), MARKFED procured 65029 tonnes (23.5%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 55340 tonnes (20.0%) PSWC procured 16270  tonnes (5.9%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 30445 tonnes (11.0%) of paddy.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 39052  tonnes (14.1%). 
          The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 108241 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Amritsar with 66293 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Kapurthla with 62647  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
 
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SENIOR JOURNALIST DEVINDER PAL BEREAVED

CM MOURNS UNTIMELY DEATH OF HIS BROTHER

Chandigarh, October 7, 2012

             Chandigarh based Staff Correspondent of Punjabi Tribune Mr Devinder Pal was bereaved today as he lost his younger brother Mr Rakesh Kumar (37), who breathed his last at village Khudi Khurd in district Barnala following a massive cardiac arrest in the early morning on Sunday.  He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son besides parents.
            In a condolence message, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of Mr Rakesh Kumar. Sharing his heart felt condolences with the members of the bereaved family, Mr Badal prayed to the Almighty to give enormous strength to them for bearing this irreplaceable loss in this hour of crisis and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

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CM NOT TO MEET MPS, MLAS AND THE SENIOR PARTY LEADERS BESIDES GENERAL PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 9

Chandigarh, October 7, 2012

Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal would be unable to meet MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders at CMO in Punjab Civil Secretariat and general public at his residence on Tuesday October 9, due to some pressing engagements. 
            Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr Badal would not attend his office on October 9 to meet the MPs, MLAs and the senior party leaders from 11am to 12:30 pm as per schedule. Likewise on the same day, the Chief Minister would also be unavailable to the general public from 4 to 6 pm at his residence. Inconvenience caused to MPs, MLAs besides general public was highly regretted, the spokesperson added.

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MAJITHIA CONDOLES THE DEATH OF  RAKESH KUMAR

Chandigarh October 7
Punjab Revenue & Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr Rakesh Kumar (37) , brother of  Chandigarh based Staff reporter of Punjabi Tribune, Mr Devinder Pal.
Rakesh kumar was passed away at village Khudi Khurd in district Barnala following a massive cardiac arrest in morning. He was survived by his wife, a daughter and a son..
Mr. Majithia shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give courage to bear this irreparable loss.
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PUNJAB DEPUTY CM CONDOLES THE SAD DEMISE OF MR. Rakesh kumar

Chandigarh October 7:
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today condoled the untimely demise of Mr.Rakesh Kumar (37) younger brother of senior journalist Mr. Davinder Pal, who died after a massive heart attack.  at his native village Khudi Khurd (Barnala)
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and he prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
No-PR-12/828
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296795 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 7, 2012

          Paddy Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. Government agencies and private millers procured more than 296795  tonnes of paddy till last evening. The State government  has made arrangements for the procurement of 150 lac MT of paddy in 1770 notified mandis/purchase centers against the expected arrival of 135 lac MT during the current Kharif season.
.         The spokesman of the Punjab government said that Out of total procurement of 296795 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 148087 tonnes of paddy till date whereas private traders procured 148708 tonnes of paddy. Till October 6, PUNGRAIN procured 39910 tonnes (27.0%), MARKFED procured 29128 tonnes (19.7%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 27209 tonnes (18.4%) PSWC procured 7510  tonnes (5.1%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 15967 tonnes (10.8 %) of paddy.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 28363  tonnes (19.2%). 
          The spokesman added that District Tarn Taran with 77626 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Amritsar with 51830 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Kapurthla with 32252  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
 
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BADAL DEMANDS TECHNOLOGY MISSION WITH AN ALLOCATION OF Rs. 5000 CRORE FOR 'DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE IN GREEN REVOLUTION AREAS'

• LAUDS PUNJAB FARMERS FOR THEIR IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION IN MAKING COUNTRY SELF-RELIANT IN FOOD PRODUCTION
• PLAN TO SHIFT 12 LAKH HECTARES FROM PADDY TO ALTERNATE CROPS
• TREAT LIVESTOCK AT PAR WITH AGRICULTURE FOR INCOME TAX AND OTHER BENEFITS
• UNION AGRICULTURE SECRETARY COMMENDS STATE INITIATIVES FOR AMENDING APMC ACT AND ENACTING A LEGISLATION FOR CONTRACT FARMING
• AMRITSAR TO BE INCLUDED FOR NVIUC

Chandigarh, October 6, 2012

        Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Government of India (GoI) to ensure the economic security and prosperity of Punjab farmers who played a pivotal role in securing national food security at the cost of the natural resources in terms of depleting soil fertility and declining water table.

        Addressing a high level meeting with the officers of the Central team led by Secretary Agriculture Mr Ashish Bahuguna, the Chief Minister said that GoI should come forward to bail out its beleaguered peasantry in this hour of crisis by incentivizing the promotion of the cultivation of alternative crops to paddy and wheat adding that this was not merely a problem of Punjab but must be viewed in a broad perspective as ‘national problem’. Mr. Badal highly appreciated the enomorous contribution of the state farmers in making our country self-reliant in food grain production adding he said, “Now it is the payback time for Centre government to help our farmers at this crucial juncture in recognition with their superb performance in the National Food Security”.

        Expressing gratitude to the Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar for deputing a high level Central team for detailed deliberations to chalk out an action program on the crop diversification with the state officers, the Chief Minister requested him to immediately constitute a high level joint committee comprising senior officers of the Central and state government for preparing a roadmap for diversification of Agriculture in the state.

