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

JAIN WINS MOGA BYE POLL BY 18849 VOTES

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 28

Mr. Joginder Pal Jain, Candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) today won the Moga Bye Poll with a margin of 18849 votes.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the CEO Punjab today said that Mr Jain defeated the Indian National Congress candidate Sathi Vijay Kumar. He further said that out of total 130300 votes counted during 14 rounds of counting, Mr jain has got 69269 votes, while his archrival Mr Sathi has bagged 50420 votes. Besides that 7401 votes has been polled to PPOP candidate Dr Ravinder singh dhaliwal, followed by SAD (M) candidate Mr Birinderpal Singh, who got 822 votes. He said that Gurmeet singh Ranghreta of PLP has received 459 votes, Jaswant Singh Bedi of IKL 221,  Shri Ram Denwyal IND 215, Hardev Singh IND 304, Chhinder Singh IND 403 and Rajinder Singh IND has got 786 votes.

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

A SUB-COMMITTEE TO SHORTLIST SHIROMANI AWARDS
MALUKA ANNOUNCES AN 8-MEMBER COMMITTEE TO FINALISE AND IMPLEMENT LIBRARY ACT

• UNDERLINES THE NEED FOR MAKING CONCERTED EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PUNJABI LANGUAGE
• DISTRICT LEVEL LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEES TO BE RESTRUCTURED

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27: The Punjab Education and Language Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka has been authorized to constitute a sub-committee to short list the names for Shiromani Awards to be given for the year 2012 and 2013. This decision has been taken in the maiden meeting of newly constituted ‘State Advisory Board’ of Language Department held here today.
            Presiding over the meeting, Mr. Maluka underlined the need to ensure total transparency in the process of short listing the names for various Shiromani Awards being provided by the State Government. He said that a sub-committee would be constituted to thoroughly short list the names besides any addition or restructuring of these awards. He said that to promote Punjabi as well as other languages in the state, it becomes imperative for all of us to ensure foolproof process for selecting the names of different awardees.
            It was also decided by the State Advisory Board that the Language Department should start a library membership plan on the pattern of Punjabi University, Patiala to provide all its publications to its members at 50% rebate. Besides this, all the old manuscripts lying with the Language Department should be published on the pattern of Punjabi University Patiala through private publishers. Majority of the members emphasized the need to promote the reading culture with special focus on developing reading habits amongst the students. They appreciated the efforts of State Education Minister Mr. Maluka and Director General School Education Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu for introducing the concept of School Magazine for each school and expressed confidence that this would go a long way in developing literary temperament amongst the students. On this occasion an eight member committee comprising of Mr. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Mrs. Harjinder Kaur, Mr. Tarlochan Singh, Dr. Ravel Singh, Dr. Gulzar Singh Sandhu, Mr. Baldev Singh Saraknama, Dr. Tejwant Mann and Mr. Satnam Manak has been constituted to give final touches to the State Library Act for its effective implementation in the state.
            It was also decided in the meeting to restructure the District level Advisory Committees to make them more pro-active.
 Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Mr. A. R. Talwar, Principal Secretary Higher Education and Languages, Mrs. Harjinder Kaur, President Punjab Kala Parishad, Mr. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, President Punjab Sahit Academy, Mr. Pawan Harchandpuri, Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha (Sekhon), Dr. Ravel Singh, Secretary Punjabi Academy, New Delhi, Mrs. Balbir Kaur, Director Language Department Punjab besides number of eminent personalities from the field of literature, journalism and culture. 
----

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPROVES FOUR LANING PROJECT FROM SANGRUR TO HARYANA BORDER: SHARANJIT DHILLON
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27:
The Punjab Government has approved the four laning of 57 km road form Sangrur via Patran-Khanuri to Haryana border with the cost of 524 crore .
Mr. Sharanjit Dhillon, Punjab PWD Minister said that the work on this project has already begun and would be completed by December 2015. The minister also added that SAD-BJP government would provide world class roads and bridges to reduce traffic problems faced by public. Surveys are being conducted to find traffic problems among people and government will accordingly take decisions.
            Mr. Sharanjeet Dhillon further said that the State government has already constructed the Bathinda-Badal road with the cost of Rs. 29 crore, Bahadugarh-Ghaunaur-Shambhu highway with the cost of Rs 17 croer and Bathinda-Talwandi Sabo highway at Bathinda with a cost of Rs 21 crore. Punjab Government has also provided a four lane flyover over the Amritsar Jalandhar road, a flyover from Makhu to Sultanpur Lodhi road over river Satluj and a High level flyover over the Muradpura drain.
            Mr. Sharnjeet Dhillon said SAD-BJP government has provided facilities for convenient travelling for the welfare of the society.
------

Punjab police arrested absconding militant

A Punjab Police party headed by Sh. Sukhdev Singh, DSP/CID/Tarn Taran and Inspr. Sanjeev Kumar, SHO/P.S.Civil Lines, Amritsar tracked and nabbed absconding militant Narain Singh Chaura in Village Jalalabad, P.S. Verowal, Distt. Tarn Taran in the late evening of 26.02.2013. Narain Singh Chaura was arrested in Case FIR.No. 201, dated 08.05.2010 u/s 4/5 Explosives Act and 3/4/5 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Police Station Civil Lines, Amritsar.
Upon his initial questioning, raids were conducted in the area of Village Kurali, District S.A.S. Nagar in the intervening night of 26/27 February 2013. One AK‑56 + 20 rounds, one .30 Mauser + 50 rounds and five hand grenades packed in a box were recovered. Case FIR No.29, dated 27.02.2013 u/s 3/4/5 Explosive Act, 25 Arms Act, 10, 13, 18, 20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, P.S.Kurali, Distt. S.A.S. Nagar has been registered in this regard. On the basis of information given by Narain Singh Chaura, two of his accomplices namely Sukhwant Singh and Sukhdev Singh have also been arrested from Village Jalalabad, Distt. Tarn Taran and Village Pandori, Distt. Majitha respectively and case FIR No. 9, dated 27.02.2013 under sections 212, 216 IPC P.S.Verowal, Distt. Tarn Taran and FIR.No. 23, dated 27.02.2013 under sections 212, 216 IPC and 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, P.S.Kambo, Distt. Amritsar Rural have been registered against them.
                   Narain Singh @ Chaura @ Shamsher Singh @ Shera @ Chamkaur Singh @ Kapoor Singh Jamraudh S/o Chanan Singh R/o Village Chaura, PS Dera Baba Nanak, District Gurdaspur has been actively associated with militant activities in the State since the early 1980s. In 1984 he had crossed over to Pakistan and was instrumental in smuggling in huge consignments of weapons and explosives into Punjab during the initial stages of militancy. While in Pakistan he authored a book on Guerrilla war fare and other seditious literature. He returned to India in 1986, went underground and later again crossed over to Pakistan. In 1989 he came back to operate in India under the assumed names of Chamkaur Singh & Kapoor Singh Jamraudh. He founded the Akal Federation and later the Khalistan Liberation Army outfits.
                   In the recent past Narain Singh Chaura had been actively attempting to revive militancy in Punjab by coordinating the efforts of remanent terrorist groups in Punjab & abroad.
He is involved in over 2 dozen terrorist activity cases.
He was instrumental in Burail Jail break case leading to the escape of Jagtar Singh Hawara, Jagtar Singh Tara and Paramjit Singh Bheora. In this case he remained lodged in Burail Jail from where he was released on bail on 29.04.2005.
In December, 2009 & January, 2010 he procured huge quantities of arms and explosives from Pakistan and distributed the same to terrorist modules in Punjab. Part of this consignment was recovered with the recovery of an explosive laden Maruti Car at Amritsar, in May 2010. Case FIR No. 201, dated 08.05.2010 u/s 4/5 Explosive Substantive Act, 1908 3/4/5 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Police Station Civil Lines, Amritsar was registered. Sukhdev Singh & Gurwinder Singh were arrested, whereas Narain Singh Chaura had absconded. Chaura has been arrested in this case yesterday.
Other parts of this consignment – AK-74/2, Sub Machine Gun/1, Pistol/3, .315 Bore Riffle/1, Revolver/1, AK-47/1, RDX/15 Kg – were recovered in June and July 2010 when the State Special Cell, Punjab busted 2 BKI modules. Other associates of Chaura had been arrested, whereas he had absconded.
Since then, i.e. June 2010, Narain Singh Chaura had gone underground, and the Govt. had announced a reward of Rs.10 Lacs for his arrest.
The Police Department has promoted the officials who carried out this operation. One SI has been promoted to the rank of Inspector, 4 HCs to the rank of ASI and 5 Constables to the rank of Head Constable.
Further investigations are in progress.

---

DEATH OF PUNJABI YOUTH IN MALAYSIA: NRI COMMISSION SEEKS REPORT FROM MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27: The NRI Commission today sought report from Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs on or before March 8, 2013 regarding the action taken for sending the body of Punjabi youth to India, who was died in Malaysia.
A spokesman of the NRI Commission today said that Punjabi youth Sunny resident of Labour Colony, Amritsar had gone to Malaysia about two and half years back to earn a livelihood but unfortunately he was died on February 13, 2013 in Malaysia. He said that the deceased’s family has taken the matter with the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysian High Commissioner in New Delhi, who informed that the body of Sunny would be sent back only after receiving the postmortem report which may take around two week’s time. He said that the Commission has asked the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to intimate what action has been taken in this regard to the Commission on or before March 8, 2013. 

