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CM GIVES APPROVAL TO APPOINT 25 SENIOR MANAGERS &
70 MANAGERS IN PSCBs

ALSO OKAYS RECRUITMENT OF 500 CLERKS-CUM-DATA ENTRY OPERATORS

CHANDIGARH APRIL 15:
            In a bid to overcome acute shortage of staff in the Punjab State Cooperative Banks (PSCBs) across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has given nod to appoint 25 Senior Managers and 70 Managers through direct recruitment besides 500 Clerks-cum-Data Entry Operators through a reputed recruitment agency in a transparent manner. 
            According to the spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, Mr. Badal cleared this file to this effect agreeing to the proposal mooted by the Punjab State Cooperative Bank to fill these vacancies so that the Core Banking System (CBS) could be implemented in the right earnest.  The newly appointed Senior Managers and Managers would be entrusted with the task of handling the latest banking facilities of ATMs/RTGS/NEFT/CTS in these banks.  The Clerks-cum-Data Entry Operators would be recruited through the designated recruitment agency in a centralized manner on the basis of merit of written test and would be posted in the 20 Central Cooperative Bank and Punjab State Cooperative Banks in the state.   


CM SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF AGRICULTURE
URGES CENTRE TO INCENTIVIZE THE BASMATI CULTIVATION IN THE STATE TO BOOST ITS EXPORT PAWAR TO SEND CENTRAL TEAM TO STUDY SCOPE OF CROP DIVERSIFICATION

New Delhi, April 15-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today sought a special package to bail out state’s distressed peasantry from the vicious circle of stagnated agrarian economy for the want of proper infra structure and marketing mechanism. 
          The Chief Minister called on the Union Agriculture Minister Mr Sharad Pawar in his office here at Krishi Bhawan this morning urging him to help the state in propagating its much needed crop diversification plan as the traditional agriculture was no more a profitable occupation due to the squeezed margins of profit owing to non-remunerative MSP coupled with the hike in agricultural inputs.  Mr Badal impressed upon the Union Agriculture Minister to immediately sanction Rs 5000 crore for diversification program in the state to shift the majority of cultivable area from paddy to cash rich crops like Maize, Oilseeds, Fruits, vegetables and others. He pointed out this could only happen with adequate technical and financial support from centre adding Mr Badal said that Rs 500 crore sanctioned by the Centre for pursuing crop diversification program in Punjab and Haryana was ‘too little and inadequate’.
The Chief Minister said that centre should considerably hike this amount to Rs 5000 crore on the pattern of “Bringing Green Revolution in the Eastern States Program”. He bemoaned the pathetic condition of the Punjab farmers who were already at the crossroads and felt ditched by the Government of India (GoI) for its adverse policies. Mr Badal however informed the Union Agriculture Minister that the state government had already drafted a Agriculture policy aimed at pushing the agenda of crop diversification, which was the hallmark of farmer’s prosperity in general and boosting the state’s economy in particular.
Pleading the case of Agriculture Diversification, the Chief Minister said that centre should come forward for incentivizing the Basmati cultivation which was not only a profitable preposition but also less water intensive as compared to the Paddy. He said Basmati from Punjab had a viable export market across the globe which could further be stepped up with continuous support from the centre. Mr Badal also called upon the Union Agriculture Minister to earmark sufficient funds to the Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, a premier Agriculture institute of the region, to undertake extensive research in the field of crop diversification.   
Responding to the various issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr Pawar assured him that the Union government was already seized of the state’s concern for crop diversification. The Union Agriculture Minister said that he would soon send a central team of experts on Agriculture diversification to explore the possibility to help the state to switch over its sizeable cultivable area under paddy to other alternate crops besides promoting Dairy Farming, Horticulture, Floriculture, Fishery, Goatary, Piggery and Bee Keeping in a big way.   
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr Harcharan Bains, Financial Commissioner Development Mr Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema.
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CONFERENCE OF CMS ON 2ND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS COMMISSION
PUNJAB OPPOSES CENTRE’S MOVE TO ENCROACH STATE TERRITORY IN FEDERAL CRIMES

·        SUKHBIR DESCRIBES PUNJAB AS PIONEER STATE IN IMPLEMENTATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
·        PUNJAB’S RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT BEING REPLICATED BY UNION GOVERNMENT
·        PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO START NIGHT POLICING
·        SEEKS 100 MULTIPLE ENHANCEMENT IN MODERNIZATION BUDGET

New Delhi/Chandigarh, April 15: The Punjab today strongly opposed the move of Union Government to introduce new law and procedure of investigation in some crimes that may have national or international ramifications, terming it as a encroachment upon the authority of the state governments but sought massive infusion of funds to control such crimes.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, participating in the Conference of Chief Ministers on 5th Report on Public Order of 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, presided over by Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde underlined that such encroachments would not only harm policing in particular but would also harm the national interest in general. He said that instead of enacting new law massive funding was required to control crime which have been interstate and national ramification especially, Organized Crime, Terrorism, Acts threatening National security, Trafficking in arms and human beings, Sedition, Major crimes with inter-state ramification, Assassination of (including attempts on) major public figures including Serious economic offences.
Underlining the responsibility of the Government of India to ensure sufficient funds for control of serious federal and interstate crimes, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister said that India must learn a lesson from USA that clamped down hard after the one and only terrorist attack in New York. He lamented that in contrast our funding to control serious crime is virtually non-existent and whatever meager funds were provided they are spread thinly for years. He said that the Government of India used to provide 75% funds for police modernization that has been reduced to 60% now.
Seeking enhancement of modernization budget by the multiple of hundred, Mr. Badal suggested that police modernization should be funded entirely from the federal budget to keep nation safe from foreign funded terrorists or institutionalized big crime syndicates.
Welcoming the report of Administrative Reforms Commission, Mr. Badal reminded that while implementing these recommendations we must remember the golden rule that the Constitution of India had laid down a federal structure of government maintaining that India is a Union of States and the maintenance of law and order was a State subject and there should not be any deviation from this.
Describing Punjab as a pioneer state in implementing Administrative reforms in all departments especially in Police department, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was first state in the country that introduce the element of accountability an enacting Right to Service Act covering more than 84 services which was now being replicated by Union Government for few selected services. He said that providing of Civil Services of Police Department in Sanjh Kendras boosting the morale of Constabulary and police force by providing them highest pay grades, providing inculcating etiquettes amongst the police forces by providing specialized and computer oriented training, fixing timelines for provision of each service, the Punjab has made a noble model of policing that other states were now following.
Dwelling on the new concept of night policing started by Punjab, Mr. Badal said that by doing so Punjab has a dedicated force for night dominance headed by separate Superintendents of Police in each district. He said that by the experiment of night policing Punjab has been able to curb petty property crimes, affecting the common man most.
The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister who is also holding the charge of Home department said that Punjab government had already implemented most of the recommendation regarding Police reforms it passed The Punjab Police Act in 2007. He said that a large number of recommendations of the Fifth Report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission such as separation of crime investigation from other police functions, establishment of a State Police Board, welfare and grievance redressal mechanism for police personnel, Police Complaints Authority and police training have been addressed in the Punjab Police Act.
Focusing on efforts of State to bridge the distance between the police and the community, Mr. Badal said that community Policing project initiated by Punjab named Sanjh Project has been implemented throughout the State. He said that for redressal of public grievances. 90 Sub-Divisional Centres and 54 Outreach Centres are functional as on date. 25 Police Services are delivered through these Saanjh Kendras in the whole state of Punjab. Upto the 31st of March, 2013, 16.82 lakh applications/complaints were received in these Saanjh Kendras throughout the state; out of which  16.58 lakh  service  applications have been disposed off and services delivered under Right to Service Act. This Act was enacted by the Government of Punjab in 2011.
Giving a big thrust to gender sensitization, Mr. Badal informed that Punjab is in the process of recruiting 338 ladies Sub-Inspectors and 1200 lady Constables will be recruited in a phased manner over a period of three years. He said that in addition to these, six posts of lady DSPs and 36 lady Inspectors have been approved to provide promotional avenues, besides improving the ratio of female in the force.
Mr. Badal said that Punjab is the first state to provide rapid rural police response system for immediate and timely response to calls for police service to ensure comprehensive and round the clock security in rural areas. He said that 585 state of the art motorbikes and 289 multi utility vehicles fitted with all necessary police equipment will be provided for this purpose at the cost of Rs 34 crores.
Mr. Badal also highlighted measures taken for NRIs, redeployment of security personnel and vehicles by rationalizing VIP security and focus on training of Police personnel.
Dwelling on the recommendations for separating investigation from law & order duty, Mr. Badal opined that the Chief of Investigation Wing should be under DGP and Punjab Police had already issued a clear standing order separating investigation from law & order duty.
                   Mr. Badal also spoke on Accountability of Law and Order Machinery, Police Establishment Committee but in the case of direct appointment of eminent Lawyers for prosecution, Mr. Badal said that short term hiring of advocates would not make them accountable like regular cadre of prosecution machinery. Mr. Badal also gave his views on Local Police and Traffic Management, Reducing burden of Police – Outsourcing Non Core Functions, Welfare Measures for the Police, Independent Complaint Authorities, An Independent Inspectorate of Police, Improvement of Forensic Science Infrastructure – Professionalization of Investigation, Strengthening Intelligence Gathering, Training of the Police, Gender Issues in Policing, Prison Reforms.
Mr. Badal opposed the recommendation regarding abolition for the post of constable but suggested that recruitment process should be made totally transparent and they needed to be empowered by better training and welfare measures. Mr. Badal also sought total central funding for modernization of Jails, equipping them with jammers, CCTV cameras and linking the Jails with Courts through video conferencing besides continuation of annual plan for modernization of prisons that expired in 2009. 

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO RATIONALIZE FEE STRUCTURE OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS-MALUKA

  • SCHOOLS HAVING LESS THAN 20 STUDENTS TO BE MERGED WITH NEAREST SCHOOLS
  • MALUKA UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR UNIFORMITY IN ADMISSION POLICIES OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS
  • CAUTIONS AGAINST ANY LAXITY IN IMPLEMENTING POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
  • SUMMER VACATIONS FROM JUNE 10

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 15: In a significant decision the Punjab Government has decided to rationalize the fee structure of Private Schools in the state.

          Disclosing this here today the Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that it was noticed that some private schools were charging exorbitant fee from the students and it was decided to streamline the fee structure of private schools by issuing guidelines in this regard. He said that quality education was the right of every student of the state so it becomes imperative for state government to rationalize the fee structure to provide much needed relief to the common masses.

          Interacting with media persons, the Education Minister clarified that the state government has taken in principle decision to merge all those schools having less than 20 students with nearest schools. He said that the education department would also provide transport facility, if needed.

          Replying a query regarding different admission policies being adopted by Private Schools, Mr. Maluka said that all these schools should bring uniformity in their admission policies so that nobody has a reason to object. Regarding complaints of under payment to the teachers of Private Schools, Mr. Maluka said that the state government has taken a serious note of this issue and would soon chalk out a plan under which all such payments to private schools teachers should be through cheques.

          The Education Minister categorically said that except Secretary School Education and Secretary Higher Education, no officer has been entitled to release press statements regarding different decisions taken by the Education Department.

          Directing to ensure implementation of Post Matric Scholarship Scheme in true letter and spirit for all the students belonging to Scheduled Castes family having less than Rs. 2 lakh annual income, the Education Minister said that all the schools and colleges have been directed to ensure proper distribution of these scholarships that too in a stipulated time frame. He said that no laxity would be tolerated on this issue and special departmental teams would conduct surprise checking in this regards.

          Mr. Maluka said that one month summer vacations for the current session would start from June 10. He said that the decision regarding winter vacations would be taken according to the weather conditions.

          When asked about the deteriorating conditions of some school buildings, the Education Minister said that field officers have already been directed to submit a detailed report after identifying such buildings at the earliest. He said that the state government was committed to construct new buildings equipped with all modern facilities wherever the need was felt.   

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT URGES FARMERS TO BRING DRY WHEAT IN THE MANDIS
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 15
The Punjab government has appealed the farmers to bring dry wheat in the grain market so that their produce could easily be procured.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that the advisory has been issued to the farmers to facilitate the procurement procedures and to avoid any kind of harassment of the farmers in the grain market. He said that the dry wheat would easily be procured and farmers could save their precious time in the Mandis awaiting their crop to be procured. The spokesperson further said that farmers have also been asked not to burn the stubble of the wheat in the open field. He said that burning of stubble on the field minimizes the productivity of the soil besides becoming major cause for the atmospheric pollution.
The spokesperson said that the government has established 1750 procurement centers across the state. The government would ensure the payment of the wheat procured within 48 hours of the procurement and lifting within 72 hours. The government has fixed a target of 140 lakh MT for the procurement of wheat whereas 129 lakh MT wheat was procured in the previous year.
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VETERINARY DOCTORS TO VISIT RURAL AREAS THRICE IN A WEEK-RANIKE

  • ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRY AND FISHERY DEPARTMENT TO HOLD JOINT DISTRICT LEVEL CAMPS
  • UNDERLINE THE NEED FOR SETTING UP OF GOAT REARING AND PIGGERY FARMS
  • ASKS TO PREPARE VACCINATION CALENDAR

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 15: Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister, Punjab today said that the state Government has chalked out an ambitious plan to motivate maximum rural youth to adopt dairy farming as a profession and directed the field Veterinary Officers to personally visit at least thrice in a week in Rural Areas to have actual information regarding scope for promotion of dairy farming and other allied professions like fishery, goat rearing and piggery etc.
            Presiding over a high level meeting of Animal Husbandry Department held here today, Mr. Ranike directed the field officers to keep close eye on any outbreak of common animal diseases like foot and mouth disease (FMD) and Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS) and asked them to advise dairy farmers regarding precautionary measures to be undertaken in this regard. He asked the field officers to collect maximum data so that it could be used in chalking out future strategies. He also asked them to publicise about the availability of high quality imported semen so that maximum dairy farmers could avail it for their milch-cattles to further enhance their milk yield besides getting quality calves. The Minister pointed out that all the three departments namely Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries should work in consonance and hold district level camps jointly.
            Emphasizing the need for strengthening the fodder wings, Mr. Ranike asked the field officers to provide high quality fodder seeds to dairy farmers. He also directed them to prepare a comprehensive calendar for vaccination schedule for FMD and HS and to implement it in true letter and spirit.
The Animal Husbandry Minister pointed out that keeping in view the hi-potential of goat rearing and piggery, it becomes imperative for us to promote model farms of Goat Rearing and Piggery as both these were emerging occupations with tremendous potential for growth.
Mr. Ranike also directed the field Veterinary Officers to ensure maximum usage of 20 mobile vans equipped with latest medicines and techniques at district headquarters to provide better Rural Veterinary Services to the dairy farmers based in rural areas. He also directed the Deputy Directors of the department to submit weekly reports regarding implementation of various ongoing schemes so that there should not be any laxity on the part of any field veterinary officer.
Earlier Mr. G. Vajralingum, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry, Fishery and Dairy Development reviewed the performance of field veterinary officers and briefed about the future projects to be undertaken by the departments. The meeting was also attended by Mr. V.K. Meena, Secretary Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development and Director Dr. H.S. Sandha.
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Punjab's ruling elite 'introspects' in Goa! (Punjab Newsletter)

By Jaideep Sarin

  Chandigarh, April 12, 2013: Beaches, casinos, an evening cruise in five-star luxury and even a chartered flight. That was Punjab ruling elite's way of "introspection" in Goa while the cash-strapped SAD-BJP government struggled to pay salaries to its employees.

Over 150 ministers, legislators, MPs and other senior leaders of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) combine descended on Goa between April 7-10 for a 'Chintan Shivir' (introspection camp) at the Fort Aguada and the Taj Holiday Village just outside Goa capital Panaji.

Though media reports did not suggest anything substantial being achieved during the camp, the trip ran up a bill running into several lakhs of rupees.

"All this luxury was happening at a time when Punjab's own finances are in a very bad shape. Salaries to the government employees were delayed this month. The government is doing things on borrowed money. This is going to create a financial mess," a senior government officer told IANS here.

The idea for the Goa sojourn was of Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also the Akali Dal president and the main power-centre in Punjab. He made a nearly five-hour long power-point presentation to the Akali-BJP leaders during the introspection camp.

It is quite another matter that a number of Akali Dal leaders, commonly referred to as 'jathedars' (group leaders) have no idea about power-point presentations!

Badal junior's presentation was an exercise in self-praise with no concrete solutions offered for the future of the debt-ridden state.

"Some of our colleagues had not even seen a beach in their lives. Some others had not been to Goa earlier. It was a great holiday and we all bonded well with each other with so much time at hand and no worries about people lining up for their work," a two-time Akali Dal legislator said.

Badal junior, a businessman himself with interests in hotels and real estate, runs the Akali Dal, which is normally associated with ageing leaders with flowing grey beards, like a corporate entity.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, 85, who was not initially to enthusiastic about the Goa trip, not only gave in to his son and political heir's idea but even ended up saying that more such trips should be organised annually.

The opposition Congress was quick chide the Akali Dal-BJP leaders for their expensive sojourn.

"The Chintan sammelan at Goa was discussing irrelevant issues and failed to give any solution to the current problems of state," newly appointed Punjab Congress president Pratap Singh Bajwa said.

Leader of Opposition Sunil Jakhar was more candid.

"Instead of relishing the five star facilities in Goa, the SAD-BJP government should do a 'chintan' that despite a 400 percent rise in in legislators salaries, what was the compulsion to enhance the rates of health services besides imposing fees on poor children," he asked.

"The Badal government should publicly display the facts and expenditure which led to the increase in the state's debt to Rs.38,109 crore and that of the public sector to Rs.69,270 crore in the last six years despite the fact that the state's income has enhanced manifold," Jakhar added.

For the ruling party leaders though, the beaches, casinos, dinners, evening cruise and the chartered flight left no room to give a thought to problems being faced by Punjab.......IANS/NRIpress.com

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SPECIAL ARMED WOMEN SECURITY SQUADS TO BE DEPLOYED IN EACH DISTRICT-SUKHBIR
·         SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO ENSURE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF WOMEN IN THE STATE
·         DEPUTY CM FLAGS OFF WOMEN ARMED SPECIAL PROTECTION SQUAD FOR SIX DISTRICTS OF BATHINDA ZONE
BADAL (SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB), APRIL 14: The Punjab Government was fully committed to ensure the safety and security of women in the state and for this purpose Special Armed Women Security Squads would be deployed in each district of the state.
            Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab while flagging off the first unit of Women Armed Special Protection Squad (WASPS) for the six districts of Bathinda Zone here said that Punjab Government was paying special attention towards maintaining the dignity and equality of women in the society and has issued special directions to the state police not to spare the perpetrators of crime against women. He informed that Bathinda Zone has been chosen as pilot project and 10 teams has been made in every district to ensure the proper implementation of the project.
Divulging the details of functioning of the squads, the Deputy Chief Minister said that these teams of armed women would be deployed near educational institutions, markets and other busy places in the districts to ensure the security to the women besides launching a special patrolling drive in the districts. He said that Activa scooters have been provided to every team and the cities would witness the regular patrolling. He said that these women cops would be well dressed equipping revolver, handcuff, baton, chilli powder, wireless system and complete sound system to send an alert. Mr. Badal said that during this pilot project teams of Special Armed Women Security Squads would discharge their duties at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Faridkot, Mansa, Ferozepur and Fazilka districts from 8 am to 5 pm. He said that these teams would work under beat system and in any emergency they can call for assistance of police. He said that this exercise would be expanded in the remaining districts of Punjab.
            Reiterating commitment of SAD-BJP Government to ensure the security of women, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government was fully committed to safeguard the dignity and rights of women and instructions have been issued to all concerned authorities to immediate resolve the pending issues pertaining to women. He also said that instructions have also been issued to the police authorities not to call women in police stations for enquiry procedures. He said that Punjab Government was also going to expand the number of women constables in the state. He said that Punjab has recruited 3233 women constables while 1200 more women constables would be recruited in next three years including 338 women sub-inspectors. Mr. Badal also informed the process of setting up special 20 judicial courts dedicated to women was on. 
            Mr. Nirmal Singh Dhillon, Inspector General of Police Bathinda Zone, Mr. Amar Singh Chahal DIG, Mr. Parmod Baan DIG also gave detailed information regarding the ambitious program of women policing in the state.
             Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Jatinder Jain, DIG Mr. Surjit Singh SSP Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor, SSP Faridkot, Mr. Narinder Bhargav, SSP Mansa, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kahlon SSP Fazilka, Mr. Varinder Pal Singh, SSP Ferozepur, Mr. Ravcharan Singh Brar SSP Bathinda, Mr. N.S. Bath ADC, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mr. NPS Sidhu SP, Mr. Gurvinderpal Singh, SP, Mr. Tejinder Singh Midukhera Chairman, Mr Kulwinder Singh Bhai ka kera, Mr Avtar Signh Mr Satinderjit Singh Manta and others

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT WAIVES OFF INTEREST & PENALTY ON THE BILLS OF HOUSE TAX, WATER AND SEWERAGE

  • CONSUMERS MAY AVAIL THE BENEFIT BY PAYING BILLS UPTO MAY 31: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 14:
In a big relief to the urban population of the state the Punjab Government today waived off the interest money and other penalties imposed on the outstanding bills of house tax, water and sewerage. To avail this benefit the consumers have to deposit the actual bills upto May 31, 2013. It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Local Bodies, in a press communiqué here today.
The Minister further said that the Punjab Government has decided to write off all the interest money on all the outstanding bills which have yet not paid. He clarified that May 31 would be the cut off date for the citizens to avail this facility and they have to pay the actual amount of the bills till then.
He said that written instruction in this regard has already been dispatched to all the commissioner of the Municipal Corporations, Regional Deputy Directors of the Local Urban Bodies and Executive Officers of the all Nagar Councils and Panchayats. “The officers have also been told to sensitize the public about the initiative of the Government, so that more and more people can avail this opportunity”, the Minister added.

