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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ACCEDES THE PROPOSAL, BASIC ELIGIBILITY FOR UP-VAID INCREASED
· CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT WARNED GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AGAINST PRIVATE PRACTICE
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 14:
The Punjab Government has in principal raised the eligibility criteria of the D. Pharmacy (Up-vaid) from 10th to 12th. It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Medical Education and Research Minister, Punjab after presiding over the meeting of the Medical Education & Research Department at Punjab Bhawan, here today.
Mr. Bhagat said that a delegation of Government Ayurvedic & Unani Upvaid Union (Punjab) submitted the memorandum and requested to raise the eligibility criteria of the D. Pharmacy (Up-vaid) from 10 to 10+2, which has been accepted.
In the meeting, the Punjab Medical & Dental Teacher’s Association presented their demands, which was patiently heard by Minister and assured the delegation to look into the matter. A committee of the Principals and the Medical Superintendents was also constituted. The committee would submit the report to the Director Research & Medical Education, who would further submit the recommendations to the government for its consideration. The major demands of the association was Time Scale promotions, Academic Allowance, Research Allowance, Academic Leave, inclusion of NPA for all intent & purposes, etc.
Mr. Bhagat has taken a serious view of private practice being done by some of the doctors, who are marring the image of the department. The Principals were instructed to convey the clear-cut message that the faculty should desist from such activities.
The prominent amongst other, who were present in the meeting included; Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Mr. Harbhupinder Singh Nanda, Special Secretary, Dr. A.S. Thind, Director of Research & Medical Education Department, Principals of Government Medical College, Patiala and Amritsar, Principal of Government Ayurvedic College, Patiala and Medical Superintendent Government Medical College, Patiala.
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WOMEN DAIRY FARMERS’ TO BE TECHNICALLY TRAINED-----PHILLAUR
Chandigarh February 14: As a part of strengthening and developing dairy farming in the state, the Punjab government would encourage the women entrepreneurs in dairy farming by imparting them hi-tech training in this field. Stating this here today, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister , Punjab said that Dairy Development Department in collaboration with Punjab Dairy Development Board would organize a one day Women Dairy Farmers Seminar at Jagraon, Distt. Ludhiana on 17-2-2013 aimed at highlighting the contribution of women dairy farmers in the development of dairy in the state . About 1000 Women Dairy Farmers from all over the state would participate in the Seminar. He further said that Dairy Farming has proved to be a viable alternative in the context of diversification of agriculture thus the Punjab government would extend all possible assistance to encourage women to adopt this highly lucrative trade.
Adding further, the Minister said that women have made a valuable contribution in this sector. Appreciating women for their role in shaping up the society, the Minister said that like any other business, women dairy farmers also faced bigger challenges than their male counterparts. Their capacity to raise Institutional Finance was limited because they do not have land and other similar resources in their names. He urged the Women Dairy Farmers to come forward in this trade and bring the much needed white revolution in Punjab with their indomitable courage and hard work. The Minister further said that in this seminar, women experts from the Universities would deliver lectures on the subjects concerned with the dairy farming and would enlighten them about the latest developments in this sector. Besides this, successful dairy farmers would also narrate their success stories and encourage other dairy farmers to set up dairy farming adopting latest techniques. Those Women Dairy Farmers, who have achiveved excellence in their field would be honored. He expressed hope that from this seminar, other women would also get motivated and more and more women will take up dairy farming.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES NEW PANEL FOR INQUIRIES
Chandigarh, February 14
Punjab Government has constituted a new panel of inquiry officers to conduct inquiries against Government officials.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of state Government said that new panel was constituted to conduct the inquiries against Government officials under the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and appeal) Rule 1970. Spokesman said that Mr. Sukhpal Singh Gill, Mr. C.S. Talwar, Mr. Surinderjit Singh Sandhu (all IAS) , Mr. B.R. Bansal, Additional District and Session Judge (Retd.), Mr. B.C. Gupta PCS, Mr. M.G. Acharia IAS, Mr. H.R. Gangar have been included as members in the new panel.
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PUNJAB EARNS RECORD REVENUE FROM MINES AUCTION-JOSHI
- Punjab earns Rs 14,90,88,918 against reserve price of Rs 8,90,97,180 in second phase
- 869 case registered against illegal mining in 8 months
Chandigarh, January
The Punjab Government has earned the record revenue of Rs. 14,90,88,918 against the reserve price of Rs 8,90,97,180 from the auction of mines of only four districts , namely Jalandhar, Ajitgarh, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur at Udyog Bhawan today.
Disclosing this here today Industry Minister of Punjab Mr Anil Joshi said that it was the result of the steps taken by the Punjab government to maintain total transparency in auction and the strict action taken against illegal mining. He further said that today the mines of only four districts of Jalandhar, Ajitgarh, Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur were auctioned and there have been bids of Rs. 14,90,88,918 against the reserve price of Rs 8,90,97,180 in the second phase.
He said that the mines of Jalander district has generated maximum revenue of Rs 6,50,00,000 , followed by Hoshiarpur district of Rs 3,71,13,275 . Besides that the mines of Ajitgarh district has been auctioned for Rs 2,78,01,820, whereas mines of Kapurthala district has earned Rs 1,91,73,123 for state treasury.
The Minister has directed the officials of the department to work hard in an honest and transparent manner so that the development and construction work does not get adversely affected. He said that the Punjab government was fully committed to provide the sand to common man on very nominal rates and for that he has already directed the officers to monitor mining operations in a strict manner. He said that 869 cases against illegal mining have also been registered in last 8 months.
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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DISPOSES OF 72 CASES OUT OF 126 IN SECOND PUBLIC HEARING
CHANDIGARH, February 14: The Legal Cell of Education Department, Punjab disposed off 72 cases out of 126 in second public hearing here today.
The Spokesman of the Education Department said that the Legal Cell of the Education Department has conducted a ‘Public Hearing’ on February 14, 2013 chaired by Mrs. Kavita Singh IAS, Special Secretary School Education, in which Mr. Harbans Singh, Special Executive Officer (Litigation) and DPIs (secondary and elementary) were also present.
The spokesman said that total 126 cases were considered in public hearing program out of which 72 has been disposed off on the spot and orders have been issued to officers to dispose of pending cases. He said that 24 employees of the department has also submitted their grievances/representations regarding their service issues in Public Hearing and the panel has directed concerned officers to sort out these cases on priority basis. He said that details regarding the cases/issues, which would be considered in the next public hearings, would be announced soon.
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PB GOVT. CONSTITUTES 16 MEMBERCOMMITTEE
Chandigarh February 14:-
The Punjab Government constituted a 16 member committee for 2012-13 to ensure the implementation and analyzing the articles of Article 8-C of Punjab State Language Amendment Act 2008.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of Education Department said that Education and Langauge Minister Punjab would be the Chairman of this newly Constituted Committee. The spokesman further said that other members of committee were Media Advisor to Chief Minister or nominated representative by Chief Minister, Advocate General Punjab or their representative, Principal Secretary Punjab School Education Department Chandigarh, Principal Secretary Higher Education and Language Department, Secretary Legal Remembrance, President of Punjab Sahit Academy Ludhiana and president of Punjab Kala Parishad Chandigarh,
The spokesman further said that Mr. Satnam Singh Manak executive Editor Ajit Jalandhar, Mr. Ritesh Lakhi PTC Channel Chandigarh and Mr. Baljit Balli Sr. Journalist and Editor babushahi.com, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa Finance Minister Punjab, Mr. Satnam Singh Sandhu Chancellor Chandigarh University Gharaun (Mohali), Mr. Jaspal Singh Member Municipal Council Corporation Patiala and Mr. Avtar Singh Brar Ex- Education Minister Punjab resident of Faridkot would also the members of the said committee.
Spokesman further said that Director Language Department Punjab would be the convener of this committee.
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SIDHWAN BRANCH CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL FEBRUARY 19
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 14:
The Sidhwan Branch canal would remain close till February 19, 2013 for early completion of the Southern Bypass on Sidhwan Branch.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal for shorter span has been taken keeping in view the congenial weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops.
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SUKHBIR DEMANDS JPC PROBE INTO UPA’S SO-CALLED LOAN WAIVER SCHEME FOR FARMERS ·
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Describes Congress as a fountainhead of black money and corruption ·
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Another jolt to Congress, former chairman Block Samittee Moga-2 joins SAD
Moga, February 12
Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today demanded a probe by Joint Parliamentary Committee into the scam in the Congress led UPA’s so called Loan Waiver Scheme for farmers, under which loans worth Rs 60,000 crore were waived, citing irregularities found by CAG. He said that this loan waiver scheme, the biggest misnomer of century, was especially designed to fool the peasantry of the nation besides looting the exchequer, otherwise Punjab, which puts in over 50 percent of the foodgrains in the national pool, could get rupees 30,000 crores out of the announced scheme.
Replying to a media query after inducting former Sarpanch Drauli Bhai Ms. Baldev Kaur and his son senior congress leader and former chairman Block Samittee Moga-2 Mr. Kewal Singh into party folds while campaigning for SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Joginder Pal Jain at village Drauli Bhai, Mr. Badal said that this loan waiver scheme was a twin purpose political gesture of Congress led UPA on the eve of the 2009 elections. He said that Congress not only mint money out of this scheme but also came back to power by deceiving farmers with this gesture of unclogging the lines of credit and helping farmers to get new loans. He said that the gravity of this scam could be estimated by the fact that out of around 1 lakh accounts scrutinised in 800 bank branches, there were wrongdoings in as many as 20,000 accounts. He said that as per this scheme, agricultural loans of over 3.5 crore farmers were waived, but according to the CAG, which has audited nearly 90,000 accounts, many farmers did not received the benefits which points to gross irregularities. Describing the Congress party as the fountainhead of black money and corruption in the country, Mr. Badal said that this was a mega scam and that too related to farmers, the backbone of Indian economy. He said that Congress has stashed away all the ill-gotten money worth lakhs of crores from series of scams in the tax havens abroad and used to spend a part of this money on its lavish election campaigns. “This is why, Congress has dragged its feet on the issue of revealing the names of this who have accounts in Swiss banks”, he added. Mr. Badal said that the people of the nation were licking their chops to teach an historic lesson to the Congress party and this scam would be the last nail in the coffin of scam-tainted UPA.
