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ALL INDIA JAT RESERVATION SANGHARSH COMMITTEE DEPUTATION CALLS ON CM

THANKS SAD FOR SUPPORTING THEIR MOVEMENT

 CHANDIGARH, December 26

            A 14-member deputation of All India Jat Reservation Sangharsh Committee led by its National President Mr. Yashpal Malik  along with senior SAD leaders Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajara and Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to seek his personal intervention for the inclusion of Jatt community in OBC list.

          Expressing the plight of the economically backward Jatt community across the state, the members of the deputation demanded that a fresh survey must be conducted by the state to know the dilemma of majority of Jatt families and OBC status must be given to them so that these economically weaker Jatts could also avail reservations at various levels.   

Expressing concern over the issue raised by the delegation, Mr. Badal asked his Principal Secretary to study the entire matter thoroughly so that the state government could accordingly chalk out the modalities in this regard. He said that SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of the economically weaker sections of the society. Mr.  Malik thanked Mr. Badal and his political party (SAD) for supporting their cause.

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BADAL HAILS  AHEMDABAD COURT  CONFIRMATION OF CLEAN CHIT TO MODI

DESCRIBES IT AS A "MORAL REBUFF TO  CONGRESS"

Chandigarh December 26 - The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today welcomed the verdict of the Ahemdabad special court upholding the clean chit given to the Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Naridner Modi in the 2002 communal violence in that state.  The court rejected a petition in this regard filed by Zakia Zafri and upheld  the closure report of the  Special Investigation Team (SIT)   appointed by the Supreme Court which said that there was no prosecution evidence against Mr. Modi.

                   "The Congress  had always worked against the  letter and spirit of the law, vitiated the political climate through acts of political immorality and set new standards in lowly conduct in publi affairs. On the issue of the Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendera Modi, the Congress had  violated the repeated findings of the different bodies and institutions, including the apex court. This is hardly surprising as the Congress had at the same time been unashamedly shielding the guilty of the 1984 massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs. The hands of the Congress party still carry the blood of innocents," said Mr. Badal in a statement here.

                   Commenting on the Ahemdabad special court's verdict, Mr. Badal said that the decision, like the earlier report of the Supreme Court-appointed SIT, has further confirmed the belief that the Congress party was using all kinds of tricks including legal subterfuge to implicate the Gujarat Chief Minister in one false case or the other.

                    "The fact of the matter is that the frustration of the Congress party had led it into acts of political immorality against its rivals, especially against Mr. Modi as it saw in the Gujarat Chief Minister a person who  represents wide national consensus to replace the UPA govt. Mr. Badal said that  the campaign to vilify Mr. Narendra Modi was clearly a case of cheap and destructive political practices indulged in by the Congress party. He said that the  Congress party had been indulging not only in a disinformation, misinformation and vilification campaign against Mr. Modi but had also been busy preparing the ground for political vendetta against its principal opponent at the national level.

                   "The verdict of the Ahemdabad special court  should be seen as a strong moral rebuff to the negative and destructive politics indulged in by the Congress," said the Chief Minister.

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PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB AGRICULTURE SUMMIT ON FEBRUARY 16 AT CHAPPAR CHIRI (MOHALI)-BADAL

GOVERNMENT TO INVITE PROGRESSIVE FARMERS, AGRICULTURE EXPERTS AND LEADING AGRICULTURE COMPANIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 26-

                   The Punjab Government would hold 'Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit -2014' - a mega agricultural event first time in the history of the state on February 16 at Chappar Chiri (Mohali).

                   A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today while presiding over a preliminary meeting held here at Punjab Bhawan with the top brass of the state to review the arrangements of this forthcoming summit. Mr. Badal approved five day long programme of the Summit and massive Exhibition.

                   Mr. Badal categorically said that the main objective of the Summit was to give impetus to the agro based economy of the state by showcasing various technical aspects being introduced by the state government for the agricultural development in the state. Punjab was basically an agrarian economy but today in terms of crop productivity and soil fertility the agriculture has reached at a saturation point and this summit would prove to be a mile stone for the development of agricultural sector through bringing an awareness amongst our farmers for opting allied farming under the diversification plan of the state that would rut the farmers from wheat/paddy rotation on one hand and supplement their income on the other.

The Chief Minister directed the officers to identify National as well as International Institutions to ensure their rich participation in the Summit besides, extending invitation to a large number of the progressive farmers, agriculture experts and leading agriculture companies from across the globe for having detailed deliberations during the summit for chalking out the strategy to bail out the farmers of the state from the current agrarian crisis. Mr. Badal further asked the concerned departments, PAU and GADVASU to coordinate in a proper manner to make this mega historic event a great success. Mr. Badal also hoped that this summit would also open new avenues in the Food Processing sector, which would immensely benefitted our farmers.

It was informed in the meeting that the inaugural session on February 16 would follow a massive Agro Exhibition over about 50 acres with 400 stalls by the exhibitors from across the globe. About 12 Technical Sessions on various agro subjects would be conducted during five day long programme till February 20 and last two days would be dedicated to the Horticulture sector in which a large participation of different countries is expected. During the summit progressive farmers, scientists, researchers and other eminent persons who had contributed enormously for the development of the Agricultural sector would also be honoured.

                   Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chairman Punjab State Farmer’s Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, , Advisor to the CM on National Affairs Mr. Harcharn Bains, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to CM and Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. G Vajralingam, VC PAU Dr. BS Dhillon, VC GADVASU Dr. VK Taneja besides senior officers of the state government.            

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BADAL GIVES NOD TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF RS. 606.38 CRORE FOR AMRITSAR AND RS. 221.50 CRORE FOR LUDHIANA UNDER JNNURM

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 26-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to the Rs. 606.38 crore and Rs. 221.50 crores development projects for Amritsar and Ludhiana respectively to further send these cases to the Ministry of Urban Development for requisite approval and funding under JNNURM scheme.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister said that a decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting of the State Level Steering Committee under JNNURM held at the Chief Minister's residence this morning.

          The spokesperson further said that the two projects of Water Supply and Sewerage which were approved for Amritsar included Rs.70.68 crore Water Supply Scheme in newly Developed Abadi outside the walled city phase-II and Rs. 105.70 crore Sewerage Scheme in South-East Zone. Likewise, Rs. 430 crore project including six roads and Solid waste management project (Rs. 105 crore) were also approved during the meeting. It was informed in the meeting that Rs. 495 crore Bus Rapid Transit System for Amritsar had already been approved by the Chief Minister, which also include Rs. 36 crore for improvement of Bhandari Bridge and Rs. 41 crore for Verka RoB.

          For Ludhiana the Chief Minister had approved Rs. 116.70 crore project for the extension and augmentation of water supply scheme phase-I and phase-II, besides Solid Waste Management Project of Rs. 104.80 crore, said the spokesperson. The Bus projects under JNNURM's Public Transport services for the towns of Jalandhar (Rs. 58.76 crore) and Patiala (Rs.24.90 crores) were also discussed in the meeting.

          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Mr. DP Raddy, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Secretary Housing Mr. A Venu Prasad, CEO PMIDC Mr. JN Balamurgan, GM PMIDC Mr. Radesh Kalra, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, besides the Mayors and Commissioners of the Municipal Corporations of Amritsar, Jalandher and Ludhiana and senior officers of the state government.         

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CM DEMANDS ‘ROYALTY ON WATER AND FOOD GRAINS’ FOR THE STATE

NATION MUST RECOGINISE THE IMMSENSE CONTRIBUTION OF FARMERS OF STATE

ANY DECISION TO CONTEST LOK SABHA POLLS OUT OF STATE AFTER DELIBERATIONS WITH BJP

MODI’S RALLY IN FEBRUARY WOULD ACT AS DEATH KNELL FOR CONGRESS

UPA HAS NO MORAL RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POWER

DENIAL OF OBC STATUS TO JATT SIKHS HAS EXPOSED ANTI PUNJAB STANCE OF CONGRESS

NEW ATTA-DAL SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED WITHIN A MONTH

SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS SCHEME

PAYS TRIBUTE TO CHOTTA SAHIBZADAS AND MATA GUJAR KAUR

Sirhind (Fatehgarh Sahib), December 26-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today demanded that the Union government must give ‘Royalty on water and food grains’ to the state on the pattern of the same given to other states for supplying coal and other minerals in the country.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a conference to mark the Shaheedi Jor Mela here today, the Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had over exploited the only available natural resources of the state in terms of water and fertility of the soil to make the country self reliant in food production. However he bemoaned that this immense contribution of the state’s farmers’ has never been recognized by the country. Mr. Badal said that it was the high time that the nation must repay the peasantry of the state by giving them royalty on water and food grains supplied to the country.

On a query regarding the possibility of Shiromani Akali Dal contesting the Lok Sabha polls from outside the state, the Chief Minister said that any decision regarding it would be taken after thorough deliberations with the BJP.

Earlier addressing a mammoth gathering during the conference, the Chief Minister said that the single point agenda of the Shiromani Akali Dal was to make Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country, so that a new era of unprecedented development could be ushered in the state. He said that the ensuing rally of Mr. Modi in the month of February would act as a ‘death knell’ for the Congress as the massive response to rally would wipe out the Congress from the country. Mr. Badal said that the coming Lok Sabha polls would be decisive for the state as voters would have a chance of either making or marring the future of the state. “All of you must take inspiration from the voters of Delhi, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to teach the corrupt and inefficient Congress party a lesson by routing them out of power from centre” he added. 

Coming down heavily on the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that due to the weakness of the Congress led UPA government at the centre the external and internal sovereignty of the country was in peril. He said that while on external front our neighboring countries were flexing their muscles by violating the border norms, internally the country was facing severe challenges like Naxalism. However, Mr. Badal said that instead of tackling them, the inefficient Union government had been a mute spectator to these problems.

The Chief Minister further said that due to wrong policies of the Congress, India which was once known as a ‘Golden Sparrow’, today leads the world in poverty. He said that though our country has been blessed with a bounty of natural resources but today it was confronting a number of social maladies like poverty, unemployment, starvation, illiteracy and others. “This government has no moral right to remain in power as it has failed on all the fronts” added Mr. Badal.

Training his guns against the Congress, the Chief Minister said that the successive Congress governments at the centre have meted out step motherly treatment with the Punjab by denying it of Punjabi speaking areas, legitimate share in river waters and even its capital. He said that the Congress has inflicted a deep wound on Sikh psyche by irrelevantly meddling in their social, political, economic and even religious matters. Mr. Badal said that no Punjabi could ever forgive Congress for its dubious role in executing anti Sikh riots and attacking Sri Darbar Sahib in 1984. He said that denial of OBC status to the Jatt Sikhs of the state has once again exposed the anti Punjab stance of the Congress party.    

The Chief Minister further lamented that the Congress party has always conspired to derail the progress and development of the state adding that due to the ill conceived policies of the successive Congress governments at the centre the agriculture and industry of the state has been ruined. However he said that despite of the hostile attitude of the Congress governments at the centre, the SAD-BJP alliance government has always strived hard to make Punjab a leading state in the country. Mr. Badal said that though the Congress has left no stone unturned to break the backbone of the farmers of the state by hiking the cost of agricultural inputs but in order to give respite to them the SAD-BJP government had provided free power worth Rs 6000 crore to the farmers.  

The Chief Minister said that that their government has worked hard for ensuring welfare of every sections of the society and pro-poor policies like Shagun, Atta-Dal, Dr. Hargobind Khurana, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima and other schemes were a testimony to it. While announcing that the new Atta-Dal scheme would be launched in the state within a  month, Mr. Badal said the small and marginal farmers of the state would be brought within the ambit of this scheme, in which they would be given Atta at a rate of Re 1 per kg. He further said that the work of making cards for the 32 lakh beneficiaries, which was the double of existing 16 lakh ones, of this new scheme was being done on war footing and would be completed soon, after which this scheme would be formally unveiled. 

Paying floral tributes to Mata Gujar Kaur and younger Sahibzadas Baba Jorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the Chief Minister said that the supreme sacrifice made by them at a tender age hardly has any parallel in the other part of the world. He said that great Sikh Gurus had taught them to stand against oppression, tyranny and injustice due to which the Punjabis had played a vanguard role in the national freedom struggle and to safeguard the motherland from any sort of aggression.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rajya Sabha MPs Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, state BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, former MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, MLAs Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and Justice (retd.) Nirmal Singh, Advisor to CM Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, SGPC Member Mr. Karnail Singh Panjoli, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma besides SAD-BJP leaders and workers.

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SUKHBIR BADAL OKAYS RESTRUCTURING OF VAT

TO BOOST UP IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTION

·        New VAT system to be implemented fromFebruary 1st

·        VAT reduced to 2.5 % from 4.95 %

·        Decision would enable the industry to compete with neighbouring states
Chandigarh, December 24-

With a view to boost up the production of iron and steel in the state, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave green signal for reduction of VAT from present 4.95 % to 2.5% by restructuring the present VAT regime.

This major decision was taken by the Deputy Chief Minister during a meeting with the delegations of Furnace, Iron and Steel Rolling Mills, All India Rerolling Mills and Pipe manufacturers here today. Mr Badal approved the new proposed VAT regime on iron and steel industry aiming to enable the industry to compete with neighbouring states and increase in revenue besides striking a balance between incentives and risk.

It was proposed that the rate of VAT on scrap (melting and rolling), ingots/billets/blooms or other semi finished goods, finished goods, inter-state sales would be reduced to 2.5% from 4.95% with surcharge @10%, so the industry becomes competitive with the neighboring states which enjoys tax benefits on large scale. On the demand of the industry the implementation of advance tax has also been cleared by the Deputy CM on all items of Iron and steel including furnishing goods.

To eliminate the ill practices of generation of bogus ITC (Input Tax Credit), it was also decided to restrict the ITC to maximum two stages. By giving a big relief to the small steel rolling mills and furnace units, implementation of VAT has been attached to the consumption of electricity units. After the implementation of new system there should be a minimum commitment of production of 1 MT of finished items with 250 units of consumption of electricity whereas for furnace units, a minimum commitment of 1 MT of ingot production with 750 units of electricity has been made.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that this decision would eliminate tax
evasion and role of passers besides increasing production by encouraging the flow of scrap and raw material into the state. With the reduced rate of tax, there would be increased liquidity with the manufacturer apart from the benefit.

It may be mentioned here that the total tax collection from iron and
steel industry was Rs 1,091 crore in the financial year 2012-13, out of which Rs 403 crore was refunded to the tax payers, resulting in the net tax collection of Rs 688 crore. Mr. Badal has also said that initially new VAT regime would bring a revenue loss of Rs 185 crore to the state but in the coming years it would generate more revenue in a big way as industry would increase the production.

Mr. Badal has also announced that the Punjab cabinet would approve the new VAT regime for iron and steel industry in its meeting to be held in first week of January. The restructured VAT regime would be notified and implemented from February 1st, 2014.

Prominent among others present in the meeting included Mr DP Reddy Secretary Excise and Taxation, Mr Anurag Verma Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr Ajay Mahajan Special Principal Secretary/Deputy CM, Mr Mohinder Gupta, Joginder Pal Singla, Mr Devi Dyal Prashar and Mr Vinod Vashishat (all industrialists).

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CM TERMS CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE AS ‘TEMPLES OF SECOND GREEN REVOLUTION’ IN THE STATE

INAUGURATES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR VEGETABLE IN KARTARPUR

EXHORTS FARMERS TO ADOPT CROP DIVERSIFICATION

RULES OUT ANY POSSIBILITY OF HANDING DRUG PROBE TO CBI

SECURITY COVER TO CM AND OTHER VVIPs A PREROGATIVE OF UNION GOVERNMENT

Kartarpur (Jalandhar), December 24-

          Laying stress on setting up more ultra modern Centers of Excellence for undertaking Research and Design (R&D) to promote agriculture diversification in state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that these were the ‘Temples of Second Green Revolution’ which were required for bailing out the farmers from current agrarian crisis.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Centre of Excellence for Vegetable (CEV) here today, the Chief Minister said that it was a historic day for the entire Punjab as a new chapter for the growth and prosperity of the state has been initiated. He said that though the farmers of the state had played a vanguard role in making the country self reliant in food production but due to the wrong policies of the Union government they were on the verge of economic disaster. Mr. Badal said that the massive hike in cost of agricultural inputs coupled with the non remunerative MSP has broken the backbone of the farmers due to which there was dire need for adopting crop diversification in state.

The Chief Minister said that in the current scenario these Centers of Excellence would play a vanguard role not only in saving the already exhausted natural resources of the state but would also be instrumental in ensuring the all-round development of the state and prosperity of its farmers. He said that the ultra modern techniques used in such centers would acquaint the farmers with the global technology being used in the field of agriculture so as to update their expertise for making sure that they reap maximum profits from the diversification of agriculture. Mr. Badal said that the state government was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that more and more such centers were opened in the state for the larger interests of the farmers adding that special thrust was being laid on promoting the cultivation of vegetables and citrus fruits through them.

Recalling the strong ties between Israel and Punjab, the Chief Minister said that both Israel and Punjab shared a strong bond of making supreme sacrifices for safeguarding their motherland. He exhorted the Ambassador of Israel Mr. Alon Ushpiz to support the state government for opening more such centers in Punjab so that the farmers could be benefitted from it. Mr. Badal said that opening of more such centers in the state would further strengthen the bonds between Israel and Punjab.

The Chief Minister also called upon the farmers of the state to adopt crop diversification not only to enhance their income but to ensure sustainable growth of the state. He said that it was the high time that the farmers must come out of the rut of wheat-paddy rotation, which were not only less remunerative but also required extensive water. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already embarked a major initiative to promote crop diversification adding that farmers must take benefit of it by adopting the cultivation of Maize, Soyabean, vegetables and fruits to reap more profits from them.  

In his address, Ambassador of Israel Mr. Alon Ushpiz said that the inauguration of this centre was significant because it would lay the foundation of good health of the future generations and prosperity of farmers in the state. He also lauded the state government’s effort for setting up this centre in a time bound and professional manner adding that due to such rare qualities Punjab was a progressive state today. The Ambassador said that centre would not only showcase the modern equipments in agriculture but it would initiate a new era of bilateral ties based on mutual trust and support between Israel and Punjab.  “This centre was a result of sheer hard work, commitment and vision of the Government of Punjab and Israel” added Mr. Allen.

The Chief Minister also felicitated the Ambassador by presenting him a replica of Golden temple.

Earlier interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister out rightly rejected any possibility of handing the probe of drug peddling to the CBI. He said that there was hardly need for it because the state Police was investigating the case in an efficient manner. “We have been a votary of minimum interference of the union government in such matters then how can we transfer this case when our security agencies were working efficaciously” added Mr. Badal.

On a question regarding the possible merger of PPP led by Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal with the Aam Aadmi Party, the Chief Minister said that it would hardly have any impact in the state. He said that the credibility of Mr. Arvind Kejriwal as the Chief Minister of Delhi would be seen in future adding that it was too early to comment on this issue at this stage.

