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Punjab News:

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1.15 CRORE AVAILED THE SERVICES OF RTS ACT-SUKHBIR

  •  SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN DELIVERY OF CITIZEN SERVICES AFTER RTS ACT
  • APPROVES NEW SOFTWARE FOR MICRO MANAGEMENT OF DELIVERY OF SERVICES FROM EVERY DESK PUNJAB TO INTRODUCE SMS SERVICE TO UPDATE EVERY CITIZEN

CHANDIGARH, JULY 22: The noble initiative of Punjab Government to empower the citizens to take the delivery of Citizen Services as a matter of right has achieved tremendous success, with 1.5 crore citizen availing the services under Right To Services Act during its first year alone.

         Reviewing the implementation of RTS Act in a meeting with the Chairman Right to Service Commission Mr. S.C.Aggarwal, the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the basic purpose of empowering the citizens has been partially fulfilled with only pendency of 0.93 % civil services and 4.66 percent pendency of police services as per latest data.

           Stressing upon the micro analysis of individual services, Mr. Badal said that we should not get complacent with statistical data to do micro analysis right from desk level. He felt that in the critical services like Demarcation of land, Police Verification, Sanction of Building Plan, NOC from various departments and some Municipal Services, the achievement was not more than 50 to 60 percent. He said that this shows that either our timelines were unrealistic or something was wrong at the delivery end. He asked the Chief Secretary to conduct a thorough study of this problem to achieve satisfaction level of 99 percent and above.

Approving new software for micro management, Mr. Badal said that by the new software the moment a citizen apply for a service he would give his mobile number and he would immediately get SMS informing about his request for the service, specific dates on which that service would be delivered and would give him a unique identity number. He said that the citizen by entering that Unique Identity Number on the web portal of the department would be able to track the progress of his application online and on completion of the process of his service an SMS would go to the citizen informing him about the successful completion of his service.

           Requesting RTS commission to play more proactive role, Mr. Badal said that by online live monitoring the delivery of services by various departments they should suo motto take cognizance of delay happening at any level and instead of waiting for people to appeal, the Commission penalize the erring employ, besides putting a warning in his record. He said that Commission should also launch a multimedia campaign to educate the masses regarding Right to Service Act so that more and more people should come forward to exercise their right in the act.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Governance Reforms Commission, Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Chairman Right To Service Commission, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. C. Roul, Secretary Governance Reforms and Principal Secretaries of all concerned departments. 

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PUNJAB ALL SET FOR SECOND GENERATION GOVERNANCE REFORMS-SUKHBIR

  • SECOND PHASE TO FOCUS ON INTERGRATION OF ALL REFORMS, SERVICES UNDER ONE UMBRELLA BODY
  • CYBER KIOSKS PROPOSED FOR EVERY URBAN WARD AND VILLAGE TO PROVIDE ALL SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF
  • SANCTIONS 300 MORE SAANJH KENDRAS
  • THIRD PARTY AUDIT ORDERS FOR ALL SERVICES
  • REGISTRATION OF PROPERTIES TO BE IMPLEMENTED WITHIN SIX MONTHS 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 22: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today set in motion the Second Generation Governance Reforms, integrating all governance reforms, citizen services under one umbrella body.

Reviewing the implementation of Reform in various departments including police, revenue, local bodies, transport etc, Mr. Badal said that after stabilizing the system of Governance Reforms in various departments, time has come for integrating of these services under one umbrella body, so that all citizen services whether rural or urban were accessible to the common citizens from a single computer terminal. He said that backend database of all services would be made compatible with each other, integrated and put on a central server. Mr. Badal said that presently various departments were working separately to implement the Governance Reforms and provide citizen services to the people. The Revenue Department has setup Fard Kendras, District Administrations have set up Suwidha Kendras and Police Department has setup SAANJH Kendras and there was no integration in the services of these departments. He said that Punjab Government has decided to setup ‘Cyber Kiosks’ in every Urban Ward and every Village that would be directly connected to centralized server. He said that a citizen approaching that cyber kiosk all services urban or rural from the single terminal would be provided.

Asking the Revenue Department to put the project of Online Registrations of Urban Properties on fast track, Mr. Badal said that his purpose was to provide world class services to the buyer of properties. He was informed that 161 Fard Kendras out of 167 have been operationlised and copy of record is given to the applicant on the spot. He said that 12683 villages out of 13001 have been made live through Fard Kendras, Mr. Badal said that he would like to have third party audit of services being provided by the Fard Kendras and other reforms department to check the authenticity claims being made by the various departments.

Sanctioning 300 more SAANJH Kendras of police department, Mr. Badal said that presently 280 Police SAANJH Kendras were working and he asked the police department to opertionalise 300 more SAANJH Kendras within six months. He said that the experiment of SAANJH Kendras has attracted the worldwide attraction and different states were approaching Punjab to replicate this example in their states. He asked the Police Department to have a separate cadre of staff working in SAANJH Kendras so that they should have their distinct identity, different from the police.

Expressing satisfaction over implementation of Governance Reforms, Mr. Badal said that we have to launch a multimedia campaign to educate them regarding timelines of various services so that they should take these services in time bound matter as a matter of right.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Governance Reforms Commission, Mr. S.C. Aggarwal, Chairman Right To Service Commission, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. C.S Roul, Secretary Governance Reforms and Principal Secretaries of all concerned departments. 

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 CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

 CM CALLS FOR REVOLUTIONIZING EDUCATION SYSTEM OF THE STATE TO BENEFIT THE POOR

·        ASKS UNIVERSITIES TO EVOLVE SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR TRAINING THE POOREST OF POOR RURAL STUDENTS AFTER MATRIC

·        SPECIAL SCHOOLS TO COME UP AT MOHALI, JALANDHAR, LUDHIANA, PATIALA, AMRITSAR AND BATHINDA

·        BATS FOR CAREER GUIDANCE SCHEMES FOR THE RURAL STUDENTS

·        FORMS COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE RESEARCH IN THE STATE

 Chandigarh, July 22-

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called for a “revolutionary” upgradation of the school education in the state to facilitate the poorest of poor but brilliant rural students, for having access to the quality education.

Presiding over a high level meeting of the Vice Chancellors of the Universities, Principals of the prestigious Government Model Senior Secondary Schools of UT Chandigarh and other educational experts of the state, the Chief Minister asked them to play a pro-active role in complete transformation of school education in the state. “We just can’t afford to let our poor meritorious students to suffer due to lack of infrastructure and proper counseling. The poor meritorious students thus deserve special attention for shaping their destiny”.

Laying thrust on the need for providing quality education to the poor students securing more than 80% of marks at metric level at Government schools in rural areas, the Chief Minister said that the universities must evolve a mechanism through which these bright students could be groomed from 10 plus one and two classes by imparting the quality education in professional courses. He said that the Universities must initiate the program under ‘University Colleges of Professional Studies for Rural students’ under which they must develop a centre/ school in the major cities under their jurisdiction where the students could be delivered quality education free cost along with boarding and lodging facilities. Mr. Badal said that this would not only help in providing better employment facilities to students but would also go a long way in exploring the vast untapped potential of the brilliants students in the rural areas of the state.

Unfolding his dream project to ensure congenial atmosphere to the meritorious poor students of rural areas securing above 80% marks, the Chief Minister asked the Principal Secretary School Education to depute the state’s Chief Architect to visit the premises of local Sector 16 Government Model Senior Secondary School before finalizing the building lay out plan. Mr. Badal desired that these upcoming School buildings with hostel facilities should be double storeyed. Chairman PSEB apprised the Chief Minister that nearly 3200 such brilliant students had been identified by them who have secured more than 80% marks in matriculation while studying in the rural schools during the academic year 2012-13.

Keeping in view the tremendous potential of the rural school children, majority of whom had been bereft of the basic infrastructure and quality education, would now be given level playing field to compete with their counterparts in convent and private schools. This concept, Mr. Badal said would also ensure far better results due to the factor of homogeneity as all the students admitted in such schools must possess 80% marks as a ‘benchmark’.  He asked the Education department to prepare an action plan to set up such schools at major cities like Mohali, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Amritsar and Bathinda, which would functional from the next academic session.              

The Chief Minister said that such effort of the universities with the help of the state government would also be beneficial in bridging the ever widening gap between the haves and have-nots in the field of education. Assuring fulsome support and cooperation to the universities for this noble cause, Mr. Badal said that the state government would leave no stone unturned for it. He also said that the system must be consistently updated and fine tuned to ensure that children who lag behind were also given the requisite attention to help them attain employability and vocational skills.

Underscoring the need for giving career guidance to the meritorious students, the Chief Minister said that due to the lack of this facility the rural students were unable to opt the right stream of studies in their life, which ultimately hampered their future. He said that it was a known fact that the parents of most of the rural students were uneducated due to which they were not able to give any advice to their wards in such matters. Therefore Mr. Badal said that the universities must make endeavors to make the students aware about their career prospects by organizing special camps for them. He also asked the Education department of the state to publish small booklets for this purpose to be distributed amongst the students.

Emphasizing on the need for more research in the various fields, the Chief Minister also constituted a committee of the Vice Chancellors and educational experts to finalize the proposals regarding the research to be undertaken by them in various fields. He asked the committee to examine the various aspects of the Research to be undertaken by them so that overlapping could be avoided.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Advisor to Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Singh Bains, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Higher Education Mrs. Ravneet Kaur, Principal Secretary School Education Mrs. Anjali Bhanwra, Secretary Science & Technology Mr. Anirudh Tiwari and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.   

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 PUNJAB GOVERNMENT EXTENDS LAST DATE TO PAY OUTSTANDING BILLS OF HOUSE TAX, WATER AND SEWERAGE

·       NO INTEREST & PENALTY BE IMPOSED ON PAYMENT UP TILL AUGUST 31: BHAGAT

CHANDIGARH, JULY 22:

In a big relief to the urban population of the state the Punjab Government today extended the last date of payment of outstanding bills of house tax, water and sewerage. The date now has been fixed as August 31 which was earlier May 31. It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Local Bodies, in a press communiqué here today.

He said that the consumers in order to avail this benefit have to deposit the actual bills up to August 31, 2013. He said that by extending the last date the department has also decided to waive off the interest money and other penalties imposed on the outstanding bills of house tax, water and sewerage up till August 31.

He further said that written instruction in this regard has already been dispatched to all the commissioner of the Municipal Corporations, Regional Deputy Directors of the Local Urban Bodies and Executive Officers of the all Nagar Councils and Panchayats. “The officers have also been told to sensitize the public about the initiative of the Government, so that more and more people can avail this opportunity”, the Minister added.