Giving a clarion call for clean sweep victory of SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Joginder Pal Jain, Shiromani Akali Dal President told SAD-BJP leaders and workers that they should not engage themselves in the slinging match with Congress party as frustrated Congress leadership had nothing to showcase except abuses. He said that time has come when every workers has to work day and night, associate himself with the masses taking the message of development to the masses and exposing the misdeeds of Congress led UPA government especially on the front of price rise and corruption. He said that Moga bypoll would be reminded as the last stroke that leads to complete decimation of the Congress party.
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PUNJAB TO DEVELOP 50 NEW URBAN ESTATES
CM ASKS PUDA TO FINALIZE HOUSING
POLICY 2013 SOON
PUNJAB TO CONSTRUCT 5000 AFFORDABLE
HOUSES FOR EWS
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 12:
In a bid to further develop the urban areas in an holistic manner and provide better living facilities to the people of the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave a go-ahead signal to PUDA to establish 50 new Urban Estates at various identified sites across the state under the jurisdiction of six developmental authorities of Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar , Patiala and Bathinda.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal during a meeting with the Chief Administrators of various authorities held here at Chief Minister's residence this morning.
In the larger public interest, Mr. Badal also asked PUDA to soon finalize the Housing Policy 2013. Mr. Badal also approved Rs. 1250 crore project to construct 5000 affordable houses for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of the society at four sites in Mohali. The Chief Minister asked Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to expedite the work on the Rs. 800 crore Punjab Premium Apartments Project Mohali over an area of 36.15 acres to construct 1620 apartments ready for possession by 2015. He also approved to extend this scheme to construct more apartments.
The Chief Minister also directed the Chief Administrators of the various development authorities to ensure strict implementation of the master plans in the towns and cities under their jurisdiction to give further impetus to the planned urban development in the state. He said that these master plans would not only ensure the integrated and planned development of the cities and the towns but also stall their unplanned and haphazard growth.
The Chief Minister was apprised by the Secretary Housing and Urban Development that eight sites under Bathinda Development Authority (BDA) having an area of about 800 acres had been identified to establish new urban estates, similarly under Patiala Development Authority (PDA) 160 acres for three new urban estates, nine sites under Jalandhar Development Authority (JDA) had been identified, where as land about 2600 to 3100 acres for establishing six sites under Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) yet to be finalized. He also informed that work on the Rs. 196 crore prestigious project of laying of 23 Km Pipe for supplying water to SAS Nagar (Mohali) from Kajauli was in full swing and would be completed by August 2014.
During the meeting the Chief Minister also reviewed other Infrastructure ongoing projects in the state being executed by different Development Authorities and asked them to get all the projects completed in a time bound manner.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Housing and Urban Development A. Venu Parsad and Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, besides other senior officers of various authorities.
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PUNJAB GOVT. INKS MOU WITH MONSANTO TO JOINTLY ESTABLISH THREE CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE IN PUNJAB
CM FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT UNDER NEW DIVERSIFICATION PLAN
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 12:
The Punjab Government today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Monsanto Holdings Private Limited to jointly establish three Centers of Excellence for the promotion of Cotton, Maize and Vegetables in Punjab.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the MoU was signed by Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) Mr. GS Sandhu and CEO (India Region) Monsanto Holdings Private Limited Mr. Gynendre Shukla in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at the Chief Minister’s official residence this morning.
According to the MoU a long term partnership and collaboration in fields of Agriculture would be established for sustainable agricultural growth in the state, both the State Government and Monsanto Holdings Private Limited would explore the possible areas of partnership and to use collective expertise for the evaluation, development and implementation of practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity in Punjab.
Highly appreciating the joint efforts taken by the Monsanto with the State government, Mr. Badal asked the FCD to immediate constitute a team of his officers and the representatives of Monsanto to finalize the sites for these centers. He also suggested establishing Centre for Cotton in Bathinda district, for Mazie in Doaba region and for vegetables in Amritsar district. Mr. Badal said that the state had already prepared the crop diversification plan and these centers could play a vital role for the effective implementation of this plan through providing all technical know-how and by establishing coordination with the farmers at grass root levels. He also emphasized the need to introduce the mechanical harvesting of the Cotton in the state.
Taking part in the deliberations, CEO (India region) Mr. Gynendre Shukla and Executive Vice President Mr. Jerry Stinev (both) of Monsanto Holdings Private Limited, appreciated the concern shown by the Chief Minister and swift administrative actions for materializing this MoU. They also assured full cooperation with the State Government in a result oriented and time bound manner.
Prominent amongst others who attended the ceremony included Chairman Punjab Farmer’s Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Financial Commissioner Development Mr.GS Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Vice Chancellor Punjab Agricultural University Dr. BS Dhillon, MD Milkfed Mr. BS Sidhu and Director Agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh besides the representatives of Monsanto Holdings Private Limited Ms. Melissa Augustin, Ms. Shilpa Nirula, Mr. Sharad Kumar, Mr. Rajnish Kumar and Mr. Baljinder Singh
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Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to campaign in Moga from February 14
Chandigarh, Feb 12:
The punjab Chef minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal will start campaigning for the Moga bye-election w.e.f Feb.,14 and will stay at Moga upto Feb. 21, the last date of campaigning. According to party's Seretary and spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Mr. Badal will address six rallis daily in the favour of SAD-BJP combine candidate Mr.Joginder Pal Jain. Similarly, The SAD President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal is already campaigning aggresssively in the area and his rallis are getting a very encouraging response.
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‘Where have all the Akalis gone?’ asks Capt Amarinder
MOGA, February 12: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh today asked the Akali Dal president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal as where had all his Akalis gone as he has started for digging diamonds in the Congress.
Addressing a series of well attended public meetings in villages Kalianwala, Kahnsinghwala and Jagewala, Capt Amarinder pointed out, with the Akalis either having retreated or refused to support or campaign for Joginderpal Jain, Sukhbir was finding it difficult to find workers from within his own party and was now searching for people in the Congress.
“No matter how many diamonds he steals from Congress nothing can save Jain from an imminent defeat”, he said amidst thundering applause from the crowds, while adding, the Akalis have started fearing defeat much earlier than expected.
The Punjab Congress president said, Sukhbir was desperate and frustrated as his workers were not coming out to support a turncoat like Jain and now he was trying to use the blackmailing tactics against his own workers by threatening them with bringing people from outside.
The former Chief Minister said, the people of Moga were certain to send a strong message to the Akalis that no matter if they were in power, as long as they did not understand the public sentiment they were set to get defeated come what may.
Addressing the meeting, Congress Legislative Party leader Sunil Jakhar exhorted upon the people to make a history. “People of Punjab are looking forward to you as they have great expectation from you that you will teach this government a lesson so that better sense starts prevailing among them’, he said.
Among others present on the occasion included party candidate Vijay Sathi, Rana Gurjeet, Rana Sodhi, Jeet Mohinder Sidhu, Darshan Brar, Kikki Dhillon, Joginder Singh Panjgraian, Gurdarshan Kaur and others.
Transport Department to return
Original documents to applicants
Chandigarh February 11:
Taking yet another important decision, Punjab Transport department has decided to return the original documents submitted for purposes of either registration or issuing of the driving licenses etc. to the applicants after scanning the same.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Transport department said that all the district transport offices have been directed to follow the directive of the state government and return the original documents submitted along with the prescribed format for the driving licenses, registration of vehicles to the applicants after thoroughly verifying the same. The Spokesman further said that the applicant would be responsible to maintain the returned documents and it would be mandatory for the applicant to present the returned document to the official concerned of the Transport department as when it is required.
No. PR 13/124
INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
PUNJAB IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMFROM FEBRUARY 12 TO 19
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 11:
Punjab Irrigation Department has announced the Rotational Program for irrigation for the Rabbi Season through Canal water from 12-2-2013to 19-2-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Patiala Feeder and Abohar Branch, respectively.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that direct distributaries of BML in Group ‘A', being in the channels of first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor of Group ‘B’, respectively.
The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and Branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, all the Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘B’.
The spokesperson also said that in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Lahore Branch with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in, Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabhroan Branch, with their distributaries, respectively.
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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB
ECI PROHIBITES EXIT POLL
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY.11
The Election Commission of India today notified the period between 8.00 AM and 5.30 PM on 23-02-2013 (Saturday) as the period during which conducting any exit poll or disseminating in any manner whatsoever and result of any exit poll in connection with the Moga assembly constituency bye poll would be prohibited.
A Spokesperson of the ECI further clarified that displaying any election matter including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey in any electronic media would also be prohibited during the period of 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for conclusion of poll regarding the Moga by poll.
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SEVERE JOLT TO CONGRESS, ITS MAJOR CONTENDER FOR MOGA SEAT JOINS SAD
· With this Congress Campaign for Moga By-poll ended virtually-Sukhbir
Moga, February 10
Congress party today suffered a major setback as Mr. Jagroop Singh Takhtupura, who was the major contender for the party ticket from this constituency deserted Congress party along with former member Improvement Trust Moga Mr. Sakattar Singh and thousands of his supporters, and joined Shiromani Akali Dal in the presence of Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal during a press conference held at his residence.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL TO PICK DIAMONDS AMONG STONES-SUKHBIR
· PARTY FLOODS WITH REQUEST FROM CONGRESS LEADERS
Moga, February 11
Shiromani Akali Dal President and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Shiromani Akali Dal was flooded with the requests from Congress to join the party but they have to pick only diamonds among the stones.
Campaigning for SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Joginder Pal Jain at villages Sadda Singh Wala, Kahan Singh Wala, Thamanwala and Jhandewala, Mr. Badal said that the species of Congress Party was on verge of extinction in India and in Punjab there was complete demoralisation in the Congress party. He said that the senior Congressmen were scared of the fact that their party would never came back to power in the states where it lost two consecutive assembly elections. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal was welcoming only those leaders in its folds who believed in its vision and mission to develop the state, and such Congressmen’s decision to join the SAD was testimony to the high level of confidence people have in the SAD-BJP alliance.