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AMRITSAR TO WITNESS COMPLETION OF 10 MEGA DEVELOPMENT WORKS BY JUNE: DHILLON

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL14 :  Amritsar district would witness an upgraded road network as the construction on different 72 kilometer long road stretches were in full swing with the cost of 15.32 Crore, which would be completed by June this year.  
            Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Public Works Department Minister, said that works on 10 major road projects started in Amritsar were on the advanced stage of completion. He said that these projects would include 23 kilometer long Amritsar-Ajnala-Ramdass-Dera Baba Nanak with a total cost of Rs. 500.07 lakh, 11 kilometer long GT Road-Byepass to Jagdev Kalan-Loharka with a cost of Rs. 180.58 lakh, 9 kilometer long Ramdass to Fatehgarh Churian worth Rs. 210.00 lakh, 1.25 kilometer long Ajnala-Fatehgarh Churian with a total cost of Rs. 80.00 lakh, 5.5 kilometer long Amritsar-Ajnala with a cost of Rs. 165.00 lakh, 3 kilometer long Ajnala-Chogawan Road with a cost of Rs. 130.00 lakh, 7 kilometer long Narli-China Bidhi Chand Road with a cost of Rs. 106.24 lakh, 4.30 kilometer long Gandiwind to Cheema Road with a cost of Rs. 43.75 lakh, 5 kilometer long Sirhali-Chohla Sahib Road with a cost of Rs. 76.80 lakh  and 3 kilometer long  ATTSH to Verpal Road with a cost of Rs. 40.00 lakh.
The Minister informed that Rs. 4200 crore would be spent on Road infrastructure during the year 2013-14. He said that 1700 crore for repair of 11,500km of  link roads, 600 crore for up gradation of 1092km of rural roads, 200 crore for up gradation of 350km roads and 15 bridges in the state sector, 8705 crore for Metro Rail Project Ludhiana, 2500 crore for Water Front City in Ludhiana, 900 crore Ropar- Phagwara Expressway, 655 crore for Sidhwan canal bye-pass Ludhiana and Ropar bye-pass, 78 crore for 9 High Level bridges, 59 crore for 18 Railway Over Bridges/Railway under passes and 72 crore other infrastructure works in rural/urban areas. 
          Mr. Dhillon said that SAD-BJP Government was committed for the overall development of the state and in future more road construction projects would be initiated keeping in mind the needs and convenience of the public.
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TARGET TO PLANT 4 .75 CRORE SAPLINGS IN PUNJAB TO ENHANCE FOREST COVER: JAYANI

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 14:

The Punjab government has devised a comprehensive strategy to increase the forest cover in the state with the plantation of 4.75 crore samplings in the current year 2013-14.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Surjit kumar jayani Minister for Forest & Wild Life Security said that it is a matter of great concern that green cover is fast reducing due to the nefarious activities of the mankind, which has resulted in devastating effect. He said that the Punjab Govt. has taken the matter seriously and decided to enhance the forest cover in the state mobilizing all its resources. He said that for achieving this ambitious target, the Punjab govt. would plant 4.75 crore samplings in the current year, 2013-14.
He said that keeping this in view the government has decided to purchase the non forest land in the state so that plantation drive could be initiated on large scale. Tender has been floated to purchase the non forest land. He said that the govt. has recruited 408 forest guards in 2012-13, so that the deforestation by illegal elements could be checked.

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10 CHILD CARE AND 50 CHILD STABILIZATION CENTERS WOULD SOON BE OPENED: MITTAL
·      RS. 22 CRORE HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR POST NATAL CHILD CARE
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 14:
Upgradation of the health infrastructure and improvement in mother child treatment is the main concern of Punjab Government, with this in mind 10 new child care and 50 new child stabilization centers would soon be opened in the various hospitals of the state. The Government has earmarked Rs. 22 crore for improving the post natal child care facilities in the hospitals. It was disclosed by Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
The minister further said that 5 child care centers have already been established in the state; now 10 more new child care centers would be opened in the state. “To treat the newborn infants in the far flung area of the state 50 new child stabilization centers would also be operative in the child care hospitals at district and sub division and CHC level”, He added.
Mr. Mittal said that the effort of the health department has born fruits as in Punjab the infant mortality rate has been down by four digits. The infant mortality rate which was 40 after 1000 births in 2006 has been lowered at 30 in the year 2011. He said that at present one child care centre is operative in each three medical colleges, one in mother-child hospital, Bathinda and one in Mata Kaushliya Hospital, Patiala .“The number would be increased to 15 with the opening up of 10 new child care centers” The Minister added.
He said that the in order to promote the deliveries in hospitals the Punjab Government has been incentivized all such mothers with Rs. 1000. “The delivery in Government Hospital is free in all respect, free transport, free medication and Medicines are provided to the mothers for delivery in Government Hospital” The Minister said.

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TWO IPS GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE AND THREE PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh April 14:-

          The Punjab government today given the additional charge to two IPS officers and ordered transferred three PPS officers with immediate effect.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Dinkar Gupta, IPS ADGP, Security has been given additional charge as ADGP/Law & Order as well as ADGP/ Traffic, Mr. Surinder Kumar Kalia IPS Senior Superintendent of Police Pathankot has been given the additional charge as Senior Superintendent of Police Gurdaspur.
The spokesman further said that Mr. Raj Jit Singh PPS has been posted as Senior Superintendent of Police Tarn Taran, Mr. Surjit Singh PPS posted as Senior Superintendent of Police Moga and Mr. Kamaljit Singh Dhillon PPS posted as Commandant 5th Batalian Bahadurgarh and
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CM GREETS PEOPLE ON 122th BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF BABA SAHIB DR. BR AMBEDKAR
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 13:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people on the 122th birth anniversary of Bharat Rattan Baba Sahib Dr. BR Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution.
In a message, Mr. Badal said that Dr. Ambedkar had always encouraged the democratic values in every field, be it social, economic and political, he advocated the equal status and respect for all. Mr. Badal said that we should strive hard to realize this dream of Dr. Ambedkar. The Chief Minister further said that for Baba Sahib the meaning of social justice was the self-respect and happiness to the majority of people especially to the deprived section of the society.
On this occasion, Mr. Badal appealed to the people to follow the path shown by Dr. Ambedkar and shun the parochial considerations of religion, caste, colour and creed to create a harmonious and egalitarian society.

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PANCHAYATS TO CONTINUE FUNCTIONING
 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 13
Following the news- reports published in the media after the press conference addressed by Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra regarding the dissolution of 12775 village Panchayats across the State, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government today clarified that the matter of election to the panchayats had been taken up with the State Election Commission.
               The spokesperson further said that the dates of the Panchayat elections were yet to be announced and notified by the Commission. Therefore, in view of legal provisions, the Panchayats would continue to function till further orders and the matter of dissolution of Panchayats and issuance of notification thereof would be taken up at a later stage. The communication gap in this regard was highly regretted.

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Shiromani Akali Dal  today described as “ deeply painful, unfortunate and worrying”, the rejection by the Supreme Court of the petition for commuting the death sentence of  Professor  Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar.

Bathinda/Chandigarh April 13 -  A meeting of the  Core Committee of the Shiromani Akali Dal  today described as “ deeply painful, unfortunate and worrying”, the rejection by the Supreme Court of the petition for commuting the death sentence of  Professor  Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar.

    Briefing newspersons after the meeting, Harcharan Bains, Advisor on National Affairs to Punjab Chief Minister  Parkash Singh Badal said that Mr. Badal and party president and Deputy Chief Minister Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde and urge them “to operationalise the post-judicial   mechanism  of statesmanship in order to avoid even at this stage  any steps that may pose a threat to peace and communal harmony in the country in general and Punjab in particular.”
   They would also separately request the President Mr. Pranabh Mukerjee in this regard,  according to Mr. Bains.
  In a resolution, the SAD Core Committee also appealed to “all peace loving citizens of the country and eminent public figures to work towards a solution to the issue in a manner that strengthens  emotional bonds among different segments and communities of the people in the country and to pre-empt any decision based only on litigatory technicalities or stubborn-ness.”
  The Core Committee also observed that the SC judgment should not be carried out on grounds of health of Professor Bhullar. “Rushing to carry out the judgment in defiance of this basic humanitarian and legal consideration would send a wrong signal to the people,” said the Resolution.
   According to Mr. Bains the meeting was of the view that hanging an accused conspirator when the main accused had been acquitted  in the case would set new and undesirable precedent in the country. “It is also very significant that the presiding judge of the Bench of the Supreme Court that decided the case had acquitted Professor Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar and given a strong dissenting note in the case.”
    “All this calls for a statesman-like approach to this sensitive issue in the overall interest of peace and communal harmony in the country. Nothing should be done that  may endanger the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the country in general and Punjab in particular, and harm the over-all long term national interests. The SAD and the Sikh community at large have made unparalleled sacrifices to protect and preserve these  interests and values and to safeguard the unity and integrity of the country,” the Core Committee Resolution said.
   The SAD is firmly of the opinion that decisions on issues having a bearing on peace and communal harmony should be taken with extreme and utmost care to ensure that these are values are not brought under a question mark because of a feeling of alienation and discrimination in any section or class of society, said the Chief Minister’s Advisor on National Affairs.
  
   The Core Committee observed that the decision “is bound to invite parallels with the failure of the Delhi and Union governments to ensure exemplary punishments to those guilty of cold-blooded massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other parts of the country in 1984. Killers in fact are not only roaming free but have even by rewarded with plum political posts. Against this back-ground, the rejection of petition in Professor Bhullar’s case will  strengthen the perception among the Sikh masses that two separate sets of  laws operated in the country and that they have been subjected to discriminatory treatment even in the courts of justice.”
      Apart from the Punjab CM Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and the SAD president and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, the meeting was attended by party Secretary General Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa,  General Secretaries Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Prem Singh Chandumajra, Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal,party secretary and spokesperson  Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, senior leaders Jathedar Tota Singh, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Nirmal Singh Kahlon, Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Sikandar Singh Maluka, Balwant Singh Ramoowalia.

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MAJITHIA EXHORTS YOUNGSTERS TO PURGE CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT IN 2014

  • YOUTH MUST EDUCATE ELECTORATES ABOUT ILL-MANAGED POLICIES OF CONGRESS LED UPA-II VIS-À-VIS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES OF SAD-BJP 
  • ELECTORATES WOULD NOT SPARE CONGRESS FOR LOOTING THE NATION WITH BOTH HANDS

BATHINDA, APRIL 13: Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister, Punjab today  while participating the political conference of Shiromani Akali Dal here at Talwandi Sabo on the eve of Baisakhi exhorted the youths of state in general and workers of Youth Akali Dal in particular to purge the Congress led UPA Government in interest of the Country. 

          Receiving unprecedented welcome from YAD Workers, who were gathered in a massive numbers at various places led to Talwandi Sabo, Mr. Majithia said that the countdown of Congress Party has begun and in ensuing Lok Sabha polls it would have to face a shocking defeat, which would eliminate this party of aristocrats forever from country’s political scene. He said that the informed electorates of the nation would not spare the ‘so called government of Aam Aadmi’ in center for closing its eyes to the interests of Common Masses for the two consecutive terms. He said that this Government has looted the assets of the nation with both hands, for which it would have to pay and its drastic defeat was inevitable.

          Calling upon the workers of Youth Akali Dal to propagate the ill-managed, anti-poor, pro-MNCs and anti-farmers policies of Congress led UPA Government at the ground level, the Revenue Minister said that YAD workers would also educate the people of Punjab about massive development initiatives taken and implemented by SAD-BJP Government. He said that youth was the backbone of every society and the Youth of Punjab had contributed a lot for the reformation of SAD-BJP government in the state.  He said that the incumbent government in the state has always given due priority to the youths, which would be continued in the coming times and due representation would be awarded under the able leadership of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Baal and visionary guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. 

          Earlier, members of Youth Akali Dal extended unprecedented welcome to Mr. Majithia at different places including Maur Mandi Chowk, Kot Shamir, Bhagi Bandar and Talwandi Sabo.

          Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Gurpreet Singh Maluka, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Sidhu,  Mr. Jagsir Singh, all National General Secretary of YAD, Mr. Gurpal Singh, National Vice President of YAD and  Mr. Balkar Singh, President YAD Bathinda unit.

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON VAISAKHI
CHANDIGARH APRIL 12:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabis across the globe on the sacred occasion of Vaisakhi that symbolize the spirit of Punjab, Punjabi & Punjabiat and unity in diversity.
In a message on the eve of Vaisakhi, Mr. Badal reminded the people of our centuries old rich and glorious cultural heritage and said that on this auspicious day in 1699 Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji - the Tenth Master of the Sikhs created ‘Order of Khalsa’ at the holy city of Sri Anandpur Sahib by baptizing ‘Panj Pyaras (beloved ones) belonging to different castes thereby carving out an egalitarian society and preaching the wisdom of love and compassion for mankind besides universal brotherhood and communal harmony. Mr. Badal also said that this festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and ripening of Rabi crops.
On the occasion, Mr. Badal called upon the people to celebrate this auspicious festival in unison with traditional fervour and gaiety to strengthen the secular and social fabric of our country.
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SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF BAISAKHI

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12:  The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today felicitated the people of the Punjab on the eve of Baisakhi.
          In a message Mr. Badal said that this festival has a great significance for the farmers of Punjab as this day traditionally marks the beginning of harvest of Rabi crops, on a joyous note. This harvest festival is indeed an occasion for them to rejoice over their fruits of toil and for all of us also to acknowledge Punjabi farmers' significant contribution in making our country self-sufficient on the front of food security.
          Mr. Badal said that this festival has also a great religious significance for Sikhs as on this day  in the year 1699 at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh ji established Khalsa Panth,  a body of people dedicated to the principles of truth, justice, and equality; the cardinal principles of Sikh faith.
          He reminded that the massacre of hundreds of innocent Punjabis by the British at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar on this day in the year 1919 proved as the last nail in the coffin of British rule in India.
          The Deputy Chief Minister exhorted the people to celebrate this festival collectively and utilize this day to pay our gratitude to all those freedom fighters, who laid their lives so that we all can breathe in freedom. Let us also acknowledge the contribution of humble farmers who are working day and night to feed the nation, he added.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DISSOLVES ALL PANCHAYATS
·       ELECTION PROCESS WOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE MAY 31THROUGH TRANSPARENT AND CANDID MEANS: RAKHRA
MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12:
Punjab Government has dissolved all the 12,775 panchayats in the state thus paving ways for election. Announcing the dissolution of the all the panchayats Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra said that the election process would be completed before May 31. Addressing a press conference at Vikas Bhawan, Mohali he said that notification for the election might be issued within a week.
Mr. Rakhra reiterated the Punjab Government's resolve to ensure free and fare election in the state adopting transparent and candid means. He said that strict instructions have been issued to the officers in this regard. He said that after the dissolution of panchayats BDPOs, Panchayat Officers and JEs have been conferred administrative powers so that day to day works of village may not suffer. The Minsiter directed the officers concerned to take the relevant documents and funds from the out going Sarpanchs.
Mr. Rakhra further said that Punjab Government has constituted 399 new Gram Panchayats, 4 Panchayat Samaties and 2 Zila Parishids considering the reasonable demand of people. With this new entry now election for 13110 gram panchayats, 145 Panchayat samaties and 22 Zila Parishids would be conducted.
The Minister said that 13110 panchayats are comprised of 81631 wards, out of which 18515 wards are reserved for Schedule Castes,   9821 for Schedule Caste ladies, 18929 for Ladies, 3241 for backward classes and 30825 for General category. He said that Panchayat Samities are comprised in 2732 zones, out of which 617 zones are reserved for Schedule Castes, 311 for Schedule Caste Ladies, 590 for Ladies, 1183 for General and 31 for Backward Classes. Whereas 22 Zila Parishids in Punjab are comprised of 333 zones, 75 zones are reserved for Schedule Castes, 37 for Schedule Caste Ladies, 71 for ladies, 147 for general category and 3 for Backward Classes.
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PUNJAB BECOME THE FIRST STATE TO START E-PAYMENT SYSTEM

  • ONLINE PAYMENTS HAS INITIATED W.E.F. 1-4-2013

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12:
In the state of Punjab, under integrated financial management system (IFMS), w.e.f 1-4-2013 all the payments at the level of Government have been started through electronic mode (e-payments). This is the next phase in the computerization undertaken by the treasury after linking all the treasuries with the headquarters.
          It was disclosed by the official spokesperson of the finance department. He said that all distribution of budget by Head of Department is done online and there can be no withdrawal of money by the DDOs unless the budget provision is available. This online payment would benefit the payee as the amount would be immediately credited to their account.
He further said that by this method all payments can be tracked and chance of fraud be reduced drastically. This is being done for the first time in the country. E-payment system has been made applicable in all the departments/offices, whose transactions are made through Treasuries. In the next phase the department would start cyber treasury.


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BHAKRA MAIN LINE CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL APRIL 23

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 12:
The Bhakra Main Line Canal would remain close from till April 23, 2013 for installation of C.C.T.V Cameras in Bhakra Main Line Canal on the upper side of Khanauri Head.
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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UPA HAS LOST MORAL RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POWER- BADAL
ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR RAMPANT CORRUPTION
WELCOMES DECISION TO REOPEN CASE AGAINST TYTLER
MASTER PLANS FOR ALL TOWNS FOR ENSURING COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT
OF STATE
BHAGTA BHAI KA (BATHINDA), APRIL 11-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that having failed on all the fronts the Congress led UPA government at the centre has lost the moral right to remain in power.
Talking to the media persons after laying down the foundation stone of the sewerage system and Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa college here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the performance of the UPA government on all the fronts was very dismal but the worst part was that it had totally failed in preserving the internal and external security of the country and therefore it has no locus standee to remain in power. He said that today due to the lapses in external and internal security, the sovereignty of the country was in peril but unfortunately the UPA government was least bothered about it. Mr Badal bemoaned that there was complete chaotic situation in the country as the UPA government has totally failed to provide security to the people and the problems like Naxalism and Terrorism were spreading their wings rapidly.
Making a scathing attack on the UPA government the Chief Minister said that not only this but the ever increasing corruption, illiteracy, inflation, poverty and other social maladies in the country has aggravated the situation. Equating the Congress with mother of corruption, Mr Badal said that the UPA Ministers have amassed huge wealth through corrupt means. He pointed out that people were fed up due to the wrong policies of the Union government and they would teach the Congress party a befitting lesion by wiping them out in the next general elections thereby paving way for the formation of NDA government at the centre.  
Replying to another query the Chief Minster while welcoming the decision of a Delhi Court to reopen case against senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler for inciting the mob during anti-Sikh riots of 1984 reiterated that atlast a ray of hope has rekindled amongst the Sikhs in general and aggrieved families of the riot victims in particular, for getting justice. Mr Badal said that it was unfortunate that even after passing of more than 30 years justice alluded to the victims of these riots which were led by senior Congress leaders. He rued that the Congress at the helms of affairs had deliberately derailed the dispensation of justice to the victims of this holocaust and rubbed salt into their wounds by rewarding the guilty with coveted posts.  Mr Badal reiterated that the SAD won’t let the perpetrators of 1984 Sikh riots scot free
Earlier addressing the gathering during a public rally, the Chief Minister said that providing quality Health services and Education to the people were on the top agenda of the SAD-BJP alliance government. He said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab today leads the country in the field of education and the Health infra structure of the state has been adjudged excellent by an agency of the Government of India (GoI). Mr Badal said that strenuous efforts have been made to revamp the education infrastructure at all levels be it school, college and university. 
The Chief Minister said that continuing its crusade against cancer the state government had created Punjab State Cancer and De-addiction treatment infrastructure fund to eradicate the menace of cancer on one hand and to wean away the youth from the scourge of drug addiction. Likewise he said that Tata Memorial Cancer hospital would come up at Mullanpur near Chandigarh at a cost of Rs 450 crore and the 50 acre land has already been allotted free of cost for setting up of this state of the art cancer hospital. Mr Badal further said that Rs 300 crore had been spent for the up gradation of infra structure to provide the best treatment to the cancer patients in Government medical colleges besides 100 bedded Cancer hospital was being set up in Bathinda at a cost of Rs 68 crore.
The Chief Minister said that in order to ensure the supply of potable drinking water to the people the state government would conduct the test of drinking water twice every year so as to detect the impurities, if any in them. He also said that in order to provide world class basic civic amenities to the people comprehensive Master plans for every city would be made keeping in view the needs of the people. Mr Badal said that it would be a leap forward towards ensuring the overall development of the state thereby fulfilling the dream of a ‘New Punjab’.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, Lok Sabha MP Mrs Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, Rajya Sabha MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MLA Mr Darshan Singh Kotfatta, SGPC President Jathedar Avtar Singh and former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Jagdeep Singh Nakai.   