Replying to a query regarding the heavy security cover provided to the Chief Ministers and Ministers in the country, the Chief Minister said that the security cover of the VVIPs was determined by Union government and the state governments hardly have any role in curtailing or increasing them. He said that the central security agencies regularly monitor the threat perception to the VVIPs and likewise the security cover was fixed according to the need. However, Mr. Badal refused to comment on the refusal of Z plus security by AAP leader Mr. Arvind Kejriwal.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, MLA Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary Agriculture Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu, Mission Director National Horticulture Mission Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Commissioner Jalandhar Division Mr. R. Venkatratnam, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam, Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh and Director Horticulture Mission, Punjab Dr. Gurkanwal Singh.     

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CM FELICITATES PEOPLE ON CHRISTMAS

  CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 24:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted all the Punjabis especially the Christian brethren on the occasion of Christmas.

In his message, Mr. Badal said, “Christmas, the birth of Lord Jesus, being celebrated across the globe is an extremely joyous occasion not only for Christians, but the people of all faiths”.  He said that the teachings of peace, love, amity and compassion preached by Jesus Christ were still relevant today in the present context.  He said that these occasions also help in strengthening the bonds of universal brotherhood and communal harmony besides inspiring the people to dedicate themselves in the services of the mankind to carve out an ideal society.

The Chief Minister called upon the people of Punjab to celebrate this festival collectively with traditional fervor and gaiety to depict their deep sense of commitment towards secularism in line with the ethos of “unity in diversity”.

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SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA FELICITATE PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 24: 

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the joyous occasion of Christmas which is being celebrated tomorrow throughout the World with happiness and traditional gaiety. Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also extended his warm greetings to all the Punjabis especially the Christian brethren on the eve of 'Merry Christmas'.

           In his message, the Deputy Chief Minister and Public Relations Minister said that Christmas carries the spirit of brotherhood, peace and prosperity and called upon the people to make the celebrations meaningful. He wished that may the Christmas fill our heart with joy, happiness and hope.

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NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR REGISTERED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: BHAGAT

·        FREE HEALTH TREATMENT UP TO RS.1.5 LACS UNDER NEW HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 24:

            In a big relief to the construction workers of the state, the Punjab Government has implemented a New Pension Scheme, under which registered construction workers up to the age of 60 years would be benefitted. The total construction workers in the state are 1.5 lacs.

            It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat in a high level meeting of Labour Department. He informed that the construction workers of Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, who have completed 60 years of age and enrolled with the board since five years, could get Rs.4,000 per annum pension, while Rs.6,000 for 10 years and Rs.8,000 for 15 years and Rs.10,000 per annum pension for 20 years.

            Mr. Bhagat said that under this new health insurance scheme, the construction worker could avail free treatment up to Rs.1.5 lacs. He said that this scheme would be cash less in the private hospitals, while in government hospitals; there is provision to compensate the expenditure incurred on treatment.

            Minister further said that the officials have been instructed to effectively implement the Punjab Building and other Construction Workers Act-1996 so that more and more workers could avail the welfare schemes.

            Stressing the need to propagate the various schemes being run by the Punjab Building and Other construction Workers Welfare Board, Mr. Bhagat said that at present scholarship, financial assistance and credit schemes are being implemented by the board. He appealed the workers to get benefit from the welfare schemes.

            Prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included Mr. Vishavjeet Khanna, Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Mr. Manmohan Singh, Chief Engineer, Local Bodies, Mr. Harish Nair, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Mr. Parkash Singh, Executive Engineers, Rural Development and Panchayat Department.

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NOTIFICATION ISSUED FOR NEW RATION CARDS; WOMAN TO HEAD FAMILY 

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 24:

            The Punjab Government has issued a notification regarding new ration cards, in which oldest woman in a family would be considered the head of family.

            Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Food and Civil Supply Department said that as per the section 13 of the National Food Security Act, 2013, the Punjab Government designates the oldest woman of the family, who is not less than eighteen years of the age, as head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration card under the public distribution system.

            He further said that where a household, at any time, does not have a woman or a woman of eighteen years of age or above, but has a female member below the said age, then, the oldest male member of the household shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration card and the female member, on attaining such age shall become the head of the household for the ration card in place of the said male member.

            The spokesperson clarify that till the time, the new ration cards are not issued, the oldest woman of the family would deem to be considered as the head in old ration cards too.

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Amended

 PUNJAB COMPLETES ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST SLATED ON

DECEMBER 28: MALUKA

•MORE THAN 2 LAC CANDIDATES TO APPEAR AT 418 CENTRES

Chandigarh, December 23; The Punjab Education department has made

comprehensive arrangements for Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test

(PSTET) slated for June 9, in which more than 2 lac candidates would

appear at 418 centers set up throughout the state.

           Disclosing this here today, the Punjab Education Minister Mr.

Sikander Singh Maluka informed that the responsibility for conducting

this test has been entrusted to SCERT and 36 nodal centers have been

set up at district as well as at some subdivisions level to facilitate

the candidates. He said that total 201440 candidates would appear for

these tests

           He said that the timings for the first and second tests would be

from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm respectively. The

differently abled students would get an additional time of 20 minutes

for each paper. A special center has been set up for such candidates

at each nodal center.

           The Education Minister further informed that the department was

committed to conduct this test in a total transparent manner and

adequate number of flying squads has also been constituted. Besides

this, the Deputy Commissioners have also been asked to monitor this

whole exercises. He has already directed for videography of each

center. He cautioned the Circle and District Education officers

against any complacency and asked them to ensure required facilities

for the candidates.

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 MASTER PLAN MULLANPUR RENAMED AS MASTER PLAN 'NEW CHANDIGARH'

THE 27TH MEETING OF PUNJAB REGIONAL AND TOWN PLANNING DEVELOPMENT

BOARD HELD UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF CM

DEPUTY CM ENVISIONS 'NEW CHANDIGARH' AS WORLD CLASS TOWN WITH ULTRA

MODERN CIVIC AMENITIES

Chandigarh, December 23-

          The 27th meeting of Punjab Regional and Town Planning

Development Board under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr.

Parkash Singh Badal today finally approved the amendment to rename

master plan Mullanpur as master plan 'New Chandigarh'.

          A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Board

here at Punjab Bhawan, this evening.

          Taking part in the deliberations of the meeting, the Deputy

Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is the co-chairman of the

Board, envisioned developing 'New Chandigarh' as the world class town

with the ultra modern civic amenities and infra structure.  He asked

the Punjab Country and Town Planning Department to ensure the division

of master plan into sectoral grids with each sector having adequate

internal road circulation so that the entire master plan could be

implemented efficiently in a result oriented manner on the pattern of

Chandigarh.

          The Board also approved the upcoming vegetable market

established by the Punjab Mandi Board to be located in sector 65-A at

SAS Nagar (Mohali). This decision was necessitated to enable the

vegetable market to have its proper address as the Mandi didn't fall

under any sector of Mohali.

          In another significant decision, the Board constituted an

executive committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary with

Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister,

Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries Commerce and Industry, Rural

Development and Panchayat, Local Government, Environment, PWD,

Agriculture and Housing & Urban Development as members so as to take

routine decisions with regard to master plans in the absence of

regular meetings of board. However, the final decision regarding the

master plans would be taken by the Board itself.

             The Board also gave approval for effecting certain

amendments in the master plans of Ludhiana and Jagroan in the larger

public interest.

The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Country and Town Planning

Department to evolve an effective marriage palace policy in the master

plans of SAS Nagar and 'New Chandigarh' to ensure that atleast 50% of

the total parking requirement of the marriage palace should be

underground to avert the situation of traffic congestion on the

abutting roads which becomes a potent hazard for frequent road

accidents and mishaps. He pointed out under the said policy the agency

which had been entrusted with the task of preparing master plan of

'New Chandigarh' should specify a separate pocket for the marriage

palaces with compulsory underground parking lot.   Mr. Sukhbir Singh

Badal also emphasized that the minimum area for group housing in 'New

Chandigarh' and SAS Nagar master plan should be 10 acres in mixed land

use zones.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet

Minister Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Financial Commissioner Revenue

Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu,

Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. PS Aujla, Principal

Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr. A Venuprasad, Special

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar,

Special Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Manvesh Singh

Sidhu, CA GMADA Mr. AK Sinha, Director Local Government Mr. Priyanka

Bharti, Director Rural Development and Panchayat Mr. SK Karunaraju and

Chief Town Planner Mr. Harnek Singh Dhillon.

-

CONGRESS TO FACE VOTE DROUGHT FOR ITS BAD DEEDS-SUKHBIR BADAL

•           CONFIRMATION OF PROPOSED NAME OF RAHUL AS PM CANDIDATE IS SUFFICIENT

FOR ITS COLOSSAL DEFEAT IN LOK SABHA POLLS

•           DEVELOPMENT-SUMMOM-BONUM OF SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT

•           ANNOUNCES HALF-DAY HOLIDAY IN GURDASPUR IN VIEW OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

•           CONTRIBUTION OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH SECTOR

CAN NOT BE OVERLOOKED

 

GURDASPUR/CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 23:  Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr.

Sukhbir Singh Badal today predicted that Congress Party would have to

face ‘vote drought’ in ensuing Lok Sabha polls and electorates would

not spare Congress led UPA government for its bad deeds. At national

political stage colossal debacle was in wait to meet Congress led UPA

Government, which would be confirmed with the confirmation of Rahul

Gandhi’s proposed name as UPA’s Prime Ministerial candidate.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal stated this while presiding

over the state-level Christmas function held here at the Government

College Stadium orgnaised by All-India Christian Dalit Front president

and Punjab Minorities Commission chairman Monawar Masih. Mr. Badal

said that electorates would ready to wipe out Congress led UPA

Government for its decade long bad deeds by rejecting its exercises to

cover all these with good words. The Congress’ doomsday is inevitable

and it would not remain on national political map in 2014, he added.

Answering a query regarding proposed preparation of Congress high

command to project party’s Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi as its

Prime Ministerial candidate, Deputy CM ridiculed Rahul’s performance

in recent state polls and said the confirmation in this regard would

be sufficient for colossal debacle of Congress Party in Lok Sabha

polls. He said that in comparison of Mr. Narendra Modi, Rahul does not

know the basics of politics, administration and development.

Responding to query regarding hue and cry of PPCC regarding state’s

ranking as compare to other states, Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP

Government’s sole agenda was development and they were committed to

develop Punjab a number No.1 state in the country. He said that Punjab

was leading in various fields while in coming time it would put new

milestones in fields like Industry, Education, Health, and Investment

besides having status of first Power surplus state in the country. He

said that SAD-BJP Government never indulged itself into negative

politics like Congress Party having strong stand on its ultimate goal

of development.

            Reiterating his commitment to provide all basic amenities and

benefits at grass root level, Mr. Badal said that it was Chief

Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal’s led SAD-BJP Government, which

started Shagun Scheme, Atta-Daal Scheme, cashless treatment for blue

card holders, Rs. 30000 scholarship for meritorious students. He said

that Punjab Government was contemplating to introduce more welfare

schemes for poverty stricken families, which would be finalized soon.

He said that under Ashirwad Scheme of Punjab Government minority

students can avail complete education without paying a single penny.

Announcing half-day holiday in Gurdaspur district on December 24 in

view of Christmas celebrations, Mr. Badal said that the contribution

of Christian Community in the field of Education and Health could not

be overlooked.  He also asked Mr. Munawar Masih, Chairman Minority

Commission, Punjab to come with a detail list of demands of Christian

Community so that necessary steps could be taken well in time.  He

said that Punjab Government was committed to maintain communal harmony

and peace in the state at all costs. The leaders of Christian

Community also honoured Mr. Badal.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion Mr. Gurbachan Singh

Babbehali, Mr. Des Raj Dhugga, both CPS, Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon,

former Speaker, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Mr. Sucha Singh Langah, Capt.

Balbir Singh Bath (Retd), all former ministers and Lakhbir Singh Lodhi

Nangal, former MLA, Mr. Prince Masih, All India President Youth

Christian Front.

 -

BIG RELIEF FOR CANCER PATIENTS IN THE STATE

CASHLESS MUKH MANTRI CANCER RAAHAT KOSH SCHEME TO BE KICKED OFF FROM

JANUARY 2014

CM GIVES NOD FOR LAUNCHING THIS SCHEME

SPECIAL PROJECT FOR PREVENTIVE SCREENING OF DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION

TO BE LAUNCHED IN FOUR DISTRICTS ON PILOT BASIS

BADAL FOR MINIMUM IMR AND MMR IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, December 23-

          In a major relief to cancer patients across the state, the

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod for

starting the cashless scheme of providing treatment to the cancer

patients of the state in empanelled hospitals under the Mukh Mantri

Cancer Raahat Kosh from January, 2014.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister

while presiding over a high level review meeting of the Health

Department here at his residence this morning.

          Underscoring the need for imparting quality treatment to the

cancer patients in a hassle free manner, the Chief Minister said that

with the launching of this scheme there would be no need for getting

any prior sanction of the officers for getting the cancer treatment

and the cancer patients could avail the best treatment facilities in

the empanelled hospitals at affordable cost by simply moving in the

hospitals. Mr. Badal said that this scheme would prove to be a big

boon for the cancer patients as under it the entire expenditure on his

treatment would be borne by the state government. However he said that

the benefit of this scheme must be extended to the cancer patients so

as to give them timely and prompt relief, for which a comprehensive

awareness campaign must be started by the Health department.

          During the meeting, the Chief Minister also approved the

proposal of the Health department to conduct special screening for

Diabetes/ hypertension of the persons above the age group of 30 years.

Expressing concern over the rising cases of Heart attacks and strokes,

he said that it was the need of the hour to conduct such preventive

screening across the state for saving many precious lives. Mr. Badal

was apprised that this project of screening would be launched on pilot

basis in four districts of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshehar),

Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Tarn Taran in February 2014.

          The Chief Minister also directed the Health department to

establish Mother Child Centers in the Medical Colleges and Hospitals

of the state government to further decrease the Infant Mortality Ratio

(IMR) and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). He said that the Health

department must lay special focus on saving the lives of infants and

mothers during the deliveries by providing best medical treatment and

facilities to them. Mr. Badal envisioned that the state should set up

an example for other states by having the minimum IMR and MMR in the

country.

          Emphasizing on the need for complete facelift of Health

department in the state to provide quality medical services to the

people, the Chief Minister said that the state would leave no stone

unturned in this direction. He said that the work of strengthening the

infra structure in 100 government hospitals including District

Hospitals, Sub Divisional and Community Health care centres must be

expedited so as to facilitate the general public. Mr. Badal said that

these hospitals must be equipped with the facilities of emergency for

giving quality health services to the people round the clock.

          During the deliberations the Chief Minister was apprised

that Prof. Rajesh Kumar from School of Public Health PGIMER was

monitoring the entire services rendered by the Health department for

assessing them in larger public interest. It was informed that Prof.

Rajesh Kumar had already completed the evaluation of Health services

in nine districts of the state and remaining districts would also be

completed soon. On the occasion Prof. Rajesh Kumar also presented the

report regarding evaluation of Ambulance Service in Punjab to the

Chief Minister.

          Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included

Cabinet Miniuster Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyaani, Chief Parliamentary

Secretaries Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh,

Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Health Advisor to the

state government Dr. KK Talwar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief

Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, renowned doctors and senior officers of the

Health department.

-

  BADAL SENDS DETAILED PROPOSAL TO GoI FOR SEEKING HIKE IN MSP OF KHARIF

CROPS FOR 2014-15

 ENVISIONS UPWARD HIKE IN MSP OF MAIZE, COTTON, MOONG, MAHA, ARHAR AND

GROUNDNUT AS A STEP TO BOOST STATE’S CROP DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAM

 DEMANDS MSP OF RS.1890 FOR PADDY INSTEAD OF RS.1310 PER QUINTAL

 CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 23:

                   Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today

cleared the state’s proposal asking the GoI to make upward revision in

the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of various crops for Kharif 2014-15

over the corresponding MSP during 2013-14.

                   Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the

Chief Minister’s Office said that the State agriculture department

forwarded a detailed proposal to the Commission for Agriculture Costs

& Prices (CACP) for seeking hike in the MSP of the Common Variety of

Paddy from Rs.1310 in 2013-14 to Rs.1800 per quintal in 2014-15.

Likewise, the agriculture department also sought an upward revision in

the MSP of Paddy grade ‘A’ variety from Rs.1345 to Rs.1890 per

quintal.

The spokesperson further said that the Chief Minister demanded the MSP

of Maize to be hiked from Rs.1310 to Rs.1815 per quintal and Cotton

from Rs.3700-4000 to Rs.5300 per quintal in the proposal forwarded to

CACP.  Similarly, the proposal stipulated an increase in the MSP of

Moong from Rs.4500 to Rs.6100 per quintal, Maha and Arhar from Rs.4300

to Rs.5900 and Rs.5800 respectively.  Apart from this, the Chief

Minister also envisaged an increase in the MSP of Groundnut from

Rs.4000 to Rs.5200 per quintal.

Mr. Badal categorically said that the hike in the MSP of above

mentioned crops during the Kharif 2014-15 was necessitated to boost

the crop diversification plan especially for the promotion of crops

like maize, cotton, moong, maha, arhar and groundnut in the state.

This move would not only benefit the state’s peasantry substantially

but also help the state to arrest the trend of declining ground water.

It may be recalled that the state government under its ambitious

agriculture diversification program had already planned to reduce the

area under paddy cultivation from 28 lakh hectares to 12 lakh hectares

over a period of five years.

...

 CM INAUGURATES STATE-OF- THE ART DR. DIWAN SINGH KALEPANI MUSEUM AT SISWAN

DESCRIBES IT AS A LIGHTHOUSE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

ANNOUNCES ANNUAL BUDGETARY ALLOCATION OF RS 5.75 LAKH FOR ITS UPKEEP

AND GRANT-IN-AID OF RS 28 LAKH FOR CARRYING ON EXTENSION WORKS

BADAL OFFERS TO HONOR FAMILY OF DR. KALEPANI ON REPUBLIC DAY

UP GOVERNMENT TO SOON GRANT PAROLE TO SIKH DETAINEE AFTER STATE

GOVERNMENT'S INTERVENTION

ASKS BHOLA WHAT STOPS HIM FROM REVEALING NAMES OF CABINET MINISTERS

INVOLVED IN DRUG MAFIA

Siswan (Mohali) December 23:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today eulogized the

family of great martyr and the son of the soil Dr. Diwan Singh

Kalepani for keeping his rich legacy alive by constructing a

state-of-the-art museum here in his memory, which would ever act as a

light house to inspire the future generations for infusing a spirit of

patriotism, secularism and nationalism amongst them.

            Addressing a public gathering after dedicating the Dr. Diwan Singh

Kalepani museum to the nation, the Chief Minister announced to earmark

a budgetary provision of Rs.5.75 lakh in the annual budget of Cultural

affairs department under a special scheme for the upkeep and

maintenance of this memorial-cum-museum.  He also conceded the demand

of the family to give a grant in-aid of Rs.28 lakh for completion of

on-going and carrying out other extension works, as required.