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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES 1% QUOTA FOR CANCER AND AIDS VICTIM STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

·        MUST HAVE TO PRODUCE THE MEDICAL DOCUMENTS REGARDING CANCER AND AIDS

Chandigarh, July 22:

The Punjab government has announced to provide 1% reservation to all Cancer and AIDS victims students in admissions at the Technical Education institutions across the state. This decision would be implemented from the current academic session.

Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education and industrial Minister, Punjab today said that the Punjab government has taken this decision to provide the equal opportunities to Cancer and AIDS victim students in study as well as to escape them from inferiority complex. He said that with this decision the students affected by Cancer and AIDS would be able to get 1% reservation at the time of admission in all the engineering colleges, polytechnics and ITIs. To get the benefit of reservation, candidates must have to produce the Cancer and AIDS related medical documents at the time of admission.

He said that private technical institutions have been urged to come forward to the help of victims of AIDS and cancer.  He said that the students suffering from these deadly diseases must be given equal opportunity to pursue their studies and the institutions should protect their fundamental rights in this regard. He said that any case of discrimination with the patients of these diseases in any institution would not be tolerated.

 

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR NATIONAL AWARDSIN E-GOVERNANCE

Chandigarh July 22:

 The department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances has invited nominations from all the Departments, Boards, Corporations and Authorities of Punjab Government for the National Awards to be conferred for e-Governance for the year 2013-14.   

While giving this information here today, a spokesman of the Department said that these awards were conferred by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances in collaboration with Department of Information Technology, Government of  India in recognition to promoting excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives.

He said that these awards would be presented in categories of Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering, Exemplary Re-use of ICT-based solutions, Outstanding Performance in Citizen-Centric Service Delivery, Innovative use of Technology in e-Governance, Innovative use of ICT by PSUs for Customer’s Benefits, Best Government Portal and Specific Sectoral Award for the current year  would be given on Health care programmes.

He said that nominations of deserving initiatives could send to the Department by July 31, 2013. The awards would be presented during the 17th National Conference on e-Governance to be held in January 2014. More information could be obtained from website of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, on www. darpg.nic.in, he added.

Punjab Government issues fresh guidelines on GP fund accounts of Group D employees

 Chandigarh, July 22:

            The Punjab Government has issued fresh guidelines to maintain the General Provident Fund (GPF) of Class IV employees (now group D) in the state.

            Disclosing this here today a official spokesman of the Punjab government said that a new pension scheme was implemented for the employees recruited after January 1, 2004 on which the deduction for GPF was not applicable. The GPF accounts of Group D Employees were not maintained properly.

            He further said that earlier GPF account were maintained by the Heads of the respective department but now the same for Group A, B and C would be maintained by account maintaining officer. He also said that the GPF account for Group D would also be maintained at district wise or Category wise. Where GPF with nomination was available would be kept in the safe custody under the supervision of the concerned officers. Referring to the sanctioned amount of refundable of non-refundable advance, he said that concerned accounts officer should be intimated in time.

 

pannu posted as Secretary Agriculture

Chandigarh, July 22:

            Mr. Kahan Singh pannu, IAS has been posted as Secretary, Agriculture relieving Sh V.K Sharma IAS of this charge.

            This was disclosed here today by a spokesman of the Punjab Government.

 

PUNJAB APPROVES 9 NEW ROAD PROJECTS: DHILLON

·         RS 1400 CRORE TO BE SPENT ON 460 KM ROADS    

CHANDIGARH, JULY 21: 

The Punjab Government has given approval to 9 new Road Projects which would cost Rs 1400 Crore.  Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Public Works Department Minister, said that Punjab Government conducted special survey in the State under which these nine road projects were identified.

He said that the new road projects include 70.67 km Barnala-Mansa-Sardulgarh-Sirsa Road(Up to Haryana Border),  33.75 km Ratiya- Boha- Budhlada- Bhikhi Road, 24.05 km Mukerian-Gurdaspur road, 59.16 km Dharamkot- Zira- Ferozepur Road, 33.50 km Phillaur- Naggar-Rahon Road, 87.70 km Kapurthala-Tarn Taran- Chhabal- Attari Road, 56.57 km Chandigarh-Landran- Chunni- Sirhind road, 52.50 km Rampura-Maur-Talwandi Sabo-Raman Mandi and 33.60 km Shri Mukatsar sahib-Malout Road.

Mr. Dhillon said that detailed report for this project is prepared and all primary formalities for this project would be completed within coming three months.

Mr Dhillon further said that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr Parkash singh Badal and visionary guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab is all set to become the state, having best road connectivity in the country. He added that during tenure of the SAD-BJP Government Rs 624 Crore were spent on upgrading 520 KM Roads and 33 Railway Over bridges were built with the cost of 564 Crore.

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SMO’S AND CIVIL SURGEON’S SHOULD STAY 24X7 AT THE PLACE OF POSTING: MITTAL

·        MINISTER COMPLETES TOUR OF 13 DISTRICTS TO REVIEWS HEALTH SERVICES IN THE

·        PEOPLE SHOULD AVAIL FREE MEDICINE FACILITY AT DRUG STORES OF THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

·        NEW RACKS TO BE INSTALLED  AT GOVERNMENT DRUG STORES

·       DIRECTS OFFICIALS TO SOLVE ISSUES RELATED TO GENERATOR SETS, MORTUARY FREEZERS, CLEANLINESS ON PRIORITY

Chandigarh, July 21: All Senior Medical Officer’s and Civil Surgeon’s should stay 24X7 at the place of their posting and no one would leave the station without prior permission from the concerned officer. Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Punjab issuing instructions regarding this has also instructed that Senior Medical Officer’s and Civil Surgeon’s should ensure proper attendance of supporting staff in the hospitals.

Health Minister held a high level meeting with senior officials of the department after touring 13 districts of the state to review the health services in the state. He stated that Punjab Government is committed to provide 24X7 quality Health Services to the people of the state and no laxity would be tolerated at any level.

Expressing his satisfaction over the overall health services in the government hospitals, he said that due to historic initiatives of the Punjab Government especially all free medicines are made available in sufficient number at drug stores of the government hospitals all over the state.

Mr. Mittal said that during his tour some issues came to his notice and he has directed Senior Health Officials to solve them on priority such as generator sets at government hospitals are not being properly utilised whereas there is no such issue at the higher department level and all funds related to this are being provided timely to the hospitals. He directed that responsibility of the Civil Surgeon/SMO should be fixed if there is any complaint regarding Generator sets not being utilised in the hospitals. Minister also directed the officials to ensure that mortuary freezers are working properly.

Minister also directed that fire fighting units should be made operational as they could be easily used when need arises and cleanliness of hospitals and hospital compounds should be maintained properly.  He also asked the officials to make new racks for storage of Medicines in the drug stores of the government hospitals.

Others prominent present in the meeting were Mr. Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Husan Lal MD Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Dr. Ashok Nayer Director Health Services, Punjab and Dr. Rajesh Sharma Joint Director PHSC.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES THREE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS FOR MAIZE, COTTON AND LITCHI

PANELS TO BE HEADED BY CM TO SUGGEST STRENGTHENING OF R&D FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY AND PROCESSING OF THESE CROPS

Chandigarh, July 21-

          In a bid to promote the cultivation of Maize and Cotton as alternate crops besides the plantation of Litchi fruit in a big way under the state's ambitious Agriculture diversification program, the Punjab Government has constituted three development boards for motivating the farmers to grow these crops and fruit.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has given nod to set up these boards under his Chairmanship with Agriculture Minister as Vice Chairman besides 12 members of Maize Development Board, 11 members of Cotton Development Board and eight members of Litchi Development Board.

          The Maize development Board would consist of Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Financial Commissioner Development (FCD), Chairman Punjab State Farmers' Commission, Vice chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board, Managing Director Markfed, Managing Director Punjab Agro Industries Corporation (PAIC), Commissioner Agriculture, Director Dairy Development as members besides Director Agriculture as the Convener.

          Likewise, the Cotton Development Board would comprise Industries and Commerce Minister, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Financial Commissioner Development, Chairman Punjab State Farmers' Commission, Vice chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, Secretary Industries and Commerce, Managing Director Markfed, Commissioner Agriculture, General Manager Cotton Corporation of India, Bathinda and Director Agriculture as members while the Secretary Punjab Mandi Board would be the Convener of the Board.

          Similarly, the Litchi Development Board would have Chief Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Financial Commissioner Development, Chairman Punjab State Farmers' Commission, Vice Chancellor Punjab Agriculture University Ludhiana, Managing Director Markfed, Managing Director Punjab Agro Industries Corporation and Commissioner Agriculture as members whereas Director Horticulture would be its convener.

          The Maize and Cotton Development Boards would have 10 progressive farmers and 3 representatives of processing industry each in the state to be nominated by FCD as members for a term of three years while in the case of the Litchi Development Board 10 progressive Litchi growers would be nominated as members for same term. The Board may invite any eminent agriculture scientist and outstanding Maize consumer/ processor, outstanding entrepreneur associated with Cotton processing or outstanding entrepreneur associated with Food Processing as special invitees to the meetings. Maize and Cotton Development Boards would meet from time to time but atleast once in six months but Litchi Board would meet once in three months. Nine and seven members would be quorum for any meeting of the Maize/ Cotton and Litchi Board respectively. These board members would not be entitled to receive any remuneration for the performance of their duty except such daily and travelling allowance as may be prescribed.

          The Boards had been mandated to examine and review the status of cultivation of Cotton/ Maize crops and Litchi fruit in the state and to suggest measures for their development; to coordinate the activities the Research and Development for improving their productivity and production and upgrade their quality through propagation of appropriate crop production technology; to evaluate the existing storage and processing practices and suggest measures for improving their processing and up-gradation of processing industry; to act as a professional platform amongst the Maize/ Cotton/ Litchi growers, industry and state government for interaction regarding their development, creation of brand through organization and participation in national and international exhibitions in case of Litchi and resolution of issue, if any; and to arrange studies and research to help plan, evaluate and suggest medium and long term strategies for development of Maize/ Cotton besides Litchi in view of World Trade Organization (WTO) and its Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). All these Boards had been asked to device their own procedures to regulate their functioning. 

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BADAL ASKS PSPCL TO RELEASE TUBEWELL CONNECTION UNDER ARTC SCHEME WITHIN THREE MONTHS

·        CANAL WATER CHARGES TO BE RATIONALIZED AS PER OLD SYSTEM

·        FARMERS ALLOWED TO UTILIZE EARTH FROM THEIR FIELDS FOR PERSONAL PURPOSES

Chandigarh, July 20

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal directed the PSPCL to release the tubewell connection to the farmers under ARTC scheme within three months positively after the submission of test report by them. 