  
Mr. Badal emphasized the need to immediately launch a technology mission for 'Diversification of Agriculture in Green Revolution Areas' with an allocation of Rs 5000 crore for 12th Five Year Plan period, on the pattern of the mission for 'Bringing Green Revolution to the Eastern India' (BGREI). Mr. Badal underscored the need for diversification away from the production of food crops mainly Rice, which was utmost necessary to sustainably manage the natural resource base and to adjust to the changes taking place in the domestic demand and supply of food grains.
        It may be recalled that of late the eastern states like Chattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have made their presence felt in the production of wheat and paddy, which had also compelled the state to diversify to other alternatives due to Centre's purported move to review the present system of Open ended purchase of food grains at MSP.
        Outlining the diversification program, the Chief Minister apprised the visiting team that the state government has planned to reduce the area under paddy from 28 to 16 lakh hectares in a phased manner over a period of six years. It is purposed to shift this area to Maize (four lakh hectare), Cotton (two lakh hectare), Sugarcane (1.5 lakh hectare), Fodder (1.5 lakh hectare), Agro Forestry (two lakh hectare), Pulses and Fruits & Vegetable (one lakh hectare).
The Chief Minister impressed upon the Centre to provide remunerative MSP coupled with assured marketing mechanism for the alternate crops especially Maize as the Punjab Government was seriously contemplating to enhance the present area under Maize cultivation from 1.5 to 5.5 lakh hectare. Mr Badal also asked the GoI to relook the policy of blending of petrol with ethanol by increasing it from 5% to 15% to promote conversion of Maize into ethanol. Mr. Badal also envisaged special assistance from GoI for installation of maize dryers in designated markets He also urged the Union Government to expedite the shifting of Directorate of Maize Research from Delhi to Ladhowal (Ludhiana) besides making the Borlaug Institute for South Asia functional at the earliest so as to develop Ludhiana as a hub for Maize breeding. Mr Badal also asked the Ministry of Food Processing to incentivize the setting up of Maize processing industry in the state to encourage its value addition and assured marketing support.
Urging the Central team to take immediate steps to boost the procurement of the cotton in state thereby encouraging diversification, the Chief Minister said that Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) should be asked to carry-out timely price support operations aggressively in all the 45 cotton markets across the state. He also demanded that a Regional Centre of Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) for research in Pulses and Soyabeen should be established in the state to develop suitable varieties of these crops for cultivation in the state. Likewise, Mr Badal also asked the centre to expeditiously set up a Centre of Excellence for Citrus at Abohar as the state government was planning to enhance the area under Citrus Orchards. To encouarage Agro-forestry, the Chief Minister asked for providing long term bank finance through NABARD (on soft loans or concessional rates basis to farmers) besides incentivizing establishments of hi-tech wood industry.
Reiterating that diversification to livestock sector was necessary to supplement the income of the farmers, the Chief Minister posed a program to be funded by the Central government for the promotion of Dairy, piggery, Goatry and fisheries. Mr. Badal also urged the Centre to declare Animal Husbandry Livestock activities like dairy, piggery, poultry, goatry and fishery etc. at par with the Agriculture so that the benefits like exemption of Income tax, interest rates etc. available to agriculture can also be extended to these activities. He also pointed out that the facilities of Kisan Credit Cards, presently available shoud be extended to dairy, piggery, pultry and fishery. He also demanded to provide subsidized insurance cover to livestock irrespective of the size of the herd besides establishment of Livestock quarantine station at Amritsar.
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister on the state diversification plan, Mr. Bahuguna appreciated the concerted efforts of the state government to implement the ambitious diversification plan to shift an area of 12 lakh hectares from paddy to other crops. He assured all possible assistance and co-operation on behalf of the GoI to make this mission a huge success. Mr. Bahuguna also lauded the initiative of the state government to amend Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) Act 1961 and to enact a new legislation on Contract Farming, which would be instrumental in providing forward linkages to the farmers to markets and industries. Mr Bahuguna announced to cover Amritsar for development of peri-urban cultivation of vegetables under National Vegetable Initiative for Urban Clusters (NVIUC). The Union Agriculture Secretary also assured to include Goatry and Piggery for assistance under the National Mission for Protein Supplement.  He also apprised the Chief Minister that he would soon take up the matter with his counterpart in Ministry of Textiles for opening more textile parks in Punjab to give an impetus to the processing of raw cotton in the state.
The prominent members of the Central Team included Joint Secretary Crops Mr Mukesh Khullar, Joint Secretary Food Processing Industries Mr JP Meena, Joint Secretary National Horticulture Mission Mr Sanjeev Chopra, Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr AS Nanda, MD Nafed Mr Rajeev Gupta and Director National Centre for Agriculture Research and Policy Dr Ramesh Chander.
The state was represented by Cabinet Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Gubachan Singh Babbehali, Chairman Punjab Farmer's Commission Dr GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development Mr GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Secretary Food Processing Mr DS Grewal, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor GADVASU Dr VK Taneja, Advisor Agriculture and MD Milkfed Dr Balwinder Singh Sidhu, MD Punjab Agro Mr KDS Bhullar, Secretary Mandi Board Mr MS Kainth and Director Agriculture Dr Mangal Singh Sandhu.  
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 CM DIRECTS PSPCL TO ACCELERATE THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP 1320 MW THERMAL PLANT AT MUKERIAN WITH AN OUTLAY OF RS 8000 CRORE

PROJECT TO HERALD OVERALL DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

BADAL ASKS SECRETARY POWER TO TAKE UP THE MATTER WITH NTPC FOR FAST EXECUTION OF WORK ON GIDDREBAHA THERMAL PLANT

  Chandigarh, October 6, 2012

            Taking a leap forward towards making Punjab a power surplus state, the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to expedite the process of setting up a new thermal power plant of 1320 MW capacity at Mukerian in Hoshiarpur district over an area of 900 acre involving an investment of nearly Rs 8000 crore.
            Presiding over a meeting of the top brass of the state government and delegation of the PSEB Engineers Association, the Chief Minister said that keeping in view the huge demand of power in the current scenario concerted efforts were required for augmenting the power supply in the state, for which this project has been conceived by the POWERCOM. Mr Badal said with the work on Thermal Power projects at Talwandi Sabo (1980 Mega Watt), Goindwal Sahib (540 Mega Watt) and Rajpura (1400 Mega Watt) was already going on war footing and once the generation from these plants starts, the state would be able to get 3920 MW of additional power which would help the state to become self sufficient in power.
            However the Chief Minister said that as the state government was vying to herald a new era of progress in the agriculture and industrial sectors, more power was required to achieve this gigantic task due to which need of the hour is to speed up the process of setting up public sector power plant at Mukerian. Mr Badal blamed the previous Congress government for not initiating any project for augmenting power generation and said our government had taken up several projects simultaneously which would change the entire power scenario in Punjab within next two years. Mr Badal said that had the Congress leaders acted wisely the power situation in the state would have been far better. He expressed hope that this power plant would be instrumental to cope up the power shortage across the state during the coming five years adding that only such pro-development decisions could take the state in the orbit of high growth trajectory because power was the key sector and the engine of overall growth.
Taking part in deliberations Secretary Power Mr Anirudh Tiwari apprised the Chief Minister that the POWERCOM had already cleared the proposal of setting up of this power plant in the recently concluded meeting of the board besides identifying the land where this proposed power plant would come up. Mr Tiwari further said that the modalities of land acquisition for this power plant would be finalized in coming few days soon after which the project would kick off. 
Assuring full support and co-operation to the POWERCOM for setting up this project, the Chief Minister asked the engineer’s delegation to work with full dedication, commitment and zeal for the successful completion of this project at the earliest. Mr Badal called up the Hoshiarpur Deputy Commissioner to facilitate the POWERCOM in the process of land acquisition so that the work on this ambitious project could be started soon. However he categorically said that the acquisition of land must be done in accordance to the policy of the State government stipulating that not even an inch of land would be acquired without the express consent of the stakeholders.  
Likewise the Chief Minister also directed Mr Anirudh Tiwari to take up the matter of expediting the work on construction of Thermal Power plant at Gidderbaha with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) on priority. Mr Badal said that with the commencement of both these projects Punjab would emerge as a major power generating state in the country.      
Responding to the demand put forth by the PSEB Engineers Association regarding the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement between the Punjab government, management of two successor companies of erstwhile PSEB namely Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL), Punjab State Transmission Corporation Ltd. (PSTCL) and all the unions and associations of PSPCL and PSTCL, the Chief Minister assured the Engineers that the state government was committed to implement the terms and conditions of the agreement in the right earnest adding that any issue pertaining to the POWERCOM would be solved on its basis. He also directed the Chairman Cum Managing Director (CMD) of the POWERCOM Mr KD Chaudhary to ensure the reorganization of the POWERCOM along with updating its infra structure so as to sustain the efficiency of the corporation for providing better services to its consumers. Mr Badal also directed the CMD POWERCOM to draft the suitable posting policy for the POWERCOM officials so that the dictum of ‘Right Man at Right post’ could be aptly followed for optimum utilization of the manpower of the corporation.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Secretary Power Mr Anirudh Tiwari, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar and CMD POWERCOM Mr KD Chaudhary. The delegation of PSEB Engineers Association comprised Patron Mr HS Bedi, President Mr Baldev Singh Sra, General Secretary Mr Sanjeev Sood, Mr Bhupinder Singh, Mr HS Bansal, Mr SS Josan, Mr Rs Sarao, Mr HC Kamboj, Mr Karnail Singh and Mr Rakesh Gupta.       