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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH AN INTERACTIVE WEBSITE FOR NRIs SOON-MAJITHIA
·        PUNJABI DIASPORA CAN REGISTER COMPLAINTS, OPINION, SUGGESTIONS, FEEDBACK THROUGH WEBSITE
·        MINISTER FOR NRIs AFFAIRS WOULD PERSONALLY MONITOR THE WEBSITE

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: The Punjab is all set to become first state in the country to setup a mechanism in the form of an interactive website to redress the grievances and various other issues pertaining to large Punjabi Diaspora settled in every nook and corner of the world. The interactive website will be launched by end of next month, said Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRI Affairs Minister Punjab.
          Presiding over a high level meeting of NRIs Department, Mr. Majithia directed the department to launch an interactive website as per the decision taken during Non Resident Punjabis Sammelan held in January this year. The Minister pointed out that keeping in view the fast pace of life and busy schedule of NRIs it becomes imperative for us to redress their issues online. He said that to cover the majority of issues of concerning various departments, we need to design a comprehensive website so that NRIs could register their grievances and issues on the website for their redresses. He said that this website should also be used to get the feedback of NRIs along with their opinions on various development initiatives, achievements and other issues related to the state government.

          The NRIs affairs minister also underlined the need to ensure instant response to the issues of Punjabi Diaspora from the concerned department and emphasized the need of website with other social networks including the provision of live chat service. He said that the website should also depict the glorious heritage and culture of Punjab along with contribution of Punjabis in nation’s freedom struggle. He said that a complete NRI Database should also be made available on the website and asked for detailed information of tourism opportunities and centers in Punjab for the facilitation of NRIs. He also directed to setup an effective complaint registration system on the website besides detailed information regarding services brought under the purview of Right to Service Act in the state.
          The Minister also suggested to setup live webinar on the website to provide an opportunity to the NRIs to directly interaction with the Minister Incharge or the senior officers of the NRIs Affairs Department on certain fixed timings.
          Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. S.S. Channi and MD Warehousing Mr. Arvinder Singh Bains.

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CM WELCOMES REOPENING OF CASE AGAINST TYTLER
DECISION HAS REKINDLED HOPE FOR DELIVERING JUSTICE TO 1984 RIOT VICTIMS
TERMS GOA SAMMELLAN AS A FRUITFUL EXERCISE
PAYS TRIBUTE TO JASDEV SINGH SANDHU

Kauli (Patiala), April 11-
          Welcoming the decision of a Delhi Court to reopen case against senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler for inciting the mob during anti-Sikh riots of 1984, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that atlast a ray of hope has rekindled amongst the Sikhs in general and aggrieved families of the riot victims in particular, for getting justice.   
          Talking to the media persons after attending a function to mark the death anniversary of former Akali MLA Jathedar Jasdev Singh Sandhu here today, the Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that even after passing of more than 30 years justice alluded to the victims of these riots which were led by senior Congress leaders. He said, “It is ridiculous that the national Congress leadership instead of punishing the guilty responsible for this inhuman and barbaric act was shielding them for reasons best known to it”. Mr Badal rued that the Congress at the helms of affairs had deliberately derailed the dispensation of justice to the victims of this holocaust and rubbed salt into their wounds by rewarding the guilty with coveted posts. He said that the Congress has always meted out a step motherly treatment with the state by adopting different yardsticks for Punjabis.
The Chief Minister said that it was the height of apathy that the Union government has always hurt the sentiments of the Punjabis in general and that of Sikhs in particular by irrelevantly meddling in their social, economic, political and even religious issues. Assailing the Congress led UPA government for its anti-Punjab stance, Mr Badal said that due to the wrong policies of the Union government the farmers of the state who had played a pivotal role in making the country self reliant in food production was on the verge of economic disaster adding that due to its adverse policies even the industry of the state has also been ruined.
          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister categorically said that the decision to hike the rates of power in the state was taken by the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the state government had hardly any role in it as the Commission was an autonomous body constituted under the act of the Parliament. However he said that the hike might have been necessitated due to the high expenditure being meted out to supply the power by the POWERCOM. Mr Badal pointed out that the hike in Punjab has been 9.06% whereas in Haryana the hike has been that of around 12%.
          Terming the Goa Vichar Sammellan as an internal matter of the party, the Chief Minister said that almost every party of the country frequently does such exercise to ensure flow of new ideas and overcome their weaknesses. He said that the sammellan had been very fruitful as it provided them with an occasion to introspect the working of their government and ministers.
          Paying floral tributes to Jathedar Jasdev Singh Sandhu the Chief Minister described him as the lighthouse of the Akali Dal and an encyclopedia of the Panthic issues. He said that Sandhu had throughout his life championed the cause of the weaker sections of the society adding that he had played a pivotal role in the spread of education in the area. Mr Badal also lauded the contribution of Sandhu family in serving the people of the state with full dedication and commitment.
          Exhorting the spiritual leaders across the state to play a proactive role for promoting education and curbing the menace of drugs besides other social maladies in the state, 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. He said that the state government would extend all support and co-operation to the spiritual leaders in this noble cause. 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.  
Dwelling on the need to impart quality education to the students of the state, the Chief Minister said that the state government was committed for this holy cause for which 10 new colleges would be set up in the state. He said efforts were afoot to revamp to entire education system in the state to impart quality education to the youth so that they could be gainfully employed adding he said that nine new universities and 17 new colleges have been opened across the state. Mr Badal further said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab today leads the country in field of education.
          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rajya Sabha MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Akali leader Mr Tejinder Singh Sandhu and Mrs Anoopinder Kaur Sandhu, Baba Lakha Singh Ji (Nanaksar Kaleran) and Chief of Sant Samaj Baba Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa.
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WIPE OUT THE CONGRESS FOR GETTING RID OF SOCIAL MALADIES: CM EXHORTS TO PEOPLE
ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR BEING NECK DEEP IN CORRUPTION
CONCEPT COMMITTEE TO BE CONSTITUTED FOR ERECTING SUITABLE MEMORIAL IN MEMORY OF BABA MOTI RAM MEHRA

Fatehgarh Sahib, April 11-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the people to rout the Congress led UPA at the centre and form the NDA government to get rid of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, corruption, inflation and other social maladies being faced by the country.
Addressing a mammoth gathering here at a state level function organized in the memory of Baba Moti Ram Mehra, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Congress party who had been at the helms of the affairs of the country for long period of time was responsible for the plight of the country. Training his guns against the Congress party, Mr Badal said that Congress party was neck deep in corruption and the key ministers of the UPA government had plundered huge wealth due to which the agonies of the common man has increased manifolds.
The Chief Minister said that due to the wrong policies of the Union government Agriculture was no longer a profitable preposition adding that the massive increase in the cost of agriculture inputs coupled with the non remunerative MSP has virtually brought the peasantry of the country on the crossroads due to which they were being forced to commit suicides. He said that if the SAD-BJP government had not bailed out the farmers of state by providing free power to them then the situation of Punjab’s peasantry would also had been worst.
Paying floral tributes to Baba Moti Ram Mehra and his family, the Chief Minister said that the martyrdom of these legends was a lighthouse for those people who were continuously fighting against the injustice and tyranny. He said that the state government was committed for perpetuating the rich legacy of the great Sikh Gurus and Khalsa Panth for which stupendous efforts were being made by them. Mr Badal said that in this context only the state government had erected state of art Virasat-e-Khalsa memial at Sri Anandpur Sahib, memorials of big and small holocaust at Kup Rahiran and Kahnuwan and Banda Singh Bahadur war memorial at Chapparchiri. He said that soon a memorial would also be erected at Fathegarh Sahib to pay befitting tribute to Baba Moti Ram Mehra adding that a concept committee would be constituted to chalk out the blue print for it.
The Chief Minister further said that in order to showcase the rich contribution of Punjabis in the Indian freedom struggle the state government was also constructing ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar. Likewise he said that in order to highlight the contribution of Punjabis in Armed forces to protect the borders of the country since independence a memorial was being constructed at Amritsar. Mr Badal said that apart from it memorials of Bhagwan Parshu Ram, Baba Jiwan Singh and Swami Vivekanand were also being constructed at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Amritsar respectively.
In his address the President of Shiromani Gurudwara Parabhandak Committee Jathedar Avtar Singh announced that the SGPC would annually hold function in the month of January at Fatehgarh Sahib to commemorate the supreme sacrifices made by Moti Ram Mehra and Diwan Todar Mal. He also said that the SGPC was also constructing museum of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Fatehgarh Sahib.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Speaker of Punjab Assembly Mr Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Rajya Sabha MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MLA Justice Nirmal Singh, former MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former Ministers Mr Hira Singh Gabria, Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr Gobind Singh Kanjla, Mr Harbhans Lal, and Executive member of SGPC Jathedar Karnail Singh Panjoli.        

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VIGILANCE NABS DTO MOGA ALONGWITH HIS TWO GUNMEN IN BRIBERY CASE
Chandigarh April 11: State Vigilance Bureau during its ongoing drive against rampant corruption today nabbed DTO Moga and his two gunmen constables red handed accepting bribe.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sursh Arora, Chief Director-cum-DGP Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance Bureau caught Gurtej Singh DTO Moga along with two constables Sukhjit Singh and Didar Singh posted as gunmen, demanding and accepting bribe of Rs. 16,000 from the complainant Avtar Singh Transporter of Rampura Phool, District Bathinda for avoiding traffic chalans of his trucks.
He added that the complainant approached the Bureau and alleged that DTO Moga was demanding monthly bribe from him for not chalaning his trucks as a settlement. He has already paid Rs. 16,000 to the DTO for not to chalan his trucks but was demanding more money. After finding the veracity of facts a vigilance team led by Mr Ranbir Singh Khatra AIG Flying Squad-1, Mr Hargobind Singh SP and Sanjiv Bhatt DSP Vigilance laid a trap and the accused were nabbed red handed near Moga in the presence of two government officials as witnesses. The tainted money was recovered from them. In this regard a vigilance case under u/s 7, 13 (1) read with 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Flying Squad Police Station Ajitgarh and further investigation was under progress.
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CM APPOINTS DR. TALWAR AS HONORARY ADVISOR HEALTH AND MEDICAL EDUCATION
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11 -
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appointed Chairman Medical Council of India and Former Director PGI Dr. KK Talwar as the Honorary Advisor to the Government of Punjab for Health and Medical Education.
            Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that Mr. Badal directed Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education & Research to immediate issue the formal order in this regard.
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PUNJAB RESCHEDULES TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST

PUNJAB TO CONDUCT TET ON JUNE 9

CHANDIGARH APRIL 11:-
            The Punjab Government has rescheduled the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).
            A spokesman of the Punjab Education Department said that the Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) earlier fixed for May 26, 2013 would now be held on June 9, 2013. It has been rescheduled due to IAS Preliminary Examination dates classing with it.
The spokesman further said that the online registration process would start on April 17, 2013 and the last date of receipt of online application would be May 13, 2013, whereas department would upload the admit cards by May 27, 2013.
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AREA SABHA AND WARD COMMITTEE TO BE CONSTITUTED IN CITIES TO EMPOWER CITIZENS: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11:

The citizens of the Punjab would now have say in the development activities of the cities in the state Area Sabha and Ward Committee to be constituted in all cities, to empower citizens with more power enabling them to contribute in the development projects to be executed in their respective area. To implement this scheme in proper prospective, Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Local Bodies today hold a high level meeting with the senior officers of the department, besides Mr Som Parkash, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Jagpal Singh, Principal Secretary and Mr. Priank Bharti, Director of the Local Bodies Department were present in the meeting.

In a press communiqué Mr. Bhagat said that the Punjab Government has carved out a special Act with a sole motive to empower the local citizens to participate constructively in the implementation of the development projects. He said for providing a legal platform to the citizen ward and area committees would be constituted in cites. A Municipality would have 5 ward at the most and a ward henceforth be divided into minimum 3 or maximum 10 parts, which would be called Area.
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SC COMMISSION DIRECTS PUNJABI UNIVERSITY TO FILL SC BACKLOG WITHIN SIX MONTHS
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11: The Punjab State Scheduled Castes today Commission directed the Punjabi university Patiala to fill SC backlog within six months.
            Presiding over a meeting with University authorities Mr. Rajesh bagha, chairman the Punjab state SC Commission specifically asked them to fill all the vacant seats reserved for SC’s at the earliest. He also directed not to charge admission fee and others funds from the students (Studying in colleges affiliated with Punjabi university) belonging to the SC community under post metric scholarship scheme.
            Mr. Bagha also asked the Registrar of the university to ensure implementation of scholarship scheme for SC students, in true spirits.
            Mr. Arwinder singh Chawla, Registrar Punjabi University Patiala led the team from Punjabi university whereas Mrs. Anjana Sandhu, Deputy Director, Welfare department, Punjab, Mr. Surinder Pal, Assistant Director (Colleges) Punjab, also took part in the meeting. Mr. Dalip singh Pandhi and Mrs. Bharti canady (Both members of the commission) were also present in the meeting.
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PUNJAB GOVT. DEPUTES SIX IAS OFFICERS FOR THE SMOOTH PROCUREMENT OF WHEAT
Chandigarh April 11:-
          The Punjab Government has today deputed six IAS officers for the smooth procurement of wheat in the state.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that as per orders Mr. S.R. Ladhar, IAS has been allotted Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdsapur and Pathankot districts, Mr. Ajit Singh Pannu IAS has been allotted Patiala, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ludhiana districts, Mr. Anurag Verma IAS has been allotted Mohali, Rupnagar, SBS Nagar and Hoshiarpur districts, Mr. Saravjit Singh IAS has been allotted Bathinda, Mansa and Barnala districts.
          Likewise, Mr. A Venu Prasad IAS has been allotted Moga, Faridkot, Kapurthala and Jalandhar and Mr. Vikas Partap Singh IAS has been allotted Ferozepur, Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts.
          The spokesman further said that these officers will visit the grain markets of the different districts allotted to them and ensure smooth procurement of the wheat.
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Tariff Orders FY 2013-14 for PSPCL & PSTCL
            The revised tariff rates for supply of electricity in the State of Punjab during the year 2013-14 have been determined and the Tariff Orders have been issued by the Commission on April 10, 2013. This is the twelfth Tariff Order of the Commission. The detailed Orders of PSPCL & PSTCL are available on the website of the Commission (pserc.nic.in).
1.         Mandate of the Commission
            The function of determination of tariff for supply of electricity is being discharged by the Commission under Section 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Sections 61 & 62 of this Act lay down the principles to be followed as guiding factors by the Commission in determination of Tariff. The Commission has also notified its Tariff Regulations, bringing out the principles and norms upon which such determination is to be based.
2.         Background
            The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) filed the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) for 2013-14 on 30.11.2012 which was the due date as per PSERC Tariff Regulations. In the ARR, PSPCL submitted that it is one of the ‘Successor Entities’ of the erstwhile Board duly constituted under the Companies Act, 1956, after unbundling of the Board by Govt. of Punjab vide notification dated 16.4.2010, under the “Punjab Power Sector Reforms Transfer Scheme”. Govt. of Punjab has now finalized transfer of assets and liabilities to the successor entities vide notifications dated 24.12.2012. However, PSPCL is yet to submit the audited accounts for FYs 2010-11 and 2011-12. In the ARR Petition, PSPCL worked out a cumulative revenue gap of ₹12053.39 crore, which further increased to ₹16039.30 crore after notifications dated 24.12.2012, including gap of previous years and carrying cost thereon. The petition submitted by PSPCL did not contain any proposal to cover this gap stating that the Commission may determine the gap and fix the tariffs accordingly, based on the details furnished in the ARR Petition. The Commission took the ARR on record on 19.12.2012. The ARR determined by the Commission is based on the Petition filed by PSPCL, operating as an integrated utility performing functions of Generation, Distribution and Trading of electricity.
            The Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL) also filed its ARR Petition for FY 2013-14 and for review of FY 2012-13 on Nov. 27, 2012. PSTCL proposed its ARR of ₹1207.41 crore for Transmission business and ₹58.61 crore for SLDC business, including gap of previous year. After the Govt. of Punjab notifications dated 24.12.2012, PSTCL worked out the cumulative ARR for Transmission business and SLDC business for ₹1673.49 crore & ₹55.15 crore respectively. PSTCL is the other successor entity of the erstwhile Board entrusted with the Transmission & SLDC functions. The Commission took the ARR on record on 19.12.2012.
The Commission has issued these Orders after following the due procedure including inviting objections/suggestions from the public as well as Govt. of Punjab through public notices in various newspapers and after holding public hearings. In all forty-six written objections in respect of PSPCL and three objections in respect of PSTCL were received in the office of the Commission and during the course of public hearings. All these objections have been considered by the Commission while passing these Tariff Orders. Views of the Govt. of Punjab and the State Advisory Committee have also been taken into account.
3.         Proposal of PSPCL
PSPCL filed its Revenue Requirement for the year 2013-14 for ₹23589.60 crore. This included expenses of ₹22982.05 crore and Return on Equity of ₹607.55 crore. The estimated revenue at the existing rates was projected at ₹21477.27 crore including Non-Tariff income of ₹906.36 crore, and accordingly, the Revenue Gap for the year 2013-14 was worked out at ₹2112.33 crore by PSPCL in the ARR. After taking into consideration the gap of previous year and carrying cost of gap, the cumulative Revenue Gap was projected at ₹12053.39 crore which required an increase of 58.59% in the existing Tariff rates of all the consumer categories to cover the proposed gap. The expenses projected by PSPCL also included an amount of ₹890.84 crore on account of Transmission Charges payable to PSTCL during FY 2013-14.
4.         Orders of the Commission
The Commission has undertaken detailed analysis of justified costs of PSPCL & PSTCL for the year 2013-14, under each head as well as a Review for the year 2012-13 (on the basis of Revised Estimates). True up exercise for the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 could not be carried out in the absence of Audited Accounts for these years.
Salient features of the Tariff Orders are as follows:

  • Annual Revenue Requirement of PSPCL for the year 2013-14 is determined at ₹21592.45 crore against ₹23589.60 crore projected by PSPCL. The revenue requirement of PSPCL also includes an amount of ₹1269.64 crore determined by the Commission in the Tariff Order of PSTCL for FY 2013-14 on account of Transmission & SLDC charges.
  • The review of FY 2012-13 in respect of PSPCL ARR indicates a consolidated gap of ₹1010.49 crore ending FY 2012-13.
  • True up for FY 2010-11 and FY 2011-12 has not been taken up since PSPCL and PSTCL have not provided the Audited Accounts for these financial years. After considering the combined effect of these exercises, impact of Commission’s Orders dated 7.1.2013 and 28.3.2013 and rebate to various consumer categories, the Commission has determined the gross revenue requirement of ₹22554.80 crore for the year 2013-14 in respect of PSPCL.
  • After making adjustment on account of non-tariff income and revenue from tariff at existing level, the consolidated revenue gap determined by the Commission for  FY 2013-14 is ₹1782.50 crore.
  • To meet the revenue gap of ₹1782.50 crore for the year 2013-14, an increase of 9.06% is required across the board. The combined average cost of supply for the year 2013-14 works out to 577.75 paise/unit whereas it was 538.66 paise/unit in the Tariff Order for FY 2012-13.
  • The Tariff Order and the revised rates will be applicable from April 01, 2013 and the tariff structure determined by the Commission shall remain operative till 31st March, 2014.
  • The total amount of Government subsidy for free supply to AP consumers for the year 2013-14 works out to ₹4778.13 crore. Payment of the same has been committed by Govt. of Punjab.
  • In addition, Govt. of Punjab has also committed to pay subsidy amounting  to ₹829.29 crore for free supply upto 200 units per month to SC Domestic consumers and Non-SC BPL Domestic consumers with a connected load upto 1000 watts.
  • Total amount of subsidy for 2013-14 has been worked as ₹5607.42 crore.
  • The revised tariffs of all the categories (except AP) are within       ± 20% of the combined average cost of supply, as provided in the Tariff Policy.
  • The transit loss for FY 2013-14 for all the thermal plants of PSPCL has been approved on actuals, subject to a maximum of 1.00%, instead of 1.5% to 2.00% being allowed earlier.
  • Substantial savings in Fuel Cost by implementation of the recommendations pointed out in the Fuel Audit Report got carried out by the Commission from CPRI, Bangalore.
  • The Commission has also approved a Capital Investment Plan of     ₹900 crore for Transmission business of PSTCL and ₹1450 crore for PSPCL so that infrastructure is strengthened which would improve quality of service to the consumers of the State. An investment plan of ₹15 crore has also been approved for SLDC business of PSTCL.
  • Two Part Tariff proposal submitted by PSPCL for retail supply consumers has not been agreed to by the Commission in view of objections raised by various stakeholders. PSPCL has been directed to examine the issues raised by the stakeholders and conduct mock trial/parallel run of the proposed Two Part System, at least in five selected Divisions for six months and submit a detailed report along with revised proposal.
  • ‘Cost of Supply’ study has been carried out by PSPCL and accordingly category-wise and voltage-wise tariffs have been determined by the Commission for FY 2013-14. In order to move in this direction, some rebate to consumer categories catered at higher voltages has been approved by the Commission.
  • Time of Day (ToD) tariff for Large Supply Industrial Category consumers has been introduced with a rebate of ₹1/unit on normal tariff during off peak hours (22:00 hours to 06:00 hours) from the period October to March of the financial year. This will help in flattening the load curve of the State. Power cuts during day time are likely to get reduced because of shifting of industrial loads.
  • Introduction of additional slab upto 100 units in NRS category to watch the interest of small shopkeepers.
  • To restrict the load/demand during peak load hours, to save the grid failure, Peak Load Hour Exemption charges have been increased by 50%.
  • Measures taken by the utility at the intervention of the Commission through its directives have resulted in reduction in T&D losses.
  • Any change in fuel costs from the level approved by the Commission is to be passed on to the consumers, on quarterly basis, in line with the specified Regulations of the Commission.