A decision to this effect was taken by Mr. Badal in a meeting with the delegation of BKU led by its President Mr. Balbir Singh Rajewal here at Chief Minister’s residence this evening.

Mr. Badal asked the Chairman PSPCL to issue detailed guidelines to the officers in this regard to ensure its strict compliance. On the issue of Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) to slash the rate from Rs 4500 to Rs 1000 per BHP for enhancing the load capacity of the motors in view of depleting water table, the Chief Minister apprised the delegation that the Chairman PSPCL had already taken up this issue with the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission so that the matter could be resolved amicably at the earliest. To another demand for ensuring uninterrupted power supply for eight hours for the ongoing paddy season, Mr. Badal asked the Chairman PSPCL to intensify efforts to provide adequate power supply to the farmers during these operations.

Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Engineer Canals to revert back the old system of levying Abiana so that water charges on canal water used by the farmers could be rationalized to their advantage.

Responding to another issue regarding the mistakes in the computerized land records, Mr. Badal asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue to ensure correct entries by the Patwaris in the land record and in case of any mistakes, occurring inadvertently should be rectified forthwith after brought into the notice of concerned revenue officials. To this, FCR informed Mr. Badal that the number of mistakes in these land records had been drastically brought down from 10,000 to 32, 00 following strict vigil by the revenue officers.

The Chief Minister also approved the Forest department’s scheme of barbed fencing around the sanctuaries namely Bir Moti Bagh, Gurdialpura, Dosanjh, Bhadson and Bhunnarheri to protect the crops from severe damage caused by the wild animals and stray cattle. He agreed to include this proposal of Rs. 13.67 crore in the RKVY.

The Chief Minister also assured the delegation that the unscrupulous dealers of fertilizers and pesticides caught red-handed by the Agriculture department, involved in the for the sale of adulterated fertilizers would not be spared at any cost and asked the FCD to immediately initiate stern action against them for cheating the innocent farmers.

In another significant decision the Chief Minister directed the Principal Secretary Industries to allow the farmers for mining of the earth (Mitti) from their fields for personal/domestic use as now they were unduly harassed by the Police under the pretext of mining provisions. Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary Industries apprised Mr. Badal that the SIT headed by IG Bathinda by the state government on the issue of mining in compliance with the directions of Punjab & Haryana High Court has categorically asked all the DCs and SSPs to allow the farmers to utilize earth dug from their fields for purpose of personal use either for leveling of fields or courtyards in their houses.

          On the issue of releasing arrears worth Rs.150 crore on account of paddy bonus during drought, Mr. Badal asked the FCD to take up the issue with Finance department for the release of payment at the earliest.

          Prominent amongst others who were attended the meeting FCR Mr. NS Kang, FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Forest Mr. DS Bains, Principal Secretary Industry & Commerce Mr. Karn Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Commissioner Agriculture Mr. BS Sidhu, Chairman PSPCL Mr. KD Chaudary and Chief Engineer Canals Mr. AS Dulat.

ONE LAC YOUTH TO BE TRAINED THROUGH STATE PROGRAM ON SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED ACTIVITIES

 

·          BADAL GIVES NOD TO SET UP STATE BEE-BOARD FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF BEE-KEEPING

APPROVES Rs. 21.30 CRORE FOR POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT

·                GoI RELEASES FIRST INSTALLMENT OF Rs. 30 CRORE UNDER NHM FOR 2013-14

·                CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR TREATMENT OF BRACKISH WATER TO COME UP AT BATHINDA

 Chandigarh, July 20

        In a significant initiative to train nearly one lac youth of the state as a part of its ambitious agriculture diversification program, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today okayed the state program for training of youth for self-employment in agriculture and allied activities. 

         This decision was taken by Mr. Badal while presiding over a meeting of the senior officers of the Horticulture and Agriculture department here at Chief Minister’s residence this morning.

The Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) to work out the modalities for imparting training to the youth for enabling them to take up agriculture and allied activities like dairy, fisheries, mushroom, piggery, goatry, bee-keeping etc. as self-employed ventures.

Mr. Badal also asked the FCD to look into the ways and means for establishing the State board for promotion and development of bee-keeping in a mission mode and appoint a senior officer not below the rank of Joint/Additional Director of the Horticulture department as its mission director. The bee-keeping board as desired by CM would explore possibilities for the production, processing and marketing of the honey not only in the domestic market but also in the country and abroad. Mr. Badal directed the FCD to seek vital inputs from the National Bee Board (NBB) for the constitution of state board in this regard and invite one of their members as technical expert to it. He also asked the horticulture department to prepare a directory of all the bee-keepers in the state so as to provide them training for the production and preservation of honey on scientific lines adding he said the data collected thus in the form of the directory could be utilized to extend support  to the existing bee-keepers. The Director horticulture apprised Mr. Badal in the meeting that there were nearly 33,000 bee-keepers in the state at present, who had adopted bee-keeping as business adding the Chief Minister said that more bee-keepers should be encouraged to take up bee-keeping as an allied agriculture vocation and we should at least fix a target of one lac persons to be engaged in bee-keeping. This would motivate the persons to take up bee-keeping as gainful occupation but also strengthen the dwindling base of agriculture in the state. Mr. Badal also asked the horticulture department to tie up with the Markfed-Asia’s largest Cooperative network to provide assured marketing facilities to the bee-keepers under its premium brand ‘Sohna’.

        The Chief Minister also gave nod to the action plan of Horticulture department of Rs. 75 crore for the year 2013-14 under National Horticulture Mission (NHM) as the state had already got Rs. 30 crore as first installment from GoI. Under the approved State program of horticulture, new orchards of high yielding varieties of fruits would be established besides setting up of three hi-tech nurseries, of two would be of kinnow and one of guava to provide the best quality and disease resistant plants of these fruits to the farmers. He also gave nod to establish Centre of excellence for treatment of Brackish Water at Bathinda at the cost of nearly Rs. Seven crore which would suggest remedies to the farmers for the treatment of brackish water especially in the waterlogged areas.

The Chief Minister asked the Director Horticulture to ensure the maintenance of orchards through keeping close supervision by the experts of department and PAU. He also underscored the need to focus on the post-harvest management and approved Rs. 21.30 crore for pack-houses, cold storages, refer vans and ripening chambers etc.

The FCD assured Mr. Badal that horticulture would be soon become a major thrust area after agriculture as the farmers have already realized the higher margin of profits in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers as compare to traditional crops even on small holding.

Prominent amongst others who were attended in the meeting FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Director Horticulture Mr. Lajwinder Singh Brar, Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu besides senior officers of the Mandi Board.

 

SUKHBIR ADMINISTERS OATH TO 2731 NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF 146 PANCHAYAT SAMITIS

  • 331 MEMBERS OF 22 ZILA PARISHADS ALSO SWORN IN
  • ANNOUNCES Rs.10000 CRORE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TOTAL DEVELOPMENT OF 13047 VILLAGES OF THE STATE

 LUDHIANA, JULY 19:  Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today called upon grass root rural representatives to become active partners in the progress to percolate the gains of development to the remote villages of the state so that every village of the state could become an engine of growth.

Announcing Rs. 10000 crore development plan after administering oath of office to newly elected 2731 members of 146 Panchayat Samitis and 331 members of 22 Zila Parishads, Mr. Badal said that now electorates have become mature and they are not bothered about anti incumbency factor. Mr. Badal said that it was reflection of mature democracy that electorates of Punjab have decided to elect the performers and reject the non-performers. Mr. Badal said that all of you have been given sacred responsibility by the people of your village and now it is imperative for you to live up to the promises made to the electorate during your elections. Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government has finalized a massive development plan of Rs. 10000 crore for 13047 villages of the state and in next four years as per the phased plan drawn out by the Rural Development Department, all villages would see a total facelift.

Mr. Badal said that he envisioned villages as engine of rural growth that would translate into overall growth of the state. He said that keeping this thing in mind he has finalized over Rs. 10000 crore development plan for all village under which in a phased manner total development of the village chosen for that phase would be undertaken in one go. He said that development plan of villages would envisage concrete sub lanes, 100% water and sewerage connectivity, sewerage disposal and solid waste disposal plans besides relining of ponds of the villages. He said that to ensure optimum utilization of massive development plan, he has ordered e-tendering of all development works besides total computerization of village records and accounts. He said that India has entered into cyber age and he envisions to make every village of Punjab a cyber hub. He said that he was also planning 13000 cyber suwidha kiosks to be setup in each village under which incharge of Cyber Kiosks would deliver 13 services including electricity and water bills, telephone and mobile bills, mobile recharge, complaints about water supply, sewerage and power and any disruption in tubewell water or canal water under one roof on the spot. He also lauded the role of revenue department for total computerization of land records under which now every villager can get village records on the spot without any hassle. He said that even Finance Commission, Planning Commission had requested the Punjab Government to provide details of this computerization model so that it could be successfully implemented in other states. He said that under 12th Finance Commission Rs.66.75 crore were released for providing drinking water facility to the villages and under 13th Finance Commission the amount was raised to Rs. 72.80 crore. He said that it was for the first time that rural toilets were constructed in all the villages.

Calling upon village representatives as agents of change, Mr. Badal said that you are fortunate that people of your villages have given you the enormous responsibility to accomplished the development works of your villages and serve the rural population. He said that this rare opportunity would hone your talent and prepare you to face the future challenges.

Congratulating the newly elected rural representatives, Mr. Badal said that Punjab has set an example before whole country by successfully and peacefully completing the elections to all the three tiers of Panchayati Raj System giving a rebuff to false propaganda of opposition parties. He said it was a matter of great appreciation that besides Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads, 81190 Panches were elected in the Panchayat elections of  13047 villages and it was for the first time that Punjab has successfully strengthened the grass root democracy at the village level, giving powers to the villagers to accomplished the development works in their villages.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab has successfully implemented 73rd amendment of the Constitution by conducting the election through ward system in the most transparent, objective and peaceful manner. He said it was matter of great satisfaction that rural population of Punjab has risen above petty factionalism by electing record 1920 Panchayats unanimously by consensus.

Announcing fresh survey to include remaining eligible beneficiaries in Atta-Daal scheme, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was the first state that had addressed the problem of necessity of food security in the era of ever rising prices. He said that the survey had become necessary after receiving lot of representations from poor people, who were left out of original list of blue card holders. He described the drama of Food Security Bill as copycat of Atta-Daal scheme. 

