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UK MINISTER PROMISES TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR PUNJAB TO MEET 2250 MW POWER TARGET FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES v MAJITHIA ADVOCATES ECONOMICALLY VIABLE TECHNOLOGIES FOR GENERATING POWER FROM RENEWABLE RESOURCES Chandigarh, September 3: The UK Energy and Climate Change Minister Baroness Sandip Verma has pledged required technical support for Punjab to achieve its target of harnessing 2250 MW power through renewable sources of energy by the year 2022. This assurance was given by her while calling on the Punjab Non Conventional Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia here today at his residence. She pointed out that that increased use of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels and minerals and excessive use of replenishable sources like water and forests have been severely effecting our economic growth and development. She said that keeping in view Punjab’s major contribution in ensuring food security, UK was committed to cooperate with it in preserving its natural resources along with sharing the good practices. She also promised to highlight the issue of development of economically viable technologies in renewable power sector as demanded by Mr. Majithia. Earlier, Mr. Majithia informed her that despite just 2 percent of geographical area, Punjab was contributing around 60 percent share in nation’s food kitty as its endeavour to keep the country self reliant on food grains front. In this process, the rapid decline of its natural resources such as ground water and fertility of land putting a big question mark on state’s future. He said that our country was facing a huge shortage of power but Punjab was all set to become first power surplus state of the country by the end of this year as three thermal plants with joint generation capacity of 3920 MW were almost near completion. He informed that the State government was making concerted efforts to promote clean and green energy but the high costs of equipments required for power plants of renewable sector resulting in very high rates of power in comparison of thermal and hydro power thereby making it financially non viable for the investors. Mr. Majithia asked that the developed countries should come forward to develop economically viable technologies or equipments for renewable sector power projects to attract investors thereby checking GHG–emissions. He also sought technical guidance for saving the precious ground water and fertility of land. Mr. Majithia also briefly outlined the new initiatives of the state government like green building concept, use of cleaner fuel in the vehicles, rain water harvesting, setting up of bio-medical waste treatment and e-waste disposal facilities, municipal waste management, mandatory use of solar water heating system and usage of LED lamps for home lighting. He said that the state government would introduce Climate Change as compulsory subject in schools and colleges to create awareness amongst students to adopt eco-friendly approach in life. The UK Minister was accompanied by Mr. David Lelliot, British Deputy High Commissioner, and Ms. Rachel Brass, First Secretary-Climate Change British High Commission. ---------- FINANCE COMMISSION TO MEET CM ON 7TH SEPTEMBER CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 3: All necessary arrangements have been finalised by the Punjab Government for the visit of 14th Finance Commission team, that will visit the Punjab from 5th to 7th September, 2013. Divulging this here today, an official spokesperson said that team of 17 members under the chairmanship of Dr. Y.V.Reddy would meet the representatives of rural & urban local bodies of the state and representatives of trade & industry on 6th September afternoon. Local Bodies Department and Department of Rural Development and Panchayats besides Industry Department would give their separate presentation to the Finance Commission. He said that the team would also hold meeting with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with other cabinet ministers and officers of the state on 7th September. The 14th Finance Commission has also convened a meeting of representatives of different political parties to elicit their views. The team of 14th Finance Commission includes Chairman Dr. Y.V.Reddy besides its members Prof. Abhijit Sen, Ms. Sushma Nath, Dr. M.Govinda Rao and Dr. Sudipto Mundle. The official team accompanying the Commission includes Mr. Ajay Narayan Jha Secretary, Mr. V.S. Senthil, Mr. M.S. Bhatia, Mr. Pinaki Chakraborty, Mr. Ashutosh Joshi, Mr. Deepak Narain, Mr. Sahilesh Kumar, Mr.Ritesh Kumar, Mr.Sube Singh, Mrs. Sunita Guglani, Mr. Balbir Singh and Mr. Prayag Kumar. ---------- PUNJAB TO WOO PRIVATE COMPANIES IN HOTEL INDUSTRY CONVENTIONAL CENTRES TO BE SET UP IN MOHALI AND AMRITSAR Chandigarh September 3: With a view to promoting Punjab as a major tourist destination, the state government has decided to invite investments from private companies in the hotel industry. Stating this here today a spokesman of the government said that Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab has already agreed to develop Punjab as the major attraction for outside investments. The government would also come out with an exclusive policy for the hotel sector to facilitate its growth in the region. The state was also looking forward to some major investments in the tourism sector, he added. Punjab was in the process of revamping the infrastructure in the state aiming to increase its earnings from the tourism and hospitality sector. The state was already building up the infrastructure with new highways and expressways, developing area-specific tourism circuits to present Punjab as destination for the future. Now the focus would be on international tourism, he said. The state is in advanced stages of developing a 4,400 acres entertainment circuit in Ludhiana that would include hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, sports parlors, adventure sports areas for horse racing and Safaris and much more. The project would kick start by the end of this year and is likely to be completed by 2018. Besides, the state is also in the process of setting up two trade fair centers, 100 acres each, and two convention centers with capacity ranging between 4000-5000 each at Mohali and Amritsar. The project is going to start shortly this year as it gets private participation through investments and management of the projects. These projects would act as catalysts for the whole industry and encourage people to come to Punjab and hold conventions there, he said. Another pet project in the offing is the development of a hospitality sector around a 32 sq km Green Water Lake near Pathankot. The idea is to develop the area on lines of Maldives island resorts. Punjab has also touched base with some hoteliers and investors to transform some of the forts in the state into hotels. To promote tourism and preserve the old monuments giving an ancient touch, the Punjab government would also transform some magnificent forts in the state into hotels. The state has also assured a hassle free window clearance and development process in the state to the keen investors in the tourism sector in Punjab. - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT OFFERS JOB FOR OLYMPION ATHLETE MAKHAN SINGH’S SON
In recognition to the performance and rehabilitating the family of Late Subedar Makhan Singh of Village-Batholi, PO-Chhabewal, Distt-Hoshiarpur as an outstanding athlete of national repute, the Punjab government has appointmented his son Bhupinder Singh as helper in the office of District Welfare Officer Hoshiarpur with immediate effect. Disclosing this here today S. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Defense Welfare mentioned that of Late. Makhan Singh had the singular honour of beating Star Athlete Flying Sikh Milkha Singh twice in National Games at Kolkata in 1962. S. Valtoha expressed his deep anguish at the present state of Veteran Makhan Singh's wife Smt Salinder Kaur along with his 30 year old handicapped son Shri. Parminder Singh was living in state of virtual penury. S. Virsa Singh Valtoha appreciated the efforts of Brig Manjit Singh, Director Defense Services Welfare, Punjab, who took keen initiative to ensure respectable rehabilitation of the family. Mr. Valtoha also said that the family of Makhan Singh would be further provided a 'Tri-cycle' to meet the requirement of physically challenged son. Disability relief would also be provided from Punjab Amalgamated Fund. He also assured that Directorate of Defense Services Welfare, Punjab would take up the case with Army Headquarters to make adequate provisions for continuation of family pension in favor of the Veteran's son which is now only applicable to the Veteran's wife. - No Bar on Salaries Salaries being released to all employees Chandigarh, September 3: - A Spokesman of the Finance Department of Punjab today strongly contradicted the News Item published in section of press that the Punjab Government held back the salaries of all its employees for the month of August, 2013. The Spokesman clarified that no such instructions have been issued to any Treasury officer of the State and all salaries are being released as and when the bills being submitted by various departments. He said that the Punjab Government had already released salaries to the tune of Rs.500 Crore so far and the remaining salaries will also be released in time. - PUNJAB PURCHASES LAND FROM MARKET TO EXPAND FOREST COVER DECLARES THAT AREA AS 'PROTECTED FOREST' CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 3: The Punjab Government has declared 30.36 hectares of land in district Pathankot as Protected forest. This land was purchased by the Punjab government from open market for expanding the Forest Cover in the state. Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab government said that notification has been issued and this land declared to be protected under section 29 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. He said that the land that has been declared as protected forest reserve is from village including village Raipur (0.77 hectare), village Kathlaur (7.88 hectare), village Gajju Khalsa (14.51) and village Rajibeli (7.20) hectare. He further said that all trees standing in or upon these forest lands stand declared reserved from the date of publication of this notification whereas order has also been issued to prohibit the quarrying of stones, the burning of lime, charcoal, the collection or subjection to any manufacturing process, removal of any forest produce in such forest and breaking up or clearing of land for cultivation, building, herding of cattle or any other purpose in any land in such forest. The spokesman further said that no person would be allowed cut, fell or lop any purpose or remove any forest produce without the previous permission of the divisional forest officer, Pathankot forest division. He said that no person could cut or remove grass, kahi, kana, clear or breakup land for cultivation. No person could set fire to grass, trees, timber or kindle a fire on the land without taking reasonable precaution to prevent its spreading to any tree or plant on the area. --. State Level Function to honour teachers to be held at Patiala. Chandigarh, September 3: Punjab Government has decided to organize a State Level function on October 9 at Patiala to honour about 45 teachers for their outstanding contributions in the field of education and society. Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of Education Department said that Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab would preside over the function and give awards to the deserving teachers.
POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES FOR COLLECTIVE INITIATIVES TO MAKE WORLD ECO-FRIENDLY v MAJITHIA REITERATES PUNJAB’S COMMITMENT TO ACCORD TOP PRIORITY TO CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE v HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL DESCRIBES GREENING PUNJAB MISSION A MAJOR STRIDE TOWARDS SAVING ENVIRONMENT v LISTS THE INITIATIVES FOR HARNESSING RENEWABLE ENERGY WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON SOLAR AND BIOMASS v UK MINISTER UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR SHARING GOOD POLICY PRACTICES v RELEASES ‘CLIMATE CHANGE TOOLKIT’ FOR PUNJAB LEADERS Chandigarh, September 2: Political representatives cutting across party lines today gave a call for making concerted efforts not only neutralize the effects of climate change but devise policy initiatives to minimise these effects. Representatives of political parties were attending a seminar titled ‘Connecting the Dots’ organized here by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and British Deputy High Commission, Chandigarh. Delivering a key note address, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Non-Conventional Energy Minister, Punjab said the government had accorded top priority to climate change issues and was fully sensitized to its potential impacts on humans, eco-system and economy besides the efforts required to mitigate it. He said the government was focussing on implementing an integrated energy and climate policy as well as creating awareness about the issue. Mr. Majithia pointed out that industrialized countries accounted for almost 80% of Co2 emissions in the atmosphere with the USA being the biggest contributor of almost 50.7 billion tonnes of Co2 emission since 1950. He said developed economies should therefore also take the responsibility to lead from the front in addressing this problem. He said Punjab had already initiated the process of preparation of Strategy and Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC) with technical support from GIZ (German International Cooperation), as per National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) framework. It focused on integrating climate change into policies and programmes of the state. He said Punjab had also proposed to establish Centre of Excellence on Climate Change at PAU, Ludhiana. Besides this, a unique ‘Greening Punjab Mission’ has also been launched to increase the area of the state under forest cover from the present 5.13% to 15% by 2022 by planting 40 crore saplings. He said that our government has already taken legislative measures to prevent transplantation of paddy before 10th June. He further said that the industries which were earlier using fossil fuels in the furnace of boilers / other furnaces have now been shifted to bio-mass as fuel. He revealed that Green Building concept had been introduced as part of building plan approvals. Similarly he said PSPCL was encouraging the usage of CFL instead of conventional lighting system. Me Majithia said the department of Housing & Urban Development had prepared a policy to the effect that each plot holder having area more than 40 sqm shall provide properly designed rain water harvesting system to replenish the ground water and to improve its quality. Stressing on the need to harness maximum potential of renewable energy, Mr. Majithia informed that PEDA has so far facilitated the installation and commissioning of NRSE projects in the state to the tune of 577 MW and the target was to achieve a capacity addition of 2250 MW power through Renewable Sources of Energy by the year 2022. He said that the State was producing 13 million tons of rice straw every year and had prohibited the indiscriminate burning of rice straw in open fields which was the major source of generation of Green House gasses. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament appreciated the efforts of UK government in reaching to the political leaders to create awareness as well as making collective efforts to meet the challenge of climate change. She said that the Greening Punjab Mission was a major stride towards saving the environment. She said that Punjab being the mainstay of nation’s food security, every inch of available land was being cultivated by the farmers. She said that the fast depleting ground water was a major challenge before the state as earlier 25% need of the irrigation was meted by ground water and remaining 75% was from river and canal water but now the situation was vice versa. She said that the state’s irrigation system was around 150 years old resulting in leakage of 35% capacity. She asked the UK Minister for Climate Change to get Rs.3500 crore funding required for rejuvenation of this system sanctioned from World Bank or other international agency as implementation of this project could save precious ground water. She also briefly outlined the concept of Nanhi Chaan launched by her with the dual purpose of saving Girl Child and planting trees. She informed that under this project till date 18 lac saplings have been distributed in the state and now her focus was 650 villages of her Bathinda constituency. Earlier, Baroness Sandip Verma, Energy and Climate Change Minister, UK said that the purpose of organizing the seminar was to build collaboration with Indian government politicians, business, research communities and civil society by exchanging policy good practice and sharing the UK’s experience. She said that the legislators have a key role to play in tackling the serious issue of Climate Change and put on necessary legislations. On this occasion Mr. David Lelliot, British Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chairman Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, Mrs. Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, Past Chairperson CII and Ms. Rachel Brass, First Secretary-Climate Change British High Commission also expressed their views. On the occasion a ‘Climate Change Toolkit’ developed for leaders in Punjab was also released. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. NK Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industries, Mr. Brahm Mohindra, Mr. Randeep Singh Nabha, Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains and Mr. Manjit Singh Manna (all MLAs). ----- SPECIAL PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO CM GAGGANDIP SINGH BRAR BEREAVED CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS GRANDMOTHER DY CM AND MAJITHIA CONDOLES DEMISE OF SARDARNI BALWANT KAUR CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2- Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar was bereaved today as he lost his grandmother Mrs Balwant Kaur (92), who passed away at Sri Muktsar Sahib this afternoon after a brief illness. She is survived by two sons and a daughter. Her elder son Mr. Mit Singh Brar is the President of Municipal Council Sri Muktsar Sahib. In a condolence message, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mrs. Balwant Kaur and prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family, friends and relatives to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the sad demise of Mrs. Balwant Kaur. According to the family sources the cremation of Mrs. Balwant Kaur would take place at Sri Muktsar Sahib tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11am. ---------- SUKHBIR HAS PROVED HIS METTLE AS SAD PRESIDENT- CM ELECTION OF SAD PRESIDENT TO BE CONDUCTED BY DELEGATES OF PARTY NO PROPOSAL FOR MORTGAGING STATE PROPERTY FOR GETTING LOANS INAUGURATES RESIDENTIAL TRAINING SCHOOL AT VILLAGE SEKHWAN SLAMS CONGRESS FOR MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA REGARDING SANGAT DARSHAN CONCLUDING DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN IN QADIAN ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Sattehali (Gurdaspur), September 2- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal have efficaciously proved his mettle by passing every ‘litmus test’ as head of the party. Interacting with the media persons here on the sidelines of third and concluding day of Sangat Darshan program in Qadian assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the most difficult test for any political leader, as the head of a party, was the performance of his party in elections. He said that by ensuring the second consecutive win of SAD in the state assembly elections besides successfully leading the party to thumping victory in Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) elections and by-elections held in the state Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has proved his ability as a chief of the party. Refusing to comment on the whether Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would be re-elected as President of SAD on Tuesday at Amritsar, Mr. Badal said that SAD was a democratic party and its President would be elected by the delegates of the party, who would converge for this purpose tomorrow. Replying to a query, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government was not mortgaging even a single property of the state for availing loan to meet its routine administrative expenses. He said that the state government was committed for ensuring the overall welfare of the state but no such step would be taken which was against the interest of Punjab. However Mr. Badal said that the phenomenon of the developmental loans was being adopted by almost every country of the world and there was hardly any harm in it for pursuing the motto of well being of the people. The Chief Minister said that the SAD has no objection whether the political parties were covered under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act or not adding that the centre government was to take the decision on this matter. The Chief Minister also said that the Punjab government was spending Rs 1700 crore in order to upgrade and strengthen the rural road network in the state. He said every nook and corner of the state would be covered under this ambitious scheme so as to facilitate the people living the rural areas of the state. Mr. Badal also said that the state government was also making endeavors to provide basic civic amenities to the people living in rural areas at par with the urban areas. Earlier addressing 64 village Panchayats at Sattehali, Kot Santokh Rai and Sohal villages, the Chief Minister said that the sole motive of this Sangat Darshan program was to ensure the overall development of Qadian assembly segment. He said that the malicious propaganda unleashed by the Congress against the Sangat Darshan was politically motivated whereas it was a fact that the people were immensely benefitted by it. Mr. Badal said that the Congress leaders were criticizing this move because their Chief Ministers have largely spent their tenure while indulging in merry-time activities rather than serving the people, who had elected them. Exhorting the Panchayats to play a proactive role in development of the state, the Chief Minister said that they should rise above the parochial considerations and execute the development works without any ‘pick and choose’. Equating every Sarpanch to the ‘Chief Minister of village’, Mr. Badal said that it was the bounden duty of every Sarpanch to ensure that each strata of society gets the benefit of development. Later on the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Residential School for the children of sixth to eighth class in village Sekhwan. Constructed at a cost of Rs 73 lakh this school would provide free boarding and lodging facilities annually to 100 Children in the age group of 11 to 14 years. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan, former MLA Lakhvir Singh Lodhinangal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. ---------- RANIKE TO BE CHAIRMAN OF GRIEVANCES PANEL CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 02: Punjab Government has appointed Animal Husbandry, Fisheries & Dairy Development and Scheduled Castes Welfare Minister Sh. Gulzar Singh Ranike as Chairman of Tarntaran and Ferozepur District Redressal of Grievances Committees. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that while accepting the assignment Mr. Ranike assured that he would ensure timely redressal of the grievances of the people of these areas and at the same time he would also ensure the proper execution of programme and polices formulated by the state government under border areas development schemes. - AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT BANK INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANT MANAGER AND IT OFFICER Chandigarh, September 2, Punjab State Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. has invited online applications for the post of Assistant Manager (26 posts) and IT officer (21 posts). Out of the total vacancies 25% posts are reserved for retrenched employees of cooperative sugar mills and cooperative spinning mills. Application can be sent online only. For details, educational qualifications, experiences, fee etc. can be seen on website www.recruit.nitttrchd.ac.in from September 4, 2013. - FINANCE COMMISSION TEAM TO VISIT PUNJAB FROM 5TH SEPTEMBER CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: The 14th Finance Commission team will visit the Punjab from 5th to 7th September, 2013. Divulging this here today, an official spokesperson said that team of 17 members under the chairmanship of Dr. Y.V.Reddy would meet the representatives of rural & urban local bodies of the state and representatives of trade & industry. He said that the team would also held meeting with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with other cabinet ministers and officers of the state. - - DR. ATWAL LEAVES FOR SOUTH AFRICA TO PARTICIPATE IN 59TH COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly departed from here to South Africa to participate in 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference there. Dr. Atwal has received an invitation to speak on the subject of "Parliamentary Response to Commonwealth Chapter" of Final Plenary Session to conclude the workshops conducted on all the subjects on the last day of the Conference. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of Punjab Legislative Assembly said that Dr. Atwal asserted today that the need of the hour is to create an ideal society by strengthening upon the ideals of protection of human rights, peace, equality and tolerance. Apart from this, Dr. Atwal would present his views on subjects "Separation of Constitutional Powers and Good Governance" and "Inequitable Resources - Threat to Democratic Governance." It is worth mentioning here that the Speakers of 54 Commonwealth Countries are participating in the said conference. Dr. Atwal, who remained Vice Chairman of Executive Committee of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, would deliberate with the Premiers/Speakers of South Africa and other countries on Legislative and Parliamentary Subjects during his South Africa Tour. During this tour, Dr. Atwal will also undertake study tours to Brazil, Panama and Mexico where he would discuss the issues of strengthening the social, economic and parliamentary relations of India with these countries." - PUNJAB PROHIBITS DEPARTMENTS FOR PARALLEL INQUIRY AGAINST VIGILANCE PROBE · DEPARTMENTS HAVE TO DEAL ALL THE PENDING CASES AND GRANT SANCTION FOR PROSECUTION WITHIN TWENTY DAYS CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 2: The Punjab Government has issued new advisory to all the departments regarding grant of sanction for vigilance inquiry. As per the directions the respective department would take appropriate decision within twenty days on the all such pending cases where vigilance department has sought their permission for prosecuting any officer. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Department said that after the receipt of sanction from the respective department the investigating officer of the vigilance bureau would complete the investigation within three months. He said that this investigation report would be submitted to the respective department and the department would have to take appropriate action on the report within the period of two months. The spokesperson said that the departments have been prohibited to start parallel inquiry in those cases which have already been forwarded to the vigilance bureau for investigation. He said that it has been noticed that the administrative departments often postpone the sanction of prosecution which in turn delay the process of investigation by vigilance bureau. ------------- PAU TO ORGANISE KISAN MELAS CHANDIGARH SEPTEMBER 02: Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana has planned to organise the Kisan Melas during the month of September, 2013 While disclosing this a spokesman of Punjab Agriculture Department said that these Kisan Melas would be organised at the main campus of the university as well as its various regional stations/krishi Vigayan Kendras. He said that in these melas scientists of the University would put up exhibitions and demonstrate various technologies for crop production and post harvest management. Giving the schedule of the melas, he said that these melas would be organised at Ballowal Saunkhri on September 4th , Gurdaspur on September 6th, Faridkot on September 10th, Ludhiana on September 13th &14th, Patiala on 18th and Bathinda on September, 20 2013. He appealed the farmers to participate in these kisan melas and share their views with the scientists so that appropriate agricultural strategies could be involved for better crop yield. = VETERAN JOURNALIST JAGTAR SIDHU BEREAVED CM MOURNS DEATH OF HIS FATHER DARSHAN SINGH Chandigarh, September 1- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Darshan Singh (84), the father of veteran Punjabi journalist and Executive Editor of Magazine 'Sade Pind' Mr. Jagtar Singh Sidhu, who passed away today after a brief illness. Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family members and friends, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreplaceable loss in this hour of crisis and grant eternal peace to the departed soul. --------- STATEMENT BY RAMESH HAS EXPOSED ANTI-PUNJAB FACE OF STATE CONGRESS LEADERSHIP- CM EQUATES STATE CONGRESS LEADERS TO STUMBLING BLOCKS IN DEVELOPMENT OF STATE STATE CONGRESS LEADERSHIP SHOULD ASK UPA TO CONSTRUCT MEMORIAL OF TERRORIST VICTIMS TERMS UNION GOVERNMENT A COPY CAT UPA MUST TAKE FRESH MANDATE FROM COUNTRYMEN SECOND DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN IN QADIAN Bhaini Mian Khan (Gurdaspur), September 1- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that media reports pertaining to statement of Union Minister Mr. Jai Ram Ramesh that state Congress leadership was opposing the grants issued by centre to state tooth and nail has exposed the anti-Punjab stance of the state Congress leaders. Interacting with the media persons here on the sidelines of second day of his Sangat Darshan program in Qadian assembly segment, the Chief Minister said that the statement of Union Minister has vindicated the stand of SAD-BJP government that Congress leadership was a ‘stumbling block’ in the path of development of state. He said that this reflected the ‘narrow approach’ of the Punjab Congress leaders towards the larger issues concerned with the state. Taking a dig at state Congress leadership, Mr. Badal said that neither they have courage to seek any project from centre nor anybody cares to oblige them but if we get something for the state, they oppose it vehemently. Instead of resorting to such tactics the Congress leaders must join the state government for seeking more funds to ensure unprecedented development in Punjab, he added. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that before asking the state government to construct a memorial for the victims of the Militancy in Punjab, the state Congress leadership must ask their Union government to construct such memorial. He said that the Congress was at the helms of affairs in Centre from last one decade and if the Congress leaders desired to get any memorial constructed then they should have pressurized their government for it. Mr. Badal said that the state Congress leadership must desist from misleading the people by raising such issues as the people were aware of their dubious character. Terming the Union government as ‘Copy cat’, the Chief Minister said that though the Congress leaders were vying to get credit for the Food Security Act and the Land Acquisition Bill but it was on record that both these bills have been copied by the centre from Punjab. He said that while the Food Security Act has been copied from Atta-Dal scheme, Punjab government’s decision to not to acquire even an inch of land without the express consent of farmer has been replicated in the ‘Land Acquisition Bill’. Mr Badal said that this clearly indicates the Union government sans vision to ensure the welfare of people. The Chief Minister said that the policy were framed by the UPA government while sitting in the Air Conditioned offices without ascertaining the ground realities due to which sheer mess has been created in the country. He said that due to the wrong policies of the successive Congress Union governments at the centre the country was confronting a number of social maladies like corruption, unemployment, illiteracy and others. Mr. Badal said that the exorbitant hike in prices of essential commodities like onion and regular increase in cost of petroleum products has broken the backbone of the common man. Lashing out at the Union government, the Chief Minister said that UPA government has miserably failed on all the fronts and it has no moral right to remain in power. He said that the leaders of UPA should stop clinging to their seats and take the onus of grave crisis faced by the nation today. It is the high time that UPA leaders must resign and seek fresh verdict from the people, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further said that the state government was duty bound to serve the people of Punjab adding that all the villages of the state would be provided potable drinking water in next two years. Likewise he said that a major program has been embarked to provide basic civic amenities in all the town of the state in coming years. Earlier addressing the people during Sangat Darshan at villages Kathiana and Bhaini Mian Khan, the Chief Minister said that the main aim of this flagship program was on the spot redressal of the grievances of people. He said that while the Congress leaders and their Union government resorted to mere political gimmickry, the SAD-BJP government was serving the people in true sense by bringing the government at their doorsteps. Mr. Badal reiterated that no force in this world could deter him from pursuing this pro-people program. The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. ------ CM VISITS CHOTTA GHALUGHARA MEMORIAL ANNUAL NATIONAL LEVEL FESTIVAL TO BE ORGANIZED ON DAY OF HOLOCAUST BATS FOR EMERGING THE MONUMENT AS A WORLD CLASS TOURIST DESTINATION MEMORIAL TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ULTRA MODERN TECHNIQUES TO ACQUAINT PEOPLE ABOUT RICH LEGACY OF THIS PLACE SALUTES RECORD SACRIFICES MADE BY MARTYRS Kahnuwan Chamb (Gurdaspur), September 1- To eulogize the unprecedented sacrifice of several unsung martyrs of Chotta Ghalughara, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to organize an annual National function at the memorial of small holocaust to perpetuate the legacy of this rarest of rare incident of valor in the annals of Sikh history on the world canvas. Interacting with the officers during his visit to the memorial here today, the Chief Minister said that this function would highlight the countless sacrifices made by the martyrs at this place on the day of holocaust adding that it would be a befitting tribute to the great unsung heroes, who had laid down their life for the cause of nation. Mr.Badal said dignitaries from across the globe would be invited to this place to apprise them about the rich past of Punjab. He also asked the officers to equip this monument with ultra modern techniques so as to acquaint the visitors about the rich history of this place. The Chief Minister further said that there was no dearth of funds to develop this memorial further by judiciously utilizing the vacant land for picturesque landscaping and plantation of the trees besides perpetuating the rich sacrifices made by the martyrs through paintings in the galleries of buildings. He said that the green belt in the memorial must be aptly developed on the lines of the ‘Shalimar Garden’ in Kashmir so that more and more people could be attracted towards this sacred place. Underscoring the need for showcasing the rich legacy of this place through light and sound show, documentaries and even plays by eminent artists in the buildings, Mr. Badal said that the tourism department of the state was working towards these projects, which would be soon started at this place. The Chief Minister also said that soon the literature in the form of small booklets would be made available at this memorial so that the younger generations could be made aware about the countless sacrifices made by the people at this sacred place. He also asked the officers to make the appropriate sitting arrangements for the visitors coming to place so as to facilitate them. After touring the memorial, Mr. Badal also directed the officers to ensure the proper upkeep of this monument in a devoted manner so as to preserve it in a befitting manner. He also said that any dereliction on the part of the concerned officials/ officers in this task would not be tolerated at any cost. The Deputy Commissioner of Gurdaspur Dr. Abhinav Trikha informed the Chief Minister that around 100-150 visitors were visiting the place every day adding that the number touched the mark of 500-600 at the weekend or sacred days. He also apprised Mr. Badal that a cafeteria would be opened soon at this place to provide refreshment to the visitors coming to this place. Meanwhile the Chief Minister also gave his comment on the visitor book of the place. ‘After the opening ceremony I have come here to pay my tributes to this holy place where record sacrifices have been made. I salute this place’ wrote Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.
------------------- JAGTAR SIDHU BEREAVED, FATHER EXPRIES-SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA CONDOLE DEMISE CHANDIGARH, SEPTEMBER 1: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today expressed grief over the demise of Mr. Darshan Singh (84) father of renowned journalist Mr. Jagtar Singh Sidhu, who passed away today after a brief illness. Meanwhile, Punjab Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also condoled the demise of Mr. Darshan Singh. Sharing their heartfelt sympathies with the members of bereaved family, Mr. Badal and Mr. Majithia prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss. Mr. Darshan Singh was cremated at his native village Bhai Roopa in Bathinda district. ---------- SAD GENERAL DELEGATE SESSION ON SEPT. 3RD AT AMRITSAR PRESIDENT AND OTHER OFFICE BEARER TO BE ELECTED Chandigarh, September 1 : The Shiromani Akali Dal has completed all preparations for the general delegate session of the party to be held on September 3rd at Amritsar. Disclosing this in a statement released from the party head office here today, the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the general delegate session of the party would be held on September 3rd at 11.00 am at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, Sri Amritsar in which delegates of the party elected from Punjab and other states would participate. He said that process of organizational polls of the party has been completed and now the delegates would elect the party President and other office bearers in this session. - Shiromani Akali Dal Harsimrat urges Punjabis to take on Congress led UPA for failure on economic front (Says PM and FM have failed to come out with a road map to take country out of crisis) CHANDIGARH September 1: Bathinda mp Harsimrat Kaur Badal today gave a clarion call to Punjabis to join hands and launch a nationwide stir at the national capital to protest against the anti-nation policies of the Congress led UPA government which she said was now trying to blame its policy paralysis on outside factors including the tapering of reserves by the United States and even the Syrian crisis. In a statement here, the Bathinda mp said the people would see through these excuses adding “how can any so called global crisis be responsible for the government’s own policy paralysis”. Asserting that the economic downslide under the UPA rule seemed irreversible, she said there was no hope of an improvement under the present dispensation with neither Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh nor Finance Minister P Chidambaram coming out with any road map to take the country out of the present economic crisis. “The PM in fact is on record saying this good monsoon is expected to improve things”, she said adding the only solution left was dismissal of the central government and imposition of financial emergency. Explaining how the situation had turned bad to worse under UPA rule, Harsimrat Badal said the import of capital goods worth $ 587 billon, which India could have made in its own backyard, drained out a third of India’s GDP under the very nose of the UPA regime. “The country’s current account deficit which was $ 8 billion in 2007 has shot up to $ 90 billion now due to the flawed UPA policies”, she said. She said the UPA had recently decided to go in for ill planed grandiose schemes instead of going in for nation building. “Would it not have been better if the UPA had sincerely tried to skill the youth of the country a la South Korea which emerged as a country in its own right due to this one singular achievement?, she asked. She said the SAD-BJP on the other hand was concentrating on skill development of youth and women and that more steps would be taken in the forthcoming years to create a skilled force which would be an asset to the State and the country. Harsimrat Badal said instead of taking policy decisions to reduce the effects of the economic crisis, the government was going in for hefty hikes in the petrol and diesel rates. “This is adding insult to injury”, she said adding the common man, who was already reeling under the economic crisis, would now have to face further inflation. Recalling Prime Minister’s recent comments in which he claimed that his critics were targeting him for one bad year, the Bathinda mp said "It is not only one year but the last nine and-a-half years which have been bad under Congress rule. Projects worth USD 550 billion have been stalled during the tenure of the UPA”, she added. EOM - BADAL SLAMS CENTRE FOR HIKE IN PRICE OF PETROL AND DIESEL HIKE A CRIMINAL CONSPIRACY TO BENEFIT BIG OIL COMPANIES THIS ANTI-PEOPLE DECISION TO PROVE AS A LAST NAIL IN COFFIN OF UPA Chandigarh, August 31- Slamming the Congress led UPA government for making the life of common man ‘miserable’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the hike of Rs 2.35 and 50 paise in price of Petrol and Diesel respectively was a ‘criminal conspiracy of the Centre’ to extend benefit to the big oil companies at the cost of Aam aadmi. In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that the Union government was well aware of the fact that it would be shown door by the countrymen in the coming Lok Sabha due to which it was extending largesse to the oil companies at fag end of their term. He said that this massive hike in the petroleum products would further propel the inflationary prices in the economy thereby accentuating the woes of common man. Mr. Badal said that this increase has exposed the anti-poor face of the UPA government. Terming the hike as ‘totally unjustified and anti-people’, the Chief Minister said that this hike at a time when the country’s economy was already in doldrums would spell out more trouble in the coming days. Cautioning the Centre against such anti-people decisions when the common man (Aam Aadmi) was already reeling under the unbearable burden of inflation, he said that this hike would adversely affect the farmers and disturb the kitchen budget of the families. Mr. Badal said that this decision would be a fatal blow to the agriculture sector as the farming was no longer a profitable venture due to the massive hike in agricultural inputs. The Chief Minister said that the hike in the prices of diesel would further enhance the cost of agriculture inputs making the life of beleaguered farmers miserable. He said that the un-remunerative MSP coupled with high cost of agriculture inputs could further jeopardize the country’s food security. Just to give benefits to their blue eyed companies, the Union was playing with the interests of the country, added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister said that this anti-people decision of the union government would act as a “last nail in the coffin” of Congress led UPA government which was least sensitive to the hardships of a common man. He said that it was writing on the wall that Congress by such ill conceived and treacherous moves would be decimated from the electoral scene of the country in 2014 General elections. - CONGRESS LED UPA HAVE NO MORAL RIGHT TO GOVERN AFTER RBI GOVERNOR BLAMED IT FOR SINKING RUPEE-MAJITHIA v DARES BAJWA & TIWARI TO DEMAND FINANCIAL EMERGENCY IN THE COUNTRY v PUNJAB TO PROMOTE TRADITIONAL WRESTLING IN BIG WAY Babehali (Gurdaspur), August 30: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that after RBI Governor D. Subbarao has squarely blamed Congress led UPA for the domestic currency’s pathetic slide, it has no moral authority to govern the country. He also appealed the President of India to declare financial emergency in the country keeping in view the present precarious financial situation created by the UPA regime. It may be mentioned here that the RBI Governor delivering 10th Nani Palkhivala memorial lecture minced no words in highlighting the Union government’s total failure in tackling the most sensitive issue of economy of the country. Interacting with media persons here, Mr. Majithia said that RBI was an independent and statutory body with impeccable integrity and its Governor’s outburst was not momentary rather it shows how the Finance Minister was desperately trying to impinge on its autonomy. He said that a day before Tata group's former head Mr. Ratan Tata had clearly indicted the present Union government for failing to control the notable devaluation of the Rupee. He said that it was not just the concern of India’s business houses but also a reflection on the UPA policies which had led the country into a deep financial crisis. He said that the concerns of top business houses of the country were the indication of more hard days as the Congress led UPA government seemed to have indifferent to all advices of financial experts. He said that with no international investor reposing faith in present regime's capability to pull the country out of this trouble, the various States too would suffer. Mr. Majithia pointed out that the present ‘economists surplus’ UPA government has put the country in a hopeless situation by its wrong and anti-people policies as its all policies were tailor made to suit the few individuals like Congress President Sonia Gandhi and her coterie rather the welfare of common masses. He said that during Prime Minister Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee led NDA regime the growth rate of country touched 8 percent from 4.6 percent but now the 'world renowned' economists have plunged it to 3 percent. He said that after unleashing unprecedented inflation now it has ruined the overall economy of the country with rapid fall of rupee. He said that after analyzing the clear public mood of dumping this most in-efficient and corrupt government of the independent India, the Congress led UPA was hell bent upon to sell the country for its top brass’s vested interests. He dared PCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa and Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Mr. Manish Tewari also to demand imposition of financial emergency in country in Parliament to prove their commitment for the motherland. Mr. Majithia also asked Mr. Bajwa to raise the issues affecting Punjab’s interests; due to bias approach of Congress led UPA government, in Parliament rather enacting dramas for some media coverage in the state. He said that as a Parliamentarian and that too representing the border district facing numerous challenges, Mr. Bajwa should spend some time in Parliament to get something for his constituency if not for the state. He said that Mr. Bajwa should at least convince its own ‘government’ to amend the flood relief compensation and norms as per the prevailing situation. Later on presiding over the of 3rd day of 4-day Babehali Shinjh & Cultural Festival, Mr. Majithia congratulated S. Gurbachan Singh Babehali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary for organizing such wonderful traditional wrestling competition and said that traditional Indian wrestling isn't just a sport - it's an ancient sub-culture, where the focus was on living a pure life, building strength and honing their wrestling skills. He said that the efforts of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal for promotion of mother sport of Punjabis i.e. Kabbadi have resulted in lucrative contracts for Kabbadi player worldwide. The tremendous response to the three World Kabbadi Cup organized by the Punjab government has enhanced popularity of this game manifold. 4th World Cup Kabaddi in the State would be held this year in the month of December, he added. He said that the Deputy Chief Minister has now decided to popularize the traditional Kushti bouts (Wrestling) by organizing competition between the wrestlers of India, Pakistan and some Middle East nations. Reiterating the Punjab government's commitment to develop sports culture in the state, Mr Majithia informed that the sports budget of the state has been increased from Rs. 12.00 crore to Rs. 142 crore in year 2013-14. Rs. 200 crores have been spent on creation of world class infrastructure with construction/renovation/up-gradation of 13 international level sports stadiums. 3 % posts in the Government reserved for outstanding sports persons, he added. -IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM AUGUST 31 TO SEPTEMBER 7