5.         A copy of the tariff structure indicating existing tariff and tariff approved by the Commission for FY 2013-14 along with increase in paise/unit for each category is enclosed at Annexure-A.
Annexure-A
Existing and Revised Tariff for FY 2013-14

 

Sr. No.

 

Category of
Consumers

 

Existing Tariff

Revised Tariff approved by the Commission

Increase in Tariff

Energy Rate
(paise/kWh)

Energy Rate
(paise/kWh)

Paise/Unit

A) PERMANENT SUPPLY

 

 

 

 

1

Domestic

a)

Upto 100 units

409

456

47

 

b)

 

101 to 300 units

549

602

53

c)

Above 300 units

581

644

63

2

Non-Residential Supply

 

a)

Upto 100 units

603

645

42

b)

Above 100 units

603

658

55

3

Public Lighting

603

658

55

 

4

Agricultural Pumpsets

 

i) Without GoP subsidy:  418 paise/kWh or Rs. 339 /BHP/ Month

 

i) Without GoP subsidy:425 paise/kWh or Rs. 331/BHP/ month

7

  
ii) With GoP
         subsidy:      Nil

ii) With GoP
    subsidy:      Nil

5

AP-High Technology

418

425

7

6

Compost Plants/Solid Waste Management Plants for Municipalities/ Urban Local Bodies

418

425

7

7

Industrial Consumers

a)

Small Power

510

574

64

b)

Medium Supply

561

626

65

c)

  Large Supply

i)

General Industry

561

633

72

ii)

PIU

561

633

72

iii)

Arc Furnace

561

633

72

8

Bulk Supply (including MES)

a)

HT

559

629

70

b)

LT

587

657

70

9

Railway Traction

603

658

55

 

 

B)  SEASONAL INDUSTRY:* COTTON GINNING, PRESSING AND BAILING PLANT, RICE SHELLERS / HULLER  MILLS, KINNOW GRADING AND WAXING CENTRES, RICE BRAN STABILISATION  UNITS (WITHOUT T.G.SETS) (SP, MS, LS)

a)

During Season (From 1st September to 31st May next year)

 

SP

510

574

64

 

MS

561

626

65

 

LS

561

633

72

b)

Off Season

 

SP

603

679

76

 

MS

644

719

75

 

LS

644

727

83

C) ICE FACTORY & ICE CANDIES AND COLD STORAGE

a)

April to July

 

SP

510

574

64

 

MS

561

626

65

 

LS

561

633

72

b)

August to March Next Year

 

SP

510

574

64

 

MS

561

626

65

 

LS

561

633

72

D) GOLDEN TEMPLE, AMRITSAR AND DURGIANA TEMPLE, AMRITSAR

a)

First 2000 units

Free

Free

 

b)

Beyond 2000 units

467

520

53

 * Seasonal period for cotton ginning, pressing and bailing plant, kinnow grading and waxing centres, rice bran stabilization units (without T.G. set) shall be from1st September to 31st May next year and for rice shellers /huller mills shall be from1st October to 30th June next year.

Average overall increase = 9.06%
Notes:

  • SC and Non SC BPL Domestic consumers with connected load upto 1000 watts will be given 200 units of free power per month in view of GoP subsidy;
  • AP consumers and consumers mentioned in (i) above will not be charged service charges and meter rentals in view of Government Subsidy;
  • All other charges including rentals and deposits as  per  Schedule  of  General Charges, Supply Code and General Conditions of Tariff and  Schedule  of Tariff approved by the Commission will continue to be charged at the existing rates till these are reviewed by the Commission;
  • Levy of 10 paise/unit on prorata basis, on continuous process industries, shall continue as here-to-fore.
  • Rebate of 25 paise/unit to all consumers getting supply at 220/132 kV, 20 paise/unit to all consumers getting supply at 66/33 kV and 15 paise/unit to DS, NRS, AP High–Technology, Compost Plants/Solid Waste Management Plants for Municipalities/ Urban Local Bodies and MS category consumers getting supply at 11 kV shall be allowed.
  • The billing for Rice Sheller industry shall be carried out as per Commission’s order dated 23.10.2012 in Petition no. 66 of 2011.
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DIGITAL MAPS AND WARDS’ INFORMATION ON WEBSITE, RAKHRA PULLS UP OFFICERS FOR NON COMPLIANCE

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 10:
The Punjab Government is all set for conducting elections for Zila Parishad/Block Smiti/Panchayat. The process for elections would immediately star after the announcement by the state election commission, all preliminary arrangements have been completed by the Punjab Government in this regard. It was disclosed by Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra.
 The Minister said that the digital maps and complete information about wards have already been uploaded on official website. Mr. Rakhra said that two more additional days have been granted to all the officers who have yet not uploaded the information on the website. He also directed all DDPOs to furnish complete information regarding work done till date, in this regard. He said that any officers found guilty of non compliance would be brought to the books.
Mr. Rakhra further said that 81757 wards have been demarcated for electing of 13111 panchayats. The election must have to be conducted before May 31. He said that 333 zones have been formed for the election of 22 Zila Parishad and 2732 zones for 145 Block Samiti.
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MALUKA SUSPENDS DRUNKARD SCHOOL LECTURER

  • EM MADE SURPRISE VISITS TO THREE SCHOOLS OF MOGA DISTRICT

Chandigarh, April 10: The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today placed Sukhwant Singh, Lecturer Biology of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Kot Isse Khan of district Moga under suspension, who allegedly remains under influence of liquor even during school timings.
The Education Minister today made a surprise visit to the concerned school and was informed by the school staff about this teacher, a habitual drunk, who ran away from the school during this surprise visit. During the suspension period his headquarter would be the office of Circle Education Officer, Faridkot. Later on the Minister also visited Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Kot Isse Khan and Government Senior Secondary School, Baghapurana and expressed satisfaction over the day to day functioning of these schools. He said that he would continue his surprise visits to government schools especially situated in far flung areas to have feedback on level of education and would take corrective measures, if needed anywhere.
While in an informal interaction with media persons, Mr. Maluka categorically said that there would be zero tolerance for any indiscipline in any school and strict action would be initiated against the erring officials. He urged the students as well as their parents that in case of any complaint regarding indiscipline by any school teacher or other members of the staff, they should immediately bring it in the notice of his personal staff comprising Mr. Kuldeep Chand (98146-57902), Mr. Jarnail Singh (94655-00044) and Mr. Surinder Singh (94177-21152). He said that keeping in view the increasing strength of students in GSSS, Baghapurana, the State education department would take up the matter of expansion or construction of new building at the earliest. He also interacted with the staff members of all these three schools and exhorted them to make a significant contribution in further improving the quality of education in their respective schools.
He said that the state government has chalked out an ambitious plan to set up 1000 Model Schools to provide quality education to the students of the state with special provision of free education for poor students. He informed that under this scheme, the village Panchayat would have to provide 5 acres of land on lease for 30 years to private developers, who will construct, operate and manage the school. The concerned school would admit all the students of the concerned village and provide them education free of cost.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASES PRIZE MONEY FOR THE PLAYERS

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 10:
The Punjab Government has substantially increased the various caps of prize money for the medal winner in Commonwealth and Asian games.
An official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the prize money for the medal winners in Asian Games has been hiked fivefold where as the prize money for the medal winner in the Commonwealth Games has been increased threefold.
He said that now the Asian Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners would get cash prize of Rs. 26, 16 and 11 lakhs respectively. Similarly CWG Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners would get a cash prize of Rs. 16, 11 and 6 lakhs respectively. It is pertinent to mention that Asian and CWG Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners were earlier awarded with cash prize of Rs. 5, 3 and 2 lakhs respectively. The decision would be effective from November 3. 2010.
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EMPLOYMENT GENERATIONS AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT
 IMPART TRAINING TO 95 THOUSAND YOUTH

Chandigarh, April 10: In an effort to curb unemployment and provide an opportunity to the unemployment youth ensuring financial security, Employment Generations and Training Department Punjab has imparted training to the 95 thousand applicants from different institutions during the last year. About five thousands youth in the state have also been adjusted at various places on the basis of these trainings.
According to a spokesman of Employment Generations and Training Department as many as 95139 applicants were registered in 2012 and 13489 during the first two months of the current year. Spokesman further said that 5039 applicants got placement in last year and 575 in first two months of current year. He further said that department was committed to provide ample training to the youth so that they could obtain the employment avenues across the state.

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FARMERS TRAINING CAMP AT MUKTSAR HELD ON 11TH APRIL

CHANDIGARH: APRIL 10

            The Punjab Government has decided to organize District Level farmers training camp at Muktsar on 11th April. Giving the information a spokesman of agriculture department said here today that these training camps were organized in all the districts of the state to educate the farmers regarding the new techniques for the agriculture production for the Kharif season 2013.
The spokesman further said that during these camps new technique of agriculture by the agriculture experts were provided and also addressed the problems of farmers regarding the agriculture.
He made an appeal to the farmers to take active part in these camps and get the maximum benefit out of it.
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SIRHIND CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL APRIL 24

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 10:
The Sirhind canal off taking from Ropar Head works would remain close from 10 to April 24, 2013 for early completion of the Southern Bypass project on Sirhind canal.
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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NO BODY IS ABOVE LAW-HARSIMRAT
·         WELCOMES JUDGEMENT OF KARKARDOOMA COURT
·         WHOSOEVER COMMITTED OFFENSE, WILL HAVE TO FACE THE PUNISHMENT
·        CONGRESS  HAND  IN GLOVE WITH CBI TO PROTECT ARCHITECTS OF ’84 ANTI SIKH RIOTS

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 10: Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said that no one was above the law and whosoever has committed crime will be punished by Court.
          Welcoming the reopening of case against Congress Sewa Dal Chief Mr. Jagdish Tytler by Karkardooma Court of Delhi rejecting the closure report filed by Central Bureau of Investigation, Mrs. Badal said that Congress should learn a lesson from today’s Judgment and should not work hand in glove with the top investigation agency of country CBI to protect the architects of ’84 Sikh genocide.   
          Mrs. Badal said that findings of Karkardooma Court in three decade long struggle of Sikhs for justice has further strengthened the faith of the countrymen in judicial system and whosoever has committed  anything criminal will have to punished accordingly and no party can save Them.
          Accusing the Congress Party for awarding Tytler and Mr. Sajjan Kumar with posts in party rank and file, Mrs. Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal and Sikhs would fight in unity to get justice in 1984 Sikh Genocide. She also welcomed the verdict of Supreme Court upholding the life term for 4 accused of 1984 Sikh riots. 

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SAD-BJP Vichar Sammelan

Goa April 9 – The two-day convention of the Shiromani Akali Dal- Bhartiya Janata Party Alliance, concluded here this afternoon with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal declaring that he was totally satisfied with the outcome of the heart-to-heart deliberations at the conclave. He said that the two parties would hold more such sammleans in future also, and that the
next   conclave  would be held  at Shri Huzoor Sahib, Nanded Sahib,
Maharashtra.

  The Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and senior Akali and BJP leaders also attended a high tea hosted by the Goa Chief Minister Mr.
Monohar Parrikar. All the members of the delegation also visited the Goan Vidhan Sabha and attended the on going session for about half an hour. They were received by the Goa Chief Minister, the speaker of the Goa Assembly Mr. Vishwanath Arlekar  and the Leader of the Opposition (Congress)  in the Goa Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Partap Singh Rane.

 Later, Mr. Badal, accompanied by the SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal and senior leaders of the SAD and BJP  paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sahib Sanqueine .

 

   The Chief Minister declared at the end of the two-day Vichar Sammelan, Mr. Badal that the countdown for Lok Sabha elections in the country  and an imminent change at the center had already begun . The Chief Minister, accompanied  by the SAD president and Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal and the CM’s Advisor on National Affairs and Media, Harcharan Bains, was speaking at a lunch hosted for local and Chandigarh-based journalists at Hotel Taj here.

   About the timing of the Lok Sabha poll, the Deputy Chief Minister declared that these elections  could be held sometime around September this year. “We are all geared up for the battle and are eagerly awaiting the day. SAD-BJP will sweep Punjab and NDA is all set to form a government at the center.”

  The Chief Minister was asked if his party would support Mr. Narinder Modi as NDA’s Prime Ministerial candidate. "We are with the NDA and would go by the decision of the BJP in the matter. Deputy CM also echoed Mr. Badal’s views, adding, “ The BJP is the dominant partner in the NDA and the SAD would respect their prerogative in the matter. “

           Mr. Badal  ruled out any re-look at the seat-sharing arrangement with the BJP in Punjab where SAD is the dominant partner. “We have a complete understanding as alliance partners as ours is not merely a political tie-up but a social and emotional bonding for peace and communal harmony in the state.

Listing the prominent gains to have emerged from the two day sammelan, the SAD  president Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the two parties had come to understand better how to further speed up our responses to the people’s aspirations and to further consolidate our close relationship with the masses by fine-tuning our policies, strategies and implementation net-work.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh said that the detached and objective manner in which issues pertaining to the people and the alliance government’s  approach to these issues were discussed over the past two days had provided greater insights into the subtleties of the problems and the challenges posed by various elements . He said that it had been possible to assess, re-assess and re-evaluate our responses and performances in meeting challenges posed by such menaces as drugs, corruption, people-bureaucracy and politician-bureaucracy equations. He said that there was no doubt that in a democracy, people are the final arbiters of the state’s destiny and bureaucracy had to function as a hand-maid of the aspirations of the people as expressed through their elected representatives. He said that delegates had had frankly and openly expressed their views on the performance of their colleagues in government as also on the attitude of the bureaucracy.

      According to CM’s Advisor Harcharan Bains , all legislators, MPs, candidates for the last assembly and Lok Sabha polls, principal office bearers and other leading lights of the SAD and the BJP (Punjab Unit) expressed their views on various subjects on the concluding day of the convention organized at the initiative of the SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. The main aim of the convention was to  assess the implementation of  various programmes and schemes launched by the Alliance government in Punjab and to study ways to further strengthen the close day to day interaction between the  party leaders and workers on the one hand and between workers and people at the grass-root levels on the other, said Mr. Bains in  a statement released to the press later in the afternoon.

 

-IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM APRIL 9 TO 16

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 9:
            The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 9-4-2013 to 16-4-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala Feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab canal and Sidhwan Branch, respectively.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that the distributaries and branches of BML, Ghaggar Link and its off-taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor, in Group ‘B’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group ‘A’.
            The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘B’ being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’.
          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, Lahor Branch and Main Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively.

STATE GOVT. TO PROVIDE FREE COMPUTER TABLET TO 1.5 LACS STUDENTS OF CLASS 12th -MALUKA
·       EDUSAT extended to all high and senior secondary schools
·       Disbursement of scholarship to the students switch over to online mode
Chandigarh April 9:
Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that all the Government schools in the State will be fully equipped with requisite staff and infrastructure in science, information technology and commerce streams during the current financial year.
Mr. Maluka said that the education department had taken major initiatives to strengthen the educational network at all levels of Schools, Colleges and Universities.
He stated that the state government will provide free computer tablets to all the 1.5 lac students studying in 12th class in the government schools at a cost of Rs.110 crore for the current financial year. He also said that Satellite Based Education (EDUSAT) earlier launched in 1600 schools, is now being extended to all high and senior secondary schools in this year.
He further said that around 6.16 lacs eligible students have been provided scholarship amounting to Rs. 17.78 crore during the year 2011-12, with effect from the year 2012-13, the system of disbursement of scholarship has been switched over to 'online mode.

 

SAD-BJP Vichar Sammelan: focus on more powers to states and development and administrative reforms

Goa April 8, 2013

The two day Vichar Sammelan of Shiromani Akali Dal and Bhartiya Janata party today called for complete scrapping of the central sponsored schemes and advocated devolution of state’s share in central taxes directly to the state governments with freedom to decide their own developmental priorities.

The Sammelan opened with a 90-minute presentation by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on the economy, development and future priorities for Punjab.
          Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal presided over the convention . Senior leaders Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Charanjit Singh Atwal, Madan Mohan Mittal, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Bikram Singh majithia, Anil Joshi ,  Jathedar Tota Singh, Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Hira Singh Gabria , Rajidner Bhandari,Tikshan Sood,  Sohan Singh Thandal were among the prominent speakers today. All the SAD-BJP ministers gave an account of the salient features of their departments.
          Chief Minister Sardar Parkash Singh Badal’s Advisor on National Affairs and Media, Mr. Harcharan Bains,  later briefed the press on the day’s proceedings.
          A dominant view at the marathon five-hour inaugural session of the Sammelan  favoured  the formula for devolution of central funds to be based on the proportionate contribution  of the concerned state to the central taxes, instead of the present norm in which  population is made the basis for determining the share. This works heavily to the disadvantage of progressive, developed and high performing states like Punjab whose per capita contribution to central taxes is far in excess of the proportion of its numbers in the country’s overall population.
          Speakers at the convention felt that only a genuinely federal structure in the country with more financial and administrative powers to the states could help the country and the states in achieving its targets of inclusive and speedy growth, with emphasis equally on big ticket-development projects and welfare and progress of the weaker sections of society.
          SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal outlined the details of Punjab’s  success story on the economic  and development fronts, with the state exceeding the targets fixed for it by the planning commission in almost all key fiscal denominators. The state broke all national records in boosting its  own revenues by nearly 400 per cent in just five years, something that had never been achieved by  any state in the country. The fiscal debt has been reduced from above three per cent to just 1.33 %, against the national figure of 3.32 per cent. The states not only exceeded the target set for it by the panning commission – 5.9% - to record  a growth rate of 7. 2 per cent but it left even states like Bihar well behind. The national growth rate during this period did not cross 5.0%. Te growth rate during the previous congress regime in the state was well below the national average and had plummeted to nearly four percent.
    Mr. Badal quoted figures of the Government of India to show even the debt to GSDP ratio has been brought down from 48% during Congress regime to just 33 percent now. The story on other development fronts was no different with expenditure on health being more than four times of what was achieved by the Congress regime. In education too, the SAD-BJPfigure exceeded that of the Congress regime by nearly 300%. 
   The Deputy CM made a special mention of the government's drive against drug menace and said, "Our war on drugs has reached a decisive phase and we are determine to win this war."
   Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who participated in the deliberations, thanked the people of Punjab for the unprecedented show of affection, trust and faith in the policies of the SAD-BJP alliance. “We have not lost a single election in Punjab in the past six years, winning two general assembly elections, Lok Sabha, corporation, municipal and Panchayat elections. We recorded thumping wins in SGPC and also in the DSGMC. And we did not merely win but actually swept these polls. This inceases our humility and sense of commitment to the people’s welfare.,” said Mr. Badal.
  Mr. Badal termed the two day sammelan as a useful and much needed detached and objective look at our own performance and the issues dear to the people. It will help us fine tune our approach even further, ,” he said.