Promising to fulfill all promises made in the manifesto and first budget of SAD-BJP Government, Mr. Badal said that within 2 months the process of fulfilling most of the promises including providing computer tablets to students, cycles to girl students, Rs. 30000 scholarship to meritorious students, shagun to the poor at the time of marriage, old age pension would be set in motion.

Giving a call for optimum utilization of village common lands, Mr. Badal said that our villages were sitting over a kitty of 1.57 lakh acres of cultivable village common lands and due to effective auction the income from these lands saw an increase of Rs.20 crore this year to Rs. 240 crore from earlier Rs. 221 crore.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, said that within next two years the SAD-BJP Government would fulfill the promise of providing toilet to every rural household. He said that for the first time identity cards have been issued to all newly elected members of Zila Parishads and Block Samitis enabling them to have free access to Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and all ministers. He said that Department would work out similar exercise for all Sarpanch. He said that accessibility of Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to the poorest of the poor was the hallmark of this government whereas Congress CM was not even accessible to his own ministers.

Local Bodies Minister Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat said that with the blessings of people SAD-BJP Government would clinch all the 13 seats of Lok Sabha in Punjab on the basis of its performance. He said that peaceful and transparent polling in Zila Parishads and Panchayats elections have sealed the lips of Congress Party that was crying hoarse regarding possibility of rigging. 

Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister and Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Chaudhary Nand Lal, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal (all CPS), Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyali, Mr. S.R. Kaler, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains, Bibi Jagir Kaur (all MLAs), Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Advisor to Chief Minister and Mr. Santa Singh Umaidpuri, Chairman, Punjab Services Selection Board were present on the occasion.

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 AD TO FIELD ITS CANDIDATES IN DELHI VIDHAN SABHA ELECTIONS

  • MAY ALSO FIELD CANDIDATES IN LOK SABHA POLLS FROM DELHI AND HARYANA
  • MANPREET JOINING HANDS WITH CONGRESS INCONSEQUENTIAL
  • CM NOT INTERESTED IN NDA POST
  • PUNJAB TO ENSURE NO CUTS IN DOMESTIC POWER CONNECTIONS
  • ALL DISTRICTS TOLD TO IDENTIFY DHARNA SITES

 LUDHIANA, JULY 19: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today made it clear that Shiromani Akali Dal would field its candidates for ensuing Vidhan Sabha elections in Delhi and they would fight these elections in alliance with BJP.

           Answering the questions of media persons after oath administering function here today, Mr. Badal said that after its sterling performance in Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Elections, the SAD has consolidated its vote bank outside Punjab and was ready to expand its area of activity beyond Punjab. He said that Akali Dal may also field its candidates for Lok Sabha polls from Haryana and Delhi but no final decision has been taken at Party level regarding Lok Sabha elections. He said that going by the eroding credibility of Congress led UPA Government there was possibility of general elections before December.

           When asked about Manpreet Badal’s pronouncement regarding joining hands with Congress, Mr. Badal said that it was forgone conclusion regarding his collusion with them the moment he resigned from SAD. He described his announcement as inconsequential as ‘zero plus zero’ would always remain zero.

           When asked about cuts being imposed on industrial sector, Mr. Badal said that he has issued clear directions that there should not be any cuts on domestic sector. He said that industry would have to be cuts for few days as central grid was not allowing Punjab to purchase power more than 5300 MW, keeping in view last year’s grid failure and promised that after December every sector in Punjab would have 24X7 power with generation capacity of Punjab touching 13000 MW against present capacity of 6200 MW.

           The Deputy CM when apprised about frequent disruption of traffic due to dharnas, he said that he has already issued directions to all Deputy Commissioners to identify separate dharna sites at each district headquarter so that people could exercise their democratic right without causing harassment to general public.

           On the question of FDI, Mr. Badal said that FDI should be allowed keeping in view the requirement of each sector and there should not be blanket permission for opening the floodgates of FDI.

          He described Food Security Bill as copycat phenomena as Punjab Government has already implemented this scheme since last six years.

           Mr. Badal said it is for the first time that all company heads of 11 TATA companies came to our state to explore the possibilities of expansion. He said that he expected massive investment from TATA companies as they were impressed by the vision of Punjab CM Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Industrial Policy of the state, reform measures and development initiatives of the state government. Mr. Badal said that within one month you would see a massive change in the investment scenario of the state.

           Mr. Badal said that TATA group was finalising the massive initiative in the skill development area under which 2 lakh youth would be imparted vocational training.

          On the question of illegal colonies, Mr. Badal clarified that in future no illegal colony would be allowed and our pro people policy was envisaged to help the people to get their old illegal colonies regularised. He clarified that Punjab Government would not give any extension for regularisation of illegal colony and this was the last chance for the people to get their irregularity compounded after nominal fee. He said that to address certain apprehensions of people he has constituted four members committee, where everybody can put forward their views but there would be no extension in the date of application for regularisation of illegal colonies.

           On a query regarding report in IAS Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu assault case, Mr. Badal said that SIT has not yet submitted its report. In the case of Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Badal said that a commission under Justice Jindal was already looking into it and he was not aware about any report prepared by HRD Minister.   

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VIGILANCE DEPARTMENT ASKS CVOs TO KEEP HAWK'S EYE OVER THE CORRUPT OFFICERS

CVOs TO ACT AS LIAISON OFFICERS BETWEEN THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND VIGILANCE DEPARTMENT INCLUDING VB

CVOs ASKED TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES IN RIGHT EARNEST TO ENSURE TRANSPARENT AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

Chandigarh, July 19-

          In a bid to achieve its objective of zero tolerance towards corruption for bringing far more transparency and efficiency in the state administration, the Punjab Government has issued detailed guidelines to all the Chief Vigilance Officers (CVOs) designated in various departments to curb corruption thereby keeping a close tab on the activities of the corrupt officers in their respective departments.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the CVOs have been asked to comply with these instructions meticulously to ensure good governance, keeping in view the larger public interest. The guidelines issued by the State Vigilance department called upon the officers to help the state government in detection of corruption and corrupt officers in their departments, to prepare lists of corrupt officers who enjoyed bad reputation and to ensure effective supervision on them and to so regulate their posting that they do not have scope to indulge in corruption. The CVOs had been asked to pass on information to the Secretary Vigilance regarding such officers so that they could also keep a strict vigil over them besides ensuring prompt and effective departmental actions/ prosecution in courts of corrupt officers when evidence was available, keeping watch over proceedings against the defaulters so that delay did not allow the defaulters to escape punishment.

          It was also mandatory on the part of the CVOs to check and review the procedures adopted in the department, if necessary, with the Assistance of the Vigilance department to plug loopholes whenever existing which facilitates corruption apart from providing assistance regarding departmental rules and procedures to the investigation officer of the Vigilance department. The CVOs had also been instructed to refer difficult and complicated cases to the Vigilance department for investigation besides scrutinizing cases of compulsory retirement of the corrupt officers at the age of 55 years, to check up cases of compulsory retirement of corrupt government servants even earlier, if permitted by law and rules. It would also be bounden duty on the part of CVOs to scrutinize property returns of the government servants to detect corruption or unreasonable accumulation of property.

          They have also been authorized to scrutinize reports and have the items included in them investigated, which appear to involve an element of corruption. The CVOs by virtue of these instructions would also act as a liaison officers between their own department and the Vigilance department, including the Vigilance Bureau. The CVOs had also been directed to monitor progress with regard to grant of prosecution sanctioned in the cases referred to their department under advice to the Secretary Vigilance. They have also been asked to ensure that any information, date, advice, record etc. asked for by the Vigilance department/ Vigilance Bureau was made available without any loss of time. The spokesman further said that it has been often observed that the CVOs were not discharging their duties in the right earnest and therefore they have been now asked for strict adherence to these instructions.   

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MITTAL CALLS ON SANTOSH CHAUDHARY FOR EARLY RELEASE OF PENDING GRANTS

  • ASKS FOR RELEASE OF OUTSTANDING GRANT OF RS 6754.08 LAKH FOR AYURVEDA & RS 3511 LAKH FOR HOMEOPATHY 
  • SEEKS GOI SUPPORT FOR STRENGTHENING INDIAN MEDICAL SYSTEM IN PUNJAB
  • SEVEN NEW ISM WINGS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN PUNJAB
  • PUNJAB TO ESTABLISH 121 SPECIALTY CLINICS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS
  • AYUSH WINGS &AYUSH OPD CLINICS TO BE SET UP IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, July 19: Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab called upon Mrs. Santosh Chaudhry, Union Minister of State, Health on Thursday at New Delhi to press upon the Government for the immediate release of the outstanding grants to the Punjab.

                   Divulging this, Mr. Mittal said that the meeting was a just a courtesy call; however it remained quite fruitful as discussions were held on many key issues related to strengthening of Health Services in Punjab. He said that Mrs. Chaudhry agreed on almost all proposals, especially the ones pertaining to strengthening of Ayurveda & Homeopathy Medical Services in the state.

The Health Minister brought to the notice of Union State Minister, that funds under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes of AYUSH programme haven't been released by Government of India as yet. This included the supply of essential drugs worth Rs. 1 lac per each of the 524 Ayurvedic dispensaries, release of funds for drugs/diet worth Rs 2.50 lacs per annum  for each of the 7 ISM (Indian System of Medicine) wings at Amritsar, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Sangrur.

Mr. Mittal further emphasized for the early release of funds to the tune of Rs. 2302 lacs for establishing new ISM wings at Mansa, Patiala, Kapurthala, Moga, Muktsar, Faridkot & Fatehgarh Sahib. He further reminded her regarding the proposal given for establishment of 121 specialty clinics in Primary Health Centers for which the second installment of Rs 605 lacs was still pending at the level of Government of India. The state has also proposed an Arogya Mela during 2013-14 at a cost of Rs 35 lacs. Discussions were also held regarding the Punjab State's proposal for upgrading 524 Ayurvedic dispensaries at a cost of Rs. 52 crores.

                   Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal further revealed that under the Homeopathy component, the state has requested for release of Rs 25 crore for establishing AYUSH OPD clinics in Community Health Centers, Sub Divisional Hospitals & District Hospital. Another proposal has been sent for setting up AYUSH wings at a cost of Rs. 5 crore in district Allopathic Hospitals. The state has also demanded Rs 221 lacs for upgradation of Homeopathic dispensaries. Further, for streamlining the supply of essential Homeopathic drugs a proposal of Rs. 134 lacs has been submitted to Government of India.