Forecasting the disappearance of Congress party from the political map of the India after 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Mr. Badal said that the people of this country were fed-up of price rise and revelation of new multi-lakh crore scam every second day. He said that people were all set to punish Congress leadership for their arrogance and uncern for the hardships of common public. Decrying Congress Party for relying on negative campaign in all the elections, Mr. Badal said that the Congress leadership was pin pricking the government on non-issues as it was facing acute shortage of real issues against the SAD-BJP government.
Pointing towards Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Badal said that the alliance has appointed the best person for Irrigation Ministry who have chalked out a comprehensive plan to develop world class irrigation facilities in Punjab. He said that SAD-BJP government has an able team of Ministers and they were turning every stone to keep the state on a path of rapid growth. He said that all the elections won by the alliance were the victory of the pro people policies of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and appealed to the voters of Moga to keep this trend by voting for Mr. Jain to ensuring his record victory.
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Mr. Jagroop Singh Takhtupura belongs to a traditional Congress family and was considered as a close aide of Captain Amrinder Singh. Mr. Takhtupura had held the positions of Secretary Punjab Pradesh Congress, Delegate Punjab Pradesh Congress, Chairman Market Committee Badhini, Block Samittee Member and President Truck Union Moga. This was said to be the major below to the Congress candidate Mr. Vijay Sathi, who was already lagging far behind the SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Joginder Pal Jain.
Committing to work with full strength to ensure the record victory of SAD-BJP Candidate, Mr. Takhtupura said that he and thousands of his supporters would guarantee record margin victory of Mr. Jain. He said that grassroot leaders and workers were suffering most because of the factionalism in the Congress party. He said that there was no point serving in a party whose leaders were busy in factionalism. He said that there was no point serving in a party whose leader was inaccessible and even after meeting him, senior party cadre has to introduce them to refresh the memory of sleepy leadership.
Welcoming Mr. Jagroop Singh Takhtupura and his supporters in the party fold, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that with this desertion the Congress campaign for Moga ended virtually. He said that Congress leaders from all the districts were making beeline to join Akali Dal as they were totally frustrated, disheartened and demoralized with their leaders fighting their own ego battles leaving party workers in lurch. He said that Shiromani Akali Dal was all set to register a record margin victory in the Moga by-poll.
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CONGRESS A POLL SEASON PARTY-SUKHBIR
· CAPTAIN NEVER THOUGHT OF VISITING MOGA DURING HIS TENURE
· PUNJAB AARTIA ASSOCIATION VOWS TO ENSURE JAIN’S RECORD VICTORY
Moga, February 9
Harmeet Singh Dhillon
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal today mocked at the Congress by describing it as a “seasonal political party” whose leaders woke up from hibernation only during elections. He said that Captain Amrinder Singh, who had never thought of visiting Moga during his tenure as Chief Minister Punjab, was now in city to save his post.
Addressing an election meeting organized by the Punjab Aartia Association in the favour of SAD-BJ candidate for Moga by-poll Mr. Joginder Jain, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that people now vote for performance rather than ‘facets’ but Congress party has not learnt this lesson even after repeated defeats. He said that after facing decimation in Punjab, Gujrat, UP and Bihar Congress was all set to face extinction in south India too. Mr. Badal said that people of the country were so much fed up of this World’s most corrupt and anti people party that after 2014 Lok Sabha elections Congress party would remain only in the chapters of history. He said that luxury loving Congress leadership could not compete with the committed and dedicated leaders and workers of Shiromani Akali Dal. He said that it was the Shiromani Akali Dal and its Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that were remained constantly engaged in the service of people without caring about electoral politics. Mr. Badal said that the previous Congress Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who was inaccessible to his own MLAs for first four years, woke up from slumber in this byelection and tried to attract local people by staying here in Moga till poll. He said that Captain’s this drama could not befool the electorate and they would punished him and his party for ignoring them during his tenure.
Highlighting the SAD-BJP development agenda, Mr. Badal said that the alliance from the very first day of its return to government has reinstated its development program. He said that besides continuing its pro people policies like free power to farmers, atta-dal scheme for 17 lakh families and Shagun scheme for the economically and socially depressed classes, alliance has initiated the sewerage program worth rupees 9200 crores for all the towns and cities of state, linking all the cities of the state with 4-6 lanning road at the cost of rupees 12000 crores. He said that people of the state would witness completion of all the projects initiated by alliance government within next three years besides enjoying the surplus power by the end of this year.
Describing the development of Moga district, former Minister Jathedar Tota Singh said that the 6 lanning of Ferozepur-Ludhiana road would bring the city into the higher orbit of development. He said that besides all the power grids which were built in the district during SAD-BJP tenure, new roads, better streets and numerous other development works states the alliance’s commitment for the area.
Meantime, the Punjab Aartia Association led by its state president Mr. Ravinder Singh Cheema, district President Mr. Kulwinder Singh and Moga Mandi President Mr. Ranbir Singh Lali vowed to ensure record victory of SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Joginder Jain. The association also thanked the SAD-BJP alliance for its role to safeguard the Aartia-farmer relations. Mr. Cheema said that Congress led UPA government had tried its best to shatter this relation but it was Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal who raised the voice in the parliament to save the traditional bonds between Aartias and farmers
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Punjab Con hails Guru's hanging
CHANDIGARH, February 9: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today welcomed the hanging of the Jaish-e-Mohammad militant Afzal Guru for his role in the attack on Indian parliament in December 2001.
In a statement issued here today Capt Amarinder asserted that it was highly provocative act which needed to be dealt with iron fist. "An attack on the Indian parliament is an attack on all the people of the country, which is unacceptable", he said, while justifying the hanging.
He said, india is a sovereign nation and the symbols of sovereignity are sacred and precious and their sanctity if attacked must be met in same measure.
"People of Punjab and the Punjab Congress welcome the hanging which should send a message loud and clear to everyone that such acts of assault on the country will be deemed as acts of war and dealt with accordingly", he said in a strongly worded statement.
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Capt Amarinder expresses concern over alienation of youth
MOGA, February 9: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh today expressed grave concern over the growing frustration and alienation among the youth in Punjab that was primarily because they were not able to get jobs after completing their studies. He warned against overlooking the aspirations of the youth which could have dangerous ramifications.
Addressing the youth Congress workers’ meeting, organised by the Punjab Youth Congress president Vikarmjit Singh Chaudhary here today, Capt Amarinder said, he understood their sentiments that after getting high education they are not able to get the right jobs. He blamed the lack of vision and foresight among the Akali rulers who have not been able to invite any investment or industry in the state so that jobs could be generated.
Exhorting upon the youth Congress workers to actively participate in the campaigning for the Moga byelection, he said, this was going to be an important election as it will set the tone for the beginning of the end of the Akali regime. “Don’t think that this is just a byelection for a single constituency”, he asked the cheering youth Congress workers, while adding, this election was going to be the mood indicator of the people of Punjab who feel cheated and betrayed by this government.
The PCC President maintained that the Congress under the leadership of Ms Sonia Gandhi was encouraging the youth to participate more and more in the party programmes as she believed that the youth were not only the future of the country, but its present as well. He pointed out, over sixty per cent of the country’s population was less than 40 years of age. He said, this laid added responsibility on their shoulders and expressed confidence they will fulfil it with full dedication, sincerity and commitment.
Speaking on the occasion PYC president Vikramjit Singh assured the PCC president that the youth Congress workers will leave no stone unturned in Moga to ensure the victory of the party candidate in Moga byelection.
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21 MEMBER US DELEGATION CALLS ON CM
PUNJAB AND IOWA (US) TO START JOINT VENTURES IN AGRICULTURE AND EDUCATION SECTORS
BADAL ASKS TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR DIVERSIFICATION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 9:
In a bid to bring much needed crop diversification and to boost the education sector in the state, Punjab would soon initiate joint ventures with IOWA State (USA).
An announcement to this effect was made by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a high level meeting with a 21 member delegation - one of the biggest US delegation so far at Punjab Bhawan this morning.
The delegation was headed by CEO & President of IOWA Board of Regent Mr. Craig A. Lang and Secretary of Agriculture IOWA Mr. William Howard Northey, includes Executive Director, IOWA Utilities Board Mr. Joan Ann Conrad, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences – IOWA State University Mr. Wendy Kay Winter, Vice President of University of IOWA Dr. Barry and others.
Mr. Badal apprised the visiting US delegation that Punjab’s economy was mostly an agrarian like IOWA and even having less than 2% of the entire land of the country Punjab was a major contributor of food grains to the national kitty with its 42% share of rice and 50% that of wheat. Expressing concern over the Agricultural stagnation in the state Mr. Badal said that now the agri sector had reached at a saturation point, it was the need of the hour to adopt diversification for which state had prepared a comprehensive plan and determined to implement it in an effective and phased manner besides, boosting allied businesses for the economic growth of the farmers.
Mr. Badal further said that Under diversification programme for reducing the area under paddy cultivation from 28-lac hectare to 16-lac hectare, the state would need technical support and expertise from the advanced agrarian economy of the country like US for effective diversification. He also mentioned that areas like dairy farming, fishery besides maize, soya, fruits & vegetables cultivation were some of other major sectors where their state could provide vital technical support to our farmers. He said that wherever the hardworking Punjabis had started living, contributed enormously for the economic growth, overall development and prosperity of that country.
About the progress in education sector Mr. Badal informed the visiting delegation that due to the concerted efforts of their Government, Punjab had improved its Education Development Index (EDI) rank from fourteenth to number one position in the country. He also offered IOWA to work jointly for the development of both the states.
Appreciating the concern of Mr. Badal to further develop agriculture and education sectors CEO & President of Iowa Board of Regents Mr. Craig A. Lang, mentioned that both Punjab and IOWA were identical states and they were looking for some long-term partnerships with bilateral approach. In their point of view the Punjab was a perfect state for IOWA to explore opportunities in the fields of Agriculture and Education. He highly appreciated the Punjabis farmers who were known for their success stories across the glob and assured the Chief Minister that the IOWA’s progressive farmers and experts would extend all possible technical support in agricultural field with firm commitment and zeal.