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

PUNJAB ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM FEBRUARY 28 TO MARCH 7

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27:
The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabbi Season through Canal water from 28-02-2013 to 07-03-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala Feeder respectively.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that direct distributaries of BML, in Group ‘A’, being in the 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/minors, in Group ‘B’.
          The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Sabhroan Branch with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Kasur Branch Lower, Main Branch Lower and Lahore Branch with their distributaries, respectively.
-----

KAIRON'S EFFORTS BORNE FRUITS; PATTI- FEROZEPUR RAIL LINK APPROVED

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27:
It is a matter of great pleasure and moment of joy for the people of Punjab and general and particularly the border districts of the State that the Union Railway Ministry has announced most awaited raily link between Patti and Ferozepur.  This dream of the people of State of Punjab has come true with the continuous and tireless efforts made by Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Punjab.
            This rail link will provide quick and smooth movement of traffic from Amritsar and Tarn Taran to Western Coast of India via Rajasthan/Gujrat by cutting short travelling time and de-congestion the Ludhiana-Amritsar Main Line.  It will also provide quicker movement for defence personnel and army machineries during any emergencies.  This rail link will also boost industrialization and tourism of the border districts of Punjab.  In addition to it, this link will also beneficial for movement of traffic to Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining districts of Himachal Pradesh.
            Mr. Kairon has express his gratitude to Union Railway Minister for announcement of this new rail line project connecting Patti and Ferozepur and new trains to Punjab and Chandigarh.
            It is pertinent mention here that Mr. Kairon has earlier successfully played instrumental role for the sanction of Kot Budha Road Bridge over River Sutlej which is coming up at a cost of Rs. 102 crore.  The construction work for the same is under progress.

----

REPRESENTATIONS FROM EMPLOYEES SOUGHT FOR PROMOTION TO THE POSTS OF SENIOR ASSISTANTS
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27: The Punjab government has sought representations from the eligible employees working in Punjab Civil Secretariat and in Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi for promotion to vacant posts of Senior Assistants.
According to an official spokesman, clerks with minimum 5 years experience or eligible Junior Assistants desirous of seeking promotion should submit their representations to Establishment-I branch through their respective Heads of the Department. He clarified that Junior Assistants/Senior Clerks and Clerks who had been earlier debarred for promotion and have completed the said period of two years should also convey to the Secretariat administration whether their name should be considered for promotion or not. The Spokesman clarified that once an employee is promoted to the post of Senior Assistant his case would not be considered for reversion. He added that all eligible employees must apply within 15 days otherwise it would be deemed that they were not interested in seeking promotion.

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

40 THOUSAND CANDIDATES APPEARS IN JET MOCK TEST
·        MAIN TEST TO BE HELD ON APRIL 7,2013
CHANDIGARH, FEBRURARY 27
Record 40,000 students have appeared in first ever mock test conducted by the Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training to mentally prepare the students for actual mock test to be held on April 7, 2013.
Disclosing this here today Secretary of the Board said that the test was conducted through out the State in two sessions in all the affiliated polytechnic colleges of the Board.  He further said that due to the efforts of the Punjab Government to encourage the technical study in the state, more than 40,000 candidates appeared in the Mock JET test, indicated a positive trend of the students who are likely to pursue Technical Education at the diploma level. He said that the mock test was conducted free of cost for candidates, aiming to provide them a first hand experience about the pattern of the test and how to conduct it. 
He said that the main test for JET would be held on April 7, 2013. Keeping in view the facility for students seeking JET admission forms, provision has also been made for the online submission of the JET forms in addition to availability of forms in DEO offices, Suvidha Centres and affiliated polytechnic colleges. He said that for details regarding the examination centres, closing date etc. the candidates may visit the Board’s website: t

PUNJAB BANS LOCAL HOLIDAYS IN ALL SCHOOLS

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27: The Punjab Government has decided to impose total ban on local holidays in government schools to properly implement Right To Education Act-2009, under which functioning of minimum 220 days was mandatory.  
          According to an official spokesman the Government that had allowed discretion to the schools for two local holidays has now been withdrawn as it was felt that there was no significance in giving local holidays at the level of schools. Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka has issued instructions for strictly imposing a ban  .He said that necessary instruction in this regard have been issued to all concerned authorities.
----

PUNJAB ADOPTS FLEXIBLE POLICY FOR WINTER VACATIONS-TO BE FIXED ACCORDING TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27: The Punjab Government has decided adopt a flexible policy for winter vacations in schools and to do away with fixed winter vacations, which were earlier observed from December 25 to December 31st.
          According to an official spokesman earlier the vacations were commenced in the last week of December but now the State Government has decided to announce these vacations according to the weather conditions every year as there was no fixed time of intense cold and waves in the winter season. He said that now winter vacations would be announced after detailed deliberations on weather conditions every year.
 ----

CHILD CARE LEAVE TO TEACHERS BE GRANTED AT DIFFERENT LEVELS

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 27: The Punjab Government today announced the various levels for sanctioning of Child Care Leave (CCL) to the teachers of Punjab Schools.

EDUCATION MINISTER AT DOORDARSHAN PUNJABI ON FEB 28

Chandigarh February 27:

        Education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka would participate in the programme named "MANJIL" at Doordarshan Punjabi on 3:05 PM on February 28-02-2013.This was disclosed by a spokesperson of the Education Department here today.

---

PUNJAB CM TERMS RAILWAY BUDGET A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT FOR THE PEOPLE

BACK DOOR ROUTE TO IMPOSE BURDEN ON PASSENGERS OF ALL CLASSES

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY26, 2013

The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today described the Union Railway budget as a letdown and a huge disappointment for the poor and middle classes in general and for the people of Punjab in particular.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that Mr. Badal said “The government has burdened the common man with additional fare hikes through the back door, announced no new up scaling of facilities for the poor and the middle class passengers. It has also gone back on its commitment to set up an additional integral coach factory in the state. The state’s long pending demands on freight equalization and extension of Mumbai and Kolkatta freight corridors to Amritsar have been rejected even while the UPA has been so liberal to the Congress ruled states in our neighbourhood.”
Reacting to the budget, the Chief Minister said that this was probably the first time in history that the government went back on its promise not to announce any hike in railways fare instead, there has been an across the board raise, affecting every class, especially the poor and the middle class. It chose the secret back door route to impose this burden using fuel surcharge as an excuse. The government seems to have forgotten that the railway was one of the main modes of transport for the common people and any hike there will hurt their domestic. “Coming on top of unreasonable hikes in the prices of domestic consumption goods such as LPG, kerosene etc. and the raise announced in the diesel and petrol prices, the railway budget completes the UPA government’s onslaught on the pockets of the poor and the middle classes.
The Chief Minister said that the budget was cruelly discriminatory to Punjab. They have not added a single yard to the railway footprint in Punjab, despite railway Minister’s assurances to the contrary just days ahead of the budget. The UPA government has also cold shouldered the state’s most legitimate demand for extension of freight corridors from Mumbai and Kolkatta up to Amritsar. This had become all the more important in view of the increased trade activity through the international border at Attari-Wagah.
The UPA government, said Mr. Badal, had also once again disappointed the Punjabi business and trade community by turning down our demand for freight equalization.
----------

PUNJAB TO HAVE MORE MODERN JAILS EQUIPPED WITH LATEST GADGETS-PHILLAUR

• GOVERNMENT TO EMPOWER PRISON STAFF TO SEARCH PRISONERS UNDER NDPC ACT

Chandigarh February 26: The Chief Minister Punjab has given his nod to set up ultra modern jails especially in the newly formed districts in the state. Besides this the design and plan for three ultra-modern high security new jails at Amritsar, Bathinda and Muktsar to be constructed at a total cost of about Rs. 300 crore within two years has also been approved. The new jails coming up would be equipped with CCTV cameras, Mobile Jammers and other security equipment to ensure proper security in these upcoming Jails besides.

This was revealed here today by Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab while addressing a high level meeting of the department. The Minister also said that the government was fully aware of the problems being faced by the prison staff in handling the nexus between the drug peddlers and the prisoners in the jails and to break this nexus the state government has decided to empower the superintendents of jails to search the prisoners and conduct criminal proceeding under NDPC Act.  The matter was being taken up with the CM before final implementation, said the minister. The Minister has asked the officers to conduct extensive search operations in Punjab prisons with a view to nabbing the objectionable material posing security threat from the jail inmates. The officers confiscating maximum of such things from the prisoners would be honored by the state government, said the Minister.

To ensure timely medical aid to the prisoners, the Minister said that a committee comprising of Superintendent Jail, Medical Officer of the Jail and Civil Surgeon have been constituted to identify the Psychiatrist, Pediatrician, Gynecologist and other specialists’ on call doctors of the area to be on the panel of the jail department.
        Referring to extending proper health and hygiene care to the children, below the age of 6 years, of the women prisoners in the state, the Minister has directed the officers to ensure adequate health and hygiene cover to 88 children of the more than 1000 women prisoners in state jails. To improve the food quality in jails, the Minister said that the dieticians from the department of Dietetics PGI have recommended a proper diet chart for the children which would be implemented at the earliest. He has asked the jail authorities to monitor diet norms system in all the jails. A committee comprising IG (Jails), representatives of Central jails and Sub-jails besides a dietician from PGI Chandigarh have already been constituted which would submit its report within 15 days to recommended proper nutritious food for jail inmates.
            With a view to engaging the prisoners in some lucrative venture, the Minister said that the state government was in touch with the Indian Oil Corporation working out the modalities to open the petrol/filling stations at Nabha, Sangrur and Gurdaspur where prisoners with good conduct would be given jobs. Besides this the department has also chalked out a plan to set up its own bakery unit on the pattern of Tihar Jail, said the Minister.

    Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Mr. D. S Bains Principal Secretary Home, Mr. Rajpal Meena ADGP Prisons and other senior officers of the department.
----

PUNJAB FAST APPROACHING TOWARDS 100 PER CENT COMPUTERIZATION OF RATION CARDS

·        VERIFICATION OF COMPUTERIZED RATION CARDS ALREADY UNDERWAY

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 26:

The Punjab Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has completed the 96 per cent computerization of ration cards across the state and is all set for 100% computerization in next 3 months. It would be the first state in the country that would achieve this distinction.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the department said that state government would soon achieve the target of 100 per cent computerization of ration cards in the state. He further said that considering this in mind, the state government has recently started verification of computerized ration cards. He said that the state government appealed the people of the state to cooperate with the verification teams and reveal correct information so that the computerization could be completed in true spirits, which is necessary for transparency in public distribution system,
The spokesperson further said that the Inspectors of Food and Civil Supplies Department were conducting door to door verification. He said that any addition or deletion in the present ration cards could get be incorporated by providing the requisite documents to the visiting inspectors. He said that in future, the department is planning to distribute ration as per the identification in unique ID number.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DIRECTS SCHOOLS TO PUBLISH SCHOOL MAGAZINES
Chandigarh, February 26,
Punjab Education Department has directed the heads of all the senior secondary schools and High schools of the state to ensure the publication of their own school magazines. A spokesman of Punjab education department said here today that all the schools had been asked to highlight over all development of the students not only in academics but in extra co-curricular activities but some schools yet not publish their magazine.
The spokesman further said that those schools did not publish their magazine till date they should publish the same by March 15, 2013 and send one copy of magazine to the head office. The department also directed to the district education officers to make a list of magazine publis

------

Depts. told to make Government websites accessible to disabled
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 26:
          Punjab Government has directed all the departments to make all the Government websites accessible to citizens/persons with disabilities.
A spokesperson of Punjab Government today said that most of the government websites were inaccessible to the citizens/persons with disabilities and they were facing problem to access useful information which was available to others
He said that all the government departments should take the required action in 30 days.
He also said that the Managing Director InfoTech has directed to ensure the uploading complete information of all departments.
Giving the information Spokesperson further said that National Information Centre (NIC), Government of India has also issued guidelines that all the Government websites should conform to the international accessibility standards, the World Wide Web consortium (W3C) and the web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.
----------------

DESPITE OF PUNJABI PM, STATE BEING IGNORED BY UNION GOVERNMENT- BADAL
ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR ANTI-PUNJAB STANCE
HOLDS UNION GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR ROTTING OF GRAINS
DEMANDS CHANGE IN DEVOLUTION CRITERIA OF CENTRAL FUNDS
UNION BUDGET-2013-14 LIKELY TO BE DISAPPOINTING LIKE PREVIOUS ONES

Abul Khurana (Sri Muktsar Sahib), February 25-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today rued that centre has not meted out justice in disbursements of grants despite the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at helms of affairs at centre being the son of soil.
Mr Badal said, “Unending saga of discrimination and step motherly treatment against Punjab and its peasantry is a deliberate attempt to demoralize the state”.
Talking to the media persons after presiding over the Sports tournament here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that there was hardly any positive outcome from the side of Union government in allocation of funds and schemes to the state due to which its development had been badly hit.  Mr Badal bemoaned that though he had taken over this matter with the top brass of the centre quite often but they paid deaf ear to their request. He said that the Union government frames policies with riders to deliberately exclude Punjab from ambit of the central schemes.
The Chief Minister further said that the apathy of the Union government towards Punjab could be well judged from the fact that the industry of the state has been ruined due to the incentives given to our neighboring states and now due to the exorbitant hike in the agricultural inputs the distressed farmers of the state were on crossroads. He said that it was a fact that the hardworking and resilient farmers of the state had ensured food security for the country but due to the indifferent attitude of the Union government, they were today reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 32000 crore. Mr Badal said that not only this but the Union government was hardly bothered about preserving the food grains produced by farmers after putting in lot of toil.
The Chief Minister said that it was non-denying that the indifferent attitude of the Union government was responsible for the rotting of food grains. He reiterated that the state government merely acts as a facilitator of the Union government in purchasing the food grains but the entire onus lies with centre to ensure proper storage of food grains on scientific lines to prevent colossal wastage on account of rotting due to inadequate storage arrangements on its part. Moreover he said that responsibility of lifting and movement of food grains also lies on the Centre.
 However Mr Badal said that the performance of the Union government on the matter was totally dismal as neither it has been able to store the food grains properly nor has framed policy on freight arrangements. The Chief Minister further said that even despite of his personal requests to the top brass of the Union Government they have hardly paid any heed in granting permission for setting up new silos for storing the grains in the state.
Emphasizing on the need to revise the formula for devolution of Central funds, Mr Badal said that the states required more funds to cater to their primary developmental needs but the existing devolution criteria has miserably failed to address this purpose. The Chief Minister said that they had been demanding that the states should be given at least 50% share in taxes collected from them so as to make their dependence on centre minimal. He said that the allocation of funds should be made on the sole criteria of growth and not merely on the whims and fancies of centre, so as to encourage the states to perform well. He reiterated that the devolution of Central funds to states should be increased from 32% at present to 50% along with change in the devolution criteria.
When asked to comment on the hopes from the ensuing Union budget of the UPA government, the Chief Minister said that going by the past disappointing track record of the center there was no hope of anything good from this anti-people and anti-farmer government. He said that it was on record that the UPA Government which had assumed power by claiming to be the votary of common man had further added to his agonies by enacting the policies which were against these interests.  
Earlier addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said that realizing well the importance of sports in the all round development of a person the state government was making all out efforts to provide the necessary infra structure for promoting sports in Punjab. He said that the village Panchayats should utilize the vacant lying village land for constructing stadiums adding that the state government would extend full support and co-operation to them. Reiterating the commitment of the state government to develop state as a hub of sports, Mr Badal said that the SAD-BJP government had already organized World Cup Kabaddi Cup Tournaments for promoting Kabaddi the mother sport of the Punjabis. “Culture of sports will wean away our youth from menace of drug addiction in order to channelize their unbounded energy in a constructive manner”, added the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mr Sher Singh Ghubaya and MLA Mr Harpreet Singh.    

PUNJAB TO SET UP SPECIAL COURTS FOR WOMEN AND NRIs: SUKHBIR

• INAUGURATES 'LAWYER'S COMPLEX' WORTH Rs. 4 CRORE

FATEHGARH SAHIB, FEBRUARY 25: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today said that with a view to deliver justice in a time-bound manner to women and NRIs, the Punjab Government would set-up 'Special Courts'  besides ensuring expeditious delivery of justice through day to day basis hearing in cases of crime against women and in the cases pertaining to  NRIs.
          Inaugurating 'Lawyers Complex' here in district courts, Mr. Badal, while addressing Judges and Advocates said that the case of setting up Special Courts were under consideration of Punjab Government and the process was on the advanced stage of completion. He said that these courts would become functional soon after getting the approvals from the concerned authorities. He said that the Government would also ensure the basic amenities at the local and district courts for the facilitation of advocates, general public and inmates and there would be no shortage of funds for this purpose. Mr. Badal said that in the current session the state has spent Rs. 120 crore on the construction and upgradation of district and local courts.

          Divulging details of new judicial complexes to be constructed in the state, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would also witness new modern judicial complexes in coming years as the process to purchase the land for judicial complexes has been initiated He said that Rs. 70 crore would be spent to purchase land and construction of new judicial complexes.
          On the issue of pendency of legal cases pertaining to NRIs of Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the Special Courts would also conduct the day to day basis hearings in such cases so the cases could be completed in a minimum span of time.
          Lauding the role of judiciary to provide justice to the aggrieved parties, Mr. Badal also congratulated the advocates for bringing a new and hi-tech 'Lawyers Complex'. He said that this state-of-the-art building would provide a suitable environment to the lawyers for their smooth functioning. He said that Punjab Government has given a financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore for this complex while the District Bar Association contributed Rs. 10 lakh for modern library in the complex. He also assured the members of Bar Association that the state government would also extend the requisite assistance to the bar.

          Justice Rajiv Bhalla of Punjab and Haryana High Court also advocated the need to provide basic amenities to the general public comes to Judicial Complexes for their cases.

          Meanwhile, Justice Ranjit Singh of Punjab and Haryana High Court also informed the gathering that the Session Court of Fatehgarh Sahib would be established as Model Court Complex, which would be equipped with all modern facilities. Justice N.K. Sanghi said that this new state of the art lawyers complex would give pleasant environment to the advocates for providing justice to the general masses. District and Session Judge Mr. Kuldip Singh extended vote of thanks.

          Prominent amongst other who addressed the gathering included Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna, Member Rajya Sabha, Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Assembly, Mr. Bikram Singh Majitha, NRIs Affairs and Revenue Minister Punjab, Prof.. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. Ranjit Singh Libra, Member working committee Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr. M.F. Farooqui, DIG, Mr. Yashvir Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner and SSP Mr. Hardyal Singh Mann.   

ATTORNEYS PROVED THAT BADAL HAD NEVER BEEN SERVED WITH ANY PAPER RELATED TO CASE AGAINST HIM IN US COURT  JUDGE EXPRESSES STRONG SKEPTICISM AGAINST PLAINTIFFS  GRANTS 30 ADDITIONAL DAYS TO FINISH INVESTIGATING
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 24

Attorneys for Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal have presented eight witnesses and over 20 exhibits in the federal court in the State Wisconsin, USA to prove that Mr. Badal had never been served with any paper related to the case filed against him in August 2012, by an organization called ‘Sikhs for Justice’.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that a lawsuit against Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, had been filed by the organization when they apparently knew that the Chief Minister would be present in the state. In order for the lawsuit to proceed, the organization was required to “serve”the lawsuit papers on the Chief Minister; meaning that they must hand over the papers to the Chief Minister personally, informed the spokesperson.  
The organization had claimed in court that a process server did just that on August 9th when he found the Mr. Badal at a local high school but during a court hearing in federal court in Wisconsin on Thursday i.e. February 21, 2013, attorneys for Mr. Badal presented eight witnesses and over 20 exhibits to prove that the Chief Minister was not present at the local high school and was never been served with the papers. Among the witnesses to testify were the two agents of the Department of State federal, who said that they had been assigned to provide a protection detail for the Chief Minister during his five-day stay in Wisconsin.  They swore under oath that they were in his presence and had him under tight security at all times, that the Chief Minister was nowhere near the local high school as the process server claimed, and that the Chief Minister was never served with the papers.  Other witnesses likewise testified that they were either part of the entourage with the Chief Minister, were assigned to conduct security for the Chief Minister, or were at locations visited by the Chief Minister that day, all of them informed the court that Mr. Badal was not at the high school and was never served with such papers.  Another two witnesses were two individuals who were, in fact, at the high school that day, one of them was the local chief of police and other was an interpreter. In his statement, the chief of police confirmed that Mr. Badal had not been at the school that day and thus could not been served. Whereas the interpreter testified that someone mistakenly had served him with the papers rather than the Chief Minister.

During proceedings the judge expressed strong skepticism of the plaintiffs’ claim of service, but agreed to give them 30 additional days to finish investigating this issue.  Thereafter, the parties have been ordered to submit written arguments, and the judge would then decide whether to allow the case to proceed, informed the spokesperson.
----------

BADAL HOLDS EXCESSIVE CENTRALIZATION OF POWERS RESPONSIBLE FOR TERRORISM
·        BATS FOR FEDERAL STRUCTURE IN THE COUNTRY·        VEHEMENTLY OPPOSES NCTC IN ITS PRESENT FORM    PAYS TRIBUTE TO SAHI ON FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY
Dasuya (Hoshiarpur), February 24-
Directly holding excessive centralization of powers by the successive Congress Governments at the Centre responsible for terrorism in the country, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that weakening of Federal structure was not in the interest of the nation.