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5 PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, October 6:
The Punjab Government today issued postings and transfer orders of 5 PPS officers.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Home Department said that Sh Rashpal Singh Ghuman, has been transferred and posted as S.P.Headquarter Taran Tarn, Mr Rashpal Singh posted as  S.P.Headquarter Ferozepur, Mr.Narinder Pal Singh, posted as  A.I.G., CID Feropepur , Mr.Gurtej Inder Singh Aulakh has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commandant 3rd  IRB Ludhiana while Mr.Jatinder Singh has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commandant  4th Commando Bahadargarh.

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CONGRESS INTENTIONALLY RAISING BOGEY OF MILITANCY WITH AN EYE ON VOTES-SUKHBIR

• COMMITTED TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY IN THE STATE
• WARNS CONGRESS AND UPA AGAINST VITIATING PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE IN THE STATE
• RECOMMENDATION OF SHEILA DIKSHIT TO RELEASE ’84 RIOTS ACCUSED KISHORI LAL EXPOSES ANTI-SIKH MINDSET OF CONGRESS PARTY
• SUKHWINDER KUMAR SUKHI, BSP GENERAL SECRETAY ALONG WITH 10000 SUPPORTERS JOIN SAD
• BSP ON VERGE OF EXTINCTION IN PUNJAB WITH ALL MAIN LEADERS JOINING SAD
• CONGRESS PARTY AFTER BEING DECIMATED IN UP, BIHAR, GUJARAT AND MP SET TO LOSE ITS EXISTENCE IN PUNJAB
• ATTACK ON LT. GEN. BRAR FAILURE OF UNION HOME MINISTRY, BRAR BEING GOI PROTECTEE
• UNION GOVERNMENT FAILING TO CHECK THE SMUGLING OF NARCOTICS AND ARMS THROUGH INTERNATIONAL BORDERS
• PUNJAB TO CONTINUE SUSTAINED DRIVE AGAINST MILITANCY AS 184 MILITANTS ALREADY ARRESTED BY PUNJAB POLICE

NAWAN SHAHR, OCTOBER 5:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that Congress Party was intentionally raising the bogey of militancy on eve of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections, even when there was not a single case of militancy in the state.
            Speaking to the media persons after inducting, BSP leader Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi in the SAD fold, Mr. Badal said that as a Home Minister of the State he was fully committed to maintain the peace and tranquillity in the state and would not allow Congress Party to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere in the State. He said that raising the issue of militancy especially before any elections is the old experiment in the 'political laboratory' of Congress Party and intelligent electorate was now mature enough to see through the divisive games of Congress Party. Condemning the release order of Mr. Kishori Lal, who hacked Six innocent Sikhs during 1984 anti-Sikh carnage, Mr. Badal said that this crucial decision that too after the announcement of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections has to be seen in the context of Vote Bank Politics of Congress Party. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal would use every available forum to block the release of Kishori Lal and to ensure punishment for all accused of ’84 riots and they would not allow Congress Party to sprinkle salts on the simmering wounds of the Sikhs.
            Mr. Badal said that this was a deliberate attempt of Congress Party to distract the attention of public from the multi lakh crore scams including Coalgate. He said that earlier they tried to distract public by opening FDI in retail sector and now they have raised the bogey of militancy. He said that the fact is Lt. Gen. K.S. Brar (retd) is a protectee of Union Home Ministry and any attack on him reflects the total failure of Union Government to ensure protection of its own protectee. He said that Punjab police was not at all connected with the protection of Lt. Gen Brar and it was the sole responsibility of Union Government.
            Questioning the credentials of Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Captain Amarinder Singh for blowing up non-issues, Mr. Badal said that those swearing to decisive politics by consenting to Amritsar Declaration, propagating Khalistan movement in international media by organising their photo ops in Gurudwara of Canada under the banner of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ have no right to teach us patriotism. “The patriotism is not the sole copyright of Congress Party as it were Punjabis including Sikhs who made 80% sacrifices in the freedom struggle'  and SAD  has unparalleled record of Struggle against British and oppressive policies of  Congress.,” Mr. Badal commented.
            Reiterating the commitment of SAD-BJP Government to maintain peace in the state, Mr. Badal said that during last five six years Punjab Government had launched a sustained drive against militants and drug lords. He said that more than 50% of the country’s recovery has been made by Punjab Police and similar is the case of recovery of illegal arms and ammunition. He said that SAD-BJP alone had arrested 184 militants during last six years and five militants surrendered due to intense operations of Punjab Police. He said that 21 militants were arrested in Punjab in 2007, 32 in 2008, 52 in 2009, 58 in 2010, 11 in 2011 and 10 (upto September 30) in 2012. Mr. Badal said that it was the responsibility of the Union Government under which BSF is guarding the international border to stop the flow of arms and drugs in the state and record recovery of drugs and arms speaks aloud about failure of Ministry of Home Affairs under which BSF was functioning.

            Earlier welcoming Dr. Sukwinder Kumar Sukhi, District President Mr. Sohan Lal Dhanda of BSP in the SAD fold, Mr. Badal said that during last few all main leaders of BSP having mass base have opted to join Shiromani Akali Dal due to pro-poor, pro-dalit policies. He said that Punjab was the only state that was continuing Atta-Dal scheme for 17 lakh families without any break for last six years without any central government support. He said that Punjab is the only state that is giving Rs. 15,000 shagun on the marriage of girls of economically weaker families and now shagun is being credited in the account of bride five days before the marriage. He said that now BSP has lost its relevance in the state and every meaningful leader has joined SAD.