Prominent amongst those who attended the meeting included; Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat,Financial Commissioner Development GS Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry & Director Dairy Development Mr. G. Vajralingam, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. Karan A Singh, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar besides, Vice Chancellors of the various Universities of Punjab and other senior officers.
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BADAL ASKS HOODA FOR DUE ATTENTION TO CONTROL THE DISCHARGE OF POLLUTANTS IN GHAGGAR
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 9:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda to take immediate necessary steps for controling the discharge of pollutants in to the River Ghaggar.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that in a letter Mr. Badal informed the Chief Minister of Haryana that a recent survey of the River Ghaggar along its catchment area conducted by Punjab Pollution Control Board, reviled that from Nada Sahib Gurudwara (Distt. Panchkula), where the colour of the water was found changing downstream of confluence point of discharge of sewage/ sullage and industrial effluent from the Focal Point of Panchkula, near Village Bhankerpur, District Mohali besides, the wastewater of Ambala, Shahbad Markanda and about 100 villages of Haryana was also being discharged into this River. Even the Saraswati River, which carries the flow of wastewater from Pehowa Town and industrial wastewater of some paper mills and card board mills of District Kaithal, also enters into the Punjab territory and pollutes the River Ghaggar near Village Rasauli, Tehsil Patran in District Patiala, he added.
Mr. Badal also informed Mr. Hooda that The State of Punjab has taken path breaking steps to stop the discharge of industrial effluent into river Ghaggar and presently, none of the industry of the State was discharging its effluent into river Ghaggar. However, the effluent of industries of Panchkula area and paper/card board manufacturing industries of District Kaithal (Haryana) are discharging their wastewater into river Ghaggar through Singh Nallah, Saraswati drain/ Saggarpara drain/ Kaithal drain, respectively. In addition, the domestic wastewater of Jakhal and Ratia town of Haryana was also being discharge into this river.
Seeking Mr. Hooda’s personal intervention to make River Ghaggar pollution free, Mr. Badal informed that this matter had already been brought to the notice of both the Haryana State Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board.
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BADAL CONSTITUTES SUB-COMMITTEE TO IMPLEMENT THE URBAN SECTOR REFORMS EFFECTIVELY
SUB-COMMITTEE ASKED TO WORK OUT NECESSARY MODALITIES FOR FACILITATING THE PEOPLE
ASKS LOCAL BODIES DEPARTMENT TO COMPLETE THE DEVELOPMENTAL WORKS EXPEDITIOUSLY
ACCORD TOP PRIORITY TO WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE PROJECTS
Chandigarh, February 8-
In a bid to provide better Municipal services to the people residing in the urban areas of the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a Sub Committee in the Department of Local Government to implement Urban Sector Reforms in an efficient manner.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a review meeting of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) here at his residence.
Presiding over the meeting, the Chief Minister gave his nod for constituting a Sub committee comprising Local Bodies Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Local Bodies Mr. Som Parkash, Principal Secretary Local Bodies Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu and other officers to work out the modalities for implementing Urban Sector Reforms in the state effectively.
Underlining the need of imparting quality Municipal services to the people residing in the urban areas of the state, the Chief Minister asked this committee to submit its report at the earliest so that an efficient and accountable system of providing these services to the residents in the cities could be evolved. Reiterating the commitment of the SAD-BJP government to facilitate the people in their day to day administrative works, Mr Badal said that the implementation of these reforms would prove to be a stepping stone in this direction.
Reviewing the ongoing developmental works under Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Fund (PMIDF), the Chief Minister also directed the Local Bodies department to expedite the process of completing developmental works worth around Rs 1044 crore initiated under the PMIDF scheme last year in 142 cities of the state. Mr Badal said that the Local Bodies department must ensure that these works are completed within this year adding that the high officers of the department must regularly monitor the progress report of these works so that they could be completed in a stipulated time period.
The Chief Minister also asked the Local Bodies department to ensure the timely completion of the ambitious project for providing 100% water supply and sewerage facility in all the towns and cities of the state. He said that this work of providing water supply and sewerage in the cities should be on the top priority of the department adding that all the developmental works must be concluded in a planned and phase wise manner. Mr Badal also directed the Local Bodies department to ensure that the work of water supply and sewerage was completed before the starting construction of roads so as to avoid any wastage of public funds.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Local Bodies Minister Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Som Parkash, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Mr Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Local Bodies Mr Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Secretary Local Bodies Mr JM Balamurugan, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Director Local Bodies Mr Priyank Bharti.
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Capt Amarinder walks through main market in Moga
MOGA, February 8:
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh today walked through one of the busiest and main markets in Moga for over an hour and talked to the people there, who while extending heartiest welcome to him listed their problems also.
The PCC president took everybody by surprise when he instantly stopped in the main market here and got down the car. He started walking in the market much to the pleasant surprise of the people in the market. His security staff had to do a tough job controlling the people who surrounded him and wanted to shake hands with him. A number of people also stopped him to get photographed with him.
He was accompanied by the election incharge Rana Gurjeet, Chaudhary Santokh, Karanpal Sekhon, Milkiat Singh Birmi, Jagdeep Sidhu, Sonu Dhesi and others.
The people were overwhelmed with emotions as he went into various shops and talked to the shopkeepers and people walking by. Some people also raised slogans in his support to which he urged them that he had come to meet them and inquire about their problems.
While the people complained against the government, however their anger was mainly directed at Joginderpal Jain, who deserted Congress and defected to Akali Dal. Most of the people the PCC president met complained to him that they had voted for Jain who had betrayed them.
One shopkeeper said, no matter who was going to be the Congress candidate in Moga, he would vote to get Jain defeated so that he realises what it means to betray the people’s trust.
The people also complained about other day to day problems. They said, there was no electricity even during the winters. People were upset with the property tax that the government has recently imposed.
Capt Amarinder came across several youth who were highly educated like having done masters, management and engineering but were unemployed. He shared their concern and said, he was himself worried about 50 lakh unemployed people in the state. He urged people to use this chance to show their resentment against the government and Jain also so that he learns a lesson as what it means to betray his own people.
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Capt Amarinder condemns Jalandhar gang-rape; concerned over growing incidents
CHANDIGARH, February 8: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today condemned the brutal gang-rape of a girl in Shahkote in Jalandhar district and expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of rapes in the state.
He said, more shocking was the fact that even after ten days of the incident none of the accused had been arrested. “This reflects the state of affairs as how casually the police have taken such a serious offence”, he remarked, while adding, on an average 40 rapes were taking place every month in Punjab.
In a statement released here today, Capt Amarinder sought best treatment for the girl who has suffered brutal injuries which resulted in the removal of her uterus. He said, the government must ensure that the precious life of the young girl, who is just 14, is saved and she is provided the best possible treatment.
Expressing grave concern over the rising incidents of rape he pointed out, the government had itself admitted that on an average 40 rapes were taking place in the state every month. “This for sure cannot be described to be the safest state in the country as this government will try to make us believe”, he remarked, while having a dig at the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal’s claims that Punjab was the safest state in the country.
He said, the government’s casual attitude towards the rape could be gauged from the fact that 12 rapists convicted and sentenced by various courts were pardon by it during the last year.
The former Chief Minister said, the government must not wriggle out of the responsibility by merely saying that it will bear the cost of the treatment. It must also ensure that the treatment is the best no matter how much it costs the government, he asserted, while adding, the way the Delhi government sent the Delhi rape victim to Singapore for super-specialised treatment, Punjab government must also ensure the best treatment for the young girl
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PHILLAUR ADVOCATES DIVERSIFICATION PLAN
· URGES GOI TO BOOST ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SECTOR
Chandigarh February 8: Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab urged the Central government to boost animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors in the state by adopting result oriented approach and establishing specific commodity oriented research stations. Speaking on the occasion of finalizing the National Livestock Policy draft during the Animal Husbandry Ministers’ conclave held in New Delhi, the Minister said that as a part of diversification plan Punjab government has chalked out an extensive strategy to encourage piggery, goatery besides fisheries and dairy sectors as there was ready market for pork and mutton in northern states especially National Capital Region (NCR).
He also said that the Punjab Government would encourage the farmers to adopt animal husbandry as allied profession though our farmers had been rearing animals since long Punjab was contributing 10% of the total milk production against the herd size of just 2% cattle. He expressed concern that now the Centre was also backtracking on the MSP of paddy and in the changed Scenario, the development of dairy sector had become all the more important especially to give much needed push to the agriculture diversification program. This would not only raise the financial status of the farmers but also engage the unemployed youth of the state in lucrative business, said Mr. Phillaur.
Quoting statistics, the Minister said that as per the latest live-stock census carried out in the State in 2007, there were 17.61 lac cattle and 50.03 lac buffaloes in the state. Out of this, the breed able cows and breed able buffaloes are 10.31 lac and 29.08 lac respectively. Punjab is a major milk producing State in the country with an annual milk production of 95.51 lac tons during the year 2011-12. It contributes about 9 % of the total milk production of the country though it has less than 2% of total cattle and buffalo population of the country. The per capita availability of milk in Punjab is 944 gms which is highest in the country. With poultry population of about 8.10 crore , its annual egg production is 3602 million eggs with per capita availability of 130 eggs which is also the highest in the country. Annual meat production is 181 thousand tons besides this state is also producing 532 thousand Kgs of wool annually. So Animal Husbandry is contributing about 13% of the state GDP. As far as fisheries is concerned, during 2011-12, 1520 lac fish seed and 97622 tons of fish was produced in the state, said the Minister.