                   Minister said that the response of Union Minister was very warm and positive and the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere. He said that he was hopeful for a positive outcome soon as Mrs. Chaudhry agreed on all the issues.

                   Punjab's Health Minister said that Mrs. Santosh Chaudhary has shown keen interest for establishment of  that 2 ISM wings (Indian System of Medicine) and Yoga & Naturopathy Centers should be established in Hoshiarpur and to organize the Arogya Mela at Hoshiarpur.

Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Director Ayurveda, Punjab and Dr. Ramesh Sharda, Director Homeopathic, Punjab also accompanied the Punjab Health Minister to the meeting.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DIRECTS AUTHORIZED TRANSPORT COMPANIES TO STRICTLY FOLLOW SAFETY NORMS WHILE PLYING SCHOOL BUSES

 Chandigarh, July 19: with a view to ensuring the complete security and safety to the school children the Punjab government has directed the authorized transport companies plying school buses to make sure the enforcement of safety guidelines issued by the state government while plying school buses. Any kind of laxity while handling the school children would not be tolerated. Strict action would be initiated against the driver as well as the transport company. The offence would attract cancellation of their licenses’.

       Stating this here today a spokesman of the government said that it was unfortunate that due to accidents and negligence in driving every year 4 thousand persons lose their lives in Punjab. Taking serious note of the fatal incidents, the Punjab government has also directed the Transport Authorities to ensure the fitness of the vehicles and directed them to be strict in keeping a vigil on the regulation of speed of the vehicles on roads. The divers should be fully trained and carrying the complete papers while moving out.

       The spokesman further said that the government has also directed the buses and auto rickshaw owners not to take school students’ beyond the allowed capacity of the vehicle. The erring owners would have to face severe action even the cancellation of their work permit, he added.

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PUNJAB SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE FROM CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

  • MR ANIL JOSHI WRITES A LETTER TO UNION COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY MINISTER

Chandigarh, July 19:

 

The Punjab government has sought special package from the union government for the growth of industry in the state. In a written communication to Mr. Anand Sharma, Union Industry & Commerce Minister, Mr. Anil Joshi, Industry and commerce Minister, Punjab has made a fervent appeal to UPA government to immediately grant an economic package to provide a much needed impetus to the stagnant industrial sector in Punjab.

Mr Joshi also sought time from Mr. Sharma for a personal meeting to apprise him the gloomy industrial scenario in Punjab for want of financial assistance from union government and it’s apathy towards the long pending demands of Punjab.

He said that disbanding of freight equalisation policy non setting up of major public sector industrial projects and its coastal dislocation are the major bottlenecks in the path of industrial growth in Punjab.

Mr Joshi reiterated that the union Government's tax concessions for the neighbouring states has led to an unwarranted flight of industry from Punjab to these states.

                                                He said that the Punjab is the victim of the circumstances as the long stretch of militancy in the state has adversely effected the overall growth of the state.

The communication further mentions that the Punjab being a land locked state sharing international border with the hostile neighbour and practically having no access to the international markets.

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VIGILANCE NABS SECRETARY MARKET COMMITTEE IN BRIBERY CASE

Chandigarh July 19: State Vigilance Bureau today nabbed Secretary Market Committee red handed accepting bribe of Rs. 5,000. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Suresh Arora, Chief Director-cum-DGP Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Bureau caught Dalbir Singh Secretary Market Committee posted at village Dhoodhan Sadha in district Patiala demanding and accepting bribe of Rs. 5,000 from complainant Harbans Singh  a commission agent of grain market Devigarh in district Patiala for relaxation some fees in auction process. He added that the complainant approached the Bureau and alleged that Dalbir Singh was demanding bribe from him. After finding the veracity of facts a vigilance team led by Mr Birbal Singh, DSP vigilance laid a trap and the accused was nabbed red handed in the presence of two government officials as witnesses. In this regard a vigilance case FIR No. 21 under u/s 7, 13 read with 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station Patiala and further investigation was under progress.

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CM DEPUTES SUKHBIR BADAL TO ADMINISTER OATH OF OFFICE TO NEWLY ELECTED ZP AND BLOCK SAMITI MEMBERS

BADAL NOT TO ATTEND SWEARING IN CEREMONY AS ADVISED BY DOCTORS

Chandigarh, July 18-

Punjab chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has deputed Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to administer the oath of office to the newly elected members of the Zila Parishad and Block Samitis elected recently at a state level function in Ludhiana tomorrow.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal has taken this decision as advised by the Doctors attending on him to avoid travelling for couple of next days as he was speedily recovering from the illness.  It may be recalled that earlier Mr. Badal was to preside over this function of swearing in ceremony in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister. 

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TATA GROUP PROMISES MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN PUNJAB

 ·        FOR THE FIRST TIME ALL TATA COMPANIES COLLECTIVELY COME TO A STATE

 ·        EVINCE INTEREST IN INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING, BRTS AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 18: Punjab is all set to achieve a major breakthrough in Industrialization, Urban Development, Power infrastructure development with nine leading companies of TATA Group promising to make massive investment in the state after working out the ‘details and economics’ of various projects short listed after marathon discussions with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.

           TATA Group Companies represented by Mr. Ravikant, Vice Chairman TATA Motors, Mr. Anil Sardana, MD TATA Power, Mr. Ashish Mathur, MD JUSCO, Mr. Madhu Kanan, Head (Business Development) Tata Sons, Mr. Sanjay Ubale, MD TRIL, Suma Venkatesh, Head Business Development IHCL, Shashi Kumar, Head (Business Development) Tata Housing, Rahul Shah, Head (Business Development) TATA Power, Tanmoy Chakraborty, Head (Business Development) TCS, D.K. Sunder, Head Fertilisers Marketing TATA Chemicals, Vemon Noronha, Head Government Sales TML and Govinder Singh CFO TATA Housing today had a detailed discussion with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Industry and Commerce Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa. The discussion followed detailed deliberations in five sub groups, where individual companies shared their notes with Principal Secretaries of concerned departments. The marathon meetings of sub groups that started at 10 am in the Punjab Civil Secretariat lasted up to 2 pm. These group meetings were followed by an impressive presentation by Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal.  

           Mr. Ravikant, Vice Chairman TATA Motors while initiating the discussion said that it is for the first time that all TATA Group companies have collectively come to a State to have discussion with a state government in contrast to earlier practice of individual companies having deliberations with states. He said that this was possible because new chairman of TATA Group Mr. Cyrus Mistry was impressed with the Statesmanship and mature leadership qualities of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and also shared the vision of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal of holistic and futuristic development rather than handling ‘nuts and bolts’. He said that the group was impressed by the futuristic visualization of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and after the impressive presentation of Deputy CM, “we seemed to be on same wavelength.”

           Inviting TATA group to become partner in the progress of the state, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Punjab has come out with a one of its own kind of industrial policy, which offers incentives to the investors as per their efficiency and productivity. He said that the new VAT and CST retention model, one of its own kinds, in the country would allow the upcoming companies to retain up to 80% VAT and CST collected by them rather than to look towards government for reimbursement. Mr. Badal inviting TATA Group companies for infrastructure development projects called them to invest in holistic development of one or two cities to be mutually worked out for ensuring 100% water, sewerage connectivity, power distribution, road development, solid waste management, street lighting with 24X7 help desks. Mr. Badal said that he has chalked out a multi thousand crores plan to be completed in next two years for holistic development of 147 cities that offered mega investment opportunities for TATA group stakeholders. He said that TATA motors can also work out a BRTS system for metro cities of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Bathinda besides helping the state in the Solar City Project.

           Inviting the TATA Group companies to invest in power transmission and power audit sector, Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the first state to be Power surplus by December this year and with quality infrastructure, best air and road connectivity Punjab would be the best bet for TATA’s for making future investments. He said that after becoming Power surplus, state was focusing on strengthening power transmission network besides power audit and sought their investment in this sector. The TATA group companies also evinced their great interest in City Level Services, BRTS Projects, Ropar-Phagwara Expressway, Water City Ludhiana and other infrastructure projects of Rs. 500 crore and above IT Campus with high rise concept at Mohali, Solar City Complex, Roof Top Solar Projects, Power Projects, Housing Projects, Downtown at Mohali and Ludhiana  renewable energy sector including Biomass and Mini hydels.

           Mr. Ashish Mathur, MD JUSCO said that their company after successful implementation of City Services Project in Mysore and Kolkata, could work out modalities for two three big cities of Punjab after detailed study of these cities. He said that TATA with great experience in BRTS system could present a model to tackle the traffic problems of Ludhiana and other big cities. Mr. Badal asked TATA to study BRTS model of Istanbul and replicate the same in Ludhiana.

           Seeking the cooperation of TCS in making Punjab offices paperless, Mr. Badal said that after making Punjab Secretariat paperless by December this year, they should draw up a project for whole state. The TATA Group Companies evinced great interest to set up TATA Skill University in the state besides investing eco-city and medi-city in new Chandigarh. They also evinced great interests in ambitious projects like ‘Downtown Mohali’ and ‘Downtown Ludhiana’ and city center Mohali. The TATA Group also expressed their desire to setup series of budget hotels in different cities of Punjab besides making a major foray in group housing sector.

           Appreciating the vision of Deputy Chief Minister, the group leader Mr. Ravikant said that, “we have plate full of projects and now it is our responsibility to work out details and economics of each project to put these projects in implementation mode.” He said that we will get back to Punjab Government after finalizing the details within one month. Impressed by futuristic vision of Deputy CM, Mr. Anil Sardana, MD TATA Power commented that, “you have put us on back foot by your aggressive and time bound approach to achieve the results.”  Mr. Ravikant said that we have made tangible progress today and this could be possible because our thinking was in confluence. Offering them single point access, Punjab Deputy CM Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal appointed Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, as Nodal Officer for any project of TATA Group and he would ensure escort service to the TATA Group officials in the state.

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CM MOURNS DEATH OF FORMER MP CHARANJEET SINGH WALIA

Chandigarh, July 18-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former MP Mr. Charanjeet Singh Walia (78), who passed away at Patiala this afternoon after a protracted illness.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mr. Walia as a gentle politician, who always played a proactive role in safeguarding the interests of the employees. His outstanding services as an employee leader would ever be remembered by employees’ fraternity.