            Attacking Congress Party for diverting the attention of nation from the massive scams, he said that Congress Party with minority government in centre has no constitutional right to implement decisions like opening of retail, insurance and pension sector for FDI. He expressed concern that with opening of pension and insurance sector, the poor men savings would no longer be safe with another sub-prime crisis looming large in the Western countries.

            Reiterating the resolve of the government to continue development at the accelerated pace, Mr. Badal said that he has given final touches to a comprehensive plan of Rs. 8745 crore for integrated development of all 142 cities in next four in a phased manner, besides this Punjab has set aside Rs. 3561 crore for integrated development of Ludhiana besides more than Rs. 1197 crore investment on Ludhiana metro. He said that Punjab would be the first state in the country that would have all its cities linked with 4/6 lane roads at the cost of Rs. 15000 crore. He expressed happiness that all the three thermal plants in the state would become operational in 2013 that would add a generation capacity of 3920 MW at the cost of Rs. 22,000 crore. Mr. Badal said that with third edition of World Kabaddi Cup to be inaugurated on 1st December, 15 stadiums including 5 hockey stadiums would be completed by March next year with the cost of Rs. 146 crore. He said that he has already approved a Rs. 416 crore plan to restore the prime status of hockey again.

            Congratulating the workers for decimating Congress from the political scene of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that after getting extinct from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, Congress is working hard to save the genes of Congress species alive in Punjab. He said that recurrent outcry of “Captain” of sinking ship of Congress Party was just to remain in media. He said that sometimes he raises the issue of poor financial management forgetting that his government failed to provide free power to the farmers  and shagun to the poor for four and  half year of his tenure. He said that now Captain before raising the issue of militancy should check his own credentials but he did in a Gurdwara of Canada and what he signed in Amritsar.
            Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister also went to the residence of Dr. Sukhi and inaugurated a hotel. Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Chaudhary Nand Lal, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu (all CPS), Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon (all MLAs), Bibi Satinder Kaur Kariha, Mr. Mohan Singh Banga, Mr. Jagteshwar Singh Majithia and Mr. Resham Singh Thiara, chairman District Planning Committee.
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CM SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF ANTONY FOR AMNESTY TO SEPOY JASPAL SINGH LODGED IN JAIL AT OMAN

Chandigarh, October 5
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony seeking his personal intervention to ask the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for immediately taking up the matter with the Government of Oman to grant amnesty on utmost priority to Sepoy Jaspal Singh of the Punjab Regiment who has recently been traced in Oman, 41 years after he was declared ‘Presumed Killed in Action’ during the Indo-Pak war of 1971 at Hussainiwala Border.
            In a letter to the Union Defence Minister, Mr. Badal apprised him that Service No. 2452388 Sepoy Jaspal Singh of the Punjab Regiment has been presumed dead since 1971 Indo-Pak War and his widow & children were granted ‘Special Pension’ and other benefits including 10 acres of land by the Punjab government.
            It may be recalled that one Mr. Sukhdev Singh of Dugri Boormajra village of Ropar came in contact with Sepoy Jaspal Singh at Masira, Island Jail of Oman where the soldier was sent for kitchen duties in August 2010. Sepoy Jaspal approached him secretly and gave him details of his village Pamour in Fatehgarh Sahib District. The entire episode has been recently highlighted in the electronic and print media and caught the attention of the masses in Punjab.
Mr. Badal further said that this providential identification of a ‘War Hero’ needed to be investigated ‘Post-haste’ to establish the fact and if it was found correct, MEA may be urged to make concerted efforts to restore this ‘War hero’ to his family forthwith so that this unfortunate family may be able to cherish the company of their beloved in the twilight years of his life. This would be the ‘Most humanitarian task’ to enable this ‘War Hero’ to spend his last days with dignity, honour and love of his near ones, added Mr. Badal.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT STARTS ADMISSIONS IN ETT COURSES
ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR 4650 ADMISSIONS
APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED FROM 8TH TO 17TH OCTOBER

Chandigarh, 05 October- Punjab School Education Board has decided to give admission to 4650 students in 2 year ETT course in the academic session 2012-14.
Giving this information Director General School Education Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu said that applications would be submitted online from 8th to 17th October. He said that admission would be based on marks secured in 12th standard.
Applicants should apply at Director General School Education's office websitehttp://ett.ssapunjab.org.
 Mr. Pannu said if any applicant faces any problem in applying online then they can contact Block Level Education offices for assistance. He said that details regarding these admissions are available on Director General School Education's official websitewww.ssapunjab.org. 

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16 TEHSILDARS AND 3 DROs TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 5: The Punjab Government today issued transfer and posting orders of 16 Tehsildars and 3 District Revenue Officers with immediate effect.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Mr. Darshan Kumar has been posted at Mansa, Mr. Seema Singh posted at Sultanpur Lodhi, Mr. Kiranjit Singh Tiwana at Bassi Pathana, Mr. Gurcharan Singh Brar at Khamano, Mr. Sukhjinder Singh Tiwana at Dera Baba Nanak, Mr. Ram Kishan at Samana, Mr. Lakhbir Singh at Ropar, Mr. Pardeep Singh Bains at Nabha, Mr. Harphool Singh at Patran, Mr. Surinder Pal Singh at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mr. Manjit Singh at Jaiton, Mr. Varinder Singh at Raikot, Mr. Mohinder Singh at PWD Jalandhar, Mr. Gurjit Singh at Samrala, Mr. Jaswant Singh at Baba Bakala and Mr. Amrit Lal at Batala.

          The Spokesman said that District Revenue Officer Mr. Balraj Kaur Grewal has been posted at Ludhiana from Moga, Mr. Inderpreet Singh Kahlon has been posted at SAS Nagar from Ludhian and Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma at Mansa. 