            The Chief Minister lauded the outstanding contribution of Punjabis in

the country’s freedom struggle despite they just constituted two

percent of nation’s total population and made over 80% sacrifices to

free their motherland from the yoke of British imperialism.   He

recalled that most of the patriots and freedom fighters, that were

either executed, imprisoned for life or exiled, belonged to Punjab.

Mr. Badal mentioned that we the Punjabis have inherited the spirit of

self sacrifice from our great gurus Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, Sri Guru

Teg Bahadur ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, who even sacrificed his

entire family to safeguard the human rights and for the welfare of the

mankind.

            Mr. Badal further said that the state government has already planned

to set up monuments in the memory of Baba Moti Ram Mehra at Fatehgarh

Sahib, Bhai Jaita ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Bhagwan Valmiki ji at Sri

Ram Tirath (Amritsar), Guru Ravi Dass ji at Khuralgarh (Hoshiarpur)

under its flagship program to preserve our glorious cultural heritage.

Likewise, we were already setting up Rs.200 crore Jang-e-Azadi

memorial at Kartarpur to showcase the immense contribution of Punjabis

in the nation’s freedom movement and a War Memorial at Amritsar to

eulogize the rare saga of Indian soldiers who made supreme sacrifices

to defend our country’s borders from the foreign aggression.

            Mr. Badal highly appreciated the initiative taken by the entire

family of Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani especially his elder son Dr.

Mohinder Singh Kalepani who envisioned to perpetuate the rich legacy

of his father so that the coming generations could remember the

supreme sacrifice of this great martyr who was tortured to death by

Japanese in Cellular jail at Port Blair.  On the occasion, the Chief

Minister offered to honour the family of Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani

during the state level function on this Republic day.

Later talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the function,

the Chief Minister categorically said that we were crystal clear on

the issue of parole sought by the Sikh detainees lodged in different

jails across the country, who have already completed their jail

sentence.  He applauded the magnanimity shown by the family members of

former Punjab Chief Minister late Beant Singh for giving parole to the

convicts who were facing life imprisoned for his assassination.  He

said that he had already taken up the matter with his counterparts in

Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Gujarat to grant parole to such detainees

and hopefully the concerned state governments would accede to his

request as assured by them.  He said that the UP Chief Minister has

already forwarded the case of parole of a detainee lodged there to the

Governor for necessary action as he was the final authority to take

call on this issue.

Asked to comment on the contention made by the arrested drug peddler

Jagdish Bhola for naming few of his Cabinet colleagues involved in the

drug mafia provided the case was handed over to CBI, the Chief

Minister without mincing any words said what stopped Bhola now from

revealing these names during the ongoing investigations by the state

police in this case.

On the occasion, Dr. Kalepani’s younger son Dr. Harbans Singh Dhillon

former Director World Health Organization, UNO expressed gratitude to

the Chief Minister for making this function a memorable event through

his gracious presence.   The grandson of Dr. Kalepani, Dr. (Capt.) GS

Dhillon Director and Principal Dalhousie Public School Dalhousie

proposed a vote of thanks.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included

Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chairperson of Dr. Diwan

Singh Kalepani Trust Mrs. Gurdarshan Kaur Dhillon, former Editor

Punjabi Tribune Mr. Gulzar Singh Sandhu, noted Punjabi poet Mr. Surjit

Pattar, Prof. Gurinder Maan from University of California, Santa

Barbara besides eminent personalities from different walks of life.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK

Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

-

 THREE DAY SPECIALIZED EGOVERNANCE TRAINING PROGRAMME ORGANSIED

 Chandigarh, December 23: Punjab Governance Reforms department

conducted a Three Day Specialized eGovernance Training Programme

(STeP) on ‘eGovernance Project life Cycle’ (S2-eGLC) to equip officers

with skills and knowledge on eGovernance Project life Cycle for State

level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being

implemented in the state.

 Mrs. Kavita Singh, IAS, Special Secretary Cum Director Governance

Reforms, Government of Punjab addressing the participants on the

concluding day of the workshop laid focus on importance of eGovernance

Project life Cycle in various e-Governance projects.

Mrs. Kavita Singh during her valedictory address said that this

training was organized in coordination with National Institute for

Smart Government (NISG), Hyderabad to build State Capacity Building as

per guidelines of Department of Electronics & Information Technology

(DeitY), Ministry of Communications & Information Technology,

Government of India.

            She said that during the 3 days programme on eGovernance Project life

Cycle, participants were provided knowledge on Introduction to

e-Governance & National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), e-Governance Project

Development Lifecycle, Services Identification and Prioritization,

Government Process Reengineering, Understanding e-Governance

Applications, Data Digitization apart from other topics. She also

thanked all the experts for enriching the participants with valuable

knowledge at this occasion. In the end Mrs. Kavita Singh distributed

participation certificates to distinguished officers / officials of

various District Offices of State of Punjab.

            The specialized Training Programme on e-Governance Project life Cycle

was conducted by Sh. Piyush Gupta AVP ,Sh. B.G. Gupta & Prof. Jagdish

C. Kapur from NISG. Distinguished officers also performed in various

activities on eGovernance Project Life Cycle.

Mr. Manpreet Singh and Mr. Sahil Abrol from Punjab SeMT (DGR) gave

Presentation on Progress of eGovernance Projects in the state. The

training was attended by senior officers/ Officials from various

District Offices of State of Punjab.

------------

 Amended

 PUNJAB COMPLETES ARRANGEMENTS FOR TEACHER ELIGIBILITY TEST SLATED ON

DECEMBER 28: MALUKA

•MORE THAN 2 LAC CANDIDATES TO APPEAR AT 418 CENTRES

Chandigarh, December 23; The Punjab Education department has made

comprehensive arrangements for Punjab State Teacher Eligibility Test

(PSTET) slated for June 9, in which more than 2 lac candidates would

appear at 418 centers set up throughout the state.

           Disclosing this here today, the Punjab Education Minister Mr.

Sikander Singh Maluka informed that the responsibility for conducting

this test has been entrusted to SCERT and 36 nodal centers have been

set up at district as well as at some subdivisions level to facilitate

the candidates. He said that total 201440 candidates would appear for

these tests

           He said that the timings for the first and second tests would be

from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm respectively. The

differently abled students would get an additional time of 20 minutes

for each paper. A special center has been set up for such candidates

at each nodal center.

           The Education Minister further informed that the department was

committed to conduct this test in a total transparent manner and

adequate number of flying squads has also been constituted. Besides

this, the Deputy Commissioners have also been asked to monitor this

whole exercises. He has already directed for videography of each

center. He cautioned the Circle and District Education officers

against any complacency and asked them to ensure required facilities

for the candidates.

 -

INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

Punjab’s e-district project bags “award of recognition”

Chandigarh, December 23:

In a major achievement, e-district project of State Government has

bagged “award of recognition” during Computer Society of India

Nihilent e-governance awards 2012-13 for impact of this project on

improvement of citizen services delivery.

A spokesman of the Punjab Government informed said that the award has

been given to e-district project for bringing improvement in public

service delivery in Kapurthala and SBS Nagar districts. The spokesman

further said that the awards forum has received over a thousand

nominations under various categories out of which Punjab attained the

top position.

He added that this e-district project has also been included in the

annual compendium released by CSI SIG e- governance for year 2012-13.

It may be mentioned here that Nihilent is a global consulting and

solutions integration company using a holistic and systems approach to

problem solving.

The award has been bestowed after rigorous evaluation that included

field visit at pilot locations, interaction with all stakeholders and

final presentations in Hyderabad. The e-governance mission team Mr.

Rajnish Malhotra and Mr. Manpreet Singh Senior Consultant Program

Management received the award from Mr J. Satyanarayana, Secretary

Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY),

Government of India in a ceremony held at Vishakhapattanam recently.

He added that that e-district project has been envisioned to ensure a

faster, simplified, cost effective, timely, convenient and over the

counter delivery of services to public. The connectivity has been

provided to all the field offices involved in the service delivery in

the state. Adding further he said that more than 300 digital

signatures have also been issued to designated officials for approval

of certificates/outputs.

He informed that currently 47 services under this pilot project are

live in both the districts. He added that this project would be rolled

out in the remaining 20 districts of the state very shortly. “The

citizens are the ultimate beneficiaries of this e-district project as

the application process to issue certificates, ration cards,

sanctioning of pensions and other services have become simplified.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary, Governance Reforms Mr C. Roul has

congratulated Mrs. Kavita Singh, Special Secretary-cum-Director

Governance Reforms and other officials of Department of Governance

Reforms for this achievement.

 

- PUNJAB ENSURES HYGIENIC AND NUTRITIOUS FOOD TO SCHOOL STUDENTS

MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME TO BE STRENGTHENED- PUNJAB BAGS FIRST POSITION IN INDIA.

Chandigarh: December 23:

            Punjab Government has provided an amount of

Rs. 275. 81 crore under the Mid-day meal scheme  catering to

approximate 19 lac students studying in primary and upper-primary

government schools in the state.

            Disclosing this here today Education and Language Minister, Punjab

Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that Punjab stood first in North India

in Mid-day meal scheme and bagged 2nd position in all over India.

Taking special care to the food being cooked hygienically and ensuring

its nutrient value, the Minister said that government has engaged

40243 cook-cum-helpers in the state, to prepare and serve hygienic and

delicious meal to the students daily. Rs. 8.60 crore have also been

provided for utensils in all the schools in the state. Minister also

said that the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts has been

appointed as Chairman of the scheme to ensure its proper

implementation and quality & quantity of the mid-day meal.

            The District administration would hold meetings of the District

Steering Monitoring Committee from time to time to review the position

of food grains received, utilized and balances lying in stock to check

pilferage  if any. The minister further said that the mid-day meal

scheme is being implemented by the Non- government organizations

(NGOs) in urban and rural schools in the districts of Sangrur, Nawan

Shahar, Mohali, Bathinda and Moga.

            Besides providing Mid-day meal, the government undertakes health

check-ups of primary school students twice a year and for upper

primary students once a year in the State, said the minister. A

Primary school student is being given a meal containing 450K calorie

and 12 gm protein and a meal containing 700K calorie and 20 gm protein

is being given to the upper primary students.

 

PM TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF SUPER SPECAILITY CANCER HOSPITAL

AT MULLANPUR ON DECEMBER 30

·        BADAL MONITORS PREPARATORY ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP OF SAD-BJP TO MAKE THIS FUNCTION MEMORABLE EVENT

Chandigarh, December 22:

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the arrangements for the foundation stone laying function of the Super Specialty Cancer Treatment and Research Centre at Mullanpur near Chandigarh on December 30 to be presided over by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The upcoming Cancer Hospital & Research centre would be developed and established by Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) on the lines of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai at the cost of Rs. 450 Crore.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal convened a special meeting of senior leadership of the SAD-BJP from Patiala, Fathegarh Sahib, Mohali and Ropar districts here at Punjab Bhawan to monitor the preparatory arrangements and held detailed parleys with the top leadership and party workers to elicit their views to make this function a memorable event. He apprised them in the meeting that after the formal clearance of this project by the department of Atomic Energy, which was headed by Dr. Manmohan Singh himself, made a personal request to the Prime Minister, to lay the foundation stone of this coveted project which was an outcome of his (Mr. Badal) persistent efforts to get it sanctioned from the Government of India.

          It may be recalled that the Punjab Government had given 50 acres of prime land in Mullanpur free of cost for this prestigious mega Cancer Health care institute.

          Expressing gratitude to Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister said that he was personally indebted to him for clearing this prestigious Cancer Research and Treatment project expeditiously to provide the best health care and diagnostic facilities to the patients afflicted with Cancer in the region and was overwhelmed too by Dr. Singh’s benevolent gesture to accept his invitation graciously to lay its foundation stone on December 30.

          Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal (both Cabinet Ministers), Senior Akali leaders Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra besides several prominent leaders and workers of SAD-BJP.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu besides Special Principal Secretaries Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. Ajoy Sharma. 

          -

PM TO LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE OF WORLD-CLASS CANCER HOSPITAL AT MULLANPUR ON DECEMBER 30- BADAL

BADAL FOR ULTRA MODERN HEALTH CARE INFRASTRUCTURE PARTICULARLY FOR THE CANCER TREATMENT TO MAKE PUNJAB AS HEALTH CARE HUB

BADAL CALLS UP THE CMs OF THE THREE STATES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF SIKH DETAINEES

LUDHIANA DECEMBER 22:-

The strenuous task initiated by the state government with the view to ensure world-class ultra modern health care infrastructure in the state, would soon make Punjab a credible and much preferred health care destination particularly for the Cancer treatment not only for its own people but also for the patients from abroad.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal expressed these views today, while addressing a galaxy of Medical professionals from across the state during PIMACON-2013, an annual conference of Indian Medical Association (IMA) organized by its Punjab unit here.

Expressing firm commitment of SAD-BJP government to provide best health care facilities at the doorsteps of the people especially in the far-flung areas of the state, Mr. Badal said that their government from the day-one had given much needed priority to the health sector by not only upgrading the existing health infrastructure but also established many new Hospitals, Sub-hospitals and Health care Centres at various divisional, sub-divisional and block levels besides strengthening these both in terms of equipment as wall as staff vice.  nearly Rs. 350 crore had been spent during last tenure on the upgradation of the government health care institutions and presently these all were providing quality treatment to the patients at affordable rates, added Mr. Badal.

To provide health care services at the doorsteps of the people, state government had organized Mega Medical camps across the state and on the spot treatment of all ailments had been provided along with free medicines. Expressing great concern over the drug abuse and cancer, Mr. Badal said that a statewide crusade had been launched to curb the menace of deadly disease of cancer through conducting door-to-door surveys across the state for its early detection and timely treatment besides making all out efforts to eliminate drug-addiction from the state especially weaning our youth away from the scourge of Drug addiction. 

The State government had also initiated a plan for creating new Cancer hospitals and Drug de-addiction centers. Likewise, a Cancer and Drug de-addiction Treatment Fund for stamping out these both had also been created, said the Chief Minister. Five State-of-the-art 50-bedded Drug De-addiction Centers with an outlay of Rs. 25 crore at Bathinda, Faridkot, Patiala, Jalandhar and Amritsar would be made functional soon.

Regarding Cancer treatment, Mr. Badal informed that a world-class Cancer Hospital on the lines   of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai was being set up at Mullanpur near Chandigarh for which the state government has already given 50 acres of its prime land. Mr. Badal also informed that the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh would lay the foundation stone of this prestigious hospital on December 30. He further said that all the three Government Medical Colleges at Amristar, Patiala and Faridkot were also being upgraded to ensure the best Cancer treatment, besides a 100 bedded advanced Cancer Centre was coming up at Bathinda. Likewise, Cancer Care facility in District Hospital Sangrur was also being established in collaboration with TMC, Mumbai.

The Chief Minister said that to help the cancer Patients the state Government was provieding financial aid of Rs. 1.50 lakh each to the cancer patient under its ‘Mukh Mantri Punjab Cancer Raahat Kosh’ Scheme as a humble effort to help these patients.

Appreciating the rich participation of renowned Doctors and experts of medical field from all over the state in this prestigious conference of IMA, Mr. Badal said the deliberations would go a long way in sharing the expert views and experiences over the latest scientific developments to update everyone’s knowledge.

The Chief Minister also called upon the medical fraternity in private hospitals to play a pro-active role for providing free medical treatment to the poor and need patient inline with the state government and render valuable services to the ailing people with full dedication and devotion. IMA that had worked commendably in providing relief to the victims of natural calamities like earthquakes, droughts and floods, famines and epidemics in the pre and post-Independence periods could again play an active role in shaping the destiny of the state in the health sector, said Mr. Badal.

Later, speaking for the first time to the media on the demands put froth by S. Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa who had been on the indefinite fast, Mr. Badal said that although the issue did fell outside the jurisdiction of the state government of Punjab even than the state government was serious to resolve the issue from the day one. Mr. Badal said that he had also called up all the three Chief Ministers of Uttar Pardesh, Gujrat and Karnataka for the early release of the prisoners. Responding positively the Chief Ministers had initiated the legal formalities for sending the cases to the respective Governors, said Mr. Badal.

Appreciating the benevolent gesture shown by the family of Late S. Beant Singh for agreeing the release of the prisoners from Burial Jail which is under the jurisdiction of Chandigarh (UT), Mr. Badal said that   Punjab had paid a very heavy price in the past to prevail the atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state. He appealed the people, "Nothing should be done to disturb this heard earned peace and communal harmony and everyone must be morally committed to sustain the democratic values and prosperity of the state".

On the occasion Mr. Badal also released a Souvenir and presented IMA Awards to the Doctors for rendering out standing services in the Medical profession. The two Life Time  Achievement awards were bestowed upon Dr. Amrik Singh Arora of Amritsar and Dr. (Mrs.) Malti Thaper of Moga, whereas Dr. Gurinder Singh Grewal was awarded for his outstanding efforts for bringing Ultra Sound for the first time in Northern India. The Hoshiarpur IMA Branch has won the first best Branch award and Patiala branch follows.

Prominent amongst those spoke on the occasion included Advisor to CM, Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Mayor MC Ludhiana Mr. Harcharan Singh Gohlwaria, President IMA Punjab Dr. Manoj Kumar Sobti and Secretary IMA (Pb.) Mr Sunit Jindal.

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PUNJAB BAGS E-GOVERNANCE AWARD 2012-13—DHINDSA

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 22:  In a major milestone, the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) has been awarded with the CSI Nihilent E-Governance Award 2012-13. Mr. G Ramesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary Finance – cum – Director, Treasury & Accounts received the award on behalf of the Government of Punjab at the 48th Annual Convention of Computer Society of India (CSI-2013), held in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The award ceremony was preceded by a panel discussion on “e- Governance Project Sustainability” with members from Punjab, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala and Delhi and representation from across States and Industry.

Divulging the Details, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister said that Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) is an ambitious project undertaken by the Government of Punjab to modernize the financial ecosystem of the state and monitor the finances of the state on real-time basis. IFMS spans across all the finance related processes beginning with the Plan & Budget preparation to release of funds (to the concerned departments), submission of online bills to treasuries, ECS (Electronic Clearing System) payments (direct credit) to the beneficiary’s (Employees, Departments and Vendors etc.) accounts  operational since 1st April 2013 and the reconciliation of the funds at treasury level.

He said that In addition more than 80% of the tax receipts are online, 100% scrolls from the banks being received and reconciled by treasuries online with the provision for the rest 20% to be completed in coming few months. Amongst all changes that IFMS has brought ECS payments to the beneficiaries accounts stands aside as the most significant as not only has it benefited the state govt. employees & pensioners and others by expediting the process of funds transfer but it is also a big leap towards a paperless environment in the treasuries.

Adding he said, winning the award is a major boost to the efforts of the Government of Punjab in ushering in an era of e-Governance and modern citizen services in the state.