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SAD-BJP Chintan Shivir to begin at Goa tomorrow
Two-days brain storming session to dwell on development agenda to put Punjab on high growth trajectory besides chalking out LokSabha polls strategy -2014
Goa April 7 –
The two-day convention “Vichar Sammelan”  of the Shiromani Akali Dal- Bhartiya Janata Party Alliance  , focused at review, evaluation and future strategies for speeding up and perfecting  delivery and performance levels in meeting people’s expectations  gets underway here tomorrow.  
          The convention is being held ahead of the SAD-BJP government’s plan to unfold a massive and historic development thrust, involving an unprecedented expenditure of over 12000 crores in all urban and rural areas across the state. The initiative, once it rolls out, is expected not only to strengthen local, inter-city and inter-district infrastructure in the state and to ensure a 100% availability of basic amenities to every citizen anywhere in the state, but also to change the very way the world looks at Punjab. Apart from successfully  meeting the Deputy Chief Minister’s self-assigned challenge making India’s first power-surplus within the space of one year, the initiative is aimed also at providing complete and fail-proof d water-supply, sewerage,  drainage  and complete public health infrastructure.
The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief want the party rank and file and cadre to enlist and ensure people’s involvement in the successful implementation of this initiative. “No government policy can achieve hundred per cent success without the active involvement and support of the people, especially of the specific targeted beneficiaries of these policies. We need to keep our ears close to the people hearts and our fingers on their pulse,” Mr. Badal told members of the SAD-BJP delegations ahead of tomorrow’s meeting.  
    All the legislators, MPs, candidates for the last assembly and Lok Sabha polls, principal office bearers and other leading lights of the SAD and the BJP (Punjab Unit) including president Mr.  Kamal Sharma ,  are taking part in the convention organized at the initiative of the SAD president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. The main aim of the convention is to  assess the implementation of  various programmes and schemes launched by the Alliance government in Punjab and to study ways to further strengthen the close day to day interaction between the  party leaders and workers on the one hand and between workers and people at the grass-root levels on the other. There will be an added emphasis on ensuring that the benefits of the various government policies and decisions reache right down to the intended beneficiaries.  The Convention will also have a detached look at the impact of the various schemes and decisions of the Alliance government and to study ways and means to ensure that there was no let-up in the implementation of these policies.
          The SAD president is keen to ensure that there is a constant and honest flow of feed-back from ground zero right up to the top echelons of the alliance partners so that the aspirations and expectations of the people feature prominently in all government decisions. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also wants to the party cadre to work as watch dogs of the people’s hopes and expectations  vis-à-vis the government, especially in the light of the back-to-back mandate given by Punjabis to the alliance in the February 2012 assembly poll. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal is of the view that since the people of Punjab broke with political norm and tradition in returning the SAD-BJP alliance to office, the performance of the government should also surpass all previous standards and delver even better than the promises and commitments made to the people before the assembly poll.
          The Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who has been spending most of his time since March 2012 among the people, visiting villages, towns and cities across the state, wants the leaders workers of the two parties to ensure that the government remains sensitive and responsive to the mood and aspirations of the poorest of the poor.  Mr. Badal  is particularly keen that people’s representatives and party office bearer and cadre should be accessible and available to the people round the clock to address their problems and issues , especially those relating to development and grievance redressal in government offices.
          Both the senior and junior Badal want to get a feed back on the performances of various wings of the government in the field in understanding and responding to local, sectoral and even personal problems. They feel that in a democracy, bureaucracy must function as true servants of the people. For this, the SAD-BJP leaders want party workers and cadre to work as a bridge between the people and bureaucracy.
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PUNJAB TO PREPARE A MASTER PLAN FOR STRENGTHENING CANAL IRRIGATION NETWORK ACROSS THE STATE

CM DIRECTES TO COMPLETE TENDERING PROCESS FOR RAJASTHAN FEEDER RELINING PROJECT WITH IN A MONTH

CHANDIGARH APRIL 7:
          In a bid to revamp the Irrigation network in the state the Punjab Government would prepare a Master Plan for all the canals and distributaries in the state.
          A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a high level meeting with the officers of the Irrigation department here at his official residence late last evening.
          Mr. Badal mentioned that under this plan all the macro as well as micro component calculations should be down to strengthen the existing irrigation network so that majority of farmers in state could be benefited besides saving a large quantity of water being wasted due to seepage and excessive silting in Rivers, Canals, Distributaries and Watercourses.  
Mr. Badal said that Rs. 1565 crore Project of Relining of Rajasthan feeder was a flagship project of the State Government that would save 500-cusecs water daily from seepage after its completion within next four years. He directed the Irrigation department to undertake this entire project as per the norms and specifications of Inter National standards.
He also asked the Department to expedite its efforts to restart the work on Banur Canal project along with its nine distributaries at a cost of Rs. 87 crore that would create an additional irrigation potential for more than 3400 hectares of land.
On the directions given by the Mr. Badal the Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sidhu assured him to expedite the formalities related to both the project and said that after finalizing all the technical specifications for the Rajasthan Feeder Relining Project in a week, the Detailed Notice for Inviting Tenders (DNIT) would also be completed within a month.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Chief Engineer Irrigation Mr. AS Dullet, Chief Engineer Drainage Mr. Vinod Chaudhary, Chief Engineer Shahpur Kandi Dam Construction Mr. Harvinder Singh, besides other senior officers of the Irrigation Department.
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BADAL ASKS THE STATE MACHINERY TO GEAR UP ITS FLOOD PROTECTION ACTIVITIES

  • DIRECTS FD TO RELEASE RS. 56 CRORE TO IRRIGATION DEPT.
  • BADAL FOR CONDUCTING LONG TERM STUDY FOR PERMANENT SOLUTION TO FLOODS IN THE STATE 
  • APPROVES RS.22 CRORE FOR THE PURCHASE OF HYDRAULIC MACHINES
  • ENVIRONMENT PLAN FOR MINES LESS THAN 5 HECTARES TO BE CLEARED BY APRIL 20

 

CHANDIGARH APRIL 7:
          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the flood protection measures in the state and has directed the entire state machinery to make all the necessary arrangements well in-advance besides updating all the equipment and other technical support to tackle any kind of emergency during the coming monsoon season.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that Mr. Badal was presiding over a high level meeting with the top-bras of the state administration and the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of various districts here at the Punjab Bhawan last evening.
Mr. Badal directed the Finance Department to release Rs. 56 crores to the Irrigation department for making necessary flood protection arrangements in the state. He also   directed the Principal Secretary Irrigation to fix the priorities of different works as per their requirements. Directing all the DCs the Chief Minister asked them to keep a close tab on the critical points in their respective jurisdictions to fight out any sort of eventuality arising on account of heavy rain during the forthcoming Monsoon besides, establishing a proper co-ordination with the Irrigation department and all other concerned sectors.
Regarding the on going flood protection works, Mr. Badal asked the state Principal Secretary Irrigation to regularly monitor these works and added that not a single life should be lost and damage to the property if any should be effectively controlled.  The Chief Minister also advised the Deputy Commissioners to personally visit the vulnerable spots within their districts to review the on going flood control works. 
Taking Part in the deliberations the Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon raised the issue of irregular mining of Chakki River on Pathankot- Gurdaspur road that could cause a great threat to the life and property of nearby villagers.
Directing the concerned Deputy Commissioner to take necessary action in this regard, Mr. Badal expressed apprehension over this kind of situation at other places too, where people had illegally encroached the river land besides damaging the river banks. He advised the Principal Sectary Irrigation to prepare a long-term strategy for the permanent solution to the floods through conducting a study with an active involvement of some reputed private expert agency that could recommend necessary measures in terms of widening and strengthening of the banks of all the rivers at various points in the state.
In the meeting Mr. Badal also gave approval for purchasing four Hydraulic Machines at a cost of Rs. 22 crore as flood protection equipment and asked the officers to chalk out the modalities in this regard at the earliest. He also assured that state government would provide all the technical support as per the requirements of the field staff.
It was also informed in the meeting that environment clearance to all the mines less than 5 hectares would be granted at the Deputy Commissioner’s level and formalities related to ‘Environment Plans’ of these mines would be completed by April 20 in the state.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting includes Irrigation Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. KBS Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Finance Mr. Jaspal Singh and Chief Engineer Drainage Mr. Vinod Chaudhary besides all the Deputy Commissioners and representatives of BBMB.
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NO SALARY BILL WITHHELD, ALL DDOs CAN DRAW AND DISBURSE SALARY

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 7: A spokesman of the Punjab Government today strongly denied a news item that appeared in a section of press that the Punjab government has withheld salaries of it’s employees and has not disbursed salaries of the previous month of March to its employees.
The spokesman clarified that no salary bills have been withheld due to ways and means position of the Government. He said that all drawing and disbursing officers may draw staff salaries and make timely disbursement to avoid any inconvenience to the government employees.
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UDAAN PROJECT STARTS TO TRAIN THE STUDENTS OF CLASS 4TH TO 12TH IN GENERAL KNOWLEDGE - MALUKA

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
CONDUCTS TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST (TET) ON MAY 26

Chandigarh, APRIL 7:

          The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka disclosed that SAD-BJP government constantly striving to upgrade the education standard of the Government schools in the state. In this regard syllabus of the schools is being changed to incorporate new subjects with the view to equipped the students with the modern system of the education. The Minister further said that a unique "Udaan Project" based on general knowledge is being initiated to impart training to the students in of class 4th to 12th studying in the government schools in the state. Under this project students and teachers would be trained to participate in the competition. It is pertinent to mention here that udaan project was started in district Sangrur last year. The Minister further said that the instructions have been issued to Director General School Education Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu to send a five questions with answers to each school through internet every week. He said after six months the students could opt for optional examination of general knowledge which would be taken from the question answers already send to the schools.
          The Punjab Education department is fully geared up to conduct Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test (PSTET) on May 26 in the State in which more than 5 lacs students are expected to appear.
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CABINET OKAYS HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT POLICY PUNJAB-2013
DECKS CLEARED FOR SETTING UP OF DIRECTORATE OF MAIZE RESEARCH AT LADOWAL
421 POSTS TO BE FILLED UP IN PROSECUTION AND LITIGATION DEPARTMENT
DEPUTY CM INDUCTED AS CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF PIDB
Chandigarh, April 5-
         Punjab Cabinet today approved the policy for Housing and Urban development Punjab-2013 with a major thrust to ensure affordable housing to the weaker sections of the society.
          A decision to this effect was taken in the Council of Minister’s meeting Chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal held here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the new policy would also focus on the rationalization of norms for the housing projects thereby making the procedures far simpler and time bound. The policy had also envisaged the issues of rationalized development controls, common buildings rules, incentives for construction of affordable houses and green buildings, procedures and time lines of approval of various projects and rationalization of potential zones, density and charges. The policy has also emphasized on the need to evolve a mechanism by including a two new policies of ‘Land Pooling’ and ‘Land Owners become Partner in Development’ to avoid any inordinate delay due to cumbersome process of land acquisition. These policies were aimed at acquiring land easily for the urban development projects for the benefit of both government as well as the land owners.
In another significant decision clearing the decks for setting up of the Directorate of Maize research in the state, the Cabinet also approved transfer of 100 hectares of land in Ladowal near Ludhiana, free of cost to the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR). The step was aimed at giving a major thrust to the much needed agriculture diversification program in Punjab. This endeavor would also help in development of new hybrid and high yielding varieties of maize thereby contributing in improving the income of farmers substantially.
In wake of the directions of the Apex Court, the Cabinet also gave nod for amending the Punjab Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007 thereby changing the percentage of promotion to superior judicial services from 50% to 65% and out of turn promotion based on exam from 25% to 10%.
In order to mop up additional revenue in the state kitty, the Cabinet also gave approval to levy stamp duty @ 2% on the Power of Attorney given for sale/transfer of land to non family transferees by amending entry number 48 of Schedule 1-A of the Indian Stamp Act 1899.
The Cabinet also gave approval for the creation of new block along with required staff at Arniwala Sheikh Subhan in district Fazilka by including 40 villages, of which 35 belonged to Fazilka block and five from Abohar block.
Taking a serious note of shortage of officials in the Prosecution and Litigation department at district level and the consequential difficulties faced by the general public in pursuing their cases in the court, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of 421 posts in next three years. This step was aimed at expediting long pending cases in the courts with more focused attention.
In view of hardships faced by the residents of 12 villages in Sangrur district, the Cabinet approved the transfer of these villages on the recommendations of village Panchayats to Sub Tehsil Amargarh from Tehsil Malerkotla.
The Cabinet also decided that the vacant lands of the Irrigation department which could not be used in any manner by it would be transferred to the Housing and Urban development department for its optimum utilization. The revenue generated from it would be used for the strengthening, revamping and creating infra structure in Irrigation department.
While taking a serious note of ever increasing litigation in the various departments, the Cabinet also decided to appoint senior law officers with the Principal Secretaries of the nine major departments and four with the Director General of Police. This has been done so that due care and attention could be paid to the ongoing cases besides avoiding unwarranted litigation. In addition 22 posts of the District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney in the offices of Deputy Commissioners across the state has been created to give legal advice to them so that speedy and quality disposal of cases could be carried out where legal issues were involved.
The Cabinet also gave approval to the state government for taking over the control of Government aided SD High School Maur Mandi, Bathinda besides the creation of new posts. The move was aimed at imparting quality education to the students free of cost.  
     The Cabinet also okayed the acceptance of recommendations and action taken report on the recommendations of the Fourth Punjab Finance Commission for the Panchayats and Municipal Councils in the state for the period from 2011-2012 to 2015-2016.
The Cabinet also approved to amend section 18 (2) and 19 (ii) of Punjab Infrastructure (Development and Regulation) Act 2002 in order to induct Deputy Chief Minister Punjab as Co-chairman of the Board of Punjab Infra Structure Development Board (PIDB).
Note- Detailed Press Note regarding the new Housing and Urban Development Policy is attached herewith for your kind perusal.  

 

CM BATS FOR OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF SOLAR ENERGY IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
UNVEILS DRAFT AGRICULTURE POLICY FOR PUNJAB
REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO BAIL OUT THE FARMERS OF THE STATE
Chandigarh, April 5-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the Chairman of Punjab State Farmer’s Commission Dr GS Kalkat to work out the modalities for optimum utilization of the Solar energy in various Agricultural operations with a twin objective of benefitting the farmers by ensuring uninterrupted supply of quality power on one hand and saving abundant electricity on the other.  
            Unveiling the draft state Agriculture Policy submitted by the Committee constituted for formulation of said Policy under the Chairmanship of Dr Kalkat here at Chief Minister’s official residence this morning, the Chief Minister said that the judicious use of Solar energy in Agriculture, Horticulture and floriculture could do miracles in the state as it was not only cost effective but also environmental friendly. He said that the need of the hour was to promote the utilization of Renewable sources of energy in agricultural activities by creating awareness amongst the farmers. Mr Badal said that the Union government was already providing subsidy to the farmers for encouraging them to adopt Solar energy for agriculture adding that even the subsidy could be given by the state government at its own level also.
The Chief Minister further said that the use of Solar energy would not only help in reducing the power consumption in the state but it would also go a long way in benefitting the farmers in supplying reliable power. He asked the state Agriculture Department to promote Non Conventional sources of energy especially in the farm sector in a big way to tide over the paucity of power in the state.
Dwelling on the need for making agriculture more viable venture by increasing the profitability of the farmers, the Chief Minister said that in the current scenario efforts should be made on war footing to promote agriculture diversification. Reiterating the commitment of the state government to bail out the beleaguered peasantry of the state from ongoing agricultural crisis, he said that for this thrust should be laid on the development of dairy, fisheries, poultry, goatry, piggery and other allied agriculture activities to benefit the farmers by enhancing their income. Mr Badal said that in order to formulate a comprehensive action plan for the development of these agriculture allied activities the active participation of the farmers at the grass root level was necessary.
The Chief Minister also asked the officers of the agriculture department to have detailed interactions with the progressive farmers and their organizations before submitting the final proposals to the Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by the Union government for the purpose of Agricultural Diversification in the country. He said that recommendations to the GoM must be made while keeping in view the long term interests of the farmers so that they could be benefitted from it. Mr Badal asked the officers to ensure that the recommendations were submitted at the earliest and in a comprehensive manner so that timely action could be taken by the Union government. 
The Chief Minister also asked the officers to look into the feasibility of enacting a foolproof market mechanism system for ensuring the proper marketing of the Soyabeen and Pulses in the states so that the farmers could be encouraged for its cultivation thereby helping them to come out of the rut of wheat/ paddy farming. He said that the farming of these crops would not only help the farmers in earning huge profits but would also play a key role in preserving the natural resources of the state. Mr Badal also said that the Agriculture department should also mull the constitution of the State Costs and Price Commission besides giving state MSP to the farmers for these crops.
Expressing concern over the high rates of the Insecticides and Pesticides in the state, the Chief Minister also asked the agriculture department to make all out efforts for ensuring that farmers were able to get the quality chemicals at affordable rates. He said that apart from giving subsidies under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna efforts should also be made by the agriculture department to conduct the bulk purchase of these Pesticides and Insecticides from the companies and provide them at cheaper rates to the farmers. Mr Badal also asked the officers to conduct a thorough study of the cropping pattern of the state so that area wise thrust could be given to the alternatives of wheat and paddy for enhancing the income of the farmers.
The Chief Minister also proposed that Block level agriculture Service centres should be set up for facilitating the farmers by providing them ultra modern farming equipments.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Financial Commissioner Development Mr Suresh Kumar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr G Vajralingam, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar, Vice- Chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Dr BS Dhillon, Director MILKFED Dr Balwinder Singh Sidhu and Director Agriculture Dr Mangal Singh Dhillon.
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SUKHBIR CALLS FOR MAKING NRIs PARTNERS IN PUNJAB’S PROGRESS

  • INDUSTRIAL AND HOUSING POLICY TO HAVE 10% RESERVATION FOR NRIs
  • MOST OF THE PROMISES TO PUNJABI DIASPORA FULFILLED
  • STATE ISSUES NOTIFICATION TO CHECK FRAUDULENT MARRIAGES BY NRIs
  • NOOSE TIGHTENED ON ILLEGAL TRAVEL AGENTS
  • NOTIFICATION ALLOWING EVICTION OF MULTIPLE PROPERTIES MULTIPLE TIME BY NRIs ALSO ISSUED
  • SUKHBIR TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF NRI HEADQUARTER AT MOHALI AND BHAWAN AT JALANDHAR IN FIRST WEEK OF MAY
  • PUNJAB TIES UP WITH CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY FOR ‘FREE DOCTORATE EDUCATION’
  • DISTRICT AUTHORITIES AUTHORISED TO EMBOSS POWER OF ATTORNEYS
  • PESCO TO GUARD PROPERTIES OF NRIs-MAJITHIA

CHANDIGARH, APRIL5:  Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab Government has evolved a comprehensive plan to make NRIs equal partner in the Industrial Progress of the state and the new Industrial Investment Policy, Real Estate Policy has kept a 10% quota of projects and plots for Punjabi Diaspora.

            Accompanied by NRI Affairs Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Badal reviewed the implementation of promises made to the NRIs in the two day NRI Sammellan held at Chandigarh and Jalandhar in January this year and said that he was satisfied that all departments of the Punjab Government have worked unitedly to fulfill most of the promises made to NRIs. Mr. Badal said that on the persisting demand of Punjabi Diaspora keen to invest in the state, the new Industrial Investment Policy being notified by the Government would have 10 percent quota in Industrial plots for them. Similarly, all new colonies of PUDA, GMADA and other Urban Development Agencies would also have 10 % quota in residential plots for NRIs.

            Expressing concern over Fraudulent Marriages by NRIs, who leave behind innocent brides in lurch, Mr. Badal said that Punjab is the first state in the country that has made registration of marriages by NRIs mandatory and The Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act-2012 has been notified and district authorities have been instructed to ensure its total compliance. He said that to check their harassment the registration authority of marriages has been delegated to District Revenue Officers, Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, whosoever is available in the office.

            Appreciating the historic decision of notifying The Punjab Human Smuggling Act, to check frauds by illegal travel agents, Mr Badal said that he has issued strict instructions to Punjab Police to launch a concerted drive against such agents, so that they could not destroy the life of innocent youth.

            Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy Chief Minister that Punjab Government has taken a path breaking decision, in which an NRI can get tenant evicted from multiple properties, multiple times. He said that earlier he was allowed only once for a single property. He informed that similar amendment was also been effected for Rural Properties also.

            Meeting the long pending demands of NRIs to guard their properties in Punjab, Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy Chief Minister said that a Punjab Government Undertaking PESCO would supply professionally trained ex-servicemen guards for this purpose on a nominal payment. He said that NRIs on visit to Punjab can also seek deployment of PESCO guards for personal security.

            It was informed in the meeting that three more NRI Police Stations have been opened in NRI dominant districts including Amritsar taking the total of such police stations to 9. He said that instructions have already been issue to seek approval of DSP before registering any FIR against NRI to check bogus complaints.

            The Home Department informed that Punjab and Haryana High Court has been requested to setup three Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate Courts at Moga, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur and an Appellate Court at Jalandhar for civil and criminal cases of NRIs and requisite funds have been provided for the same. 

            To involve NRIs with their motherland, the Department has chalked out a plan under which an NRI can donate a specific sum for School, College, Hospital of his/her village or district and that institution would be named on the name of their parents and grandparents. Mr. Badal asked the department to publicise this scheme in Foreign Media so that maximum NRIs could take benefit of this scheme.

            Mr. Majithia also informed that to check the harassment of NRIs, the authority to emboss Power of Attorneys has been delegated to District Authorities from Financial Commissioner Revenue.