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 30: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the kharif Season through Canal water from from August 31 to September 7. 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, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab canal and Sidhwan Branch respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that the distributaries and branches of BML, Ghaggar Link and its off-taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor, in Group ‘B’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group ‘A’. The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘B’ being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’. The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Sabhroan Branch, Lahore Branch & Main Branch Lower and with their distributaries, respectively. - PUNJAB CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO SOLVE WATER LOGGING PROBLEM Chandigarh August 30: The Punjab Government has constituted a state level committee to solve the perennial water logging problem in the southern districts of the state. This committee has been entrusted to prepare of an exhaustive surface and underground drainage infrastructure master plan for water-logged areas of southern Punjab for Identification of the extent of problem, causes of the problem, remedies, coordinated action plan and costs in the state. The notification in this regard has been issued. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that this committee would be comprised of Gen B.S. Dhaliwal, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister as Chairman and Er. M. R. Goyal, Er. S.K. Goyal, Chief Engineer/Drainage, Chief Engineer/Canals, Chief Engineer/Irrigation Power Research Institute, Director Central Design Office, Chief Engineer/ PWD(B&R), Chief Engineer/Mandi Board and Chief Engineer/Panchayati Raj (all as members). He further said that the Committee would commence its work with immediate effect and would submit the report within 30 days. Every Chief Engineer would be assisted by one superintending Engineer and two Executive Engineers for this task. Principal Secretary Irrigation and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab would review the progress after two weeks. - SCHEDULE FOR RIMC ENTRANCE TEST ANNOUNCED Chandigarh, August 30: The entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College ( RIMC ), Dehradun for July, 2014 term would be conducted here at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan (Sector-15) on 1st(Sunday)& 2nd (Monday) December, 2013. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab informed that only boys were eligible to apply for the admission. Candidates appearing for the test should not be born earlier than 2nd July, 2001 and not later than 1st January, 2003 . They should either be studying in Class VII or passed Class VII from any recognized school at the time of admission to the RIMC. Selected candidates will be given admission in Class-VIII. The written part of the examination would consist of three papers namely, English, Mathematics & General Knowledge and the viva-voce test would be held for only those candidates who qualify in the written exam and the date for the viva voce test has been fixed as on April 4, 2014 (Friday). He informed that the copies of application forms, prospectus and set of old question papers could be obtained from the Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun on payment of Rs.400/- for registered post or Rs.450/- for speed post for General candidates and Rs.355/- for registered post or Rs.405/- for speed post for SC/ST candidates through demand draft in favour of Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun payable at SBI Tel Bhavan (Code No.01576) Dehradun alongwith three passport size photographs of the candidate. Besides this, the candidate should furnish a certificate of age in duplicate from municipal birth register. He further said that the applications in duplicate duly completed must reach here at Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab before October 10, 2013. Application received after October 10, 2013 will not be entertained.
ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR MANJIT BRAR
Chandigarh August 30:- According to an official spokesman that Mr. Manjit Singh Brar PCS, ACA GMADA has been given additional charge for the post of Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Punjab, Special Secretary Personnel and Special Secretary General Administration -1 (Ad.O-1 & Ad.O-11 Branches), in additional to his present assignments. Meanwhile the services of Ms. Bhawna Garg IAS, Additional Excise & Taxation Commissioner, Punjab and in addition Special Secretary Personnel have been placed at the disposal of the Chandigarh Administration for inter-cadre deputation for appointment as Joint Secretary (Finance) for a period of three years from the date she assumes the charge of the post or until further orders, which ever is earlier. ---------------- INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB
ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR MANJIT BRAR
Chandigarh August 30:- According to an official spokesman that Mr. Manjit Singh Brar PCS, ACA GMADA has been given additional charge for the post of Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Punjab, Special Secretary Personnel and Special Secretary General Administration -1 (Ad.O-1 & Ad.O-11 Branches), in additional to his present assignments. Meanwhile the services of Ms. Bhawna Garg IAS, Additional Excise & Taxation Commissioner, Punjab and in addition Special Secretary Personnel have been placed at the disposal of the Chandigarh Administration for inter-cadre deputation for appointment as Joint Secretary (Finance) for a period of three years from the date she assumes the charge of the post or until further orders, which ever is earlier. ----------------
PUNJAB TO ADOPT TURKISH SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MODEL-SUKHBIR
Istanbul/ Chandigarh, August 29 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave the go ahead for adopting the collection and management of solid waste as well as the road cleaning system adopted in Istanbul in Punjab. The Deputy Chief Minister, who is leading an official delegation to Turkey to study the successful Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) and the Solid Waste Management practiced in its Istanbul, today visited Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to conduct an in depth analysis of the solid waste and road cleaning system devised by the municipality. According to an official spokesman, the team led by Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal went through the details of Turkish system of scientific collection and management of garbage. The team had detailed deliberations with the concerned Turkish company to explore the feasibility of launching this system in Punjab. Mr. Cevat Yaman, Head of Environment Protection and Control informed that the company had successfully operating the system in various countries including Lahore in Pakistan. Mr. Badal said that this learning experience would be implemented in the entire State to further accelerate the cleanliness campaign of the State government besides protecting the environment. Mr. Badal also directed Secretary Local Government to immediately ensure that the solid waste collection, management and cleaning of roads were done according to the Istanbul model. He said that this will ensure door to door collection of garbage and its scientific management. After having a long discussion with the company heads, Mr. Badal visited the streets of Istanbul to ascertain the working of machines and functioning of company staff. Mr. Cevat Yaman apprised Mr. Badal about how the densely populated Istanbul city was maintained by the authority through its system. Later on Mr. Badal also met Mr. Vahit Balahorli and Ms Esra Olmez, company’s senior representatives, who divulged the details of operations. They said that the company collected garbage from the door steps of the people, transferred it in a scientific manner by safely segregating bio-degradable and non-biodegradable materials. They apprised the Deputy CM that after segregation the biodegradable materials was taken to a landfill site and covered with sand. They said biodegradable material was used to run a power plant. The Deputy CM along with team members of Punjab Officers also visited the landfill sites, the power plant and the composting plants being run by the company, ISTAC that was also handling solid waste management and cleaning of streets in Lahore. The team also understood how the non biodegradable material was used as fuel for running another power plant as this waste was of high calorific value. The Deputy CM informed the company representatives that Punjab has already divided the state into 8 clusters for Solid Waste Management. He said that the collection and management of garbage of three out of these clusters have been outsourced while the bids for the rest of clusters were in process. It is pertinent to mention here that Mr. Badal along with a delegation of Punjab Government was in Turkey to study the BRTS and Solid Waste Management System. The team includes Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary PWD, Mr. A.Venu Prasad, Secretary Housing, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Bodies, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, MD PIDB, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Chief Administrator PUDA, Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Chief Administrator GMADA and Mr. Rakesh Verma, Chief Administrator GLADA. EOM - BIKRAM MAJITHIA SAYS RATTAN TATA’S COMMENTS A CLEAR INDICTMENT OF CONGRESS LED UPA GOVT. Also takes on Partap Bajwa and Manish Tewari Asks whether they will go to the centre and demand a financial emergency in the country now Chandigarh, August 29 – Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today said the clear indictment of the Congress led UPA government by former Tata head Rattan Tata for failing to control the historic slide in the value of the Rupee was not only the voice of India’s business houses but also a reflection on the UPA policies which had led the country into a financial crisis. “Rattan Tata is known for his plain speak”, the Revenue minister said in a statement here. “If Tata says the Congress led UPA government is pulling in different directions and that his aspirations from Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh have not been realized the country is bound to sit up and notice the development”, the minister said. Bikram Majithia said this was not the first time the top business houses had reacted in disgust at the manner in which the Rupee had tumbled as well as the crash in the stock markets and the resultant inflation. “Earlier leading industrialist Rahul Bajaj had called for bringing an end to the volatility in currency but to no avail”. He said similarly Godrej group Chairman Adi Godrej had recently urged that the government use its foreign exchange reserves to arrest the rupee’s record plunge to avoid sending the economy into a nose dive but the advice fell on deaf ears. Asserting that the Congress led UPA government seemed to have shut itself from all sane advice, Majithia said the various States too would suffer due to the centre’s inability to restore investor confidence. “If there is a dry up in investment in the country, the State’s too will suffer due to no fault of theirs”, he said. The minister also took on Punjab Congress leaders Partap Singh Bajwa and Manish Tewari who he said were deliberately trying to create mischief by talking about the State’s financial situation at a time when the financial markets were in the grip of mayhem due to the mis- management of the UPA government. “Will Partap Bajwa and Manish Tewari demand imposition of a financial emergency in the country with even a doyen like Rattan Tata talking about a leadership deficit at the centre”, he asked. Urging the Congress leaders to walk the talk, Majithia said they should be man enough to admit that long bouts of inaction, uncertainty in governance, lack of inter ministerial clearances for key projects; rising prices and corruption were responsible for today’s state of affairs. Advising them not to try to befool the people with their mischievous statements, the minister said they should better tell the people how the rupee which was equivalent to a dollar at the time of the country’s independence had fallen to a low of Rs 68.80 vis a vis a single dollar. Meanwhile Majithia said it was ironical that while former Tata group head Rattan Tata had virtually expressed no confidence in the UPA leadership, the Tata group under his protégé Cyrus Mistry had expressed confidence in the far sighted policies of chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and the vision of Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal. He said for the first time in the history of Tata the entire top management had collected in Chandigarh recently and promised to invest in the State. “This speaks volumes of how the Punjab government is able to attract investors even as the centre is repelling them with its flawed policies”, he added. EOM - FREE COACHING TO SC, BC AND MINORITIES CANDIDATAES FOR CIVIL SERVICES MAIN EXAM- RANIKE COACHING TO BEGIN FROMSEPTEMBER 2, 2013 Chandigarh: August 29 The Punjab Government has decided to provide free coaching to the candidates belonging to Scheduled castes and backward classes for civil services main examination, 2013. According to the Punjab Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, the coaching course would commence from September 2 and continue till date of examination. He said that all the candidates belonging to scheduled castes, backward classes and minorities, who have cleared the civil services preliminary examination 2013-14 and their family income was less than one lac per year, was eligible to join the coaching. Mr. Ranike further said that interested candidates may contact the principal of Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Carriers and Courses, Mohali. He said that free coaching with hostel facilities besides required financial assistance would be given to the candidates as per norms. - EXTENSION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR LIVESTOCK BREEDERS/FARMERS CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 29: To uplift the living standard of livestock breeders/farmers, the Punjab Government has initiated an Animal Husbandry Extension and Training Programme in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the punjab government said that the main objective of the scheme was to provide opportunities to un-employed educated youth for self employment in rural areas.He further said that this would help to upgrade the standered of living by increasing their income . He further said that camps, exhibitions were being organized and advertisements through local newspapers were also being published by the animal husbandary department punjab to make the public aware of preventive measures and first aid treatment to animals. He further said that this training was also imparted to officers in the field of management and for the implementation of various schemes of the department from time to time. Extension and training programmes would be implemented through Disease Control Programme Campaign, Awareness campaign in management of animals/birds,Training component campaign, Animal welfare camps campaign. The spokesam further said that for this purpose an outlay of `1.30 crore is provided in the Annual Plan 2013-14. - PUNJAB DE-LIST 783.33 HECTARE FOREST LAND FOR AGRICULTURE CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 29: The Punjab government has de-listed 783.33 hectare land which was covered under forest area for agriculture. This chunk of land extended in 11 villages of Talwara block, district Hoshiarpur. The notification in this regard has been issued. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab government said that earlier this land was notified under Punjab Land Preservation Act 1990. He said that under this act cultivation/habitation on this land was prohibited, now this land has been de-listed from the act. Divulging the detail he said that in village Narangpur 75.28 hectare, village Gag Jallo 10.10 hectare. Village Labhar 97.41 hectare. Village Jharere 120.81 hectare, village Bhavnaur 259.91 hectare. Village Barian 16.52 hectare, village Ado Chak 40.98 hectare, village Bhatoli 31.77 hectare, village Ajmer 7.93 hectare, village Bisso Chak 14.98 hectare and village Dharampur 107.64 hectare land has been de-listed from the Punjab Land Preservation Act 1990. He further said that this land would be available to owners only for agriculture. AFFILIATED PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO ISSUES FEE RECEIPT-MALUKA Chandigarh: August 29 Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka has directed the management of affiliated private schools to issue the receipts of any kind of payment deposited by the students. The Minister said that he had received many complaints from the students and their parents regarding not to providing the receipt of fee and other payments. Mr. Maluka has asked management to ensure strict compliance to these directions failing which strict action would be initiated against them. Making it clear Mr. Maluka said that the private schools have also been asked to charge only admissible fee as per rules. He has asked the management of private schools to ensure correct fee structure in their respective educational institutes. Any king negligence on the part of either management or the person concerned would not be tolerated. Strict administration would be taken against them. ----------- ALL TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TOLD TO DEPOSIT FEE COLLECTED FROM STUDENTS IN TREASURIES Chandigarh, August 29: Mr. Anil Joshi, Minister for Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab today issued instructions to all the Government Technical Institutes to deposit the fee collected from students in the treasuries well in time. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the technical Education and Industrial Training Department said that it has come to the notice of the Department that various technical institutions had not deposited the fee collected from the students in the treasuries. He said that the Minister has taken serious notice of this lackadaisical approach of the technical institutions. He said that the institutions have also been instructed to compare the entries of the deposit in the treasuries with the consolidated CST. The spokesperson further said that Mr. Joshi has also asked the Principal Secretary of the Department to chalk out a training programme to impart training to the principals of the technical institutions about proper upkeep of accounts. - VIGILANCE BUREAU PUNJAB VIGILANCE NABS PANCHAYAT SECRETARY IN A BRIBERY CASE Chandigarh August 29: State Vigilance Bureau today nabbed a Panchayat Secretary Tejinder Singh posted in District Fatehgarh Sahib red handed accepting bribe of Rs. 30,000 in a bribery case. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sursh Arora, Chief Director-cum-DGP Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance Bureau team led by Inspector Ravinder Singh Vigilance Bureau Patiala caught Tejinder Singh posted at village Kotla Jattan district Fatehgarh Sahib, demanding and accepting bribe from the complainant Beant Singh ex-Sarpanch of village Kotla Jattan. He added that the complainant approached the Bureau and alleged that Panchayat Secretary was demanding a bribe of Rs. 30,000 for conducting audit of the gram panchayat. After finding the veracity of facts the vigilance team laid a trap and the accused was nabbed red handed in the presence of two government officials as witnesses. The tainted money was recovered from his pocket. In this regard a vigilance case FIR No. 23, u/s 7, 13 (1) read with 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station Patiala and further investigation was under progress. BADAL FLAGS OFF FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MOBILE SCIENCE LAB FOR +2 STUDENTS
· LAUDS UNIQUE INITIATIVE FOR BRINGING LABS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON RURAL PUNJAB’S DOOR STEPS
· RAYAT-BAHRA GROUP RUNS MOBILE COMPUTER, PHYSICS & CHEMISTRY LAB IN RURAL PUNJAB
Chandigarh, August 28 The Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today flagged off the first-of-its-kind mobile laboratory in computers, physics and chemistry in “Rural Punjab" - an initiative of Rayat-Bahra Group aimed at benefiting rural masses and +2 science stream students. Speaking at the launch ceremony here at Chief Minister’s residence, Mr. Badal said that the bus would take science and information technology to the threshold of rural areas of state. He appreciated the Rayat-Bahra group Chairman Gurvinder Singh Bahra for launching an endeavor that was set to change teaching scenario in Punjab. Mr. Badal thanked the group for giving this valuable mobile bus that will help school students to perform laboratory experiments and educate villagers to send mail on Internet, browse social networking sites and even enable video conference. The Chief Minister said, “State government would replicate this model to provide mobile bus lab services to the students in the government schools located in remote and difficult areas.” He said that the state government had already embarked upon a massive program of modernization and upgradation facilities in the plus two schools with a thrust to refurbish its science laboratories to equip the students to undertake practical in physics, chemistry and computer efficaciously. Elaborating on the plan Chairman RBGI said teachers and demonstrators of group would accompany the bus to neighboring villages. The group would work in consultation with village sarpanch, district education officer and school principals that would draw a time table to extend optimum support. A fleet of ten buses would be inducted to cover schools within radius of 10 kms from four of its campuses namely Mohali, Ropar, Hoshiarpur and Patiala. Each mobile bus has facilities of complete physics, chemistry and computer lab including scanning, printing, photocopying, video conferencing etc. Every bus costs Rs 25 lakh. Bus has workable area of 30 feet by 8 feet. It is decked with latest equipments having 16 N-Computing nodes, 2 KVA Online UPS, one HP multifunction printer, 1.5 Ton Invertor based AC, genset as well as all equipments of physics and chemistry lab as per + 1 and +2 syllabus. The first bus launch today would cover villages of Sahauran, Sohana, Banur, Daun, Ballomajra, Daun Majra, Khanpur, Jandpur and Ramgarh. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also flagged off a dental mobile lab to provide the dental care facilities and bring awareness about dental hygiene to the people especially in the far flung rural areas. Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Member Rajya Sabha Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna, Assistant Media Advisor to the Punjab Government Mr. Vineet Joshi, Director Technical Education Mr. B. Purshartha, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam besides Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.