Talking to the media persons after attending function to mark the first death anniversary of former Chief Parliamentary Secretary and BJP leader Mr. Amarjeet Singh Sahi here today, the Chief Minister said that due to the wrong policies of the Union Government the situation in the country was highly volatile today and the bomb blasts at Hyderabad were a testimony to it. Emphasizing on the need for more powers to the states, Mr. Badal said that it was the need of the hour that the Center and state must be equally powerful so as to combat the problem of terrorism in an effective manner. However, he bemoaned that the due to Union Government’s policy of usurping the powers of the state the law and order situation in the country has been adversely effected.

The Chief Minister said that the net result of all these policies of the Union government was the weakening of federal structure due to which the country was confronting a number of social maladies like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and others which were adversely affecting the performance of the country. Mr. Badal said that the founding fathers of our constitution had enshrined federal structure in the constitution for developing the country but unfortunately the successive Congress governments have turned the country into a unitary state. He said that it was regrettable that polices were being formulated by the Union government in an arbitrary manner by overriding the powers of the state government due to which the lopsided development of country was taking place.

Replying to another query the Chief Minister while reiterating the stand of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on the proposal of setting up of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the country, said that their party was vehemently opposed to any such idea that was bent upon to infringe the rights of the states. He categorically said that NCTC was designed by the Union government to usurp the powers of the state governments which could not be tolerated at any cost. Mr Badal said that the NCTC was another deliberate move of the Union Government to give a big blow to the Federal structure provided by our Constitution thereby turning the country into a unitary state. He said that union government must hold fresh consultations with the Chief Ministers of states who were the biggest stake holders in the fight against militancy adding that the Centre and the States should jointly re-examine the issues in entirety.
Earlier paying laurel tributes to Mr. Sahi, the Chief Minister said that the sad demise of Mr. Sahi was the most tragic incident of last year. He said that it was an irreparable loss for the SAD-BJP alliance which had lost its energetic leader who was very popular amongst the general masses. He said that Mr. Sahi was committed for the development of the area and now it was his personal duty to fulfill all the dreams of the departed leader.
Reiterating the commitment of state government to ensure all round development of Dasuya, Mr. Badal said that they were duty bound for this adding that no stone would be left unturned for accomplishing this task. The Chief Minister said that as Mr. Sahi had always aspired to provide quality educational facilities to the youth of kandi area so to fulfill his dream a Polytechnic College, C-PYTE Centre and Adarsh School were already being constructed by the state government. He said that in order to further accelerate the pace of development in Dasuya assembly segment he would soon undertake Sangat Darshan programs in the segment after the Budget session of assembly.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Som Parkash, Mr. GS Babbehali and Mrs Mohinder Kaur Josh, MLAs Mrs Sukhjeet Kaur Sahi and Mr. Ashwani Sharma, Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna, Former Ministers Mr Tikshan Sud and Mr Arunesh Shakir.
------------------------

BADAL LAYS THE FOUNDATION STONE OF STATE-OF-THE-ART AMAR JAIN AUDITORIUM

• PUNJAB GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PERPETUATE THE RICH LEGACY OF PUNJABI FREEDOM FIGHTERS AND SOLDIERS- BADAL

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 24:
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today laid the foundation of a state-of-the-art auditorium in the compound of Amar Jain Hostel here in sector 27 this morning.
Addressing the ceremonial function on this occasion in the graceful presence of Sri. Suman Muni ji Maharaj, Sri. Vishal Muni ji Maharaj, Sri. Tarik Rishi ji Maharaj and Sri. Subash Muni ji Maharaj besides, hundreds of Sadhus & Sadhvies across the country, Mr. Badal said that he had always enjoyed the blessings of the saints of Jain community. He also lauded the efforts of the ‘SS Jain Mahan Sabha’ for constructing a three-storied Modern Building of Amar Jain Hostel in a record time to facilitate the young students from far-flung areas for pursuing their higher studies especially in the religious fields.
Expressing the need to develop the national character through inculcating the spirit of nationalism and patriotism amongst youth today, Mr. Badal said that the State Government had embarked upon an ambitious programme to setup Jang-e-Azaadi Memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar over an area of 40 acres at a cost of Rs. 200 crore to show case the supreme sacrifices made by the Punjabis in the National freedom struggle besides a War Memorial as a mark of respect to the Punjabi solders who had sacrificed their lives in zealously guarding the borders of our Country.
The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs. 21 lac for the upcoming state-of-the-art auditorium. On the occasion, the President of SS Jain Mahan Sabha Mr. Rakesh Jain, Former MP Mr. Sat Pal Jain, Mr. Mapinder Jain, Narinder Jain and other members of the Jain Sabha honoured the Chief Minister by presenting a memento.
-----

MAJITHIA FELICITATES PEOPLE ON 634TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SHRI GURU RAVIDASS JI

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 24: Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Public Relations Minister, Punjab today greeted the people of Punjab on the eve of 634th Parkash Utsav of Guru Ravidass Ji.

            Congratulating the people, Mr. Majithia called upon the people to build casteless and classless society, which was envisioned by Guru Ravidass ji, who gave the message of oneness, peace and communal harmony.

            Mr. Majithia said that real tribute to revered Guru Ravidass would be to follow the path of righteousness, self-sacrificed shown by him for uplift and betterment of mankind. 
 -------

CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB
PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON 636th PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU RAVI DASS JI

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 24:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of the State on 636thParkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji - a great spiritual preacher and messiah of the poor and downtrodden section of the society.

In a message Mr. Badal said that Guru Ravidass ji preached us the ideology of love, compassion, mutual tolerance, universal brotherhood and humanity through his philosophy and had made concerted efforts for bringing social equality thereby eradicating the evil of casteism from the society. “His significant contribution towards carving out a classless society would be ever remembered”, said the Chief Minister.
Mr. Badal further stated that Sri Guru Ravidass ji propagated the values of humanism through his teachings which are still relevant in the present materialistic world. He urged the people to follow the path shown by the great Guru and for the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society for bridging the gap between have and have-nots for the creation of a classless society.  Mr. Badal also appealed the people to celebrate the 'Parkash Utsav' of Guru Ravidass Ji in unison by rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour and creed.
------

SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH UTSAV
OF GURU RAVIDAS JI

Chandigarh, February 24:
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people ahead of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravidas ji.
Congratulating the people the Deputy Chief Minister said that Guru Ravidas ji embodied the spirit of humility and human dignity. He said that the message of Guru Ravidas ji have been a source of knowledge and wisdom for whole society. His life and teachings would always inspire us to create a humane and just society, where every individual is given due dignity, regardless of his or her caste, creed, religion or gender, he added.
Mr. Sukbir Singh Badal said that his message of love, compassion and equality would continue to inspire us to serve humanity with dedication and devotion in times to come.

-----

IN MOGA BY ELECTION-- Moga by election today concluded peacefully with approximately 71.18 poll percentage.

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 23:
   
This was disclosed by an official spokesperson of CEO Punjab.
He said that large number of voters both male and female used their right of vote to elect representative of their choice. The voting started at 8 AM and concluded at 5 PM with out any break. He said that in all 188 polling booths were established while the number of Presiding officers was 188  and the 10 number of candidates were in fray. He said this Moga assembly constituency has 1, 79,752 voters.
The spokesperson further said that the counting of the votes will be done on February 28.

DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO PROVIDE INFO FOR BUDGET SESSION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 22:  

The Punjab government has asked all the departments of the state to send a full note on their departmental achievements/performance and important issues till February 28 for incorporating the same in Governor's address in  4th session of 14th Legislative Assembly being convened in the second week of March.
An official spokesman today said that keeping in view the budget session the state  government has asked all Commissioners/Principal Secretaries/ Administrative Secretaries send the full note on achievements/performance and important issues in given timeframe.
He further said that make sure that the whole note on the departmental achievements/performance and important issues would sent to the Chief Minister’s office without any delay. He said that the information provided by the departments should be in English and Punjabi and also sent on the e-mail id rs_mand1995@yahoo.in. Departments also can use pen drive and CD’s to provide information on their departmental achievements/performance and important issues.

MOOT COURT HELPS LAW STUDENTS TO ENHANCE THEIR COMMUNICATION SKILLS, ADVOCACY, COMPETENCE AND LEGAL PERSPECTIVE – GOVERNOR

MOHALI, FEBRUARY 22:

Moot Court is one of the primary modes of clinical Legal education which prepares Law students to face actual courtroom work, whose performance is adjudged by a bench of senior Judges.
Expressing these views while presiding over AIL National Moot Court competition –Checkmate -2013, today held at Law Institute Mohali, the Punjab Governor and Administrator U.T. Chandigarh, Mr Shivraj V. Patil said that such competitions help law students to attain proficiency in actual application of law and also to prepare them to enhance their communication skills, advocacy, competence and legal perspective.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said today everything has to bedone as per law.He said the principal of Rule of Law is accepted not only in our country but in all countries of the world. He said there was nothing which can be done by the administrations and the governmentswithout following the rule of the law. He said discretion was given but that has also to be used in most judicious manner.
Addressing Law students, Mr. Patil said that you were told that Moot Court are very important for understanding how this profession works. He said we were also told that this Institution is doing well and mostly the students coming out of this Institute have been appointed on different posts and positions in private companies, judiciary and in government sectors. He said but he would like to apply different criteria for checking as to how this Institution is performing and that yardstick is not limited to placement of the students but their capacity to make law, their capacity to interpret law and their capacity to give correct judgment. He said if you were capable of this aspect only then you have to be considered as a good institution.
The Governor said there are two kinds of law; one is substantial law and the other is procedural law. Probably by tending the Moot Courts you understand the procedural law more than the substantial law. But the most important thing is to understand substantial law. He said unless you understand substantial law  correctly probably you are not in a position to do the justice.  
Sharing various tips as to how they have to practice law and put across their views emphatically, Mr. Patil said the Law profession is very challenging. You have to place your viewpoint to best of your abilities and listen patiently to the other side. You have to convince the hon’ble Judge with your viewpoints and arguments. He said in India first thing you have to do is to understand the Constitution of India thoroughly. He also advised the law students to attend courts which would help them learn more then from the books.
Emphasising on the importance of Moot Court Competitions the Governor said, this mental exercise holds the participants in good stead when they join the legal profession .He said the exposure, practical knowledge and experience which one gets through these Moot Courts helps them to carve a niche for themselves in the legal profession.
 Mr. Patil further said that you are the few lucky ones to have got education in an amiable environment and your training in the legal field, must equip you to prove your worth and perform your role with utmost sincerity for the betterment of the society and the nation. It is you who will be the torch bearers to ultimately lead the country further on the path of economic development.
        Prominent amongst others who spoke on the occasion included Maj. Gen. B.N. Vijay Kumar, MG AAD & Chairman AIL, Maj Gen. R.G. Krishnan VSM, officiating Patron AIL, Dr. Tejinder Kaur, Principal, Army Institute of Law and Dr. Raj Kumar Gupta, Principal DIP, Chand Memorial, Mr. Varun Roojam, Deputy Commissioner, Mohali and Mr. GPS Bhullar, SSP, Mohali.

