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BADAL TERMS ROLLACK OF WEALTH TAX AS VICTORY OF SAD

Chandigarh April 30
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal  today described the Government of India’s decision to roll back wealth tax on agriculture land as “ a delayed step forward “ and said that the decision showed how the Congress leadership in Punjab had tried to sabotage it . They first completely denied the existence of the problem and later, faced with immense and unrelenting  pressure mounted by the SAD-BJP, they sought to take undeserved credit for a decision taken against  their declared stand. “
“ One has to be a little “unabashed” in one’s approach to claim credit for something that one had been opposing earlier. But  being unabashed is  the Unique Selling Point of the Congress party, especially of its Punjab unity.” Mr. Badal said that the PPCC chief Partap Singh Bajwas was in the most pathetic and ridiculous situation , as he woke up only when the SAD-BJP and the farmers had already pushed the button and driven  center to the wall. “Bajwa’s other problem is Captain Amarinder Singh  as the PPCC chief is always insecure about his hold on his job.”
        The Chief Minister said that the center’s decision finally to bow before the surge of angry and deeply hurt  farmers and to agree to rollback wealth tax had put the PPCC leaders in an extremely ridiculous, embarrassing and pitiable condition. The CM said that he was particularly amused over the hole that the PPCC president had dug for himself , those who first denied any decision of the central government  to impose wealth tax on agriculture land and later claimed credit for the farmers’ victory. “This is indeed a victory of the farmers , but a victory over whom, Mr. Bajwa?? The CM asked . He advised he PPCC leadership to consult the farmers on whom they saw as their friends and their foes.” They will tell you whom they were fighting against. Their fight was against the Congress led UPA government.  “
    The Chief Minister said that that the developments in the parliament today had finally let the Congress cat out of the bag, but the Congress leaders were pretending to rejoice over their own defeat. This is the  typical Congress double speak at its very best,” said Mr. Badal reacting to the decision of the government announced in the parli`ament .
   Several  PPCC leaders  had gone on record saying that the SAD-BJP were merely enacting a political  tamasha as  wealth tax on agriculture land simply did not exist. “May I ask them now why were they running up and down in Delhi and what were they doing in Delhi in getting his PR photographs clicked with the central leaders, if wealth tax was indeed no issue?  May I also ask Mr. Bajwa that if the SAD-BJP were turning a non-issue  into an issue, why are they now claiming credit for such a non-issue ? These PPCC leaders were now standing unabashed in the first row to take credit for the victory of the farmers and of the SAD-BJP agains the declared policies and stand of the Congress party, both at the center and the in the state..’
 He  said that the PPCC chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, who has turned his habit of speaking with his  proverbial foot in the mouth, has a lot of explaining to do to the people for his earlier remarks that there was no wealth tax on agriculture land and that the SAD-BJP were merely misleading the people by turning a non-issue into an item of agitational politics. “
The Chief Minister said that the farming community and their sympathizers and supports must be vigilant against “ premature celebrations “ Though the anti-farmer forces, lobbies and party  have been forced to retreat under pressure yet  we have to be watchful because the Congress has a habit  playing mischief  till the very last moment.
 The Chief Minister also said that though his dominant feeling today was one of some relief, the SAD-BJP alliance would await the details of the Congress’ complete  U-turn on the question. “We have to look at the legal and constitutional fine-print of various clauses in the amendment in the concerned Act to make sure that no further mischief was being played by the government with the farmers,”  he said.
    The SAD-BJP had been protesting relentlessly against imposition of wealth tax on agricultural kinds but the CM said that he felt relieved in having forced the Congress-led UPA government to roll back its disastrous and irrational decision to impose wealth tax on agriculture lands in the state and the rest of the country. The Chief Minister said that his dominant feeling at the moment was one of big relief as the center had finally  realized the utter folly and cynical opportunism of its decision on wealth tax on agricultural land.”

PUNJAB GOES FOR ONLINE ADMISSIONS IN ITIs:JOSHI
CHANDIGARH, APRIL, 30:
          The Punjab Government has decided to start online admissions in the ITIs from current academic session. Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister, Punjab today held a meeting of the all principals of ITIs of the state to finalise the modalities of online admission process.
          The Minister further said that the government has also to introduce semester system in the ITIs. He said that the ITIs have been told to launce new trades in the session 2013-14 under IDP scheme to facilitate the students getting better opportunities for employment. Mr. Joshi directed ITIs to approach quality council of India to get the trades affiliated. He also reviewed the machinery being brought for the new trades.
          The Minister also asked the principals to get in touch with industries to ensure more and more placement of the students besides conducting workshops to enhance the personality and communication skills of the students, He said that within the period of one year 700 new posts have been created/revejunated. "145 allied trade instructors, mechanical instructors and fitters, who have been working on contract basis are being regularized within week", said the minister. Prominent who were present in the meeting included Mr. A. R. Talwar, Principal Secretary, Mr. B. Purusartha, director, Mrs. Daljit kaur, additional director ITIs.

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PM ASSURES BADAL OF SATISFACTORY SOLUTION OF WEALTH TAX
RESPONDS POSITIVELY TO LETTER WRITTEN BY BADAL
SAD TO CONTINUE ITS FIGHT TILL LOGICAL CONCLUSION- CM
New Delhi, April 30-
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has assured the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal of satisfactory solution of his demand for abolition of Wealth Tax on Agriculture lands within the urban periphery of Municipal limits.
Talking to the media persons here today, the Chief Minister informed that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh called him up late last evening assuring of satisfactory solution to his demand for rolling back of Wealth Tax on Agriculture land around the Urban areas. Responding positively to Mr Badal’s request the Prime Minister apprised the former that he had already received a letter from him seeking latter’s personal intervention to roll back the wealth tax. It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had written a detailed DO letter to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, all Members of Parliament besides Chief Minister’s of all the states across the country to evolve a consensus for the immediate withdrawal of Wealth Tax on Agriculture land. Apart from this the Chief Minister was also meeting the senior leaders of national and regional parties to mobilize a public opinion against the imposition of the Wealth tax to prevail upon the GoI to abolish it immediately.
   However the Chief Minister unequivocally stated that Shiromani Akali Dal would firmly oppose the imposition of wealth tax and continue its endeavor till its logical conclusion thereby safeguarding the interests of the farmers.  
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COMPLETE BAN IMPOSED ON OUTSIDE EATABLES AND
OTHER ITEMS IN PUNJAB PRISONS---PHILLAUR
·                   HIGH SECURITY JAILS TO BE SET UP IN PUNJAB
·                   JAIL STAFF TOLD TO CONDUCT FEARLESS SEARCH OPERATIONS
Chandigarh April 30:  In order to ensure full security in the Punjab prisons, the Punjab government has imposed complete ban on the eatables and other items brought by the visitors for the prisoners from outside during the meetings. This was stated here today by Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab while presiding over a high level meeting of the senior officers, jail superintendents of sensitive jails and doctors posted in Punjab jails. At the same time the Minister has directed the jail authorities to make available every essential item for the inmates in the canteens within the jail premises. The Superintendent jail would be held responsible if any objectionable material is found supplied from outside.  
 The Punjab government, in order to check the overcrowding of prisoners in the state, would set up ultra modern jails especially in the state. Besides this the design and plan for three ultra-modern high security new jails at Amritsar, Bathinda and Muktsar to be constructed at a total cost of about Rs. 450 crore within two years. The new jails coming up would be equipped with CCTV cameras, Mobile Jammers, bio-security systems and other security equipment to ensure adequate security in Jails. The Minister has directed the officers to intensify their efforts to check the smuggling of drugs and cell phones and other prohibited items reportedly used by the prisoners in the jails. He has also asked them to follow the jail manual in both letter and spirit particularly when meetings are allowed. Any laxity on the part of the officers concerned would not be tolerated, he said. Reiterating the need of allowing only listed visitors, the Minister said that the government was in the process of formulating a clear strategy of allowing only the prescribed number of visitors and that too after thorough search so that nothing from outside could be taken inside the prisons. The visits would also be monitored by the deputy commissioners and the SDMs of the concerned districts, he added.
          Referring to the frequent deaths of the inmates in the prisons, the Minister has asked the doctors posted in the prisons to ensure the best possible health care to the patients. Adequate stock of necessary medicines would be made available. A committee comprising of Superintendent Jail, Medical Officer of the Jail and Civil Surgeon have already been constituted to identify the Psychiatrist, Pediatrician, Gynecologist and other specialists’ on call doctors of the area to be on the panel of the jail department, added Mr. Phillaur. Besides this the ECG machines would be installed in the Prisons.
Expressing concern over the problems being faced by the prison staff in handling the nexus between the drug peddlers and the prisoners in the jails, the Minister said that the department was fully geared up to break this nexus and the superintendents of jails would be empowered to search the prisons and conduct criminal proceeding under NDPC Act.  The Minister has asked the officers to conduct extensive fearless search operations in Punjab prisons with a view to nabbing the objectionable material posing security threat from the jail inmates. The officers confiscating maximum of such things from the prisoners would be honored by the state government, said the Minister.
          Taking stock of the drug de-addiction centers set up in the jails, the Minister appreciated the efforts of health department along with the department of jails in providing advanced training in de-addiction to the 17 doctors of the state’s central jails from PGI under the De-addiction Coordination Program, Mr. Phillaur the vacant posts in various jail dispensaries would be filled up immediately. To ensure the recurrence of drug addiction in the inmates undergoing treatment, the Minister said that the efforts would be made to divert their minds towards some creative work rather them making them sit idle.
          The prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. D.S.Bains, Principal Secretary Home and Mrs. Raji P.Srivastva, Secretary Jails besides other senior officers of the department.
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BHAWANIGARH POLICE STATION AND MANSA SAANJH KENDRA DECLARED BEST IN ALTUS GLOBAL ALLIANCE’S ANNUAL PSVW
v    MANSA SSP RECEIVES AWARD FOR BEST & INNOVATIVE SAANJH PRACTICES
v    SPEAKERS DESCRIBE CITIZEN-CENTRIC SERVICES REFORMS AS ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 30:  Bhawanigarh Police Station and Mansa SAANJH Kendra have been adjudged best police station and SAANJH Kendra during annual Police Station Visitors Week program organized by Altus Global Alliance through Institute for Development and Communication (IDC) amongst 396 police stations of four states/Union Territory of Assam, Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Punjab. It may be mentioned here that these annual visits by groups of citizens to local police stations are coordinated globally to produce comparable scores on five dimensions of police service i.e. Community Orientation; Physical conditions; Equal treatment of public without bias based on age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, minority or sexual orientation; Transparency and accountability; and Detention condition.
In Punjab, the PSVW was converged with the community-policing programme of Saanjh.  Saanjh Kendra Mansa was assessed as the top Saanjh Kendra by citizens. Dr.Narinder Bhargawa was awarded for being the best & innovative SAANJH practices.
Mr. S.K. Sharma, ADGP (Human Resource Development and Community Policing), Punjab Police, mentioned that Punjab has converged Saanjh Community Policing Programme with the police reform. The main purpose is to improve the service delivery through citizen participatory policing.
Dr. Rainuka Dagar, Global Program Director, Altus Global Alliance informed that the sixth round of the annual PSVW was organized from in which 17 countries participated with 1,000 police stations receiving more than 5,000 citizens. She said that this global participatory program was aimed at improving the quality of local police services as perceived by local communities, taking into account the capacity of SHOs, the exchange of good practices and the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms in police stations.
In India, the PSVW organized by Institute for Development and Communication (IDC), an Altus member was implemented in four states/union territory of Assam, Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Punjab. A total of 396 police stations participated by welcoming 3,646 citizens to assess their stations. Citizens included members of NGOs, community liasoning groups, market committees, resident welfare associations, lawyers, women’s organizations, village representatives, slum dwellers, students and eminent civil society members.
Police Station Bhawanigarh, Sangrur, Punjab was assessed as the top police station from among participatory police stations. The award for consistency in performance was given to Chandigarh’s top assessed police station Sector 17.
To start the police reforms from the police station prove to be more citizen-friendly then many other reforms which have been initiated at different times and at different levels in India. This was the main observation made by Dr. A.A. Siddiqui, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP of Punjab and Manipur. Dr. Siddiqui further emphasised the need to converge community policing with the police station reforms.
Mr. Subodh Aggarwal, IAS (Retd.), Chief Commissioner, Punjab Rights to Service Commission emphasized that service delivery should be the main focus of police. He lauded the efforts to make police from enforcement perspective to service delivery though these kinds of initiatives. He further mentioned that the governance reforms in Punjab have not only been implemented in civil administration, but in police also. He further elaborated that under Punjab Rights to Service Act around 17 lakh citizens availed services from Police Saanjh Kendras.
Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chairman, Punjab Governance Reforms Commission (PGRC) highlighted the fact that citizen-centric reforms are the essential component of good governance. Technology per se cannot ensure dignified service to the people. The establishment of Community Policing Saanjh Kendras in Punjab has ensured both dignity and efficient accessibility to police services. The visits by the citizens living in the vicinity of the police station and members of the Saanjh Kendras can provide sustainability to the police station reforms.
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PUNJAB REVISES MINIMUM WAGES: JAYANI

  • LABOUR SHEDS & NIGHT SHELTERS BE SET WITH THE COST OF RS. 10 CRORE

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 30:

The Punjab Government has revised the minimum wages of Labourers of various categories with effect from 1st March, 2013.
          Disclosing this today, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that the wages of the labourers working in various Factories, offices and Brick kilns have been reviesed. He said that the wages of Un skiled labourers like Chowkidaar, Peon, Helpers have been revised from Rs. 5200 to Rs. 5695 Per month. Likewise the wages of Semi- Skiled workers have been revised from Rs. 5980 to Rs. 6475 Per month. He said that the Skilled worker like Black smith and Electrician having five year experience on un skilled post would get minimum Rs. 7372 Per month instead of Rs. 6877 and wages of high skilled like Graduate, technical degree holder, crain driver, truck driver has been revised from Rs. 7909 to Rs. 8404.
            Mr, jayani said that the wages of category-A staff like post graduate, MBA has been revised has been revised from Rs. 10370 to Rs. 10865, category-B like graduate has been revised from Rs. 8700 to Rs. 9195, category-C staff like under graduate has been revised from Rs. 7200 to Rs. 7695 and category-D staff like Matriculate has been revised from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 6495 per month.
            Mr. Jayani further said that brick pathera would get Rs. 472.65 For thousand bricks, whereas Rs. 530.75 for thousand Tiles. He said that brick chunai wala would be paid Rs. 34.63, for loading on Rehra Rs. 177.03, for truck/trolley loading/unloading Rs. 152.13 and Keri wala would get minimum wages Rs. 29.60 per thousand bricks.

He further said that Punjab Government is all set to build labour sheds & Night Shelters in different parts of the state for the construction workers with the cost of Rs. 10 crore in the financial year 2013-14.
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9389555 TONES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, April 30:
          Government agencies and private millers procured more than 9389555  tones of wheat till last evening compared to 8022270 tones of wheat during last year. The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.
The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 9389555 tones of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 9296552 tones of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 93003 tones of wheat. PUNGRAIN procured 1675642 tones (17.8%), MARKFED procured 2077369 tones (22.1%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 1936673 tones (20.6%) PSWC procured 1092559 tones (11.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 870541 tones (9.3 %) of wheat.The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1643768 tones (17.5%). 
          The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 884918 tones of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Ludhiana with 802021 tones of procurement was at second slot and district Patiala with 788933 tones of procurement ranked at third position.    

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BADAL GREETS LABOUR & WORKING CLASS ON MAY DAY

CHANDIGARH APRIL 30:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the labour and working class on the occasion of May Day that symbolizes the historic struggle of labour class globally. 
            In a message on the eve of May Day, the Chief Minister called upon the working and labour class to join hands to usher in an era of overall development, peace and prosperity in the State.   Realizing the significance of this historic day, Mr. Badal exhorted the workers to observe May Day not merely from its historical perspective but should take a solemn pledge to safeguard the rights of the labour and working class. 
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to all those who had sacrificed their lives for the struggle to secure genuine service conditions at Chicago in 1886.