CSI (Computer Society of India) and Nihilent jointly instituted and managed the CSI - Nihilent e-Governance Awards for recognizing the contributions made in the field of e-Governance in the country. Instituted in 2002, the basic objective of these awards has been to recognize and appreciate the successful efforts by Indian States and Center Government, Departments and Districts in achieving good governance using Information and Communication Technologies.

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 Punjab ensures hygienic and nutritious food to School Students

 Mid-day Meal Scheme to be strengthened Punjab bags first position in India.

 Chandigarh: Dec., 22:

          Punjab Government has provided an amount of
Rs. 275. 81 crore under the Mid-day meal scheme  catering to approximate 19 lac students studying in primary and upper-primary government schools in the state.

          Disclosing this here today Education and Language Minister, Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that Punjab stood first in North India in Mid-day meal scheme and bagged 2nd position in all over India. Taking special care to the food being cooked hygienically and ensuring its nutrient value, the Minister said that government has engaged 40243 cook-cum-helpers in the state, to prepare and serve hygienic and delicious meal to the students daily. Rs. 8.60 crore have also been provided for utensils in all the schools in the state. Minister also said that the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts has been appointed as Chairman of the scheme to ensure its proper implementation and quality & quantity of the mid-day meal.

          The District administration would hold meetings of the District Steering Monitoring Committee from time to time to review the position of food grains received, utilized and balances lying in stock to check pilferage  if any. The minister further said that the mid-day meal scheme is being implemented by the Non- government organizations (NGOs) in urban and rural schools in the districts of Sangrur, Nawan Shahar, Mohali, Bathinda and Moga.

          Besides providing Mid-day meal, the government undertakes health check-ups of primary school students twice a year and for upper primary students once a year in the State, said the minister. A Primary school student is being given a meal containing 450K calorie and 12 gm protein and a meal containing 700K calorie and 20 gm protein is being given to the upper primary students.

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PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT 1253 KM HIGHWAYS WITH RS 12280 CRORE IN NEXT 3 YEARS – SUKHBIR BADAL

        -       CHANDIGARH-LUDHIANA, JALNADHAR- DHILWAN,KHARAR-KURALI,PATIALA-BATHINDA,AMRITSAR-BATHINDA,JALANDHAR- BARNALA AND SANGRUR-PATRAN ROADS TO BE 4 LANED TILL AUGUST 2016

       -      SEPTEMBER 2014 DEADLINE FOR STRENGTHENING OF ALL LINK ROADS IN THE ENTIRE STATE  PWD AND MANDI BOARD TO KICK OFF A JOINT CAMPAIGN TO IDENTIFY NEEDY AREAS FOR NEW LINK ROADS

        -         7 NEW ROBS  ALSO SANCTIONED WORTH RS 400 CRORE

Village Badal (Mukatsar) , December 19:

The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab Government would construct 1253 KM highways with the cost of 12280 crore in 3 years to make Punjab having the world class road infrastructure.

Today reviewing the ongoing and proposed road network projects  in the state, Mr. Badal said that presently construction on 617KM highways is on full swing with the cost of 5580 crore whereas 636 KM highways with the cost of Rs 6700 crore were also in the pipeline.
These projects mainly included to interconnect all major cities with 4-6 lanes which would be completed in the coming 3 years as deadlines have been set for these projects, he added. Environmental, forest and wild life clearances have already been taken by the Punjab Government.
              Giving the details of these projects, Mr. Badal said that the ongoing projects mainly included 4 laning of 44 KM road Bhogpur to Mukerian with the cost of Rs 300 crore , which would be completed in march2014, whereas 4 laning of pathankot to Amritsar, having a stretch of 102 KM, would be completed till march 2014 with Rs 705 crore. Besides  that 4 laning of Ludhiana to Talwandi would also be completed in September 2014 with the cost of Rs 479 crore.

In proposed 4-6 lane highways, Punjab is also all set to connect the Manchester of India to Chandigarh by 6 lanes with Rs 1800 crore. It includes 90 KM length, for which detailed project report has been submitted. Work for this project would be allotted in March 2014 and
deadline to complete this ambitious project has been set by September 2016. Besides that much awaited 6 laning of Jalandhar to Dhilwan road on NH-1 has also been sanctioned with Rs 500 crore, which would be completed till July 2015.

                To ease out traffic from Kharar to Kurali,
13.6 KM roads would be constructed at a cost of , Rs 220 crore has also been sanctioned for this project which would be completed by December 2015.

                Mr Badal also said that to give a big push to the development of Malwa belt, 4 laning of Patiala-Bathinda has also been sanctioned. It may be mentioned here that this 166.445 KM life line of Malwa, would be completed with Rs 2430.90 crore in a record time period of 2 and half year. PWD officials informed that forest, wild life, environmental and utility clearances have been sought from the concerned authorities. Work on this project to be kicked off in August 2014, which is to be finished by August 2016. Besides that 4 laning of 174.64 KM long Amritsar-Bathinda highway is also on the advanced stage, which is to cost Rs 2420 crore. It would include 7 bypasses, 4 grid separators and 3 ROBs. The whole project would be accomplished till September 2016.To connect Jalandhar and Barnala with 4 lane, Punjab Government has also sanctioned Rs 1944 crore for 146 KM road, whereas 56.89KMroadfrom Sangrur-Patran up to Haryana Border would also be 4 laned with Rs 524.81crore.

             For the strengthening of link roads across the state, Mr Badal also said that by September 30, 2014 all link roads would be strengthened and renovated, for which an amount of Rs 76374 lakh has already been sanctioned. PWD officials informed the Deputy Chief Minister that out of 372 tenders, 72 have been opened. Mr. Badal asked the officials to open the remaining tenders till 31 January. He also ordered the PWD and Mandi Board to initiate a joint campaign to identify the areas which needs new roads.
Mr. Badal has also sanctioned 7 new 4 lane ROBs costing Rs 400crore, which would be constructed on Amritsar-Taran Taran Road, Faridkot-Talwandi Bhai Road, Kotkapura-Faridkot Road,Two in Ferozepur cantonment besides ROB at Bathinda-Dabwaliroad.ROB at Bathinda-Dabwali Road would be constructed with the estimated cost of 57crore.

Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Secretary PWD PS Aujla, Secretary Local Bodies Ashok Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Rajat Aggarwal.

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PUNJAB TO HOST 18TH NATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL FROM JANUARY 12-SUKHBIR BADAL

•       Rs 4 crore sanctioned for the event

Bathinda/Badal, December 19

The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that Punjab would host the 18th National Youth Festival from January 12 to 16 at the campus of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana where more than 5000 participants from all states and union territories would take part in 18 competitive events.

While reviewing the arrangements for this mega event, Mr Badal has also sanctioned Rs 4 crore for the event. He said that it would provide a rare opportunity of cultural exchange and interaction of youth activities. Earlier Punjab had organised 14th national youth festival with a great success in the year 2009.

He informed that Vice President of India would grace the inaugural function at Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana on the birthday anniversary of Swami Viveka Nand. He also added that more than 2000 young artists would also exhibit their folk arts including competitive events like folk dance, classical dance, one act play and musical instruments. Besides this conferences, seminars and debates on various current topics would also be the held. The Department of the youth services, Punjab would be the nodal agency to organise the event with the collaboration of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Secretary Sports and Youth Services Ashok Kumar Gupta, IG Ludhiana NS Dhillon, Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Rajat Aggarwal and Director Youth Services Hirdeypal Kaur.

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CM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF STATE

SLAMS CONGRESS FOR ITS ANTI-FARMERS STANCE

MODI’S ELECTION AS PM WOULD BENEFIT THE STATE

TERMS SANGAT DARSHAN AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF GOVERNANCE

CANCER HOSPITAL AT MULLANPUR A RESULT OF CONSTANT EFFORTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT

SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Lambi (Sri Muktsar Sahib), December 19-

          Reiterating his firm commitment to serve the people of state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that people of Punjab were his biggest ‘asset’ and he would leave no stone unturned to ensure their welfare.

Addressing the gathering during Sangat Darshan program of the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that due to the love and affection of the Punjabis he had became the Chief Minister of the state for the record fifth term adding that he was making all out efforts to fulfill the aspirations of the people. Mr. Badal said that he would continue his endeavors to ensure all round development of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that in order ensure the holistic development of state and well being of its people, their government had formulated a number of welfare schemes.

          The Chief Minister said that his top priority was that every person in the state should get food, due to which they had launched Atta-Dal scheme a few years back under which the beneficiaries were given Atta and Dal at subsidized rates. He said that to ensure that more and more population was covered under this scheme, now they have decided to double the beneficiaries of this scheme from existing 16 lakh to 32 lakh and even the rate of Atta would be slashed to Re 1 to Rs 4 per kilogram. Mr. Badal said that the eligible beneficiaries would soon avail the benefits of this scheme.

          Slamming the Congress led UPA government at the centre, the Chief Minister said that due to its wrong and irrational policies the agriculture has been ruined. He said that the exorbitant hike in cost of agricultural inputs coupled with the non remunerative MSP of crops has broken the backbone of the farmers. Mr. Badal also advised the farmers to adopt the technique of using the farm equipments on custom hiring basis to curtail the heavy cost expenditure meted out on farming. He said that the state government was already giving 30% subsidy on this project. “Adopting this technique will not only reduce the cost of farm input but will also enhance your profits” he added.

          The Chief Minister said that the Congress has always meted out step motherly treatment to the state due to which it has lagged behind in the process of development. He said that need of the hour was to constitute the NDA government at the centre with Mr. Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the country. Mr. Badal said that the state would witness an era of unprecedented development and prosperity if Mr. Modi becomes the Prime Minister of country.

          Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the problems of the Lambi assembly segment were different from the others parts of the state due to which the government was laying special focus on it. He said that as majority of the area of this segment was water logged so the problems of the people were understood after visiting each and every village. Reiterating that Sangat Darshan was an integral part of the governance of the state government, Mr. Badal said that he would continue this pro-people initiative even in the future also.

          Relying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the upcoming Tata Memorial Cancer hospital at Mullanpur near Chandigarh was a result of the persistent efforts of the state government. He said that they had always desired to open a big cancer hospital in the state for facilitating the cancer patients, due to which this hospital was coming into existence.  Mr. Badal said that he had personally requested the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to lay down the foundation stone of this prestigious hospital after which he had agreed to lay down its foundation on December 30.

          On the occasion the Chief Minister welcomed a number of Congressmen who had left their party to join the Shiromani Akali Dal.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

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                   SEX RATIO IMPROVED IN PUNJAB

-         Punjab organized census data dissemination workshop

-         Male-female literacy gap reduced by 9.7 percentage

-         Punjab’s population increased by 13.9% during 2001-2011

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 19:

             As part of the ‘Census Data Dissemination’ activity, a two days workshop was organized by the Directorate of Census Operations, Punjab in collaboration with Department of Centre for Census Studies and Research (CCSR), Punjabi University, Patiala with fund support from UNFPA.

            Divulging the details, a spokesman of state government said that Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala presided over the inaugural ceremony and Smt. Seema Jain, IAS,  Secretary, Department of Science & Technology and Environment, Government of Punjab and Director Census, Punjab presented the keynote address. The Vice Chancellor observed that Census slogan “Our census Our Future” is befitting and impressed upon that census data should be used for the welfare of common people.     A publication entitled ‘Primary Census Data Highlights’ was also released at this occasion.

            Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Seema Jain said that Census is the most comprehensive source of information for use by the government departments, educational institutions, voluntary organizations, corporate houses, academicians, research scholars and individual data users both within and outside the country.

         She said as per jurisdictional set up finalized for Census there are 20 districts, 77 tehsils, 217 towns (out of which 143 have statutory status and 74 are census towns) and 12,581 villages. Pathankot and Fazilka districts have been created after Census 2011 and our effort would be to compile primary census data for these newly created districts also in near future.

         Giving population profile of the state, she said that Punjab’s population has increased by 13.9% during 2001-2011 and this decadal growth is the lowest since 1961. Scheduled caste population in the state comprises 31.9% of the total population. Ludhiana is the most populous district and accounts for 12.6% of the total population while Barnala is the least populous district and shares 2.2% of the state’s population.         Urban component of Punjab population has increased from 33.9% in 2001 to 37.5% in 2011 and is relatively more urbanized part of the country. All the districts in Punjab have recorded an increase in percentage of urban population and this increase is the most significant in SAS Nagar, from 38.3% in 2001 to 54.8% in 2011. Ludhiana is the most urbanized district with 59.2% of its population residing in urban areas. SAS Nagar, Amritsar, Jalandhar districts are also predominantly urban having more than one-half of their population as urban. Tarn Taran district with 12.7% is the least urbanized district in the State. More than one-fourth of urban population is concentrated in two million + cities namely, Ludhiana and Amritsar.

             Describing the rural scenario, she highlighted that 23.5% are small sized with a population of less than 500 and contain 4.5% of Punjab’s rural population; 55.1% are of average size in the population range of 500-1999 and account for 42.0% of rural population; 18.3% have population in the range 2000 – 4999 and comprise 38.1% of rural population of Punjab is residing in these villages. Besides, 371 villages are large sized with a population of 5000 and more and 15.4% of the rural population is concentrated in these villages. Noticeably, within this group of large sized villages, 41 have a population of more than 10,000 and majority of them (30) are located in Malwa, 10 in Majha and one in Doaba region.

             During 2001-2011, sex ratio has improved by 19 points (from 876 to 895) and child sex ratio by 48 points (from 798 to 846). Male-female literacy gap has reduced by 9.7 percentage points. There is perceptible shift from agricultural sector to non- agricultural sector of economy. The percentage of agricultural workers (cultivators + agricultural workers) has decreased to 35.5% from 38.9% in 2001 and non-agricultural workers increased to 64.4% from 61.1%. In fact, among the major states, the percentage of ‘other workers’ in Punjab at 60.5% is the second highest, next only to Kerala at 80.5%.

            In this training programme the inaugural address was delivered by Dr. H.S. Bhatti, Director CCSR. In this Sh. K.S. Bhatnagar, Joint Director, Dr. B.B. Jain Research Officer, Sh. Bhagirath Singh Deputy Director and team from the DCO, Punjab guided the participants to use the Census Info software, which would be informative and useful for the academicians and research scholars. For more details one can visit at www.punjabcensus.gov.in  and www.censusindia.gov.in

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SABHRAON BRANCH CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL JANUARY 19

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 19:

The Sabhraon Branch canal would remain close till January 19, 2014 for construction of M.H.P. at Udhanwal. 

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal for shorter span has been taken keeping in view the congenial weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops

 

PUNJAB HEADING TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION---SUKHBIR BADAL

ü ENSURES MORE JOB AVENUES

ü NATION NEEDS FAR SIGHTED AND SEASONED LEADER LIKE NARENDER MODI

ü INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CARGILL COMPANY TO SET UP MAIZE PROCESSING UNIT IN BATHINDA

Bathinda December 18: Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the state government was heading towards a major revolution in the field of Industry generating more job avenues for the unemployed youth was among the top priorities of the SAD-BJP government in Punjab.

        While addressing a Sangar Darshan at Kotshamir after inaugurating Mini Zoo, Mr. Badal accompanied by Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament said that the Punjab government has come out with an extensive plan to develop industry in the state in a big way. The recently concluded Progressive Punjab Investors’ meet was a living example where large number of top business tycoons from India and Abroad turned up and expressed keen desire to invest in Punjab. About 117 MoUs worth Rs. 65,000 crore were also signed on the occasion.

        Referring to the setting up of IT Hub at Mohali, Mr. Badal said that in the coming two years the entire face of the state would be changed and Mohali would soon become a hub "like Bangalore and Hyderabad". With this, the service sector including hospitality and education will also get a big boost, he added. Various job avenues would be generated and about 1 lakh youth would get employment. He also said that internationally acclaimed Cargill Company is setting up its Maize Processing Unit in Bathinda which would boost the industrial growth in Punjab, said Mr. Badal.      

        Replying to a query on Modi Wave in the nation, Mr. Badal said that the days are not too far off when the people of India witness a massive change in the political scenario with NDA coming into power with absolute majority. “Modi Charisma is prevailing all over”, said Mr. Badal. People have made up their minds to throw the most corrupt Congress led UPA government and elect Narender Modi as the Prime Minister of India. “Nation needs a farsighted and seasoned leader with a vision to take the country ahead.

        Referring to the undue delay in the inauguration of Bhisiana domestic airport at Bathinda, Mr. Badal said that the MP from the constituency Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal was in constant touch with the Ministry of Civil Aviation but the union government was deliberately delaying the key projects in Punjab. Talking about the newly passed Lok Pal Bill by the Parliament to eradicate corruption, Mr. Badal strongly impressed upon for the administrative reforms in the whole country on the lines of Punjab Right to Service Act. He said that passing the Lok Pal bill would not be enough to curb the corruption, “but we have to make sure the minimum physical interaction between the common man and officials through administrative reforms”, said Mr. Badal.

        During the sangat darshan art Kot Shamir, The deputy Chief Minister has also announced Rs. 7 crore for the construction of inner streets besides to provide drinking water. He also directed the officials to complete the whole project in next two months. Rs. 15 lakh for the sports stadium at Kot Shamir was also announced by the Deputy Chief Minister.

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DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE BATHINDA

MINI ZOO CUM DEER SAFARI TO BE DEVELOPED AS TOURIST DESTINATION-----SUKHBIR BADAL

ü TIGER SAFARI TO BE NEXT ON AGENDA

ü SUKHBIR AND HARSIMRAT INAUGURATE DEER SAFARI

 BATHINDA DECEMBER 18: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that the Punjab government would develop mini zoo cum Deer Safari at Beer Talab Bathinda as an important tourist destination. In the next phase Tiger Safari would be introduced in the mini zoo, said Mr. Badal.

        While interacting with the Media after inaugurating the Mini zoo cum Deer Safari at Bathinda, Mr. Badal along with Member Parliament, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, said that the government was contemplating to develop this belt of Malwa region as an important tourist destination with main attraction of Deer Safari. He also said that different species of deer and zebra would be brought in the zoo besides other wild animals. This would not only be developed as a zoo but as an educative centre helpful for the students undergoing higher zoological studies.

        To bring Malwa belt on the tourist map, Mr. Badal said that in the next phase, the tiger safari would be introduced in the mini zoo and a toy train would also be another attraction for the children, he added. To provide the natural habitat to the wild animals, Mr. Badal also said that the same atmosphere is being created for the animals so that they could live in the environments they are used to. After inaugurating the Zoo, the Badals enjoyed the deer safari in the mini zoo.

        In order to ensure all the basic necessities to the animals within the walled area of the zoo, Mr. Badal said that the government has spent Rs. 10 crore on good roads, open space for drinking water and rain shelters. Besides an interpretation centre, inspection bunglow and a veterinary hospital within the zoo premises were also being set up.

        Beautifully landscaped park would have a bagichi in an area of 30, 000 sq.ft , big cages spread over 50,000 sq.ft, storage capacity of 2000 sq.mt for the feed of the animals, 22000 sq. mts. passages are also being developed . Total land of 30 acres has been covered under the mini zoo while 115 acres of land has been brought under deer safari, said Mr. Badal.

        Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Darshan Singh Kotfatta, MLA, Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, District Police Chief and Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harjinder Sidhu.

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CORRUPTION CAN BE CHECKED WITH STRINGENT MEASURES NOT BY MERELY PASSING A LOK PAL BILL IN PARLIAMENT---SUKHBIR BADAL

ü    MODI WAVE WILL DEMOLISH CONGRESS COMPLETELY—HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

ü    NEWLY CONSTITUTED NAGAR PANCHAYAT BOHA GETS Rs. 10 CRORE DURING SANGAT DARSHAN

BOHA/MANSA December 18:  Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab while talking to media persons here today said that wide spread corruption can never be curbed merely passing a Lok Pal Bill in Parliament it needs a sincere will of evolving stringent measures towards curbing the corrupt practices. Welcoming the passing of Lok Pal bill in Parliament, Mr. Badal assured that the Punjab government would do all out efforts to eradicate corruption at all levels .He gave a call to all the political parties and the governments-in-power to rise above their political affiliation and join hands together in ensuring the corruption free environment in the country. Mr. Badal accompanied by Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament was here to address a sangat darshan programme at the newly constituted nagar panchayat Boha.

        Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament said that the “Modi Wave” prevelant across the country was going to knock down the congress party completely. She said that the dishonest and “corruption gripped” Congress has given nothing but unemployment, inflation and poverty to its people. People of India have made up their minds to throw the corrupt Congress led UPA government and elect a seasoned and farsighted leader like Narender Modi as the Prime Minister so that the country could bring back on the pace of growth and development. The electorate was desperately looking for a change in the political scenario of India with NDA back in power.

        Listening to the grievances of the people of Boha during a sangat darshan both Mr. Badal and Mrs. Badal accepted almost all the demands of the people of the area and also sanctioned Rs. 10 crore to the newly constituted Nagar Panchayat Boha for executing various development projects. She also assured the people that each house would be provided with safe potable water. To ensure regular water supply in the area, Boha Nagar Panchayat have been linked with the Water Works Mandi Board. She also said that the problem of water logging would be tackled soon. The inner streets under the Nagar Panchayat would also be tiled. She also directed the deputy commissioner to get the estimate ready of all the 13 dharamshalas of Boha so that they could be renovated at the earliest.

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CM TERMS TMC HOSPITAL A RESULT OF PERSISTENT EFFORTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT

AFRAID OF MODI: CONGRESS SHYING AWAY FROM NAMING ITS PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE

LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF SPECIAL SCHOOL AT JALANDHAR

SAD OPEN TO THE IDEA OF CONTESTING LOK SABHA POLLS OUTSIDE THE STATE

Jalandhar, December 18-

          Expressing happiness over the decision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to lay the foundation of Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital at Mullanpur near Chandigarh on December 30, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was a result of persistent efforts made by the state government.

Addressing a mammoth gathering after laying down the foundation stone of Special School here today, the Chief Minister said that the hospital would prove to be a big boon for the cancer patients of the state to avail quality cancer treatment facilities. He said that they have been repeatedly pursuing this matter with the Government of India (GoI) so as to ensure that this project was approved by it. Mr. Badal said that likewise the state government has also taken a number of other initiatives to facilitate the cancer patients in the state.  

Exhorting the people to make up their mind for electing Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of country, the Chief Minister said that it was required for development of the country in general and state in particular. Reiterating that Congress was not having any leader of Mr. Modi’s stature, he said that the Congress was afraid of Gujarat Chief Minister due to which it was shying away from declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate. Mr. Badal said that only few months were left for the voters to take a decisive decision, which would either make or mar the future of the nation.

Lashing out at the Congress led UPA government at the centre, the Chief Minister said there was hardly any government in the country due to which the woes of the people have been accentuated. Squarely blaming the Congress for problems faced by the countrymen, he said that due to wrong policies of the Union government the nation was today confronting a number of social maladies like inflation, corruption, poverty, unemployment, starvation and others. Mr. Badal said that for changing the destiny of the nation it was necessary that Mr. Modi was elected as the Prime Minister of the country.    

The Chief Minister said that the Congress party has always meted out step motherly treatment to the state by depriving it of its capital, legitimate river waters share and Punjabi speaking areas. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the wrong and discriminatory policies of the union government have ruined the agriculture and industry of the state. However he said that despite of all odds Punjab has excelled in almost every field and it was leading the country in fields of education, health and infra structure.

  Highlighting the significance of the Special schools, the Chief Minister said that these six schools to be set up by the state government across Punjab would impart free boarding and lodging facilities to the bright students securing more than 80% marks from the government schools. He said that with the starting of these schools quality education would be made available even to the disadvantaged and weaker sections of society. Mr. Badal said that these schools would be a big boon to the students from this strata of society as they would be able to compete with their convent educated peers after getting education in these schools.

Earlier interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was open with the idea to contest elections on Lok Sabha seats even outside the state. He said that the SAD’s success rate outside the state had been very high as it has won majority of seats contested by it. Mr. Badal said that the voters outside the state have reposed their faith time and again in the pro-people and development oriented policies of the SAD therefore they were not averse to the idea of contesting the Lok Sabha seats even outside the state. “However we will take the final call on this issue after thorough discussions with BJP, our alliance partner at the national and state level” he added.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the ‘Fateh Rally’ of Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, which was slated to take place later this month, has been cancelled due to the poor weather conditions. He said that the dense fog in the region would have made the movement of the VIPs as well as the people difficult in the area due to which the rally has been postponed.

When asked to comment on the ongoing rift between management and staff of PIMS, the Chief Minister said that the issue would be sort out very soon.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka and Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. KD Bhandari and Mr. Pawan Teenu, MLAs Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, Mr. Pargat Singh and Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Commissioner Police Mr. Ishwar Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam.  

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FORMATION OF NDA MUST FOR THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY OF PUNJAB – BADAL

CONGRESS LED UPA GOVT. BENT HELL TO DESTABILIZE PUNJAB ECONOMICALLY

STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT AGAINST PUNJAB BY CENTRE UN-ABATED

JAGRAON RALLY POSTPONED DUE TO FOGGY WEATHER, FRESH DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL AT LUDHIANA

LUDHIANA DECEMBER 18:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the installation of NDA government at Centre was mandatory to maintain the tempo of overall growth and prosperity in the state. 

            Addressing a public gathering here after laying the foundation stone of Govt. Residential School in the premises of Local Govt. College for Boys, Mr. Badal said that the Congress led UPA government at Centre was deliberately discriminating against the opposition governments in the state on the issue of disbursement of grants and were even stalling the process of development according to the felt needs of these state governments.  Congress was making all out efforts to destabilize the Punjab economically and even it was bent hell upon to break the backbone of agriculture. The Centre was fixing the rates of agricultural inputs like pesticides, insecticides, diesel and fertilizers without taking states into confidence and these rates were ever increasing without announcing a corresponding hike in the Minimum Support Price which has rendered our farming a  non-profitable profession and consequently country’s peasantry has been pushed into debt trap.  To bail out the beleaguered farming community, the state government was paying bills of agriculture tubewells of farmers from its own resources thus bearing a whopping expenditure of nearly Rs.6000 crore. 

            Mr. Badal further said that the countrymen could only get rid of mass employment and un-controllable inflation only if NDA’s was voted to power at Centre.  He said that the recent elections had almost proved that Congress would be decimated from the country in the near future.  He said that the SAD-BJP alliance had planned a massive rally at Jagraon on December 21 which has now been postponed due to inclement weather especially the dense fog across the state and fresh date would be announced soon.  The Chief Minister mentioned that Congress never regained power in any state, where it was defeated consecutively twice and thus it would never come to power in Punjab and likewise, Congress would be decimated from the country after the Lok Sabha  polls.

            The Chief Minister announced that the state government has taken path breaking initiatives for the welfare of the all sections of the society despite stiff resistance from the Centre which could never deter us from drifting away pro-people agenda.  Recently we announced to provide Atta at Re.1 to the poor people and a massive exercise to issue new blue cards for the beneficiaries under this scheme was carried out across the state.  He said that Punjab was the first state in the country which initiated the atta-dal scheme to provide atta @ Rs.4 and Dal @ 20 per Kg and now we have further slashed the rate of atta to merely Re.1 per Kg.  Apart from this the state government has made stupendous efforts to garner huge investments, making our state self-reliant in power, preserving our cultural legacy besides making our farming self-sustainable and offering tremendous job opportunities to the unemployed youth.  He said that few people were trying to disturb the congenial atmosphere of peace, communal harmony and amity for their narrow and vested political interest, adding he said nobody would be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace and harmony in the state. 

            Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of residential school where the poor and bright students securing 80% and above marks in matriculation would be given free education in 10+2.  He said that six such schools were being constructed across the state which would certainly upgrade the quality and standard of education.  Emphasizing the need to impart quality education to the students, the Chief Minister said that it was an established fact that with all pervasive socio-economic development globally, education has now even seen as the very foundation of family’s development.  He said that SAD-BJP alliance government had made phenomenal progress in imparting quality school education at all levels be it primary, elementary and secondary with an objective to produce quality students, who could compete with their counterparts from private and convent schools and later gainfully employed during their career.  

Mr. Badal further said that the state government had recently launched Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship scheme under which any student regardless of income limit secured 80% or above marks in 10th would be granted scholarship of Rs.2500 per month or Rs.30000 per annum.  He said that six such residential schools would be opened across the state and today the foundation stone of second had been laid after Bathinda during last week besides foundation stone of another school would be laid at Jalandhar this afternoon.  He said that similar schools would be soon set up Patiala, Mohali and Amritsar.

Listing the major achievements in the education department, Mr. Badal said that our government was giving special focus on the education under which 17 new degree college and nine new universities had been opened besides as many as 72000 teachers have been recruited.  All these initiatives had enabled our state to achieve the first position from the 14th as per country’s overall education index. 

On the occasion, Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka gave a detailed account about the stellar progress made on the education front.  Vice Chairman Punjab State Planning Board Prof. Rajinder Bhandari, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal also spoke on the occasion. 

Prominent amongst others who attended the function included PWD Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Chairman District Planning Board Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr.Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. SR Kaler and Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon all MLAs. 

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 ANIL JOSHI REVIEWS THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

·       FILLING OF PROPERTY RETURN: LAST DATE NOT BE EXTENDED

·       CHIEF ENGINEERS ENTRUSTED THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURPRISE CHECK

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 18:

          Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today reviewed the ongoing development projects in a high level meeting. He issued instructions for timely completion of the development works so as to ensure hassle-free service duty to the citizen of Punjab.

          Mr. Joshi clarified that the citizen could only claim 10 per cent rebate on the filling of property tax up till December, 31, 2013 and this date would not be extended in any case. He appealed the citizens to furnish the genuine information while filling the property tax. He also instructed the officers to constitute a committee to scrutinize the information filled by the citizens.

          In a bid to bring about more transparency and corruption free administration, Mr. Joshi entrusted the chief engineer with the responsibility of surprise raids to check the mal-practices and under the carpet operations. He said that earlier chief engineers could only start investigation after the receipt of complaint but now their role has been extended.

          Expressing serious concern over the mushrooming of illegal colonies in different parts of the state, Mr. Joshi said that the town planner concerned would be held responsible for inaction into this regard.

          Prominent amongst other, who were present in the meeting included; Mr. Som Parkash, CPS, Local Bodies, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary, Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director, Mr. G.S. Balamurgan, Joint Managing Director, PMIDC, Mr. B.K. Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and chief engineers and commissioners of Municipal Corporations.

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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

MITTAL HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 76 SERVICE PROVIDERS

ü First time online admission process in all ITI launched

Chandigarh, 18 December

          The Industry and Technical Education Minister of Punjab Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal today handed over appointment letters to newly selected 76 Service Provider Trainers to carry out the faculty needs in 34 upgraded Industrial training institutes across the state, besides launching the first ever online admission process in all Government and Private ITI.

          Congratulating the newly selected 76 Service Provider Trainers and their families, Mr. Mittal called upon them to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication. He said that as Punjab was rapidly regaining its glory in industrial sector by attracting huge investment, the big task for the Technical education Department is to provide highly skilled labour to fulfill the needs of industry. Mr Mittal has also asked the officials to allot the nearest stations to service providers according the merit. It was also declared by the Minister that Department would soon launch a special aptitude test for students seeking admission in ITI, so the candidates should know their real strength in trade specialization before admission.

          To ease out the admission process in all Government and Private ITIs in the entire state, a website was also launched by the Minister for first time online admissions in ITI. Candidates would have to register themselves on www.itipunjab.nic.in from today (December 18) onwards. It may be mentioned here that three rounds of counseling would be held during January and February. The new website would also be helpful for candidates regarding admissions, reservations and details of available seats.

          Speaking on the occasion Principal Secretary Mr. A.R. Talwar said that Punjab Government is all set to interconnect all ITIs which would bring more transparency and accountability. Director, B.S Purushartha also addressed the gathering.   

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ALL GENUINE DEMANDS OF THE HEALTH EMPLOYEES WOULD BE ADDRESSED: JAYANI

 ·        JAYANI HOLDS SEPARATE MEETINGS WITH ALL THE UNIONS OF THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

·        OPEN INVITATION TO ALL EMPLOYEES FOR TALKS TO PUT AN END TO DEMONSTRATIONS

 Chandigarh/Mohali, December 18:

 All genuine pending demands of the Health Department employees and officers would be fulfilled and instructions regarding this have been issued to the senior officials of the health department by the Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani during a meeting with representatives of all the unions of the health department.

Minister called upon all the employees and officers of the Health Department to focus on providing quality treatment and service to the poor people of the state to make Punjab Number one in health services. He said that government hospitals should be properly maintained and behavior of employees and doctors should be polite with the patients.

Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani Health Minister Punjab today held separate meetings with all the unions of the employees and officers of the health department at the head office in the presence of senior officials of the department. 

Mr. Jayani said that health department has taken this initiative to call all the unions for the table talk to redress grievances and put an end to all the demonstrations by Unions due to which patients and common people had to suffer a lot.  He added that he has given an open invitation to all the employees to come forward for table talks with their genuine demands instead of demonstrations. He also assured that all genuine demands would be addressed without any delay.

All the union representatives termed this step as an historic step for inviting all unions for table talks and expressed satisfaction for a patience hearing by the senior officers and the Health Minister. They also thanked Health Minister for hearing and fulfilling their long lasting demands.

Others prominent present in the meeting included Dr. A Karthik Additional  Secretary, Health , AC Sharma Additional  Secretary, Health, Dr. Karanjit Singh Director Health,  Dr. Jatinder Kaur Director Family Welfare, Dr. HS Bali Director ESI, Dr. Rakesh Sharma Director Ayurveda, Mr. Ramesh Sharda Incharge Homeopathy and Dr Vk Gagneja State Prgramme  Manager NHRM.

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PUNJAB TO SPEND RS 12.84 CRORE ON BEAUTIFICATION OF GOBINDGARH FORT: PHILLAUR

 ·        RS.8.24 CROR LANDSCAPING PROJECT TO ENHANCE THE AESTHETIC OUTLOOK OF THE FORT

 ·        RS4.60 CRORE MONUMENT LIGHTING TO ATTRACT TOURIST

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 18: Punjab Government has under taken various projects for the conservation of heritage buildings and monuments in the state. As per these initiatives Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board is undertaking conservation and re-use of Gobindgarh Fort at Amritsar. Under this project landscape development and monument lighting of Gobindgarh Fort is being done with the estimated cost of Rs 12.84 crore.

 Disclosing this here today Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab said that Rs.8.24 crore landscaping project shall enhance the aesthetic outlook and environment of the Gobindgarh Fort and shall attract tourists from all over India.

Mr. Phillaur said that the landscape will be done in the Avenue which includes the entry area from the main road to the fort outer gate is the Avenue area. Shrubs which would require low maintenance but are pruned to shape would be specifically chosen for this purpose. A row of green foliage shrubs and a layered plantation on non-flowering but leafing shrubs – both big and small would demarcate the vehicular and pedestrian areas.

Minister added the next area is Moat Area which covers a deep broad ditch for defence purposes of the fort. The objective of the moat design is to open it up as a safe, green space for the local community of Amritsar city and the tourists throughout the year. The landscape of the moat would make it a visual treat to the visitor. The landscape design in the Moat area would highlight the important features with in the zone like the remains of historic water channel and tunnel, fort wall, smaller bastions and remains of ravelin wall. The landscape elements introduced here would bind the features mentioned and showcase them as part of the fort complex belonging to the Sikh period. The landscape will include red stone paved paths, lawns, shrubs and trees. The landscaped areas shall also have lights and pause points with seating in between.

Mr. Phillaur said that inside the fort area around the buildings of Toshakhana, Shastra Ajaib Ghar, Khas Mahal and Darbar Hall paving will be done and the rest of the area will be lawns with seating facility for the visitors.

Minister further saif that with an estimated cost of Rs4.60 crores all the buildings inside the Gobindgarh Fort, gates and moat wall shall be provided with monument lighting which will enhance the visual affect of the Fort during night time and attract large number of tourists visiting Amritsar.

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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPTT.  PUNJAB

 ·        5000  animals are expected to participate from all over the country of 5th Livestock Championship

·     Reward of Rs.1.25 crore to be given to the livestock owners

 Chandigarh, December 18

To popularize and promote livestock breeding the Punjab Government is organizing 5th Livestock Championship and Milking Competitions at Sri. Muktsar Sahib in which 5000 animals are expected to participate from all over the country and reward of Rs.1.25 crore would be given to the winners.

Disclosing this Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that these 5 day breeders and milking competitions were being organized from January 8 to January 12, 2014 at Guru Gobind Singh Statdium, Sri. Muktsar Sahib.  As many as 500 tents for animals and 250 tents for livestock owners would be set up. The entire championship would be Videographed, added Ranike.

      Mr. Ranike said that  Horses (Marwardi and Nukra), Cows (Jersy, HF & Sahiwal), Buffalos, Sheep, Goats, Poultry and Piggery breed competitions would be conducted for the state  animals whereas competitions for Horses, Cows and Buffalos breed would be conducted for other states.

          He said that milking competitions of bufallow (Murrah and Nili Ravi), cows(HF, Jersy and Sahiwal) and goats would be conducted within the state whereas buffalos, cows (HF and Desi Breed) and goats  from the other states of the country.

 In addition comeptitions of dog show, equestrian and Horse races would also be organised.  He said that Tent, pegging, show jumping, Dog Show, Motor Cycle show, Trick ridding and Band Display would the main attractions of the fair.

 He further said that livestock owners would be given transportation charges. Stalls would be set up for the livestock owners have complete knowledge regarding different schemes of  Horticulture, Dairy, Fisheries, Agriculture, Rural Development and Panchayats, Tourisms, Milkfed and Markfed departments owners.