BADAL BATS FOR ‘FREE HEALTH SECURITY’ ACT FOR POOR ON LINES OF ‘FOOD SECURITY ACT’ ASKS GOI TO CHECK CROSS BORDER SUPPLY OF DRUGS IN STATE URGES UNION HEALTH MINISTER TO TAKE STEPS FOR ASCERTAINING CAUSES OF CANCER IN THE STATE EXHORTS POLITICAL PARTIES TO UNITE FOR CONFRONTING PREVALENT CRISIS IN COUNTRY TERMS ‘TRUE FEDERAL STRUCTURE’ AS PANACEA OF ALL ILLS OF COUNTRY AFTER AMRISTAR, PATIALA MEDICAL COLLEGE TO GET SUPER SPECIALTY HOSPITAL IN STATE- AZAAD REGIONAL CANCER RESEARCH CENTRE TO BE SET UP IN PUNJAB Amritsar, August 28- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called for the introduction of comprehensive "Free Health Security" for the common man, especially the poor, in the country, on the lines of Food Security. Speaking at the launch of the "National Free Drug and Iron Plus Initiative" Expressing concern over the increasing trend of drug addiction in the state, the Chief Minister also asked the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azaad to raise the issue of unabated drug supply from the borders into Punjab, with the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. He said that agencies manning the borders of the county should be asked to maintain strict vigil so as to check the supply of drugs into the country. Mr. Badal also asked the Union Minister to impose a blanket ban on poppy husk, which was selling freely in states like Rajasthan, so as to preserve the health of the people. Lauding Mr. Azaad for his special affection with the state of Punjab, the Chief Minister said that the former had always acceded to the demands made by the state government for providing quality health services to the people. Mr. Badal said that owing to the concerted efforts made by the state government, Punjab was today leading the country in the field of Health and Education. However he said that a number of things were still needed to be done, for which the active support and cooperation of the Union government was required. Laying thrust on the need to combat the menace of Cancer, Drug addiction and Female foeticide efficaciously, the Chief Minister said that the GoI must embark a major program to conduct a thorough research for ascertaining the causes of the cancer in the country. He said that it was serious problem confronted by the country and the need of the hour was to take effective steps to counter this disease. The Chief Minister said that the state government has been constantly making endeavors to tackle this deadly disease. He said that the state government has recently conducted a comprehensive door to door survey for detecting the cancer amongst the people so that it could be checked at the early stage. Likewise Mr. Badal said that the medical colleges of Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot were being upgraded with the latest equipments to impart quality treatment to cancer patients free of cost adding that an advanced Cancer treatment centre was being set up at Bathinda by Baba Farid University. The Chief Minister also expressed thanks to the GoI for giving its nod to set up world class Cancer treatment Hospital at Mullanpur on the lines of Tata Cancer Hospital. He also thanked the Ministry of Health for approving two satellite centres attached with PGIMER, Chandigarh at Ferozepur and Sangrur. Mr. Badal asked the Union Minister to give one Regional Cancer treatment centre to the state for tackling this grave problem. Showing deep concern over the grave situation faced by the country, the Chief Minister said that all the political parties of the country must join hands at this critical juncture by avoiding unnecessary criticism of each other. He said that the need of hour was that all the political parties should shun their ideological differences and work towards ushering in an era of unparalleled development in the country. The Chief Minister also said that country was facing a large number of social maladies due to the weakening of the federal structure in the country. Citing the example of Agriculture, Mr. Badal said that though it was a state subject but the centre has usurped its powers by taking the entire control of fixing the prices of crops and cost of agriculture inputs. He said that the country and states could progress only if the Federal structure was implemented in true letter and spirit. Later in his address the Union Health Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azaad lauded the role of state in freedom movement of the country besides making the country self reliant in food production. He said that the GoI had already spent Rs 125 crore for establishing a ‘Super Specialty Hospital’ at Amritsar medical college adding that a similar hospital would also be set up at Medical College Patiala. Mr. Azaad also said that out of 20 Regional Cancer centres to be established across the country by GoI, one would be set up in state. The Union Minister also lauded the role of state in curbing the Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate adding that efforts must be made to check the female foeticide. Mr. Azaad also exhorted the people the play proactive role in checking the tendency of drug addiction in the state. The Chief Minister and Union Minister accompanied by Union Health Minister for state Mrs Santosh Chaudhary also inaugurated the outlet for free medicine service at Sri Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Medical College Amritsar. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Principal Secretary Health Mrs Vinnie Mahajan, Secretary Health Mr. Hussan Lal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. - BADAL REITERATES COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE WELFARE OF EVERY SECTION OF SOCIETY PAYS RICH TRIBUTE TO BABA NAND SINGH JI Nanaksar Kaleran (Ludhiana), August 28- Terming Socialism as an integral part of Sikhism, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that in line with the philosophy of great Gurus, Saints and Seers, the state government was committed for the overall welfare of all the sections of society. Addressing a mammoth religious congregation converged at the 70th death anniversary of Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji, the founder Nanaksar sect, here today, the Chief Minister said that great Sikh Gurus had always preached the path of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace adding that the four doors of Sri Harmandir Sahib personified that it was open for all the religions. He said that even the foundation stone of this sacred place of humanity was laid down by a Muslim Saint Sain Mian Meer, which reflected that the great Sikh Gurus respected every religion. Mr. Badal said that the message of Sangat and Pangat given by the great Sikh Gurus were lighthouse for every individual. Exhorting the people to follow footsteps of great Gurus and Saints who had always preached to serve the humanity with utmost dedication and devotion, the Chief Minister said that it would lead to the formation of an ideal society and state. Expressing deep concern over the degeneration of moral values in society, Mr. Badal said that only religion could show us the light in this hour of grave crisis. Paying rich tributes to Sant Baba Nand Singh Ji, the Chief Minister recalled the valuable contribution of Baba Ji in the social and religious fields. Mr. Badal said that Baba Ji had also played a key role in preaching the tenets of Sikhism on one hand and undertaking several philanthropic works for serving the mankind on the other. He said that Baba Ji had always propagated the message of universal love and brotherhood amongst the people due to which every year lakhs of devotees converge here to pay respect to this great spiritual leader. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, MLA Mr. S.R.Kaler, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and former MLA Mr. Bhag Singh Mallaan. -- PUNJAB CITIES ALL SET TO GET BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM • DEPUTY CM LED DELEGATION STUDIES THE POSSIBILITIES OF REPLICATE THE ISTAMBUL SYSTEM • AMRITSAR AND LUDHIANA TO WITNESS REPLICATION OF BRTS IN FIRST PHASE • SUKHBIR MINUTELY STUDIES THE ISTANBUL ELECTRICITY TRAMWAY AND TUNNEL SYSTEM CHANDIGARH/ISTANBUL, AUGUST 28: The major cities of Amritsar and Ludhiana are all set to acquire the internationally recognised Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) with Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal giving his nod to replicate this system in Punjab on his ongoing visit to Turkey. According to an official spokesman, the official delegation led by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, which yesterday landed at Istanbul, today conducted an indepth analysis of the Bus Rapid Transit System in Istanbul. Mr. Badal had a long meeting with Istanbul Electricity Tramway and Tunnel’s Chief Mr. Hayri Baracli, a public sector company which was operating BRTS in Istanbul. The company was providing transport services in Istanbul, a city of more than 1 crore people, including trams, ferries, buses and the BRTS. It successfully transports more than 750000 people every day. The representative of company apprised Deputy CM by giving a presentation on how the BRTS was planned, designed, executed and was being run successfully for the last five years. They also informed that more than 450 buses run on this system at an average speed of 35 KMPH. This system has reduced vehicular traffic by four lakh cars in the city as people prefer travelling on these buses which were safer faster and cheaper. The Deputy CM with the team had a ride on a bus on 52 km long route of BRTS. Mr. Badal said that IETT was also working as a consultant with Lahore Municipal Corporation to help it plan and design BRTS in Lahore. Mr. Badal said that they have studied the possibilities of BRTS for Punjab so that the same could be replicated there. He said that this model of BRTS would be introduced in Amritsar and Ludhiana in its first phase and for a dedicated corridor would be created for plying of these low floor buses and no other vehicle would get an access to this corridor. The Deputy CM said that before leaving for Istanbul, they have also studied the Delhi model, which has failed. He said that they have also studied the shortcomings which were in there in Delhi model leading to its failure. Mr. Badal said that this successful model of Istanbul will be implemented in Amritsar and Ludhiana in next two years. Mr. Badal along with the delegation also had a meeting with an NGO EMBARQ, which carries out studies on how to make our roads and transportation system safer for pedestrians and cyclists in Punjab. The Deputy CM said that this was a New York based company with offices in Istanbul and Delhi and this company was working in with IETT to make BRTS safer and secure. The company also presented a copy of the study carried out in Istanbul to Mr. Badal. It is pertinent to mention here that Mr. Badal along with a delegation of Punjab Government was in Turkey to study the BRTS and Solid Waste Management System. The team includes Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary PWD, Mr. A.Venu Prasad, Secretary Housing, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Bodies, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, MD PIDB, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Chief Administrator PUDA, Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Chief Administrator GMADA and Mr. Rakesh Verma, Chief Administrator GLADA. - FARM TOURISM SCHEME LAUNCHED IN PUNJAB Chandigarh August 28: In a bid to attract tourists to the villages, the Punjab government has launched a Farm Tourism Scheme in Punjab aiming at providing an interesting and relaxing rural tourism to the visitor and also ensuring them adequate exposure to local community life besides enjoying the pure Punjabi cuisine. The focus on Farm Tourism would also bring back the people especially the younger generations of non-resident Indian Punjabi families to the basic Punjabi cultural values and ethos. Detailed information in this regard could be sought from the official website of Punjab Tourism department i.e.www.punjabtourism.gov.in. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that detailed guidelines have already been chalked out to rope in progressive farmers and farmhouse owners across the state of Punjab. Under the scheme, a farmhouse owner would play the host and guide to the visitors. Those enrolling under the scheme would have to provide clean, hygienic environment, equipped with modern facilities that meet the standards defined by the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board, she said. Giving details, she said the farmhouse owner would provide home cooked food, comfortable accommodation and tell the visitors about the local agricultural practices like floricultural, harvesting bee-keeping and dairying. Besides the farm experience, visitors would also be exposed to local festivals and marriages. The quality of services offered by the farm owners would be verified by the district authority as well as the tourism department. The department would also provide mandatory training and technical know-how to the farm owners. Preference would be given to farms which have agricultural land attached and only farmhouses with minimum two rooms would be registered, she added. Adding further, she said that the visitors could also participate or witness rural games such as wrestling, kite flying and bullock cart rides or tractor rides. Besides this arrangements such as taking bath at the tube well could be another attraction and a unique feature for both adults and children from urban areas. The registration of the farm houses under this scheme would be valid for five years initially subject to periodic inspection by a committee constituted by the PHTPB. The Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board may cancel the registration in the event of any serious and justified complaint of any nature particularly about standards of service, cleanliness, courtesy, standards of food served etc. The farm houses registered could not be used for any other purpose except tourism, she added.