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PM ASSURES BADAL OF SATISFACTORY SOLUTION OF WEALTH TAX
RESPONDS POSITIVELY TO LETTER WRITTEN BY BADAL
SAD TO CONTINUE ITS FIGHT TILL LOGICAL CONCLUSION- CM


New Delhi, April 30-
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has assured the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal of satisfactory solution of his demand for abolition of Wealth Tax on Agriculture lands within the urban periphery of Municipal limits.
Talking to the media persons here today, the Chief Minister informed that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh called him up late last evening assuring of satisfactory solution to his demand for rolling back of Wealth Tax on Agriculture land around the Urban areas. Responding positively to Mr Badal’s request the Prime Minister apprised the former that he had already received a letter from him seeking latter’s personal intervention to roll back the wealth tax. It may be recalled that the Chief Minister had written a detailed DO letter to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, all Members of Parliament besides Chief Minister’s of all the states across the country to evolve a consensus for the immediate withdrawal of Wealth Tax on Agriculture land. Apart from this the Chief Minister was also meeting the senior leaders of national and regional parties to mobilize a public opinion against the imposition of the Wealth tax to prevail upon the GoI to abolish it immediately.
   However the Chief Minister unequivocally stated that Shiromani Akali Dal would firmly oppose the imposition of wealth tax and continue its endeavor till its logical conclusion thereby safeguarding the interests of the farmers.   
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CM, DEPUTY CM AND HARSIMRAT BADAL CALLS ON SHARAD YADAV, BANDOPADHYA AND THAMDI DURAI TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR ABOLITION OF WEALTH TAX
CALLS UP RAJNATH SINGH AND SUSHMA SWARAJ TO SUPPORT THIS NOBLE CAUSE IN LARGER NATIONAL INTEREST
ALL LEADERS PLEDGE SUPPORT TO SAD’S CRUSADE AGAINST WEALTH TAX
New Delhi, April 29-
In a bid to build consensus against the Congress led UPA government at Centre to immediately rollback the Wealth tax on Agriculture Lands in the country, the SAD Patron and Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and SAD President and Deputy Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal along with Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa called on leaders of Janta Dal United, Trinamool Congress (TMC) and AIADMK here today to muster support for this national cause.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal who called on the Janta Dal United President and NDA Convener Mr Sharad Yadav at latter’s residence and impressed upon him to enlist his Party’s fulsome support and cooperation to mount pressure on GoI to move an amendment to the Finance Bill, 2013 to withdraw the levy of wealth tax on agricultural land. Mr. Badal also urged the GoI to provide the specific exemption to agriculture land from wealth tax where the respective courts have upheld levy of this tax on the agriculture land, such amount which have been recovered from farmers as wealth tax. Allying the fear of social unrest and anarchy in the country the Chief Minister asked Mr. Yadav to save the beleaguered peasantry from wealth tax which has sounded a death knell for all including farm labour, small and marginal traders directly or indirectly associated with agriculture profession besides Arhtiyaas.
Later, the Chief Minister also apprised TMC leader Mr Sudeep Bandopadhya and AIADMK Leader Dr Thambi Durai, who called on the former at the residence of Lok Sabha MP Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal, about the impending implications of this unfortunate and arbitrary provision of wealth tax which would further destabilize the nation’s overall economic scenario in general and Punjab’s agrarian economy in particular. Mr. Badal explained the recommendations of Raja Chelliah committee on Tax reforms to these leaders, which in its report had recommended to levy wealth tax on non-productive assets. The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who was the then Union Finance Minister in 1992, in his budget speech had underlined that Wealth Tax should be levied on individuals, Hindu Undivided Families and all companies only in respect of non-productive assets such a residential houses including farm houses and urban land, jewellery, bullion, motor cars, planes, boats and yachts which were used for commercial purposes.
The Chief Minister personally solicited their support for safeguarding the interests of Punjab farmers and said that they should not view this move merely as a political; rather it was an economic issue adversely affecting a wide spectrum of nation’s peasantry besides several stakeholders directly or indirectly related with agriculture. This unwarranted decision of Centre taken in haste arbitrarily would not only crush the Punjab farmers but also put the National food security in peril.
The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to save the beleaguered farming in this hour of crisis thereby urging all the leaders of different national political parties to thwart the sinister move of Congress to impose Wealth tax on agriculture land thereby urging them to come forward by rising above the political affiliations to extend their whole hearted support and cooperation for this noble cause.
            Earlier the Chief Minister called up national President of BJP Mr Rajnath Singh and Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Mrs Sushma Swaraj to bail out the distressed farming community from the clutches of wealth tax by mobilizing a public opinion against this ill conceived decision in the larger national interest.
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 CONGRESS A HEADLESS CHICKEN; SUKHBIR

THEY ARE FORCED TO DAILY CATCHING UP WITH SAD BJP

Chandigarh April 29 -  
The Shiromani Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy
Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said here today that the Congress party was running like a headless-chicken, both in Punjab and the rest of the country, not knowing where it was heading and desperately short of issues and ideas.

  “The Congress leaders in Punjab are reduced to doing “the catching up” with us on every issue everyday, be it the Wealth Tax on agriculture or relief for debt ridden farmers. No sooner does SAD- BJP  alliance articulates an issue of the people than the Congress leaders in Punjab rush to Delhi, seek an appointment with any central leader they can get hold of for a photo opportunity for pages of newspapers. Once that is done, they no longer talk about that issue, “said Mr. Sukhbir Sing Badal.
Mr. Badal described the PPCC had been reduced to the level of “idler’s club”    “The PPCC  leaders have outsourced even their elementary thinking processes to their press note writers, who are  generally a day behind the ruling alliance and prepare their responses only on the basis of what SAD-BJP leaders have said a day earlier. The issue of Wealth Tax on agriculture is just one example. They started rushing to their masters after exactly one week of the SAD expressing strong opposition to it. But even up to today, they haven’t bothered to understand the details and finer points of problem. They take their cue from what we say, and then re-word our responses, merely using negative forms of language to express their opposition to whatever we say, regardless of what the issue is.  They feel somehow that they do not have to do any thinking on their own and all they have to do is to oppose whatever SAD-BJP say. Every day, they are seen busy trying to do the catching up with the SAD-BJP alliance, be it on the issue of wealth tax or any other issue.

BADAL CONFERS MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AWARDS TO 67 OUTSTANDING SPORTSPERSONS

  • ASSURES TO SET-ASIDE 125 JOBS FOR PLAYERS EVERY YEAR
  • CALLS UPON VETERANS TO ADOPT ONE VILLAGE EACH
  • SUKHBIR ANNOUNCES CENTER OF SPORTS EXCELLENCE AT MOHALI
  • PUNJAB TO LAUNCH ‘SPORTS TALENT HUNT’ SOON

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29: Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab today launched a major initiative to provide job security to the outstanding players by setting aside 125 jobs every year exclusively for National and International Players.
            Addressing the players in a glittering function organised to confer Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, Mr. Badal recalled that he  thought of introducing this award after seeing the condition of former Olympic player, who was grazing the animals in those days. Horrified by his condition he announced Rs. 1 lakh award for maximum 15 players annually with the social security setup.
            Mr. Badal said that today while giving away prizes to the players he noticed that most of the players were looking for job security and he has agreed to the proposal of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab to set aside minimum 125 jobs in different categories for the players and asked Deputy Chief Minister to submit the proposal in next Cabinet meeting.
            Advising players not to leave sports after joining service, Mr. Badal said that they should dedicate first five years of their service to promote their games and nurture talent in the villages. He also requested veteran players to adopt at least one village for promotion of sports for which State Government would provide them total support.
            Lauding the enthusiasm of Deputy Chief Minister for putting Sports Department at higher orbit, Mr. Badal said that for the first time in his 60 years old political career he has witnessed total transformation of Sports Department. He said that the way the Deputy Chief Minister has brought Kabaddi  on the world forum, it has sent positive vibes all over the globe.
Asking Sports Officials to properly monitor the implementation of Government Schemes, Mr. Badal said that he would expect that every official goes to the field to supervise the implementation of the schemes and directed the Sports Department to work out a plan for constant maintenance of Sports Infrastructure.
In his own style, the Chief Minister said that politics also is a most difficult game, where you have to be cautious every minute for survival. He said that at least he also deserved a Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award in the ‘game of Politics’ for being Chief Minister of Punjab for five terms. He regretted increasing vendetta in politics, where leaders of other parties were being viewed as enemies. He said that he failed to understand the politics of today where a brother is opposing his brother in politics and it has also polluted the sacred relationship of brother and sister. He also said that we the politicians of old school don’t understand this degeneration in polity.
Earlier addressing the sportspersons, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that he was moving with the focused approach to uplift the sports department. He said that Punjab would setup Institute of Sports Excellence at Mohali next month with its sub-centres at Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Mohali. The Sports Department would engage the services of foreign coaches to nurture sports talent and budding players’ right from primary schools would be provided boarding, loading, scientific training, diet, kits and all other facilities till they are trained to compete an international event. He said that Sports Department would launch a systematic talent hunt in the villages and thanked Chief Minister for launching a Job Security Plan for the sportspersons.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Member Rajya Sabha and President Punjab Olympic Association recalled the efforts of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for taking care of interests of the players.
As many as 67 outstanding sportspersons from different sports disciplines were conferred the highest state sports award --- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award here today. The prestigious sports award, instituted in 1978, carries cash prize money of Rs.2 lakh, a trophy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh astride horse back in warrior dress, a blazer with pocket, a tie and a scroll of honour. The last time this award was distributed was in 2004. With distribution of prizes on April 29, the number of awardees are 191, including 67 from year 2005 to 2010. The awardees today included 10 outstanding players of year 2005, 9 of 2006, 14 of 2007, 14 of 2008, 9 of 2009 and 11 players of 2010.
It may be added that the Award is given to 15 outstanding players every year on the basis of their performance in the preceding five years. One Award each in the disciplines of cricket, circle kabaddi and physically handicapped Games is also given.
Eyes of every person got moist as the widow of Naunidh Singh who died recently came to receive award accompanied by her two children.
The players who got award for 2005 included Sunaina (Weightlifting), Puneet Rana (swimming), Gurminder Singh (weightlifting), Parvinder Kaur (judo), Sukhjinder Singh (weightlifting), Maha Singh (athletics), Anjana (handball), Kanwaljit Singh (cycling), Sukhbir Singh (athletics), Rampal Singh (rowing).
The players who got award for 2006 included Navjot Channa (judo), Amritpal Singh (athletics), Prabhjit Singh (cycling), Gurmeet Singh (athletics), , Kuldeep Kaur (handball), Arun Singh (boxing), Rupinder Kaur (boxing), Gurcharan Singh (w’lifting).
The players who got award for 2007 included Avneet Kaur Sidhu Hundal (shooting), Harveen Sarao (shooting), Rajwinder Kaur Gill (athletics), Gurpreet Kaur (cycling), Harpreet Singh (cycling), Karamjeet Kaur (fencing), Jagdeep Singh (basketball), Ruchi Trikha (fencing), Yadwinder Singh (basketball), Shingara Mattu (taekwondo), Sukhdev Singh (handball), Pawan Kumar (handball), Gaurav Sehgal (handball), Sachin Choudhary (handball).
The players who got award for 2008 included Amanpreet Singh (shooting), Kulwinder Kaur (cycling), Abhishek Rana (cycling), Sarabjit Singh (cycling), Gurpreet Singh (cycling), Jaswinder Singh (equestrian), Rajinder Kaur(cycling), Amandeep Singh (cycling), Talwinder Singh (equestrian), Meenkshi D/o Tersem Singh (gymnastics), Neeraj Sawhney (cycling), Talwinderjit Singh (basketball), Raghu Kumar (handball), Kulwinder Singh (handball).
The players who got award for 2009 included Jashandeep Kaur (gymnastics), Yashpal Solanki (judo), Kamalpreet Sharma (cycling), Sarbjeet Kanda (w’lifting), Shamsher Pratap Singh (athletics), Navjot Kaur (fencing), Mohinder Singh Rawat (handball), Raj Kumar (handicapped, badminton), Balbir Singh Kular (hockey).
The players who got award for 2010 included Navdeep Kaur Dhillon (shooting), Surpreet Singh (cycling), Menakshi (gymnastics), Rambir Singh (wrestling), Amrinder Singh (archery), Harpreet Singh (athletics), Baljit Singh (handball), Gurbaj Singh (hockey), Kiranjeet Kaur (basketball), Amandeep Singh (boxing) and Virpal Kaur (kabaddi)
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary,  Mr. Pargat Singh MLA, Mr. Tota Singh and Capt. Balbir Singh Bath (Retd), both Former Ministers.
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WEALTH TAX ON AGRICULTURE LAND WOULD SOUND DEATH KNELL OF FARMERS: BADAL
CM SEEKS ATTENDANCE OF CONG MLAS IN SPECIAL SESSION
SAYS “THE MATTER IS EXTREMELY CRITICAL, DEMANDING STATESMAN-LIKE RESPONSE”
“The imposition of this tax would actually mean that no one can even afford to keep his land, leave aside carrying agricultural work on it. This would be the end agriculture, end of farming and end of farmers and others who earn their livelihood directly or indirectly through agriculture and agriculture allied work,’’ says Badal.

Chandigarh April 29
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon Congress Leadership in the state to ensure attendance of all Legislators of their Party in the special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on May 3 to oppose the imposition of Wealth Tax on agriculture land around urban areas, as this tax would sound the death knell of all farmers and of millions of others dependent on agriculture related professions.
 The Chief Minister spoke to the Leader of the Opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar and former Chief Minister Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bathal over the phone urging them to join the state government’s efforts to save the farmers and the economy from “certain death”.  The PPCC president Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa could not be contacted immediately because of his engagements in Parliament Session in Delhi.
Chief Minister also written separate letter to top Congress Leaders in the State to request cooperation in the Punjab Government’s drive against the imposition of Wealth Tax on Agriculture Land in any form.
          Mr. Badal has asked the Congress leaders to oppose the imposition of this tax on the floor of parliament also.  “This is no time for political one-upmanship. This is indeed a historic hour and history and future generations will not forgive us if we are found lacking in moral courage and honest convictions and commitment to the welfare of our people. I am sure the Congress party would not stand in the way of the justice for the poor and suffering people who are going to be fatally by the Wealth Tax move. I request the Congress Leaders to ensure the presence of each and every member of the CLP in the session,” the Chief Minister told the PPCC leaders.
Mr. Badal said that far from being an issue fit for scoring political brownie points, the Wealth Tax on agriculture has become a question of life and death not only for the farmers of the state  but also for millions of others engaged in agriculture-driven professions and commercial activity. We must act with statesmanship and demonstrate that the political class of the state would not let our poor and beleaguered people, especially the peasantry, farm labour, the arhtiyas and small and medium traders engaged in agriculture related works.
          The Chief Minister made an impassioned plea for a united fight against the center’s decision on imposition of Wealth Tax on agriculture lands, saying that the tax would prove to be the death-warrant for the entire economy especially for farmers and farming-related professions.
The Chief Minister said that the issue of Wealth Tax on agriculture lands around urban areas would in fact cover practically the entire state, considering the stage and rate of growth of urbanization in the state. There is practically no land in the state that would not fall within eight kilometers of aerial distance from one or the other municipal, notified area committee or corporation towns.
The Chief Minister  said that even a conventional and liberal interpretation of the Act showed that, on average, everyone owning any land in the state would have to pay Wealth Tax in the range of Rs. 30,000 to Rs 45,000 per acre per annum, and this could even go up to Rs. 70,000-Rs.100,000 in several cases. No farmer can afford to pay this tax as this amount exceeds even the wildest estimates of income from agricultural lands. The imposition of this tax would actually mean that no one can even afford to keep his land, leave aside carrying agricultural work on it. This would be the end agriculture, end of farming and end of farmers and others who earn their livelihood directly or indirectly through agriculture and agriculture allied work.
====

MOBILE VAN SERVICE TO BRACE THE RURAL BASE OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SECTOR TO BE LAUNCHED

  • REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRE TO BE SET UP IN JALLANDHAR---RANIKE

Chandigarh April 29:  In order to brace the rural base of the animal husbandry sector, the Punjab government would launch district level Mobile van service in twenty districts to cater to the needs of the livestock farmers in the remote rural areas of the state. This was stated here today by Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Punjab in a seminar organized by the Punjab State Veterinary Council in collaboration with Punjab state Veterinary Officers’ Association to mark the World Veterinary Day held here today.
        Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Punjab government has taken adequate measures to provide quality animal health services and strengthening of disease diagnostic facilities across the state. With a view to strengthening the Veterinary services in Punjab, the Minister said that an amount of Rs. 20 crore would be spent to upgrade 209 Veterinary Hospitals and 372 dispensaries during the current financial year. He also said that an amount of Rs. 24. 73 crore would be spent on 48 tehsil and block level hospitals, setting up of the Regional Training Centre Jallandhar and up gradation of 800 Veterinary dispensaries in the state. Mr. Ranike also said that for strengthening of Semen Bank Nabha and for progeny testing Murrah buffalo bull, a grant of Rs 32.88 crore had been approved out of which the first installment of Rs. 6.73 crore has been released which would give standard lift to the cow & buffalo breed improvement programme thereby increased production of milk, he added.

Mr. Ranike directed the Veterinary doctors to visit at least three days in the rural areas and identify the educated unemployed youth and motivate them to adopt the highly lucrative ventures of animal husbandry sector which would be instrumental in improving the livelihood of the poor people in the villages. This sector is contributing silently but sufficiently to the national economy in the past, said the Minister. He also emphasized the need to give more boost to this sector as it has tremendous scope for development to increase the production and productivity from animal origin in the form of milk, meat eggs, and wool and so on.
        On the occasion Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Dr. G. Vajralingam, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. H.S. Sandha and Registrar Punjab Veterinary Council Dr. Amarjit Singh also spoke.
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PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT CONDOLES THE DEMISE OF JUSTICE REDDY
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29:

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today convened a Full Court Reference to condole the sad demise of noted Justice, jurist and legal luminary Mr. Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy, Former Judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court and Supreme Court of India, in which all the judges of High Court took part.
While sharing the grief, the Acting Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Mr. Justice Jasbir Singh said that Justice Reddy was a symbol of simplicity, dedication and commitment and was also known for his high professional caliber. He described the sad demise of Mr. Reddy as a huge loss to the legal fraternity. Acting Chief Justice further said that the legal fraternity has lost a great human being and legal luminary.
The other dignitaries, who paid tributes to the departed soul included; Mr. Ashok Aggarwal and Mr. Hawa Singh Hooda, both Advocate Generals of Punjab and Haryana respectively, Dr. Anmol Rattan Sidhu, Chairman, High Court Bar Association and Mr. Iqbal Singh Saggu, Vice President, Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana. It is pertinent to mention here that Justice Reddy expired on April 13, 2013 at Hyderabad.

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HAND OVER SARABJIT TO INDIA FOR BETTER TREATMENT-KAIRON APPEALS TO PAKISTAN

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29:
Food and Civil Supplies Minister of Punjab, Mr Adaish Partap Singh Kairon today pleaded the Government of Pakistan to hand over Sarabjit Singh to India for better treatment.
Mr Kairon said that Sarabjit Singh is fighting for life and in this critical period, Pakistani authorities should send Sarabjit Singh to India on the humanitarian ground.  He said that it would strengthen the bilateral ties between two countries and also give the message of peace. Sharing his sympathy with the Sarabjit Singh family, Mr. Kairon said that it was not possible for anyone to measure the sorrow and pain they have faced during the last two decades.
He also requested the Union Government of India, to take all possible steps to bring back Sarabjit Singh to India and also to make sure that he should get proper treatment in India. He also asked the Pakistan Government to release all the Indian prisoners, who had completed their tenure to give the message of harmony.
It may be mentioned here that a Resolution regarding the release of Sarabjit Singh had already been passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha few years back, which was introduced by Mr Adaish Partap Singh Kairon .
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8982096 TONES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, April 29:
          Government agencies and private millers procured more than 8982096tones of wheat till last evening compared to 7565900 tones of wheat during last year. The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.
The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of8982096 tones of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 8892488 tones of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 89608 tones of wheat. PUNGRAIN procured 1606692 tones (17.9%), MARKFED procured 1985871 tones (22.1%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 1854106 tones (20.6%) PSWC procured 1048795 tones (11.7%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 839444 tones (9.3 %) of wheat.The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1557580 tones (17.3%). 
          The spokesman added that District Patiala with 870023 tones of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 786013 tones of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 784930 tones of procurement ranked at third position.       
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GOVERNOR SUMMONS PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA ON 3RD MAY
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 29
The Governor of Punjab, Mr Shivraj.V.Patil has summoned the fourteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha to meet for its fifth session on May 3rd  ,2013 at 10 A.M. in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Hall, Vidhan Bhawan, Chandigarh. This was disclosed by the Secretary of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Ved Parkash. 