            Underlining the need for launching a multimedia campaign in NRI Media, Mr. Badal said that the Punjab Government should launch sustained advertising campaigns to educate the NRIs about these decisions.

            Mr. Badal said that he would be laying the foundation stone of NRI Headquarter at SAS Nagar (Mohali) and NRI Bhawan in Jalandhar and asked Mr. Majithia to finalise the plan and site in consultation with PUDA.

            Participating the meeting Mr. Majithia thanked Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for ensuring expeditious implementation of all decisions and said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is writing to Union NRI Affairs Minister to allow cash card SIM to NRIs taking their passport as identity.

            He said that he thanked Deputy Chief Minister for assuring to take up with Cambridge University in which 50 Punjabi Students would be allowed Doctorate Education free of cost.

            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting including, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs, Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Public Relations, Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary Local Government, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industry, Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Secretary Health, Mrs. Ravneet Kaur, Secretary Education, Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Secretary Defence Service Welfare, Mr. B.S. Sudan, Secretary Home, Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, Director General School Education and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, ACA PUDA and representatives from all the districts.
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PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION DIRECTS STATE NODAL OFFICERS TO ENSURE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT,2011
Chandigarh April 5:  Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Commissioner Punjab Right to Service Commission has asked the nodal officers at the state headquarters to ensure proper implementation of the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 in the state in order to bring transparency and accountability in the process of delivering the services to the people of the state.
          Addressing the officers on the concluding day of the 5-day training programme organised by the Punjab Right to Service Commission, Dr. Verka asked the nodal officers to take necessary action to fulfil the requirement for the delivery of services within a stipulated time frame and maintaining proper record. He has also asked the officers to ensure the supply of standardized application format of the notified services and other material required for keeping proper record of services in the prescribed format i.e Form RTS-1. He also said that nodal officers would ensure that all the information related to notified services, application forms and documents required for obtaining the service should be uploaded on the website of the departments concerned. Dr. Verka also asked the nodal officers to send the Action Taken Report to the Commission within a month failing which appropriate action would be taken against the erring officers.
          Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu and Mr. H.S.Dhillon Commissioners, Punjab Right to Service Commission asked the nodal officers to provide the standardized formats of all notified services to the concerned departments and ensure adequate infrastructure required for the effective implementation of the Act. Prominent display of notified services, stipulated time, Designated Officers, First Appellate Authority, 2nd Appellate Authority should be ensured at appropriate place outside the office of designated officers for the convenience of public.
          Prominent among others who attended today’s training programme included State Informatics Officer and Senior Technical Director, NIC Punjab.
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PUNJAB TO STRENGTHEN THE BASE OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Chandigarh April 5:
To meet the growing demand of hospitality, tourism and travel industry for professionally trained manpower and to render specialized training to          undergraduate/graduates/postgraduates/industry professionals in tourism and hospitality related subjects, the Punjab government has envisaged various programmes in the state creating avenues for the promotion of knowledge and foster opportunities for learning especially for the youth.
Stating this here today Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Punjab said that in recognition to the state’s achievements in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector, the Government of India has conferred the National Award for Excellence in Hospitality Education for 2011-12 to the Chandigarh College of Hotel Management Landran. The award has been given by the Union Minister of state for Tourism in New Delhi today.
          The Minister also said that Hunar Se Rozgar Program, a pro-poor scheme, aims to create employable skills in the youth especially in the fields of Food production, Front office and Bakery. The youth who have even a minimum qualification of 8th Class and are between 18-28 years are eligible for the course. Trainees are provided free of cost training material, uniform, tool kit and free meals, along with a stipend of Rs. 2000. As many as 900 students have got training under the said project in the year 2011-2012 and another 1800 would be provided training in the year 2012-2013. Government would also make efforts for employment of these trained professionals, said Phillaur. Under a well defined policy to train and employ youth of the state training programmes have been framed in Basic fitness, Spa, Video Recording, conservation of heritage buildings and other related fields. 5 crore rupees have been earmarked for training for a period of one year. Once this programme is implemented 5,000 trained professionals will be available every year under this GoI scheme. Also free of cost training is being provided through A class hotels in Punjab to hotel staff to enhance the quality of hospitality, he added. 
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 FARMERS TRAINING CAMP AT LUDHIANA ON APRIL 12
 CHANDIGARH: APRIL 5:

          Punjab Government has decided to organize District Level farmers training camp at Ludhiana on 12th April. Giving the information a spokesman of agriculture department said here today that earlier this camp was scheduled to be held on 9th April 2013.

The spokesman further said that these training camps were organized in all the districts of the state to educate the farmers regarding the new techniques for the agriculture production for the Kharif season 2013.
He said that during these camps new technique of agriculture by the agriculture experts were provided and also addressed the problems of farmers regarding the agriculture.
He made an appeal to the farmers to take active part in these camps and get the maximum benefit out of it.
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ADDITIONAL DISTRICT & SESSION JUDGE COMPULSORY RETIRED
CHANDIGARH, APRIL,5:
 On the recommendations of Punjab and Haryana High Court and in exercise of powers conferred under rule 3 of Punjab Civil Services (Premature Retirement) Rules, 1975 and all other powers enabling under this act, the Punjab government has compulsory retired Mr, Baldev Singh Sodhi, Additional District and Sessions Judge, before his superannuation immediately, in public interest.
The department of Home Affairs and Justice (Judicial 1 Branch) has issued notification in this regard. As per the notification the retiree would be paid pay and allowances for a period of three months in lieu of three months notice in terms of rule (3) of the rules ibid.
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PUNJAB CONSTITUTES ‘LABOUR WELFARE BOARD’
 CHANDIGARH, APRIL, 5:
The Punjab government today constituted Punjab Labour Welfare Board with  Labour Minister Punjab its Chairman.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that besides Labour Minister Punjab the other independent members nominated in this Board included Principal Secretary Department of Labour, Principal Secretary Finance, Director of Industries and Commerce, Director of Social Security and Child Development (all as members) and Labour Commissioner Punjab as Member Secretary.
He further said that Mr. Sandeep Kumar Kalra, Mr. Harish Kalia have been nominated in the Board as employer's representative where as Mr. Bakhtawar Singh and Mr. Raj Kumar have been nominated in the Board as employee’s representatives.
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MALUKA CONSTITUTES SPECIAL FLYING SQUAD TEAMS TO CHECK THE COPYING DURING EXAMS IN COLLEGES

Chandigarh April 5:-
            Punjab Government has constituted special six special flying squad teams comprising of officers from the directorate to inspect various colleges where university examination were being held to check the menace of copying. These teams would apart from the flying squad teams of the universities.
            Disclosing this here today Education and Languages Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that a team under Joint Director (Admn.) has been deputed  to check the copying in Mohali, Ropar, Nawanshahar, Patiala and Sangrur. Likewise Assistant Director (Legal) would lead the team for Ferozepur, Faridkot, Fazilka and Mukatsar, Assistant Director (Funds) would lead the team for Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Hoshiarpur. Mr. Maluka said that Assistant Director (NCC) has been deputed for Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran and Amritsar, Assistant Director (Scholarship) has been deputed for Mansa, Bathinda and Barnala and Assistant Director (Intech) has been deputed for Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana and Moga to check the copying during examination.
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CM SLAMS BAJWA FOR STOOPING TOO LOW

  • NEVER EXPECTED BAJWA TO BEHAVE IN SUCH CHILDISH MANNER
  • ASKS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY
  • ATTRIBUTES FISCAL MESS IN STATES TO THE WRONG POLICIES OF CENTER

Jhandeana (Moga), April 4-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today slammed the newly appointed Chief of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa for stooping too low by launching a malicious campaign against the SAD-BJP government just to gain cheap popularity in the media.
Talking to the media persons during the concluding day of Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister dared Mr. Bajwa to shun tirade against alliance government and termed it as canard aimed at tarnishing the sanguine image of the SAD-BJP government, which has the mandate of people and had came to power consecutively for second time on the sole plank of development. He however said that the mounting frustration amongst the senior Congress leadership in the state was evident from the fact that they have been discarded by the people time and again. Mr Badal categorically said that he had never expected PPCC Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa to behave in such a childish manner who deliberately knowing everything has shut his eyes and was issuing half baked statements without verifying the facts.
The Chief Minister said that rather than resorting to mudslinging against the state government the Congress party must behave in a responsible manner and refrain from issuing baseless statements against them. He said all the political gimmicks of the new PPCC Chief were of no use as the people of the state were well aware of the dubious character of the Congress party, which had always adopted anti-Punjab stance. Mr Badal said that criticism for the sake of criticism was undesirable but healthy criticism was always welcomed and advised PPCC Chief to be positive and atleast dare to call spade a spade.
Refuting the allegations of PPCC Chief regarding the politicization of the Police force, the Chief Minister said that this charge was totally unsubstantiated as the Police force was working totally in accordance with the law of the land. He said that all the officers were being appointed in the state on the basis of their merit and seniority with a sole aim to deliver efficient services to the people of the state. Mr Badal said that they had not conducted any new recruitment of the Police officers and most of the top brass was the same, who were holding on key posts during the Congress regime from 2002-2007.
Replying to another query, the Chief Minister pointed out that the Congress leaders were trying to mislead the people of state by making false propaganda regarding the fiscal health of the state. Making a scathing attack on the state Congress leadership, Mr Badal said that they must remember that the debt on the neighboring states of Punjab, including those ruled by the Congress, was much more than it. He said that even the Union government’s economic condition was also not very comfortable as it had a huge fiscal deficit, which was further increasing day by day. 
However the Chief Minister said that productive debt for the sake of development was a global phenomena and Punjab was no exception to it. He said that it was on record that the state had witnessed unprecedented development in all the sectors during the last six years of their government. Mr Badal categorically said that due to the stupendous efforts of the state government Punjab today leads the country in the field of education and had been adjudged excellent by an agency of the Government of India (GoI) for excellent infra-structure in the field of Health services.
Holding the ill conceived policies of the Union government responsible for the poor economic conditions of the state, the Chief Minister said that the faulty criteria of the devolution of taxes collected from the states was primarily responsible for it. He said that how could the Congress led Union government justify the fact that it was giving only 32% of the total revenue collected from Punjab back to the state as central grants for carrying out the developmental works. Mr Badal said that due this criterion the states have been reduced to the position of beggars by the Union government adding that to ensure more progress and development of the states they must be made powerful in the economic field. 
During the Sangat Darshan program the Chief Minister disbursed grants worth Rs 1.67 crore in the villages Jhandeana (West), Khukrana, Thamanwala, Mangewala, Baghelewala, Sosan, Daddahur, Korewala Khurd and Korewala Kalan.   
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha Member Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, MLAs Jathedar Tota Singh and Mr. Joginder Pal Jain, senior Akali leader and former DGP Mr PS Gill, Youth Akali Leader Mr. Baljinder Singh Brar, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind.  
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PM SHOULD APPEAR BEFORE JPC TO CLEAR BLOT ON HIS NAME-SUKHBIR

  • CONGRESS FOUNTAIN HEAD OF CORRUPTION
  • UPA FORCING STATES TO LEVY UNREASONABLE TAXES ON PEOPLE

ABOHAR/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 4:
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh must appear before the Joint Parliamentary Committee constituted to probe 2G Scam to clear blot on his name.
Speaking to media persons after dedicating a slew of projects worth Rs. 78 crore in this sub-division, Mr. Badal said that it was imperative for a person like Dr. Manmohan Singh that to holding the post of Prime Minister of India to clear the nagging doubts in the minds of people regarding his direct, indirect or tacit involvement in the Rs. 1.76 lakh crore scam that shook foundations of economy of the country. He said that whole world was watching keenly that how India investigates this biggest economic scam in the world. He said that Prime Minister like “Ceasar’s wife must be above suspicion”. He said that non appearance of Prime Minister and the then Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambram before JPC would strengthen the suspicion that Congress led UPA Government does not want truth to be unveiled in this scam.
            Describing Congress as a fountain head of Corruption, the Deputy Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that UPA-II had a dubious distinction of being involved in biggest ever scams one after other and Congress Party kept on ranting the coalition dharma to justify these scams. He said that it was matter of great worry that due to opaque decision making process, scams, international investors had been reluctant to invest in the country and economic growth rate has plunged to 2.5% lowest in the century. He said that UPA-2 has been indulged in number of scam of worth Rs. Lakhs of crores right from CWG, Adarsh housing society, 2 G spectrum,Coal and Chopper deal scams which not only hit hard the economy of the country but also tarnished the image of nation worldwide.
Charging Union Government of arm-twisting states, forcing them to levy unfriendly taxes, Mr. Badal said that the notifications of Union Government released by Akali Dal clearly show that SAD-BJP Government never wanted to impose property tax and it was forced by Union Government to levy it. He said that PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa was shedding crocodile tears to shield the incompetence of Union Government.
He said that the newly appointed PPCC Chief Partap Singh Bajwa was making desperate attempts to remain in news through illogical accusations against SAD-BJP government while the reality was that the Punjab voters    had shown the anti- Punjab and poor party Congress its standing in public eyes with successive drubbings. He said that the days of Congress led UPA government has numbered as with its allies baying for its blood can any time sign its death warrants.
Unveiling the development agenda of the state, Mr. Badal said that he doesn’t believe in the negative politics being indulged by Congress Party and was focused on development only. He said that for the first time any state in the country would have all states linked with 4/6 lane roads and Chief Minister has already cleared an ambitious Rs. 20,000 crore project for the same. Mr. Badal said that the first thermal plant would be operational in the month of July and by December Punjab would be the first state in the country that would be Power surplus.
            Mr. Badal said that Punjab is all set to unveil new Industrial Investment Policy and Real Estate Policy in next few days, that would be catalytic in ushering in new era of accelerated development.
            Earlier Mr. Badal laid the foundation stone of disposal drain to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 21 crore at Abul Khurana. He said that in next four years all 147 cities would have 24 hour power supply, potable water supply, sewerage network at the cost of Rs. 10,000 crore.
            Mr. Badal also inaugurated a new OPD in Civil Hospital constructed at the cost of Rs. 5.45 crores and announced an Health Insurance Scheme of Rs. 30,000 for poor families. Mr. Badal also laid the foundation stone of Rs. 34 crore Lambi distributory and announced Rs. 1200 crore plan to strengthen irrigation network in the state. 

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PUNJAB SETS ASIDE RS.18998 CRORE FOR WHEAT PROCUREMENT
CHANDIGARH, APRIL.4:
The Punjab Government has set aside Rs. 18998 crore wheat procurement in the state during Rabi Marketing season 2013-14 to ensure timely payment to the farmers.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that as a part of first installment the Punjab Government has received Rs. 13529 crore from Reserve Bank of India for the wheat procurement in the month of April. He said that the second installment of the balance amount would be received in the end of this month, which would be used for the wheat procurement in the month of May and June. . He said that elaborate arrangements have been made to make payment to the farmers within 48 hours of the procurement of their crop and lifting of the crop procured would be ensured after 72 hours of the procurement.
He said that the government has fixed the target of 140 lac MT wheat procurement in the current season for which procurement which has already been started from 1st April. Arthias (Commission agents) would be paid online by the government procurement agencies through selected eleven banks.
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HEALTH MINISTER DENIED ANY NEGLIGENCE IN TREATMENT AT RAJINDRA HOSPITAL, PATIALA
CHANDIGARH, APRIL, 4:
Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health Minister Punjab said that the suspected Swine Flu patients are being treated in solitary Wards in all the Government Hospitals in Punjab. In a press statement the Health Minister strongly rejected the Media reports in which it was portrayed that Swine Flu patients are being treated keeping them in the ICU with other patients at Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala

He further said that after the publication of Media reports under the subject ‘RAJINDRA HOSPITAL PATIALA VIOLATES SAFETY NORMS’ a report was sought from Medical Superintendent, Rajindra Hospital Patiala. He said that it has been revealed in the report that a patient named Sangeeta was admitted in the Gynae Department on March 23, 2013, with Dyspnoea. Her condition rapidly deteriorated. Doctor advised Ventilator support to the patient. She was admitted to ICU and was put on Ventilator, later on Swine Flu was suspected and she was found positive for Swine Flu on March 27. The patient was then shifted to Swine Flu ward with Ventilator, where she died on March, 30. The Minister said that there was no preconceived strategy to put the patient in the ICU ward as the patient was admitted in the Gynae Department with the problem of Dyspnoea. He further said that strict instructions have also been issued to all the civil surgeons to take utmost care in the treatment of suspected swine flu cases. “Negligence found on the part of any doctor in this regard, he would be taken to task” The minister added.
NO:PR/332
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BASE LINE EVALUATION ON APRIL 9 FOR QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT   IN THE UPPAR PRIMARY CLASSES: MALUKA

Chandigarh, 4 April:

            The Punjab Education department has decided to start special base line evaluation to bring about qualitative improvement in the education standard of all the students studying in 6th, 7th and 8th classes in the government schools of the state. This base line evaluation would commence on April 9.
            Disclosing this here today Punjab Education and Language minister punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that under this project it was aimed to bring qualitative improvement in the education of students studying in upper primary classes. He said that basic purpose of this evaluation is to access the knowledge, information and maturity of students regarding Social Studies subject so that required corrective steps could be taken.
            Minister further said that class wise evaluation letters of Social Sudies was made available on SSA Punjab website and concerned teacher would keep record of class wise evaluation of each student.  Minister asked the Director General School Education (DGSE) to ensure the evolution process free from mal practices and coping by the students.
            Minister also directed the teachers to make concerted efforts for those students who were lagging behind in evaluation in next two months with their regular syllabus. He also said that after two months the education department through Social Studies teacher would ensure post evaluation of the subject and after studying the result new targets and methods would be chalked out for improvement in education near future. He said that subject expert DRP (Social Studies) would monitor the evaluation process.
            He said that a special PRAVESH project is being run in the primary schools of the state to bring qualitative improvement in the education of the students. He said that positive result has been reported for this project.               
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DISTRIBUTION OF KHARIF FODDER SEEDS TO LIVESTOCK OWNERS AT SUBSIDIZED RATES FROM 5 APRIL ONWARDS: RANIKE

  • DISTRIBUTION OF SEEDS TILL THE STOCK IS AVAILABLE.
  • APPEAL TO AVOID POISONOUS GREEN FODDER AND UTILIZATION OF BALANCED FERTILIZER.

CHANDIGARH: 4 APRIL:
            The Punjab Government has taken an initiative to distribute quality Kharif fodder seeds to the livestock owners of the State.
            Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy, Punjab today said that during the year 2012-13,   21,200 Quintals of certified fodder seed will be distributed to livestock owners at subsidized rates. From 5th April onwards kharif fodder seeds will be distributed on First come First serve basis, at all the block level Veterinary Hospitals, till the stock lasts.
            He also said that during Kharif season -2013,  14,000 Quintals of certified seeds has been procured from Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, Milkfed Punjab, National Seed Corporation and National Agricultural cooperative Marketing Federation Limited, Govt. of India for distribution to livestock owners of the State. These certified seeds will increase the fodder production in the State and the farmers can also produce their own seed for the next year from it.
The Minister further informed that Seeds will be distributed till the stock lasts. He told that the fodder seeds of Maize J-1006 @Rs. 15/-per kg, Sudex Chari PB No.-1@Rs. 15/-per kg,  Teosinite (Makchari) T.L.(TL-1) @Rs. 25/-per kg, and Bajra F.B.C-16 @Rs. 15/-per kg will be distributed.
        He asked the livestock owners to get the prescribed form  attested by Patvari/ Sarpanch/Namberdar/M.C./Member Panchyat and concerned Veterinary officer or Veterinary Inspector of Civil Veterinary Dispensary and deposit them with the block level Civil Veterinary Hospitals.
            The Minister directed the department officials that Government guidelines regarding reservation should be to strictly followed during seed distribution.
    He appealed to the farmers to use balanced fertilizers to protect their animals from poisonous fodder, because excessive use of Urea fertilizer results in poisoning of green fodder.
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BADAL SLAMS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR DISCONTINUING INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM AMRITSAR AIRPORT
TERMS IT AS HEIGHT OF DISCRIMINATION WITH THE STATE
HOLDS UNION GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR HIKE IN PRICES OF SAND AND GRAVEL
DARES BAJWA TO NOT TO PASS THE BUCK OF CENTER’S FAILURE TO PUNJAB
TERMS SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL SECTIONS OF SOCIETY
Dagru (Moga), April 3-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the discontinuing the international flights from Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport, Amritsar and diverting them to Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi was nothing but a deliberate attempt of the Union government to make the airport at national capital a profitable venture at the cost of Sri Guru Ram Dass International Airport, Amritsar, which had a tremendous potential for setting huge revenue as Amritsar was the tourist hub due to Golden Temple where lakhs of devotees from across the world intend to visit this holy shrine to offer their prayers.
Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the fifth day of Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Amritsar International Airport was incurring heavy losses due to financial non viability as the international flights to Toronto had been discontinued just because of bad intention of the Center to extend profit to the Delhi airport. He said that it was the height of step motherly treatment with the state as despite of being the most profitable international airport in the country the Union government had earlier discontinued the flights from Amritsar to Toronto and had now stopped even the national flights to Chandigarh. Mr Badal said that the sole aim behind all such gimmicks was to give severe blow to the economy of the state, which was not at all acceptable at any cost.
Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that it was a well known fact that due to the denial of permission for mining by the Center the cost of small minerals like sand and gravel had gone up in the state. He said that it was unfortunate that despite of knowing all these facts the state Congress leaders were issuing baseless statements on the issue just to mislead the people. Mr Badal said that the state government has always conducted the auction for the mines in a transparent manner and that too in the presence of media so there was hardly any scope for extending the largesse to any particular person.
Daring Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Chief Mr Partap Singh Bajwa to not to pass the buck of the center’s failure to Punjab, the Chief Minister categorically said that Punjab had been forced to levy property tax in the state in order to seek grants from center under Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) Reforms. He said that rather than issuing the baseless statements the PPCC Chief must verify his facts.    
Earlier addressing the gathering during the Sangat Drashan program, the Chief Minister while assailing the Congress led UPA government for its anti-farmers stance, said that the ill conceived policies of the center have virtually ruined the beleaguered peasantry of the state by bringing them on the verge of economic disaster. He said that it was unfortunate that the hard working and resilient farmer of Punjab which had played a pivotal role in making the country self reliant in food production was not getting the remunerative MSP for their crop despite of the fact that the ever accelerating costs of agricultural inputs have reduced farming to a non-profitable preposition. Mr Badal said that such policies of the Union government have increased the agonies of the farmers manifold.
However the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was indebted to the farmers of the state for their immense contribution in making the country self sufficient in food production due to which they have been providing free power to them by bearing an additional burden of Rs 5700 crore. Mr Badal said that they were well aware of the fact that in the absence of free power it would become very difficult for the peasantry of the state to sustain so the SAD-BJP government was making this humble effort to recognize the valuable contribution of farmers.    
The Chief Minister said that not only this but the state government had made every endeavor to ensure that all the needy sections of the society get their due in the welfare schemes. He said that the path breaking initiatives of the state government in enacting welfare schemes like that Shagun, Atta-Dal, Bhai Ghaniaya Health Scheme and others hardly had any match in the country. “SAD-BJP government represents all the sections of the society and we are firmly committed for their welfare and prosperity” added Mr Badal.
Meanwhile during the Sangat Darshan program the Chief Minister disbursed a grant of Rs 1.31 crore for developmental works in villages including Nidhanwala, Daulatpura Ucha, Daulatpura Neevan, Sadda Singh Wala, Kahan Singh Wala, Jogewala, Daroli Bhai and Dagru.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, Lok Sabha MP Mrs Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, MLA Mr Joginder Pal Jain, Senior Akali leader and former DGP Mr PS Gill, Chairman Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board Mr Santa Singh Umedpuri, Akali leader Mr Makhan Singh Brar, Special Prncipla Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr Arshdeep Singh Thind. 