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SCHOOL TIMINGS TO BE changed in the state -MALUKA

Chandigarh, December 18:

  Keeping in view the winter season, the Punjab Government has decided to change the timings of all the Government and Aided Senior Secondary and Primary Schools with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today Education Minister Punjab S. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that the timing of the elementary schools would be 10:00AM to 3:00 pm while the timing for the high & Senior Secondary Schools would be 9.45am to 3.45 pm

        Minister further said that earlier the timing of elementary schools were am to 3 pm and timing of Senior Secondary schools were 9.20am to 3.20 pm.

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UNEMPLOYED LINEMEN’ AGITATION UNETHICAL AND ILLOGICAL: K.D. CHAUDHARY

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 18:

            Terming the agitation of Unemployed Lineman Union, Punjab illogic and baseless, Mr. K.D. Chaudhary, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) today said that as per section 22 (1) of Apprentice Act, the institution imparting apprentice training, is not bound to provide employment to the concerned candidate. He said that the only purpose of apprentice training is to enable the candidate for getting employment and starting own private business.

            He mentioned that Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has issued an advertisement no.CRA-267, dated November 1, 2010 for appointing 5,000 Linemen, under which those candidates were able to apply, who have completed two year apprentice training from PSPCL/PSTCL or Punjab State Electricity Board. He said that an industrial organization has filed public interest litigation (PIL) in Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court against the recruitment after which in November 2011, Hon’ble High Court has ordered PSPCL to appoint 1,000 linemen for 2 years under the interim management besides staying the appointment of 4,000 linemen till the final verdict of the petition. Mr. Chaudhary said that in the orders of Hon’ble High Court, issued on November 27, 2013, it has been asked that PSPCL and PSTCL could appoint 1000 lineman against CRA-267/11 and as per the report of Punjab State Regulatory Commission submitted before High Court on September 19, 2011 and PWC report. He said that PWC’s advisory report mentioned that (keeping the mind the retirements) PSPCL could appoint 2685 lineman from 2011 to 2015. The report reads that it would be appropriate for PSPCL to recruit 1000 lineman in 2011, 500 in 2012, 500 in 2013, 350 in 2014 and 350 in year 2015.

            He further said that Punjab State Regulatory Commission used to curtail hundreds of crores from the annual revenue of Punjab State Electricity Board due to the surplus staff.

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NDA KEEN TO HEAR THE NAME OF ‘RAHUL’ AS PM CANDIDATE FOR COMPLETE DECIMATION OF CONGRES-SUKHBIR BADAL

·        SAD FOR RELEASE OF ALL PRISONERS, WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SENTENCE IN THE COUNTRY

·        MODI GOVERNMENT TO OPEN FAZILKA BORDER

·        1.5 LAKH TUBE WELL CONNECTIONS IN 15 DAYS

LEHRA MOHABBAT (BATHINDA), DECEMBER 17: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab ridiculing the proposed plan of Congress Party to announce Mr. Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate against BJP’s Gujarat CM Mr. Narendra Modi said its fact that Congress had to face massive debacles in those states where Rahul Gandhi canvassed for the party candidates.

Answering media queries after presiding over Sangat Darshan program at Lehra Mohabbat, the Deputy CM said that Congress should announce Rahul Gandhi as PM Candidate as early as possible since this decision of Congress Party would prove last nail in its coffin in ensuing Parliament elections. Mr. Badal said Mr. Rahul was nothing in comparison to Mr. Narendra Modi before his long political, administrative, governance experience and development vision. “NDA is keen to hear the name of Rahul Gandhi as Prime Ministerial candidate of Congress Party, so congress should come with the announcement in this regard,” he added.

In a query regarding demand of Bhai Gurbaksh Singh for release those Sikh prisoners, who have completed their sentence, Mr. Badal categorically said that SAD was always in favour of releasing those, who have completed their sentence. He said that the names of detainees provided by Bhai Gurbaksh Singh relates to other states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

            When asked about recent judgment of Apex Court regarding entitlement of red beacon, Mr. Badal said it was a constructive decision and this should be implemented in true spirit. He said that they would take necessary steps after studying the ruling of Supreme Court in this regard.

            In another query regarding opening of Fazilka border, Mr. Badal said that it cannot possible in the regime of UPA Government but also assured opening of this border will be priority of NDA government, which is all set to form next government at center after 4-5 months. He said that not only Fazilka border several issues with the neighbouring country would be sorted out as it was discussed with the Pakistan Punjab’s Chief Minister Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, younger brother of Pakistan PM Mr. Nawaz Sharif.

            Earlier addressing Sangat Darshan program, local Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said it was the call of the hour to brush aside Congress led UPA Government in favour of country and countrymen. She said NDA government was the need of the hour and there should be no third term for UPA.

            Meanwhile, Deputy CM addressing the plaints of Lehra Mohabbat residents, Mr. Badal directed the authorities concerned to come out with a comprehensive plant for total concrete streets, sewerage and water supply connections for all households. He said that within next six months this area would be equipped with all basic amenities besides having sewerage facilities. Mr. Badal and Mrs. Badal presided over Sangat Darshan programs at Lehra Mohabbat, Nathana, Chaoke, Mandi Kalan, Ballianwali and they laid the foundation stone of Government Primary School building at Ballianwali, which would be constructed at the cost of Rs. 16.5 lakh.

            Mr. Badal also announced that within next 15 days Powercom would provide 1.5 lakh Tube Well connections to farmers having less than 5 acres agriculture land. He said that Powercom officials would approach the farmers in coming days as all the preparations and formalities have been finalized.

            Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Harjinder Sidhu, Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy CM, Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav, Deputy Commissioner. 

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INEXPERIENCED AND IMMATURE RAHUL: A COMPLETE ‘MISFIT’ FOR THE POST OF PM- BADAL

EQUATES ‘NEHRU-GANDHI SCION’ WITH A NOVICE DRIVER WHO WOULD TOPPLE THE BUS OF COUNTRY

PEOPLE EAGERLY WAITING FOR ELECTING MODI AS PM

RAPS CONGRESS FOR ANTI-PEOPLE STANCE

SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT HAS INITIATED A NUMBER OF PRO-PEOPLE SCHEMES

LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH NEARLY RS 38 CRORE IN DHARAMKOT ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Baje Ke (Moga), December 17-

          Terming Congress leader Mr. Rahul Gandhi as an inexperienced and immature political leader, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he was a complete ‘misfit’ for the coveted post of Prime Minister of the country.

          Interacting with the media persons after laying down the foundation stone of Punjab Institute of Technology here today, the Chief Minister said that Mr. Rahul Gandhi was incapable of running the affairs of the Union government adding that the country would be ruined if an inexperienced person like him becomes its Prime Minister. Equating Mr. Gandhi with a novice driver, he said that the country’s bus would certainly topple if a person like the ‘Nehru-Gandhi scion’ was driving it. Mr. Badal said that the national Vice President of Congress hardly has any administrative experience as he had been neither a minister nor held any other public office but unfortunately in dearth of any other capable leader, the sycophant Congress leaders were day dreaming to make him the Prime Minister of country. “How can a person who is not even aware of the basics of governance hold the coveted office of Prime Minister of the country”, he added.   

The Chief Minister further said that it was writing on the wall that Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi would become the next Prime Minister of the country, as the countrymen were eagerly waiting to elect an able and efficient administrator like him for this coveted post. Terming that there was hardly any comparison between Mr. Modi and Mr. Rahul Gandhi, he said that both the leaders were poles apart from each other as the former was an experienced leader while the latter was totally ignorant of public life. Mr. Badal said that Modi wave was blowing across the country and the NDA would form government at the centre, with a thumping majority.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that in order to give a major push to education in this region, the Punjab Institute of Technology would be constructed by Punjab Technical University (PTU) here at a cost of Rs 30 crore. He said that this institute would be pivotal in imparting technical education to the students of this region thereby enabling to excel in life.

On another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government would minutely examine the matter of problems faced by the candidates appearing in the exam for the recruitment of the Food and Supply Inspectors on Sunday adding that any decision regarding it would be taken soon.

The Chief Minister further said that the two days Sangat Darshan of Dharamkot assembly segment would act as a catalyst for giving further impetus to the ongoing development works in this assembly segment. He said that during the Sangat Darshan grants have been sanctioned for the development works in all the 150 villages of the constituency. Mr. Badal said that due care has been taken to ensure holistic and planned development of all the villages by covering every strata of the society.

Later on addressing the gathering during Sangat Darshan program at Dharamkot, the Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to provide basic civic amenities in all the cities across the state for which a major scheme has already been embarked. He said that the SAD-BJP government was taking due care towards ensuring the well being of the disadvantaged sections of the society for which a number of welfare schemes like Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojna and others have been launched. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that soon the beneficiaries of the Atta-Dal scheme would be doubled and they would be provided Atta @ of Re 1 by the state government.

Training his guns against the Congress, the Chief Minister said that while the state government has taken a number of initiatives to ensure the welfare of people but on the other hand the Congress led UPA government’s anti-people stance has broken the backbone of the common man. He said that due to the anti-farmer’s policies of the Union government the farmers of the state, who had played a vanguard role in making the country self reliant in food production, were on the verge of economic disaster adding that farming was no longer a profitable venture due to ever accelerating cost of agriculture inputs coupled with non remunerative MSP. “In such scenario if the SAD-BJP government had not extended a helping hand to the farmers by giving them free power worth Rs 6000 crore then they would have been completely ruined” added Mr. Badal.  

Earlier the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of upcoming Tehsil complex to be constructed at a cost of Rs 7.19.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister and local MLA Jathedar Tota Singh, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Shital Singh, former MP Mr. Kewal Singh, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind and Dean (Planning and Development) PTU Mr. AP Singh.    

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SURVEY ON OUT-OF-SCHOOL-CHILDREN TO BE CONCLUDED TILL DECEMBER 26: MALUKA

·       PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO WORK TIRELESSLY TO BRING ALL OUT-OF-SCHOOL-CHILDREN OF 6- 14 AGE INTO THE SCHOOLS

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 17 :

      The Punjab Government has issued instructions to complete the survey on out-of-school-children between 6 to 14 years of age till December 26, 2013. It was disclosed by Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab. He said that objective behind this survey is to provide basic education to all the out-of-school-children in the state.

      Mr. Maluka said that it is the mandate of the Punjab Government to provide free and compulsory education to all the children up to class-VIII. He further said that during the survey, the teams of Education Department would go in all the distant and de-marginalized areas like; brick-kilns, railway stations, slums and the inhabitations of migrant labourers. Education Minister said that the information thus collected through the survey would be incorporated in the annual report of the year 2014-15 of the state government.

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 PUNJAB TO CONSTITUTE TEAMS FOR ROSTER REGISTER CHECKING

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 17:

 

            The Punjab Government has sought complete details of the officials of different departments to constitute teams for roster register checking. In the directions issued to all departments in this regard, it has been told that details should be furnished to Welfare department well in time to implement reservation policy in the government appointment and promotions.

            Disclosing this here today, an official Spokesperson of the Welfare Department said that roster register checking teams are being constituted in different departments to give requisite representation to schedule castes and backward classes in the government services.

            He further said that the departments have been told to submit the designation, office address and mobile number of the officers, two from general category and two from schedule castes of not less the rank of Joint Director, Assistant Director and Additional Director of their Directorate.

            He also said that instructions in this regard have already been sent to the heads of all the departments.

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 PUNJAB TAKES MEASURES TO CONTROL FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN ANIMALS

ü LAUNCHES VACCINATION CAMPAIGN FOR LIVESTOCK

Chandigarh, December 17:

                      Punjab Government has launched a vaccination campaign across the state to effectively control foot and mouth disease (FMD) in livestock. This  campaign would continue till the end of December.

Disclosing this here today Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, Punjab S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that Punjab Government has also taken timely measures in order to check the break of diseases in animals so as to provide a healthy livestock in the state. As a part of the ongoing actions, the state government regularly launches vaccination campaigns, said the minister.

It is mentioned here that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most infectious disease in livestock because it rapidly transmits among wide ranges of species, and often leading to a decline in meat and milk production in dairy cattle.

S. Ranike also said that the vaccinations would be provided to the livestock owners door to door by the field officers of Animal Husbandry Department and directions have also been issued to the concerned veterinary officers to use new vaccination. Besides live stock owners could contact nearest animal Husbandry Institution staff for vaccination injections.

                 He further said that Punjab Government has taken FMD under the ambit of Right to Service Act. It has been made time bound in the interest of the animals as well as the livestock owners, he added. He warned that no laxity would be tolerated in vaccination drive and strict action would be taken against the erring officials.

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EDUSAT TO PROVIDE EDUCATIVE MATERIAL FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 17:

            The Punjab government has chalked out an impressive plan with a view to provide study material through EDUSAT to the students studying in class 12th (both medical and non-medical) to enable them to appear in various competitive exams in their respective streams.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Education Department said that EDUSAT is a high-tech system which provides the education through satellite. He further said that the rural students who were not able to pay hefty fee to the coaching centres were able to prepare themselves through this satellite learning and as many as 2411 students from the rural areas were selected in Engineering and Medical colleges through this e-learning programme.  

            Giving details of the programmes launched he said that the programme would starts from December 17 to December 24, 2013. The schedule timing would be telecast on December 17, 2013 from 1.15 pm to 2.15 pm Ist session (Mathematics),  2.15 pm to 3.15 pm 2nd Session (Biology), on December 18,   Physics in Ist session & Mathematics in IInd session, December 19 Biology (Ist Session), Chemistry (2nd Session), on December 20 Physics (Ist Session),  Mathematics (IInd Session), December 23 physics (Ist Session), Mathematics (IInd Session) and December 24, Biology on 1.15 pm to 2.15 pm, Chemistry 2.15. pm to 3.15pm.

            He further said that on  December 21, 2013 the Edusat programme would be telecast for the physics  at 10.00 am to 11.20 am, Mathematics 11.20 am to 12.40 pm, Biology 1.15 pm to 2.15 pm and Chemistry at 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm. Study Material & further information would be available on the web site www. ssapunjab.org.  

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CM TERMS MODI AS MOST ELIGIBLE PERSON FOR OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER

FORMATION OF NDA GOVERNMENT AT CENTRE WOULD USHER A NEW ERA OF DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY IN THE STATE

ASKS CONGRESS NOT TO SHY AWAY FROM ANNOUNCING THEIR PRIME MINISTERIAL CANDIDATE

SUCCESS RATE OF SAD HIGHEST IN DELHI ASSEMBLY POLLS

HOLDS IN SANGAT DARSHAN IN DHARAMKOT ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Fatehgarh Panjtoor (Moga), December 16-

          Terming BJP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as the most eligible person for the coveted office of Prime Minister in the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that with the formation of NDA government at centre under his leadership, a new era of unprecedented development and prosperity would usher in the state.

Addressing the gathering on first day of Sangat Darshan program in Dharamkot Assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the anti-people and irrational policies of the Congress led UPA government at the centre has not only retarded the growth of the entire country but it has also adversely affected the prospects of the state. He said that the centre government’s anti-Punjab stance has given a fatal blow to the development of the state and the prosperity of its people. However, Mr. Badal said that the situation would witness a sea change after the formation of NDA government at the centre, which would pursue the agenda of developing Punjab as a leading state of the nation.

Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party must declare its Prime Ministerial candidate for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls so that the voters of the country could make a clear cut choice between the persons who would lead the nation. He said that in the current scenario the general elections were not only confined to the choice of the party by the voters but it was also a referendum for the leadership of any party. “Rather than shying away from declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate, the Congress party must announce their ‘General’ for Lok Sabha polls so as to test his leadership qualities” added Mr. Badal.

Reiterating that SAD-BJP alliance would sweep the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state, the Chief Minister said that the alliance would contest the elections on the plank of development, peace and communal harmony. Profusely thanking the people for giving their verdict in the favor of the SAD time and again, he said that the recent victory of Akali Dal on three seats in Delhi assembly reflected the unflinching faith reposed by the voters in its constructive and development oriented policies. “Our success rate has been highest in Delhi assembly polls as we have won three out of the four seats contested by us, which was a testimony to the popularity and credibility of the party amongst the electorate” added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister further said that in order to make the optimum utilization of the vacant lands in the villages, the Panchayats should avail the facility of getting priority tube well connections for these lands so that the income of their could be supplemented. Likewise, he said that the government has also embarked a new policy of providing assistance to the Panchayats for leveling the village land so as to ensure their judicious use. Mr. Badal appealed the Panchayats to take advantage of these policies of the state government for ensuring the holistic and sustainable development of the villages.     

Highlighting the significance of Sangat Darshan programs, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that besides giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state, these programs have been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He reiterated that the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it has virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and the administration, which normally hindered the process of progress. Mr. Badal further said that besides acting as a catalyst for redressing the grievances of people, the Sangat Darshan programs were also helpful for the state government to adjudge the working of officers of the various departments.

Later on the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of upcoming Sub-Tehsil complex in Kot Isse Khan.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister and local MLA Jathedar Tota Singh, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, former MP Mr. Kewal Singh, Youth Akali leader Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. 

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Punjab nominates 23 non official members of Nangal Grievances Redressal Committee

Chandigarh, December 16:

Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of District Redressal Grievances Committee of Sub-Division Nangal of District Roop Nagar. A notification has already been issued in this regard.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Redressal of Grievances department said that 23 non official have been nominated from recognized political parties and communities of Sub-Division Nangal of District Roop Nagar.

He said that amongst the nominated non official members were Sarwan Singh from SAD (B); Bakshish Singh from BJP; Ashok Saini from INC; Rachpal Singh from BSP; Suresh Kumar from Nationalist Congress Party;    Davinder Singh from Punjab State Council CPI;  Com. Kewal Krishan from CPI (M); Bakhtawar Singh from Freedom Fighters; Capt. Ramesh Chand Sharma from Ex-servicemen; Ramdarshan from BC; Masat Singh from SC; Mahesh Kalia from Youth; Ashok Kumar from Nambardar; Surjit Kaur from Women Category; Smt. Shoba Rani from Social Sector; Divan Singh from Business Category; Deepak Nagpal from Industry;  Jathedar Mohan Singh from Agriculture; Nazar Singh a representative of MP S. Ravneet Singh Bittu; Ranjit Singh Lucky a representative of MLA Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal; Rajinder Hans from Valmiki community; Sukhdev Singh from Mazbi Sikh and Prem Kumar from BKU.

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E-AUCTION OF TWO MINES ON 26TH DECEMBER

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 16:

            The Punjab Government would E-Auction two sand mines of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur on 26th December 2013. The Ministry of Environment has issued environment clearance certificate in this regard.

A Spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the reserve price of one mine at Digana khurd in Hoshiarpur District is 3 crore 10 lakh 20000 rupees and the reserve price of another mine at village Sangowal Tehsil Phillaur in Jalandhar district is Rs. 2 crore.  Area of mine at Digana khurd and Sangowal is 119.69 and 33.55 acre respectively.