----

PUNJAB TO LAUNCH EXTENSIVE TRAINING

PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG DAIRY FARMERS---PHILLAUR

Chandigarh February 23:  To further promote Dairying as an alternative venture to the agriculture, the Dairy Development Department has launched a comprehensive training Programme for young dairy farmers in the state.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab reiterated the commitment of the Punjab government to develop Punjab as a Dairy State. The Minister also said that at present 3000 trainees were getting training at these centers of 15 days  duration and 600 trainees were attending 45 days training courses at different training centers, where they were trained about the proper care of animals and basic treatments to the ailing cattle. The trainees were also being educated about the different schemes of banks for extending liberal loans.  He said that in addition to eight existing training centers in Punjab, an Integrated Farm Training Center would be set up in Gurdaspur shortly. Besides providing hi-tech training to the young farmers in the fields of Fisheries, poultry and dairying, a Seed Testing Laboratory would also be set up in the upcoming center, said Mr. Phillaur.

          In order to facilitate the farmers adopting dairy farming, the state government has extended all technical and financial support to them in their highly lucrative venture. Dairy Development Department, Punjab has also developed a design of modern shed and to encourage better housing, a subsidy of Rs. 1.50 Lac per cattle shed and Rs. 1.00 Lac for buffalo shed was provided. He also ensured of setting up modern cattle sheds with excellent living conditions for the animals as per the advice of experts. He said that dairy profession was fast growing and there was excellent scope for earning better income from dairy in the present circumstances. All the dairy animals purchased with bank loans were covered with insurance, premium of which is paid by the government similarly; other incentives are also being provided for the purchase of machinery and equipments required for mechanization of dairy farm operations. He affirmed and extended full support to the dairy farmers’ to make best use of the opportunities available in developing Punjab as a Dairy State a reality, a dream envisaged by every Punjabi.

----

OFFICERS TOLD TO SUBMIT APPRAISAL
REPORTS BY MARCH 10
Chandigarh, February 22: The Punjab government has asked all departments to ensure timely submission of self appraisal report of all Joint Secretaries, Deputy and Under secretaries, Superintendent Grade-1, Senior and Junior Assistant and Clerks of Punjab Civil Secretaries Cadre by March 10, 2013.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that the required information should be sent to the Establishment-4 Branch of Civil Secretariat by March 10. So that the required number of forms for Annual Appraisal Report should be made available to the concerned officer.
The spokesperson further said that in case of any delay in sending this information the concerned officer would be held responsible.

----

FOR CONGENIAL RELATIONS, INDIA & PAK MEDIA HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY: ATWAL
·        SPEAKER HOSTS DINNER FOR VISITING MEDIA DELEGATION FROM PAKISTAN

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 22:
For ushering a new era of peace and cordial bilateral relations, the media of India and Pakistan has a vital role to play, said Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly during informal deliberations with the visiting Pakistan’s journalists. The occasion was the dinner hosted by Dr. Atwal for the Pakistan media delegation from Lahore Press Club consisting of 34 journalists among these three are women journalists and they are on their five-day tour to Punjab.
Dr. Atwal greeted the guest media persons with bouquets. The media delegation was lead by Mr. Arshad Ansari, President and Mr. Zulfikar Ali, General Secretary of Lahore Press Club. Mr. Atwal also apprised the Pakistani journalists about the legislative functioning and proceedings of budget sessions of the Punjab Legislative Assembly.
Dr. Atwal made an impassionate appeal to the journalist to play a constructive role for creating cordial relationship between India and Pakistan. He further said, “We should move forward on the path of development ignoring the bitterness and hostility surfaced during past.” Dr. Atwal presented mementos to the Pakistani scribes as a token of love. Mr. Ved Prakash, Secretary, Punjab Legislative Secretariat, Former MP Mr. Satpal Jain, Chandigarh President Press Club  , Mr. Sukhbir Singh Bajwa, President Press Gallery Committee Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. A S Prashar were also present on the occasion.

------

MOGA BYE-ELECTION; 50 COMPLAINTS DISPOSED OFF OUT OF 71 RECEIVED BY ELECTION COMMISSION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 22:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has disposed off 50 complaints out of total 71 received by it during the course of Moga bye-election.
Disclosing this here today, the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab said that the ECI has been meticulously scrutinizing all the complaints and 50 complaints have been disposed off till now, out of total 71 complaints. She further said that the complaints regarding the violation of Modal Code of Conduct have been pouring in everyday on behalf of different political parties and other individuals. She said that the considering the gravity of the complaints, the cases are being dealt at the highest level. She said that the Election commission has received the highest number of 42 complaints from Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee.
---

PUNJAB TO LAUNCH EXTENSIVE TRAINING
PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG DAIRY FARMERS---PHILLAUR

Chandigarh February 20:  To further promote Dairying as an alternative venture to the agriculture, the Dairy Development Department has launched a comprehensive training Programme for young dairy farmers in the state.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Animal Husbandry Minister Punjab reiterated the commitment of the Punjab government to develop Punjab as a Dairy State. The Minister also said that at present 3000 trainees were getting training at these centers of 15 days  duration and 600 trainees were attending 45 days training courses at different training centers, where they were trained about the proper care of animals and basic treatments to the ailing cattle. The trainees were also being educated about the different schemes of banks for extending liberal loans.  He said that in addition to eight existing training centers in Punjab, an Integrated Farm Training Center would be set up in Gurdaspur shortly. Besides providing hi-tech training to the young farmers in the fields of Fisheries, poultry and dairying, a Seed Testing Laboratory would also be set up in the upcoming center, said Mr. Phillaur.

          In order to facilitate the farmers adopting dairy farming, the state government has extended all technical and financial support to them in their highly lucrative venture. Dairy Development Department, Punjab has also developed a design of modern shed and to encourage better housing, a subsidy of Rs. 1.50 Lac per cattle shed and Rs. 1.00 Lac for buffalo shed was provided. He also ensured of setting up modern cattle sheds with excellent living conditions for the animals as per the advice of experts. He said that dairy profession was fast growing and there was excellent scope for earning better income from dairy in the present circumstances. All the dairy animals purchased with bank loans were covered with insurance, premium of which is paid by the government similarly; other incentives are also being provided for the purchase of machinery and equipments required for mechanization of dairy farm operations. He affirmed and extended full support to the dairy farmers’ to make best use of the opportunities available in developing Punjab as a Dairy State a reality, a dream envisaged by every Punjabi.
-----

DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO PROVIDE INFO FOR BUDGET SESSION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 22: 

The Punjab government has asked all the departments of the state to send a full note on their departmental achievements/performance and important issues till February 28 for incorporating the same in Governor's address in  4th session of 14th Legislative Assembly being convened in the second week of March.
An official spokesman today said that keeping in view the budget session the state  government has asked all Commissioners/Principal Secretaries/ Administrative Secretaries send the full note on achievements/performance and important issues in given timeframe.

He further said that make sure that the whole note on the departmental achievements/performance and important issues would sent to the Chief Minister’s office without any delay. He said that the information provided by the departments should be in English and Punjabi and also sent on the e-mail id  rs_mand1995@yahoo.in  Departments also can use pen drive and CD’s to provide information on their departmental achievements/performance and important issues.
--------
Punjab government has decided to fill the vacant posts of Clerks in Legal and Legislative affair department
Chandigarh, February 22:

The Punjab government has decided to fill the vacant posts of Clerks in Legal and Legislative affair department through deputation from other departments.

According to an official spokesman, desirous and eligible candidates have been asked to submit their applications through proper channel latest by 15th March, 2013. The candidate should possess the Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university and should possess at least one hundred and twenty hours course with hands on experience in the use of Personal computer or Information Technology in Office productivity applications from a Government recognized institution or a reputed ISO 9001 certified Institution or he should possess a computer Information technology course equivalent to 'O' level certificate of Department of Electronics Accreditation of Computer Course (DOEACC) of Government of India. The candidate should pass the test of English and Punjabi typing with the speed of 30 words per minute.

PREPARATIONS BEGIN FOR BUDGET SESSION
·        DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO NAME NODAL OFFICERS TO HANDLE LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

Chandigarh, February 21: the preparations for ensuing budget session in Punjab began with Punjab Legislative department issuing instructions to all departments to appoint Nodal Officers to coordinate with Vidhan Sabha regarding legislative business.
According to an official spokesman, instructions have been issued to all departments to name a coordinative-cum-liaison officer who would coordinate with Chief Minister Office regarding call attention motions and other starred and non-star questions. Departments have been asked to submit the draft bills to the legislative departments one week before the session and they have been told to supply answers of the questions three days in advance.
Strict instructions have been issued to departments to ensure that concerned liaison officer does not leave headquarter during Vidhan Sabha Session.
---------

RECOMMENDATIONS OF TALWAR COMMITTEE BE IMPLEMENTED WITHIN FORTNIGHT: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT

·        DELIBERATIONS ON IMPROVING THE STANDARDS OF MEDICAL EDUCATION IN THE HIGH LEVEL MEETING

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 21:
The Punjab Government is committed to upscale the standards of medical education in the state at par with global standards. Considering this in mind the state government has decided to implement the recommendations of Talwar Committee within fortnight.
This decision was taken in a high level meeting of the Medical Education and Research Department under the chairmanship of Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Medical Education and Research Department. He has directed the officers to implement the Talwar Committee’s recommendations.
Mr. Bhagat reviewed the performance of all Medical Colleges in the state and instructed the senior officers of the department to infuse a cordial and pleasing atmosphere in the colleges so as to promote the quality of the medical education. Minister asked the officers to prepare for next review meeting after one month, which would inspect development on the issues decided in the current meeting.
Mr. Bhagat also asked the Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary of the Department to consider the cases of employment on compassionate ground sympathetically and to put up the concise and self-contained proposal for his approval. Besides other senior officers, Mr. A.S. Thind, Director, Medical Education and Research Department were also present in the meeting. 