-- CM DISPATCHES CHEQUE OF RS 5.18 CRORE TOWARDS PRIME MINISTER'S NATIONAL RELIEF FUND FOR UTTARAKHAND VICTIMS Chandigarh, August 27- In a benevolent gesture to help the flood stricken people of Uttarakhand, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today dispatched a cheque of Rs 5, 18, 75, 916 (Rupees Five crore Eighteen Lakh Seventy Five Thousand Nine hundred and Sixteen only) towards the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for relief and rehabilitation of people affected by natural calamity in Uttarakhand. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal in an enclosed letter with the cheque sent to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, read: " The natural calamity of flash floods which struck the state of Uttarakhand recently has been an incident of great destruction and misfortune for the inhabitants of the state as well as the tourist visiting it. The Ministers and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries of Punjab, philanthropic non-governmental organizations, associations, individuals and employees of the state government have contributed voluntarily and generously to provide succor to the people affected by the floods". It may be recalled that Mr. Badal personally called on his counterpart in Uttarakhand Mr. Vijay Bahuguna on July 5 at Dehradun to express solidarity with the calamity affected people there. The state government had already sent a consignment of 10,000 tons of Wheat flour (Atta) and Rice, 100 tons of sugar besides 10,000 blankets, as a relief measure for the flood victims across the far flung areas of the hilly state. The Chief Minister also agreed to send 10,000 woollen sweaters and pullovers for the victims especially for the women and kids besides the delivery of dry milk powder in the region. Mr. Badal also offered all support and assistance to the Uttarakhand government for the reconstruction of severely damaged‘Sarai’ building at Gobind Ghat due to massive floods. Apart from this the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs. 10 crore for the reconstruction of all the religious shrines including Sri Kedarnath Temple and Gurdwara Gobind Ghat Sahib which had been badly ravaged during the recent floods. --- CM UNVEILS PROGRAM FOR REHABILITATION OF THE WATER LOGGED AREAS BY DEVELOPING FISHERIES ASKS SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS TO ADOPT SMALL RUMINANTS IN A BIG WAY SPELLS OUT SEVERAL INITIATIVES TO GOATERY, PIGGERY AND BEE KEEPING Chandigarh, August 27- The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today unveiled a massive scheme to put use several acres of water logged land in the Malwa belt optimally, by constructing Ponds for Fisheries under the “Program for Rehabilitation of the Water logged areas”. Presiding over a high level meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Fishery department here today, the Chief Minister while emphasizing the need for bailing out the farmers of the state through crop diversification, said that special attention needs to paid for helping the farmers of the waterlogged areas, who were battling with the natural tragedy from years. Underscoring the need for extending a helping hand to them, Mr. Badal said that the departments’ of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries with the active help of the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Animal Science University must implement this program with the active support of the farmers. He said that these departments along with the University must motivate the farmers to set up fish farms in the waterlogged areas so that fish farming could be successfully implemented there. The Chief Minister also sanctioned an amount of Rs 2 crore for initiating this project. Further to encourage the farmers of the state towards allied agricultural activities with twin objective of promoting crop diversification on one hand and supplementing the income of farmers through rearing small ruminants on the other, the Chief Minister also gave nod for setting up two ultra modern Goat Breeding centres in the state. Mr. Badal constituted a committee comprising of VC GADVASU, experts of Veterinary sciences and officials of Animal Husbandry department to prepare a blueprint regarding the project. He asked the committee submit its report within a month so that the work on this project could be started at the earliest. The Chief Minister said that this centre should be established on scientific lines to impart advanced training to the farmers for goat rearing. Likewise he also laid thrust on processing of Goat’s milk by value addition so that the farmers could supplement their income. Mr. Badal also approved the setting up of Goat Breeding Board comprising of representatives of farmers, officers and national level experts of Goattery, to develop high yielding varieties of Goats in the state. The Chief Minister also asked the committee to explore the potential of piggery in the state so that it could be encouraged amongst the farmers. Likewise Mr. Badal also gave approval for upgrading and strengthening the existing infra structure in three Government pig breeding centres at Nabha, Ferozepur and Gurdaspur by doubling its existing capacity. Later, in a separate meeting, the Chief Minister while interacting with the Bee Keepers from across the state said that the Punjab government was committed to encourage the Bee keeping in Punjab. He announced to enhance the subsidy on Bee keeping boxes from the existing 50% to 75% adding that the Raw Honey and Bee keeping equipments would be exempted from taxes. Mr. Badal also said that in order to provide sale outlets to the bee keepers in the state, the Punjab government would provide them booths at the public places under the AATMA Khaat scheme. He also underscored the need for uniform designing these outlets for selling Honey to popularize them as standardized booths. The Chief Minister also asked the MARKFED authorities to provide market support to the Bee Keepers by purchasing the honey besides making provisions for preserving it. He also asked the MARKFED officers to explore the feasibility of setting up a processing unit of Honey in the state so that avenues of trade could be opened for the Bee Keepers. Mr. Badal also asked the officers of the Taxation, Forest and Irrigation department to refrain unnecessary harassment of the bee keepers on one pretext or other. Laying thrust on the need of more Research and Design (R&D) facilities for the processing of Honey, the Chief Minister also asked the Bee Keepers to collectively set up district level processing units of Honey for maximum profits. He also gave nod for starting a mass awareness campaign for apprising the people about the benefits of having Honey in their routine diet. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. G. Vajralingam, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Agriculture Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, MD Markfed Dr. KS Sra, Vice Chancellor PAU Dr BS Dhillon, VC GADVASU Dr VK Taneja and Commissioner Agriculture Dr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu. --- SUKHBIR LED DELEGATION STUDIES NEW URBANISATION MODELS IN DUBAI ALSO EXPLORES THE VIABILITY OF MONO RAIL FOR PUNJAB CITIES DUBAI/CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 27: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, who is leading an official delegation to Duabi and Turkey to study new models of Urbanisation, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and Solid Waste Management Systems today, concluded his two day visit to Dubai with extensive study of different models of Urbanisation and Tourism Promotion. According to an official spokesman, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister during two day visit to Dubai had extensive discussions with the two major urban developers in Dubai, EMAAR and Nakeel. Mr. Badal was quiet impressed with the new urban development by Emaar around Burj Khalifa on 500 acres. The team also had an in depth study of the new urban parameters and building controls which help in vertical development. The Team also studied the model of mixed multiple use of the buildings as commercial, hotel, residential. Mr. Badal was impressed by the layout of the modern day apartments. Mr. Badal also visited the new Media City, IT City, Academic City so that the team could replicate these concepts in Edu City, Film City being planned in New Chandigarh and IT City at Mohali near Airport. The delegation had a day long meetings and visits with Nakeel, the company of Palm Jumeruah fame, where land has been reclaimed to build a water front city. This company is further working on reclaiming land in the Gulf to develop world islands. The visit of team to NAKEEL was to get an on hand experience for Tourist City being planned at Mattewara (Ludhiana) that would include Jungle Safari and Adventure Sports Hub. Mr. Badal said that the visit was significant as various development agencies in Punjab were planning projects on these lines. He said that GLADA was already planning a 2000 acre Water Front City in Ludhiana. Mr. Badal said that a world class Tourist City near Ludhiana on more than 6000 acre was already on anvil. He said that Down Town Cities in 60 acres in Mohali and 70 acres in Ludhiana are also being planned. He said that two exhibition centres one at Amritsar n other one at Mohali are in planning stage. Mr. Badal said that PUDA was planning group housing projects in Jalandhar Bathinda Amritsar and Patiala to meet the future needs of housing and this visit has helped the officials in understanding the new techniques being adopted worldwide and learn from the experiences of these developers. The delegation also visited the exhibition centers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Deputy Chief Minister also had a ride on mono rail project and studied the suitability of the Mono Rail Project to meet the transport needs of big cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar. It may be added that the official delegation led by Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister including Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary PWD and Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. A. Venu Prashad, Secretary Housing, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Bodies, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, MD PIDB, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Chief Administrator PUDA, Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sinha, Chief Administrator GMADA and Mr. Rakesh Verma, Chief Administrator GLADA are on five day long visit to Dubai and Istanbul to study the urbanisation models, Bus Rapid Transit system and the solid waste management systems . === PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON JANAMASHTAMI CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 27: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabis living in the state, country and even abroad on the auspicious occasion of Janamashtami- the Birthday of Lord Krishna. In a congratulatory message, Mr. Badal said that Lord Krishna was an apostle of peace and saviour of dharma besides an epitome of truthfulness and righteousness. His long philosophical sermon contained in 'Srimad Bhagwat Geeta' was still relevant in the present times to accomplish eternal peace on one hand and strengthen the bonds of peace, love,harmony and brotherhood on the other. Mr. Badal appealed to the people for celebrating this sacred day in perfect harmony with religious fervor and gaiety rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion. He exhorted the people to follow the path shown by Lord Krishna to have blissfulness and prosperity in their life. --- SUKHBIR FELICITATE PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF JANMASHTAMI CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 27: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today extended his warm greetings to the people of the State on the eve of Janmashtami. In his message, Mr. Badal said the birth of Lord Krishna stood as symbol of universal love, selfless service and spiritual maturity in the mainstream of life. ''The eternal values preached by Lord Krishna in ''Bhagavad Gita'' are very much significant and relevant to every generation since the times immemorial,'' he added. The Deputy Chief Minister hoped the festival would strengthen the bonds of love and mutual understanding among the people and bring new cheer and prosperity in their lives -- MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF JANNMASHTAMI Chandigarh, August 27: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia has greeted the people of state on the occasion of Janmashtami festival. In a message on the eve of the festival, Mr. Majithia said that Janmashtami reminds us of the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. May this auspicious occasion bring amity, harmony, prosperity and happiness in every citizen’s life. He exhorted the people of state to collectively celebrate this festival with traditional fervor and enthusiasm. -- PUNJAB ASKS TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS TO SEND PROPOSALS FOR PG SCHOLARSHIP CHANDIGARH, AUGUST, 27: The Punjab government has asked All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) approved government and aided technical institutes in the state to send proposals for grant of Post Graduate Scholarship for the 2nd year students admitted in the session 2012-13 with valid GATE/GPAT score in M.E/M.Tech/M Pharma Programmes. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab government said that the application form in the prescribed format along with Annexure 1 to 7 is provided on AICTE website http;//www.aicte-india.org/badvertisement.htm. He further said that the last date of receipt of proposals in the council is 30th august, 2013. No online application is required for students admitted in 2012-13. He said that the proposals for student admitted in the current academic year 2013-14 would have to be sent separately after necessary notification is issued by AICTE. He said that complete proposal with required documents may be forwarded to Advisor (RIFD) AICTE, 4TH Floor, East Tower, NBCC Place, Bhisham Pitamah Marg, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003. The spokesman said that all eligible institutes have been directed to avail the scholarship for immediate implementation. -- 192 CENTERS SETS UP FOR 1,35,376 STUDENTS OF CLASS 10TH OR 12TH OF PSEB SCHOOLS BANKS TO GIVE QUESTION PAPERS OF PSEB SCHOOLS Chandigarh August 27:- Punjab Schools Education Board (PSEB) has set up 192 examination centers at Tehsil level in the state and 1,35,376 students would be appear in the examination of improvement opt for additional subject and reappear of class 10th & the students of arts group of class 12th. The exams would starts from September 4, 2013 Disclosing this here today a spokesman of education department said that the board has decided to send the question papers through Punjab National Bank & HDFC Bank to prevent the leakage of question papers from the examination centers. He also said the examination controller and superintendent would collect these question papers on the day of the scheduled examination from the nearest branch of the bank. Question papers would be sent to various branches of the banks a week before the examination starts. He said that the banks have already being informed about the strength of the students in government schools nearest to them. In case the banks receives less numbers of question papers they could inform the board and more question papers would be sent to the banks. The spokesman further said that this process would be also implemented during the annual exams to be held in March 2013-14. The PSEB had already conducted the exam in July 2013 of Medical and Non-Medical students and 25 centers was setup in all the districts of the state. -- COMMISSIONERATE WOULD ENSURE FOOD STANDARDS & SAFETY AND DRUGS & COSMETICS Chandigarh, August 27: Punjab Government has constituted a new 'Commissionerate of Food and Drug Administration' for regulation of food standards & safety and drugs & cosmetics as per provisions of the Acts enacted and Rules made there under on the subject. Divulging this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Minister for Health & Family Welfare Punjab said that the Punjab Government has issued orders in this regard that the Commissionerate will be headed by an officer designated as Commissioner Food and Drug Administration. Minister said that the Commissionerate will function under the administrative control of the Administrative Secretary of the department of Health & Family Welfare. He said that present structure including various posts of the Headquarters and of the field under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare dealing with the subjects of Drugs, Food Safety and related issues will stand transferred to the newly created Commissionerate. Mr. Mittal said that by constituting a Commissionerate proper Rate & Quality etc of drugs and food Articles would be ensured. He added that registration & licensing for selling food Articles would also be necessary under Food Safety Act. Minister also added that now routine and surprise checking’s and collection of samples at Drug stores, Factories, Restaurants and Hotels etc would also be made more effective. ----- NO MOBILE ALLOWANCE IN VACATION Chandigarh, august, 27: The Finance Department of Punjab government today has issued new instructions regarding mobile allowance for the departments which have vacations more than ten days. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the department of finance today clarified that courts, department of education and other boards which avail vacations more than ten days, would not be entitled for mobile allowance in vacations. --- 2 Days Specialized Training on e Governance Programme Chandigarh, August 27: Directorate of Governance Reforms, Punjab has conducted 2 Days Specialized Training programm on e Governance for officers of the state. Disclosing this a spokesman of governance reforms department, Punjab said that this workshop was organized for Additional Deputy Commissioners , Directors / Joint Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors; Nodal officers for of the State Government , to equip them with skills and knowledge on State level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being implemented in the state under National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) . This training was organized in coordination with National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Chandigarh and was attended by senior officers from various State Departments and District Offices. Mr. Rajnish Malhotra Head SeMT Welcomed distinguished officers for Two days e-Governance program on behalf of Department of Governance Reforms, Government of Punjab. Mr. Rajnish Malhotra, Head SeMT, Punjab laid focus on importance of e-Governance Projects for the benefits of citizens. Mr. Malhotra shared NeGP Vision to make all the Government services delivery available at the citizens door Steps. He also shared information of various Central and State Mission Mode Projects being implemented for the benefits of the Citizens across State and Country. During the 2 days program on e-Governance, participants were provided knowledge on Introduction to e-Governance, National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) GOI Initiatives. The specialized Training Programme on e-Governance p was conducted by Mr. S.P. Singh IT Advisor, PSEGS, Mr. Deepak Wasan, Mr. Manish Arora from NIELIT, Chandigarh Centre. Punjab SeMT Team Led by Mr. Manpreet Singh ,Sr.Consultant ,Programme Management Gave Live demonstration of services provided under e-District Pilot project for the state. This 2 days event was concluded by Dr.V.N.Zade, IAS, Director Department of Governance Reforms .During his concluding address, Dr.V.N.Zade, IAS, shared his perspective on the significance of e-Governance Projects for providing benefits to the citizens and state Officials, Dr.V.N Zade ,IAS, Director Department of Governance Reforms distributed participation certificates to distinguished officers / officials of various State Departments / Offices.
SPECIAL COURTS IMPRISONS THREE ACCUSED IN VIGILANCE CASES Chandigarh August 27-The special courts have convicted one government officer and two private persons in two different prosecution cases contested by the State Vigilance Bureau. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Suresh Arora, Chief Director-cum-DGP Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance officers succeeded in securing convictions of tainted employees in prosecution cases and ensured that suspect should not escape judicial punishment in the courts. The Vigilance Chief said that the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Pathankot has sentenced Dharm Pal Forest Guard Pathankot u/s 409 IPC and 13(1) D, 13(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act for 10 years imprisonment and Rs. 17,000 as fine. In another case the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Amritsar has convicted Inder Mohan and Dr. Ragav Wadhwa by awarding imprisonment of three years each and fine amounting to Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000 respectively u/s 420,467,468,471,120-B IPC registered by the Bureau at Amritsar.
15 DAYS FOR ITIs TO FULFILL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 27: The Technical Education Department of Punjab government today given 15 days to fulfill all terms and conditions to all 23 private ITIs affiliated with National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT), where admission process has been temporarily stopped due to lack of equipments and faculties. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that those institutions which would fulfill requirements in given time frame would be allowed to start admissions. He also said that if any ITI would failed to fulfill the requirements in given time, then the case for cancellation of their affiliation would be forwarded to DGET. The spokesman has also made it clear that date to fulfill the requirements would not be extended in any condition.