UPA WEAKEST GOVERNMENT SINCE INDEPENDENCE- SUKHBIR
·        UPA COMPROMISING SOVEREIGNTY OF THE COUNTRY ON CHINESE INTRUSION, SARABJIT ISSUES
·        EXPRESSES SURPRISE WITH UPA’S SOURING TIES WITH EVERY NEIGHBOR
·        SO WEAK GOVERNMENT THAT EVEN MALDIVES SHOWING EYES TO INDIA

Chandigarh, April 27: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today described Congress led UPA government as the weakest government since independence that has left no stone unturned to compromise nation’s security to even small island countries like Maldives.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of sports awards function here today, Mr. Badal who is also President of Shiromani Akali Dal said that Congress led UPA government was the most indecisive government even on the sensitive issues like Chinese intrusion and beating up of Indian national Sarabjit in Lahore Jail. He said that he was surprised that this government was sleeping over reports of intrusion till Chinese entered and camped 19Kms inside the Indian Territory. ‘The fact is no neighbor including a tiny Island like Maldives was scared of India these days as our indecisiveness was our hallmark’.
Charging Congress led UPA government to perform its legitimate duty to pursue the case of Sarabjit effectively and forcefully with Pakistan government, Mr. Badal said that when whole country and all state governments were supporting them on this issue he could not understand the lethargy of Union government on this critical issue.
Blaming Congress led UPA government for performing its duty to safeguard the territorial sovereignty of the country, Mr. Badal said that a country that cannot protect its territory, must go at the earliest. He said that when all parties are pressurizing Congress led UPA government to take strong and effective action against mechanization of China, why our Prime Minister was describing it just localized issue.
Expressing concern over India’s souring ties with all neighbors, he said that India must display its might to regain its stature otherwise even countries like Maldives were not taking us seriously.
Describing the incident of Sarabjit as most unfortunate, Mr. Badal said that Government of India must send a high level team to probe the issue and get the truth.

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CM TERMS COMMUNAL HARMONY AND PEACE ALONG WITH ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF STATE AS TOP PRIORITY OF ALLIANCE GOVERNMENT

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE BROTHERHOOD AND PEACE

RELEASES BOOK OF KHUSHI MOHAMMED KHAN

Bathinda, April 27-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that promoting the ethos of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state along with ensuring the all round development of the state was the top priority of the SAD-BJP alliance government.  
Addressing a mammoth gathering after releasing the book of Superintendent of Police (Crime) Mr Khushi Mohammeed Khan here today at the local Id-Gah, the Chief Minister categorically said that their government have always given due respect to every religion by ensuring the well being of people. He said that due to the unflinching commitment of the state government for maintaining communal harmony and peace in the state, the people of Punjab have time and again supported them by reposing their faith in the policies of the alliance government. Mr Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for all of Punjabis that Punjab was the only state in the country which has witnessed complete peace in last many years.
Reiterating the commitment of the state government towards promoting brotherhood and amity in the state, the Chief Minister said that the biggest achievement of their government was that it had ensured communal harmony and peace in the state adding that despite being a border state Punjab has emerged as a epitome of peace and brotherhood despite of the fact that many other states of the country have fallen prey to the communal violence. He said that the state government was fully committed for welfare of every religion in the state adding that efforts were afoot by the state government to ensure the progress and development of the Muslim brethren. 
Recalling the age old ties between the Muslim and Sikh Communities, Mr Badal said that both the communities shared a rich bond amongst themselves and the name of Bhai Mardana was taken with great reverence along with the first Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the annals of Sikh History. He said that due to these strong ties only the Sikh Gurus had urged a Muslim Saint Sain Mian Mir to lay down the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the most revered place of Sikhs. Mr Badal said that Sikh Gurus have taught them to respect every religion and the fact that Bani of many Saints, Seers and Prophets from different religions have been incorporated in Sri Guru Granth Sahib was a testimony to it.
On the occasion the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the Muslim Human Welfare Society Bathinda. Mr Badal also assured the society to complete the Community Centre besides fulfilling their other demands.  
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sarup Chand Singla, Municipal Corporation Mayor Mr Baljeet Singh, Dean College Development Council Punjabi University Patiala Mr. Jamsheed Ali Khan and Press Secretary Dr. Om Parkash Sharma.      
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67 PLAYERS TO BE CONFERRED MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE- SUKHBIR
·        DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER ANNOUNCES SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH GAMES
·        PUNJAB TO INTRODUCE SPORTS AS ELECTIVE SUBJECT IN BOARDS EXAMINATION
·        EACH DISCIPLINE TO GET PRIZE MONEY OF RS.25 LAC AND EACH PLAYER A SCHOLARSHIP OF RS.10,000
·        STRENGTH IN SPORTS WINGS RAISED TO 4000 FROM 300

Chandigarh, April 27: The Punjab government today announced Maharaja Ranjit Singh awards, the highest sports award of the state to 67 outstanding players of different disciplines.
Addressing the media persons here today, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab who is also Sports Minister said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would confer these awards that included a prize money of Rs.2 lac, a trophy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh astride horse back in warrior dress, a Blazer with pocket, a Tie and a Scroll of Honour. He said that the prize money has been doubled from Rs.1 lac to Rs.2 lac. Mr. Badal said that 10 outstanding players of year 2005, 9 of 2006, 14 of 2007, 14 of 2008, 9 of 2009 and 11 players of 2010 would be conferred these awards in the presence of Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Padma Shree Awardees, Arjuna Awardees, previous Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardees, Olympians and International Players . The Award is given to 15 outstanding players every year on the basis of their performance in the preceding five years. One Award each in the disciplines of Cricket, Circle Kabaddi and Physically Handicapped Games is also given. The Govt. formulated Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Policy during the year 2011. All Padama Shree Awardees, Arjuna Awardees and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardees automatically qualify for Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award.
The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Function is being organised on Monday, 29th April, 2013 at 3.30 PM at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Punjab has very consented to be the Chief Guest and give away the Awards to the recipients. Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab has very kindly agreed to preside over the function. Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Hon’ble Member Parliament and President, Punjab Olympic Association would also grace the occasion. Hon’ble Ministers of the Punjab Govt., Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLA’s, Senior Officers of the State Govt., Padma Shree Awardees, Arjuna Awardees, previous Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardees, Olympians and International Players are likely to attend the function. A souvenir is also being brought out on this occasion.
He said that the Punjab during last five years has focused on upgrading the Sports infrastructure of the state and endeavored to provide latest sports infrastructure to sportspersons, so that they can train and compete with their international counterparts.
Besides laying a Synthetic Track at Village Ghudda and replacing the worn out Synthetic Hockey Surface at Burlton Park, Jalandhar, it has constructed/upgraded 6 Hockey Stadiums in the State including Hockey Stadium, Sec-63, Mohali, Govt. Rajindra College, Bathinda, Govt. Barjindra College, Faridkot, Hockey Stadium, PAU, Ludhiana, Hockey Stadium, GNDU, Amritsar, Hockey Surface at Village Ghudda (Btd.). Mr. Badal said that in addition to this, Multipurpose Stadiums have been constructed/upgraded at Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Village Badal (Btd.) and Jalalabad (Fazilka).
Announcing the new initiative of the government to encourage students to opt for sports as a career, Mr. Badal said that he has asked Education department to work out a plan to introduce sports as a elective subject in boards examination whose grades would be counted in the aggregate marks. He said that by doing so sports would be a compulsory subject in every school and we would be able to nurture the budding youth into international players.
Announcing the organization of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games in priority sports disciplines some times in the third quarter of the year, Mr. Badal said that prize money of Rs. 25.00 lac per discipline would be given to the first three position holder teams. He said that 100 players in each discipline would be ranked on the basis of their performance in these games. Sports scholarships at the rate of Rs. 10,000/- per person would be given to the ranked players. Similarly Junior Ranked Players would be given a sports scholarship of Rs. 5,000/- per head.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Punjab government had been magnanimous in enhancing the quantum of Cash Awards to the sportspersons who win medals in Olympics, Asian, Common Wealth and other National & International Competitions. He said that any player of the state who wins an Individual or Team Gold Medal in Olympics will be awarded Rs. 2.25 crore. Mr. Badal said that the Silver and Bronze Medalists would take home Rs. 1.01 crore and Rs. 51.00 lac, respectively.  The Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalists of Asian Games would gain Rs. 26.00 lac, Rs. 16.00 lac & Rs. 11.00 lac and Commonwealth Games Rs. 16.00 lac, Rs. 11.00 lac & Rs. 6.00 lac, respectively. Mr. Badal said that the Govt. presented Cash Awards to the tune of Rs. 9.81 crore to such sportspersons who brought honour to the state.
Mr. Badal said that during last five years we had created 10 Group-A posts for the medalists of Olympics, Asian and Commonwealth Games and appointed the players on the posts of Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajpal Singh (Hockey), Avneet Kaur Sidhu (Shooting), Gurbaz Singh (Hockey), Manjeet Kaur (Athletics), Amandeep Kaur (Hockey), Palwinder Cheema (Wrestling), Ronjan Sodhi (Shooting), Manavjit Sandhu (Shooting), Harwant Kaur (Athletics) and Harveen Sarao (Shooting).
Underlining the efforts of State in nurturing the budding sports talent, he said that the Govt. is putting up concerted efforts to create a pool of talented players by inducting players into Sports Wings and Sports Academies. During the year 2005-06 the number of players admitted in the sports wings was only 300 which has been gradually increased to more than 4000 in the year 2012-13. In the residential sports wings, the players are provided a diet of Rs. 200/- per day/per head, lodging, sports equipment, sports kitting and training at the Govt. expense. Day scholars in the sports wings are given a diet of Rs. 100/- per day per head along with other facilities.
The Govt. has established specialized Sports Academies at Olympian Surjit Hockey Academy, Jalandhar, Football Academy Mahilpur (Hoshiarpur), Dashmesh Martial Art and Sports Academy, Anandpur Sahib (Roopnagar), Shooting and Hockey for Girls, Village Badal, District Mukatsar.
He said that the players admitted in these academies are provided boarding/lodging, education, transport, medical, sports equipment, kitting and training facilities

S.No.

Name

Game

Year-2005

 

       1.             

Ms. Sunaina

Weight Lifting

       2.             

Sh. Puneet Rana

Swimming

       3.             

Sh. Gurminder Singh

Weight Lifting

       4.             

Ms. Parvinder Kaur

Judo

       5.             

Sh. Sukhjinder Singh

Weight Lifting

       6.             

Sh. Maha Singh

Athletics

       7.             

Ms. Anjana

Handball

       8.             

Sh. Kanwaljit Singh

Cycling

       9.             

Sh. Sukhbir Singh

Athletics

   10.             

Sh. Rampal Singh

Rowing

Year-2006

 

   11.             

Sh. Navjot Channa

Judo

 12.

Sh. Amritpal Singh

Athletics

 13

Sh. Prabhjit Singh

Cycling

 14.

Sh. Gurmeet Singh

Athletics

 15.

Sh. Naunidh Singh (Posthumously)

Athletics

 16.

Ms. Kuldeep Kaur

Handball

 17.

Sh. Arun Singh

Boxing

 18.

Ms. Rupinder Kaur

Boxing

 19.

Sh. Gurcharan Singh

Wt. Lifting

Year-2007

 

 20.

Ms. Avneet Kaur Sidhu Hundal

Shooting

 21.

Ms. Harveen Sarao

Shooting

 22.

Ms. Rajwinder Kaur Gill

Athletics

 23

Ms. Gurpreet Kaur

Cycling

 24.

Sh. Harpreet Singh

Cycling

 25.

Ms Karamjeet Kaur

Fencing

 26.

Sh. Jagdeep Singh

Basket ball

 27.

Ms. Ruchi Trikha

Fencing

 28.

Sh. Yadwinder Singh

Basket Ball

 29.

Sh. Shingara Mattu

Taekwondo

 30.

Sh. Sukhdev Singh

Handball

 31.

Sh. Pawan Kumar

Handball

 32.

Sh. Gaurav Sehgal

Handball

 33.

Sh. Sachin Choudhary

Handball

Year-2008

 

 34.

Sh. Amanpreet Singh

Shooting

 35.

Ms. Kulwinder Kaur

Cycling

 36.

Sh. Abhishek Rana

Cycling

 37.

Sh. Sarabjit Singh

Cycling

 38.

Sh. Gurpreet Singh

Cycling

 39.

Sh. Jaswinder Singh

Equestrian

 40.

Ms. Rajinder Kaur

Cycling

 41.

Sh. Amandeep Singh

Cycling

 42.

Sh. Talwinder Singh

Equestrian

 43.

Ms. Meenkshi D/o Tersem Singh

Gymnastic

 44.

Sh. Neeraj Sawhney

Cycling

 45.

Sh. Talwinderjit Singh

Basketball

 46.

Sh. Raghu Kumar

Handball

 47.

Sh. Kulwinder Singh

Handball

Year-2009

 

 48.

Ms. Jashandeep Kaur

Gymnastic

 49.

Sh. Yashpal Solanki

Judo

 50.

Sh. Kamalpreet Sharma

Cycling

 51.

Sh. Sarbjeet Kanda

Weight Lifting

 52.

Sh. Shamsher Pratap Singh

Athletics

 53.

Ms. Navjot Kaur

Fencing

 54.

Sh. Mohinder Singh Rawat

Handball

 55.

Sh. Raj Kumar (Handicapped)

Badminton

 56.

Sh. Balbir Singh Kular

Hockey

Year-2010

 

 57.

Ms. Navdeep Kaur Dhillon

Shooting

 58.

Sh. Surpreet Singh

Cycling

 59.

Ms. Menakshi

Gymnastic

 60.

Sh. Rambir Singh

Wrestling

 61.

Sh. Amrinder Singh

Archery

 62.

Sh. Harpreet singh

Athletics

 63.

Sh. Baljit Singh

Handball

 64.

Sh. Gurbaj Singh

Hockey

 65.

Ms. Kiranjeet Kaur

Basketball

 66.

Sh. Amandeep Singh

Boxing

 67.

Ms. Virpal Kaur

Kabaddi

 

 

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PUNJAB VETERINARY COUNCIL TO HOLD SEMINAR ON VACCINATION ON 29TH APRIL

Chandigarh, APRIL 27

          To mark the ‘ World Veterinary   Day‘ Punjab State Veterinary Council in collaboration with Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association will hold a seminar on Vaccination-Disease Prevention  at Makhan Shah Labana Bhawan, Chandigarh,  this Monday.
          Divulging details about the seminar, Registrar of council Dr. Amarjit Singh said that veterinary and medical experts would dwell on different Zoonotic diseases prevailing in populace, besides importance of vaccination in control of infectious diseases in animals. He said that Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister, Punjab will inaugurate the seminar, Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, Chief Parliamentary Secretary would preside over the function and Mr. G. Vajralingam Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry would be the guest of honour. He added that World Veterinary Day was celebrated all over the world on this day every year and the theme this year was vaccination and disease prevention.

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CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB
PUNJAB CABINET COMPLETELY REJECTS WEALTH TAX ON FARMERS
·        TERMS IT AS AN ANTI-FARMERS DECISION
·        EMERGENCY SESSION OF PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA ON MAY 3
·        CM & DEPUTY CM TO MEET PRIME MINISTER DR. MANMOHAN SINGH TO WITHDRAW THE DECISION

CHANDIGARH APRIL26:
The Punjab Council of Ministers today requested the Governor Mr. Shiv Raj Patil to convene an emergency session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on May 3, 2013 to discuss the “extremely dangerous and critical situation that has arise out of the Centre’s decision to impose wealth tax on agriculture lands in the country.

An emergency meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, also urged the Centre to immediately withdraw any proposal to impose wealth tax on agriculture tax in the garb of declaring all lands falling within the aerial radius of 8 Kilometers of municipal limits as “urban lands”.