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CONGRESS PROPAGANDA ON VENDETTA FULLY EXPOSED-SUKHBIR 
·       NO TAKERS FOR DAILY NEW DRAMAS OF CONGRESS 
·       COMPETITIVE SHRILLNESS AMONGST CONGRESS LEADERS INDUCING NEGATIVITY IN POLITY
·       LAYS FOUNDATION STONES OF RS. 40 CRORE PUNJAB INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY and MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM
·          DEDICATES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF WORTH RS. 98 CRORE TO THE PEOPLE OF FAZILKA DISTRICT 
FAZILKA , APRIL 3: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said that Congress propaganda on political vendetta stands fully exposed as during last six years they have failed to produce a single case. 
          Speaking to media persons after inaugurating slew of projects worth Rs. 152 crores in Fazilka district, Mr. Badal said that Captain Amarinder Singh during last five years kept on ranting about 50,000 vendetta cases against Congress workers but failed to pin-point a single case in the assembly. Taking a leaf out of Captain’s diary, the newly installed PPCC President was repeating the same slogan to get few sound bytes. When asked about ‘Toll Free’ number launched by Congress to register such complaints, Mr. Badal said that if whole machinery of Congress Party could not collect a single case, the toll free number confirms the fact that either the worker set up of Congress at the grass root level was fully dysfunctional or the Congress Party was not in touch with them, forcing the party to rely on ‘Toll Free’ number to talk to their workers. 
          Mr. Badal said that the fact is that Congress leaders were totally disheartened as they know the reality that in which ever state Congress Party has lost two term consecutively whether it was in Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh, it has not returned to power. He said that Congress leaders were enacting new dramas everyday to charge up their workers. “Mr. Bajwa may dye his beard but it can not reverse the clock of Congress Party ticking every minute towards extinction point,” he quipped.
          When asked about increasing hostility of Congress leaders towards incumbent party, the Deputy Chief Minister said that every Congress leader was engaged in the exercise of competitive shrillness to show his presence to 10 Janpath, controlling all stings of the party as they have already made the post of PPCC President redundant.
While laying the foundation stone of Punjab Institute of Technology, a Rs.40 crore project of Punjab Technical University, the Deputy Chief Minister informed that this institute would start integrated courses in automobile, highways and aeronautic engineering besides in emerging sectors of hospitality and food processing industry to enable the students to get good jobs throughout the globe. He said that this was the 4thsuch institute being set up as three such institutes had been already start imparting quality technical as well as management education in Mansa, Rajpura and Kapurthala and the target was to establish 20 such institutes throughout the state so that our students could get quality education immediately after passing out their matriculation. He said that in the first phase around 1000 students would get admission here and after completion of second phase the student strength would rise to 2000. He said that the unique feature of this institute was that student belonging to village Arniwala who have provided this land would get 5% reservation of seats besides they have to pay half the fee for their respective courses.

He also announced to make Arniwala as Block as per the demand of the area besides Nagar Panchayat status after completion of required procedure. He also announced a Water Works besides rehabilitation of New Shere Wala minor and 4 laning of the road in the limits of the village.

He said that the state government was committed for the welfare of common masses with special focus on poor and needy people. He said that the SAD-BJP government has made a provision for free medicine in government hospitals for poor people besides a unique health insurance for all Atta-Dal scheme beneficiaries people to get free treatment even in private hospitals to the tune of Rs.30,000. Besides this another scheme was being launched for every citizen of the state by which one can after paying a token money of Rs.1000 can get free treatment up to Rs.1.5 lac in all major private hospitals in the state. Similarly, a Rs.30,000 per year scholarship would also be provided to every poor but intelligent students scoring 80% or above marks in matriculation for his secondary education i.e., plus one and plus two.
Reiterating his commitment to provide basic civic infrastructure in villages at par with urban areas, the Deputy Chief Minister said that all the 131 villages of Jalalabad constituency would have concrete roads in coming three years and 40 villages were being taken up this year. He said that in the next phase, he would focus on rehabilitation of water channels as now the focus was on rehabilitation of distributaries (Rajbahas) and road connectivity to Dhanis.
Describing the launching of Rs.152 crore projects during his two day visit of Fazilka district as a humble tribute to the people who have reposed their full faith in the leadership of SAD-BJP combine, the Deputy Chief Minister said that with in next 2-3 years it would be the best district in state with world class infrastructure with special focus on health, education and sports facilities.

It may be mentioned here that the Deputy Chief Minister on the concluding day of his two-day visit of Fazilka district to launch various development purposes, today dedicated the projects worth more than Rs.98 crore to the people of the district. The Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stones of two major irrigation projects in the form of rehabilitation of Arniwala distributary system and Bhagsar minor system with   joint cost of Rs.59 crore. The Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated a 66 KVA Grid station at village Ghattianwali Jattan (Rs.5.5 crore) and a Water Works at village Mullianwali (Rs.97 lac). Later on, he also laid the foundation stones of construction of Mandi at village Bannawala and 3 road projects namely Malout road to Arniwala to Bannawala to Pakkan to Nandgarh (Rs.5.46 crore), Fazilka-Malout road to Mahuana to Noor Pur (Rs.1.87 crore) and Fazilka-Malout road- Islam Wala canal to Ghattianwali Jattan to Aliana to Nukerian to Mandi Rorawali (Rs.6.09 crore). The Deputy Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of Rs.6.8 crore multi-purpose stadium at Fazilka to create world class sports infrastructure in this border district. Meanwhile, Mr. Prem Kumar Valecha today took over as Chairman District Planning Committee in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister who assured him that there would be no dearth of funds for development purpose.

Prominent amongst others who were present in these functions included Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Member Parliament, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Cabinet Minister, Mr. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, MLA, Dr. Rajnish Arora, Vice-Chancellor PTU, Dr. Basant Garg, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Gurpal Singh Grewal, MD, The Fazilka Central Cooperative Bank, Jathedar Suba Singh Dabwala, Executive Member SGPC, Mr. Charanjit Singh Brar and Mr. Tejwant Singh Tita, President Rice Millers Association, Fazilka.

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WORK AMONGST TECHNICAL ADVISORS REALLOCATED
 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 3:
          The Punjab Government has reallocated work amongst two Technical Advisors including Lieutenant General B.S. Dhaliwal and Major General V.K. Bhatt.
          An official spokesman today said that Lt. General Dhaliwal would be responsible for all departments except Local Government Department and Institutions falling under this department. He said that Major General B.K. Bhatt would be responsible for Local Government Department and all Institutions falling under it.

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PEDA  Held  Pre-bid conference for 300 MW  Solar Photovoltaic Power Projects

3rd  April 2013
Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has taken a major step forward in its endeavour to put up Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Power Projects in MW scale in the state by inviting bids through Competitive Bidding for 300 MW SPV Power Projects on Build, Own, Operate (BOO) basis, to be setup at various locations in the state of Punjab. The state has a major potential in generating power from Solar Energy as 330 days of clear sunshine with solar insolation between 4-7 kwh / Sq. mtr. is available. A pre-bid conference  has been  organised  today at CII, Sector- 31, Chandigarh with a view to reply to the queries of the interested bidder/companies. Sh. Anirudh Tewari, I.A.S, Secretary, Power and NCES chaired this pre-bid session and replies the querries of the bidder and explained the facilities to be provided by the Govt.
Sh. T.P.S. Sidhu, I.A.S, Chief Executive, PEDA, when contacted, confirmed that various renowned International / National companies, have shown their keen desire to setup projects and over 300 representatives of various companies participated and the response was overwhelming in this conference. Notable companies / major groups present were : Tata Solar Power, L&T, Moserbaer, Aditya Birla Group, Welspun, GE, Punjloyd, Sun Edision, Waree Energy. The pre-bid queries were replied by PEDA and PSPCL. The bidders were confirmed that details of the pre-bid conference and replies to the queries shall be available on the website of PEDA and Punjab Govt. e-tendering. Major bankers i.e. Uco Bank, OBC Bank, Union Bank of India, Vijay Bank, State Bank of Patiala, HDFC were also present in the pre-bid conference. Officials of PSPCL also participated in this conference.

 

Boxer Ram Singh arrested for custodial interrogation
Chandigarh, April 3:

The Fatehgarh Sahib Police today arrested Boxer Ram Singh in Case FIR No. 45 dated 3-3-13 U/S 21/ 61/ 85 NDPS Act, 25, 54, 59 A Act, 420, 465, 468, 471 IPC PS Fatehgarh Sahib already registered against international smugglers Anoop Singh and others. He is the 16th accused who has been arrested in this case. He was summoned to join investigation in this case after the name of Ravi Deol (Brother in law of Ram Singh) surfaced in this case and heavy recovery of drugs (5 Kg Ice and 90 kg Pseudophedrine )  was made from his parental house in Sangrur. After questioning this had come to the notice that he was continuously in touch with Ravi Deol who also happens to be a proclaimed offender and a smuggler.
          During intensive questioning it was found that Ram Singh has deeper connections with the smugglers and necessitated his custodial interrogation.

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PEDA invites Pre-bid conference for 300 MW  Solar Photovoltaic Power Projects

April 2: Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has taken a major step forward in its endeavour to put up Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) Power Projects in MW scale in the state by inviting bids through Competitive Bidding for 300 MW SPV Power Projects on Build, Own, Operate (BOO) basis, to be setup at various locations in the state of Punjab.
Stating this here today, a spokesman of PEDA said that the state has a major potential in generating power from Solar Energy as 330 days of clear sunshine with solar insolation between 4-7 kwh / Sq. mtr. is available. A pre-bid conference is being held at 11:30 A.M. on 3.4.2013 at CII, Sector- 31 Chandigarh with a view to reply to the queries of the interested bidder/companies. According to Mr.T.P.S. Sidhu, I.A.S, Chief Executive, PEDA, various renowned International / National companies, have expressed their keen desire to participate in the bidding process and even major bankers have been invited to attend this pre-bid conference. Mr. Anirudh Tewari, I.A.S, Secretary, Power and NCES would chair the pre-bid session, he added.
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UNION GOVERNMENT HAS FORCED THE STATE TO LEVY PROPERTY TAX – CM

ASSAILS CENTER FOR PUTTING RIDERS ON CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES
CHINTAN SHIVIR AT GOA AN INTERNAL MATTER OF PARTY
FOURTH DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN AT MOGA ASSEMBLY SEGMENT
 Singhanwala (Moga), April 2-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that due to the sanctions imposed by the Union government the state government has been forced to levy the property tax in the urban areas of the state.
Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the fourth day of his Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Union government has imposed riders including that of Property tax on the state government for seeking the grants of the urban development due to which they have been forced to implement this tax in the state. He said that not only Punjab but this tax has been implemented in the entire country on the directions of the Union government. Taking strong exception to the hue and cry made by the Congress leaders on this issue, Mr Badal said that rather than politicizing this issue the state Congress leaders must appeal their high command to refrain from thrusting these anti-people policies on the states. “We are left with no other alternative rather than succumbing to the pressure of center to resort to these taxes unwillingly”, he added.
Replying to a query regarding the criticism being leveled by the Congress leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for holding its Chintan Shivir in Goa, the Chief Minister termed it as an internal matter of the party. He said that every political party including the Congress holds such shivirs across the country so what was the harm in holding this shivir at Goa. He slammed the Congress for blowing this issue out of proportion just to cover up their internal wrangling which was the order of the day. Mr Badal advised the Congress leadership not to lose their cool especially in the wake of their frustration, which was well understood as they had hardly any political agenda to register their existence in the state polity.
Earlier in his address during the Sangat Darshan program in villages Dhaleke, Landeke, Sant Nagar, Mahima Singh Wala, Budh Singh Wala, Tare Wala, Nahal Khote and Singhaan wala, the Chief Minister categorically said that any discrepancy in the works approved during this Sangat Darshan program would not be tolerated at any cost and any official found responsible for such laxity would not be spared. Exhorting the people to be an integral part of government developmental activity, he said they should personally monitor the government developmental works being executed in their jurisdiction with utmost care and caution as the state government was already laying emphasis on the concept of inclusive growth thereby ensuring the common man’s participation in its policies and programs.
Meanwhile during the Sangat Darshan the Chief Minister disbursed grants worth Rs 1.10 crore for the development of these villages.  
During Sangat Darshan at village Sant Nagar a blind girl Miss Sandeep Kaur presented a handmade portrait of Chief Minister to him. She also urged Mr Badal that as her economic position was very weak so she was not able to pursue her higher studies after 10+2. On her request the Chief Minister immediately announced that the state government would bear all the expenses of her higher education and asked his Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema to get the matter expedited.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Jathedar Ajit Singh Kohar, Lok Sabha MP Mrs Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, MLAs Jathedar Tota Singh and Mr Joginder Pal Jain, senior Akali leader and former DGP Mr PS Gill, former MLA Jathedar Ujagar Singh Wadali, Akali leader Mr Sant Singh Brar, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr Arshdeep Singh Thind.  
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CONGRESS DREAM TO RULE PUNJAB BY PROXY WOULD NOT BE REALISED IN THIS CENTURY-SUKHBIR

·        WE ARE FULFILLING ANNA’S AGENDA BY USHERING IN GOVERNANCE REFORMS AND RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION
·        JALALABAD TO BE DEVELOPED AS ‘BASMATI HUB’ OF INDIA

·        PROMISES TO DEVELOP JALALABAD BETTER THAN CHANDIGARH

·        DEDICATES Rs. 152 CRORE PROJECTS IN A SINGLE DAY

·        LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF FIRST EVER 100 BEDED MULTI-SPECIALTY HOSPITAL IN THE AREA

JALALABAD (FAZILKA), APRIL 2: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab Congress dream of ruling Punjab through proxy by imposing President Rule would not be realized, at least in the 21st Century and advised them to come out of self created illusions.
          Speaking to media persons after laying the foundation stone of 100 bed Multi-specialty hospital besides dedicated various projects worth Rs. 152 crore to the people of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that Congress should accept the reality that people of Punjab have overwhelmingly dumped them in the electoral battle just a year ago and they can not inject strength in their party cadre by promising them moon. Mr. Badal said that Congress led UPA Government was itself in minority and passage of Union Budget in the Parliament was also doubtful. He said that with Mulayam breathing down their neck, the brain dead UPA Government in coma can be given death certificate any time and Bajwa instead of dreaming of President Rule should prepare his party to accept the another shock of forfeiture of deposit of their candidates in all 13 Lok Sabha seats from Punjab. He said that he could not understand the joke that PPCC President, who has no power to appoint Secretary of his office and a Spokesperson of Congress Party who was sacked within hours of appointment, was seeking President Rule in the State.

          When asked about proposed agitation of Congress Party on imposition of Property Tax in the state, Mr. Badal said that instead of agitating in the state, they should stage dharna before 10 Janpath and Prime Minister Office for arm-twisting the states to impose this tax. He said that we had fought tooth and nail against center for not forcing this tax on the people but Center Government forfeited our legitimate Urban Development Grants of Rs. 1408 crore and laid a condition to impose property tax for releasing any Urban Development Grant to the state. He said that let Bajwa first force Union Government to withdraw draconian clause and ensure 50 percent share to Punjab in the Central Taxes from the state; we would not impose any tax on the people of Punjab. 
          When asked about Anna’s Jantantar Yatra, Mr. Badal said that we have a common goal to eliminate corruption from the state and we are striking at the genesis of corruption by Governance Reforms and Right to Service Act. He said that Center Government forced by Public pressure had to replicate Punjab Right to Service Act in the Center for few services.
          Promising to develop Jalalabad as Basmati Hub of India, the Deputy Chief Minister promised that in next four years this would be the top export zone of Basmati from the country. He said that he would lay the foundation stone of 100 acre special rice zone next month in which measuring 5 acre each would be provided to ultramodern rice units. He promised accelerated development in the state and said that he was envisioning Jalalabad better than Capital city Chandigarh.
Announcing to construct concrete roads in all 131 villages of Jalalabad constituency in coming three years, Mr. Badal said that in the current year 40 villages would be covered and he had laid foundation stones for these projects in two villages today. He also announced to set up a 50-100 acre PUDA colony in the city to showcase the urban development model of state for all town and cities of the state. He said that Rs.40 crore would be spent for constructing houses for poor people of the city and promised to provide these houses in a record time of one year.
Reiterating his commitment to ensure world class infrastructure through out the state in coming three years with connectivity of each town and city with 4/6 lane road network, Mr. Badal informed that an ambitious project of Rs.20,000 crore has been launched for this purpose. He also promised to provide uninterrupted power supply with in one year for all domestic as well as commercial purposes and announced that after one year the power tariffs would be lowered in the state with surplus power.
It may be mentioned here that on the first day of his 2-day whirlwind visit of Fazilka district to launch various development works of worth Rs.152 crore, the Deputy Chief Minister today fulfilled the long cherished demand of the people of Jalalabad City and surrounding areas for quality health services by laying the foundation stone of 100 bedded Hospital and Nursing College of worth Rs.20 crore. He also inaugurated an ultramodern building constructed at the cost of Rs.1.86 crore of Municipal Council, Jalalabad. The Deputy Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for the construction of rehabilitation of Kalewala Rajbaha System and Trobri Rajbaha System besides expansion of Suhalewala Rajbaha System at the cost of Rs.17 crore thereby ensuring sufficient water for irrigation to 40 villages. Mr. Badal also laid the foundation stones of Concrete flooring, a unique project in 2 villages namely, Kathgarh and Dhandi Kadim. Besides this, he also laid the foundation stones of upgradation of link roads Sukhera Bodla to Jodhewala, Sukhera Bodla-Jodhewala to Dhani Amar Singh, Baghe Ke Uttar to Dhani Inder Singh, State Highway-20 to Peere Ke Uttar, Jalalabad-Lakhewala road and a bridge on Jalalabad main drain on Jalalabad-Lakhewali Road of joint cost of Rs.11.50 crore. Later on he laid the foundation stone of a Rs.46 lac Primary Health Centre at Village Chak Janisar. The Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated the Ghubaya College of Engineering & Technology at Village Sukhera Bodla.
Prominent amongst other who were present on these occasions included Mr. Surjit Kumar Jyani, Cabinet Minister, Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Member Parliament, Mr. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana, MLA, Dr. S.S. Shergill, Vice- Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Mr. Prem Kumar Valecha, President District Planning Committee, Fazilka, Mr. Vardev Singh Maan, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Basant Garg and SSP Mr. S.S. Kahlon.
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PUNJAB CONTEMPLATES REPLICATING LAHORE’S SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MODEL

  • PAK TEAM GIVES A PRESENTATION TO SUKHBIR
  • TO COVER ALL CORPORATION TOWNS IN FIRST PHASE

JALALABAD (FAZILKA), APRIL 2: 
The Punjab Government is contemplating to replicate the Solid Waste Management Model of Lahore in Urban clusters of Punjab after examining its pros and cons.