CM CONDEMNS UTTERENACES OF ADVISOR OF ASARAM TRUST Chandigarh August 26 – The Punjab Chief Minster Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today strongly condemned the utterances of the Ms. Neelam Dubey, Media Advisor of the Asaram Trust, in which she had made “highly objectionable and hurtful” references to Sikh history and especially the venerable Sikh gurus. In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that these utterances had hurt the religious sentiments of the entire Sikh community and of millions of others who held the Gurus in the highest spiritual esteem. These utterances should be immediately withdrawn. The Chief Minister said that nobody should do or say anything that can endanger the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony. He said that no one should be allowed to make ill-advised statements on sensitive religious issues without verifying historical facts. ---------------- BETTER PEEP INTO POOR ECONOMIC CONDITION OF COUNTRY RATHER DEMANDING WHITE PAPER ON STATE’S FISCAL HEALTH- BADAL TO UPA MINISTERS · ASSAILS UPA FOR FAILING ON ALL FRONTS · DARES UNION MINISTERS FROM PUNJAB TO LIST ANY SINGLE PROJECT BROUGHT BY THEM IN STATE · RELEASES BIOGRAPHY OF BUSINESS TYCOON OP MUNJAL · INAUGURATES SKILL CENTRE FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH · STATE GOVERNMENT MULLING A POLICY TO TACKLE STRAY CATTLE Ludhiana, August 26- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that before seeking white paper on the fiscal condition of the state, the Union Ministers from state should peep into their conscience to ascertain how the economic health of country had deteriorated under the ‘misrule’ of the UPA government at the centre. Talking to the media persons after unveiling the biography of Mr. OP Munjal, the founder of Hero cycles, here today, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that the economic position of the country was at the lowest ebb due to the wrong policies of the Union government. He said that the exchange value of Rupee against Dollar has touched its all time low and the prices of the essential commodities were sky rocketing, much to the dismay of common man. Mr. Badal said that moreover the UPA has failed miserably in safeguarding the interests of the country due to which it has lost the moral right to remain in power. The Chief Minister further said that being at the helms of the affairs of the country, the Union government was duty bound to preserve the sovereignty of the nation but unfortunately it has also failed in providing external and internal security to the countrymen. He said that the centre government owes an explanation to the countrymen as why it has remained mute spectator to the continuous attack on country’s sovereignty by the Pakistan and China. Mr. Badal said that the people of the country were fed up by the weakness of the Union government. Making a scathing attack on the Union Ministers from state, the Chief Minister dared them to list any single achievement of theirs for bringing any project in Punjab. He said that the Union Ministers and the Congress leadership were criticizing the state government for the sake of criticism whereas it was a fact that the state has witnessed unparalleled development in the regime of SAD-BJP government. Mr. Badal said that due to the stupendous efforts of the SAD-BJP government, today the state was leading the country in the fields of Education and Health care. The Chief Minister said that the Congress has always meted out step motherly treatment with Punjab due to which the industry of the state has been ruined. He said that the centre has deliberately extended financial incentives to many hill states which have not only destroyed the backbone of the state’s industry but has resulted in its flight from Punjab to other states. Mr. Badal also castigated the Union government for making mockery of the flood victims by issuing a meager compensation to them. When asked to comment on the ongoing war of words between the Congress leaders, the Chief quipped that it shows that the Congress was a ‘house of cards’ which would collapse sooner or later. He said that Congress leaders were habitual of making such political gimmicks to grab the attention of the people adding that in dearth of the issues against the state government the Congress leaders were resorting to malicious propaganda to mislead the people. Mr. Badal said that the wise people of the state were well aware of the dubious character of the Congress leadership and they would not fell prey to their cheap tactics. Earlier while unveiling the book, the Chief Minister recalled the immense contribution made by Mr. Munjal in emerging Ludhiana on the industrial map of the world by manufacturing the Hero cycles. He also lauded the role played by Mr. Munjal in philanthropic causes like opening of schools and colleges to help the needy. Mr. Badal said that the life of this great entrepreneur of Punjab would act as a source of inspiration for the many coming generations. Prior to this the Chief Minister also inaugurated ‘Hunar’ a skill centre of the Hero group in its premises. In his address the Mr. Badal said that the need of the hour was that the industrial units and the state government should join hands to impart quality skill training to the unemployed youth for making them self employed on one hand and weaning them away from the drugs on the other. He expressed hope that the centre opened by the Hero group would act as lighthouse for the other industrial units to follow its footsteps. The Chief Minister also assured fulsome support and cooperation to the industrial units for such endeavors. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. OP Munjal and Mr. Pankaj Munjal. Earlier in the morning the Chief Minister, while addressing a function at the Gobind Gau Dham, said that the state government in cooperation with the managements of the Gau Dhams was mulling over a scheme to tackle the menace of stray cattle in the state. He said that the government would extend all possible help to the managements of Gau Dhams for this cause. Mr. Badal also said that the state government has enacted stringent laws to check cow slaughter in the state adding that in accordance with the teachings of great gurus, saints and seers the state government was taking every possible step to protect Cows in the state. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, former Minister Jathedar Hira Singh Gabria, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, former Vice-Chairman Punjab Planning Commission Prof. Rajinder Bhandari and former MLA Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi. - BADALURGES PM TO DEPUTE CENTRAL TEAM FORSPECIAL PACKAGE FOR REHABILITATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND UP-GRADATION OF FLOOD RAVAGED INFRASTRUCTURE · WRITES TO PAWAR AND SHINDE WITH SIMILAR REQUEST · ASKS CHAIRMAN 14TH FINANCE COMMISSION TO VISIT FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS TO TAKE FIRST HAND INFORMATION OF HEAVY DAMAGE CAUSED TO CROPS AND INFRASTRUCTURE Chandigarh, August 26 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh seeking his personal intervention to have the prevalent norms of relief for damaged crops reviewed in wake of recent floods across the state, to provide atleast Rs. 20,000 per acre in case of complete loss. Besides, Mr. Badal also demanded to immediately depute a high powered Central team to access the damage and release special package for its rehabilitation, reconstruction and up gradation on a war footing. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal impressed on Dr. Singh to send a Central team from the Ministry of Agriculture and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) instantly to assess the damage caused as well as the inadequacies of existing surface drainage infrastructure in the State. The Chief Minister also wrote separate DO letters to Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar and Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde for similar request. Mr. Badal apprised the Prime Minister that that huge devastation was caused mainly by incessant rains in the region, for 3-4 days after 15th August. These not only necessitated releases from the Bhakra, Ranjit Sagar and Pong reservoirs, but also caused many drains to overflow, since their water could not flow into the rivers that were already in spate. The Chief Minister pointed out he had toured the worst-affected parts of the State during past few days and have closely seen the plight of people whose houses, crops and livestock have been damaged. Apart from human life, there had been substantial loss to government and community-owned infrastructure also. The Chief Minister informed Dr. Singh that the State Government had been working hard to alleviate the sufferings of the people and relief works have been taken up in real earnest. However, the scale of relief allowed under the guidelines for utilization of the State Disaster Response Fund was totally inadequate, and did not provide any meaningful help. He made special mention for the relief provided in the case of 100% loss to crops in irrigated areas, which had been capped at Rs. 9,000/- per hectare. By the time the floods occurred, the Kharif crop had fully matured and farmers had already incurred the bulk of the expense on items such as seed, fertilizer, insecticide, diesel etc. By any estimate, this expenditure would be in the region of Rs. 25-30 thousand per acre. To provide as relief of only Rs. 3600/- per acre in these circumstances seems like a cruel joke on the distressed farmers. Likewise, the Chief Minister also brought into the notice of Prime Minister that many parts of the State have been the worst sufferer of these floods as recent spell of rains in the State has brought unprecedented misery to the farmers and farm laborers. As you were also aware, surface drains were lifelines of farmers in historically waterlogged and others districts of Punjab. The traditional drainage system had worn out over the time and requires a major re-designing and upgradation. Their cotton, paddy and fodder crops have been completely destroyed. Many village habitations were flooded, leading to shifting of people and cattle to relief camps, distribution of food, drinking water, medicines, fodder etc. Therefore, the Chief Minister requested Dr. Singh to immediately direct the Ministry of Agriculture and NDMA to dispatch a high powered Central team to take stock of the situation so that special package could be released forth with to bail out the flood victims in the state. It may be recalled that a study team under Dr. Mihir Shah, Member, Planning Commission of India, had earlier studied the water logging and drainage problem in the state for paving the way for central infrastructural funding, but we are still awaiting its outcome. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also requested the Chairman 14th Finance Commission Dr. YV Reddy to personally visit the flood affected areas along with his other members of the team at the earliest to gather first hand impression of the misery of farmers and to take stock of the damage caused as well as the inadequacies of existing surface drainage infrastructure so that ground realities could be brought to their notice for release of special package to execute reconstruction and upgradation of damaged infrastructure on war footing. Mr. Badal also offered to provide helicopter and arrange all logistics from Delhi to facilitate their visit in the flood affected areas. In case it was not possible immediately, the Chief Minister requested them to plan this visit as part of their interaction with the state government on 6th or 7th September, 2013. - NS KANG, SURESH KUMAR AND JAGPAL SINGH OF 1983 IAS BATCH PROMOTED IN PAY SCALE OF CHIEF SECRETARY Chandigarh August 26- On the recommendations of the screening committee, the Punjab Government has promoted three senior IAS officers of 1983 batch Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, Mr. Suresh Kumar and Mr. Jagpal Singh in the pay scale of Chief Secretary Rs.80, 000/- per month (fixed) w.e.f August 28, 2013 on completion of their 30 years of service. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh cleared the file to this effect there by giving his nod this morning. It may be recalled that Mr. Badal constituted a three-member committee comprising the senior most IAS Officers Mrs. Geetika Kalha and Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to determine the eligibility criteria for the promotion of these officers in the pay scale of Chief Secretary. -- CHANDIGARH, AUGUST, 26: The Technical Education Department of Punjab government has stopped the admission process in 23 private ITIs affiliated with National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and case for cancellation of their affiliation has been forwarded to DGET. Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister, Punjab said that admission has been temporarily stopped in 23 NCVT affiliated Private ITIs and notice has been given after deficiencies pointed out by the Principals/Inspecting Officers regarding poor training standard, shortage of Machinery/Equipment/Staff and Shifting of Building etc. He said that the private ITIs whose admission has been tempreorly stopped are Guru Gobind Singh I.T.I. Vill. Ubhewal, Sangrur, Mata Gujri I.T.C. Patran, Malwa I.T.C. Mandi Harji Ram, Malout , Sri Mukatsar Sahib. Kalgidhar I.T.C. Malout, Bibi Bhani ITC, Moga, Guru Nanak Dev ITC, Model Town, Phase-2, Bathinda. Maharishi Vishwamitters ITC, Street No. 20, Bathinda, Sahibzada Ajit Singh ITC, Near Truck Union Bhagta Bhai Ka, Tehsil Phul, Distt. Bathinda, Dabwali Private ITI, Talwandi Sabo, Distt. Bathinda, D.P.D ITC Zira, Zira, Distt. Ferozepur, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Pvt. ITI, Sangat Kenchiya, Main Dabwali Road, Distt. Bathinda, Guru Kanshi Institute of Vocational Training, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda., Kartar ITC, Vill. Bohra Kalan, Distt. Patiala, Guru Gobind Singh ITC, VPO Bhaini Bagha Distt. Mansa, New Angel ITC, Saini Complex, Zirakpur, New Era ITC, Friends Enclave, H.No 63-A, Chandigarh Road, Kharar. Sant Farid ITC, C-128, Phase-8, Mohali., GTB Private ITI Bathinda road Tapa, Distt. Barnala. GTB Institute of Industrial Training, Bhadaur Distt. Barnala, S.D. Pvt. ITI Moga, Moga, Gurukul Private ITI, Sherpur Katron road, Distt. Sangrur, Techno Private ITI, VPO Chhappion wali, Distt. Muktsar Sahib. Guru Teg Bahadur Pvt. ITI, Mansa Road, Distt. Bathinda -
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST, 26: The All India Conference of Intellectuals a N G O awarded Punjab Rattan Award to Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry And Technical Education Minister at an impressive ceremony held in Chandigarh which was attended by distinguished intellectuals from all walks of life including former Governor and Judges and Vice Chancellors. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the event was presided over by Mr. H. S. Brahma, Election Commissioner of India. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Joshi asked the citizen to cast their vote judicious taking into consideration the credentials of the candidates. - STATE GOVERNMENT TO COVER 15170 HABITATIONS FOR SUPPLY SAFE DRINKING WATER: VALTOHA CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 26: The State Government to cover 15170 habitations for supply of 70 Liter per capita safe drinking water per day in the state in the coming two years. Disclosing this here today Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Chief Parliament Secretary, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation said that 5000 habitations would be covered under safe water drinking scheme and state proposes to cover all the habitations with 70 lpcd by the end of 12th plan. The plan allocation for the water supply and sanitation has been increased by 35 percent in the annual plan 2013-14. Mr. Valtoha said that it would be strictly ensured that the presence of uranium and heavy metals in the drinking water should not exceed than the set parameters. He said that in some of the rural areas of the state water supply schemes didn't work and the set targets have not achieved. He appealed the local leaders to bring such cases into his notice so that water supply scheme could be implemented in true spirit. He said that all the District Officers of the Department have been asked to send the status reports of the water supply schemes in 10 days. = PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT 3 NEW SUDHAR GHAR WITH THE COST OF Rs. 442 CRORE: DHILLON · CONSTRUCTION OF SUDHAR GHAR AT AMRITSAR, BATHINDA AND SRI MUKATSAR SAHIB IS ON THE ANVIL CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 26: The Punjab Government has approved an ambitious plan to construct three new Sudhar Ghars (Jails) with the investment of Rs. 442 crore. The construction work would commence from the month October 2013 and would be completed till March 2015. Disclosing this here today Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Minister for Public Works Department said that the Punjab Government is working on the agenda of upgrading the infrastructure and the number of Sudhar Ghars in the state to provide better in house faculties and to decongest the Sudhar Ghars from the inflow of the inmates. He said Building Construction Wing of the PWD would construct these three Sudhar Ghars. Mr. Dhillon said that all these three Sudhar Ghar (Jails) are expected to be completed within 18 months. He added that construction work of Amritsar Sudhar Ghar would be constructed with the estimated cost of RS 156 Crore, Bathinda Sudhar Ghar with the estimated cost of RS 195 Crore and Sri Mukatsar Sahib Sudhar Ghar would be constructed with the estimated cost of RS 91 crore. He said that the chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has taken keen interest in upgrading the physical infrastructure of Sudhar Ghars. He said that Rs. 442 crore has been set aside by the Punjab government for this task. Mr. Dhillon reiterated the SAD-BJP Government’s resolve to provide total face lift to the cities with the construction of State of Art infrastructure. He said that the PWD has been working on high pace to re-carpet the old roads, construction of new road in the rural areas and four/six laning of Major highways in the state. ----------- Entry in High Court strictly on RFID Card Chandigarh, August 26, A spokesperson of Punjab and Haryana High court informed that due to security reasons, from 26-8-2013 onwards the entry of the litigants and general public in the high court premises will be permitted only after checking visitors ‘Radio Frequency Identification Cards (RFID)’. He said that the visitors RFID Cards shall be issued to the litigants/general public at the gate pass counter in the High Court premises on the production of Government approved identifications like Aadhar Card, Voter Card, Driving License and Identity Card etc. He said that to avoid inconvenience, the general public/litigants are advised to bring any of the above mentioned Government approved identifications. -- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL LAUNCHES PUNJAB POLICE HELPLINE, A UNIQUE INITIATIVE OF THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT--HELP-DESKS NRIs AVAILABLE 24x7
Baggewala (Ferozepur)- August 22: KANWANWALI PATTAN (FAZILKA), AUGUST 22: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who today conducted intensive touring of Flood Affected villages of Fazilka and Jalalabad areas today issued directions to appoint Nodal Officers for each flood affected village to expedite the relief and compensation to the affected people.
PUNJAB ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 23 TO 30 AUGUST CHANDIGARH, AUGUST, 22:
BADAL ANNOUNCES TO DEFER RECOVERY OF CROP LOANS IN FLOOD AREAS · UNDERTAKES WHIRLWIND TOUR TO VISIT FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS OF AJNALA, DERA BABA NANAK AND HARI KE PATTAN · ORDERS SPECIAL GIRDAWRI TO ACCESSES THE DAMAGE CROPS Hari Ke Pattan/Chandigarh, August 21: In a major relief to the flood affected farmers, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to defer the recovery of crop loans of the Co-operative societies thereby converting their short term crop loans into medium term crop loans in order to ease out pressure of repayment on them. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that an announcement to this regard was by Mr. Badal after undertaking a whirlwind tour to the flood affected areas in the sub divisions of Ajnala in Amritsar District and Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district besides Dhusi Bandh (Gatti Harike) over river Satluj in district Tarn Taran to take stock of the situation on the spot. The Chief Minister visited these areas and interacted with the people to intensify the relief and rehabilitation measures. The Chief Minister ordered to immediately conduct special Girdawri for assessing the loss caused to the standing crops besides survey to ascertain the damage caused to house property in these flood ravaged areas due to heavy rains in the upper reaches of Ravi, Beas and Satluj. Mr. Badal asked the FCR to instruct all the Deputy Commissioners especially in the flood affected areas to get girdawri executed by the revenue officials under direct supervision of an officer not below the rank of PCS so that proper assessment of the entire damage could be done and adequate compensation to the flood affected victims be disbursed accordingly. Mr. Badal assured the people that the extensive damage caused to the public installations would be undertaken on the priority besides strengthening the flood protection works immediately after the water recedes by the district administration in tandem with PWD (B&R), Mandi Board, Water Supply and Sanitation and PSPCL. At village Gati Harike on the demand of residents of the nearby villages, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would soon construct the four kilometer stretch of road on Dhussi Bundh. Later talking to the media persons the Chief Minister said he would soon take up with the Government of India to immediately revise the natural calamity norms to ensure adequate compensation to the affected people by such calamities of and on. Mr. Badal pointed out that State Government had already hike the compensation from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per acre to bail out the people afflicted with such natural calamities. Slamming the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, the Chief Minister said that he was politicking on recent floods’ situation across the state following heavy rains in the catchment areas of Ranjit Sagar, Pong, Bhakra Dams. Mr. Badal said, “Had Mr. Bajwa ever seriously concerned about the situation he would have mounted pressure on Congress led UPA Government at Center to pay Rs. 25000 per acre as compensation to the Punjabi farmers rather creating hype in the media.” The Chief Minister said that he would not be ever indebted to Mr. Bajwa, if he secures this quantum of relief for the Punjabi farmers, whose crops have been totally vanished but also thank him personally by calling on him at his residence. The Chief Minister announced appreciation letters to Deputy Commissioner Amritsar and SDM Ajnala who did good work in preventing breach of advance bundh and inundation of 11000 acres of land displacement of many people. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, former Minister Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. N.S. Kang and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. S.K. Sandhu. CM VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS · INSPECTS RESTORATION WORK · WILL TAKE UP THE CASE WITH THE CENTRE FOR HIKE IN COMPENSATION · ASSURES RS. 161 CRORE PROJECT FOR STRENGTHENING THE EMBANKMENTS OF RAVI · CONCEDES TO THE DEMAND OF CONSTRUCTION OF PANTOON BRIDGE · RS. 70 LAC FOR FARMERS IN AMRITSAR HAVING LAND ACROSS THE FENCING Shahpur Post (Ajnala/Amritsar), August 21: Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today visited the flood affected areas in Ajnala Sector and inspected the ongoing restoration work along the banks of Ravi River. He was accompanied by Mr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, Member Parliament, Mr. Amarpal Singh Boni, MLA, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secy, Mr. N.S.Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secy. Irrigation, Mr. Ishwar Chander, I.G Police, Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner and other senior officials from drainage deptt. Expressing satisfaction over the nature and pace of strengthening operations on Dhussi Bandh, Mr. Badal said that the timely action by Distt. Administration coupled with the mighty input from the local residents and BSF, a major tragedy has been averted. He said that throughout the operation, he maintained a constant touch with Distt Administration telephonically and took stalk of the situation on hourly basis. Mr Badal said that with the construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam the probability of flood in Ajnala Sector has been reduced to quite an extent and it is one of the rarest of rare occasions that the water level swelled up to 5 lac cusecs against 24000 cusecs of routine flow, just in a short span of time. Yet, in the nick of time, the distt. Adminstration rose of up to the occasion, successfully evacuated the area and plugged the breach in Dhussi Bandh thereby saving precious human lives, said he. He added that Govt. would issue appreciation letters to all concerned. Answering the query pertaining future flood control measures, Mr. Badal informed that Rs 161 crore proposal for strengthening the embankments and other flood control measures in the region has been forwarded by the drainage deptt. and the same would be implemented soon after the reviewal by the officials concerned. He added that he was on a 3 day tour to the flood affected areas of Amritsar, Tarntaran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Muktsar and after assessing the ground realities a comprehensive strategy for better flood protection would be evolved. Conceding to the demands of the locals, Mr. Badal gave an immediate consent to the construction of Pantoon Bridge on Ravi in Ajnala Sector. Mr. Badal informed that with all requests for compensation to the farmers having land across fencing turned deaf ear by Centre Govt, the Govt. of Punjab has provided a compensation of Rs. 3000 per acre to such farmers and Rs.70 lac have been provided to the Distt. Administration for prompt distribution over and above the funds allocated for Border Area Development. Answering yet another query on demand for compensation to the tune of Rs. 30,000 per acre for farmers of the flood affected areas by PPCC Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, Mr. Badal said that instead of indulging into flood politics and publicity gimmicks, Mr. Bajwa should come up with something concrete and should take up the cause of farmers with Centre Govt. He said that he has complete empathy for flood affected farmers and would take up their case with Centre Govt. for multifold hike in compensation as against the set amount of Rs. 5000 per acre. -------- PUNJAB NOTIFIES REVISED POLICY FOR UNAUTHORIZED COLONIES · WOULD HAVE TO APPLY WITHIN 45 DAYS FOR REGULARIZATION · REGULARIZATION CHARGES SLASHED TO FACILITATE GENERAL PUBLIC CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 21: The Punjab Government today notified the Revised Policy to regularize unauthorized colonies/constructions/buildings in the unauthorized colonies for one time regularization. The revised policy would only approve the unapproved colonies/buildings constructed before April 1, 2013. According to an Official Spokesperson, the Policy has been framed with the objectives including to bring all unauthorized colonies/buildings into planning framework and to regularize the development, facilitating implementation of Master Plan’s land uses, improving the circulation pattern of streets/roads, providing basic amenities to residents/plot holders of these area besides making provisions to compound offences made under the relevant acts. The policy envisages compulsory application for regularization by developers of unauthorized colonies/owners of plots/buildings for compounding/regularization of layout/plots within 45 days of notification of this policy. The colonies have been categorized into three groups including where 65 percent area has been sold, where 35 to 65 percent area has been sold and where less than 35 percent area has been sold. The composition fee for regularization of unauthorized colony constructed before 17-08-2007 would be 0.5 % of collector rate as on 01-04-2013 subject to minimum of Rs. 25000 and maximum of Rs. 1 lakh per acre. For unauthorized colonies constructed after 17-08-2007, the fee would be 2 % of collector rate subject to minimum of Rs. 1 lakh and maximum of Rs. 5 lakh per acre. To facilitate the public 10 % of total composition fee would be realized along with application, 15% within one month of application and 75 % in three equal six monthly installments along with 12% interest. A rebate of 5 % would be allowed if composition fee is paid in lump sum at the time of application. The new policy has slashed regularization charges especially for the small plot holders and poor giving major relief to all sections of the society.