A resolution passed at the meeting said that the farming community in Punjab was already reeling under an unbearable and crippling burden of farm indebtedness to the tune of over Rs.37,000 crore.  The plight of the farmer all over the country was shocking.  The decision of the GoI would prove to be the death warrants for the farmers in the country”. 
The resolution further said that the decision would not only “crush and destroy the farmers” of the country but would also dealt a deadly blow to the national economy on the whole.  The entire chain of business, trade, industry and marketing chain, including shop keepers and arhtias, would be seriously destabilised and brought to the brink of total annihilation by this decision. 
While talking to the media persons, Mr. Badal urged all the regional and national parties to rise above political divide to save the bread-winner of the country. Mr. Badal said he had already taken up this issue with BJP National President Mr. Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leader Mr. Arun Jaitley.
Mr. Badal warned of a “grave social disorder as a consequence of this decision”.  The Chief Minister and his deputy and SAD President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would lead a delegation to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to urge him to withdraw the government’s decision in this regard and not to push forward with the proposed amendments in the Finance Bill. Mr. Badal further said that by levying the wealth tax the Union government was forcing the farmers to shun the agriculture which would put the food security of the country in the peril.
Questioning the relevance of imposing this tax on the farmers, the Chief Minister pointed out that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had as the Finance Minister of the country in year 1992 made it clear that the Productive assets would not be brought under this ambit of this tax. He said that agricultural land was one of the most productive assets of the country and the Union Government must refrain from levying this anti-farmer tax on it. Mr. Badal said that this move of the Congress led UPA government would lead to putting an additional burden of minimum Rs 30000 per acre on the farmer of the state annually, which was much more than income earned from this land.
The Chief Minister said that SAD was committed to safeguard the interests of the farmers and they would not allow the Centre to implement this decision. Training guns against State Congress Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Chief Minister said that the move of state Congress leadership to meet the Union Minister over the issue was a mere formality as they were hardly concerned over getting this matter resolved. He said that the Congress had imposed this tax just to ruin the economy of the state and now the Congress leaders were trying to cover up the matter by such gimmicks.  
-- 

RESOLUTION

The Punjab Cabinet expresses deep concern and anguish over the decision of the Union Government to impose Wealth Tax on the agriculture land in and around the city. This decision, which will have far reaching consequences, is like a 'Death warrant' for the distressed peasantry of the state which was already confronting huge economic crisis. This anti-farmer and anti-poor decision will ruin the economy of the country thereby leading to complete anarchy and chaos in it. This tax will be much than the meager income of the beleaguered farmer who was already reeling under heavy debt due to the high rate of inflation and extreme poverty. The imposition of Wealth tax was unlawful as it violated the established law of the country according to which Wealth tax could not be imposed on the Productive assets. The Cabinet totally rejects this anti-farmers decision and impresses upon the Union government that the Agricultural land should be kept out of the jurisdiction of this tax.
The Cabinet also urges Honourable Governor of Punjab Mr. Shivraj V Patil to immediately prorogue the session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on May 3 to discuss this serious and delicate issue. 
------------------

CM ASKS CII TO SUBMIT CONCEPT PLAN FOR SETTING UP DEFENCE PRODUCTION PARK IN THE STATE
·        LAYS THRUST ON SETTING UP OF INTEGRATED TECHNICAL TRAINING PARKS
·        ASKS CII TO EXPLORE FEASIBILITY OF AGRO INDUSTRY IN THE STATE
Chandigarh, April 26-
With a view to developing state as a major Defence Production Hub, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to submit a concept plan within a month for setting up a Defence Production Park in the state.
A delegation of CII led by its President Mr. S Gopal Krishnam called on the Chief Minister at his official residence this morning.
During the deliberations the Chief Minister evinced keen interest in developing the state as Defence Production Hub, as the Government of India (GoI) was repeatedly laying thrust on development of indigenous Defence industry for producing the WAR equipments in the country. He said that the state has an enormous potential for setting up the Defence Production Park for which the CII should assist the state by coming up with a detailed investment plan. Mr. Badal assured the delegation of fulsome support and co-operation in accomplishing this prestigious task.    
Laying thrust on the setting up of Integrated Technical  Training parks, the Chief Minister asked the delegation to send a high level team for reviewing the infra structure in Construction Skill & Training Centres being run in Abul Khurana (Sri Muktsar Sahib) and other parts of the state for imparting skill training to the youth. Mr. Badal said that the Skill Training Centres should be developed in such manner that they could help in providing gainful employment to the youth by providing training to them according to the needs of local industry. He said that the motive of these centres should be solely to impart training to the youth on non profitable basis.
The Chief Minister apprised the delegation that efforts were afoot in the state for bringing a Second Green Revolution through Crop diversification for which major thrust was being laid on the cultivation of cash crops like Maize, Soya bean, Pulses, Oilseeds, Cotton, Sugarcane, fruits and vegetable. However he said that these steps would be futile if they were not supplemented by giving a much needed push to the Food Processing Industry in the state because farmers could not get the remunerative returns of their produce without its proper value addition. So Mr Badal asked the CII delegation to also explore the feasibility of setting up Agro based industry in the state for benefitting the farmers.
The Chief Minister also said that in order to impart quality education to the students of the border areas, which have so far lagged behind in the process of development, the industrial sector must come forward for setting up reputed educational institutions in these areas. He said that the border areas had a tremendous potential which needs to be tapped for the benefit of the country. Mr Badal bemoaned that the big industries were fulfilling their social responsibility of grooming the youth by setting up education institutions only in bigger cities whereas the need of the hour was to set up institutions in the border areas so as to open new vistas for the poor and meritorious students of the region.     
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. S Gopal Krishnam assured the Chief Minister that the CII would take all possible steps to ensure industrial development of the state by roping in the big industrial houses adding that concept plan for developing state as Defence Production Hub would be submitted within the stipulated time period. He also assured the Chief Minister that they would make all out efforts for imparting quality technical training to the youth of the state by setting up Integrated Technical Training parks where reputed companies from the nation would train the youth besides ensuring their placements in the respective fields.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Chairman CII Northern Region Mr Jayant Dawar, Deputy Chairman CII Northern Region Mr Zubin Irani and Chairman CII Punjab Mr DL Sharma.
---

CITIZEN SERVICE CENTER FOR EVERY 5000 RURAL POPULATIONS AND IN EVERY URBAN WARD BY MARCH 2014-SUKHBIRCALLS FOR THIRD PARTY AUDIT AND REAL TIME MONITORING OF DELIVERY OF SERVICES

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 26: The Punjab Government today  finalized the most ambitious Governance Reforms initiative under which a Citizen Service Center has been planned to cover 5000 rural population and every urban ward in the state.
            The architect of Governance Reforms in Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave the final touches to this ambitious plan with the clear instructions to ensure its implementation on ground level by March 31st, 2014. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the basic purpose of Governance Reforms was to facilitate the delivery of citizen services in the most transparent and hassle free manner and he was personally going to monitor the delivery of the services in real time manner.

            Asking the Department go for a grand system integrator to integrate all services and all systems and finalise the backend operations, Mr. Badal said that different service providers and companies were running Suwidha Kendras, digitilisation of various departments, state e-governance initiative, national e-governance initiative, SAANJH Kendra, village suwidha Kendra, Gram Suwidha Kendra, Fard Kendra and there was lot of overlapping in  their functioning besides lack of integration in their performance. He said that besides system integrator to integrate the services of all service provider, we must have an umbrella company that would be accountable fro delivery of services. Mr. Badal said that he was not satisfied with the official reports being submitted regarding delivery of services and we must engage an independent third party auditor, who would audit the system and submit the report on satisfaction level of the public.

            Reviewing the implementation of Right to Service Act, Mr. Badal said that out of 89 lakh services requests, 33000 requests were not delivered but there were only 612 appeals to First Appellette Authority showing that there was a clear disconnect between the authorities and the public. Mr. Badal said that it was surprising that out of 568 appeals only 9 appeals were filed to second appellette authority and only 5 officials till date have been penalized. He said that he is not going to accept rosy pictures being projected by the districts and only third party audit of delivery of service could clear the mist.

            Directing to expedite work on State Data Center, Mr. Badal sought a fortnightly review of progress of Governance Reforms.

            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Governance Reforms Commission, Mr. C. Roul, Secretary Governance Reforms and Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM and representatives from various e-governance companies.  

----------------
 Centre’s Agriculture Wealth Tax
Congress is devastating Punjab again: Chandumajra
Ø Central Govt using Punjab as Ginny Pig: Prof Chandumajra
Ø Central Government’s Wealth Tax Policy would be heavily Opposed

Chandigarh, 26 April () : Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Spokesman  Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra while reacting to the decision of imposing Wealth Tax in Agriculture Sector by the Central Govt  said that this decision would be the second devastation  of Punjab, first being during the partition of India. Wealth Tax varying from Rs. 30,000/- to 1Crore per Acre would push farmers to devastation. He said, this decision is violation of Constitutional Right because as per Constitution agriculture is not a source of Income but a source of production.
Senior Akali Leader Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra said that no doubt this decision would in general; affect farmers’ in every corner of the country, but particularly the Farmers of Punjab. He said, due to vast Urbanization in Punjab and development of towns and cities nearly all the village are within the 8 km Radius. Farmers would be forced to sell their holding due to incapability to pay heavy Tax, and farmers will have nothing left in their hands. To avoid such volatile situation the Central Govt should amend its policy and take Agriculture Sector outside the preview of Wealth Tax.  Shiromani Akali Dal would create Public Mandate in whole Punjab and fight till the last against Central Government’s Anti-People and Anti-Farmer decision. He said they will compel the Central Government to roll back all the decision that affecting the farmers of Punjab.
Prof. Chandumajra said that a State Level protest on 3rd May at all District Headquarters’ would be a step forward to create a general mandate against the Policy. Farmers would boycott the imposition of Central Govt.’s Wealth Tax. On behalf of Shiromani Akali Dal, he has appealed to the people of Punjab to rise above groupism and factionalism and join hands to protest against this issue.

--

GOVERNMENT TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF
VISITORS IN JAILS-----PHILLAUR
·       SMART CARD SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED
·       ENTIRE JAIL RECORD TO BE COMPUTERIZED
Chandigarh April 26: In order to ensure the security of the jails and also to check the number of visitors visiting the jails in Punjab, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab has directed the officers of the department to expedite the process of introducing the smart card system in all the jails at the earliest. Identity cards would also be issued to the visitors in order to keep a check on the number of visitors. He has asked the jail authorities to sternly stick to the visiting hours while allowing the meeting.
          Addressing a high level meeting of the officers of the department here today, Mr. Phillaur said that the safety of the Jail staff would be among the top priorities of the government. The jail department would install CCTV cameras, mobile jammers and other security equipment to ensure proper security in the upcoming jails. He also said that modalities are being worked out to ban two-storied construction up to 100 feet from the outer walls of these new jails. With a view to generating a cordial atmosphere between the prisoners and the jail administration, the Minister said that the department would re-introduce the Nambardar system in all the jails of the state.
          Referring to the quality of food being served in the jails, the Minister saidJail department would review the diet norms system in consultation with the dieticians of reputed institutions. A committee comprising IG (Jails), representatives of Central jails and Sub-jails besides a dietician from PGI Chandigarh has also been constituted which would submit its report shortly recommending appropriate healthy food for jail inmates. He also asked the Superintendents of jails to work out the modalities to run two kitchens in each central jail with the computerized new system. He further asked the Jaildepartment to introduce Credit Card System for inmates in all the 8 central jailsto buy items from the jail canteens.
          The Minster also said that entire record of prisoner maintained in Punjab jails would be computerized on the patterns of Tihar Jail. Necessary steps are being taken up in this regard. The computerized records would contain finger print of all prisoners, Date of release, Remissions, Parole, Good Conduct, etc, said Mr. Phillaur.
----

DISTRICT SANGRUR LEADS IN WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB

7571258 TONES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, April 26:
Wheat Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. District Sangrur with 818041 tones of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 774101 tones of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 674559 tones of procurement ranked at third position.       
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than7571258 tones of wheat till last evening compared to 5407184 tonnes of wheat during last year.
        The spokesman added that Out of total procurement of 7571258tones of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 7503585 tones of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 67673 tones of wheat. PUNGRAIN had procured 1346962 tones (17.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 1683896 tones (22.2%). PUNSUP procured 1571569 tones (20.8%), PSWC procured 881511 tones (11.6%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 703975 tones (9.3 %) of wheat. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1315672 tones (17.4%).
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
 ----

SIX PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh April 26:-          

          The Punjab government today transferred six PPS officers in the state with immediate effect.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that that Mr. Narinder Kaushal PPS has been posted as Superintendent of Police (H) Barnala, Mr. Rashpal Singh Ghuman posted as Superintendent of Police GRP Jalanhdar, Mr. Satinderpal Singh PPS posted as Superintendent of Police (H) Khanna, Mr. Sarbjit Singh posted as Superintendent of Police (H) Faridkot, Mr. Vipin Chaudhary posted as Superintendent of Police (D) Batala and Mr. Kuljit Singh posted as 9th Batalian PAP Amritsar.
---


CM ASKS GOI TO ACT SWIFTLY FOR HALTING THE MOVEMENT OF CHINESE TROOPS ALONG LAC
CHINESE INCURSION COULD ADVERSELY IMPACT THE NATIONAL SECURITY
ASSAILS UPA FOR MISERABLY FAILING TO CONTAIN INTERNAL AS WELL AS EXTERNAL AGGRESSION
TERMS IMPOSITION OF WEALTH TAX AS A ‘RETROGRADE STEP’
HONOR 22 VILLAGE WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION COMMITTEES
Chandigarh, April 25:
          Taking strong exception to the media reports of intrusion by the Chinese armed forces in the territory of Indian Border, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Centre to act swiftly with resilience and commitment to prevent the further movement of Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
          Talking to the media persons on the side lines of a function jointly organized by the State Water Supply and Sanitation department and World Bank to honor 22 Village Water Supply and Sanitation Committees here at Kisan Bhawan, the Chief Minister in unequivocally terms said that the Centre should not be complacent on the issue of safeguarding nation’s territorial integrity. At the same time he cautioned the Government of India (GoI) to immediately resolve this matter of Chinese incursion across the LAC otherwise it could adversely impact the national security. Mr Badal however said that the Congress led UPA government had miserably failed in checking the growing cult of internal as well as external aggression.
Citing the problem of Naxalism and wide spread incidents of terrorism in different parts of the country, the Chief Minister said that it was an alarming signal which had already put our sovereignty in peril. Mr Badal urged the GoI especially the Ministry of Defence to initiate all possible measures in defending the Indian borders besides maintaining national security at all costs.  
Slamming the Centre for arbitrarily thrusting its decision to impose wealth tax on the Agricultural land within the jurisdiction of Municipal limits, the Chief Minister termed it as a ‘Retrograde step’ to crush the distressed peasantry due to low returns from agriculture as profession. Mr Badal cited an example of a farmer in Jalandhar who has been rendered bankrupt due to the draconian clause of Wealth tax imposed by the union government. He apprehended that the wealth tax must be abolished by the centre forthwith lest it would ruin the beleaguered farmer, who was already overburdened with heavy debt and several such farmers had forced to commit suicides. Therefore Mr Badal impressed upon the centre to immediately roll back the decision of wealth tax which had badly hit the farming community adding he said that due to the anti-farmer policies of the UPA, the Punjab farmer was reeling under a heavy debt of Rs 32000 crore and now the levy of this tax would further aggravate the situation. 
Replying to another query regarding the proposed investments of Tata group in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Chairperson of Tata Sons Mr Cyrus P Mistry had evinced keen interest in infrastructure, tourism, IT and Agriculture sectors. Mr Badal said that a joint committee of senior officers of the state government and representatives of the Tata Group would work out modalities in this regard in due course of time.   
Earlier addressing the Village Water Supply and Sanitation Committees, the Chief Minister appreciated them for the good work done in this regard and further called upon them to continue their relentless efforts in providing safe potable drinking water in the rural areas to prevent the people from being inflicted with various water borne diseases. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already initiated path breaking steps in this direction and got the 13739 drinking water samples from various sources such as canals, tube well etc. tested, of which 1166 samples could not comply with the stipulated parameters of quality and thus rendered unfit for human consumption. He resolved firmly that it was the endeavor of the state government to provide quality and safe drinking water to each and every citizen of Punjab.
The Chief Minister mentioned that out 15170 villages and Dhanis, 14313 have been covered under the various drinking water schemes and the remainder 857 would be covered during the current fiscal. Making a scathing attack on the officers of the state government indulging in malpractices of corruption and nepotism for favoring sub standard contractors for allotting works for pecuniary motives, Mr Badal said that when our responsible officers and engineers indulge in such immoral activities by wasting the already scarce funds by making use or  recommending poor quality material in the execution of the water supply and sanitation schemes in connivance with local contractors was nothing less than a sin which could never be forgiven by anyone even the God. He impressed upon them to work sincerely and diligently with utmost honesty and missionary zeal to serve the mankind because using the spurious quality material in these projects was not only hazardous to the public health but also amounted to sheer wastage of hard earned tax payer’s money.
In his address Principal Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Mr Suresh Kumar said that the department was committed to provide the quality safe drinking water free from the presence of heavy metals and other poisonous elements in every nook and corner of the state. He urged the people to closely monitor these projects initiated by the department and if they come across any shortcomings or lacunae in the implementation of these schemes these must be brought to our notice instantly for prompt action. Mr Suresh Kumar also asked the officers to work zealously in the larger public interest. He said that there had been 35% increase in the allocation of funds for the implementation of these schemes during the current budget adding that Rs 393 crore would be spent on it during the current fiscal. 
On the occasion Chief Parliamentary Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha proposed a vote of thanks saying that today’s function would go a long way in motivating the other village panchayats to replicate the success model of these schemes in their villages and urged them to make judicious use of water by creating awareness amongst the people.
Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Project Director Mr DS Cheema besides the senior officers of the Water Supply and Sanitation department and World bank.      
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SUKHBIR ASKS CS TO WORK OUT TRANSPARENT TENDERING PROCESS TO SIFT OUT FLY BY NIGHT OPERATORS

  • NO COMPROMISE ON QUALITY CONTROL AND TIMELINE OF THE PROJECTS

 

  • WOULD NOT ALLOW FLY BY SECOND RATE COMPANIES DERAIL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
  • ASKS TO MAKE THIRD PARTY AUDIT OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS COMPULSORY

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 25: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today asked Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh to work out a transparent tendering process so that quality and timeline of the project was not compromised.

          In a high level meeting to review the progress of infrastructure projects, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government is giving a highest priority to infrastructure sector and he would not allow the fly by night infrastructure operators to derail ambitious projects of the state. He asked Chief Secretary to work out a most transparent e-tendering process including pre-bidding to sift out such non serious elements.

          Focusing on maintaining strict quality control on infrastructure projects, Mr. Badal asked Chief Secretary to ensure third party audit of infrastructure projects so that independent audit of quality assurance was conducted by an international agency.

          Emphasising on proper maintenance of infrastructure projects after their completion, Mr. Badal also asked CS to ensure annual maintenance contract of all infrastructure projects and the project construction company should be asked to maintain that project for five years after its completion.

          Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Industries Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Finance Secretary Mr. D.P. Reddy and Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM Mr. Ajay Mahajan.
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            STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, PUNJAB.