Sharing his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family, friends and relatives, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give courage to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

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NO CAP ON FUNDS FOR THE ‘DREAM PROJECT’ OF JANG-E-AZAADI MEMORIAL- BADAL

·       NOTED FILM MAKER SHYAM BENEGAL TO PRODUCE FOUR FILMS FOR SHOWCASING PUNJAB’S CONTRIBUTION IN INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE

·       BENEGAL LAUDS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’S UNIQUE ENDEAVOR TO REVISIT INDIAN INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT

Chandigarh, July 18-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the progress of the prestigious ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district and assured the foundation that there would be no cap on the funds required for the completion of this world class ‘dream project’.

          The Chief Minister was updated about the developments of the projects so far by the Member Secretary of the Jang-e-Azaadi Foundation Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard here in its 3rd meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence this afternoon. Mr. Badal envisioned this project to be a lighthouse for inspiring the younger generations on one hand and acquaint them about our rich legacy of patriotism and nationalism thereby showcasing the superb contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle on the other. The Chief Minister categorically said, “Such projects of paramount national importance and emotional values cannot be merely restricted within the framework of fixed funds”.

The Chief Minister reiterated his firm resolves to complete this gigantic project in Punjab, which spearheaded many watershed movements and revolutions like Bhai Maharaj Singh, Kuka, Arya Samaj, Kisan Jagriti, Ghadar, Gurdwara Reforms, Babbar Akali, Kamagata Maru episode and many others. Mr. Badal underscored the need to develop this project as an attractive tourist destination so that it should be a part of the itinerary of every tourist visiting Amritsar from India and abroad. He also asked the foundation to entrust the civil works of the memorial to one of the country’s renowned construction companies so that this memorial could also be developed as an ‘Architectural Marvel’.   

The Chief Minister gave approval to the foundation for engaging the services of eminent Film Maker of international repute Mr. Shyam Benegal for production of four films of one hour duration each in Punjabi, Hindi and English depicting the historic freedom movements covering the period from 1840 to 1948. These films were meant for showing to the people visiting the memorial so that they could ‘enliven the saga’ of freedom struggle during which countless Punjabis were subjected to the tyranny unleashed by the British Raj. The basic concept of these films and the proposed Laser Show was to infuse a spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst the people especially the younger generations who had been deprived of their glorious heritage of valor and unparalleled sacrifices due to lack of knowledge. Dr. Hamdard apprised the Chief Minister that Mr. Benegal, while expressing his keenness to associate with this prestigious project, has highly appreciated the unique concept of the state government to erect this state of the art memorial which would a befitting tribute to the supreme sacrifices of several unsung heroes besides serving as a bridge between the Freedom struggle to free our motherland from yoke of foreign imperialism and the younger generations, majority of which were unaware about it.   

The Chief Minister gave nod to the various proposals put forth by Dr. Hamdard including the appointment of Price Water House Coppers (PWC) as project consultant, which would help the foundation in the selection of Architect, modalities related to laser shows and other aspects related to the Jang-e-Azaadi memorial besides allowing three members of executive committee namely former MP Mr. Tarlochan Singh, MLA Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma to attend the meetings of the foundation from time to time as Special Invitees to enable them to give their vital inputs.

The Chief Minister also gave a go ahead to constitute a committee under Chairmanship of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur with Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board and Deputy Commissioner for ammicable resolution of issue related to 15 acres land of Punjab Mandi Board adjoining the memorial site.   

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash, MP Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, former Ministers Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and senior BJP leader Mr. Balram Ji Dass Tandon, former MP Tarlochan Singh, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr SS Channy.  

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MALUKA DIRECTS AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE HYGIENIC MIDDAY MEAL

·        NO LAXITY WOULD BE TOLERATED

CHANDIGARH, JULY 18: Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab today issued directions to all authorities concerned to ensure maintenance of total hygiene in serving the mid day meal and said that all Principals and heads of the school would be personally accountable for this.

            Presiding over a meeting of all District Education Officers, Mr. Maluka asked all the officers to ensure the smooth flow of Mid Day meal besides proper monitoring of scheme following the directions issued by the department.  He also warned the officers that strict action will be taken in case of any laxity or negligence on the part of school heads or principals.

            The Education Minister said that principals and school heads would ensure the daily cleanliness of kitchen and store, where food was cooked and raw material including pulses, flour was stored. He also said that the cook and the helpers should also pair their nails before cooking or serving the food besides tying up their hairs properly. He said that cooks would also have to ensure washing of their hands before cooking procedures.

            Asking the officers to procure the cooking materials including flour and rice from Punsup of high quality, Mr. Maluka said that only high quality pulses and fresh vegetables should be cooked and served among students. He also asked to use sealed refined oil of a reputed company  besides iodine salt.

            Mr. Maluka said that a checking campaign has also been launched in this regard. Principal Secretary School Education Smt. Anjali Bhawra, DPI (Senior Secondary) Mr. Kamal Garg, DPI (Elementary) Sudarshan Kaur and Additional State Project Director Parampal Kaur were also present in the meeting. 

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DEPUTY CHIEF MINISTER TO ADMINISTER OATH TO NEWLY ELECTED ZILA PARISHAD AND BLOCK SAMITI MEMBERS 

Chandigarh, July 18:

 Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab would administer oath of office and secrecy to the newly elected representatives of Zila Parishads and Block Samitis on 19th July at Ludhiana.

Stating this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal would be the Chief Guest at the swearing in ceremony. The function is being organized at Grain Market, Ludhiana on July 19th. Rural Development Minister S. Surjit Singh Rakhra would be the Guest of Honour.

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WALK-IN INTERVIEW FOR RECRUITMENT OF 392 DOCTORS ACROSS 13 SPECIALTIES: DIRECTOR HEALTH

Chandigarh, July18 : The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab will hold walk-in interview for 392 posts across 13 specialties on 22nd July, 2013 at Auditorium, State Institute of Health & Family Welfare Complex, Near Civil Hospital, Phase-VI, Ajitgarh, (Mohali).  

Giving information in this regard, Dr Ashok Nayyar, Director Health & Family Welfare, Punjab said that the selection of specialist doctors is done by a committee chaired by Dr. K.K. Talwar, Former Chairman, MCI, and is based on objective criteria which among others includes the marks obtained in MBBS & MD along with number of attempts made by the candidate to clear final MBBS and MD. Further, certain weightage is also given to experience, articles authored or co-authored in International and National journals and certificate of merit/gold medal if any in PG examination.        

Dr. Nayar said that this walk-in interview is a part of simplified recruitment for specialists which has been initiated since September 2012 by the Department.  He added that the department is hopeful that this transparent & objective recruitment procedure would encourage post graduates with requisite specialty to join the Department of Health & Family welfare and offer their services to the people of the state.

    The details regarding eligibility criteria, category-wise and specialty-wise vacant post are available on the public notice uploaded onwww.pbhealth.gov.in. and  Eligible candidates may fill the online application form available on www.pbhealth.gov.in.  The selected specialists shall serve on a pay scale of 15600-39100+ 5400 G.P + NPA Admissible + PG Allowance .

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·       19th Livestock Census (Breed Survey) in the state

·       Ranike Appeals  livestock owners to provide complete and accurate information

Chandigarh: 18th July

To provide better services to the livestock of the state, the Punjab Government is Conducting 19th Livestock Census (Breed Survey). The Breed Survey will be conducted in 15% of the villages of all the districts of the State. Speaking on the subject today,  Animal Husbandry Minister Sardar Gulzar Singh Ranike said that The main objective of this Census is multipurpose development of livestock and to initiate the livestock owners to keep elite breeds of domestic animals so that their income may be raised. He further elaborated that formulation of future schemes for the development of dairy, piggery, sheep/goat and poultry mainly depends upon the Breed Survey Census.

          He appealed to livestock owners to provide the correct information regarding their domestic animals to the authorized enumerator of the department so that this information may be useful for the developmental works of the livestock.

          The Minister informed that for this purpose the livestock owners can get detailed information from Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry of their district or they can contact Joint Director, Animal Husbandry O/o Director Animal Husbandry, Punjab Chandigarh.

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FOUR LANING OF MORINDA-KURALI-SISWAN ROAD COMMENCES: DHILLON

CHANDIGARH, JULY 18:

The work on four laning project of Morinda-Kurali-Siswan road has been commenced and would be completed by December, 2014. 

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister said that Rs. 79 crore would be incurred on this project. He said that this four lane project would facilitate thousands of daily commuters besides saving both their time and money. He said that the construction on this total 30 km long stretch up to State Border would be instrumental in the development of kandi area.

          Talking about the advantages of this four lane road, Mr. Dhillon said that with the completion of Morinda-Siswan project traffic congestion on Kharar-Chandigarh road would reduce  besides saving precious time of daily commuters.

Reiterating the commitment of SAD-BJP Government to provide best road network in the state, Mr. Dhillon said that the Government has upgraded 328 KM long roads in 2011-12 besides constructing 18 bridges.

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OFFICER BEARERS OF PUNJAB KABBADI ASSOCIATION ELECTED: MALUKA

CHANDIGARH, JULY 18:

The Punjab Kabbadi association has unanimously elected 81 Officer Bearers including patron and President. This new committee has been elected for four years from 2013-2017.

Disclosing this here today President of the Association and Education Minister, Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that this newly elected committee would work for four years. He said that Punjab Kabbadi association is the sole sports body having affiliation with Olympic Association. He said that the Punjab Kabbadi association has two votes in each district.

Mr. Maluka further said that the Members have been elected unanimously in which Mr. Dalmegh Singh has be chosen as Patron and he himself (Sikander Singh Maluka) has been elected as President of the Kabbadi association. He said that Kewal Singh Takhar would be the chairman whereas Kamaljit Singh would serve the Punjab Kabbadi association as Treasurer. He said that four senior vice Presidents, six vice Presidents, one General Secretary, three secretaries, and six joint secretaries have also been elected.

He said that members for technical committee, Jury Appeal Committee, Selection Committee-National Style (Boys), Selection Committee-Circle Style (Boys), Selection Committee-National Style (Girls) and Selection Committee-Circle Style (Girls) have also been elected.

Speaking about the forthcoming 4th world kabbadi Cup in November, 2013, Mr. Maluka said that 17 International teams are participated the tournament. He said that 10 male and 7 women teams have confirmed their participation. He said that more International teams are willing to participate in the tournament but their entry in the 4th world kabbadi Cup would be decided by the four member committee.

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PUNJAB APPOINTS ADMINISTRATORS FOR 75 MUNICIPAL COUNCILS/PANCHAYATS

Chandigarh, July 18:

The Punjab government has issued a notification to appoint Administrators for 75 Municipal Councils/Panchayats, which had completed their term.