---

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUES DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS TO CHECK COPYING IN MATRIC AND PLUS 2 EXAMS
v DEOs MADE OVERALL IN-CHARGE FOR SMOOTH CONDUCT OF ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS
v SUPERVISING STAFF TO BE STRICTLY FROM REPUTED TEACHERS
v ALL EXAMINATION CENTERS TO BE ON GROUND OR FIRST FLOOR

Chandigarh. February 21: The Punjab Education department has today issued detailed instructions to check the trend of copying in annual examination of Matric and +2 classes being conducted in the month of March by Punjab School Education Board.
     Disclosing this here today Mr. K S Pannu, Director General School Education said that District Education Officers (DEOs) have been made over all in-charge to check the menace of copying and categorically said that in case of any laxity, the concerned officers would have to face the music. He said that no person having poor track record should be deputed in supervisory staff for these exams.
     The DGSE said that material regarding examination duties would be made available by February 24 in all the districts and said that no teacher, who has been deputed as superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Supervisor or observer would be exempted from this duty.
In case of illness, the concerned teacher have to submit medical certificate duly issued by Senior Medical Officer of Government Hospitals and the concerned DEO to get this certificate verified from the Civil Surgeon and the PSEB has been authorized to change the centre superintendent from the list sent by the concerned DEO.
Mr. Pannu said that, in case of any teacher deputed for examination duty was on leave, his leave should be cancelled with immediate effect and get him joined. He said that it should be ensured that all examination centers were on ground or Ist Floor and no center should be allowed on second floor. He informed that all the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to impose section 144 of CrPC around the examination centers.
Mr. Pannu said that Controller Examinations have been directed to ensure that there should not be any helping material available in toilets or at the place of drinking water and in case any flying squad or Centre Superintendent found such material, criminal as well as departmental action would be initiated against the concerned Controller examinations. He said that all the DEOs, both Secondary as well as Elementary would regularly visit the sensitive centers and in case of copying, they would immediately cancel the paper and inform the PSEB through fax message.
He said that, in case of any teacher or employee found facilitating the copying, the PSEB and DGSE office should be informed to take departmental action and in case of serious case FIR Should be lodged against the erring officials.

------

THREE ADDITIONAL COMPANIES OF CAPFs DEPUTED FOR MOGA BYE-ELECTION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 21:
Three additional companies of Central Para military Forces have been deputed for the smooth and peaceful conduct of Moga bye election.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Chief Electoral Office, Punjab said that the Union Home Ministry has taken this decision in view of the increased sensitivity in Moga district. The spokesperson further said that seven companies have already been stationed for this bye-election. He said that with three new companies for bye-election, the total number of central para military companies deputed at Moga become 10.

----

CONGRESS VIOLATING ORDERS OF ELECTION COMMISSION-SAD

MOGA/CHANDIGARH, February 21 :  The SAD demanded that ECI should immediately take a serious note of the statement of Congress leader Mr. Jagmeet Singh Brar that Congress party leaders will not leave Moga constituency despite the orders of ECI.

  Reacting strongly to the statement of the Congress leader,  the party Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that by doing so Congress party is behaving as if it us above the law of the land. He said that the remarks of the Congress leader are illegal,  unconstitutional and amount to challenging the authority of the ECI. Dr. Cheema further said that the SAD as a winning party is more concerned about the peaceful and free and fair election than the loosing Congress party. 

BADAL WELCOMS THE VISIT OF
BRITISH PM AT JALLIANWALA BAGH

DESCRIBES IT AS A HISTORIC DAY FOR THE COUNTRY

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 20:
         
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today welcomed the visit of Prime Minister of UK Mr. David Cameron to the Jallianwala Bagh for paying homage to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 and regretting the incident by saying it as a shameful act.
          Disclosing this here today, the spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that describing it as a historic day for the country, Mr. Badal said that this visit of Mr. Cameron, the relations between both the nations would be strengthened and help in boosting an era of mutual understanding and brotherhood that would create a healthy and  harmonious atmosphere for the bilateral economic development.
          Mr. Badal further said that the country especially the Punjab had been waiting for such apology since long. The visit of British Prime Minister to Jallianwala Bagh itself described a lot.
--------------

NRI COMMISSION ISSUES NOTICE TO POLICE COMMISSIONER LUDHIANA
SEEKS REPORT TILL MARCH 6 ON NRIs COMPLAINT

Chandigarh, February 20

The NRI Commission today issued notice to Police Commissioner Ludhiana on the complaint filed by an NRI and sought the report till March 6.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Commission said that Mr Shivji Kumar a Holland citizen, an NRI alleged in his complaint that his sister-in-law Neelam Sharma have withdrawn money from the four fixed deposits of his mother Leelawati after her death by doing fake signature, in connivance with the officials of UCO bank. He also alleged that Neelam Sharma had also transferred a plot at Habbowal in her name by giving a wrong affidavit. He further alleged that on his complaint, which was made in the year 2007, the police took four years to register an FIR against accused at Dareshi Police Station and subsequently transferred the case to NRI Police Station, Ludhiana and now even after 15 months, no charge sheet has been filed.    
The spokesman said that the NRI Commission issued notice to commissioner of police Ludhiana to submit the status report on or before March 6, 2013 of the said FIR and the reasons for delayed registration and not filling the challan in the court.
---------------------

DGSE CAUTIONS AGAINST PLAYING LOUD AND IMPROPER MUSIC DURING FAREWELL FUNCTIONS

Chandigarh, February 20:

The Punjab Government today directed the School authorities to ensure that farewell functions being organized in High and Senior Secondary Schools should be strictly according to our rich cultural values and categorically made it clear that there would be zero tolerance for playing any improper music.

Mr. K.S. Pannu, Secretary-cum-Director General Education said that it was come to his notice that during such farewell parties, contrary to our cultural traditions, loud and improper music was being played which not only vitiates the school atmosphere but also affects badly the young minds. He directed District Education Officers (S), District Education Officers and other inspection teams to check such practice, if founds anywhere. He said that to keep the sanctity of our education institutes, it was our duty to ensure that these programmes should be strictly according to our cultural traditions.

-------

PUNJAB EXTENDS JOINING PERIOD OF TEACHERS RECRUITED
AGAINST 3442 POSTS BY MARCH 7

Chandigarh, February 20:
The Punjab Government today extended the joining period of those teachers who were recruited against 3442 posts and were given appointment letters on December 31, 2012 by March 7, 2013.
According to an official spokesman of the office of Director Education Department (SS), Punjab, it has come into the notice of the authorities that some selected candidates have not yet received appointment letters. Keeping in view the delay, the joining period has been extended to March 7, 2013.

------

ECI ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS OF POLLING BOOTHS
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 19:
          The Election Commission of India has issued instructions regarding security arrangements of polling booths for Moga Bye Poll.
Disclosing this here today CEO Punjab said that Punjab Congress President Captain Amrinder Singh had recently approach the ECI for security arrangements. The ECI has ordered that adequate deployment of CPF should be made outside the polling station, depending on the sensitivity analysis by election officials in consultation with the observer. Extensive patrolling should be done by the CPF. Senior citizens and disabled persons should be permitted to either come in their own vehicles or in some public transport up to the polling station to cast their vote and they should not be asked to stand in queue and should be given priority over other voters in casting their votes.
The Commission has directed the district administration to ensure that all persons from outside the constituency who are not voters or candidates in the constituency should leave the constituency after the campaign period is over.
The returning officer has also been instructed to appoint one Micro Observer in each polling station location and every polling station must be covered with either a video camera or a digital still camera. The district administration will follow the ECI's guidelines in letter and spirit. The observer will be supervising the district administration in this effort.
------
HOLIDAY FOR FACTORY WORKERS ON FEB 23 IN MOGA
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 19: The Punjab Government has declared 23.02.2013(Saturday) as the weekly paid holiday for all workforces working in factories situated within the Jurisdiction of 73 Moga Assembly Constituency.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that holiday was declared on February 23 to enable the Workmen working in the Factories to exercise their franchise in the poll for the Bye-Election to 73 Moga Assembly Constituency . He said that this decision has been taken within the jurisdiction of the 73 Moga Assembly Constituency, where ‘Saturday’ is not a close day, in lieu of their normal weekly holiday.
-----------