Reiterating Punjab Government’s resolve in strengthening the animal husbandry sector, the Minister urged the Union government to declare animal husbandry /livestock activities like dairy, poultry, piggery, goatry& fishery etc. at par with agriculture so that the benefits like exemption of Income Tax, interest rate, available to agriculture could also be extended to these activities. At present, RBI has issued directions to provide loan upto Rs.1.00 lac without any security. It should be raised upto Rs.2.00 lac per farmer, asked Mr. Phillaur. He also said that in order to Upgrade Veterinary Vaccine Institute, Ludhiana as per the laid down norms, funds to the tune of Rs.20.11 crores may be allocated so that the work on this project could be initiated at the earliest. Appreciating the move of the Govt. of India to extend 50% subsidy on insurance premium for two dairy animals, the Minister emphasized on the need of extending this facility to 10 animals of a farmer and subsidy for Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe farmers should be enhanced to 75%. Under National Protein Supplement Mission Scheme, funds have been allocated for Dairy & Fishery sector and for promotion of piggery and goatry sector; similar funds should also be allocated to Punjab State. A proposal to the tune of Rs.8.82crore has already been submitted to GOI for allocation of funds, he said. Adding further, he said that food safety standards with regard to liquid cow milk may be revised keeping in view the changed actual parameters of cow milk. Import of high genetic merit semen/animals of Nili Ravi buffalo and Sahiwal cows from Pakistan should be permitted for breed improvement through Wagha Border and pending cases may be cleared immediately to encourage further trade. The Minister also urged the GoI to include export of egg and chicken meat in list of items allowed for export to Pakistan by land route through ICP Wagha Border.
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PHILLAUR ADVOCATES DIVERSIFICATION PLAN
· URGES GOI TO BOOST ANIMAL HUSBANDRY SECTOR
Chandigarh, February 8:
Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab urged the Central government to boost the agricultural, dairy and fisheries sectors in the state by adopting result oriented approach and establishing specific commodity oriented research stations. Speaking on the occasion of finalizing the National Livestock Policy draft during the Agriculture Ministers’ conclave held in New Delhi, the Minister said that as a part of diversification plan Punjab government has chalked out an extensive strategy to encourage piggery, goatery besides fisheries and dairy sectors as there was ready market for pork and mutton in northern states especially National Capital Region (NCR).
He also said that the Punjab Government would encourage the farmers to adopt animal husbandry as allied profession though our farmers had been rearing animals since long and it is a matter of pride that Punjab was contributing 10% of the total milk production against the herd size of just 2% cattle. He lamented that now the Centre was also backtracking on the MSP of paddy and in the changed Scenario, the development of dairy sector had become all the more important especially to give much needed push to the agriculture diversification program. This would not only raise the financial status of the farmers but also engage the unemployed youth of the state in lucrative business.
Quoting statistics, the Minister said that as per the latest live-stock census carried out in the State in 2007, there were 17.61 lac cattle and 50.03 lac buffaloes in the state. Out of this, the breed able cows and breed able buffaloes are 10.31 lac and 29.08 lac respectively. Punjab is a major milk producing State in the country with an annual milk production of 95.51 lac tons during the year 2011-12. It contributes about 9 % of the total milk production of the country though it has less than 2% of total cattle and buffalo population of the country. The per capita availability of milk in Punjab is 944 gms which is highest in the country. With poultry population of about 8.10 crore , its annual egg production is 3602 million eggs with per capita availability of 130 eggs which is also the highest in the country. Annual meat production is 181 thousand tons besides this state is also producing 532 thousand Kgs of wool annually. So Animal Husbandry is contributing about 13% of the state GDP. As far as fisheries is concerned, during 2011-12, 1520 lac fish seed and 97622 tons of fish was produced in the state.
Reiterating Punjab Government’s resolve in strengthening the animal husbandry sector, the Minister urged the Union government todeclare animal husbandry /livestock activities like dairy, poultry, piggery, goatry& fishery etc. at par with agriculture so that the benefits like exemption of Income Tax, interest rate, available to agriculture can also be extended to these activities. At present, RBI has issued directions to provide loan upto Rs.1.00 lac without any security such as mortgage of land etc. It should be raised upto Rs.2.00 lac per farmer, said Mr. Phillaur. He also said that in order to Upgrade Veterinary Vaccine Institute, Ludhiana as per the laid down norms funds to the tune of Rs.20.11 crores may be allocated so that the work on this project could be initiated at the earliest. Appreciating the move of the Govt. of India to extend 50% subsidy on insurance premium for two dairy animals, the Minister emphasized on the need of extending this facility to 10 animals of a farmer and subsidy for Scheduled Caste & Scheduled Tribe farmers should be enhanced to 75%. Under National Protein Supplement Mission Scheme, funds have been allocated for Dairy & Fishery sector. Therefore, for promotion of piggery and goatry sector, funds should also be allocated to Punjab State. A proposal to the tune of Rs.8.82crore has already been submitted to GOI for allocation of funds. Food safety standards with regard to liquid cow milk may be revised keeping in view the changed actual parameters of cow milk. Import of high genetic merit semen/animals of Nili Ravi buffalo and Sahiwal cows from Pakistan should be permitted for breed improvement through Wagha Border and pending cases may be cleared immediately to encourage further trade. The Minister also urged the GoI to include export of egg and chicken meat in list of items allowed for export to Pakistan by land route through ICP Wagha Border.
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PRIMARY SCHOOL TIMING CHANGED
Chandigarh February 8:-
The Punjab Government today changed the timing of Government Primary Schools in the state with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Education Department said that now the timing of primary schools will be 9:00 AM to 3:00PM.
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One IPS and Three PPS officers transferred
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 08:
Punjab Government today issued the posting/transfer orders of One IPS and Three PPS officers with immediate effect.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Government said that Sh Kanwar Bhadur Singh, IPS, has been transferred and posted as Asst. Inspector General of Police, Personal-2, Punjab, Chandigarh.
Mr. Paramdeep Singh, PPS has been posted as Asst. Comandant 4th IRB, Kapurthala, Sh. Sushil Kumar posted as AIG, Inf. & Tech. and Mr. Barjinder Singh posted as SP, Security Traffic, Patiala.
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SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL TO START CAMPAIGNING IN MOGA TODAY
S. PARKASH SINGH BADAL TO START ELECTION MEETINGS FROM 10TH
Chandigarh, February 8 : The Shiromani Akali Dal President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal will start campaigning for the SAD-BJP coalition candidate Mr. Joginderpal Jain in Moga bye election from February 9th whereas SAD Patron and Punjab Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal will start election meetings in favour of Mr. Jain from February 10th .
In a statement released from the party head office here today, the party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema disclosed that the SAD Patron would hold 3 meetings in the rural areas of the constituency during the day whereas 3 in the urban areas in the evening. Similarly Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would aggressively campaign for ensuring the victory of the combine candidate. Dr. Cheema further said that all senior leaders of the party including Ministers, Members of Parliament, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, District Presidents and other senior office bearers have already reached Moga. He said that all the 46 villages of the constituency have been sub divided into 19 zones and each zone has been allotted to atleast one senior leader of the party. Similarly duties in the Moga city has been allotted ward wise in all the 31 wards of the Moga Municipal Committee.
Dr. Cheema further said that the response of the voters is well encouraging and said that SAD-BJP combine will win the seat with a thumping majority.
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CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB
8 MORE CANDIDATES FILES THEIR NOMINATIONS ON LAST DAY FOR MOGA BYE POLL
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 6:
Eight more candidates have filed their Nominations on last day for the Moga bye poll, which was scheduled to be held on February 23.
A spokesperson of the CEO, Punjab today said that Mr.Navtej Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Birinderpal Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Mr. Gurbachan Singh of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), Mr. Jaswant Singh Bedi of Indian karantikari lehar, Mr. Gurmit Singh Rangreta of Punjab Labour Party, Mr. Hardev Singh, Mr.Jasvir Singh and Mr. Shinder Singh has filed their Nominations as Independent Candidate. He said that, now total 16 candidates has filed their Nominations for Moga by poll.
He further said that 8 Candidates had already filed their Nominations, namely Mr. Joginderpal Jain of SAD-BJP, Mr. Akshit Jain SAD-BJP covering candidate, Sathi Vijay Kumar of Congress, Mrs. Parveen Sood congress covering candidate, Mr. Ravinder Singh Dhaliwal of Peoples Party of Punjab, Mr. Gurmail singh Peoples Party of Punjab covering candidate. Mr. Ram Denwyal and Mr. Rajinder Singh as independent candidates.
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BADAL APPROVES RS. 250 CRORE SIKH CIRCUIT TOURISM PLAN FOR PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 6:
In a significant move aimed at boosting religious tourism in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved the Sikh Circuit tourism plan of Rs. 250 crore for developing prominent Sikh religious places in the state.
A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a high level meeting with the eminent Sikh scholars, historians and representatives of SGPC besides officers of Tourism and Local Government department here at his official residence this morning.
During the meeting Mr. Badal directed the state Tourism department for early submission of the detailed report in this regard to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to materialize this project at the earliest. He also directed the Punjab POWERCOM for necessary immediate steps to lay the underground electrical wires in Talwandi Sabo to further initiate this project of beautifying the Holy city in an effective manner.
Explaining various details of this prestigious project prepared by the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board, Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha informed that this project which would be undertaken on Central Financial Assistance (CFA) and PPP mode aims at developing the surroundings of prominent Sikh religious places in a holistic manner. She said that all the three Sikh Takhts namely Sri Akal Takht, Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Dam Dama Sahib besides other gurdawaras and Sikh historic places at Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi, Dera Baba Nanak, Chhapar Chiri and others would be covered under this Sikh Circuit tourism in the state for their further development and beautification.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas, MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur, SGPC, Principal Secretary Local Government Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chieg minister MR. KJS Cheema, President Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, former SGPC President Jathedar Kirpal Singh Badungar, General Secretary SGPC Jathedar Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, Secretary SGPC Jathedar Dalmegh Singh, eminent historian Prof. Kirpal Singh, Prof JS Grewal, Prof. Indu Banga and Executive Director Punjab Heritage and Tourism Board Mr VB Kumar.
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CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB
CM FOR CANCER FREE PUNJAB
MITTAL PRESENTS REPORT OF DOOR TO DOOR CANCER SURVEY TO CM
BADAL ASKS HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO FOCUS ON PROVIDING IMMEDIATE TREATMENT TO PEOPLE DETECTED WITH CANCER
HEALTH DEPARTMENT MUST FOCUS ON AREAS OF HIGH CANCER CONCENTRATION
Chandigarh, February 6-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal has asked the Health and Family Welfare department to make concerted efforts for making Punjab a cancer-free state by providing free proper treatment to the people detected with symptoms of this fatal disease in recently concluded statewide door to door survey.