A spokesman of the Punjab government today said that the Administrators would look after the work of Municipal Councils/Panchayats till the new President to be elected after elections. He said that there were 75 Municipal Councils/Panchayats, whose tenure would be completed between July 16th and July 31st. He also made it clear that SDMs have been appointed as Administrators of 73 Municipal Councils/Panchayats besides appointing ADC Development Ferozepur as Administrator of Guru Harsahai Municipal Council and ADC Development Fazilka as Administrator of Fazilka Municipal Council.

 

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GoI OKAYS STATE HORTICULTURE ACTION PLAN OF RS 75 CRORE UNDER NHM

·        CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TO COME UP AT HOSHIARPUR AND JALANDHAR

·        EXPANSION OF GUAVA AND LITCHI ESTATES ON CARDS

·        TWO SUB CENTRES OF CITRUS ESTATES LIKELY TO BE SET UP AT MAUR AND KOTKAPURA

Chandigarh, July 17-

          Approving an action plan of the State Horticulture department under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), the Union Agriculture Ministry, GoI has sanctioned Rs. 75 crore for Punjab in current fiscal to give further impetus to the state government’s ambitious ‘Agriculture Diversification’ program.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that under this plan funds would be provided for setting up and maintenance of orchards, floriculture, Bee-keeping besides installation of community water tanks, Green House, Cold Stores and packs houses. The approval of the action plan was seen a major shot in arm of the state government which was making persistent efforts for motivating the farmers to shift their major cultivable area under paddy to other less water intensive alternate crops like maize, soyabean, pulses, flowers, fruits and vegetables besides by providing the required machinery/ farm equipment to the cultivators. Moreover, these efforts would further propel a revolution in horticulture and floriculture across the state.   

Concerted efforts were afoot to strengthen the infra structure for the preservation of the fruits and vegetables which includes establishing two Centres of Excellence in the state including Centre of Excellence for Citrus at Khanaura in Hoshiarpur district at a cost of Rs 10.30 crore and Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district at a cost of Rs 9.73 crore. Both these centres were being developed by the Punjab Mandi Board in sync with the Indo-Israel agreement. In the current financial year plastic crates were being provided to the cultivators at a cost of Rs 150 lakh under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Besides National Vegetable Initiative (NVI), a subsidiary scheme of RKVY, has also been implemented in the five districts of the state viz. Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur, Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib, under which the Centre has approved Rs six crore in the current fiscal.

Likewise to give big boost to the horticulture in the state by undertaking extensive research and extension services, a concrete proposal for the expansion of Litchi and Guava estates was on anvil. Two proposals have been sent under the RKVY for establishing two sub centers of the Citrus estates at Maur (Bathinda) and Kotkapura (Faridkot). These centers would be provided all the facilities extended to the Citrus estates.

To encourage the production of the fruits, the Horticulture department has supplied 12 lakh saplings to the farmers from the registered nurseries. Similarly nearly 13000 people were being imparted training at the Fruit Processing Laboratories of the department across the state. In a bid to ensure value addition of the Fruits and vegetables and better remunerative returns to the growers, as many as 82810 kilograms of Fruits and vegetables had been processed in Fruit Processing Laboratories.

Pertinently 2060 hectares land was currently under the commercial floriculture out of which 1300 hectares area in the state, was being utilized to produce 10054 Metric ton of fresh and cut flowers. Likewise 760 hectare land was being utilized to produce 65 metric ton of flower seed. In the same manner currently 1.92 lakh hectare land in the state was under vegetable cultivation with total production of 37.34 metric ton whereas 0.71 lakh hectare land was under Fruit cultivation with production of 14.20 lakh metric ton.

As a part of state Agriculture department’s endeavor to ensure production of disease resistant and high yielding varieties of potato and vegetables seeds to the farmers, 28823 quintal seeds have been produced at its farms. As many as 41500 units of scientifically tested Mushroom seeds have been processed in the Departmental Mushroom Laboratories at Patiala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Sangrur. Further to encourage Sericulture in the state, 31109 kilos of Cocoon have been produced in foothill districts of Roopnagar, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur.       

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Punjab emphasizes on conservation of water resources ADVOCATES DIVERSIFICATION

Chandigarh, July17: To tackle the alarming situation of depleting water resources in the Punjab, the state government has emphasized on the need of conserving of water and enhancing its resources.

Stating this here today a spokesman of the government said that water played an important role in human lives. So in view of declining water resources and increased water pollution, World Water Conservation day was being observed every year since 1993 with a view to generating awareness amongst the people regarding this startling situation.

According to the spokesman, the Punjab Government has initiated many schemes to embark upon the dilapidated of ground water table and the water resources in a better way. The state has formulated an extensive plan to clean up the three rivers namely Satluj, Beas and Ghaggar at a cost of Rs.2332 Crore. Ensuring 100% cleanliness could not be possible because of the polluted industrial waste being released by the neighboring states of Haryana and Himachal in these rivers. However, this matter has often been raised by the chief minister Punjab with the centre so that these states could be dissuaded to release the waste material in the rivers thereby polluting it.

        The government has also taken adequate steps to save the ground water advocating and executing the diversification plan in the state. The state government has increased the area under cultivation of Basmati from 5 lakh hectare to 10 lakh hectare and has announced a number of subsidies to woo the farmers. Likewise the government has announced 75% subsidy in all the districts of the state to cultivate Maize so that the farmers could be attracted towards other crops.

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CASES OF WEAKER SECTION OF SOCIETY BE DISPOSED OFF ON PRIORITY: CHIEF JUSTICE

·        CJ HELD VIDEO CONFERENCE WITH ALL DISTRICT SESSION & SENIOR JUDGES OF PUNJAB

Chandigarh, July 17:

Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Mr.Sanjay Kishan Kaul held a video conference with all 18 districts & Session courts of Punjab and Chandigarh District Court. All Session Judges, Additional Session Judges, Civil Judges (Senior Division), Chief Judicial Magistrates and other senior officers participated in the video conference.

Justice Kaul asked the courts to be proactive for speedy and time bound clearance of all pending cases. He asked the legal luminaries to sensitize the public for availing the services of Lok Adalts for getting quick and timely justice.

            Mr. justice kaul call upon the judges to clear all the cases based on the domestic violence & atrocities on the women on priority bases beside the cases related to children, senior citizen and differently abled also be dispose off on priority. He said that most of the cases could be disposed off by mutual consent of both the parties thus relieving the courts from the burden of pending cases.

            Justice kaul said that a seminar was recently organized in Chandigarh to highlight the importance of mediation to solve the cases with mutual consent of both parties. He said that at most of the places dedicated centers are being operated where cases are disposed off with mediation. He said that the ambit of this practice would be enhanced in future.

            Mr. Justice kaul also asked the district judges to list out the problems being faced by them. He assured them to redress all the problems in near future.

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE ADEQUATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN PRISONS-PHILLAUR

JAIL AUTHORITIES TO PREPARE MEDICAL FILE OF THE CONVICT ARRESTED

ADGP TO MONITOR PRESENCE OF DOCTORS IN JAILS

Chandigarh July 17: Taking a serious view of the inadequate health facilities in the Punjab prisons, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab has asked the Principal Secretary health to immediately ensure adequate health amenities and the attendance of medical and paramedical staff deputed in the Jails.

          In a statement issued here today, the Minister expressed serious concern over the unfortunate medical conditions prevailing in the jails especially in Faridkot jail where 11 inmates died since January this year. The Minister said that the government has already initiated Magisterial/ Judicial inquiry over these deaths. He however said that two of the convicts committed suicide while three of them were reportedly serious drug addicts who were arrested recently died in the Faridkot hospital. Detailed reports from the forensic laboratory determining the presence of drugs in the system of the deceased in this regard were awaited, he said.

          He has also asked the health department not to shift the deputed doctors and other staff without a proper replacement that too with prior intimation to the Jail authorities. He has also asked the Superintendents of Jails to thoroughly examine the arrested convict and prepare a complete medical file at the time of arrest. The family of the arrested person would also be consulted in case he is suffering from some chronic ailment at the time of arrest.

          The Principal Secretary Health has assured the Minister that the department of Health would ensure the presence of adequate medical staff in the Jails through some rotational system and would make sure the presence of adequate medical staff in the Jails with required medical equipment ensuring the proper medical care to the prisoners.

          The Minister has also asked the ADGP Prisons, Mr. R.P. Meena to monitor the presence of the medical and paramedical staff in all the 25 jails in the state on daily basis. He has also directed the jail authorities to send the daily report regarding the presence of the doctors and other staff to the ADGP everyday by evening through e-mail. He has asked them to ensure the proper compliance of the government’s directive. Suitable departmental action would be initiated against the erring officers, said Mr. Phillaur.

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RGNUL STARTS 8TH ACADEMIC SESSION FROM ITS NEWLY SET UP SIDHUWAL CAMPUS

v  INTRODUCES ONE YEAR LL.M COURSE WITH INTAKE OF 40 STUDENTS

v   PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PROVIDES RS. 27.87 CRORE FOR THE CURRENT YEAR

Chandigarh, July 17: Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab has started its 8th academic session from its newly set campus at village Sidhuwal (Patiala). Besides this, one year Master of Laws (LL.M) course is all set to be launched from the current session with intake of 40 students per year.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that the University was running a B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) five year course with an intake of 120 students per year. From the present Session the University has also started LL.M. as one year course with intake of 40 students per session. The admission to B.A,LL.B. (Hons.) and LL.M. Courses were being made through Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) at the National Level. The University was fully residential with all the students residing in the university hostels. The University also registers Researchers to Ph.D. Programme on the basis of entrance test every year. At present about 25 Researchers are pursuing their Doctoral Research.

The spokesman further said that in addition the University has established Centre for Advanced Studies in Criminal Law (CASCL); Centre for Consumer Protection Law and Advocacy (CCPLA); Centre for Advanced Studies in International Humanitarian Law (CASH); Centre for Advanced Studies in Human Rights (CASIHR); School of Agriculture Law and Economics (SALE); Centre for Advanced Studies in Labour Welfare Law (CASLW); and School of Social sciences and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (SSSIS); in addition to RGNUL Legal Aid Clinic. From this session the RGNUL has also started coaching classes for competitive examination. The University would start Post-Graduate Diploma and Certificate Courses in Cyber Laws; Taxation Laws and Intellectual Property Rights from August 2013 as evening courses. The spokesman clarified that the University would run the Competitive Examination Coaching Classes and Diploma/Certificate Courses from its City Campus.

The spokesman informed that the University was receiving grants from Punjab Government on the capital side and for maintenance too. The Punjab government has made a provision of 27.87 crores for the financial year 2013-14, where as Rs. 39.20 crore was provided during the year 2012-13.