CAPTAIN SET TO REPEAT S S RAY EXPERIENCE IN PUNJAB-SUKHBIR

·        CONGRESSMEN WORKING LIKE FORCED LABOUR IN CAMPAIGN

·        BLAME GAME FOR MOGA DEFEAT ALREADY ON IN CONGRESS

Moga, February 19
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab said here today that the PPCC Chief Captain Amarinder Singh was "ably" doing to the Congress in Punjab what Mr. Sidharath Shankar Ray had done to it in West Bengal. S S Ray was the darling of the Nehru Gandhi family and was made the Chief Minister of West Bengal in 1972 till 1977.
          Addressing a massive gathering after inducting the Retd SP Mr. Vijay Sharma into party folds during his election campaign for SAD-BJP Candiadte Mr. Joginder Pal Jain at New Town Moga, Mr. Badal said that barring a "fluke" in 2002, the biggest turncoat Captain Amarinder Singh was known to bring defeat to any organisation that he has been associated with, including even the SAD (Longowal) when his party managed to win only two seats and he himself lost Kharar. Terming Captain Amrinder Singh the SS Ray of Punjab Congress, Mr. Badal said, “After SS Ray’s tenure, the Congress has never won an election in that state, and it is already 36 years since they have been out of power with no signs of returning still in sight. Captain Sahib is the SS Ray of Punjab Congress. The Congress is already set to be out of contention for ten years in the state and after Moga, it will completely disappear from the state.”
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal further said that it goes to the credit of Captain that for the first time in the history of the state, sitting legislators preferred to resign and contest again than be a part of an organisation which was refusing to mix with the people. The Moga bye-election was an outcome of Captain's refusal to allow his legislators to bring the benefits of development and progress in the state to the people because he tells them not to avail themselves of the government's various development and welfare schemes for the people.
Mr. Sukhbir Singh also declared that Moga, which had pioneered the exit of the Congress from the state in 1997, will now set the stage for the exit of this party from the center. "The result of the Moga by-poll will reverberate during the Lok Sabha poll in which the Congress faces the worst rout in history." said the Deputy CM.   
The SAD president also said that the Congress campaign in Moga was completely at sixes and sevens and lacked any central thrust. "They are on the run everywhere and they know it. Their campaign is totally disjointed. No Congressman is seriously interested in this and most privately admits that it is just a waste of time and energy as the party's heavy defeat is a foregone conclusion .Most Congressmen are just waiting for February 21 so that they can pack their bags and go home. Even during the campaign, most of them have been sneaking away at nights and appear only to "mark their presence" in order to escape the wrath of the High Command. The congressmen know what is in store for them and therefore no one wants to ruin his credibility by putting his reputation at stake in this campaign. They are working like forced labour only. The Congress is already on the run and Moga by poll result will see them falling into the sea of extinction. And that will be the last chapter in the Congress story in Punjab."
Shiromani Akali Dal President predicted that from February 28, the state Congress will witness just a dirty blame game within the Congress about who actually was responsible for the huge margin of their defeat. "Jagmit Brar, Partap SIngh Bajwa and Captain Amarinder Singh have already started issuing statements directly acknowledging their defeat. As an excuse, they are "blaming on the non-existent election irregularities fo the SAD-BJP combine. The more they talk about SAD-BJP irregularities the clearer it becomes to the people as to who is winning. The Congress list of excuses is ready and already out." said Mr. Badal
The Deputy CM said that the Congress campaign in Moga was at sixes and sevens and lacked any central thrust. "They are on the run. Most Congressmen are just waiting for February 21 so that they can pack their bags and go home. Most of them sneak away at nights and appear only to "mark their presence" in order to escape the wrath of the High Command. They congressmen know what is in store for them and therefore no one wants to ruin his credibility by putting his reputation at stake in this campaign. They are working like forced labour only."
The Deputy CM said that the SAD-BJP was going to the people on the sole agenda of development and peace and communal harmony. People are seeing the work we are doing and for the past six years, we have never lost an election. This by itself is proof that people want development and good governance. We are clear about our positive priorities while the Congress is feeling totally lost and confused.

---------

CAPT. AMARINDER WORKING HARD TO ENSURE DEFEAT OF JAGMEET BRAR’S MAN-NK SHARMA VIJAY SATHI’S DEFEAT WOULD HELP CAPT RETAIN HIS PRESIDENCY

Chandigarh, February 19 : The Shiroman Akali Dal today said that Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh is working hard in Moga bye election only to ensure defeat of official candidate of Congress Vijay Sathi as his defeat would help him retain his Presidency of Pradesh Congress Committee.
            In a statement released from the party head office here today, the party Treasurer and Joint Secretary Mr. NK Sharma said that Capt. Amarinder Singh is camping in Moga for the bye election and working hard there not for helping Vijay Sathi but for ensuring his defeat because his defeat would a loss of Mr Jagmeet Brar who is strong candidate for the Presidentship of the Pradesh Congress and a direct threat for Capt. Amarinder Singh. He said that knowing well that Sathi’s defeat would help him retain his ‘chair’, Capt. Singh is doing whatever best he can to ensure his defeat. He said that Mr. Sathi was already aware of the nefarious designs of the Capt. Amarinder Singh but was helpless to say anything against him.
            Mr. Sharma wondered that Capt. Amarinder Singh campaign was confined only to media and on the ground he had little to say in favour of Vijay Sathi. He said that Amarinder Singh trying to kill two birds with a single stone as by camping in Moga for such a long period he was proving his ‘worth’ before the Congress high command and cutting roots of Sathi by doing so. He said that though the Congressmen may be at pains for this behavior of Capt. Singh, it would help to the SAD-BJP candidate Mr. Joginderpal Jain. He said that the hard work of the SAD-BJP workers and ‘strategy’ of the Capt Amarinder Singh would help Mr. Jain retain his seat with the biggest ever margin in the history of the Moga assembly seat.
The SAD leader said that the result of the bye election would mark the beginning of the disappearance of the Congress party not only from the Punjab but from the electoral scene of the country as people of the country are eagerly waiting for the Parliamentary polls to teach Congress led UPA a lifetime lesson.

--------

HEALTH MINISTER URGES CENTRE TO RESCHEDULE PULSE POLIO CAMPAIGN IN
PUNJAB IN VIEW OF SRI GURU RAVIDAS JAYANTI ON 25TH FEBRUARY

Chandigarh, 18th February:

        Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Sh Madan Mohan Mittalhas strongly urged the Government of India to postpone the dates for
the Pulse Polio campaign in the state of Punjab in view of Sri Guru Ravi Das Jayanti falling on 25 February 2013.  Pulse Polio drive has been scheduled by Government of India across the country on 24-26 February, 2013. However, a delegation led by Sh Rajesh Bagha, Chairman, Punjab State SC Commission here today met Sh Madan Mohan
Mittal and apprised him about Sri Guru Ravidas Birth Anniversary on 25th February, and further urged him to postpone the dates for Pulse
Polio Campaign in the state so as to facilitate thousands of health workers as well lakhs of general public to take part in the event. Keeping in view the representation of the delegation as well as religious sentiments of the general public, the Health Minister has urged the Centre Government to reschedule the Polio campaign in Punjab
for 26-28 February, 2013 instead of presently scheduled 24-26 February, since the dates for the massive Pulse Polio campaign are decided by Government of India. He said the decision has been taken to facilitate thousands of the filed workers of health department and employees of other departments as well who have been deputed for the
successful execution of the polio campaign along with the general public to participate in the Sri Guru Ravidas Jayanti and thereafter the Pulse Polio Campaign, too, wholeheartedly.
------------

PUNJAB TO MONITOR REDRESSAL OF  GRIEVANCES IN EACH DEPARTMENT
·       SEEKS REGULAR REPORT

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18:
The Punjab Government has activated its grievances redressal machinery and has asked all the departments to submit the monthly and quarterly reports regularly regarding the redressal of public grievances.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson said that in the written instructions to all the Departmental Heads and Deputy Commissioners, it has also been told to submit the cases of public grievances, which are pending since more than three months. He said that they have been instructed to furnish the proceedings of the cases, which were still being probed. The spokesperson further said that the final report in this regard should be submitted to the Grievances Redressal Department.

---

DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO SUBMIT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS IN TIME

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18:
Punjab Legal and Legislative Affairs Department has asked all the departments to submit legislative proposals, which are to be submitted in the Legislative Assembly, in time.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson said that written instructions in this regard have been issued. He said that the budget session of the Legislative Assembly has been scheduled to commence on March 11, 2013. The spokesperson further said that many of the departments have still not submitted their legislative proposals. He said that the department is facing much difficulty to compile the report of legislative proposals. He further said that in this backdrop, departments have been told to furnish legislative proposals in time so as the department could scrutinize the material and prepare bills to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
---

DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO NAME NODAL OFFICER FOR SUPPLEMENTARY DEMANDS

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18:
The Punjab Government has asked all the administrative departments to depute only one nodal officer for a supplementary demand for expenditure, from its different heads.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Finance Department said that the departments have also been told to submit the information of this nodal officer through its messenger to the Finance Department so that an access code could be given to the nodal officer for filing supplementary demand though online IFM system.
He said that it has been noticed that many of the administrative departments are in the practice of deputing many nodal officers for one supplementary demand, which creates hurdle for online filing of demands through IFMS. He said that strict advisory has been issued that supplementary demand would be summarily rejected; if more than one nodal officer for single supplementary demand is deputed.
The spokesperson further said that the departments have also been told to ensure the attendance of nodal officer or its representative in the Budget Branch-1 of Finance Department for training.
---

INFORMATION ON DEDUCTION OF CPF/DA & OTHER ARREARS OF IAS/PCS OFFICERS SOUGHT
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18:

The Punjab Government has issued strict instruction to furnish data of deduction of contributory pension fund (CPF), dearness allowance (DA) and other arrears of IAS/PCS officers.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Finance Department said that Assistant Controller, Finance and Accounts, Personnel Department has been told to submit data of monthly deduction under new pension scheme CPF, dearness allowance and other arrears of IAS/PCS officers appointed on or after January 1, 2004 from the date of their joining up till March 31, 2011 to Deputy Director, Pension/New Pension Scheme, SAS Nagar. It has also been instructed to attach the copy of the schedule of recovery (before March 31, 2008) of the officers, duly verified from Treasury Office.
---

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTION OF NAGAR PANCHAYAT, BHADSON

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18:
The State Election Commission has issued instructions regarding the strict compliance of the Modal Code of Conduct enforced for general election of Nagar Panchayat, Bhadson (Patiala), scheduled for February 24, 2013.
Disclosing this here, the official spokesperson of the state government said that instructions for the prevention of misuse of official vehicles during the election code and instructions regarding the ban of payment out of discretionary grants/funds and new projects have already been issued. The spokesperson further said that all the departments and administrative heads of the Punjab Government have been instructed to comply with these instructions.