                                                                         The State Election Commission is in the process of preparing to conduct elections to 145 Panchayat Samitis and 22 Zila Parishads due to be held in the State. 
                        Since one or two days ago information was being received in the Commission that in some of the districts delay is occurring in the publication of reserved seats and general seats.  This matter was being looked into by the Commission. 
                        However, President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee met the State Election Commissioner, Punjab on 23rd of April, 2013 similarly stating that since there has been some delay in publishing the lists of seats meant for reserved and general categories, the notification scheduled to be issued on 26th April, 2013 should not be issued.  It was represented that some more time be given to the political parties to prepare themselves for these polls. 
                        Along similar lines a request was also received by State Election Commissioner from the State Government wherein on account of the same reasons, it was requested that some more time be accorded.
                        Shri S.S. Brar, IAS (Retd.) State Election Commissioner, Punjab took a meeting in the forenoon of 25.04.2013 with the Additional Deputy Commissioners (Development) –cum- Additional District Electoral Officers in the State to ascertain the ground realities.
                        Keeping in view the discussions held in the meeting and the fact that there was a few days delay in publishing the reserve and general seats and the request of the contesting parties, it is decided that the poll may be re-scheduled by a week.  Shri SS Brar, State Election Commissioner stated that the programme for the poll to the Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads will now be as under:   


3rd May, 2013
(Friday)

Issue of Notification by the State Election Commission;

7th May, 2013
(Tuesday)

Last date for making nominations;

8th May 2013
(Wednesday)

Date for the Scrutiny of nominations;

9th May 2013
(Thursday)

Last date for withdrawal of candidature;

19th May, 2013
(Sunday)

Date of poll, if necessary be taken;

21st May, 2013
Tuseday)

Declaration of results; and

23rd May, 2013
(Thursday)

Date by which the election shall be completed;



CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

CM CONDOLES PASSING AWAY OF KK BHATNAGAR

Chandigarh, April 25
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today deeply mourned the sad demise of former IAS officer Mr KK Bhatnagar (66), who died here after a protracted illness. He is survived by wife, daughter and son-in-law.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mr Bhatnagar as an able administrator, a thorough gentleman and above all a fine human being with the rare qualities of head and heart. The outstanding services rendered by Mr Bhatnagar in different capacities in the state government would be remembered by one and all.
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members, friends and well wishers to bear this huge loss in this hour of crisis.     
----

FORMER PUNJAB IAS OFFICER K.K. BHATNAGAR DIES-CREMATION IN CHANDIGARH TOMORROW
SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEMISE OF BHATNAGAR

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 25:
Mr. K.K. Bhatnagar (66), former IAS Officer of 1970 Batch, today died here after a prolonged illness. He survived by his wife, daughter and son-in-law. Mr. Bhatnagar served in Punjab in varied assignments and retired as Financial Commissioner Revenue. After retirement he also served as Member of Punjab Human Rights Commission for five year term. Mr. Bhatnagar would be cremated in Sector 25 Cremation Ground tomorrow i.e. April 26 at 1:30pm.

          The Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal describing Mr. Bhatnagar as an accomplished administrator has condoled his death and shared his grief with the bereaved family.

====

PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE TRAINING OF SECURITY GUARD UNDER SELF-EMPLOYMENT SCHEME
Chandigarh, April 25
Employment Generation and Training Department Punjab and Punjab Police Security Corporation Chandigarh has invited the application for the training of security guards under the S D I scheme and Golden Jubilee Village Self- Employment Plan.
According to the spokesman of Punjab Government the last date of receiving the applications is April 30, 2013. Matriculate candidates between the age of 18 to 35 years can apply to the Punjab Police Security Corporation, S.C.O 171-172, Sector -8C, Chandigarh on the prescribed form.
The spokesman clarified further that the training would be for the employment in the private sector and not the Government departments.
He said that candidates of Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala, Fathegarh Sahib, Ropar, Mohali, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Mansa, Bathinda and Muketsar should report at Police line Sangrur on May 2, 2013 at 10AM and the candidates of Ferozepur, Fazilka, Fadidkot, Moga and Taratarn should report at Police line Ferozepur on May 3, 2013 at 10AM. He further said that candidates of Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and S.B.S Nagar should report at Police line Gurdaspur on May 4, 2013 at 10AM.
For further information candidates could visit the department’s website i.e. www.ppchi.org.
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MARKFED LEADS IN WHEAT PROCUREMENT IN PUNJAB
·        6906055 TONES WHEAT PROCURED IN STATE

 

Chandigarh, April 25:

        Wheat Procurement is on full swing in Punjab. State procurement agency MARKFED achieved first position in wheat procurement. MARKFED procured 1521658, the 22.0 per cent of the total procurement of the state.
        Government agencies and private millers procured more than 6906055 tones of wheat till last evening
        Out of total procurement of 6906055 tones of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 6852760 tones of wheat till date, whereas private traders procured 53295 tones of wheat, PUNGRAIN had procured 1236336 tones (17.9%) whereas PUNSUP procured 1440950 tones (20.9%), PSWC procured 809135 tones (11.7%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 646572 tones (9.4 %) of wheat.
        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1198109 tones (17.3%). 
        The spokesman added that District Sangrur with 783968 tones of procurement was leading in procurement operations, whereas District Patiala with 761968 tones of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 618340 tones of procurement ranked at third position.       
The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat, the spokesman added.
 ----

EMPLOYEES RETAINING OFFICIAL ACCOMMODATION AFTER TRANSFER-GOVERNMENT TIGHTENS NOOSE

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 25: The Punjab Government today issued strict instructions to all the Departments to ensure that Government employees should vacate the official accommodations within two months after transfer to another stations. The Punjab Government has amended Punjab Government Houses (General Pool) Amendment Rules 1983 in March 2013, that mandates that any employee/officer, who does not vacate the accommodation within stipulated time, the employer would not draw his salary till he/she vacates the house and settles the rent for said unauthorized period.

          An official spokesman today said that the State Government has taken the serious view of the fact that despite transfer to another stations, officials/officers retain their official accommodation at old station illegally, blocking the allotment of that house to the eligible officials/officers. He said that the delay in allotment to eligible employees has a direct bearing on their effective discharge of duties.

          The spokesman said that instructions have been issued to all heads of departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrates to effectively ensure the compliance of these instructions.   

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IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 25 APRIL TO 2 MAY

CHANDIGARH, April 25:
            The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the kharif Season through Canal water from 25-04-2013 to 02-05-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Abohar Branch, Patiala Feeder, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab canal 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, Lahore Branch and Main Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively.
    -----    

CM APPROVES RS. 71.76 CRORE FOR SECOND PHASE OF VIRASAT-e-KHALSA

  • BADAL ASKS TO COMPLET 2ND PHASE BY OCTOBER 2014
  • APPROVES 5 ACRES FOR BABA JIWAN SINGH YADGAR
  • PUNJAB TO SETUP A SOLAR POWER UNIT FOR VIRASAT-E-KHALSA

CHANDIGARH APRIL 24:
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved the budget of Rs 71.76 crore for the construction of state-of-the-art Virasat-e-Khalsa phase-II project to showcase and preserve the glorious history of Sikhs up to the post Independence era for our future generations.   
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that Mr. Badal was presiding over the meeting of Anandpur Sahib Foundation Trust here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning. The Chief Minister directed the finance department to release funds as per the funding schedule for the completion for 2nd phase project in a time bound manner.
The Chief Minister also directed the Anandpur Sahib Foundation to spare a chunk of land measuring 5 acres for the upcoming memorial - Baba Jiwan Singh Yadgar at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
In another significant decision, Mr. Badal asked the concerned authorities to prepare a comprehensive plan for the setting up of a Solar Energy Power Unit with adequate power generation capacity to cater the current need of Virasat-e-Khalsa. The Chief Minister also gave in principal approval for the installation of a Laser Show and asked the department to prepare a detailed plan in this regard besides a parking lot to stream line the vehicle parking near Virasat-e-Khalsa.
Mr. Badal also reviewed the design of the Phase II of Virasat-e-Khalsa, which was already approved by the Concept Committee comprising eminent Sikh scholars and historians.
It was informed in the meeting that Virasat-e-Khalsa Phase-I (up to Gallery no. 14) that had been completed at a cost of Rs. 250.52 crore whereas the work of Phase-II from Gallery 15 to 27 would be completed by October 2014.
Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Advisor to the CM on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharn Bains, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr. SS Channy, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary PWD Mr. AS Aujala, Secretary Finance Mr. Jaspal Singh, CEO Anandpur Sahib Foundation Dr. KS Sra, Director Cultural Affairs Mr. Navjot  Randhawa and Director Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta.
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 CHAIRMAN TATA GROUP OF COMPANIES CALLS ON CM
·        BADAL OFFERS TATA GROUP FOR JOINT VENTURES IN FIELD OF IT AND AGRICULTURE
·        TERMS PUNJAB AS ONE OF THE MOST PREFERRED INVESTMENT DESTINATION OF COUNTRY
·        TATA SHOWS KEEN INTEREST TO ESTABLISH A NEW HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PLANT IN STATE
 ·        TATA AGREES TO SET UP SKILL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRES IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, April 24     
          The Chairman Tata Sons Limited Mr. Cyrus P Mistry today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at his official residence.
          Accompanied by Mr. Madhu Khana, the Group Head-Business Development of Tata Sons Limited, Mr. Mistry who was on his maiden tour of the state had a detailed meeting with the Chief Minister regarding the investment prospects of the company in the state.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that during the meeting Mr. Badal apprised him that owing to the growth oriented policies of the state government; the Punjab was being looked at as the most preferred investment destination of the country. He said that the state had contributed enormously in various sectors like food grain production, industry and above all in the armed forces for the security as well as development of the country. The Chief Minister offered them to initiate certain joint ventures in IT, Skill Training, Agriculture and Infrastructure with the state government.
Talking about the unprecedented infrastructure development being carried out by the SAD-BJP government, Mr. Badal said that their government had planned projects of thousands of crore for ensuring 100% water supply and sewerage facilities to the people in the state and offered the Tata Company to provide a helping hand in terms of modern technology and expertise to the state government to accomplish this task.
Dwelling on the need of optimum utilization of solar power in farming sector, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Mistry that Punjab had the largest Canal Irrigation system and the space over these canals could successfully be utilize to set up solar power units. He offered Tata to explore this sector too.
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Mistry said that the Tata Group was keen to initiate any new joint venture in Punjab. A team of experts of the company would soon visit to explore the possibilities and potential for setting up of new ventures in the state, added the Chairman. He also expressed his keen interest in establishing a new Heavy Commercial Vehicle Plant. He further pointed out that company would also seek help from government in strengthing the existing infrastructure of Tata Group in the state.
Expressing the dire need of skill development, Mr. Mistry said that their team would also study all the aspects to set up a new Training and Development Centre in the state for strengthing the skilled work force for the Industrial as well as agriculture sector in collaboration with state government.
The Chairman of Tata Group of Companies agreed to the proposal mooted by the Chief Minister and said that they were looking to undertake all the database information in improving the agriculture sector of Punjab as their was the majority of farmers who were not well aware to resolve agri problems and Tata Company would like to establish a model in the state to provide an effective timely help to the farmers.
                   On the occasion, Mr. Badal presented a replica of Golden Temple, a Siropa (robe of honor) and a sword to Mr. Mistry.
          Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Industry Mr. Karan Avtar Singh and Director Industry Mr. Vikas Partap Singh.

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CM CONSTITUTES CONCEPT COMMITTEE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE-OF-ART WAR MEMORIAL CUM MUSEUM ON AMRITSAR-ATTARI ROAD
TO BE CONSTRUCTED OVER SEVEN ACRES OF LAND THIS MEMORIAL WOULD BE COMPLETED IN COMING TWO YEARS

Chandigarh, April 24-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for constituting a concept committee for evolving consensus on the concept and design of the state-of-art War Memorial cum museum to be constructed on Amritsar- Attari road, for showcasing the supreme sacrifices made by the Punjabis while serving in the Armed forces.
The Chief Minister held marathon discussions with decorated retired officers of the Armed forces here at Punjab Bhawan today to solicit their views on the concept and design of this world class memorial to come up at around seven acres of land on Amritsar-Attari road. Presiding over the meeting Mr Badal said that this magnificent memorial would be a befitting tribute to commemorate the remarkable contribution made by the Punjabi soldiers and officers to defend the sovereignty of the country during the wars against nation. He said that this project would be an engineering marvel equipped with high end technology so as to exhibit the enormous contribution of the valiant Punjabis in the Armed forces.
In order to envisage the entire perspective plan of this project, the Chief Minister approved a joint concept committee of the officers of the state government and representatives of the Armed forces to draft a blue print for completing this prestigious project in coming two years. The concept committee comprising Principal Secretary Defence Services Welfare Mr Vishwajeet Khanna, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Chairman Punjab Public Service commission Lieutenant General RS Sujlana (Retd.), Lieutenant General HRS Mann (Retd.), Major General Harishjit Singh (Retd.), Major General MP Singh (Retd.), Brigadier BS Gill (Retd.), Brigadier NS Sandhu (Retd.) and Brigadier SS Ahluwalia (Retd.) has been asked by Mr Badal to submit its report within two months.
The Chief Minister also asked the concept committee to include eminent Military Historians as its members for assisting them to conceptualise the outlining of this prestigious project. He said that the concept committee was free to visit the world class War Memorials like those constructed at Dacca (Bangladesh), France, Israel or any other part of the world for having a better idea for constructing this state-of-art memorial.
The Chief Minister said that he has already sought the co-operation from the Chief of Army, Navy and Air Force for providing the record pertaining to the sacrifices of Punjabis adding that they have assured fulsome support and co-operation to the state government. Mr Badal also said that the state government has already earmarked Rs 10 crore for initiating this project.
Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to disseminate the rich legacy of state to the coming generations, the Chief Minister said that the state government has already constructed state of art Virasat-e-Khalsa memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib, memorials of big and small holocaust in Kup Rahira and Kahnuwan respectively and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War memorial at Chappar Chiri.
Likewise Mr Badal said that in order to showcase the contribution of Punjabis in the Indian National Freedom Struggle the state government was constructing a world class ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar. Besides Mr Badal said memorials of Bhagwan Parshuram, Baba Jiwan Singh, Baba Moti Ram Mehra and Swami Vivekanand would also come up soon in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib and Amritsar respectively.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Rajya Sabha MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Principal Secretary Defence Services Welfare Mr Vishwajeet Khanna, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Director Defence Service Welfare Brigadier Manjit Singh (Retd.), Officer on Special Duty Colonel BS Brar (Retd.), Chief Architect Punjab Mrs Sapna, Chairman Punjab Public Service commission Lieutenant General RS Sujlana (Retd.), Lieutenant General NS Brar (Retd.), Lieutenant General PN Hoon (Retd.), Lieutenant General HRS Mann (Retd.), Lieutenant General Tej Sapru (Retd.), Air Marshal RS Bedi (Retd.), Major General KAS Bhullar, Major General Hardev Singh (Retd.), Major General Harishjit Singh (Retd.), Major General MP Singh (Retd.), Major General MS Virk (Retd.), Brigadier BS Gill (Retd.), Brigadier NS Sandhu (Retd.), Brigadier SS Ahluwalia (Retd.), Brigadier GJ Singh (Retd.), Brig IS Gakhal (Retd.) and Commander Tarlochan Singh.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT GETS GOI NODTO REUSE ONE LAKH GUNNY BALES
·       No dearth of gunny bags in Punjab: commissioner
Chandigarh, April 24:
The GOI has acceded to the Punjab government’s demand by giving go ahead to reuse one lack once used gunny bales to ensure hassle free paddy procurement in the state.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Satwant Singh Johal, Commissioner, Food and Civil Supply Department, Punjab said that instructions to all the government procurement agencies have been issued to use the old gunny bales, in case the new gunny bales are out of stock. “The moment fresh supply of gunny bales is received, practice of using old gunny bales would be stopped immediately”, he added. The commissioner further said that there is no dearth of gunny bags in the state as the Punjab Government has received supply of 3 lakh 48 thousand gunny bales from DGS&D for government procurement agencies. Out of this new received stock, 1 lac 90 thousand bales are of jute and 1 lakh 58 bales are made of plastic.
Mr. Johal said that the state government has set a target of 140 lakh MT paddy procurement, out of which 112 lakh MT paddy crop would be procured by government procurement agencies. He said that for packaging of this much amount of paddy,4 lakh 48 thousand gunny bales are required, and Punjab Government would get an another consignment of 60 thousand bales up till April 30. He said that Punjab Government has procured more than 50 lakh MT paddy till now and 2 lakh gunny bales have been used for this procurement.
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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES 50 PERCENT SUBSIDY ON DIGGERS, GRADERS AND PLANTERS FOR POTATO CULTIVATION

Chandigarh, April 24
          In a bid to boost potato cultivation in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to enhance the subsidy on diggers, graders and planters from 10% to 50%.
          A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with      a deputation of potato growers of the state at CM’s residence this morning.
          The Chief Minister apprised the delegation that Punjab Government had already initiated the process for setting up of Indo-Dutch Potato and Seed Centre as a joint venture with the Holland. A Dutch team would visit India in the month of May when all the modalities would be finalized in consultation with GoI, added Mr. Badal. He directed the Financial Commissioner Development to expedite the process and take up matter with GoI for early setting up this centre.
The Chief Minister further asked FCD to immediately tackle the inadequate availability of quality potato seeds to the farmers by taking up this issue with the concerned private companies which were currently providing potato seeds to the farmers of Punjab.
Mr. Badal assured the farmers that state government would chalk out the modalities to establish Tissue Culture Laboratory at Moga. He also called upon the potato growers to adopt solar pumps for potato irrigation to save the ground water besides establishing small processing units for their produce for which government could provide subsidy.
On the demand of potato growers, Mr. Badal also directed the Chairman Powercom to streamline the supply of electricity in all the potato growing areas to ensure adequate day time power supply for better yield. He said that under New Diversification Plan, state government was committed to save the rapidly depleting ground water. Mr. Badal also offered the potato growers that government would provide all relevant assistance to the farmers keen in export of potatoes.
          Prominent among who were present in the meeting FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Director Horticulture Mr. Lajwinder Singh Brar.