Interacting with the Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr Madan Mohan Mittal and top brass of the department after they submitted survey report “Statewide door-to-door campaign Cancer awareness and symptom based early detection” to him on Tuesday late evening, the Chief Minister reiterated the firm commitment of SAD-BJP government to eradicate cancer from the state. Mr Badal categorically said that the second phase of this ambitious program should be solely aimed towards checking the spread of this lethal disease. Expressing concern over the fact that 34430 people in the state have lost their lives in last five year due this disease, Mr Badal said that sustainable efforts should be made to avert any such mishap in the future.
The Chief Minister said that as under this survey around 97% population of the state has been covered, so the Health department now has the concrete database through which they could provide timely treatment to the patients detected with even minute symptoms of this disease. Mr Badal directed the Health and Family welfare department to make sure that proper treatment was provided to 24659 persons who have been reported suffering from this disease besides ensuring suitable diagnostic facilities to 87403 people amongst whom the symptoms of cancer have been traced. He also asked the department to lay thrust on the areas where high concentration of cancer cases was detected so that the spreading of this disease could be controlled as early as possible.
The Chief Minister categorically said that the state government was fully sensitized towards checking this disease and no stone would be left unturned for this noble cause. He hoped that the recent decision of the Cabinet to set up a dedicated fund for eradicating cancer from the state would prove to be another milestone in state government’s crusade against this disease. Mr Badal said that as the treatment of cancer was very costly so the Health department must make sure that every cancer patient was able to get immediate assistance from the Chief Minister’s Cancer Relief Fund.
Lauding the efforts of the Health Department for carrying out this extensive survey, the Chief Minister said that it would go a long way in ensuring early detection of cancer for its timely treatment besides aiding the state government to take more concrete steps for checking this grave problem. However Mr Badal said that the survey was only a preliminary task to deal with this crucial problem and now the real task before them was to ensure that this disease was combated in an effective manner. Assuring the Health department of fulsome support and co-operation from the state government, Mr Badal asked them to work dedicatedly for routing out cancer from the state.
Earlier Health Minister Mr Madan Mohan Mittal apprised the Chief Minister that more than 40,000 duly trained field workers had accomplished this task by visiting 5158154 houses across the state. He said that this pilot project of the state government, which would prove to be a landmark in Punjab government’s battle against cancer, has been completed in a record time of one month.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs Vinnie Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, Executive Director State Health Systems Resource Centre Dr Pyare Lal Garg and Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Ashok Nayyar.
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SAD STRONGLY REFUTES AMARINDER’S ALLEGATIONS
CONGRESS SHOULD ACCEPT THE GROUND REALITIES AND STOP
BLAME GAME-DR. CHEEMA
Chandigarh, February 6 :
The Shiromani Akali Dal strongly refuted the allegations of intimidation of congress workers by the police levelled today by Capt. Amrinder Singh and described these allegation as false, baseless and a bundle of lies. These allegations are clear cut indication of extreme desperation of congress leaders.
"Having failed to get public support, the congress President has started blame game to save his own skin," said Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Secretary and Spokesman SAD in response to Amrinder's press conference in Moga today.
Dr. Cheema said that on one hand Capt. Amarinder Singh had stated that a common candidate against the SAD would have been in the interest of the people of the Punjab as it would have prevented the division of votes and made their (Akali’s”) defeat easier but on the other hand he is finding faults with the police. So the Congress must introspect first that whether they are loosing because of their own follies or because of police ?
Dr. Cheema further said that Capt. Amrinder must know that police cannot transfer votes by arm twisting and if this was possible then SAD would not have won DSGMC elections with such a heavy margin. Secondly, if police could get votes for a party, then Amrinder Should have been Chief Minister throughout his life. But it never happened.
SAD spokesman said that the parties get votes by winning hearts of the people with selfless service and devotion. So Amrinder should stop threatening officers and raising baseless allegations. The mood of the Moga voters is very clear and congress should except this reality with grace.
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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED
Chandigarh, February 6:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water up to 11-02-2013. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch and Bathinda Branch respectively.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively.
The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their ident. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'.
The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in, Sabraon Branch, Lahore Branch, Main Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively.
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DIRECTOR, LOTTERIES GIVES AWAY FIRST PRIZE WORTH RS.51 LACS OF MONTHLY LOTTERIES
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 6:
Mr. Jaspal Singh, Director, Punjab State Lotteries and Secretary Expenditure, Finance today gave away the cheque worth Rs.51 lacs to first prize winner (Lottery No.-444451) of Punjab State Monthly Lotteries-September 2012.
While handing over the cheque to the winner Mrs. Varsha Garg w/o Mohit Garg of Model Town, Patiala, in a simple function organized in Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 here, Mr. Jaspal Singh wished her good luck. He informed that presently the Department of Lotteries is marketing Monthly Lottery Scheme-February 2013 and the tickets of Vaisakhi Bumper-2013 would be released soon for marketing.
The prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Tarsem Goyal, Deputy Director, Lotteries and Mr. Sunil Sachdev, Assistant Controller, Finance and Accounts.
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Rs. 7.75 CRORE RELEASES UNDER RMSA FOR MAINTENANCE OF 3109 HIGH AND SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS –MALUKA
· DEOs ASKS TO INSPECT THE DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 6: The Punjab Government has released a grant of Rs. 7.75 crore under Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) for the maintenance of 3109 High and Senior Secondary Schools in the state besides providing quality education.
Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab informed that as Punjab that has already been declared a leading state to implement RMSA and now a grant of Rs. 7.75 crore has also been released by the Government to further accelerate the implementation of the campaign. He said that under this scheme, the needy schools would be given a grant of Rs. 25000 for the maintenance purpose. He said that earlier the Punjab Government has released a grant of Rs. 15 crore for the overall development of schools in the state and Rs. 50000 has been given to each school for development.
Issuing directions to all the District Education Officers to identify the dilapidated buildings of schools, Mr. Maluka said that DEOs would have to submit timely reports regarding undated buildings so the requisite grants could be issued for the construction and repair of buildings. He also said that the schools heads should have to send the required Performa for the Central grants. The Minister said that after receiving a success under RMSA in Punjab, the Punjab Government has decided to upgrade the status of more schools, which would remain in existence.
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GERMANY PROPOSES ALL POSSIBLE AGRI-SECTOR COOPERATION TO PUNJAB
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DELEGATION OF FEDERAL PARLIAMENT CALLS ON PUNJAB MINISTERS
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GERMAN PARLIAMENTARIANS LAUDS PUNJAB’S DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
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KAIRON INFORMS DELEGATION ABOUT PUNJAB’S CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE INDIA SELF DEPENDENT ON FOOD SECURITY FRONT
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 6: A Delegation of Federal Parliament of Germany today called on Punjab Ministers Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Mr. Anil Joshi, Industries and Commerce Minister and Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babbehali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Punjab to hold a discussion over the agri-sector.
Proposing all possible cooperation from the German Government, the Delegation lauded the contribution of Punjab in the national food kitty and its ongoing development in agriculture sector.
Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon informed the delegation about the hard work of farmers of Punjab, who made country a self-sufficient on food security front. He said that Punjab Government was providing free power and subsidies to the farmers besides exemplary procurement process in the country. He said that Punjab has added a record yield of 135 lakh tonnes of paddy and 128 lakh tonnes of wheat in the central pool in the current session. He also said that the farmers of Punjab were prefer to follow the wheat and paddy crop circle due to unavailability of requisite Minimum Support Price on other crops but the state government was committed to bring diversification in Punjab.
Dr. Max Lehmer, Member of German Federal Parliament said that German and India should initiate the process to further strengthen the bilateral relations between duo nations especially in the field of agriculture. He said that German was ready to extend all possible help to Punjab in the field of agriculture.
Earlier, Mr. Anil Joshi, Industries and Commerce Minister, Punjab welcomed the delegation while Mr. Parminder Dhindsa, Finance Minister extended vote of thanks. The German delegation was comprised of Mr. Mechthild Heil, Haynes Poula, Gabriela Gainsbourg, Dr. Erich Skyvicket, Alexander Submayor, Harleyd Ibner and Allence Graig. Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. G.S. Kalkat, Chairman Punjab State Farmers Commission, Mr. G.S. Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Development and Mr. D.S. Grewal, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies, Mr. Satwant Singh Johal, Advisor/Agriculture, Mr. Balwinder Singh and Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director Agriculture.
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CABINET MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF RAM ADHAR SINGH
Chandigarh, February 5-
At the very outset of its meeting, the Punjab Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today mourned the sad demise of Mr Ram Adhar Singh (95), the father of Chief Secretary Punjab Mr Rakesh Singh, who passed away at Varanasi a few days back.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet recalled the outstanding services rendered by Mr Ram Adhar Singh towards the Nation during his distinguish service in Police force. The Cabinet observed Mr Ram Adhar Singh as an illustrious personality and a fine human being besides disciplined and dedicated Police officer with the rare qualities of head and heart.
On the occasion a two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect in the memory of the departed soul thereby praying to Almighty to grant eternal peace to him and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.
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BUDGET SESSION TO COMMENCE FROM MARCH 11 TO 28
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 5:
The Punjab Cabinet today approved to convene the 4th Session (Budget) of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 11 to 28, 2013.
A decision to this effect was taken in the Cabinet meeting held under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at Punjab Bhawan here this evening.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the dates of the Session would be sent for the final nod by the Punjab Governor for summoning the 4th Session (Budget) of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha. As per the program the session would commence on March 11 in the afternoon with Governor’s address. Budget estimates for the year 2013-14 would be presented on March 20 by the Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa and the general discussion on budget estimates would be held from March 22 onwards.
Reiterating its commitment to preserve the honor and dignity of women, the Cabinet approved the setting up of 20 fast track Courts in the state for the speedy trial of cases of heinous crime against women. The Cabinet also gave its nod for creating 20 additional posts of Superior Judicial Services along with the supporting staff to provide immediate justice to the women of State of Punjab.
The Cabinet also gave nod to create and recruit the posts of six Deputy Superintendents of Police, 36 Inspectors, 415 Lady Sub-inspectors and 400 Lady Constables in Punjab Police to control the crime or sexual assault on women in the state. It would put an additional burden of Rs.18.04 crore annually on the state exchequer.