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IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 7 TO 14 OCTOBER

CHANDIGARH, October 5:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 7-10-2012 to 14-10-2012. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Patiala Feeder and Abohar Branch respectively.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that direct distributaries of BML, in Group ‘A’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor of Group ‘B’ respectively.
The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and Branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, all the direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’ being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘B’.
          The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Sabhroan Branch, Lahore Branch, and Main Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively.
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CAPTAIN SHOULD INTROSPECT HIMSELF AND HIS CREDENTIALS: DHILLON, GREWAL

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4: Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, both General Secretaries of Shiromani Akali Dal strongly condemned the statement of Captain Amarinder Singh for asking CM’s stand on the incident of attack on Lt. Gen Kuldip Singh Brar (retd) and said that Captain should introspect himself and his credentials first before asking stand of the Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who is an unmatched statesman of the country.
          In a joint statement issued here today Mr. Dhillon and Mr. Grewal said that although we don’t require to answer to double faced and dubious character Captain Amarinder Singh on the issue but we want to set the record straight by telling Captain that Congress had always fished in the troubled waters. They said that it is a well known fact that for the last three decades, how many times Captain had hob-nobbed with the people, who are anti-national and anti-punjabis. They said that Captain who himself stands rejected today is trying to cast apprehensions on the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, whose secular credentials do not require any certification from Captain, who has a dubious record.
They said that the SAD Patron Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is an unparalleled leader, who has been elected for the fifth time as Chief Minister of the state by all the sections of the society. They said that Captain is known chameleon, who changes his colours according to his own vested political interests and personal gains and always keeps his own interests above before Punjab.
Mr. Dhillon and Mr. Grewal said that everyone in Punjab knows the fact that Captain during his tenure as CM had visited and addressed a gathering under the banner of Khalistan at Dixcy Gurdwara in Canada.          The duo said that the incident of attack on Mr. Brar has taken place on the foreign land and his security was under the domain of the Government of India and Punjab Government has nothing to do with his security.Instead of condemning the attack, Captain chose to create hue and cry to get political mileage since he was not only cornered by people of Punjab but also by his congress men.
They said that influential congress leaders like Mr. Jagdish Tytler and Mr. Sajjan Kumar, who are responsible for Sikh genocide in 1984 and found guilty by peoples’ court, were still in Congress Party and Captain should raise his voice for the expulsion of these leaders.
          They said that Captain was trying hard to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of Punjab by spreading rumours and raising the issue of revival of terrorism in the state only to save his own skin and PPCC Presidentship. The allegations of Congress president are baseless and unfounded the persons named by him are innocent and duly stamped by the court of law and people. They said that the fact is that the SAD is party of patriots and committed for the integrity and secularism of the country and has always fought for the sake of their motherland. They also reminded Captain that the great leaders of SAD including Sant Harchand Singh Longowal lost his life while Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra and Mr. Jagdev Singh Talwandi were also the sufferers.

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ISSUE OF DONATING ONE CRORE TO SANAWAR SCHOOL
SAD ASKS INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS TO CLEAR ITS STAND ON THE ISSUE
CONGRESS TRYING TO CREATE A REGIONAL DIVIDE IN THE COUNTRY-DR. CHEEMA

Chandigarh, October 4 : The Shiromani Akali Dal today took a serious note of the statement of the Punjab Congress Spokesman Mr. Sukhpal Singh Khaira opposing the donation of Rs. 1 crore to a school of national heritage importance in Himachal Pradesh and said that the Indian National Congress Party, which is a national party is hell bent on  dividing the country on regional lines.
In a statement released from the party head office here today, the party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that it was surprising that the Indian National Congress party which pretends to preach the spirit of nationalism in the country is behaving all together in an opposite way just for petty political gains. He said that the statement of the Punjab Congress Spokesman is clearly an attempt to divide the country on the regional lines and create a feeling of hatred among the people of both the neighbouring states.
Dr. Cheema asked the Indian National Congress party and Himachal Pradesh  Congress party to clarify their stand on the issue and cautioned the people of the Himachal Pradesh to beware of such evil designs of the Congress party and urged them to teach the Congress party a lesson in the coming assembly elections in the state just like people of Punjab.
Dr. Cheema further asked the Congress party high command that what is wrong if Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has given a token of affection to a reputed school of the country to promote quality education in the country. He said that the school had given a number of luminaries to the country and even now large number of students from Punjab are studying in the school. This mischievous action of the Congress party will also invite hatred for these students from the students of Himachal Pradesh and other states. “The action of the SAD President is also aimed at promoting goodwill among both the neighbouring states” he added.

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Congress condemns the utterly false, misleading and mischievous statement made by Sh. Sukhbir Badal Dy. CM today at Sanawar Public School HP, regarding the controversial Rs. 1 crore grant to his old school...................Sukhpal Singh Khaira, Ex-MLA

            Congress castigates the blatantly wrong statement of Sh. Sukhbir Badal made today at Sanawar Public School HP, saying that the Rs. 1 crore grant was not of the Punjab Nirman funds. I have presented documented proof of finance department wide their letter no. 3/45/09-FE 6/641 dated 01/10/12 in my press conference yesterday at Chandigarh. It is saddening to note that people at the level of Dy. CM indulge in hoodwinking the people very conveniently, which amounts to white lies. I challenge Sh. Sukhbir Badal to factually prove my allegations wrong or he should tender a public apology for misleading the electorate of Punjab for squandering tax payer’s money.
            Our opposition to the said grant of Rs. 1 crore is based on merits that the 18397 govt. schools of Punjab are in a pitiable condition. The children in the said govt. schools have to squat on the floor to study, there are no toilets, no safe drinking water, neither teachers in the govt. schools of Punjab. Had Sh. Sukhbir Badal given this said grant to the primary schools of the state, we could have improved the condition of atleast more than two dozen schools. I reiterate that if Sh. Sukhbir Badal has such a deep concern for the Sanawar Public School, why doesn’t  he donate from his profit making Oberoi, Trident hotels of Gurgaon or his many other profitable business ventures.
            I once again demand that the said Rs. 1 crore grant be given to elitist Sanawar Public School should be withdrawn immediately or I would be left with no option but to move the High Court of Punjab & Haryana.

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BADAL ASKS CS AND PSCM TO DAILY REVIEW PADDY PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS

DIRECTS DCs TO FOCUS SOLELY ON PROCUREMENT PROCESS

24X7 CONTROL ROOM SET UP UNDER ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR TO OVERSEE THE PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS ON WAR FOOTING

BADAL FOR STRICT IMPLEMENTION OF NEW MINING POLICY

MAJITHIA ASKS THE DCs TO BE EXTRA VIGILANT FOR PLUGGING LOOPHOLES IN PROCESS OF REVENUE GENERATION

ASKS DCs TO PLAY A PRO-ACTIVE ROLE IN PROVIDING CITIZEN CENTRIC SERVICES TO PEOPLE

CM ASKs MAJITHIA TO LAUNCH A 15-DAY STATE-WIDE CAMPAIGN FOR SANCTIONING UNCONTESTED MUTATIONS

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 04:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Chief Secretary and his Principal Secretary to monitor the progress of paddy procurement across the state on the daily basis so that this gigantic task could be accomplished in a hassle free, quick and smooth manner.