          A three member delegation of Turk Company responsible for Waste Management System in Lahore led by Mr. Wasim Ajmal Chaudhary today gave a presentation to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal at Jalalabad in which senior officers of the Punjab Government were also present. The visit of Turk Company is followed by the visit of Commissioners of Corporations of Punjab to Lahore that visited Pakistan to study the Urban Solid Waste management system of Lahore. The team is on three day visit to Punjab to study in depth the problems of Urban Waste Management system in various cities of Punjab especially of thickly populated Corporation Towns. 

          Impressed by the presentation, the Deputy Chief Minister asked Mr. Rakesh Verma, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Ludhiana to study the concept and Mr. Badal has called a meeting of all Commissioners and Turk Company on 15th April to discuss various options of Waste Management for different cities of Punjab.    
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RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE ERRING OFFICERS: DR.VERKA

  • COMMISSION WOULD NOW CONDUCT INSPECTIONS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL TO IDENTIFY ERRING OFFICERS.

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 2:
Punjab is the first state of the country which has successfully implemented the Right to Service Act with the sole purpose of providing time bound and hassle-free delivery of services by the various departments of the state government in order to maintain transparency and accountability at different levels of governance. It was disclosed by Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka Commissioner, Right to Service Commission, Punjab, in a press conference organised at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute for Public Administration (MAGSIPA), Sector-26, Chandigarh.

He said that punitive action would be taken against all those erring officers for not providing services in time bound manner. Mr. S.M Sharma, Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu and Mr. H.S Dhillon (all commissioners) were also present during the Press Conference. He said that the commission has already imparted training to the district level officers, now the commission would conduct inspections at the district level to identify the erring officers.
Dr. Verka further said that Commission is imparting training to the government stake Holders to ensure the effective implementation of Right to Service Act and to highlight the initiatives taken by the Punjab Government in the field of e-Governance. He said today is the second day of the training programme for Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Zonal Inspector Generals of Police, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Municipal Corporation at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute for Public Administration (MAGSIPA), Sector-26, Chandigarh.
Dr. Verka said that up to the month of February, 2013 (Services including Civil+Police) 81, 24,209 persons have availed services in various districts under Punjab Right to Service Act. He said that more Over 57 Suo-moto action cases have been initiated, 104 complaints not covered under the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 and has also been disposed off. 590 Appeals were filed before First Appellate Authority and 547 have been disposed off, 8 Appeals were filed before the Second Appellate Authority and 7 have been disposed off, 8 Revision petitions have been received at the Commission level, and all have been disposed off.
He said that Deputy Commissioner, Ferozpur has imposed penalty of Rupees.500/- to S.D.M and C.D.P.O. each vide order dated 07.11.2012, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot has fined Rupees.1000/- to the Tehsildar Jaito vide order dated 06.12.2012, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot has fined Rupees.500/- Steno to D.T.O. and Clerk of D.T.O. Faridkot Office vide orders dated 17.12.2012 and Penalty of Rupees. 4000/- imposed on Executive Officer, Nagar Council Fatehgarh Churian vide orders of S.D.M., Batala, dated 17.10.2012 under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES “THE PUNJAB MINOR MINERAL RULES 2013”
CHANDIGARH, APRIL, 2:
The Punjab Government has issued notification for "The Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013" to ease out the supply of minor minerals in the state.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that under these rules, the Environmental approval of mines having area below five hectares shall be accorded by a District Level Committee, headed by concerned Deputy Commissioner with General Manager-cum-Mining Officer as Member Secretary. He further said that this committee, while approving the Environment Management Plan of the quarries having area below five hectares, should also ensure that mining activities are undertaken as per the provisions made under rules.
He said that the main aim behind the new rules was to make sure that people could get sand, gravel and bricks on very nominal rates. He said that new rules would prove to be beneficial both for common man as well as the government.
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SHAGUN SCHEME TO BE EXTENDED TO BC AND ECONOMICALLY WEAKER SECTIONS ------RANIKE
Chandigarh April 2: In order to uplift the social status of the scheduled castes, down trodden and underprivileged sections of the society, the Punjab government has launched various welfare schemes in the state and  has allocated a dedicated fund of Rs 2,113.09 crore for the welfare of scheduled castes, backward classes and for the welfare of economic weaker sections of the society besides issuing strict directions for speedy and proper implementation of SC Sub Plan and welfare schemes in the state.
          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry and Welfare of SC/BC Minister Punjab said that the government has decided to include backward classes and economically weaker sections of the society in the ongoing Shagun Scheme so that more and more beneficiaries could be covered under this scheme.
          Adding further, he said that Punjab government had been providing Rs 15,000 financial help as shagun to the girls belonging to SC/BC communities, Christians and economically-weaker families of other communities. He said that the state government has made the process of getting shagun more practical by disbursing the amount directly in the bank account of beneficiary. He said that now the applicants would have to submit their applications before 15 days of marriage. 
The Minister asserted that Punjab government was very particular for the speedy and proper implementation of welfare schemes and no carelessness would be tolerated in this regard. He has directed the officers concerned to take up the pending cases during 2009-10 and 2010-11 in the current financial year. He has also asked the beneficiaries to get their bank accounts opened in the banks with I.F.S.code so that the Shagun amount could be deposited through online Banking

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PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT SHEDS/NIGHT SHELTERS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: JAYANI

  • 1,01,267 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS REGISTERED AS BENEFICIARIES WITH THE PUNJAB BUILDING & OTHER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WELFARE BOARD

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 2: Punjab Government is all set to build state of art Sheds & Night Shelters for the construction workers in different parts of the state with the cost of Rs. 10 crore in the financial year 2013-14.
Disclosing this here today, Labour Minister, Punjab Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that 1, 01,267 construction workers have been registered as beneficiaries with the Punjab Building and other Construction Workers Welfare Board and the state government has decided to construct sheds and night shelters for these workers. He said that this project would be completed with the cost of Rs.16.15 lakh, 24.60 Lakh and 29.58 lakh for the construction of labour sheds & night shelters respectively for the clusters of 50, 100 and 150 construction workers respectively.
Mr. Jayani further said that the board has also given nod to enhance the amount of scholarship, credit and financial assistant to the labourers. He said that the students (from 1st to 5th standards) belonging to the labourers in the state would be entitled for scholarship of Rs.150 per month, whereas students from 6th to 8th class would get Rs.200 per month, similarly for the students of 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th classes Rs.3,000 per annum would be given as scholarship. He said that the students pursuing graduation would get Rs. 3,600 per annum besides students studying in technical institutions and in other professional courses would be eligible for Rs.3,600 per annum, students pursuing medical and engineering degree courses would get Rs.30,000 per annum.
The Minister said that the board has also increased the amount of  shagun for daughters of labourers from 5,100 to 11,000.

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RECORD PROMOTIONS IN FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT
CHANDIGARH, APRIL, 2:

The Punjab Food and Civil Supplies Department today promoted record number of 56 officers of the department including 48 inspectors and 8 junior auditors to the post of Assistant Food Supplies Officers.
Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab today handed over the promotion letters to the promotes in a function organized at Punjab Bhawan. Mr Kairon while congratulating newly promoted officers, exhorted them to work diligently and with full dedication. Prominent amongst others present at the occasion included Mr D. S. Grewal, Secretary and Mr. Satwant Singh Johal, Commissioner of the Department.
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VIGILANCE BUREAU PUNJAB
VIGILANCE NABS TWO ROADWAYS INSPECTORS IN A BRIBERY CASE


Chandigarh April 2:

State Vigilance Bureau today nabbed two Inspectors posted at Punjab Roadways depot Sri Muktsar Sahib red handed accepting bribe from a conductor.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sursh Arora, Chief Director-cum-DGP Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance Bureau caught Gurdip Singh and Jaswant Singh both Inspectors posted at Punjab Roadways depot Sri Muktsar Sahib, demanding and accepting bribe from the complainant Jasbir Singh Conductor (No. PC-74) Punjab Roadways Depot Ferozpur.
He added that the complainant approached the Bureau and alleged that both the accused Roadways Inspectors have checked his bus on 25th March and were demanding a bribe of Rs. 50,000 for not reporting any adverse complaint against him to the authorities. But the deal was struck at Rs. 20,000 as a first instalment. After finding the veracity of facts a vigilance team led by Mr Bikramjit Singh DSP Vigilance Bureau Ferozpur laid a trap and both the accused were nabbed red handed in the presence of two government officials as witnesses. The tainted money was recovered from Gurdip Singh. In this regard a vigilance case under u/s 7, 13 (1) read with 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station Ferozpur and further investigation was under progress.
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SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR E-GOVERNANCE PROGRAM AND GOVERNMENT PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING ORGANIZED

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 1, 2012

The Punjab Governance Reforms Department, in coordination with National Institute of SMART Government (NISG), Hyderabad, has conducted two days 'Specialized Training for e-Governance Program' (STeP) on ‘Government Process Re-engineering’ (S1-GPR) at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MAGSIPA), Sector 26, Chandigarh. This program was inaugurated by Mr. Rajnish Malhotra, Head, SeMT.

This workshop has been organized for Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Commissioners, Directors, Joint Directors, Head of Departments, Collectors, Registrars, Heads of District Level Units (Deputy Commissioners, Field Functionaries , Project Managers and Nodal Officers of State Government) to equip them with skills and knowledge on Government Process Re-engineering’ (S1-GPR) for e-Governance projects being implemented under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and also other State level e-Governance initiatives. This training program was attended by officers from various state departments.
While addressing, Mr. Malhotra has laid focus on importance of Process Re-engineering in various e-Governance projects for the benefits of the citizens and how, with effective 'Business Process Re-engineering', citizen services could be provided in a hassle free, transparent and time-bound manner.
The participants were provided knowledge on what is e-Governance, Government Process Re-engineering, Government Process Re-engineering Frame Work, Identification of Problem and Vision Statement, Process Analysis and Implementing the Re-engineering Processes. The Participants also performed in various group activities on Process re-engineering for some Projects.
The specialized Training Program on GPR was conducted by Mr. Piyush Gupta, Associate Vice President, NISG and Mr. A.K. Srinivas (Wing Commander) from NISG. During his concluding address, Mr. Gupta shared his perspective on the significance of effective Government Process Re-engineering for ensuring success of all e-Governance activities.

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PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION STARTS FIVE DAY TRAINING FOR THE GOVERNMENT STAKE HOLDERS
·       Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Zonal Inspector Generals of Police, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Municipal Corporation imparted training on the first day

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 1:
To ensure the effective implementation of Right to Service Act and to highlight the initiatives taken by the Punjab Government in the field of e-Governance, the Punjab Right to Service Commission (PRSC) has today organized the training programme for Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Zonal Inspector Generals of Police, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Municipal Corporation at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute for Public Administration (MAGSIPA), Sector-26, Chandigarh.
After inaugurating the workshop, Mr. S.M. Sharma, Commissioner, PRSC said that the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 was enacted with the sole purpose of providing time bound and hassle-free delivery of services by the various departments of the state government in order to maintain transparency and accountability at different levels of governance. He said that at present 69 services are delivered under RTS Act and on the basis of recommendations of Punjab Right to Service Commission and Punjab Governance Reforms Commission inclusion of more services is under active consideration of government.
Mr. Sharma further said that Punjab is the first state, which has constituted the Right to Service Commission after implementing the Right to Service Act, 2011. He said that the act empowers the commission to decide revision petitions against the orders of notified Second Appellate Authorities, take Suo-moto notice against the failure to deliver service in accordance with the act, inspection of concerned offices, recommendations to change the procedure for making the delivery more effectively and to recommend notification for more services to be included in the Act. He said that the Commission has recommended 51 more services to the Punjab Government for notification.
During his address, Dr. Dalbir Singh Verka, Commissioner, PRSC said that in order to create awareness in the public on the salient features of this Act, Chief Commissioner and Commissioners have visited all districts of state and had discussions with field officers and public regarding implementation of the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011. He said that in the meetings RTS literature was also distributed. He said that for effective implementation and assessment of the act, the Commission had organized many training programmes.
He further said that the commission is monitoring the monthly MIS reports uploaded by the Deputy Commissioners and Department of Home Affairs on the Google Drive and appeals under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 on the Appeal Application Software prepared by TCS.
Mr. Verka said that up to the month of February, 2013 (Services including Civil+Police) 8124209 persons have availed services in various districts under Punjab Right to Service Act. He said that more Over 57 Suo-moto action cases have been initiated, 104 complaints not covered under the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011 and have also been disposed off. 590 Appeals were filed before First Appellate Authority and 547 have been disposed off, 8 Appeals were filed before the Second Appellate Authority and 7 have been disposed off, 8 Revision petitions have been received at the Commission level, and all have been disposed off.  He said that Deputy Commissioner, Ferozpur has imposed penalty of Rupees.500/- to S.D.M and C.D.P.O. each vide order dated 07.11.2012, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot has fined Rupees.1000/- to the Tehsildar Jaito vide order dated 06.12.2012, Deputy Commissioner, Faridkot has fined Rupees.500/- Steno to D.T.O. and Clerk of D.T.O. Faridkot Office vide orders dated 17.12.2012 and Penalty of Rupees. 4000/- imposed on Executive Officer, Nagar Council Fatehgarh Churian vide orders of S.D.M., Batala, dated 17.10.2012 under Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011.
            Mr. Rajneesh Malhotra, Head State e- Governance Mission Team, Department of Governance Reforms delivered lecture on the topic of Service Delivery & Monitoring System for services under Punjab to Right to Service Act. Mr. Iqbal Singh Sidhu and Mr. H.S Dhillon both commissioners were also present during the workshop.

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CM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER IN THE STATE
NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO DISTURB THE HARD EARNED PEACE OF STATE
CAUTIONS THE ANTI SOCIAL ELEMENTS IN THE STATE
TERMS LAW AND ORDER AS PRIME CONCERN OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT


Charik (Moga), April 1-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was firmly committed for maintaining the law and order situation in the state and no one would be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace of the state at any cost. 
          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the third day of his Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was following the footsteps of Sikh Gurus in right earnest by ensuring peace, communal harmony and amity in Punjab due to which universal brotherhood and goodwill was prevailing in the state. Warning the anti-socials elements, Mr Badal categorically said that law and order was prime concern of the state and anybody, whosoever influential may be, would not be allowed to take law into his hands. He further said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab was one of the most peaceful states of the country today. Mr Badal said that even the data of the Union Home Ministry has also pointed out the state was much more peaceful then the other parts of the country.
The Chief Minister further said that though being a border state, Punjab was highly vulnerable as it was being considered a soft target by the inimical forces who want to disturb the peace of the state for their vested interests but due to the strict vigil of SAD-BJP government the nefarious designs of such forces have been crushed time and again. Reiterating that the state government had always worked tirelessly for maintain the communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in the state Mr Badal said that due to such endeavors of the state government no incident of communal tension has been witnessed in the state, which was reflective of SAD-BJP coming to power for the second consecutive term followed by landslide victory in the Moga assembly by-poll.
The Chief Minister further said that the track record of the SAD-BJP government was testimony to the fact that they have adopted zero tolerance towards the crime in the state adding that anyone connected with the crime directly or indirectly, howsoever influential he might be, had not been spared in any major case and has been brought to book as per the law of the land. Mr Badal said that due to this commitment and sincerity towards the state he has been elected the Chief Minister for the record fifth term.
Earlier in his address the Chief Minister said that the sole motive of holding the Sangat Darshan program in the Moga assembly segment was to address the problems faced by the people from the grass root level and redress their genuine grievances on the spot. He said that there was hardly any example when a Chief Minister had spent around six days extensively for solving the problems of one assembly segment adding that the only reason for this was to express the gratitude of voters of Moga who have ensured the landslide victory of SAD-BJP candidate Mr Joginder Pal Jain during the recently concluded by-election.
Earlier during the Sangat Darshan at village Kothe Patti Mohabbat, Sandhuanwala, Chupkiti, Mallianwala, Jhandewala, Madeerawala Purana, Madeeranwala Navaan and Kothe Jaito Khosa (Charik), the Chief Minister disbursed Rs 1.40 crore for developmental works in these villages.
The Chief Minister also laid down the foundation of Gurudwara Shaheed Baba Khushal Singh Rural Water Supply Scheme at village Kothe Jaito Khosa.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included MLAs Mr Joginder Pal Jain, and Jathedar Tota Singh, Lok Sabha MP Mrs Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, Rajya Sabha Member Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, former MLA Mr Jagdeep Singh Nakai, senior Akali leader and former DGP Mr PS Gill and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema.  

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CM SLAMS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR DENYING NEEDED INFRA STRUCTURE FOR PROCUREMENT OF FOOD GRAINS
RAPS CENTER FOR STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH PUNJAB
STATE GOVERNMENT DUTY BOUND TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PANCHAYAT POLLS
RESULT OF MOGA BY-ELECTION TESTIMONY OF GROWING RESENTMENT OF PEOPLE AGAINST CONGRESS- MAJITHIA

Khosa Pando (Moga), March 31-
Assailing the Congress led UPA government for its apathetic attitude towards the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Union government was deliberately denying the requisite infra structure for ensuring the smooth procurement of food grains from the state.
Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the second day of Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Center was once again doing injustice with state by denying the facilities needed for the smooth procurement of the food grains. He said that the Union government was duty bound to ensure proper storage, movement and lifting of the food grains produced by the farmers but the UPA government had totally failed in fulfilling this duty, which has increased the agonies of the farmers. Mr Badal said that the Center was not paying heed towards the demands made by the state government regularly for providing the necessary infra structure to ensure smooth procurement.
Training his guns against the Center government, the Chief Minister said that despite of the fact that he had personally taken up the matter of paucity of storing facilities in the state with the top brass of the UPA government no concrete step has been taken to sort out this problem. He said that matter of giving the permission for the constructing of new silos on scientific lines in the state was also hanging in fire as the Union government was not granting the permission for it on one pretext or other. Mr Badal said that not only this but the Union government has not even bothered to ensure the timely supply of Gunny bags for the procurement of wheat despite of the fact that the state government had made requisition for its supply and deposited the requisite payment too well in advance.
The Chief Minister pointed out that this was the worst form of discrimination being meted out by the Union government with the states ruled by the opposition parties in the country. He said that the only solution for this problem was that the states must be given more powers so that such issues could be solved at their own level only. “The implementation of the genuine federal structure in the country was the only viable solution for it” he added.
Replying to a query regarding the ensuing Panchayati Raj elections in the state, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government was committed for ensuring free and fair elections to strengthen the democracy at grass root level. He said that like all the previous elections these polls would also be ensured in a transparent manner so that the people were able to exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly.
Earlier addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of the SAD-BJP government to ensure all round development of the state. He said that the state government was laying thrust to provide best Health care and educational facilities to the people adding that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab which earlier ranked 14th in the country as far as field of Education was concerned today leads the country in this field. Likewise Mr Badal said that the state has been adjudged best in the Health care infra structure by an agency of the Government of India (GoI).
The Chief Minister further said that now the state government was making all out efforts to ensure the provision of basic civic amenities to the residents of all the urban and rural areas of the state for which the work has already begun on war footing. He said that in another path breaking initiative the state government has decided to spend Rs1700 crore for upgrading and strengthening the network of rural road infrastructure in the state.
In his address the Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister of Punjab, Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, who was accompanying the Chief Minister, thanked the voters for reposing the faith in the pro-people and development oriented policies of the SAD-BJP alliance government. He said that the crushing defeat of the Congress candidate in Moga by-election was a clear cut indication of the growing resentment amongst the people against the Congress party for its anti-poor policies. Mr Majithia said that fed up by the growing inflation and corruption in the country the countrymen would trounce the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha polls thereby paving way for the formation of NDA government at the center.
Later on the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of new bye pass to be constructed in Moga at a cost of Rs 5.91 crore. This road would facilitate the commuters aspiring to go to Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ferozepur and others by reducing the distance by about seven kilometres besides removing the traffic congestion from the city.
During the Sangat Darshan program at village Duneke, Bukkanwala, Mothanwali, Saasuwala, Ghal Kalan, Rattian, Saleena, Kot Bhau and Khosa Pando, the Chief Minister disbursed a grant of Rs 2.05 crores for carrying out developmental works in them.
Prominent amongst these present Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Inderbeer Singh Bularia, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, MLAs Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr Joginder Pal Jain, Mr Darshan Singh Shivalik and Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyaali, senior Akali leader and former DGP Mr. PS Gill, Chairman of District Planning Board Mr. Tarsem Singh Rattian, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Arshdeep Singh Thind.    
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