The industrial plots/ buildings shall be charged at half the rates as fixed for residential plot/ buildings in the above table and institutional plot/ buildings shall be charged at par with residential plots/ buildings. · The plot size as mentioned in the registered sale deed or full and final payment agreement on stamp paper shall be considered for levying regularization charges even if the plots is owned jointly by more than one owner, i.e., the rates will not be calculated according to the share of the co-owners in registered sale deed or agreement, rather this calculation will be done on area transaction involved in the sale deed/ agreement. · The composition fee/ regularization charges on buildings shall be charged proportionately to the use of the building, i.e., as per the percentage of area used for residential, commercial, institutional use shall be charged accordingly. · In addition to regularization charges for plots the composition fee on unauthorized buildings shall be charged
· Regularization charges and composition fee on buildings only shall be retained by the Department of Local Government, Punjab, if the site falls within municipal limits and by the concerned Development Authority, if the site falls outside MC limits. · In case of illegal colonies, where building plans have already been approved by the Competent Authority or where NOC has been issued after receiving EDC/ SIF in that case, the regularization charges as mentioned in the above tables shall not be charged. But for future, to have strict control on the development of unauthorized colonies and building activity the stringent legal provisions are being made which provide seven years imprisonment and with a fine which may extend to Rupees five lakhs on conviction of the Colonizer of an unauthorized colony. Under the proposed provisions, unauthorized buildings in an unauthorized colony shall not be sanctioned water supply, sewer or electric connection, no Registrar or Sub–Registrar shall register their sale deed or any other document regarding the sale of that plot or building besides the building shall be liable for demolition. ----------- DEPUTY CM APPROVES 36 COMPUTERISED INTEGRATED CHECK POSTS · WORLD CLASS TOTAL AUTOMATED 11 MAJOR AND 25 MINOR CHECK POSTS TO ENSURE HASSLE FREE TRAFFIC · ONLINE CHECK POSTS TO BRING TOTAL TRANSPARENCY IN REVENUE COLLECTION · PUNJAB TO BE THE FIRST STATE TO GO FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF STATE
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 21: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved setting up of 11 major and 25 minor Computerised Integrated Check Posts to ensure hassle free movement of goods traffic besides bringing total transparency in revenue collection. In a path breaking move the Deputy Chief Minister approving the conceptual plan put up by Excise and Taxation Department asked them to construct and opertionalise all the check posts on January 1, 2014. The 11 Check Posts to be computerised under integrated check post plan included Shambu-I, Shambu-E, Lalru, Banur, Khanauri, Balongi, Dehni, Madhopur, Kaller Khera, Doomanwali, and Zirakpur. The Minor check posts included Ram Nagar, Devigarh, Moonak, Ghanouli, Lakhanpur, Mullanpur, Nangal, Harsar-Mansar, Chak Sadhu, Dalhousie Road, Saikulian, Sito Ghunoo, Rajpura, Talwandi Sabo, Killianwali, Sardulewala, Boha, Chullar Kalan, Mohali, Talwara, Amritsar Station, Ludhiana Station, Sarna and Khanaouri Kaithal Road. Reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to provide World Class Road Connectivity, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government has already approved Rs. 12160 crore plan to link all cities with 4/6 lane roads and to check the traffic bottlenecks caused due to manual checking of goods vehicle it has been decided to setup automated computerised integrated check posts having world class infrastructures. The Check Posts would have separate parking, loading unloading area besides restrooms and refreshing rooms for drivers. The Facilities to be ensured in each check post would include heavy vehicle scanners, vehicle weighing platforms, high resolution CCTV Cameras besides number plate capturing equipments. There would be six to seven bays on check posts for smooth and hassle free disposal of goods traffic. The passenger traffic would not be halted on these check posts and there would be separate lanes for private tourist buses and taxis. Issuing instructions to integrate all these check posts with the main server of Excise and Taxation Department, Mr. Badal said that purpose of whole exercise was to bring total transparency in the revenue collection besides facilitating the drivers of goods vehicles, who had to wait hours to get their vehicles cleared on the check posts. He said that all these check posts would have air conditioned administrative offices and their total operation could be monitored from the Excise and Taxation Headquarter on wide area network. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Mr. D.P. Reddy, Principal Secretary Excise and Taxation, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, MD PIDB, Mr. Anurag Verma, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Secretary to Deputy CM and representatives of various participating agencies. CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY HONOURED DR. ATWAL CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 21: Assembly of California, Sacramento (USA) has felicitated Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Assembly for His Contribution in promoting the democratic values. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of Punjab Assembly said that the Speaker of California Assembly Mr. John A. Praze and Mr. Amardeep Singh Dhaliwal Mayor extended warm welcome and honoured Dr. Atwal for his lifelong contribution in promoting peace and universal brotherhood. He said that Mr. John A. Praze also lauded the efforts of Dr. Atwal for contributing political and social sector with human values. Mr. Praze while honouring the Dr. Atwal commended the efforts of punjabi diaspora living in America for enriching American ethos with the value of tolerance, diligence and humanity. NO.PR.13/941 ------------ TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT INKS MOU WITH TOYOTA KIRLOSKAR MOTOR · AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 21: The Technical Education and Industrial Training Department today singed Mou with Toyota Kirloskar Motor at Chandigarh. Under this Agreement auto motive body repair and auto motive paint trades and Toyota technical program would be incorporated in ITI Ludhiana and ITI Lalru. During the singing off MOU ceremony Mr. A.R. Talwar Principal Secretary Technical Education and Industrial Training Department was the chief guest. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of Technical Education and Industrial Training Department said that the department has earlier also signed an MOU with Toyota Kirloskar Motor for starting Motor Mechanic vehicle trade in ITI Ludhiana. He said that under this agreement all the students studding in motor Mechanic are being imparted the up to date training and technique. He said that the students have also been offered jobs by the dealers of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. He said that in first phase thr training would be commenced in ITI Ludhiana and Lalru and in second phase it would be started in the entire state. Mr. B. Purushartha, Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Mr. Najubudeen, Deputy Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mr. Manish Kansal, Senior Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Mrs. Daljit Kaur Sidhu, Additional Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Mr. Rupinder Singh, Deputy Director, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Deputy Director, Mr. Jasvir Singh, Deputy Director,Mr. Amarjit Singh, Assistant Director, Mr. Baljinder Singh, Principal, ITI Ludhiana and Mr. Jaswant Singh, Principal, ITI Lalru were also present during the event. ------------ 7 IPS AND 3 PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 21: The Punjab Government today transferred 7 IPS and 3 PPS officers in the state with immediate effect. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr.B Chandra Sekhar, IPS has been transferred and posted as IGP/EOW cum Director Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, Chandigarh, Shashi Prabha Dwivedi, IPS has been posted as IGP/Modernisation, Punjab Chandigarh, Mr. R.P.S.Brar IPS has been posted as IGP/Crime, Punjab Chandigarh, Mr. Ram Singh, IPS has been posted as Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar, Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh, IPS has been posted as Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Mr. Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh, IPS has been posted as DIG/Ludhiana Range with additional charge of Cyber Crime, Punjab Chandigarh and Mr. Dinesh Partap Singh, IPS has been posted as JD/Administration/VB, Punjab with additional charge of DIG/Administration, Punjab Chandigarh. The spokesman further said that Mr. Rajpal Singh, PPS, SSP/Fazilka has been transferred and posted as Commandant, 7th Battalion, PAP, Jalandhar, Mr. Snehdeep Sharma, PPS, SSP/Barnala has been posted as Commandant, 3rd Battalion, IRB, Ludhiana and Mr. Harjinder Singh, PPS, has been posted as AIG/Provisioning, Punjab Chandigarh. ---------- DEPUTY CM APPROVES 36 COMPUTERISED INTEGRATED CHECK POSTS · WORLD CLASS TOTAL AUTOMATED 11 MAJOR AND 25 MINOR CHECK POSTS TO ENSURE HASSLE FREE TRAFFIC · ONLINE CHECK POSTS TO BRING TOTAL TRANSPARENCY IN REVENUE COLLECTION · PUNJAB TO BE THE FIRST STATE TO GO FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF STATE
CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 21: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved setting up of 11 major and 25 minor Computerised Integrated Check Posts to ensure hassle free movement of goods traffic besides bringing total transparency in revenue collection. In a path breaking move the Deputy Chief Minister approving the conceptual plan put up by Excise and Taxation Department asked them to construct and opertionalise all the check posts on January 1, 2014. The 11 Check Posts to be computerised under integrated check post plan included Shambu-I, Shambu-E, Lalru, Banur, Khanauri, Balongi, Dehni, Madhopur, Kaller Khera, Doomanwali, and Zirakpur. The Minor check posts included Ram Nagar, Devigarh, Moonak, Ghanouli, Lakhanpur, Mullanpur, Nangal, Harsar-Mansar, Chak Sadhu, Dalhousie Road, Saikulian, Sito Ghunoo, Rajpura, Talwandi Sabo, Killianwali, Sardulewala, Boha, Chullar Kalan, Mohali, Talwara, Amritsar Station, Ludhiana Station, Sarna and Khanaouri Kaithal Road. Reiterating the commitment of Punjab Government to provide World Class Road Connectivity, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government has already approved Rs. 12160 crore plan to link all cities with 4/6 lane roads and to check the traffic bottlenecks caused due to manual checking of goods vehicle it has been decided to setup automated computerised integrated check posts having world class infrastructures. The Check Posts would have separate parking, loading unloading area besides restrooms and refreshing rooms for drivers. The Facilities to be ensured in each check post would include heavy vehicle scanners, vehicle weighing platforms, high resolution CCTV Cameras besides number plate capturing equipments. There would be six to seven bays on check posts for smooth and hassle free disposal of goods traffic. The passenger traffic would not be halted on these check posts and there would be separate lanes for private tourist buses and taxis. Issuing instructions to integrate all these check posts with the main server of Excise and Taxation Department, Mr. Badal said that purpose of whole exercise was to bring total transparency in the revenue collection besides facilitating the drivers of goods vehicles, who had to wait hours to get their vehicles cleared on the check posts. He said that all these check posts would have air conditioned administrative offices and their total operation could be monitored from the Excise and Taxation Headquarter on wide area network. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Mr. D.P. Reddy, Principal Secretary Excise and Taxation, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, MD PIDB, Mr. Anurag Verma, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Secretary to Deputy CM and representatives of various participating agencies.
CM visits flood affected areas
Shahpur Post (Ajnala/Amritsar), August 21: Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today visited the flood affected areas in Ajnala Sector and inspected the ongoing restoration work along the banks of Ravi River. He was accompanied by Mr. Rattan Singh Ajnala, Member Parliament, Mr. Amarpal Singh Boni, MLA, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secy, Mr. N.S.Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secy. Irrigation, Mr. Ishwar Chander, I.G Police, Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Deputy Commissioner and other senior officials from drainage deptt. Expressing satisfaction over the nature and pace of strengthening operations on Dhussi Bandh, Mr. Badal said that the timely action by Distt. Administration coupled with the mighty input from the local residents and BSF, a major tragedy has been averted. He said that throughout the operation, he maintained a constant touch with Distt Administration telephonically and took stalk of the situation on hourly basis. Mr Badal said that with the construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam the probability of flood in Ajnala Sector has been reduced to quite an extent and it is one of the rarest of rare occasions that the water level swelled up to 5 lac cusecs against 24000 cusecs of routine flow, just in a short span of time. Yet, in the nick of time, the distt. Adminstration rose of up to the occasion, successfully evacuated the area and plugged the breach in Dhussi Bandh thereby saving precious human lives, said he. He added that Govt. would issue appreciation letters to all concerned. Answering the query pertaining future flood control measures, Mr. Badal informed that Rs 161 crore proposal for strengthening the embankments and other flood control measures in the region has been forwarded by the drainage deptt. and the same would be implemented soon after the reviewal by the officials concerned. He added that he was on a 3 day tour to the flood affected areas of Amritsar, Tarntaran, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Muktsar and after assessing the ground realities a comprehensive strategy for better flood protection would be evolved. Conceding to the demands of the locals, Mr. Badal gave an immediate consent to the construction of Pantoon Bridge on Ravi in Ajnala Sector. Mr. Badal informed that with all requests for compensation to the farmers having land across fencing turned deaf ear by Centre Govt, the Govt. of Punjab has provided a compensation of Rs. 3000 per acre to such farmers and Rs.70 lac have been provided to the Distt. Administration for prompt distribution over and above the funds allocated for Border Area Development. Answering yet another query on demand for compensation to the tune of Rs. 30,000 per acre for farmers of the flood affected areas by PPCC Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa, Mr. Badal said that instead of indulging into flood politics and publicity gimmicks, Mr. Bajwa should come up with something concrete and should take up the cause of farmers with Centre Govt. He said that he has complete empathy for flood affected farmers and would take up their case with Centre Govt. for multifold hike in compensation as against the set amount of Rs. 5000 per acre. - - - -
INTER-SCHOOL SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE HELD IN LUDHIANA Chandigarh August 21: In a first for Punjab and country, prize money of nearly Rs. 10 Lakh will be awarded for an Inter School Championship being organized by Punjab Rifle Shooting Association (PRSA) to be held on August 23 to 25 at Gobind College Narangwal in district Ludhiana. This attempt to popularize Shooting as a sport at the grassroots level came about soon after Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Majithia was unanimously elected President of the PRSA. First prize of Rs. 21000, second prize of Rs. 15000 and the third prize of Rs. 11000 would be given along with the gold, silver and bronze medals to the winners respectively. As many as 200 students representing 90 schools are participating in the championship. The boarding and lodging arrangements would be made by the government. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the government said that Shooting as a sport would be given due importance and world-class infrastructure would be created for rifle shooters in the state. He also said that to begin with, the PRSA would set up shooting ranges in Amritsar, Bathinda, SAS Nagar Mohali and Ludhiana and similar infrastructure would be created at other places also. The 14th edition of Inter-School Shooting Championship would be inaugurated by Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister Punjab where as Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister and Mr. Sikhandar Singh Maluka, Education Minister would be the chief guests on the concluding day celebrations. Renowned shooter Ronjan Sodhi a recipient of the Arjuna award would interact with the participants on the concluding day and encourage them to excel in shooting and achieve greater heights.