The spokesman said that detailed information regarding E-auction could be downloaded from official website www.pbindustries.gov.in and anyone could avail this information from concerned General Manager cum Mining Official at district Industrial Centre. He said that interested bidders could register at Punjab government's official website www.etender.punjabgovt.gov.in.

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GREWAL ASSUMES CHARGE OF CHAIRMAN PUNJAB KHADI BOARD

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 16:

Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal today formally assumed the charge of  Chairman, Punjab Khadi and village industries Board here at the head office of Punjab Khadi Board in the presence of Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab.

While speaking on the occasion Mr. Mittal said that the board has been constituted to organize, develop and propagate village industries in the state and Mr. Grewal has been appointed the chairman of such a prestigious board which provides employment opportunities to the rural unemployed youth of the state thereby strengthening the rural economy of the state.

After assuming charge Mr. Grewal thanked Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal for appointing him as chairman of such prestigious board and assured to make all efforts to help the poor and downtrodden unemployed persons of the state by providing them employment in their areas thus curtailing them to shift to urban areas in search of employment.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion included Mr. chunni lal bhagat, Forest and Labour Minister, Punjab, BJP state President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna, MP, Mr. Ajai Jamwal, Mr. Rajinder Bhandari, MLA, Mr. Ashwani Sharma, MLA and Mr. Vaneet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor Punjab Government.

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PUNJAB DY CM & SHAHBAZ SHARIF PAYS OBEISANCE AT GOLDEN TEMPLE

PRAYS FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR BOTH COUNTRIES

SGPC SEEKS TO ALLOW 'KAR SEWA' IN GURDWARAS IN PAKISTAN

  Amritsar December 15:-

              The Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue Minister of Punjab Mr Bikram Singh Majithia today paid obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar on the concluding day of his four day visit to India.

             Both leaders have prayed to the Almighty to grant peace and prosperity to both the countries. Meanwhile, the President of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Jathedar Avtar Singh demanded a corridor for Sikh pilgrims to frequently pay obeisance at historic Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib and also sought more visas for the Sikh pilgrims, especially on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji being celebrated at Nankana Sahib.

             The SGPC also made a proposal to construct a ‘Saran’ at Gurdwara Dera Sahib Lahore for pilgrims/ jathas who visits Pakistan every year.

             Earlier, the SGPC President  Jathedar Avtar Singh honoured Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan delegation with siropas and  replica of Sri Darbar Sahib and a book set. Shahbaz Sharif assured SGPC chief that he would take up the matter with Pakistan Government.

Prominent amongst present on the occassion included Mr Kamal Sharma BJP President and CPS Mr Inderbir Singh Bolaria. 

- JOINT COMMUNIQUE/STATEMENT

 

            On the Invitation of Hon'ble Chief Minister, Punjab (India), Sardar Parkash Singh Badal, the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Punjab (Pakistan), Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif visited Punjab (India) on 13-15th December, 2013 along with his delegation comprising officials and business representatives. The Hon’ble Chief Minister and the delegation from Pakistan had extensive exchange of ideas with their counterparts in East Punjab (India) the Hon'ble Chief Minister,  the Deputy Chief Minister Punjab (India) Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal and their delegation.

 2.         During the interaction, it was mutually agreed to promote cooperation for the common interest of peace, harmony, economic growth and leveraging each other's potential in this regard.

 3.         Both sides fully recognized the immense benefits of mutual cooperation for the overall interest of the people of their respective states. Both sides agreed on the following:

 Ø  Facilitate exchange of academicians, experts and researches;

 Ø  Promote community contacts and understandings through exchange of delegation consisting of professionals and practitioners from different sectors including Agriculture, Trade, Industry and Commerce;

 Ø  Encourage exchange of students and interns from different educational institutions;

 Ø  Promote people to people contact through encouragement, development and participation in sports, cultural and tourism activities;

 Ø  Promote cooperation and sharing of learning in Livestock sector, including Dairy Development, Breed Improvement, Vaccinations, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences and water management.

 Ø  Encourage holding of joint workshops, training programs, and R&D Projects in Agriculture and Allied Sector, especially crop improvement;

 Ø  Promote exchange of knowledge regarding manufacturing of agriculture machinery and implements;

 Ø  Promote exchange of knowledge and experiences in Health and Education Sectors;

 Ø  Share each other's experience and good practices in Land Administration and Public Service Delivery Systems for improvement of governance and public facilitation;

 Ø  Pursue policies for easy access for people of both sides to religious places of their respective faith;

 Ø  Pursue policies to reduce trade barriers for promotion of business and encourage new routes of trade.

 4.         Both the Chief Ministers resolved to pursue with their respective Federal /Union Governments to facilitate enhanced cooperation and formulate policies in this regard.

 5.         Based on this joint statement both the Chief Ministers will sign a MoU with the consent of respective Federal/Union Governments.

 6.         The Hon'ble Chief Minister Punjab (India) expressed sincere and heartiest thanks to the visiting Chief Minister and his delegation which was reciprocated by the visiting dignitaries.

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JATI UMRA SHOWERS LOVE AND AFFECTION ON

IT’S SON SHAHBAZ SHARIF

·        SHAHBAZ OWES TRANSITION OF HIS FAMILY FROM A HUMBLE FARMER TO WAZIR-E-AZAM OF PAKISTAN TO ITS ANCESTRAL VILLAGE

·        BADAL ANNOUNCES GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL IN VILLAGE IN THE MEMORY OF SHAHBAZ’S FATHER

·        VILLAGE ALSO GETS DISPENSARY, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DISPENSARY AND PROJECTS WORTH RS.3.5 CRORE

·        SHAHBAZ GIVES CALL FOR INDO-PAK JOINT EFFORTS AGAINST POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT

·        JATI UMRA LAPS UP ITS SON

 Jati Umra (Tarn Taran), December 15: It is the pilgrimage to his ancestral village, Pak Punjab CM Mian Shahbaz Sharif, is going to relish for his whole life time as it has fulfilled lifelong wish to it’s kiss the sacred soil.

As the choppers carrying the family of Pak Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif along with Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal landed at makeshift helipad at the outskirts of village, Mr. Sharif alighting from the helicopter took a deep breath to inhale air of his village and his moist eyes were reflecting his longing for his ancestral land. He was welcomed by Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue and Public Relations Minister who has been instrumental in organizing the visit of Pak Punjab CM Mian Shahbaz Sharif since last few months and had been working day and night to organize befitting reception for him. Mr. Sharif touched the soil of the village and he seemed to be recalling the bed time stories of his father and grandfather regarding the topography of village and trying to match description of village with the stories told to him.

Thanking Mr. Badal and Mr. Majithia for taking care of his village and nurturing it as their own village, Mr. Sharif was driven to his house that was donated by his family for the construction of Gurdwara Kalgidhar and became emotional to have a feel of its walls. The friends of his father Gian Singh and Massa Singh were emotionally choked to see the son of their old friend Muhammad Sharif now ruling the neighbouring Punjab. They hugged and kissed on the forehead of Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and blessed his wife, his son Suleman Sharif, daughter-in-law, daughter Ayesha Haroon and son-in-law Haroon Yousaf Aziz.

He requested to send a delegation of his ancestral village including Gian Singh and Massa Singh to Pakistan and promised that he would ensure their visa and their hospitality. He said that Gurbachan Singh and Major Singh son of his father’s friend Arjan Singh had already visited him last year.

Emotionally choked Shahbaz Sharif, when rose to speak in the reception function there was huge applause from over 1000 villagers who were waiting for more than five hours patiently to have a glimpse of son of the village. He immediately developed connect with his villagers by paying respect to elders and speaking in chaste Punjabi language Sat Sri Akal. Speaking in Punjabi he recalled his first visit along with his father and five uncles when they sat on the cots of Panchayat and relished hot milk served by the villagers. He said that his father was so emotionally connected with this village because it was the only Muslim family of this Sikh dominated village. He said that it was all destiny that we all migrated first to Amritsar and our education was organised by villagers in the Khalsa college, Amritsar. Recalling their struggle from the family of humble farmers, he said that his uncles worked as daily wagers at the factory of one hindu and later started their own iron casting factory. He said that when this factory was taken over by Bhutto they started their journey from scratch and with the grace of God he was now Wazir-e-Azam of Pak Punjab and his brother his brother was Wazir-e-Azam of Pakistan and it was their 3rd term.

Thanking profusely for the hospitality of S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Shahbaz Sharif said that he was so much floored by unimaginable hospitality, affection and care that he was worried about matching the same during the forthcoming visit of Mr. Badal to Pakistan. He said that he was happy that Mr. Badal has accepted his invitation and said that both countries forgetting their past history should launch a joint initiative against poverty and unemployment and become leading power of Asia. He said that he has brought sweets, 1 quintal ladoos and fruits for his fellow villagers.

Developing a direct rapport with the villagers, Mr. Sharif said that it was destiny that my father migrated before partition and I was born in Pakistan. He said that his family had not migrated to Pakistan he would have taken birth in Jati Umra and by that equation he was son of this village.

Welcoming Shahbaz Sharif to his own village, Mr. Badal said that it was such an emotional moment of the history when the time freezes. He said that he can understand the emotional gestures of Sharif family and said that he would nurture this village as his own village. Opening a gift box for the village, Mr. Badal said that he had already sanctioned projects worth Rs.3.5 cores. He also accepted the demand of villagers for a high school and said that given land he would get the school constructed as a world class school and announced that this school would be named after Muhammad Sharif father of Shahbaz Sharif and desired that when completed this school should be inaugurated by the family member of Shahbaz Sharif. He also said that one of their family members must visit this village every year to maintain their emotional connect with their ancestral soil.

In a vote of thanks Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal assured that Punjab government would nurture this village and complete all the projects announced today in a time bound manner. He also announced a world class gymnasium for the village.

The family of Major Singh, friend of Muhammad Sharif honoured Shahbaz Sharif with the gold pendant (Kaintha). The villagers also presented Shawls and Gold rings to all the family members of Shahbaz Sharif. 

Mr. Sharif along with his family paid obeisance at Gurdwara Kalgidhar and sat through the Kirtan. Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister explained him regarding the topography of the village and told him that this area was the business hub of old joint Punjab.

Later Mr. Sharif inaugurated Rs. 3.52 crore projects including two link roads connecting village Jati Umra to Takhtuchak and Kaziwal and also unveiled a foundation stone of overall development of villages of projects.

Later Mr. Shahbaz Sharif along with his family members went to the grave of his great grandfather Mian Mohammad Baksh and offered a holly sheet on his grave.

Mian Shahbaz Sharif was accompanied by Rana Mashood Khan, Minister Education, Pak Punjab, Mr. Salman Bashir, Pak High Commissioner, Begum Tarunum Bashir, Syed Maratib Ali, Vice Chairman Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Mr. Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Secretary Punjab Government, Mohammad Irfan Elahi, Chairman Planning & Development Board, Mr. Ijaz Munir, Secretary Agriculture department, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, Faisalabad Agriculture University

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DEPUTY CM OFFERS COOPERATION TO WEST PUNJAB FOR SETTING UP BIOMASS PLANTS IN PAKISTAN

SHARIF EVINCES KEEN INTEREST IN BIOMASS PLANTS FOR GENERATING POWER

Channu (Sri Muktsar Sahib), December 15-

          In a major leap forward towards strengthening bilateral ties between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today assured fulsome support and cooperation to the West Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif for setting up Biomass plants in Pakistan.

          This announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Minister during the visit of West Punjab Chief Minister at  the 15 MW Universal Biomass Energy Private limited plant here today.

Impressed by the optimum utilization of agriculture waste for converting it into energy Mian Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, evinced his keen interest in setting up such plants across Pakistan for producing power. He said such plants could be of great use for West Punjab, which was predominantly an agriculture economy, in catering to its power requirements. Likewise Mr. Sharif also showed immense interest in the agriculture implements made in the state and also asked the Deputy Chief Minister to help West Punjab by sharing this technology which could revolutionize the agriculture in that state.

Evoking a positive response, Deputy Chief Minister said that East Punjab was ready to provide all kind of technical support and expertise to the West Punjab for setting up such power plants in Pakistan.‘This step will usher a new era of unprecedented development in both the states across the border” he added.    

The Deputy Chief Minister said that as per the desire of Mian Shahbaz Sharif they would soon send a team of their experts to West Punjab for sharing their knowledge of setting such plants in west Punjab. He said that the setting up of these plants have been instrumental not in only augmenting the power supply in the state but have also played a major role in supplementing the income of the state’s farmer. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that with the starting of this project agriculture waste like paddy straw, wheat straw, cotton sticks, dry leaves and others bio-wastes, which were earlier of no use for the farmers were now proving to be ‘gold mines’ by giving dividends to them.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that not only this but the residue of these biomass power plants was also being utilized for the production of fancy tiles, which were being used across the state. The Deputy Chief Minister also apprised Mian Shahbaz Sharif that the state government was giving full support to the entrepreneurs interested in the setting up of these plants so that the power needs of the state could be meted aptly. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that as East and West Punjab have almost same topography so such plants could be very successful in that state also.

On the occasion the owner of the plant Mr. Pawanpreet Singh Dhillon apprised the visiting delegation that the project has been set up at a cost of Rs 100 crore and was producing 15 MW of power by consuming 500 tonnes of bio waste per day.

On the occasion plant owners Mr. Pawanpreet Singh Dhillon and Mr. Jasbir Singh also felicitated the visiting delegation.

The Deputy Chief Minister was also accompanied by his Media Advisor Mr. Jangveer Singh and Special Principal Secretary Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu.

Later on Mian Shahbaz Sharif also visited the Mata Jaswant Kaur memorial school at village Badal where Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal welcomed him. Chief Minister and Mian Sharif also distributed sweets and fruits to the students. 

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DEPUTY CM OFFERS COOPERATION TO WEST PUNJAB FOR SETTING UP BIOMASS PLANTS IN PAKISTAN

SHARIF EVINCES KEEN INTEREST IN BIOMASS PLANTS FOR GENERATING POWER

Channu (Sri Muktsar Sahib), December 15-

          In a major leap forward towards strengthening bilateral ties between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today assured fulsome support and cooperation to the West Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif for setting up Biomass plants in Pakistan.

          This announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Minister during the visit of West Punjab Chief Minister at  the 15 MW Universal Biomass Energy Private limited plant here today.

Impressed by the optimum utilization of agriculture waste for converting it into energy Mian Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, evinced his keen interest in setting up such plants across Pakistan for producing power. He said such plants could be of great use for West Punjab, which was predominantly an agriculture economy, in catering to its power requirements. Likewise Mr. Sharif also showed immense interest in the agriculture implements made in the state and also asked the Deputy Chief Minister to help West Punjab by sharing this technology which could revolutionize the agriculture in that state.

Evoking a positive response, Deputy Chief Minister said that East Punjab was ready to provide all kind of technical support and expertise to the West Punjab for setting up such power plants in Pakistan.‘This step will usher a new era of unprecedented development in both the states across the border” he added.    

The Deputy Chief Minister said that as per the desire of Mian Shahbaz Sharif they would soon send a team of their experts to West Punjab for sharing their knowledge of setting such plants in west Punjab. He said that the setting up of these plants have been instrumental not in only augmenting the power supply in the state but have also played a major role in supplementing the income of the state’s farmer. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that with the starting of this project agriculture waste like paddy straw, wheat straw, cotton sticks, dry leaves and others bio-wastes, which were earlier of no use for the farmers were now proving to be ‘gold mines’ by giving dividends to them.

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that not only this but the residue of these biomass power plants was also being utilized for the production of fancy tiles, which were being used across the state. The Deputy Chief Minister also apprised Mian Shahbaz Sharif that the state government was giving full support to the entrepreneurs interested in the setting up of these plants so that the power needs of the state could be meted aptly. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that as East and West Punjab have almost same topography so such plants could be very successful in that state also.

On the occasion the owner of the plant Mr. Pawanpreet Singh Dhillon apprised the visiting delegation that the project has been set up at a cost of Rs 100 crore and was producing 15 MW of power by consuming 500 tonnes of bio waste per day.

On the occasion plant owners Mr. Pawanpreet Singh Dhillon and Mr. Jasbir Singh also felicitated the visiting delegation.

The Deputy Chief Minister was also accompanied by his Media Advisor Mr. Jangveer Singh and Special Principal Secretary Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu.

Later on Mian Shahbaz Sharif also visited the Mata Jaswant Kaur memorial school at village Badal where Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal welcomed him. Chief Minister and Mian Sharif also distributed sweets and fruits to the students. 

 

4th WORLD CUP KABADDI 2013

 

INDIAN EVES KISS CROWN, MAKES KIWI BITE THE DUST

JALANDHAR, DECEMBER 12:

Indian women Kabaddi team finally kissed the crown third time consecutively after dashing New Zealand to the ground. In the Final virtual one sided show down at the grand finale of women category of World Cup Kabaddi India emerged victorious crushing Kiwi team with the margin of points 49-21 handed over record prize money of Rs. 1 crore to the Indian team that was more than double that they got in the third edition of World cup Kabbadi whereas Kiwi team had to satisfy themselves with prize money of Rs. 51 lakh. The third position holder Denamrk women kabbadi team took the prize money of Rs. 25 lakh

Anu Rani declared best stopper whereas Ram Bateri declared best raider and received Maruti Alto Car each.

 Women Final

India out classed New Zealand (49-21)

In the women final India thrashed New Zealand by the margin of 49-21 points. At the end of 1st half Indian team was leading with the difference 22-11 points. Raiders of Indian team Priyanka Deviand Ram Bateri got 10-10 points each whereas stopper Anu Rani, Randeep and Khushbo bagged 6, 6 and 5 points respectively. Kiwi raider Elzibeth Motu scored 4 points whereas stopper Cathlina got 4 points respectively.

PUNJAB POLICE

 YET ANOTHER DELHI-BASED MULTI-CRORE SYNTHETIC DRUG RACKET BUSTED

V NEW TRAFFICKING ROUTE THROUGH THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE FOR SMUGGLING SYNTHETIC DRUGS TO INTERNATIONAL MARKET EXPOSED

V MYANMAR NATIONAL AMONG FIVE ARRESTED  

V PRECURSORS & DRUGS WORTH OVER RS. 200 CRORES SEIZED FROM DELHI AND HIMACHAL PRADESH

V VERIFICATION OF SALE OF 1800 KG PRECURSORS WORTH RS. 1800 CRORE FROM DELHI FACTORY BEING CONDUCTED   

Chandigarh, December 12: The Punjab Police has cracked down on yet another Delhi-based multi-crore international synthetic drug racket with the arrest of five Delhi and HP-based persons. The unveiling of this Delhi-based international drug racket follows close on the heels of neutralizing of the Delhi-based racket controlled by kingpin Dev Behl.