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DHINDSA GIVEN AWAY LOTTERY PRIZE MONEY TO THE WINNERS
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 24
            Finance Minister, Punjab Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa today handed over the demand drafts of prize money to three winners of Maa Laxmi Diwali Pooja Bumper- 2012 besides one winner of Punjab State Monthly Lotteries.
The Finance Minister handed these demand drafts to the winners of the prize in an impressive ceremony held here in Punjab Bhawan. The demand drafts of Rs. 1 crore each was given by the Minister to Mr. Vijay Kumar Kaushik and Mr. Harbhajan Singh, the winners of Maa Laxmi Diwali Pooja Bumper 2012, while the draft of second prize worth Rs 51 lakh was given to Mr. Vishal Arora. In the same manner Mr. Dhindsa also gave away the draft worth Rs. 51 lakhs to Mr. Karamjit Singh, the winner of Punjab State Monthly Lotteries-December 2012.
In his address the Minister said that owing to full transparency in the whole process of draws, the Punjab State Lotteries were being trusted across the country. Wished good luck to the winners of these prizes Mr. Dhindsa said that the Lotteries department was working on a number of proposals to introduce new lotteries in the state. He said that efforts were afoot to launch new lottery schemes in the current fiscal year.   
The Minister was accompanied by the Secretary Expenditure cum Director, Punjab State Lotteries Mr. Jaspal Singh.


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CM ORDERS MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY INTO FARIDKOT JAIL INCIDENT

Chandigarh, April 22:

The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered a magisterial enquiry into the events at Model Jail, Faridkot in the light of the death of a prisoner, Harsha Singh s/o Harvail Singh.
Harsha Singh, aged about 70 years, was arrested under the NDPS Act on 18.4.2013, and apparently died of a cardiac arrest early today morning. Thereafter, the prisoners protested against the medical staff of the jail, citing lack of timely medical attention to the patient. The protestors also set fire to jail property in the canteen and caused disturbance for some time before the situation was brought under control by the district administration and police along with IG (Prisons), Mr Jagjit Singh who also rushed to the spot.
This is the third death of a prisoner in the past fortnight in the Faridkot Jail. The enquiry has been marked to Mr Darshan Singh Grewal, PCS, SDM Kotkapura.

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HARSIMRAT EXHORTS YOUNGER GENERATION TO BECOME PARTNER IN REVOLUTION OF INDIAN WOMEN

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 22:
Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament today exhorted the young generation especially the young men to join hands with women to check gender crime against women and become a partner in revolution of Indian Women to avert the repetition of ‘sorry past’ of crime against women in India.
Presiding over a the Annual Day Celebrations of Shri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, New Delhi, Mrs. Badal pointed out that the time has come for women to register their strong presence for the balanced development of the nation and expressed confidence that revolution by the Indian Women was certain. She said that with a little effort by our young generations the women of the country could also enjoy the fundamental rights to equality, freedom, against exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights besides right to Constitutional remedies.
          Striking an emotional chord with the students, the Member Parliament advised them not to settle for ‘mediocracy’ at any cost if they want to make India better. She said that they can match the footprints of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and Aang Suu Kyi by playing a significant role by making all the needy ones capable for jobs by enhancing their skills. She said that around 55% of India’s population is under the age of 25, with 65% of the population under 35. She said that each year over 3 million graduates and post-graduates were added to the Indian workforce. However, of these only 25 percent of technical graduates and 10-15 percent of other graduates are considered employable by the rapidly growing IT and ITES segments and around 85% of graduates and post graduate are simply unemployable, she rued.
 Mrs. Badal underlined the need that the government needs to change the policy, universities need to bring in skills development as part of the graduate curriculum and colleges on their own would need to give students additional soft skills training and students should themselves ready themselves to be able to become employable.
Exhorting the young generation, the Member Parliament said that India wants them to own up ‘collectively share’ its places, spaces and have collective ownership of the country.  She asked them to do not litter and let others litter the national resources as we all were to be answerable to our society.
As ' Charity begins at home' parents, especially fathers in families should blaze the trail by practising dignity to motherhood and daughters and other female member of the family. A society of well-groomed children with deep convictions about human rights will never violate them. This can ensure a safe and secure society for our future generations, more particularly for the female gender. We need to usher in a society that is devoid of prejudices, injustices, and maltreatment against a human being, irrespective of his/her gender. We can call ourselves a civilized society only when we reach that stage, she urged.
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PHYSIOTHERAPY PANACEA FOR ALL ILLS: HARCHARN BAINS
3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANUAL THERAP-2013
CHANDIGARH APRIL 22:-
The 3rd International Conference on Manual Therap-2013 (INTERCOMAT) jointly organised by Cheshta Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Ivy Hospital, Super Speciality Hospital Mohali, Sardar Bhagwan Sing Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Balawala Dehradun and Capri Institute of Manual Therapy, New Delhi here at GMCH, Sector 32. The conference Felicitation ceremony was presided over by Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab on National Affairs & Media Mr. Harcharan Bains.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Bains underscored the need of Physiotherapy in the modern health care system as it effectively helps in the rehabilitation of the patients, inflected with several critical diseases especially in the cases of trauma. He said that that Physiotherapy was almost needed  in every faculty of Medical Science ‘as recuperating therapy’. In the modern Medical Science Physiotherapy has done a miracle in not merely curing the patients but also help them leading a normal life, added Mr. Bains. 
Earlier, the inaugural session of this two-day conference was presided over by SSP Mohali Mr.G.S Bhullar. As many as 61 research papers were presented during the conference. Conference was attended by a large number of Physiotherapists across the country besides, eminent physiotherapists of the country like Dr. Manish Arora , Dr. Narkeesh, Dr. Jagmohan, Dr. Jasobanta Sethi, Dr. Amit and Dr. Arun Mozhi, who delivered their lectures on different aspects of Physiotherapy. Organizing Secretary of INTERCOMAT-2013, Dr. Ankush Randhawa who is presently serving as Director Physiotherapy department Ivy Hospital Mohali proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion Mr. Bains presented awards to the distinguish speakers besides honouring the members of organizing committee and the best research paper on Physiotherapy.
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SUKHBIR PROMISES AUTOMATIC FAST TRACK VAT REFUND SYSTEM FOR COMPLIANT DEALERS

  • PUNJAB LOOKING INTO IMPOSING LUMP-SUM TAX ON CERTAIN CATEGORIES
  • PROMISES TO RE-LOOK THE DEMAND OF LUDHIANA INDUSTRY MAKING ELECTRICITY DUTY VAT ABLE
  • EXCISE AND TAXATION DEPARTMENT TO BE PAPERLESS WITHIN 6 MONTHS
  • COMPUTERISATION AND NEW SYSTEMS WOULD ELIMINATE 80% BOOK KEEPING OF INDUSTRIALISTS
  • PROMISES TO INVEST Rs. 2000 CRORE TO UPGRADE CIVIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF LUDHIANA ALONE

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 22:
 The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab would be the first state in the country that would introduce online automatic fast track VAT Refund System for compliant dealers and industrialists having good track record.
          Speaking to a delegation of industrialists from Ludhiana that called on him here today to press for their demand to make electricity duty to industrial sector Vatable, Mr. Badal said that his single point agenda for Excise and Taxation Department was to make the system transparent and client friendly so that interaction between trader and excise and Taxation Department could be eliminated. He said that within six months, the whole Department would be paperless and by June this year the department would complete the exercise of categorization of VAT dealers in A, B and C category. He said that A category dealers would be compliant Dealers with top class track record and would be eligible for automatic fast track refund of VAT. He said that for B category the VAT refund would be refunded in minimum possible time and for C category certain checks would be incorporated for making refunds.
          Mr. Badal said that his outlook was always industry friendly and he wanted that Industry should become partner in the progress of the country and state would ensure total support to it. Mr. Badal said that he was favourably considering the suggestion of a section of industry to impose lump-sum tax on certain categories of Industry with that Industrial sector promising a set amount of tax every year in the kitty of the Government. The Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab would be the first state that would have most comprehensive interactive portal that would eliminate the returns by papers by any section of society. He said that if industry and trade cooperates by declaring their income willfully he can contemplate the waiver of 80% of records and books being maintained by them.
          Promising to have a re-look on the demand of Ludhiana Industry for making electricity duty VATable, Mr. Badal said that he has asked the department to study all pros and cons of the demand.
          Speaking about the future power scenario Mr. Badal said that by the end of this year the thermal plants of the state would start generating power and state would be getting power at average Rs. 3 to 4 per unit against Rs. 7 to 8 being spent by the state to purchase the power during peak season. He said that once the state becomes comfortable with the power scenario, he would pass on the benefit of cheaper power to the end consumer including industrial sector.
          Mr. Badal said that the new industrial policy would be the most investment friendly policy that is aimed to eliminate ‘Inspector Raaj’ from the state. He said that he wants to make Ludhiana most developed industrial hub of the country and Punjab has finalized the plan to spend Rs. 2000 crore in upgrading the infrastructure of Ludhiana City alone.
          Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industry, Mr. D.P. Reddy, Secretary Excise and Taxation, Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Secretary Power, Mr. Anurag Verma, Commissioner Excise and Taxation, Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Secretary to Deputy CM and former Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Kamal Oswal, Industrial Advisor.
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MOBILE WOMEN COMMANDO SQUADS IN PUNJAB TO CURB CRIME AGAINST WOMEN
·          PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO LAUNCH SUCH INITIATIVE
·          SUKHBIR ADVOCATES DEATH PENALTY FOR DELHI LIKE RAPES
·          FULLY ARMED WOMEN COMMANDOS TO BE DEPLOYED AT STRATEGIC POINTS
·          SQUADS TO BE INTEGRATED WITH PCR VANs FOR BACKUP IN EMERGENCY
·          PUNJAB ARRESTS 875 DRUG PUSHERS IN ONE WEEK CAMPAIGN
·          SAD TO RAISE WEALTH TAX ON AGRICULTURE IN PARLIAMENT

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 22: Punjab today became the first state in the country to launch Mobile Women Commando Squads to curb the crime against women and speed up police response and help in prevention of crime against women, assist the victims and perpetrators to the book.
           Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today flagged off the Women Commando Squads for all Corporation Towns and big cities and said that the state would cover all cities with Women Commando Squads within three months. He said that this initiative has been necessitated keeping in view the rising crime against women all over the country. “We have given intensive training to Women Commandos so that could deal with any eventuality,” Mr. Badal informed. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the pilot project of Women Armed Special Protection Squads (WASPS) launched last week in Bathinda Zone was quiet encouraging as per the feed back received by him. “Women are increasingly becoming confident to approach women commandos to report incidents of eve teasing and other crime against women and seeing the success of this pilot project, it is being replicated throughout the state,” the Deputy Chief Minister informed the media after flagging off the Commando Squads.
           Mr. Badal said the on receipt of any complaint to Women Helpline both mobile teams and PCR personal would respond. He said that these mobile teams would be deployed at women colleges, schools, co-ed colleges, girls hostels, working women hostels, busy markets, malls, cinemas and other sensitive points. “These teams would instil a sense of security and provide a safe living and working environment to women and protect them against offences like eve teasing, molestation, stalking and chain snatching etc,” he informed. Mr. Badal hoped that constitution and deployment of these teams would result in improving the police response to curb such crimes. He described this confidence building measure for curbing crime against women.

          Emphasising on increasing the strength of women in the police, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would soon start a recruitment drive to select 500 women DSPs and ASIs, who would be incharge of women police stations. Mr. Badal said that his aim was to increase the strength of women in Punjab  Police from 3% to 15% and then to 33%.  
           Answering a question regarding the demand of Capital Punishment for crimes like rape, Mr. Badal said that he was for death penalty for rapes like that happened to five year old girl in Delhi. On a question regarding Wealth Tax on Agriculture Sector, Mr. Badal said that the imposition of wealth tax on the farming community by Congress led UPA Government has exposed the anti-farmer face of this Government. He said that it was ironical that if a multicrore showroom in a city was on rent, it would not be covered under the definition of wealth tax as it was ‘productive asset’ but a farmer, who was feeding the country by sowing crop on a land near city would have to pay Rs. 1 lakh tax against his total income of Rs. 30,000. Mr. Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would be vociferously opposing this draconian move and raise this issue in both houses of Parliament.
           Reiterating the resolve of the Punjab Government to act tough against drug peddlers, Mr. Badal said that during last week alone more than 875 drug pushers have been arrested due to sustained campaign of Punjab Police and the state Security Agencies have made record recovery of narcotics.
          Earlier Mr. Badal flanked by Mr. Sumedh Singh, Director General of Police, Punjab flagged off the Women Commando Squads for all Corporation Towns. The Deputy Chief Minister also interacted with the women commandos and they told him that they were excited for new challenging job.

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4326200 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, April 22:
          Government agencies and private millers procured more than 4326200tonnes of wheat till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.
The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of4326200 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 4304472 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 21728 tonnes of wheat. PUNGRAIN procured 765937 tonnes (17.07%), MARKFED procured 965529 tonnes (22.03%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 893439 tonnes (20.07%) PSWC procured 493596  tonnes (11.4%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 434277  tonnes (10.0 %) of wheat.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 751694 tonnes (17.04%). 
          The spokesman added that District Patiala with 702876 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Sangrur with 602550 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 381845 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
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BADAL UNFOLDS BLUE PRINT FOR AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION IN STATE
STATE GOVERNMENT TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION TO GOI BY APRIL 30
CM BATS FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY TO GIVE IMPETUS TO CROP DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM
BADAL FOR SETTING UP STATE OF ART SEMEN STATION AT TARN TARAN
QUARANTINE STATION TO BE ESTABLISHED AT ATTARI-WAGAH BORDER