The Cabinet also approved to amend Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1924 for the provision of penalty and punishments against the defaulters for not paying vehicle tax at the state entry points. Buses plying on contract carriage permit or tourist permit of other States entering into the State of Punjab without payment of Motor Vehicles Tax on entry point would be liable to imposition of penalty for the first offence of Rs 50000 and Rs 100000 for the subsequent offence and subsequently the erring owner or driver of such vehicle would be punished with imprisonment up to six months.
In order to perpetuate the rich cultural heritage of the state, the Cabinet also approved to levy one percent cultural cess on the total construction of roads, bridges and flyovers by the state government for erecting and maintaining heritage buildings, national and state monuments.
The Cabinet also gave in principle approval for creating a special fund to check the menace of cancer and drug-addiction in the state. A surcharge/cess would be levied on some items, taxes and receipts and the money collected from it would be deposited in this special fund. The administrative department with the consent of Chief Minister would enact a scheme under which this fund would be utilized and it would not be utilized for any other purpose.
In compliance with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Cabinet also approved the draft of Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 by repealing Punjab Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1964 and the Punjab Minerals (prevention of illegal mining, transportation and storage) Rules, 2012. It is expected that with the new rules the problem of shortage of bricks, sand and other construction material would be solved soon. District level committees under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner would be constituted for giving environmental clearances to the mines below the area of five hectares. A cluster, not exceeding total area of 100 hectares, would be set up for all those mines having area of less than five hectares. In order to monitor the auctioned mines electronic weighing machines would be installed.
Keeping in view the larger public interest and to safeguard the rights of school going children, the Cabinet also gave nod to amend Rule 11 (1), 11(5) and 18(1) of the Punjab Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education 2011 thereby extending the deadline of filing declaration by the schools under the act with more five months. This move would benefit around 1.72 lakh students studying in 1673 schools across the state, who have not submitted the declaration yet.
The Cabinet also approved to issue Ordinance for amending Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996 thereby paving way for the appointment of one Up-Lokpal in the state. This decision would assist the Lokpal in dealing with the cases in more effective manner on one hand and would also enable the democratic functioning of Lokpal Act on the other.
Keeping in view the welfare of people of the state, the Cabinet also approved the draft of the Punjab Laws (special provision) Bill, 2013 which would regulate and control the un-authorized colonies in the state.
In another important decision aimed towards taking immediate action against the officers/officials retaining government houses in an unauthorized manner, the Cabinet gave its nod to amend Rule 10(2) of Punjab Government Houses General Pool Allotment Rules 1983.
In another decision the Cabinet also gave nod to omit Rule 45-A of Punjab Panchayat Election Rules, 1994 which was inserted in the year 2008 to facilitate the election of Sarpanchs from amongst the Panchs. However after amendment in section 10 of the Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 which provides that Sarpanchs would be elected from amongst the members of the Gram Sabha both rule 45-A and section 10 had became contradictory to each other so there was no necessity to keep this rule, added the spokesperson.
The Cabinet also approved for signing a tripartite agreement between Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, Bharat Broadband Network Limited and State of Punjab for creation of National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) for providing Broadband connectivity to the Panchayats in the state. This project which was a joint effort of the Centre-State governments would connect 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats in the country through optical fiber by utilizing existing fibers of public sector undertakings (PSUs) viz. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), Railtel Corporation of India Ltd. and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
The Cabinet also approved to double the monthly assistance to the veterans/ widows of World War II above the age of 65 from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 besides, enhancing the annual income eligibility conditions of these beneficiaries from Rs.12000 to Rs. 100000.
Likewise in order to impart Drug De-addiction services in an efficient manner, the Cabinet also Okayed the shifting of already created posts of different categories to the functional and newly constructed Drug de-addiction Centers across the state besides creating requisite posts of four Social Workers and nine Medical Officers for these centers.
In order to provide best Health care facilities to the people by overcoming the shortage of staff, the Cabinet also approved the process of filling all vacant posts of Medical Officers (Specialist) through a system of walk in interview/Campus recruitment process.
In a bid to upgrade the Industrial Training centers across the state to impart vocational training to the youth, the Cabinet also gave its approval for the creation and filling up of 156 posts of Service providers for the advanced module of Vocational Training Improvement project of Punjab Industrial Training department.
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CM FOR BLUE PRINT TO DEVELOP ADARSH SCHOOLS UNDER PSEB
CONSTITUTE THREE MEMBER COMMITTEE FOR IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE IN ADARSHSCHOOL
ELECTRICITY TUBEWELL CONNECTIONS FOR ADARSH SCHOOLS ON PRIORITY
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 05:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Punjab School Education Board to prepare a responsive blue print to ensure the development of all the 11 Adarsh Senior Secondary Schools run by it in the state in a holistic manner.
A direction to this effect was given by Mr. Badal during a high level meeting with the Principals, officiating principals and the senior officers of the education department held at Chief Minister’s residence this morning to review the functioning of these schools.
Expressing concern over the performance of some Adarsh schools, Mr. Badal directed the chairperson of Punjab School Education Board to take immediate steps for appointing regular principals besides other teaching and non teaching staff in all the schools as per their requirement on adhoc basis.
For the rationalization of staff, Mr. Badal constituted a committee comprising Director General School, Chairperson PSEB and his technical adviser to study detailed requirements of these schools in terms of staff and other infrastructure. Reiterating his firm commitment to provide fulsome support from the state government side for these schools, he said that the Adarsh schools had been established by him as a dream project to impart quality education amongst the rural children. He said that school education board must act in a responsive manner for the further development of these educational institutions.
During the meeting, Mr. Badal directed the Chairman POWERCOM to release electricity tubewell connections for the agriculture land of these Adarsh schools on priority.
Prominent those who were present in the meeting including Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Chairperson PSEB Dr. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Secretary Education Mr. Ashok Gupta, Director General Schools Mr. KS Pannu and Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh besides principals and officiating principal of various Adarsh senior secondary schools being run by PSEB.
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JET TEST TO BE HELD ON 7TH APRIL
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 5:
Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training has decided to hold the Joint Entrance Test 2013 on 7th April 2013 (Sunday). On the basis of the merit of the Joint Entrance Test online counseling would be held for admission to various diploma courses in the affiliated institutions located in Punjab & Chandigarh.
Mr. A.R. Talwar, Principal Secretary Technical Education-cum-Chairman of the Board informed that this year Joint Entrance Test is being held five weeks in advance so that the admission procedure is completed within the stipulated period as per the academic calendar of AICTE. Further he also indicated that the online counseling for general as well as fee waiver scheme should be held simultaneously so that the candidates could get maximum benefit out of it.
About 60,000 seats are available for admission spread over 29 different diploma courses. In addition to this about 3000 seats are available under fee waiver category where the students are exempted from paying tuition fee of Rs. 22,000/- per year. The information diary of JET 2013 along with Application forms should be sold through affiliated polytechnic colleges of the Board, schools affiliated to Punjab School Education Board and Suvidha Centers in the D.C. office of the districts at a cost of Rs. 50/-. For details regarding the availability of the information diary of JET 2013, the candidates may log on towww.punjabteched.com and www.punjabteched.net.
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PUNJAB TO ORGANISE SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH GAMES 2013-MALUKA
· TO ORGANISE MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AWARD CEREMONY NEXT MONTH
· FELICIATES WORLD KABADDI CUP WINNER INDIAN KABADDI TEAMS
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 5: The Punjab Government has decided to organize ‘Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh State Games-2013’ to nurture the upcoming sports talent in the state. Besides this, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award ceremony would also be organized next month.
This was stated by Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab and Senior Vice President of the Organizing Committee of 3rd World Kabaddi Cup during felicitation ceremony held here today to disburse prize money to the World Kabaddi Cup winner teams. Mr. Maluka said that the success of 3rd World Kabaddi Cup could be gauged from the fact that there were 15 and 7 international teams respectively for men and women section took part in this tournament and most of the teams were comprise of the natives of those countries. He said that the Punjab Government was committed to promote the traditional and most popular game of the Punjabis and would make concerted efforts to include it in Asian as well as Olympic Games. He said that state Government would extend all benefits to the players of Circle Kabaddi as being provided to the players of other disciplines.
Mr. Maluka informed that the Punjab Government has also decided to organize Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Ceremony during next month to honour the sportspersons for their achievements in the field of sports.
On this occasion Mr. Maluka handed over Rs.13,57,142 cheque to each member of World Kabbadi Cup Winner Indian Kabbadi Team (men) member and Rs.3,46,071 cheque to each member of World Kabbadi Cup Winner Indian Kabbadi Team (women).
Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion included Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA and Former Director Sports, Punjab, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Secretary Sports and Mr. Shivdular Singh Dhillon, Director Sports.
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RAM DENWYAL FILED HIS NOMINATION FOR MOGA BYE POLL
CHANDIGARH, February, 5
One more candidate has filed his nomination for the Moga by poll, which was scheduled to be held on February 23.
A spokesperson of the CEO today said that Mr. Ram Denwyal has filed his nomination as independent candidate. In an another development Mrs. parveen sood has filed her papers as a covering candidate for vijay sathi, official Indian National congress candidate for moga by election.
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ORDINANCE ON RAPE: "STEP FORWARD BUT WAY SHORT OF NATIONAL CONSENSUS": BADAL
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 4 –
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended “cautious welcome" to the ordinance against rape, saying that while it represented a step forward, it fell way short of the historic necessity as well as the national consensus for a comprehensive constitutional initiative on the issue. The government had surprisingly chosen to turn a blind eye to the recommendations of the Verma panel and women's organisations and advice of well meaning eminent social activists and jurists in favour of stringent provisions on all gender offences."
In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that the timing of the ordinance also raised questions as the prosecution had already "absolved" one of the most serious offenders in the Delhi gang rape case on grounds of juvenile crime. "It sounds strange that the government first seeks the opinions of all the Chief Ministers and then dithers on their recommendations regarding lowering of the upper age limit for "minors" in rape cases. I was personally of the view that lowering of upper age limit for adult franchise from 21 to 18 years had provided the rationale for a similar reduction in the definition of a juvenile in rape cases. But the government not only chose to ignore the recommendations of the state governments but even allowed the FIR in the Delhi case to be presented in a manner that would clearly allow one of the most brutal crimes against women to go unpunished. This is strange. The government's intentions are not clear," said the Chief Minister.