                 Disclosing this here today, Mr. Dinkar Gupta, Additional DGP/ Law & Order said that this important and major break-through in the drive against drug trafficking follows systematic and meticulous investigations by the Punjab  Police with the objective of exposure of drug networks in a complete and end-to-end manner from source of supply to the distribution network. He informed that the Punjab Police had started a two-tier interrogation of drug smugglers from October 14 onwards, with the smugglers being questioned firstly by the district police, followed by sustained interrogation by officials of the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) in the Joint Interrogation Center at Amritsar. So far, over 100 smugglers have been interrogated. These interrogations have yielded valuable information about the various cogs in the different drug networks so as to enable the Punjab Police to smash these drug networks in an end-to-end manner, from source of supply to the distribution network. He said that the focus was not limited to the State of Punjab. Networks operating in other parts of the country were also being detected and action being taken. This racket was the second successive Delhi-based synthetic drug racket busted in a short time by the Punjab Police, he added.

                 Mr. Gupta revealed that investigations into the Delhi-based multi-crore synthetic drug racket have revealed a new trafficking route being used for pumping synthetic drugs into North America through Myanmar and China utilizing Golden Triangle-based links.  Punjab Police has made five arrests from New Delhi and HP, including that of a Myanmar national and recovered large quantity of precursor chemicals, and drugs worth over Rs. 200 crores in the international market. The arrested persons includes Suresh Kumar @ Mainga r/o Ram Lubhaya – Manager of Gagret- based factory in Himachal Pradesh- arrested from HP on December 7, 2013, Varinder Singh @ Raja s/o Jaswant Singh r/o 98 Vikas Puri, New Delhi- base in Rangoon, Myanmar- arrested from New Delhi on December 8, 2013, Hrang Tin Khara @ Adam Zanniat @ Robert s/o Biakzama r/o H.No. W-2/21, Ground Floor, Badala Vikas Puri, New Delhi- base in Klimou , Myanmar- Myanmar  national – arrested from New Delhi on December 10, 2013, Rajesh Kumar Bansal s/o Gora Lal Bansal r/o A-2/73, Sector 3, Rohini, New Delhi- arrested from New Delhi on December 12, 2013and Ajay Jain s/o Amrit Lal r/o 35-C, Hasab Vihar, Sector 9, Rohini, New Delhi- arrested from New Delhi on December 12, 2013.

                 Mr. Gupta said that conducting systematic and meticulous investigations, the Punjab Police zeroed onto Suresh Kumar and uncovered a pharmaceutical factory in Himachal Pradesh (HP) being used for manufacture of synthetic drug ICE (M-amphetamine) from precursor chemicals likeephedrine, pseudoephedrine, ketamine etc.. 50 kgs of precursor chemicals worth Rs.50 crores in the international market have been seized from the Gagret factory on the disclosure of arrested factory manager Suresh Kumar.

                 He further said that in consonance with the policy of conducting investigations in an end-to-end manner by exposing drug trafficking rackets from the source of raw materials to the distribution network, the Punjab Police analyzed and dissected all available information on the Delhi-based synthetic drug racket and has uncovered a new drug trafficking route to North America through Myanmar and China, utilizing Golden Triangle links. This is a major breakthrough for Punjab Police.

He said that the painstaking investigations and developing and cross-verifying available leads led the Punjab Police to Delhi-based Varinder Singh @ Raja who has been arrested from Delhi on December 8 and was presently under seven day police remand. Varinder Raja’s family, including his father are based in Myanmar and his wife is a US national. He was one of the main recipients of consignments of precursor chemicals like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine from Dev Behl. Raja would supply the precursor chemicals to Myanmar national Hrang Tin Khara @ Adam Zanniat @ Robert who had bases in Mizoram and Delhi as well. Robert further supplied the precursor chemical to factories located on the Myanmar-China border.

It was also revealed that Varinder Singh @ Raja was a public school educated  person, having studied in Guru Nanak Public School, Mussoorie and Shivalik Public School, Mohali. His wife is a US citizen while his parents are based in Rangoon, Myanmar. Raja was a young person who has become rich quickly- he was in his mid-thirties, likes wearing branded clothes, was into going to discos and parting late at night. He was leading a luxurious lifestyle and has extensively travelled abroad. According to his passport, Raja has visited Myanmar, China, UK and Dubai among other countries. He has an export license for sewing machines. Varinder @ Raja was also multi-lingual and was fluent in Burmese, Mizo, Hindi, Punjabi and English.

                        Besides this, Robert- the Myanmarese national changes his colours, dress etc. often and is difficult to find or pin-down. He has three aliases and bases in Mizoram, New Delhi and Myanmar. He would come to New Delhi at regular intervals for obtaining precursor chemicals and would go back to Myanmar with the contrabands which would then be used for manufacturing synthetic drugs in factories on the Myanmar-China border. Robert had come to New Delhi three months back and was slated to go back to Myanmar with a contraband consignment (precursor chemicals).

 Mr Gupta informed that the Golden Triangle was one of Asia's two main opium-producing areas. It was an area of around 367,000 square miles (950,000 km2) that overlaps the mountains of three countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Laos andThailand. Along with Afghanistan in the Golden Crescent, it has been one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1920s. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century when Afghanistan became the world's largest producer. Myanmar is the world's second largest producer of illicit opium, after Afghanistan and has been a significant cog in the transnational drug trade sinceWorld War II.

                 He further informed that conducting the investigations in the classical end-to-end manner the Punjab Police brought Hrang Tin Khara @ Adam Zanniat @ Robert under its scanner and with the available leads effected his arrest from Delhi on December 8, 2013. Robert has been produced before the competent court which has granted seven days police remand for his custodial interrogation. Further investigations have led to the arrests of two more Delhi-based persons today on December 12, 2013 who were involved in the international synthetic drug racket- Ajay Jain, supplier of precursor chemicals pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, and, Rajesh Kumar Bansal, owner of a factory where precursor chemicals were illegally converted into synthetic drugs like ICE (M-amphetamine). 150 kgs of pseudoephedrine worth Rs. 150 crores in the international market, 7.5 kgs of unlabeled powder and 2.4 kgs of intoxicant drug in powder form have been seized from the factory of Rajesh Kumar Bansal in New Delhi.

                 He pointed out that while checking the records of precursor chemicals in the factory of Rajesh Bansal in New Delhi, it has been found that over 1800 kgs of precursor chemicals have been shown as sold/consumed in only three months of 2012 as against normal yearly consumption of 300-350 kgs. Along with the competent drug authority in the Health Department, verifications were being conducted regarding diversion of precursor chemicals and its scale of magnitude.  

                 It has also been revealed in investigations that most of the synthetic drugs being smuggled were targeted for the international market in North America and Europe- mainly Canada, the US, Australia etc.. Robert would supply the precursor chemicals to the factories based on the Myanmar-China border which would manufacture synthetic drugs like ICE (M-amphetamine) and using Chinese suppliers, these synthetic drugs would reach the international market. Further investigations are ongoing.

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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

USA MEN AND DENMARK WOMEN TEAM SECURED 3RD RANK

·       Women Section: DENMARK DEFEATED PAKISTAN BY 34-33 POINTS

·       Men Sectio: USA BEAT ENGLAND BY 62-27 POINTS

JALANDHAR, DECEMBER 12:

Before Women Final two qualification matches in men and women category for the third position were played Jalandhar today. In men section USA got the third position defeated England by 62-27 point difference where as Denmark women team emerged victorious beating Pakistan with the point difference of 34-33.

Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab were formally inaugurated the match between Denamrk and Pakistan whereas Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur and Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar (all Cabinet Ministers) were formally inaugurated the match between USA and England after having introduction with the players. Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Sports) Mr. Pawan Tinnu and CPS Mr. Avinash Chander was the guest of honor.

3rd position match of Men Section (USA beat England 62-27)

In the qualification match in the men category USA out smarten England and decisive victory with the point difference of 62-27 and registered third place in the medal tally and got Rs 51 lakh prize money. At the end of 1st half USA was leading with 28-17 points. Raiders of USA Dharmjot and Jesus got 15-15 points each whereas its stopper Meak and Navpreet scored 10 and 5 points respectively. Raiders of England Avtar Tari scores 9 points whereas its stopper Amandeep Riar bagged 2 points.

3rd position match of Women Section (Denmark defeated Pakistan 34-33)

In a hard fought battle, Denmark which was earlier considered to the underdog finally emerged victorious defeating Pakistan in a match that aroused the vibrations of the jam packed Guru Gobind Singh stadium, Jalandhar today.  In women category Danish team managed to outclass Pakistan team with the margin of only one points (34-33) and stands third in the medal tally. It was neck to neck fight. At the end of 1st half Denmark team was leading with the difference 19-14 points. Raiders of Denmark Mlie Pederson scored 15 and 9 points respectively whereas its stopper Tersa Victoria and Camilla Kerstina bagged 4 and 3 points respectively. Raiders of Pakistan Madiha Latif and Neelam Riaz scored 13 and 8 points respectively and its stopper Zeenat Parveen bagged 4 points.

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CONGRESS NEEDS WISDOM AND WILL TO UNDERSTAND THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN PUNJAB---SUKHBIR BADAL

·          CALLS FOR UPROOTING CONGRESS IN ENSUING ELECTIONS

·          REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODI’S JAGRAON RALLY ON DECEMBER 21

Jagraon December 21: Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal came down heavily on the congress and other political parties for their constantly misleading the people on Punjab’s industrial revival.

Commenting on the lack of will and wisdom of this anti Punjab stance of the political leaders, Mr. Badal said that the state’s industrial growth has got a new direction with the culmination of the successful progressive Punjab investors summit. Reacting to the hollow comments of the political opponents about the investors summit as a “drama”, Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that these leaders still lack insight to recognize the will and commitment of the Punjab government.

He also said that the recently concluded investors summit in the presence of top business industrialists from India and abroad was beyond imagination of the shallow minded so called political leaders. He advised them to get verify the facts before going to media to merely gain media attention with superficial information.

        Mr. Badal also said that the congress was desperate in regaining its base in the recent assembly elections to four states. Talking to media persons while reviewing the arrangements of Mr. Narender Modi’s rally at Jagraon on december 21, Mr. Badal said that the forthcoming rally in honour of Mr. Modi would be one of the largest rallies ever organized in Punjab. Mr. Badal exhorted the leaders and workers of the SAD-BJP to uproot the Congress led UPA government in the coming elections and elect the NDA in the larger public interest.

        Taking stock of the security measures being taken by the state Mr. Badal accompanied by the state police chief Mr. Sumedh Saini, said that the security machinery have been fully geared up. He also said that huge “pandal” is being set up in an area of 96 acres with large four stages for the prominent leaders attending the rally. He asked the administration to ensure smooth flow of vehicular traffic in the city on rally day so that people do not face any hazards.

        Prominent amongst others who were present included Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Mr. Kamal Sharma President Punjab unit of BJP, Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema MLA.

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PAK PUNJAB CHIEF MINISTER SHAHBAZ SHARIF ARRIVES NEW DELHI ON HIS FOUR DAY VISIT

MAJITHIA RECEIVES SHAHBAZ SHARIF ON BEHALF OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT

SHAHBAZ SHARIF UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORTS TO SORT OUT BILATERAL ISSUES

BOTH PUNJABS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO INCREASE THE TRADE ACTIVITIES MANIFOLD IN THE REGION

ADVOCATES FOR MORE SPORTS AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE EFFORTS

New Delhi, December 12: The Pakistan Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Shahbaz Sharif was today received by Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia on behalf of Punjab Government here at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Leading a 20 member delegation Mr. Sharif has been visiting Punjab on the invitation of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to grace the World Kabaddi Cup finals function as Chief Guest which was being played at Ludhiana between the teams of India and Pakistan on December 14.

In an informal brief interaction with media persons, Mr. Sharif said that it was high time that both the countries should make collective efforts to sort out the bilateral issues thereby making a significant contribution in the rapid and overall development of the region.

Speaking to the media persons, the Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that during his three Punjab visit besides gracing the World Kabaddi cup finals, Mr. Sharif would visit Sri Darbar Sahib, his native village Jati Umra ( Tarn Taran), Mansa Thermal plant, Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana besides interacting with the traders and industrialists of Punjab. He said that both Punjabs’ have the joint potential to re-write the business priorities in the region as with more increased volume of bilateral trade through Attari border and  others land routes, the whole business scenario could be changed. He said that it was also high time to enhance the trade activities through these land routes as with same culture we could complement each other by sharing our surplus productions within no time.

Mr. Majithia pointed out that Mr. Sharif would also interact with traders and industrialists importing as well as exporting their products through Bagha border so that collective efforts should be made to manifold the present trade volume. He said that Punjab has become a power surplus state and Pakistan needs power so the export of power as discussed in Punjab Deputy Chief Minister’s last year Pak Punjab visit could be materialized. He said that Mr. Sharif would visit the recently inaugurated thermal power plant in Mansa.

Underlining the need for stronger sports and cultural exchange ties between the both countries, Mr. Majithia pointed out that Kabaddi, the mother game of Punjabis playing a significant role in this direction and expressed confidence with too similarities of culture both the Punjabs’ would more passionately cooperate each other for overall development. He expressed confidence that the days were not far when our trade and industrial import-export would increase manifold.

Mr. Majithia was accompanied by Ms. Kalpana Mittal Baruah, Principal Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab.

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NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP AT SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB 

·  RANIKE REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS OF 5TH NATIONAL

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 12:

The Punjab Government is organizing 5th national livestock championship from January 8 to January 12, 2014 at Sri Muktsar Sahib with a view to boost milk production in the state.

         Animal Husbandry Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike presided over a meeting with all deputy commissioners and filed officers of the department at Punjab Bhawan here today and directed them to launch an awareness campaign in this regard. He said that cash awards and certificates would be given to the winners.

The also directed to constitute different committees to assist and educate the farmers in this regard, so that maximum farmers can take advantage of this mega event. He said that a special milking competition would also be held during the event besides dancing competition of horses.

 The Minister further said that the instructions have been issued to all concerned officials to provide free green fodder for livestock during these fairs. He said that free lodging and boarding would also be provided to livestock owners.

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SIX RESIDENTIAL SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE

ESTABLISHED IN THE STATE- MALUKA

Chandigarh December 12    The Punjab Government has decided to establish six state of Art Residential Schools at Mohali, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar for poor and meritorious students who secure 80% and above marks in the matriculation from Government schools. The cost of construction of these schools will be Rs.180 crore.

         Disclosing this Education and Language Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that this scheme has been started with an object to impart quality education for the post matric students to the economically and socially disadvantageous brilliant and meritorious students. Minister further said that state government would establish smart class-rooms, engaged best teachers, provide sports facilities, vocational training and dedicated teachers for preparing the meritorious poor students for competitions in various fields and to ensure their overall development and preparedness for higher competitive studies.

            Mr. Maluka also said that the Chief Minister Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal has also laid the foundation stone for the residential senior secondary school at Bathinda. Minister also said that 6.96 acres of land free of cost land has been provided to Mohali, 10 acre to Patiala,11 acre to Ludhiana,10 acre to Amritsar,10 acre to Bathinda and 10 acre to Jalandhar for the setting up of the Residential Senior Secondary Schools in Punjab. He also said that Government has already initiated the process of construction of the buildings for the proposed schools. Minister also said that Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship Scheme had also been launched during the current financial year 2013-14 to provide financial assistance of RS.30,000/- per annum (Rs.25000/- per month) to 3304 brilliant and meritorious students, who secured 80% and above marks in the matriculation examination.

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26 NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF DASUYA GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMITTEE NOMINATED

 CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 12:

 The Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of Sub-Division Dasuya for District Redressal Grievances Committee Hoshiarpur. A notification in this regard has already been issued.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that 26 non-official members of recognized political parties and communities of Sub Division have been nominated.

He said that amongst the nominated non-official members included; Surjeet Singh kaire, Kuldeep Sharma, Amit Bassi, Dalwinder Bodal, Madan Lal, Charanjit Singh Cattheyal, Sukha Singh, Santokh Singh, Rajinder Kumar Sharma, Jaswant Singh Bittu, Jasvir Singh, Tarun Khullar, Davinder Singh Bajwa, Jaswinder Kaur, Kamal Kishan, Ranvir Singh, Harjinder Singh, Lakhwinder Singh Chhabra, Sanjeev Kumar Mand, Sohan Lal Prashar, Rajiv Dutt, Harsimrat Shahi, Som dutt Sanghar, Sukhwinder Singh, Karnail Singh and Avtar Singh.   

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PUNJAB NOMINATES 6 MEMBERS OF PUNJAB STATE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 12:

            The Punjab Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court has nominated 6 members of Punjab State Legal Services Authority.

            Giving The Details, A spokesperson of Punjab and Haryana High Court said that H.S.Madan District and Session Judge Amritsar, Raj Shekhar Attari District and Session Judge Patiala, Dr. Daljit Singh Principal Khalsa college Amritsar, Tajinder Kaur Pro-Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University, Pappo Abnash Singh Social Worker of Ludhiana and Dr. Nishtha Jaswal Head of Law Department P.U. Chandigarh to be the nominated members of Punjab State Legal Services Authority. He said that a notification has been issued in this regard.

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SPECIAL INTERVIEW OF HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL ON ZEE PUNJABI ON DEC 13

 

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 12:

                Member Parliament from Bathinda Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal will converse on variety of topic including Politics and social issues in an interview to be telecasted over Zee Punjabi on December 13, 2013. The interview will be on air at 8.30 p.m.

                Mrs. Badal would talk her mind out about her experiences of the Nanhi Chaan campaign besides her political carrier and work in the Bathinda Parliamentary Constituency.

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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

KNOW YOUR HIGH COURT CASE STATUS THROUGH SMS NOW

CHANDIGARH, DECEMBER 12:

In furtherance to its commitment to provide Citizen Centric and transparent services to the litigant and general public, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana has achieved one more mile stone in making available Case Status and Status of Copying Applications available to the litigants/applicants through SMS with the IT support of National Informatics Centre.

Divulging the details, a Spokesperson of Punjab and Haryana High Court said that whenever after filing of a new case, its status would change through out its journey, a system generated auto SMS would be fired which would reach at the mobile number registered in the system.  Similarly an SMS would be sent on filing of a petition seeking supply of certified copy. Subsequently status of preparation of the copy including the Court fee required would be communicated through SMS.  After delivery of the copy, a final SMS again would be sent to inform the applicant that certified copy has been delivered.  “This service would be extended to all possible fields wherever the public is interested to know the status of the case/application so as to make the judicial working more and more transparent” he added.

                        He further said that another concept of Digital Case Management System (CMS) has been successfully tested in which user names and passwords had been provided to the Bar Members by allowing them login facility to Punjab and Haryana High Court Website.  While using the CMS, an Advocate may fetch the data of his/her own cases to create a virtual cause list of its own cases minus all other cases so as to remain abreast with the essential parameters of a pending case.  After successful testing of the CMS application, its scope has been enlarged by offering the logins to the Government and the Private Departments and Universities etc. so that there is no scope left to not attend a case pending in the High Court.  He said that the entire procedure to obtain the login IDs has been displayed on the website.  He added that any institution interested to get access to CMS may apply for the same. The Spokesperson also said that E-filing of the cases has been successfully tested for Tax Matters and Protection Matters.  Now Punjab and Haryana High Court want to extend E-filing to the remaining fields.