Chandigarh, April 21-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today reiterated his government’s firm commitment to put the state on fast track of Agriculture diversification in order to achieve twin objective of restoring soil’s fertility and checking the depletion of water table on one hand and strengthening the agrarian economy on the other.
            Winding up the intensive discussions after two days meeting with central team of Agriculture experts and progressive farmers here today, the Chief Minister said that these fruitful deliberations had helped the state government to prepare a roadmap for the implementation of Agriculture Diversification plan in a phased manner. Mr Badal said the over exploitation of its natural resources i.e. micro nutrients of soil and ground water had sounded alarming bells for the state government towards second push to ‘Green Revolution’ which was the need of the hour. He announced in the meeting that the state government would submit comprehensive proposals in this behalf to the Union Ministry of Agriculture positively by April 30th.
            The Chief Minister revealed that the state government   has chalked out a strategy to reduce major area of state under paddy cultivation to alternate crops with a view to shift from supply driven to demand driven agriculture. It was purposed to shift this area to Maize (5.5 lakh hectare), Cotton (seven lakh hectare), Sugarcane (2.6 lakh hectare), Guar (0.3 lakh hectare), Fodder (5.5 lakh hectare), Arhar (0.6 lakh hectare). Moong bean (0.6 lakh hectare), Kinnow (0.8 lakh hectare), Guava and Pear (0.2 lakh hectare), Agro Forestry (three lakh hectare), Groundnut (0.2 lakh hectare) and Vegetable (0.5 lakh hectare), he added. Mr Badal said that the Diversification plan would be instrumental in ensuring long term sustainability and improving farm incomes.     
            Listing out the initiatives to promote diversification, the Chief Minister said that APMC Act 1961 was being amended to provide direct marketing and setting up of private markets. He said that new Contract farming act has been enacted and notification has been issued to regulate the contracts and make mutual obligations enforceable. To incentivize the cultivation of Basmati, infra structure cess on it had been abolished to give boost to its export. The state government was seriously contemplating to review the tax structure on marketing of alternate crops by lowering them considerably to ensure a level playing field to all the stakeholders. Effective steps were afoot to incentivize the cultivation of Maize, Cotton, Sugarcane, Fruits and vegetables through ensuring  subsidized supply of hybrid seeds, weedicides etc., capital assistance at the rate of 50% for purchase of Maize planters and harvesters, cotton pickers, strengthening of infra structure in designated markets, timely availability of quality seeds through MoU with BT hybrid seeds manufacturing companies, establishment of Tissue culture labs in sugar mills, supply of quality planting material propagated through tissue culture besides setting up of four modern wood timber markets in Dasuya, Hoshiarpur, Balachaur and Ludhiana to promote Agro Forestry in a big way. Likewise a network of Centers was being established for aggregation of Horticultural produce with facilities like washing, cooling and packaging to provide forward linkage with the organized retail market.
The Chief Minister said that the entire exercise of agriculture diversification would be futile if these efforts were not supplemented by giving a much needed push to the Food Processing Industry in the state because farmers could not get the remunerative returns of their produce without its proper value addition adding that the same could be done by the Processing units. He also emphasized the need to place in a mechanism of assured marketing support by way of giving MSP on alternate crops especially the Maize which has a tremendous scope for human consumption as well as for cattle feed and fodder. Appreciating the hard working and resilient Punjabi farmer for always welcoming new technology and crops, Mr Badal said he was confident that they would never say no to the alternate crops provided guaranteed with assured MSP on the pattern of wheat and Paddy.
Outlining the paramount significance of Livestock sector in the diversification of agriculture, the Chief Minister said that the state government has made concerted efforts for the promotion of using imported and sexed semen for the production of high yielding female cow calves besides giving capital assistance of 50% for establishment of Dairy machinery service centers for the purchase of silage making machinery. Likewise he said that Research for developing high yielding fodder varieties at PAU was being carried out to ensure its quality supply to the cattle. Likewise Mr Badal said that two Dairy Training and extension centers had been set up to impart training to the Dairy farmers.
The Chief Minister pleaded that the Ministry of Agriculture must compensate the state government for abolition of 3% Infra Structure cess on Basmati by giving Rs 100 crore per year to ensure the maintenance of Mandis across the state adding he said that this grant was all the more important for the state as Punjab had one of the most modern and efficient marketing infra structure to facilitate the farmers for marketing their produce. Mr Badal also impressed upon the Central team to guide the concerned officers in the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments of the state for seeking more funds under various centrally sponsored schemes besides Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, National Horticulture Mission and National Animal Welfare Board.
Earlier responding to the issues relating to Food Processing, Joint Secretary Ministry of Food Processing Government of India (GoI) Mrs Anuradha Prasad asked the state government to send a detailed proposal for seeking National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in the border area of the state under its flagship program of capacity building for imparting training to the youth so that they could be gainfully employed. She also apprised the Chief Minister that the Ministry had sufficient funds for establishment of Integrated Cold Chain Projects under Farm to Consumer scheme, Food Testing Laboratories and Cold Storages for Horticulture and Non Horticulture products. Mrs Prasad said that the Ministry had already allocated a Mega Food Park in Ferozepur District and if the state still needed more such parks it could send fresh proposals to the Ministry. 
Taking part in deliberations Joint Secretary Ministry of Agriculture GoI Mr Mukesh Khullar assured the Chief Minister that the Ministry would fully support of the state government’s ambitious program for Crop diversification adding that they would examine the entire proposals before forwarding it to the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Agriculture Diversification for final decision. He said Punjab government was likely to get Rs 200 crore out of the total Rs 500 crore packages for Agriculture diversification allotted to Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the Union budget 2013-14. Mr Khullar urged the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) Mr Suresh Kumar and Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr G Vajralingam to fix up the priorities for spending this amount to achieve broad objective of diversification.
Interacting with the officers of the state government the Agricultural Commissioner GoI, Dr JS Sandhu termed the crop diversification program as a visionary step taken by the state government under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal. He said that the state government should adopt latest mechanized operations in the farming and resort to drip irrigation especially for cultivation of vegetables besides ensuring marketing facilities to the farmers to sell their produce in a hassle free manner to ensure economic stability.
Speaking on the occasion Commissioner Animal Husbandry GoI, Dr AS Nanda assured the Chief Minister that the Ministry had already agreed to the majority of its proposals like extending the facility of insurance from two to five cattle per family besides reviewing the fat content in cow’s milk 4.8 to 3.5. He also asked the Vice Chancellors of PAU and GADVASU to submit detailed proposals for seeking funds for strengthening Research and Development (R&D) base in both the premier intuitions so that these could be included in the Finance Minister’s next budget speech. Dr Nanda also announced to set a Quarantine Station at Attari-Wagah Border over an area of five to seven acres of land to be provided by the state government. He also suggested the state government to create a Corpus fund for the insurance of Milch cattle and small ruminants like Goat, Sheep and Pigs adding that the Ministry would also review the state government’s proposal in this behalf for contributing its share in the said corpus.
Deliberating on the issue of Maize development and its promotion in Punjab, Project Director Directorate of Maize Research New Delhi Dr OP Yadav said that Maize crop had bright prospects in the state and would prove to be a milestone in shifting traditional Paddy as a viable alternative. In his address Executive Director National Dairy Development Board Chaudhary Sangram Singh urged the Chief Minister to constitute an expert committee to check the spread of contagious and infectious diseases amongst the animals. Positively responding to the proposals putforth by the Chief Minister for setting up a state of the art Semen Station for providing quality semen to the farmers at Tarn Taran, Dr Chaudhary said that he would soon take up the matter with the ministry.     
In his address Chairman State Farmer’s Commission Dr GS Kalkat asked the Centre to provide adequate technical and financial support to the farmers for the cultivation of oilseeds and Pulses as GoI had imported oil worth Rs 56000 crore and pulses worth Rs 10000 crore last year. “GoI should sincerely make efforts to bail out Punjab farmer from current agrarian crisis and encourage diversification by ensuring remunerative price to them for these crops” he added. Dr Kalkat also envisioned Punjab as a largest producer of Soyabean and Mustard provided the Centre ensured adequate marketing network coupled with processing facilities for them.
In his address Vice Chancellor PAU, Dr BS Dhillon said that inspite of huge grant by the state government the research activities of the university were constrained because of expenditure on salaries and pensions. Keeping in view its enormous contribution and the Punjab state in the national food security and the current challenges being faced, the state’s premier agriculture institution needed liberal support from GoI. Likewise VC GADVASU Dr VK Taneja also demanded generous grant for university to undertake R&D activities in a result oriented manner besides contributing towards the promotion of livestock sector.     
Chairman of Punjab Agriculture Marketing Board Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal said that crop diversification was a welcome step but at the same time centre must instill a sense of security amongst farmers by announcing MSP on all the alternate crops well in advance prior to motivating them to shift to these crops. He said that since there was huge gap in Basmati exports across the globe it was a high time to encourage the state farmer’s to go for its cultivation in a big way as they could fetch handsome returns from Basmati export. Similarly the Centre should also announce a remunerative MSP for Basmati as it was in high demand in the domestic market thereby improving the economic lot of Punjab peasantry.
In his address Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) President Mr Balbir Singh Rajewal said that Punjabi farmer was solely blamed for blatant misuse of water whereas its reckless consumption in the household and industrial sector was unnoticed. He however said that conscience efforts should be made to check the wastage of water and people should be sensitized to make judicious use of water-one of the most precious and scarce natural resources gifted by God. Mr Rajewal urged the Chief Minister to strictly enforce the Rain Water harvesting in urban besides constructing small Check dams and Water Recharge wells across the state to check the depleting water table.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr GS Babbehali and Babu Parkash Chand Garg, Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission Dr GS Kalkat, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, FCD Mr Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr G Vajralingam, Advisor to FCD Dr Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Director Agriculture Dr Mangal Singh Sandhu, Chairman Punjab State Agriculture Marketing Board Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, BKU President Mr Balbir Singh Rajewal, VC PAU Dr BS Dhillon, VC GADVASU Dr VK Taneja besides senior officers of the state government.
The Central team was represented by Project Director Directorate of Maize Research New Delhi Dr OP Yadav, Project Director Directorate of Cattle Meerut Dr A Sharma, Commissioner Animal Husbandry GoI Dr AS Nanda, Agricultural Commissioner Dr JS Sandhu, Joint Secretary Food Processing Mrs Anuradha Prasad, Head CSWCRTI Research centre Chandigarh Dr AK Tiwari, Consultant Agronomy Satyaveer Singh and Director NRC Agro Forestry Jhansi Dr SK Dhyaani. 

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CAUSEWAYS ALONG KHANPUR BRIDGE BE COMPLETED TILL JUNE 30: SHARANJIT DHILLON
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 21:
            To de-escalate the traffic pangs over the Kharar-Kurali-Ludhiana Road the much awaited causeways along Khanpur Bridge would be completed by June 30 with the cost of 3.30 crore.
            Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Punjab said that two causeways are being constructed on the both sides of the Khanpur Bridge to ease the traffic load on the Bridge and to avoid  congestion of traffic. He said that the old Bridge would also be repaired.
            Mr. Dhillon further said that the Punjab Government has set an outlay of Rs. 270 crore in the Budget 2013-14 to rejuvenate the 15 Old Bridges, 78 crore to construct 9 High level Bridges and 59 crore for ROBs/RUBs. He said that the State Government has constructed 41 ROBs/RUBs with the cost of Rs. 740 crore whereas Rs. 301 crore was invested to build 6 High level Bridges during their previous term i.e. 2007-12.

CM FOR CRAFTING MULTI PRONGED STRATEGY TO PROPEL CROP DIVERSIFICATION IN STATE

HOLDS ROBUST AND INTENSIVE PARLEYS WITH CROSS SECTIONS OF PROGRESSIVE FARMERS AND CENTRAL AGRICULTURE EXPERTS

ASKS CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT TO COME UP WITH SCHEME TO ADVANCE LOANS TO IN ALLIED AGRICULTURE SECTOR

Chandigarh, April 20, 2013
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the visiting central team of agriculture experts on crop diversification to help the state in formulating a multi pronged strategy to bring out the beleaguered peasantry from the rut of wheat/paddy rotation on one hand and supplement their income on the other.

Presiding over a daylong series of meetings with various groups of farmers including cotton and sugarcane growers, citrus, fruits and vegetables growers, floriculturists, dairy and fish farmers, agriculture marketing experts and self help groups besides other categories of farmers interested with allied farming i.e Fishery, Bee Keeping, Goatry, Piggery etc. to elicit their views after marathon discussions on diversification of agriculture and seeking their vital inputs for modifications in the draft agriculture policy towards a second push for ‘Green Revolution’ in terms of crop diversification. The Chief Minister apprehended that the constant decline in the margin of profits in wake of higher agricultural inputs has resulted in negative agriculture policies which must be rectified without any delay otherwise these would further push the distressed peasantry in debt trap. He asked the central team to judge by themselves the pathetic condition of farmers who had personally narrated their woes in front of them and they must prevail upon the Union Agriculture Ministry to enhance substantial funds for Crop diversification as the paltry sum of Rs 500 crore sanctioned for it was insufficient to undertake this gigantic task.
Highly impressed by the free and frank deliberations with the farmers, the Chief Minister said the interaction with the various groups of farmers was not only result oriented but also updated him about the hardships faced by them. He emphasized the need to have such interactions regularly as it was far more effective than the routine meetings with the officers. Mr Badal also asked the agriculture department to prepare a detailed Directory of progressive farmers to facilitate them to share their vast knowledge and expertise amongst themselves.   
Mr Badal appreciated the Union Agriculture Minister Mr Sharad Pawar for taking personal pains in helping the state to pursue Agriculture diversification program in the right earnest and hoped that the central team which had arrived here at Union Minister’s behest would take stock of the situation in a holistic manner and forward its recommendations accordingly. In order to boost the crop diversification program in the state the Chief Minister laid major thrust on the allied farming. He asked the Co-operation department to formulate a scheme to advance loans to the farmers especially for Goatry, Piggery and Fishery. Mr Badal also asked the Poultry farmers to come up with concrete proposals to give much needed fillip Poultry in the state.    
  The Chief Minister rued that Punjab which had once led the country in ushering Green Revolution in mid 1960s was now on the threshold of agriculture decay and therefore he solicited centre’s enormous help to bail out the dejected farmer in this hour of crisis. Mr Badal however said that Punjab farmer was known for his innovative and entrepreneurial skills but lack of marketing support in terms of subsidies on account of agriculture equipments, infra structure, seeds, pesticides and other farming inputs hindered them to take initiatives in embracing diversification. He apprised the team that the Punjab government had already drafted an Agricultural policy aimed at bringing crop diversification in the state which could only be possible with the active support and co-operation of the Government of India (GoI).
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was committed to shift a major chunk of its cultivable area under Paddy to Maize, Oilseeds, Pulses, Vegetables, Sugarcane, Basmati, Fruits and Flowers over a period of next three years. He urged the team to recommend various Centres of excellence for Sugarcane, Maize, Oilseeds, Soyabean and Pulses to undertake extensive research in order to motivate the farmers to adopt these crops adding he said that these Centres would not only help in developing high yielding varieties of seeds besides educating the farmers for harmful effects on human health and environment of excessive use of pesticides and insecticides. Mr Badal also stressed on the need to develop facilities for genetic engineering and tissue culture to improve the plant breeding which could only be feasible with back up support from PAU for which centre should liberally enhance financial grant to it.
The Chief Minister also agreed to one of the proposals put forth by the Citrus growers to embark upon a joint marketing strategy by the farmers, Punjab Agriculture Marketing Board, Punjab Agri Export Corporation and PAU for the marketing of Kinnow. Referring to the another demand raised by the seed producers, Mr Badal asked the PAU to give proper training to them about the existing and upcoming varieties of Hybrid seeds so that they could convince the farmers about there qualitative and quantitative benefits.   
Interacting with the farmers Mr Badal also urged them to dig tanks for water storage installed with Solar Pumps for irrigation purposes. He also asked the Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission and Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) to explore the possibility of giving subsidy on the Sprinklers for drip irrigation and dryers for Maize. The Chief Minister also asked the Director Horticulture to work out the modalities for setting up of Leachy estate in Pathankot region on the pattern of Kinnow estates besides exploring possibilities for developing seedless varieties of Kinnows as successful trials have been made for it in Pakistan so that commercial plantation of seedless kinnows could be undertaken in the five Kinnow estates in Punjab.
Likewise the Chief Minister also asked the Vice Chancellor PAU to work out a detailed proposal to be sent to the Union government for recommending MSP for Maize to enable the Punjab farmers to switch over to it, which was far more profitable and less water intensive crop as compared to paddy. Emphasizing on the need for post harvest care of fruits, vegetables due to their factor of perishibility he asked the Agriculture department to work out the proposal for providing Refrigerated vans, zone wise across the state to enhance the shelf life of these commodities. Mr Badal impressed upon the central team to initiate the schemes based on the suggestions put forth by the progressive farmers on the pilot basis and if they prove to be successful then these could be replicated on big scale.
The Chief Minister also asked the team to incentivize the cultivation of Pulses, Maize, cotton, sugarcane besides promoting horticulture and Agro-Forestry in a big way by giving handsome subsidy to the farmers for the purchase of equipment and machinery used in various farm operations. Conceding to the demand of farmers, Mr Badal asked the FCD to ensure the functioning of juicing plants in the state to guarantee remunerative returns to the Kinnow growers through its value addition. He also assured all support and co-operation to the self help groups in the state engaged in the processing and marketing of agricultural products like Turmeric, chilly, condiments, pickles, chutney, jams, squashes etc.
The Chief Minister also asked the Agriculture department to bring more area under cultivation of turmeric in Kandi belt keeping in view its tremendous potential. He also assured the farmers that Power supply in the farm sector would be streamlined to ensure adequate electricity for farm operations during day as well as night. Mr Badal also assured the Sugarcane growers that he would take up the matter with private sugar Mill owners to start the crushing by November 1 positively to avoid hardships to the farmers due to uncertainty. He also asked the Financial Commissioner Co-operation to ensure crushing in co-operative Sugarmills from this date.
In order to promote the export of potatoes the Chief Minister assured the potato growers of fulsome support on behalf of state government adding that he would take up the matter with the Ministry of Agriculture GoI to allow the state seed certification agency to have the power of Federal Certification agency to facilitate export of quality seeds especially of potato across the globe, which was in high demand. He also constituted a committee with representatives of Potato growers and state agriculture department to boost the export potential of potato crop. Referring to another demand of the Floriculturist the Chief Minister asked the Transport department to allow them to send their cartons of flowers through Punjab Roadways buses on nominal charges on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh.     
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr GS Babbehali and Babu Parkash Chand Garg, Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission Dr GS Kalkat, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, FCD Mr Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr G Vajralingam, Advisor to FCD Dr Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Director Agriculture Dr Mangal Singh Sandhu, Chairman Punjab State Agriculture Marketing Board Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, BKU President Mr Balbir Singh Rajewal, VC PAU Dr BS Dhillon, VC GADVASU Dr VK Taneja besides senior officers of the state government.                    
The Central team was represented by Project Director Directorate of Maize Research New Delhi Dr OP Yadav, Project Director Directorate of Cattle Meerut Dr A Sharma, Commissioner Animal Husbandry GoI Dr AS Nanda, Agricultural Commissioner Dr JS Sandhu, Joint Secretary Food Processing Mrs Anuradha Prasad, Head CSWCRTI Research centre Chandigarh Dr AK Tiwari, Consultant Agronomy Satyaveer Singh and Director NRC Agro Forestry Jhansi Dr SK Dhyaani.         

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BADAL ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR IMPOSING WEALTH TAX ON FARMERS

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO PRESERVE HARD EARNED PEACE OF PUNJAB

STATE GOVERNMENT MULLING TO EXTEND CASH BENEFIT OF CM’s CANCER RELIEF FUND TO THE PATIENTS

CM PARTICIPATE IN RAM NAVAMI SHOBHA YATRA

VISITS OFFICE OF JANG-E-AZAADI FOUNDATION
Jalandhar, April 19-
Slamming the Congress led UPA government for imposing wealth tax on the farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that this move of the Centre would ruin the peasantry by giving a crushing blow to them.
Interacting with the media persons here today, the Chief Minister said that this unfortunate step of the UPA government has exposed its anti-farmer’s stance before the people adding that the imposition of the wealth tax would further accentuate the agonies of the peasantry. He categorically said that due to the adverse policies of the Union government like the stupendous hike in the agricultural inputs coupled with the non-remunerative MSP, the farmers of the state were already on the crossroads. Mr Badal said that to further aggravate the situation the Union government has now decided to impose this tax ‘arbitrarily’. “After examining the tax we will vigorously raise this matter with the Union government to safeguard the interests of the farmers” he added.
Replying to a query the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance government was committed for preserving the hard earned peace of the state due to which they were seeking mercy for Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, who has been given death sentence by the Apex Court. He said that death sentence to Bhullar could disturb the peace of the state and provide fresh breeding ground to the anti-social elements due to which they have raised this matter with the Prime Minister and the President.
The Chief Minister also said that the state government was committed for eradicating the cancer from Punjab due to which stupendous efforts were being made by the state government. He said that in order to further facilitate the Cancer patients for getting relief under the Chief Minister’s Cancer relief fund, the state government was now mulling to give cash relief to the patients instead of giving it to the hospitals. Mr Badal said that the matter was under the active consideration of the state government and a decision regarding it would be taken soon.
Later on the Chief Minister accompanied by Speaker Punjab Assembly Mr Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Cabinet Ministers Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Jathedar Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Mr Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, State BJP Chief Mr Kamal Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr KD Bhandari, Mr Pawan Teenu and Mr Som Parkash, MLAs Mr Manoranjan Kalia and Mr Pargat Singh, MP Mr Avinash Rai Khanna, former Minister Master Mohan Lal and former MLA Mr Sarabjeet Singh Makkar took part in a Shobha Yatra organized by Shri Ram Navami Utsav Committee led by its President and Chief Editor of Hind Samachar Group Mr Vijay Kumar Chopra to mark Ram Navami. Felicitating the people on the auspicious occasion Mr Badal said that this sacred day symbolizes the unity of mankind and brotherhood besides moral and spiritual values preached by Maryada Purshotam Lord Sri Rama.
The Chief Minister said that Lord Rama showed us the path of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a prosperous and harmonious society adding that the teachings and philosophy of Lord Rama was still relevant in the present materialistic society. Lauding the efforts made by Shri Ram Utsav Committee under the leadership of Mr Vijay Kumar Chopra for perpetuating the legacy of Lord Rama, Mr Badal said that such efforts not only promote communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst the people but also showers bountiful joy and prosperity on them.
Earlier the Chief Minister accompanied by Member Secretary of Jang-e-Azaadi foundation and the Chief Editor of the Ajit Group of Newspapers Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard visited the office of the foundation at PUDA Complex in the city. During the visit Dr Hamdard and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation Mr Vinay Bublani apprised Mr Badal that the office has started its functioning from the beginning of this month.  
Expressing happiness over the starting of the office, the Chief Minister said that it would prove to be stepping stone for the construction of this world class project. Interacting with the officials involved in the project he asked them to expedite the process of starting the project besides ensuring that its work was completed in a time bound manner while adhering with all the quality norms. Mr Badal said that the project which was to be constructed over 25 acres of land in Kartarpur at a cost of Rs 200 crore was of paramount significance as it would showcase the valuable contribution made by the Punjabis in the national freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister said that the work on this world class memorial which would help in perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of the state amongst the coming generations would start soon adding that it would be a humble and befitting tribute from the state government to the great heroes and martyrs from all over the country, who had laid down their lives to free our motherland from the yoke of British imperialism. Mr Badal said that the site of the memorial has been carefully selected by the state government as it lies on the National highway number one, which would facilitate the people across the border to visit the memorial and pay homage to the freedom fighters.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr KD Bhandari and Mr Pawan Kumar Tinu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mrs Shruti Singh.