Presiding over a meeting of the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners here at Punjab Bhawan this morning, Mr. Badal constituted a three-member committee comprising Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Secretary Food & Civil Supplies to take stock of situation daily in consultation with deputy commissioners regarding the smooth procurement as well as prompt lifting of the paddy stocks from the Mandis to facilitate smooth procurement.  He asked the Chief Secretary to be in constant touch with the Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon to update him about the progress of procurement process.   The Chief Minister also asked the Chief Secretary to make deputy commissioners relatively free from the burden of other routine administrative works to enable them to solely focus on the procurement. 
The Chief Minister was apprised by the Secretary Food & Civil Supplies Mr. DS Grewal that the ongoing standoff by the staff of the state procurement agencies have been amicably resolved with the personal intervention of Mr. Kairon during a meeting held here today with their representatives, who assured to start the procurement operations in the mandis allotted to them from tomorrow. 
Referring to the shortage of jute bags, Mr. Grewal informed the Chief Minister that it would be soon sorted out as they had sufficient stock of jute bags for 100 lakh MT of paddy against the expected target of 135 lakh MT.   He assured the deputy commissioners the department was fully geared to ensure to make uniform supply of gunny bags in all the mandis across the state.  He also told the Chief Minister that Mr. Kairon would soon hold a separate meeting with the rice millers of the state for the storage of paddy in the state in which he would also discuss the smooth implementation of new paddy milling policy 2012-13 with all the major stake holders. 
It may be recalled that Mr. Kairon had already held a detailed meeting with the Aarthiyas yesterday seeking their whole hearted cooperation and support for the smooth procurement of paddy besides ensuring timely payment to the farmers of their produce.   
Mr. Badal also asked the Secretary Food & Civil Supplies to depute a Deputy Director exclusively to handle the affairs of lifting and milling of paddy in Ferozepur till the procurement operations were over.  Apart from this the Chief Minister also asked the department of Food & Civil Supplies to set up 24X7 control room under the direct control and supervision of Additional Director to oversee the procurement operations on war footing in order to ensure prompt redressal of grievances from the procurement agencies as well as the farmers.  
Acceding to the demand of deputy commissioners, Mr. Badal also asked the heads of the state procurement agencies to regularly visit the mandis for on the spot assessment of procurement operations on one hand and to provide logistics support on the other. 
Showing concern over the apathetic attitude of FCI for not adhering to the allotted quota of paddy procurement from past several years, Mr. Badal said that he would soon take up this matter personally with the Union Government for seeking necessary directions to make FCI for strict compliance of  its allotted share of procurement. 
The Chief Minister categorically asked the deputy commissioners to further direct their additional deputy commissioners (development) to ensure timely submission of utilization certificates of the development grants from the DDPOs and BDPOs.  He also asked them to ensure strict compliance of electronic transfer system for the disbursements of various grants under social welfare schemes to the genuine beneficiaries in a transparent manner.   He also asked the deputy commissioners to make optimum utilization of grants under MNREGA to ensure gainful employment to the local villagers.  Meanwhile, the Financial Commissioner Rural Development & Panchayats informed the Chief Minister that the department would soon receive funds to the tune of Rs.70 crore from GoI which would further generate employment potential for the rural labour force thereby giving a fillip to the rural development. 
On the issue of mining, Mr. Badal directed the Chief Secretary to immediately resolve this issue to ensure smooth, regular supply of minor minerals including gravel and sand on affordable prices to people as per the guidelines formulated under the new mining policy duly approved by the Cabinet recently. 
The Chief Minister also impressed upon the deputy commissioners to play a pro-active role in eradicating the menace of Cancer and drug addiction from the state by motivating the general public for this social cause. 
Taking part in the deliberations, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Mrs. Vinni Mahajan said that the biggest ever door to door campaign to identify the patients inflicted with cancer which had already begun from October 2 in Faridkot and would be replicated in other parts of the state from December 1 with an objective to provide prompt treatment and care with the financial support from Chief Minister’s Cancer Relief Funds.  She further said the Health department in tandem with Jails department would soon launch a massive drug de-addiction campaign to wean away the inmates from the curse of drug addiction besides transforming their lives as ideal citizens of the society.
In a bid to check the revenue leakage and bring transparency, accountability and efficiency in the Revenue department, the Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr Bikram Singh Majithia asked the deputy commissioners to be extra vigilant to plug the loopholes in the process of Revenue generation by making random checking in order to prevent malpractices at the cutting edge.   He asked the deputy commissioners to call up few sellers and buyers telephonically to ensure that there was no harassment in registration of sale deeds or sanctioning of mutations.   He also asked the commissioners and deputy commissioners to randomly check atleast 10 sales deeds every day to detect evasion of stamp duty being indulged by entering wrong code with a view to under value the property at the cost of state exchequer.   Mr. Majithia also asked the deputy commissioners to ensure that the persons on the key posts including patwaris, registry clerks, official of weapon branch, readers should be frequently shuffled in order to bring transparency in the system thereby not allowing them to work at the same place for a long term.  
Mr. Majithia also asked the deputy commissioners to sanction all uncontested mutations within 15 days of the sale deed and the copy must be supplied to the concerned party by the registered post.  The Minister pointed out details of all sale deeds and mutation would be entered on a new website for monitoring evasion of stamp duty, delay in sanctioning of mutation and to reduce harassment to common man.  To prevent harassment to the NRIs during the registration of their marriages, Mr. Majithia directed the deputy commissioners/ADCs to call up the parties on phone to confirm whether they were satisfied with the services rendered by the district administration or not.    He also asked the deputy commissioners to ensure that the information boards highlighting all government levies and stamps duty rates, to be supplied by the revenue department should be installed at prominent places in district, tehsil and sub-tehsil level.
Appreciating to the path breaking measures taken by the revenue department to enhance the state revenue collection, the Chief Minister asked Mr. Majithia to launch a 15 days state-wide campaign for sanctioning uncontested mutations at all the district headquarters.    
 Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. Satish Chandra, Financial Commissioner Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Forests Mr. DS Bains and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu besides several senior officers of the state government. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPARISON OF ACCOUNTS’ FIGURES

·       MONTHLY ACCOUNTS BE FURNISHED TO ACCOUNTANT GENERAL UP TILL 20TH OF EVERY MONTH

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4:

          The Punjab Government has instructed all the departments to furnish the monthly accounts’ figures to the office of Accountant General, Punjab up till 20th of every month.
          While disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of Finance Department said that now onwards, Departmental Heads and Accountant General, Punjab would be held equally responsible for rectification of comparison of account figures and misclassification. He said that the office of Accountant General had apprised that most of the Controlling Officers had not compared the debit and credit expenditures’ figures of their departments as yet. He said that all the departments have now been instructed to compare the monthly figures with the office of Accountant General through their officer deputed for this task. The spokesman said that failing to compare the figures, departmental action would be taken against the erring officers.