1, 52,330 BICYCLES TO BE DISTRIBUTED UNDER MAI BHAGGO VIDDYA SCHEME THIS YEAR: MITTAL · PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPROVES RS. 47 CRORE FOR THE SCHEME · PROCESS COMPLETED FOR PROCUREMENT OF BICYCLES · 82244 THOUSAND 11TH CLASS & 70086 THOUSAND 12TH CLASS GIRLS TO BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME Chandigarh, AUGUST 21: Punjab government to provide free bicycles to 1, 52,330 government school girls of class 10+1 & 10+2 under Mai Bhaggo Viddya scheme this financial year. Punjab Government has sanctioned Rs 47 crores for this scheme. Divulging this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Minister for Social Securities & Women & Child Development Department said that whole process for distribution of free bicycles under the Mai Bhago Scheme is completed by the department. He said that bicycles would be handed over to the girl students of 11th & 12th class students within two months. Mr. Mittal said that education department has provided the data of girl students studying in government schools of each district. As per figures provided by the education department total 82244 thousand 11th class & 70086 thousand 12th class girls would benefit from the scheme this year. He further said that Mai Bhago Scheme was launched in the year 2011-12 and 1,11,049 government school girls of 11th & 12th classes benefited under the Mai Bhago Scheme during the year 2011-12. Minister further said that this scheme was launched with the personal initiatives of Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal to provide better opportunities to girls for higher studies. He added that results are already visible by the decrease in the dropout rate of girl students from schools. He added that the Punjab Government distributed over 1 lakh 11 thousand and 49 bi-cycles to the girl students studying in class 11th and 12th with the cost of Rs. 30 crore last year. ------------ PUNJAB ANNOUNCES CUSTOM MILLING POLICY FOR KHARIF Chandigarh August 21: The Punjab Government has announced a Policy for Custom Milling of Kharif 2013-14 to ensure smooth operation of custom milling of Paddy. Stating this here today Mr. S.S.Johal, Commissioner Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Punjab, said that Kharif Marketing Season 2013-14, is going to start from 1st of October, 2013. Giving details of the Custom Milling Policy, Mr. Johal said that this year the Department has decided that only those rice millers who have completed 100% milling of paddy of 2012-13 or earlier years will be allotted paddy for milling for 2013-14. Any defaulter miller who is yet to complete the milling of paddy for 2012-13 will not be considered for allocation of paddy in 2013-14. The Govt. of India has not granted any further extension in the date of milling for 2012-13. As per the provisions of the policy, if any defaulter miller of 2012-13 deposits the cost of balance rice along with other overheads, he can be considered for allocation in the 2013-14 from the date he deposits the balance recoverable amount to the concerned agency. As per data available with the Dept., there are around 2500 mills that have completed 100% milling for 2012-13. The Commissioner also said that paddy would be procured by all procuring agencies including Pungrain, Markfed, Punsup, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation and the Food Corporation of India. He further said that paddy procured by the procuring agencies would be got milled from the rice millers of the State as per Punjab Rice Procurement (Levy) Order 1983. The policy has laid down very strict norms for shifting the paddy in the state or outside the state to check malpractices and pilferage. The surplus paddy, if any, at a milling centre would be shifted for its storage to the nearest milling centre keeping in view the availability of milling capacity at that centre, he said. No defaulter rice mill shall be considered for allotment/provisional registration, he added. He further said that there would be no dearth of gunny bales during the paddy procurement this year as 6 lac bales have already been received in the state by now against the demand of 7.71 lac.
- BADAL RELEASES PUNJABI POETRY BOOK ‘GWACHE WARQ’ Chandigarh, August 17
Chandigarh, August 17 HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECRUITS 101 STAFF NURSES FROM WAITING LIST -- CM AND DY. CM MOURNS DEATH OF 10 PEOPLE IN ROAD ACCIDENT · ANNOUNCED ONE LAC EX-GRATIA Chandigarh, August 16- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic accident in which ten people were killed after a truck carrying devotees from Mairi Shrine to Tarn Taran (Punjab), in two decks skidded off the road in Mairi village of Amb Sub- Division in Una District of Himachal Pradesh. Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this disastrous accident, the Chief Minister shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an Ex Gratia grant of Rs. 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. -- CM RELEASES BOOK ON GHADAR MOVEMENT COMPILED AND EDITED BY THREE EMINENT HISTORIANS GHADAR MOVEMENT BACKGROUND, IDEOLOGY, ACTION AND LEGACY PRESENTS DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE MOVEMENT Chandigarh, August 16- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal released the book "Ghadar Movement background, Ideology, Action and Legacy" on Thursday late evening. Releasing the book compiled and edited by eminent historians Prof. JS Grewal, Prof. Harish K Puri and Prof. Indu Banga, the Chief Minister congratulated the editorial board for presenting a detailed account of this watershed movement of Indian freedom struggle besides spotting light on the entire national independence movement initiated for throwing away the yoke of British imperialism from our motherland. He said that apart from it this book would also showcase the role of Punjabis in various movements of freedom struggle spearheaded from within the country and abroad. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for us that despite of being only two percent of the total population of the country, the Punjabis have made 80% of the sacrifices in the altar of freedom struggle. The Chief Minister also extended warm wishes to the Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala Dr. Jaspal Singh for making concerted efforts to publish this book. He said that this book would prove very helpful to the Historians and students for acquiring knowledge about the Indian history. Earlier apprising the Chief Minister about the book, the Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala Dr. Jaspal Singh said that this book was related with the Ghadar movement, in which this movement has been analyzed in a new form. He said that this book was the compilation of various essays by the writers who have described this movement in full detail. Likewise VC said that this book has been published in English and it would be translated in Punjabi by next year. Dr. Jaspal Singh also said that this book has already been released in United States of America in a function to commemorate 100 years of foundation of Ghadar movement. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included former VC Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Dr. JS Grewal, former Pro-VC GNDU Dr. Prithipal Singh Kapoor, Prof. Indu Banga, Dean Research Punjabi University Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Director Publication Bureau Punjabi University Dr. Dhanwant Kaur and Head of Punjabi Department Dr. Jasbir Kaur. - SENIOR OFFICERS AUTHORIZED TWO MOBILE CONNECTIONS CHANDIGARH, AUGUST, 16: The Punjab government has authorized all Financial Commissioner, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries to have two official connections. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that this decision has been taken in a meeting of ‘State Telephone Board’. He said that these officers have been authorized for more than one mobile with the condition that expenditure must not exceed the sanctioned limit and the mobile connections must be on the name of the concerned officer. He said that written instructions have been issued in this regard. - CEO IMPARTS TRAINING UNDER Systematic Voters’ Education Electoral Participating Chandigarh August 16: Keeping in view the ensuing Parliament elections in the state, the chief electoral officer Punjab Mr. Raminder Singh has directed all the additional district electoral officers and other concerned officers to ensure proper implementation of the guidelines issued by the Chief Election Commission with regard to Systematic Voters’ Education Electoral Participating (SVEEP) and the revision of voters’ list as per the cut out date of 1-1-2014. Stating this here today, a spokesman of the CEO Punjab said that a full training programme was also conducted for the officers concerned about the activities of SVEEP to ensure the proper revision of voters’ lists according to the guidelines of the CEC so that more and more eligible voters could be registered during the revision of the voters’ lists to begin on September 6, 2013. Special attention was being paid to register the youth in the age group of 18 years or above as voters. With a view to generating more awareness amongst the youth of the state, the CEO has directed the officers to launch a special awareness campaign in the universities, colleges and other educational institutions under Systematic Voters’ Education Electoral Participating programmes. Besides this eligible women, service voters and remaining voters would also be encouraged to get themselves registered as voters. The NRIs who have not yet been registered could also get themselves registered as per the guidelines of the Chief Election Commission of India, said the spokesman. - INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED REGARDING HANDICAP CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 16: The Punjab Government has decided to give disability conveyance allowance to all the handicapped and blind employees irrespective of their category in which they were recruited. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that as per the new instructions handicapped and blind employees would be entitled for the special allowance. He said that while considering a case of any such employee for the case of allowance the mode and category of recruitment would not be taken into account. He further said that the allowance would be given as per the previous term and condition. In this regard Social Security and Women and Child Welfare department issued instruction to all department heads, Commissioners of divisions, Deputy Commissioners of districts, Registrar of Punjab & Haryana High Court and District and Session Courts. ---------- PUNJAB PROVIDES FREE TEXT BOOKS OF WORTH RS. 16 CRORE IN UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOLS- MALUKA Chandigarh August 16: The Punjab Government has provided free text books of worth Rs. 16 crore to 7,96,393 non scheduled castes students studying in the primary & upper primary classes in the government and aided schools in the state. The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said the state government was committed to impart quality education to the students studying in government and aided schools. He said that the government had already distributed the books to the 7, 38,414 students and rest of the students get the free books soon. The Minister further said that the Punjab Government has also provided free text books of worth Rs. 30 crore to 14.5 lac students belongs to Scheduled castes and backward classes studying in class 1st to 10th in the government and aided schools in the state. He said that efforts were on to provide required infrastructure in all the government schools and vacant posts of the teachers would be filled on priority. --------
Chandigarh, August 16-sympathy Punjab Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar today assured the Mini Bus Operators that the state government would sympathetically consider their genuine demands and try to solve them. An assurance to this regard was given by Mr. Kohar to a delegation of the Mini Bus Operators association which called on him at his office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat. The delegation led by President of the Association Mr. Jaswinder Singh Grewal apprised the Minister that due to the increase in taxes the business of Mini buses was adversely affected due to which they were facing difficulties in carrying out the operations. Apart from the taxes the delegation also raised several issues regarding the business of Mini buses. After listening to the demands of the delegation, the Minister assured them that the state government would sympathetically consider their genuine demands. Mr. Kohar also assured the delegation that he would soon take up this matter with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for solving the problems faced by the Mini Bus Operators. -- PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPTT. PB. · Programme to rehabilitate stray cattle initiated · One Crore to Be Spent ---- Ranike CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 16: Taking stringent steps to control the menace of stray cattle in the state, the Punjab government has chalked out an extensive plan to overcome the problem and also to rehabilitate the stray cattle. Stating this here today, Mr. Gulzar Singh ranike, Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab said that stray cattle were a constant source of problems to the society and their population was rising day by day. Sometimes fatal accidents were caused due to their unmanaged presence on the roads. At present, there were about one lac stray cattle in Punjab. Expressing concern over the problem, the Minister said that they feed themselves on the standing crops and thereby damaging the valuable crops of the farmers besides causing traffic hazards. The Minister said that the state government would spend an amount of one crore during the year 2013-14 to suitably rehabilitate the stray cattle especially the cows providing them home to these vagabond cattle i.e. maintenance ration, a minimum level of health cover and the home care. Under this rehabilitation scheme, the department would also assist Gau Sewa Board, Punjab/NGOs/Animal Welfare Board of Punjab for strengthening of Gaushalas/animal shelters. The Minister also said that the newly launched scheme would not only ensure the clean and hygienic environment which was threatened with cow dung spread all over especially on roads. For want of adequate attention, the stray cattle sometimes suffered badly due to starvation, accidents and unkind behaviour of the people. Keeping all the facts in mind and providing appropriate place for the stray cattle, the Punjab government launched such scheme in the larger public interest.
PHARMACIST PREM BANSAL POSTED AT CIVIL SURGEON OFFICE ROPAR DISMISSED · ACCUSED OF STEALING MEDICINES FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL ROOPNAGAR · STOLE GOVERNMENT MEDICINES TO SELL THEM TO THE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Chandigarh, August 16: Punjab Health & Family Welfare department has dismissed the services of a pharmacist Mr. Prem Sharn Bansal posted at office of Civil Surgeon Roopnagar accused of stealing medicines from the Civil Hospital Roopnagar and selling them to the private hospital. Health Department took the decision to immediately suspend the culprit after the Vigilance Department registered a case against arrested him on 26th July, 2013 and recovered the stolen medicines from his house in Kurali. Health & Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal took this matter seriously and instructed officials of the health department take strict action. Earlier after the arrest of Mr. Prem Sharn Bansal department suspended him and more strict action has been taken to dismiss his services keeping in view of the seriousness of the matter. Health Minister has directed the officials to ensure that such things do not happen in the future and keep a vigil on any such activity. He also said that department would not hesitate to take strict actions against anyone found indulged in any such activity. 51 PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERS IN PUNJAB Chandigarh August 16:
The Punjab Government has issued the transfer and posting orders of 51 PPS in the state. Disclosing this here the official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Harpreet Singh has been posted as SP/NRI Wing Punjab, Mr. Baljit Singh Dhillon posted as Additional DCP/SPL Br. Jalandhar, Amarjit Singh, Mr. Bikramjit Singh, Mukand Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Sareen Kumar and Barjinder Pal Sngh posted as AIG/Int. Wing Punjab, Pardeep Kumar as SP/Vig. Bureau Punjab Chandigarh, Naveen as AIG/Crime Wing, Amarpreet Singh & Amarjit Singh as AIG/Crime Wing Pb, Tejinder Singh, Amirt Singh, Randeep Singh and Jagjit Singh as SP/Spl. Protection Unit (SSG/CM SEcutiry, Punjab, Chandigarh, Surjit Singh as A.C. 2nd IRB Ladda Kothi Sangrur, Amrit Singh as A.C. 3rd IRB Ludhiana, Tarsem Singh as A.C. 4th IRB Kapurthala, Surinder Singh, Baljit Singh, Salwinder Singh as A.C. 6th IRB Ladda Kothi Sangrur. Baljit Singh as A.C. 2nd IRB Ladda Kothi Sangrur, Salwinder Singh as A.C. 4th CDO Bn., SAS Nagar, Gurbaksh Singh as A.C. 1st IRB Patiala, Gursewak Singh as Addl. DCP/Traffic Ludhiana, Swaran Singh as SP/Det., Barnala, Kulwant Singh as SP/Det., Pathankot, Paramjit Singh as Addl. DCP/Crime Ludhiana, Gurchain Singh DSP/Excise & Taxation Patiala, Davinder Singh & Gurdeep Singh as Comandant –Cum,-Dy. Director (outdoor) MRS, PPA Phillaur, Tarsem Lal as A.C. 36th Bn. PAP Bahadurgarh, Rajinder Kumar as AIG/Law & Order Wingh Punjab, Jaipal Singh as AIG/Security Wing Punjab, Vinod Kumar as ATT. With IGP/Int. & Counter Int. Bathinda, Sheilendra Singh as A.C. 2nd CDO Bn. Bahadurgarh, Gurmeet Singh as A.C.1st CDO Bn., Bahadurgarh Patiala, Dharamvir Singh as A.C.5th CDO Bn., Bahadurgarh Patiala, Pushkar Sandal as A.C. 4th IRB Kapurthala, Harkanwal Preet as SP/Spl. Protection Unit (SSG/CM Security) Punjab Chandigarh, Bhupinder Singh, and Pritpal Singh as A.C. 7th IRB Kapurthala, Parampal Singh as Addl. DCP-1 Amritsar, Harmeet Singh as SP (H) Ropar, Rakesh Kumar as SP (D) Mansa, Rajwinder Singh as SP (D) Khanna, Balraj Singh as SP Malout, Jasvir Singh as SP (HQ) Bathinda, Jaskiranjit Singh as SP (D) Patiala, Des Raj as SP/City Bathinda, Gurshran Singh Bedi as SP (HQ) Patiala and Amarjit Singh as A.C. 36th Bn. PAP Bahadurgarh.
BRIG MANJIT SINGH, GETS -PUNJAB PARMAN PATRA-2013 Chandigarh August 16: Brig Manjit Singh, Director Defence Services Welfare was honoured with the award of ' Punjab Parman Patra 2013' by Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal on the occasion of State level function of Independence Day organized at Ludhiana on 15th Aug, 2013. Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that Brig Manjit Singh was the first Director for having been honored with this award for his dedication and unrelenting devotion towards the well being and welfare of Ex-servicemen since the time he was appointed Director Defence Services Welfare, Punjab in the year Dec, 2011. All the projects launched during his tenure were completed well in time. Brig. Singh said that State Award conferred on him was the result of a dedicated team work of his officers and staff and the good wishes of Ex-servicemen community. - MGSIPA INKS MOU WITH INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE · Agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Secretary, Punjab CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 16: The Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Punjab today signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian School of Business to work on the areas of professional excellence. The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary Punjab. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Kripa Shankar Saroj, IAS, Director, MGSIPA and Mr. Pradeep Singh, CEO , ISB, Mohali Campus & Deputy Dean from ISB has signed the MoU. Mr. Rakesh Singh Chief Secretary Punjab appreciated the MGSIPA's efforts for starting a new chapter by signing MoU with ISB – a professional organization. He said that Indian School of Business is the premier management institute in the country and co ordination with it would help the officers of Punjab to acquire new skills which would further enhance their professional capacity and capabilities. Speaking on the occasion Mr. C. Roul, IAS, Director General, Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration said that the objectives of signing of MoU is exchange of faculty, research scholars and graduate students; Hosting of visiting delegations; Joint research activities; Participation in seminars and academic meetings ; Exchange of relevant publications and Reciprocal use of each other infrastructural facilities. Mr. Ajit Rangnekar, Dean, ISB has informed that as per the MoU signed with Punjab Government, they have the mandate to conduct 100 man days Executive Development Programmes for the selected Punjab Government officers. Signing MoU with MGSIPA would give a platform to government officials to utilize their expertise in a very professional manner. Mr. D.N.V. Kumara Guru, Director (External Relations) and Mr. Madanjit Randhawa, Manager (Administration) from ISB and Dr. R.K.Sharma, Incharge (Trg) Dr. P.V.Rao, Librarian, Mr. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Ad.O all from MGSIPA were also present during the event.
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