Mr. Badal said that he strongly advocated drastic and bold constitutional amendments through a comprehensive legislation on the issue , aimed not just at pre-empting and punishing crimes against women but also at powering women in many other ways. You cannot segregate gender offences against women from their general plight in society. A sweeping social up-scaling of women's status in society is badly needed. In the absence of such empowerment, no other law will have meaning or be fully effective."
Mr. Badal also expressed surprise that that the government had chosen to cold-shoulder women's organisations and other social activists who had been advocating more effective and stringent laws on the subject. "Few issues had moved national conscience the way the Delhi gang rape had. A girl had paid with her honour and life but in the process an opportunity had come for society and the nation to address the critical issues of safety, equality and empowerment of nearly half the population of the country represented by women. But the government had shown its insensitivity by getting bogged down in legal and political hair-splitting instead of taking courageous steps forward,” said the Chief Minister.
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CM AND DY. CM CONGRATULATES HARMANPREET KAUR FOR HER CENTURY AGAINST ENGLAND
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 4 :
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today congratulated Harmanpreet Kaur of Punjab for scoring her maiden one day international century against England women Team during an International Cricket match at Mumbai on Sunday.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that in a congratulatory message both CM and Dy. CM appreciated the spectacular performance of this daughter of the Punjabi soil and said that the sportspersons had not only brought glory to Nation through their rare talent and outstanding performance but also inspire our budding players to further excel for such championships.
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PUNJAB PLANS TO INTRODUCE A NEW WATER PURIFICATION SWISS SYSTEMS FOR POTABLE WATER
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 4
The Punjab government is planning to introduce a cost effective Central Water Purification System in difficult rural areas of the state in collaboration with Aqua Infinite a Swiss based company to provide 100% chemical free treated potable water to the people.
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with a representative of Aqua Infinite Ms. Jennifer Beresford here at the Chief Minister’s official residence on Sunday. Aqua Infinite was operating through “Trunz“ its authorised company in India and provides commercial scale water purification equipment to meet the world’s urban and rural drinking water needs.
Mr. Badal informed that the water samples testing conducted across the state evident of the presence of heavy metals contaminating the ground water and it varies from place to place. He asked Ms. Jennifer if their company installs its water purifier plant at few different places as pilot project that would help both the State Government as well as the Aqua Infinite to initiate this programme more effectively. Ms. Jennifer agreed to setup their Purification System as pilot projects at five places of the government’s choice.
Mr. Badal further asked the Principal Secretary Public Health Department to chalk out various modalities regarding the need based installation of equipment and clearances for funding agencies at the Federal Government level.
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JUSTICE GURDEV SINGH APPOINTED AS PRESIDENT OF COMMISSION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 4:
The Punjab government has appointed Mr.Justice Gurdev Singh as president of Punjab state consumer disputes redressal commission.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that Mr. Justice Gurdev Singh has already assumed the charge of the chair. This post was vacant after the retirement of Justice (retd.)
Mr. S.N.Aggarwal. He further said that Mr.Justice Gurdev Singh
remained as a judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court and retired on 31.12.2011.
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JOB FAIR ON FEBRUARY 7 BY MARUTI SUZUKI
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 4:
In collaboration with Punjab Technical Education Department, the leading company Maruti Suzuki is organizing a job fair in Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Amritsar on February 7, 2013.
disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the department said that during job fair, the company would conduct campus interviews of Fitter, Welder, Machinist, Motor Mechanic, Auto Mobile, Diesel Mechanic, Electrician, Turner, C.E.O. Production & Manufacturing, Tool & Die Maker and Painter Trades, in which more than 1000 pass out students would avail employment opportunity.
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2 MORE NOMINATIONS FILES FOR MOGA BY POLL
CHANDIGARH, February, 4
2 more candidates have filed their nominations for the Moga by poll, which was scheduled to be held on February 23.
A spokesperson of the CEO today said that Mr. Ravinder Singh Dhaliwal of Peoples Party of Punjab, Mr. Gurmail Singh Peoples Party of Punjab covering candidate and Mr. Rajinder Singh has filed their nominations as independent candidate.
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MARKFED LAUNCHED NEW RANGE OF READY TO EAT, PICKLES AND SPICES UNDER SOHNA BRAND
Chandigarh, February 4
A function was organized by Markfed to launch “SOHNA” brand of spices, pickles and Ready-to-Eat some more canned products at jalandhar . The function was presided over by Dr. Karmjeet Singh Sra, IAS, Managing Director, Markfed. Dr. Sra in his address informed that Markfed is one of the largest Cooperative Marketing Organisations in Asia and is on the thresh-hold of giving complete revamp to its existing outlook and working strategies in order to be a dominant player in the processed food segment in the domestic/ international markets. To achieve the desired objectives, a complete haul up of the product portfolio, is under way with the introduction of new labels, recipes and new packaging. Besides, the present portfolio of the products will be strengthened by adding more products to the existing line up and the presence of the products will be ensured over PAN-India.
For the presence of “SOHNA” products across PAN-India, new distributors and marketing agents are being appointed, he said.
Dr. Sra also informed about the scope of Ready-to-Eat products in the domestic market where, over the period of years, a paradigm shift has been noticed wherein joint families have become nucleus families and transition has been to working couples, working individuals in the local/ metropolitan towns. With the increase in the disposable incomes and with the emergence of strong upper middle class, the scope of Ready-to-Eat products has become highly pronounced.
He appreciated the growth and capacity utilization achieved by the plant over the last years and also informed that due to stupendous success of SOHNA products, Markfed has envisaged to set up a modern State of the Art Canneries Unit at Jalandhar telling about the salient features of markfed .. In order to popularize its Ready-t-Eat products, it was also informed that the products of Markfed does not contain any preservatives and have shelf life of two years and are economical than the ‘Dhaba Food’. In order to acquaint the consumers about the products, an intensive awareness campaign has been launched by Markfed on Radio, Press and through point to point tasteing session programmesand by participating in food fairs and exhibitions in order to popularize its products. Further he also intimated that markfed is going to install packed water plant at jalandhar.
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CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB
CHIEF MINISTER CANCELS HIS ALL PRE SCHEDULE OUT STATIONED ENGAGEMENTS TILL FEBRUARY 6
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has canceled his all pre scheduled out stationed engagements till February 6.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that as Mr. Badal’s health was improving, the Doctors advised him not to travel and take bed rest for three more days. Therefore all the pre scheduled programs of the Chief Minister across the state till February 6 have been canceled. The fresh dates of these functions, which had been either postponed or cancelled, would be announced later on by the Chief Minister’s Office, the spokesperson added.
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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH A UNIQUE EDUCATION SCHEME FOR BRILLIANT RURAL POOR STUDENTS
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 03:
In a bid to provide best possible higher education free of cost to the brilliant students of poor families especially with rural background in top private schools of the state, the Punjab Government would soon launch a unique education scheme with the help of renowned private educational institutions.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with the renowned educationists and intelligentsia here at his official residence today.
Underscoring the need to impart quality education to these students, the Chief Minister called upon the eminent educationists and academicians to make sincere efforts to provide quality education to these students in their schools to enable them to compete at par with other students. Mr. Badal also urged them to open more new educational branches of their institutions to cater the need of these deprived students.
He said that keeping education sector on priority, the Punjab government was fully committed to impart quality education in the state. “It is a bounden duty on the part of all of us to cherish the aspirations of this disadvantaged section of the students and save our young intelligent potential that could prove to be an asset to the nation in future,” said Mr. Badal. He also assured the full some support from the government side for this noble cause. He also directed Director General of School Education to visit various interested private schools to study their requirement in term of hostel accommodation and other infrastructure to initiate this scheme.
The prominent educationists and academicians who participated in meeting included Chairman & Director of Salwan Educational Trust, Mr. Sushil Salwan and Major SK Kohali (Retd.), Director Salwan Public School Gurgoan, Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) A Jageed AVSM VSM, Director Sri Dashmesh Academy Maj. Gen. (Retd.) JS Ghumman, Director Education SGPC Dr. Dharminder Singh Ubha, Director Sahibzada Ajit Singh Academy Ropar Mr. Sukhjinder Singh, Chief Collaborator Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle Ludhiana, Princilal Satluj Public School Ropar Ms. Preetinder Kaur, Principal Sri Dashmesh Academy Col. (Retd.) Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Mrs. Bhupinderjit Kaur Sandhu and Dr. Neelam Kaur representatives of Akal Academy Baru Sahib, Principal Budha Dal Public School Patiala Dr. Amrit Aujla, Principal St. Soldier Convent School Mohali Ms. V Tiwana, Principal Gian Jyoti Public School Mohali Mrs. Ranjeet Bedi, Principal Ryan International School Mohali Ms. Gurpal Anand and Principal Government Sr. Sec. Model School PAU Ludhiana Mr. Sanjeev Thapar besides the senior officers of the education department.
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CM MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF FATHER OF
RAJAYDEEP AND ARCHIT
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 03:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Pawan Kumar, the father of Senior Correspondents of The Tribune posted at Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Archit Watts and of Daily Post posted at Bathinda Mr. Rajaydeep. Mr. Pawan breathed his last here at PGI this morning; he was 59 and survived by wife and two sons.
In a condolence message Mr. Badal shared his heart felt sympathies with the members of bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief.
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RAJAY DEEP AND ARCHIT WATTS BEREAVED, FATHER EXPIRES AT PGI CHANDIGARH
Chandigarh, February 3:
The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed profound grief over the untimely demise of Sh. Pawan Watts (59) father of Mr. Rajay Deep, Malwa Head of Daily Post and Mr. Archit Watts , Staff Reporter, The Tribune, Muktsar, who died here today fighting liver cancer.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with Watts family, Mr. Badal prayed to Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
It may be mentioned here that the bhog ceremony of Sh. Pawan Watts would be held at Abohar Palace, Abohar on February 10 between 12.00 to 1.00 pm.
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