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INTERVIEW OF PARA MEDICAL STAFF FROM OCTOBER 13 TO 15 AT PATIALA
 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4:
The Punjab Government today announced the schedule for the interview of Para Medical staff and the interview of eligible candidates would be conducted from October 13 to October 15 at Government Medical College, Patiala.
According to a spokesman of Medical Education and Research Department, application had been invited in December 2011 and July 2012 for various posts for Para Medical Staff including TB Health Visitor, Dissection Hall Attendants, Refractnists, Public Health Nurses, Speech Therapists, Audio Visuals, Medical Social Worker, Dark Room Worker, Social Worker, Psychiatric Social Worker, Dark Room Assistants, Staff Nurses, Laboratory Attendants and Drivers. He said that after scrutiny of applications, eligible candidates have been invited for interview to be started from October 13 at Government Medical College, Patiala.
The Spokesman said applications with technical deficiencies have been highlighted on the website of the department and after removing the deficiencies the candidates can submit their applications with the Medical Education and Research Department by October 11 till 5pm.  He also informed that the separate invitations for the interview would not be sent. He said that candidates can get further information regarding interview and other recruitment process from the websitewww.punjabmedicaleducation.org by clicking on recruitment page orwww.pnrc.in.
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PANCHAYAT DEPT ORGANIZES FOUR DAY TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR OFFICIALS
 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4:
 The Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Punjab organized a four day training workshop for newly appointed District Development and Panchayat Officers (DDPOs), Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) and other employees at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, here.
While disclosing this here, the official spokesperson of the department said that this workshop was organized to aware new officers about the working of the department and to bring more transparency in the working. He said that Panchayat Department is being strengthened with all high tech facilities. Therefore, it was a need of hour to make all officials of the department familiar with these technologies. During the workshop, senior officials of the state government trained DDOPs, BDPOs, Date Entry Operators, Accountants and Assistants in different phases to implement all government schemes at ground level.
The spokesperson further said that special sessions were held for the implementation of e-panchayat and to sort out any obstacle in the way of online panchayat accounts. He said that officials were also asked to submit feedback report to improve the working of the department.

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NETHERLANDS TO COOPERATE WITH PUNJAB FOR EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY AND TRADE
·        EXPERTS OF PUM-NETHERLANDS MEET ANIL JOSHI
·        PUM TO IMPART FREE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE COOPERATION

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4: The Netherlands Government today announced to extend free Technical and Managerial expertise along with the consultancy service to India and particularly to the Punjab for the proliferation of industry and trade.
          The announcement was made by the senior experts of Pum-Netherlands during a meeting with Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Anil Joshi here with a view to expand industry and trade in the state with the bilateral cooperation in this field. 
          Sharing the vast experience of the organisation with the Industry Minister, Country Coordinator Mr. John De Bruijn said that presently the Pum was extending free cooperation to 67 developing countries including India in the field of Technology, Quality and Management. He said that the sole aim of the organisation was to make industries and trade more beneficial by improving technology, quality and managements. He also said that all the expenditures of sending experts bear by the Netherlands Government.
          Mr. Bruijn informed the Minister that as PUM was already cooperating Punjab in various industrial sectors but now the Netherlands Government seeks to further strengthen the industrial and commerce ties with Punjab.

          The Industry Minister apprised Mr. Bruijn that Punjab Government has set-up world class infrastructure to fetch big investments in the state besides fixing a target of Rs. 1 Lakh Crore investment. He said that for achieving this huge target the state has been fully connected with 4/6 lane road networks and the Punjab was the first state in the country having 5 airports. He said that Punjab would also become a power surplus state with a generation capacity of 3920 MW as by the end of next year maximum units of four under construction thermal plants would become fully operational.
          Mr. Joshi also assured the delegation of PUM-Netherlands that Punjab Government would extend full cooperation to the organisation in all spheres. Mr. K.R. Jain, Representative of PUM-Netherlands in Punjab, Director Commerce Department Mr. Vikas Partap and Mr. Dinesh Lakra, Chairman Small Scale Industries was also present. 

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JOSHI ORDERS TO PSIEC TO HAND OVER PHYSICAL POSSESSION OF PLOTS TO ALLOTTEES

Chandigarh, October 4:
Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab today directed Punjab Small Scale Industries and Export Corporation to hand over the physical possession of industrial plots to the allottees with immediate effect. He further gave instructions to the officers of different departments connected with the implementation of the projects for providing speedy clearances to the allottees.   
A spokesman of the Punjab government said that Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation Limited finalized allotment of around 450 Industrial plots in different focal points in Punjab during November-December, 2011 to the entrepreneurs for setting up different nature of projects. It was explained that owing to certain administrative reasons, physical possession of the allotted plots had been withheld by the Government. He said that these allotments were made in the focal points under General Scheme covering Bathinda, Tanda, Dera Bassi, Mandi Gobindgarh, Amritsar, Mohali, Abohar, Mukatsar, Raikot, Chanalon, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Sangrur, Ludhiana etc.
          Later, while presiding over the meeting of representatives of focal point associations, Mr. Joshi pointed out that physical possession of the plots had been withheld as Government was in the process of formulating a new allotment policy.
          The spokesman added upon obtaining possession of the plots, the allottees would be able to get their projects financed, building plans approved, make arrangement for power connection, obtain clearances from PPCB and other departments.
          Mr. Anil Joshi also pointed out that a new policy for allotment of industrial plots/land in different focal points/industrial estates/colonies would be notified by the Government in due course of time. After finalization of new allotment policy, plots available in different areas would be advertised and made available to the entrepreneurs for setting up their units. He urged upon the prospective entrepreneurs to bring fresh investment in Punjab and take benefit of the conducive industrial environment prevailing in the state.
          Bathinda Chamber of Commerce & Industry, United Cycle & Parts Association Ludhiana, Focal Point Association Mandi Gobindgarh, Mohali Industry & Commerce Association & Allottees have welcomed the announcement made by the Industries & Commerce Minister, Punjab  for handing over possession of the industrial plots to the plot holders and providing them other facilities paving way for implementation of their projects.

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VAT TRIBUNAL MEMBER BASSI RELIEVED
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4:
Mr. J.S. Bassi, Member, Punjab Value Added Tax (VAT) Tribunal has been relieved from his duties with effect from September 27, 2012 on completing the term of three years as per section 4 (7) of the Punjab Value Added Tax Act, 2005. It was disclosed by the official spokesperson of Excise and Taxation Department.

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WORLD CLASS HOCKEY STADIUM AT MOHALI TO BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER 15: SHARANJIT DHILLON

·        MINISTER REVIEWS THE STATUS OF CONSTRUCTION
·        ASTROTURF TO BE LAID ON THE PATTERN OF LONDON HOCKEY STADIUM
·        PLAN TO CONSTRUCT FIVE MORE WORLD CLASS HOCKEY STADIUMS

 SAS NAGAR (MOHALI), OCTOBER 4: The World Class Floodlit Hockey Stadium under construction in Phase-9 would be completed by November 15 this year with a total cost of Rs. 41 crore, where the Pink and Blue Astroturf would be laid on the pattern of London Hockey stadiums.