---

PUNJAB TO REIMBURSE TELEPHONE BILLS ONLINE TO ITS EMPLOYEES

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18
The Punjab Government has decided to reimburse telephone bills online directly in the bank accounts of its employees/officers, streamlining the total process.
A spokesman of the Punjab Government today said that earlier telephone bills was paid via cheques and drafts, which would now be paid through online. He said that all the officers posted at Punjab Civil Secretariat has been asked to submit their telephone bills, at least one week prior to its due date so the bills could be reimbursed to them in given time.  
He said that it was imperative for the concerned officer to get the name and address on telephone bill corrected from telephone service provider so that there was no difficulty in processing the reimbursement bill. He said that if any telephone connection has been cut down due to the late receiving of bill, then the personal staff of the concerned officer would be held responsible for that. 
He said that the bills sent for reimbursement must mention the name, designation, address, bank account, IFCS code of the bank, address of the bank, mobile and PAN card number of the concerned officer so that amount could be directly credited in the bank account of the concerned employee/officer.               
--------------------------

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSE ALLOTMENT TILL MARCH 8
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 18

The Punjab Government has invited the applications from its employees for the allotment of Punjab Government accommodation situated at sector 39-C and D till March 8, 2013.
A spokesman of the Punjab Government today said that the regular employees working in the various departments of the Punjab Government, whose basic pay on 30-06-2011 (pay band+ grade pay) was between Rs 14710 to Rs 20999, would be eligible to apply for category-3 houses.  Besides that those employees whose basic pay falls between Rs 8780 to Rs 14709 (pay band+ grade pay) on said date could apply for the category-2 houses. The spokesman further said that the employees, having basic pay to Rs 8779 would also be able to submit applications for category-1 houses.
The spokesman said that all those employees who have fulfilled the above said conditions should deposit their applications with the   Administrative Officer-1 branch, Room no 22, 6th floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat till March 8, 2013. Besides that, those employees who were earlier occupying government houses and their basic pay has increased,  would also be eligible to deposit their application for the houses of category 2 and 3.  
He further said that the applications received after March 8, would not be entertained. Besides that the departments which had constructed houses/flats for their employees at Chandigarh or Mohali, their employees would not be eligible to send their applications according to the norms.
-------------------------------------

Punjab Government’s Directive to ensure proper Respect to Indian National Flag

Chandigarh, February 18,
          The Punjab Government has directed the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and SDMs of the state to ensure proper implementation of the provisions contained in the Flag Code of India 2002 and Prevention of Insult to National Honour Act 1971.
          Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that strict action would be taken against the concerned officials and individuals/organizations for any violation of the provisions contained in the said Act and the Flag Code of India.  Adding further he said that the punishment would be of three years of imprisonment, a fine or both.

-----------

 INFORMATION SOUGHT FOR CONFIDENTIAL REPORT
 OF SECRETARIAT EMPLOYEES

Chandigarh, February 18,

          The Punjab Government has directed the Chief Secretary, financial commissioners, principal/special Secretaries, Additional/Joint Secretaries and Deputy/Under Secretaries and others to submit the details of the personal/General staff attached with them by March 31 to the government so that their confidential reports for 2012-13 could be submitted in April 2013.
          Disclosing this year today, a spokesman of the government said that the father's name was mandatory along with other details of the employee posted in the Secretariat staff. 
----------

ECI RELEASES THE LIST OF ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS TO BE USED FOR VOTING IN MOGA BYE POLLEPIC ISSUED TO 99.99 PECENT VOTERS

CHANDIGARH, February 18
The Election Commission of India has released the list of alternative documents to be used for Moga By poll in Punjab.
A spokesman of CEO Punjab said that Moga assembly constituency has 1, 79,752 voters, from which EPIC has been issued to 99.99 percent voters. He further said that all Voters shall have to produce their EPIC or voter slip for establishing their identity before casting their votes for identification in the polling stations.
        He said that those electors whose photographs is either not available in the Authenticated photo voter slip or the photo in the EPIC/Authenticated Photo Voter Slip does not match; they shall have to produce any of the following photo documents for establishing their identity.
        These alternative documents includes Passport, Driving License, Income Tax Identity (PAN) Card, Service Identity Cards having
photograph, issued to its employees by State/Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Local Bodies     or Public Limited Companies, passbook with Photograph issued by Public Sector Banks/Post
Office and Kisan Passbook (Accounts opened on or before 31-12-2012),SC/ST/OBC certificate issued by competent authority with photograph  issued on or 31-12-2012, Pension Documents such as ex-serviceman’s Pension Book/Pension Payment Order, ex-servicemen’s Widow/Dependent Certificates, Old Age Pension  Order,  Widow   Pension Order with  photograph (issued on or before  31-12-2012), Freedom Fighter Identity Card with photograph. Arms Licenses with photograph, issued on or before 31-12-2012,Certificate of Physical handicap with photograph issued by the Competent  Authority on or before 31-12-2012,Health Insurance Scheme Smart Card with photograph (Ministry of Labour’s  Scheme), issued up to  31-12-2012,Property Document with Photograph such as pattas, Registered Deeds, etc.Job Cards with photograph under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme,smart cards issued under National Population Registrar and Adhar card issued on or before 31-12-2012,Authenticated ‘Photo Voter Slip’ issued by Election Machinery.
He  said that overseas electors who are registered in the electoral rolls under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950
based on the particulars in their passport, shall be identified on the basis of their original passport only (and no other identity document) in the polling station.
     ----

HARSIMRAT SLAMS CONGRESS FOR UNPRECEDENTED INFLATION AND CORRUPTION

Moga, February 18
Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament today slammed the Congress led UPA government for unprecedented inflation in the country while launching her election campaign in the favour of SAD-BJP candidate for Moga by-poll Mr. Joginder Pal Jain. She expressed surprise that how Punjab Congress leadership dared to face the people.
Replying to a media query, here today, Mrs. Badal said that the union minister Mrs. Parneet Kaur might not know the ground realities and the impact of Congress policies on the people who were facing record inflation, that was why she dared to campaign for Moga by-poll. She also challenges her to describe any single development project she had brought to the state being the Union Minister.
Launching a frontal attack on the Congress party, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the ruling Congress led UPA has created several records of multi-crore scandals followed one by one including 2G,Commonwealth Games scam, Aadarsh scam, Coalgate while the latest Italian Chopper Sacm has become talk of the country. She said that Congress Party has come to know that there was no revival of UPA in 2014 and the coalition has in principle decided to loot the coffers and assets of the country.
Predicting the upcoming political scenario of the country, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the general public already reeling under the unprecedented burden of taxes, inflation and deceptive policies of UPA government would brush aside the Congress and its allies in Parliament elections. She appealed the voters of Moga to be a part of this nation wide move to completely decimate the anti people Congress party.

-----

CONGRESS USING PRICE RISE AS A TOOL TO CAMOUFLAGE ITS SCAMS-SUKHBIR

• DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ROLL BACK OF OIL PRICES
• MOGA TO TEACH CONGRESS AN HISTORIC LESSON FOR ITS ANTI PEOPLE POLICIES

 Moga, February 16

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal and Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today lashed at Congress led Union government for rising petrol prices by rupees 1.50 and diesel by 45 paisa, and termed this oil price hike as an exercise of UPA government to camouflage the latest Chopper scam of the Congress party. Demanding immediate roll back of hike in oil prices, Mr. Badal said that the Congress party was deliberately destroying the economy of the country just to cover its misdeeds.
          Replying to a media query while campaigning for SAD-BJP candidate for Moga by-poll Mr. Joginder Pal Jain, Mr. Badal said that after the disclosure of the involvement of Rahul Gandhi’s close aide Kanishka Singh in the Chopper scam, this oil price hike was the attempt of Congress party to divert the attention of people. He said that UPA had followed the same agenda to protect Robert Vadra by rising LPG prices at the time when he was in news for multi crores scam. Mr. Badal held the UPA responsible of financial losses running into crores of rupees owing to Congress party’s various scams that have come to the fore, and rued that this colossal amount of money could have been used for subsidising the oil prices to check the inflation.
Demanding the immediate roll back of fuel prices, Mr. Badal said that the price hike of rupees 1.50 of petrol and 45 paise per litre of diesel was totally unacceptable because the Centre has already taken it to the height. He said that during last one year, the petrol prices were raised by Rs12, the diesel prices were raised by Rs8. And now, the government wants to increase it further by Rs10 diesel and Rs10 petrol, which was absolutely atrocious. He said that this would increase the prices of all commodities and people would have to pay heavily for all transports.
Accusing the Congress-led UPA Government of complete destruction of Indian economy, the Shiromnai Akali Dal President said that after destroying the Indian economy and putting agriculture, industial and trade sector in a massive debt trap the useless congress party was now further trying to squeeze these sectors by rising oil prices. He said that party would oppose all these decision along with all like minded parties as if this process could not stopped now, the end result will be the worst of both agricultural and industrial worlds.
Hitting out at the Congress led UPA government for inflation, corruption and bias towards non-Congress ruled states while addressing the Shivalik Auto Union at Moga, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP government in Punjab has been making consistent efforts to provide relief to all sections of the society. He said that the fact that people of the state rejected Congress two times in a row and voted for SAD-BJP instead was the ample proof of the growing resentment of people, who have been betrayed by the Congress-led UPA Government. Asking them to root out Congress from the state, he appealed to the people of Moga to teach Congress party an historic lesson. Mr. Badal today addressed rallies at ward number 26, near hospital of Micky Gill, ward number 6, ward number 9, ward number 31, ward number 17, ward number 23 and ward number 15.

----

BADAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS HIKE IN PRICE OF PETROL AND DIESEL

DEMANDS ITS IMMEDIATE ROLL BACK TO SAVE THE ALREADY BURDENED PUBLIC

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 15-

Chandigarh, February 15 : The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today strongly condemned the hike in the price of the Petrol by Rs. 1.50 and Diesel by 45 paise per liter effected today by the Congress led UPA government and said that the central government was bent on ruining the common man. Mr. Badal described another blow to the already beleaguered poor and
comman people and said that this was part of the continuing anti poor
policies of the Congress led UPA government.
In a statement release here today, the Chief Minister demanded its immediate roll back to save the already burdened public He said that
the Congress led UPA was playing into the hands of the corporate lobby and acting as per their directions to fill their coffers. He said that by
doing the government is ruining the common man with repeated hikes in the prices of petroleum products as prices of essential commodities
have already sky rocketed due to financial mismanagement of the UPA government.

Mr. Badal said that hike in the diesel price would also have adverse
effect on the peasantry as the farmers are using the diesel pumps to
irrigate their crops. He said that transport sector is already bearing
the brunt of the hike in the price of diesel and today's hike would
further mitigate the problems of the transporters and ultimately it
would be the common man who would bear the hike in price of
transportation charges.