        
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FATEHGARH SAHIB POLICE ARRESTS ANOTHER AIDE OF INTERNATIONAL SMUGGLERS
v RECOVERS 5 KG PSEUDOEPHEDRINE OF WORTH RS. 5 CRORE

Fatehgarh Sahib, April 18: Continuing its campaign against smuggling of narcotics, the Fatehgarh Sahib police today arrested Rajwinder Singh @ Raju Rasheen s/o Maghar Singh r/o village Rasheen, PS Raikot ( Ludhiana), an aide of international drug smugglers Anoop Singh Kahlon and Jagdish Bhola and relative of Ravi Deol along with 5 kg of pseudoephedrine of worth Rs. 5 crore in international market.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. H.S. Mann, SSP, Fatehgarh Sahib said that a police party led by ASI Darshan Singh laid a naka at Jassran Rajbaha and during checking of a white colored Ford Endeavour vehicle bearing registration number PB-07-z-0606, 5 kgs of pseudoephedrine wrapped in a polythene was recovered from Rajwinder Singh @ Raju Rasheen s/o Maghar Singh r/o village Rasheen, PS Raikot ( Ludhiana). He said that an FIR No. 100 dated 18-04-2013 has been registered u/s 22/61/85 of NDPS Act at police station Gobindgarh.

The District police Chief informed that this narcotic material was being used in preparing ‘Ice’, a most sought after drug for rave parties. He informed that during preliminary interrogation Rajwinder Singh @ Raju Rasheen said that he was the class fellow of Gursewak Singh Dhillon r/o Toronto since last 15/16 years and native of village Leel, PS Pakhowal of district Ludhiana. He said that Gursewak  Dhillon was a regular visitor to India. He admitted that he was getting pseudoephedrine from his relative Ravi Deol and already arrested smuggler Harpreet Singh s/o Baljit Sngh r/o Banwala PS Patran district Patiala to further supply it to  Gursewak Singh. He also admitted to send pseudoephedrine number of times to him. Mr. Gurpreet Singh, SP/ Detective expressed confidence of further disclosures by arrested smuggler

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON RAM NAUMI

CHANDIGARH APRIL 18:
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of 'Ram Naumi, the birthday of Lord Rama.
            In his message, Mr. Badal said that this sacred day symbolizes the unity of mankind and brotherhood besides moral and spiritual values preached by Lord Rama (Maryada Purshotam).  Mr. Badal said that Lord Rama showed us the path of ideal and virtuous living to carve out a prosperous and harmonious society. He called upon the people to follow the teachings of Lord Rama in the true spirit, which were still relevant in the present materialistic society besides redeeming the mankind from the yoke of evils. He said that such pious occasions not only promote a sense of communal harmony, brotherhood and mutual understanding amongst the people but also showers bountiful joy and prosperity on them.
         Mr. Badal appealed the people to celebrate this auspicious day collectively rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.
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CLU CASES BE DISPOSED WITHIN FORTNIGHT: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 18:
          Providing a major relief to the urban citizens the local bodies department to decided to dispose of Change of Land Use (CLU) cases within a fortnight period. It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister of Local Bodies in a press statement after having a high level meeting with the senior officers of the department.
          The Minister added that Commissioners of Municipal Corporations and Regional Deputy Directors have been directed to decide CLU cases within fifteen days. The Minister also reviewed the progress of the Solid Waste Project. He said that the state has been divided into 8 clusters for Municipal Solid Waste processing plants. In the first phase, door to door collection of Solid Waste and its transportation to dumping sites has started in four clusters namely Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ferozepur and Bathinda. He said that in the second phase, which has been taken up simultaneously, the Processing Plants of Solid Waste will be established by next year in all eight clusters.
The Minister also reviewed the various projects of the department. Prominent among other present in meeting included Mr. Som Parkash, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary, Mr. Priyank Bharati, Director, all Commissioners of Municipal Corporation and Regional Deputy Directors.
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1254398 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, April 18:
          Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1254398 tonnes of wheat till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.
The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of 1254398 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 1247840 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 6558 tonnes of wheat. PUNGRAIN procured 194589 tonnes (15.05%), MARKFED procured 295009 tonnes (23.05%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 272852 tonnes (21.08%) PSWC procured 150827  tonnes (12.0%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 141508  tonnes (11.3 %) of wheat.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 193055 tonnes (15.04%). 
          The spokesman added that District Patiala with 413008 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Sangrur with 227389 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 87699  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
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SAANJH KENDRAS PROVIDING SERVICES WITHIN STIPULATED TIME FRAME

Chandigarh, April 17:  

Mr. S. K. Sharma, ADGP/Community Policing, Punjab today said that        Community Affairs Division of Punjab police through its Saanjh Kendras has been successfully providing services under the Punjab Right to Service Act as over 99% requests for different services were processed within stipulated time frame.
The ADGP/CP today said that Community Affairs Division was committed to provide various services regarding the police department in a time bound manner to the common citizen. He pointed out that a total of 3,13,466 requests were received in the first quarter of 2013 at all Saanjh Kendras and out of which 23,978 were under process that too within the timeline at the end of the quarter.  Only 951 requests i.e. 0.30% could not be provided within the stipulated time and over 99% were processed within time. Illustrating further, the ADGP/CP said that in the case of Tenant/ Servant Verification, there were 57 requests which were under process as on 1.1.2013.  During the quarter, another 4845 requests were received taking the total to 4902.  Of these, 4753 requests were cleared within the quarter and within the stipulated timeline.  At the end of the quarter i.e. 31st March,2013, only149 requests were pending, but these were all within timeline.  Similarly, in the other services, it can be seen that either, there have been no delays or if at all they have been there, the number of such cases was marginal. He said that all efforts were being made to achieve zero delay status.
He said that in all the reports sent to the Commission, the figures under the heading ‘Pending’ include two types of pendency – pendency which was within the timeline and pendency which was beyond the timeline.  Only if, the pendency goes beyond the timeline, does it imply any delay of the provisions of the Service Act, he added.           


473 PRIVATE SCHOOLS SANS AFFILIATION SHUT DOWN: MALUKA
·         NON COMPLIANCE WOULD ATTRACT FINE OF RS 1 LAKH FOR THE IST TIME AFTERWARDS 10 THOUSAND PER DAY 
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17:
The 473 non affiliated private schools, which were evading fulfillment of RTE Act norms, have been shut down by the Punjab Government. These schools which yet not implemented to the provisions of Right to Education Act-2009 have been asked to wind up their functioning immediately. It was disclosed by Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education and Language Minister Punjab.
He said the Punjab Government has been sympathetic towards these educations institutions for long and they have time and again requested to adhere to the Right to Education Act, but these private schools were in denial mode to implement the RTE in their institutions. He said that these schools were bound to get affiliations under the RTE Act 2009 norms for free and compulsory education. He said that this circumstance forced the state government to take strict and bold action against all these money making institutions.
The minister further said that nearly 37813 affected students of these schools could get admissions in the Government schools; the admissions for which is still continuing the minister assured support to these school children. He said that these private schools have been given the time uptill 31 March to fulfill all the norms. He said that the schools which yet not fulfill the required norms have been shut down. Education minister said that a fine of Rs one Lakh would be imposed on the schools which disobey the government order and still continuing their activities. After this these schools would be fined Rs ten thousands per day for non compliance.
Mr. Maluka said that only 1935 schools filled the self declaration form to get the affiliation out of total 9301 schools upto January 2012. The remaining schools have been accorded more than one year upto March 31, 2013 to fulfill the conditions. He said 473 schools failed to get the affiliation pursuing the proper norms. He said these schools have been now shut down by the Punjab Government.
The Minister also issued instructions to the Director General School Education (DGSE) to ensure the closure of these schools. The District Educations officers have been directed to ensure the admission of the affected students in the nearby Government Schools in consultation with their parents. The Minister said that it would be imperative for any private institutions, which intends to open school, to get affiliation from the education department fulfilling RTE Act norms.

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SIRHIND FEEDER CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL APRIL 26

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17:
The Sirhind Feeder Canal would remain close from till April 26, 2013 for remodeling/re-construction of Kamiana minor which off-takes from right side of Sirhind Feeder RD 148800 and repair of Gate no.2 & 3 of Ferozpur Head Regulator.
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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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
MUNICIPAL BHAWAN IN CHANDIGARH BE READY UPTO DECEMBER, COSTING RS 36 CRORE: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT
·        MINISTER INSPECTED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE , 40 % WORK COMPLETED
 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17:
          All branches of Local Bodies Department of the Punjab would work under one roof from December 2013 onward as the work on Municipal Bhawan being constructed in Sector 35; Chandigarh is in final stages of completion.
          Local government Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat today visited the building to see the progress of Rs.36 crore project. Accompanied by Mr. Jagpal Singh, Principal Secretary and Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director of the department, the Minister issued directions to complete the project with in stipulated time and focus on quality control.
          Mr. Bhagat asked the engineers and officers of the department to work hard for the completion of this building before December 15, 2013. Mr. Anil Kansal, Chief Engineer, briefed the Minister about the progress by saying that 40 percent of the work on this project has been completed. He assured the Minister that civil work would completed before June 30.
          The Minister in the press communiqué said that this building would be architectural master piece equipped with modern gadgets like centralized AC system and connecting with wi fi system.
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DEPARTMENT TOLD TO SEND AGENDA FOR NORTHERN ZONAL COUNCIL MEETING
CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17: Punjab Government has directed all the Departments to send issues items to be taken up in the Northern Zonal Council Meeting.
            Disclosing this Spokesperson of the General Administration Department said that the required agenda points regarding the Inter-State then agenda be sent to this office at the earliest, So that this could be forwarded to Government of India.
Spokesman further said that the information has been sought both in English and Punjabi supported with the soft copy in CD format. He said that instructions in this regard have been issued to all Financial Commissioner, Principal Secretaries and Administrator Secretaries of the Punjab Government.
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E-GOVERNANCE PROJECT INTRODUCED IN PUNJAB-KOHAR

Chandigarh, April 17
The Transport department Punjab government has launched E-governance project in all the 22 districts of Punjab.
Stating this here today, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar Transport minister Punjab said here today that the project initiated first time in India by the transport department was fully successful and have already been effectively implemented in all the districts.
He said that with the introduction of this online project the dependence of general public on officers has been minimized. He said that computerization of transport department was not only restricted to one or two services but also included registration at dealers desk, online payment of fee and taxes, licenses at educational institutes etc.
He said that with introduction of e-Governance in the transport department Punjab has become the first state in the country to introduce Smart Card facility for driving licenses and certificates for registration of vehicles. Other facilities like learner license, issuance by college Principles, web based payment of taxes and fee and an online system for vehicle registration at dealer point. Department introduces paperless office concept in all the field offices by scanning of all the applicants’ documents.
Mr. Kohar said that the governments of UtraKhand and Oddisa fascinated by this project and were on the way of introducing the same in their respective states. A team from Kenya also visited Punjab to study this project, said Mr. Kohar. 
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723131 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED IN PUNJAB
Chandigarh, April 17:
          Government agencies and private millers procured more than 723131tonnes of wheat till last evening. The State Government has set up more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.
The spokesman of the government said that Out of total procurement of723131  tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 718513 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 4618 tonnes of wheat. PUNGRAIN procured 105675 tonnes (14.06%), MARKFED procured 179035 tonnes (24.08%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 154911 tonnes (21.04%) PSWC procured 86914  tonnes (12.0%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 86355  tonnes (11.9 %) of wheat.The Central Government agency FCI had  been able to procure 105623 tonnes (14.05%). 
          The spokesman added that District Patiala with 310781 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Sangrur with 120287 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Ludhiana with 43306  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.       
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IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM APRIL 17 TO 24

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 17:
            The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the rabbi Season through Canal water from 17-4-2013 to 24-4-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab canal, Sidhwan Branch, Patiala Feeder and Abohar Branch respectively.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that the distributaries and branches of BML, Direct Distributaries of B.M.L. in Group ‘A’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance Water available would be utilize in Ghaggar branch and Patiala Minor, in Group ‘B’,
            The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’ being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Abohar Branch off-taking form Sirhind feeder and its distributaries in Group 'B’.
          The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Lahore Branch with its distributaries being in the first preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Main Branch Lower,Kasur Branch Lower and Sabhroan Branch, with their distributaries, respectively.
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 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 16:
The Forth Session of the Fourteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 25th March, 2013, has been prorogued by an Order of the Governor of Punjab, dated the 16th April, 2013.

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DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO ENSURE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT

  • DIRECTIONS ISSUED TO PROVIDE PRINTED PERFORMA OF NOTIFIED SERVICES BESIDES UPLOADING ON DEPARTMENTS WEBSITES   
  • ALSO TO ENSURE SUBMISSION OF REPORTS TO GOVERNANCE REFORMS COMMISSION WELL IN TIME 

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 16: The Punjab Government has issued directions to all departments of the state to ensure effective implementation of Right to Service Act and propagate the provisions of this act to the common masses at the grass root level.
             In a communiqué to all departments, an official spokesman said that directions have been issued to provide printed performas of Right to Service Act in each department of the district besides uploading these performas on all websites of various departments. He said that Punjab Government had taken a pioneering decision to cover most of the public services under Right to Service Act to increase the accountability of the government authorities to ensure timely deliverance of public services. He said that it has been noticed that due to lack of awareness about the new rights available under Right to Service Act, people were not able to avail the services of this act. He said that Department would get the printing of prescribed performas on their own level. He said that it has also been directed to ensure submission of status reports with the Governance Reforms Commission well in time by the departments concerned.  
             The Spokesman said that departments have also been directed to get the printing of performas completed in minimum time span so the concerned Designated Officer could follow the further procedure in this regard to facilitate the beneficiaries. He said that all Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries have been asked to ensure the compliance of instructions in this regard. He said that instructions in this regard have also been issued to all Department Heads, Commissioners of Divisions and Deputy Commissioners.
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PROCUREMENT OF WHEAT GAINS MOMENTUM IN PUNJAB

  • 365512 TONNES WHEAT PROCURED

Chandigarh, April 16:
          Wheat procurement in Punjab picked up its momentum as government agencies and private millers procured more than 365512 tonnes of wheat till last evening. The State Government that deputed more than eight Secretary level officers to monitor the largest ever procurement operation has activated more than 1750 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of wheat.
A Spokesman of the Punjab Government today said that strict instructions have been issued that  payment to the farmers have to  be ensured within 48 hours of lifting of the Wheat from the Mandis. The state government has constituted Dispute Redressal Committees in every mandi/purchase center. Besides that food and civil supplies department has already established  24 hours control room in headquarter at Chandigarh and also in district offices, where farmers could contact in emergency. He further said that Punjab Mandi Board also made arrangements of water and shades for farmers.  
He said that for the facilitation of farmers and artiahs, State government has made all arrangements to ensure the lifting of wheat within 72 hours of purchase.
The spokesman further said that to check malpractices, Punjab Mandi Board and Food and Civil Supplies department have constituted teams for raids during the purchase season across the state and in any kind of difficulty farmers could directly approach these teams or  food and civil supplies department.
He said that Out of total procurement of 365512 tonnes of wheat in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 361442 tonnes of wheat till date whereas private traders procured 4070 tonnes of wheat. PUNGRAIN procured 49723 tonnes (13.06%), MARKFED procured 94949 tonnes (26.00%). whereas PUNSUP had procured 78365 tonnes (21.04%) PSWC procured 38691 tonnes (10.06%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 54912 tonnes (15.0 %) of wheat.The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 44802 tonnes (12.03%). 
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BIKANER CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL MAY 6

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 16:

The Bikaner Canal would remain close till May 6, 2013 for urgent maintenance and repair works.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal for shorter span has been taken keeping in view the congenial weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops.
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PUNJAB DIRECTS MINUTE VERIFICATION BEFORE REIMBURSING AIR TRAVEL CLAIMS

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 16: The Punjab Government has issued afresh order to all the department heads to ensure minute verifications of air travel claims before reimbursing to check any discrepancy, if any.  
According to an official spokesman all Drawing and Disbursing Officers have also been directed to personally verify the details minutely provided by the Government Officers regarding reimbursement of air travel as some cases of discrepancy have come into the notice of the government. He said that it has come to fore that most of the officers/employees purchase the tickets from travel agents on high rates while the actual fare to the destination was not at the level of that cost, shown by the officers.   
The Spokesman also said that now the reimbursement would be provided after verifying the air travel documents minutely by the concerned DDOs.
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