This was disclosed by PWD Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, who was reviewing the status of construction work along with the official of PWD. He said that the stadium would have the world class infrastructure in a total 12 acres of land. He said that the stadium would have a capacity of 50,000 spectators besides a reserved sitting capacity of 200 VVIPs.  

Answering the queries of media persons, Mr. Dhillon said that this world class stadium would be equipped with best sports infrastructure including hi-tech changing room, first aid room, dope testing laboratory, restaurant, gym, canteen, fully computerised office and VVIP and VIP Galleries. He said that special arrangements have also been made for power services in the stadium.  

Responding to a query, the Minister said that the SAD-BJP Government was fully dedicated to encourage the youth towards sports by providing them best sports infrastructure, facilities and jobs in various departments. He said that under the dynamic sports vision of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Punjab government has chalked out a special plan to motivate the children towards sports from their preliminary school days.  He said that it was the result of SAD-BJP Government’s efforts that our mother sport Kabaddi has got acclaimed on International level.

Mr. Dhillon said that on the pattern of SAS Nagar, the Punjab Government would also construct world class hockey stadiums at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Faridkot and Bathinda. He said that 9 multipurpose floodlit stadiums were also under construction in the state. The Minister said that all the highways in the state would witness 4/6 lanes and the construction on some major roads would be started in this year. He said that the directions have also been issued to the concerned authorities to complete the remaining patch works by November 15.

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SIRHIND CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE FOR 21 DAYS
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4:
The Sirhind canal off-taking from Ropar Head Works would remain closed from October 8 to October 28, 2012 (both day inclusive) for 21 days due to the construction of four-laning of road with flyovers along with Sidhwan Canal by Public Works Department (B&R).
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal for shorter span has been taken keeping in view the congenial weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops.

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Chandigarh, October 4:

         The Punjab government has designated the State Council of Education Research and training Punjab as the academic authority for the purpose of developing in service teacher training design to implement the right of children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.
According to an official spokesman of the Education department it shall be responsible to implement the process of holistic school and quality assessment on regular basis.
He said that the state council of state council of education research and training Punjab shall be the academic authority who shall formulate the relevant and age appropriate syllabus and text books and other learning material and also prepare guidelines for putting Continuous and Comprehensive Evolution (CCE) into practice.
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 ·        CM KICK-OFF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR BASSI PATHANA
 ·        UPA GOVERNMENT INFRINGING THE RIGHTS OF STATES-BADAL
 ·        CENTRE HINDERS SMOOTH PADDY PROCUREMENT
 ·        SAD-BJP BRINGS COMPLETE PEACE AND COMMUNAL HARMONY IN PUNJAB
 BASSI PATHANA (FATEHGARH SAHIB) OCTOBER 3:

 In a bid to accelerate the mission initiated by the SAD-BJP government to strengthen the infrastructure throughout the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today kicked off the development program in the Bassi Pathana constituency by laying the foundation stone of an ultra modern PRTC bus stand to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 4 Crore.
Addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion, Mr. Badal said that the state government had already prepared a comprehensive plan to provide all basic civic amenities like fresh drinking water, sewerage system, roads and street lights etc. in all the towns of the state and same would be launched for Bassi Pathana soon in a phased manner.
Mr. Badal also announced a new Veterinary Hospital, Administrative complex, Community Centre and Sports Stadium    besides a Skill Development Center for Bassi Pathana for imparting skill tanning for the uneducated or dropout youth of the area to handsomely earn their livelihood. Reiterating the firm commitment of SAD-BJP government for bringing overall development of the state and facilitate the people, Mr. Badal said that the state government was adopting a new system to provide pensions and Shagan to the beneficiaries at their door steps through the active involvement of banks, which would also avoid their unnecessary harassment .
       
Lashing out at the Congress led UPA government, the Chief Minister said that the Union government has indirectly encroached upon the rights of state by imposing terms and conditions on grants given to them where as these funds are in fact the taxes collected from the states only.  Mr. Badal said that by imposing their policies on the state governments, the Center government was weakening the basic foundations of the Federal system in the country which was not in the interest of the democracy. He emphasized on the cordial Centre-State relations for the prosperity of the country and said that the agrarian state like Punjab had suffered a tremendous loss because of Centre’s anti Punjab and anti farmer policies that had shattered the state’s economy.
He said that the Union government was indebting the poor countrymen by exorbitantly hiking the price of petrol, diesel and LPG at regular intervals and now they were again planning to hike the diesel price. Training his guns against the Congress party the Chief Minister said that the countrymen are fed up from this anti-people, UPA government. During its regime the social maladies like unemployment, poverty, inflation and illiteracy have increased manifolds, added Mr. Badal.
          Mr. Badal asserted that SAD-BJP government had fulfilled its each and every promise that they had made with the people of Punjab and had changed the scenario in sectors like school & higher education, health, skill development, employment generation, sports and many other. The promise to make Punjab a surplus state in power sector would also be fulfilled shortly with the completion of three thermal power plants at Rajapura, Talwandi Sabo and Gowindwal Sahib.
Referring to the issue of FDI in retail, Mr. Badal said that SAD was not in the favour of FDI in retail sectors, as it would directly affect the domestic retail business. 
          Earlier MLA Justice Nirmal Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and raised certain development issues of the constituency, for which Chief Minister had made announcement on the spot.
Later, talking to the media persons Mr. Badal said that there was complete peace and communal harmony in the state and no question of revival of terrorism in the state. Replying to another question regarding e-billing, Mr. Badal said that it was a new system introduce to bring transparency and every concerned sector must adopt it willingly. He also informed that state had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth procurement of paddy but non availability of storage as centre’s laxity on moment of paddy was hindering the entire operation.
 Prominent amongst those who spoke on the occasion included Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Rural development Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhara, senior SAD leader Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and MD PRTC Mr. DPS Kharwanda. Besides,   MP Mrs. Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Secretary Transport Mr. Mandeep Singh. and many other SAD, BJP leaders & SGPC members attended the function.
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FAIPT now received a letter from the OMCS for a meeting on 5th October at New Delhi to discuss issues involved in the re-working of the Petrol Pump Dealers’ commission - Grewal
 Ludhiana, October 3, 2012
Sukhminderpal  Singh Grewal, National Secretary, Fedration of All India Petroleum Traders (FAIPT) has said Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy had directed his Officials in the Ministry to write a letter to the Oil companies asking them to rework the commission payable to dealers on petrol within a specific time frame of fifteen days.