Meanwhile, an orientation week for the new batch has already been started at the commencement of the 8th Academic Session at the new Sidhuwal Campus. On this occasion Professor Ranbir Singh, Vice‑Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi and Member RGNUL Academic Planning Board addressed the students along with Professor (Mrs.) Nishtha Jaswal, Chairperson, Department of Laws, Panjab University, Chandigarh and Professor (Dr.) Paramjit S. Jaswal, Vice‑Chancellor, RGNUL. Professor (Dr.) G.I.S. Sandhu, Registrar, RGNUL delivered vote of thanks. The first day of the Orientation Week was also attended by the parents of the students. The objective of observing Orientation Week was to make the students familiar with Law in general and the Social Science subject through special lectures by experts from different faculties.

It may be mentioned here that the Government of Punjab has established Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Punjab at Patiala in 2006 by enacting the Punjab Act No. 12 of 2006. The University had started its academic activities from the Mohindra Kothi, Mall Road, Patiala in 2006. The Village Panchayat of Sidhuwal donated 50 Acres of land to the University. The University has completed the construction work of Hostels and the Academic Block.

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 PUNJAB TO IMPART FREE COMPUTER TRAINING TO

 GRADUATE SCHEDULE CASTE YOUTH

Chandigarh, July 17: Punjab Government has decided to impart one year free basic computer training along with Punjabi and English stenography to the graduate youth in the state belonging to scheduled castes.

Disclosing this here today Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that this training would be imparted at Mohali, Amritsar, Ferozepur and Patiala for 2013-14 sessions. The Minister said that the age of the applicant should not be above 30 years and educational qualification certificate in all respect complete may be sent to the concerned District Welfare Officer.

The Minister further said that this benefit would be given to the BPL scheduled castes families on priority basis. In case of vacant seats, those families whose annual income was above one lac would also be considered but they would not be entitled for scholarship during the training, he said.

The Minister further said that Written Test/Interview would be held on July 30, 2013 and selection committee would select the candidates. He further said that selected candidates would be given Rs.750/- scholarship during the training.

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TWO PCS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

 Chandigarh, July 17:

The Punjab government has issued new posting/transfer orders of Two PCS officers in the state with immediate effect.

According to an official spokesman, Mr. DPS Kharbanda has been posted as Commissioner Municipal Corporation, Amritsar.

Likewise Mr. Bhupinder Singh –I has been posted as MD, PRTC, Patiala

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ADMISSION FOR ART AND CRAFT TEACHER TRAINING AND PUNJABI STENOGRAPHY STARTS FROM JULY 23

CHANDIGARH, JULY 17:

Admissions for the Art and Craft Teacher Training Courses/Punjabi Stenography in the industrial training institute of the state would commence July 23. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Technical Education Department said that admissions would continue till September 19. He said that the admissions would be done by the committee constituted under the chairmanship of Sub Divisional Magistrate of the area concerned.

He further said that the first counseling for the admissions in Government Industrial Institutes session-2013, would last from 23 to July 30, whereas second counseling would commence on August 12 would last till August 20. Similarly, the third counseling would be conducted from 13 to 19th September. He said that the courses for which the counseling would be conducted included Center of Excellence in Government Industrial Institutes, National Council for Vocational Training Courses and State Council for Vocational Training (Art and Craft Teacher Training Course/Punjabi Stenography Courses).

He said that to avail concession in non-refundable/tuition fee, candidates belonging to reserve categories, whose parents/guardians annual income was less than 2.5 lac, should bring self declaration from their guardians. He said that prospectus could get with the payment of Rs.75 from the respective institutions.

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BADAL WRITES TO PM FOR RESTORATION OF 80% SUBSIDY ON SOLAR AGRICULTURE PUMPS SETS

·        ENVISIONS THIS MOVE TOWARDS OPTIMUM UTILIZATION OF SOLAR ENERGY

 Chandigarh, July 16

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal urged the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh seeking his personal intervention to direct the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government Of India (GoI), to review the program of Solar Pump for Agriculture and restore the subsidy component to the original 80% with a 10% contribution by the state and the balance 10% by the beneficiary.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal apprised him that during the period 2000-01 to 2003-04, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, GoI was providing subsidy for solar water pumps up to 80% of the total cost and Punjab then achieved the highest target by installing 1850 solar pumps. However, since 2004-05, the GoI has reduced the subsidy for solar pumps to 30% of the installation cost and the farmer has to meet the balance 70% cost, which was very high.

The Chief Minister further informed Dr. Manmohan Singh that Punjab had more than a million agriculture pump sets and the power requirement for this sector was almost 25% of the total consumption in Punjab. The decentralized generation and utilization of solar energy in the agriculture sector for water pumping was the best option to promote the use of renewable energy which has long term benefits in terms of energy utilization and sustainable development. The average size of an agriculture pump set in Punjab required about 5 KW capacity Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) array and the farmer would have the option to use DC motors or the existing AC motor by adding inverter.

Mr. Badal further pointed out that the farmer could also meet partial load of the farm house when there was no demand for irrigation. The approximate cost for this system was Rs.4.5 lac and with the present level of 30% subsidy, the farmer was unable to meet the balance 70% cost, which was more than Rs. 3 lac and hence it was not a viable preposition and discouraged him its installation. Mr. Badal also mentioned that the optimum utilization of solar energy would not only boost the usage of renewable but also lead to far more efficient use of precious ground water adding he said this program had huge potential through which the solar energy could be harnessed in a decentralized manner for powering agricultural pumps.

It may be recalled that Mr. Badal had already taken up this issue with the Union New Renewable Energy Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, when the latter called on the Chief Minister few days back.

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BADAL MOURNS UNTIMELY PASSING AWAY OF ADGP NARINDER SHARMA

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 16:

 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the untimely demise of Additional Director General of Police Mr. Narinder Sharma, IPS, who breathed his last here on Monday night after prolonged illness.  

           In his condolence message, Mr. Badal described Mr. Sharma as “a distinguished officer, who always discharged his duties with utmost dedication, sincerity and professional commitment throughout his career.”

 Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family members, friends and relatives to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief.

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SUKHBIR, MAJITHIA CONDOLE DEMISE OF

ADGP NARINDER SHARMA

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 16: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of Additional Director General of Police Mr. Narinder Sharma, IPS, who passed away here last night after prolonged illness.  

          Meanwhile, Punjab Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia has also condoled demise of ADGP Mr. Narinder Sharma.

Sharing heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, Mr. Badal and Mr. Majithia prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

The cremation ceremony would take place in the cremation ground of Sector 25, on July 16, 2013 at 2:00pm.

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 MALUKA ISSUES STRICT INSTRUCTIONS TO STOP RAGGING IN COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Chandigarh July 16:

Education Minister Punjab, Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka today issued strict instructions to all the government and Private Colleges and Universities to take adequate steps to in their respective institutions to stop ragging of freshers in their respective institutions. .

Mr. Maluka asked them to issue instructions to all the Higher Educational Institutions to follow the Supreme Court guidelines in this regard. He said that strict action would be taken against the institutions found violating the norms. All the colleges and Universities have been ordered to set up a help line for the ragging victims.

He has also asked the authorities to take written undertaking from the students and their parents, not to take part in any kind of ragging activity. The Minister also said that the aggrieved students could lodge their complaint before the college authorities and appropriate action would be initiated accordingly.

 The Minister said that the heads of educational institutions should immediately inform the police in case of any incident of ragging came in their notice. He also said that principal and staff must watch the attitude of new comers and any sign of depression noticed in new student should be probed deeply. 

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 ALLIED SECTORS UPLIFT THE ECONOMIC FACE OF VILLAGES: RANIKE

PUNJAB NUMBER ONE IN PER CAPITA MILK PRODUCTION

Chandigarh, July 16: Punjab Governments has chalked out a plan to attract unemployed Youth towards allied sectors for job opportunities. Punjab Dairy Development has decided to start awareness campaign for Goat & Pig Farming & other such areas in all the districts of the state. Disclosing this here today Mr. Gulzar Sing Ranike said that the department is going to start a programme to train Milk Producers about the new technique to increase milk production.

        He said that for 45 day professional training would be given to make milk producers to make them friendly with the new techniques in the field of Dairy Farming. He added that under this training programme farmers would also be trained about production of various milk products.

Minister said that last year training to 21, 812 farmers for one day block level, 5745 educated unemployed youth 15 day and 1208 Dairy Farmers 45 day training was given by the department.

        Minster said that committed to bring white revolution in the state and to attract more and more farmers towards dairy farming 25% financial aid is being provided to General Category and 33 % to SC category to purchase milk producing animals. he added that subsidy is also being provided for setting up units for preparing Milk products.

He said that last year Rs 9 Crore was distributed as financial aid under this scheme and this year target of Rs 20 crore has been fixed for this purpose.

        Minister said that Punjab is included in list of 14 states which are chosen under National Dairy plan programme for doubling milk production and for implementation of this programme Rs. 6. 73 Crore has been released. He said that semen bank at Nabha would be renewed under this programme.

        Minister said that department at present is providing 85 % Cows and 45 % buffalos for fabricated pregnancy service to animal nourishers snd this would be increased in the coming year to produce better breeds.

        Mr. Ranike said that Punjab produces 9 % of total production of Milk in the country and milk availability in Punjab is 961 grams per person which is highest in the country. He added that being an allied sector of Farming Dairy farming is capable of uplifting the economic face of Rural Areas as its contributing 5.9 % in total domestic production of the country.

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PUNJAB RELEASES STATE RAKHI BUMPER- 2013

 ·        FIRST PRIZE TO BE GIVEN OUT OF SOLD TICKETS ONLY

Chandigarh, July 16:

  Punjab Government has launched Rakhi Bumper-2013. Disclosing this here today a Spokesperson said that bumper and monthly lotteries are getting big response from the people.

          Spokesperson said that two 1st prizes for Rakhi Bumper 2013 are Rs 1 crore each will be given out of sold tickets only.  2nd prize five of Rs 10 lakh each and 3rd prize five of Rs 5 lakh each.  He said that the draw will be held on 23rd August - 2013.

The price of a single ticket of State Rakhi Bumper  2013 is Rs 100/. Spokesperson said that Punjab State Bumpers and Monthly lotteries are popular not only in the state but all over India due to its transparent system.  Spokesperson has appealed to the ticket buyers to verify the Punjab Government’s logo on the ticket before buying.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES POLICY FOR PTP IN SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Chandigarh, July 16:

          The Punjab government has notified a policy for involvement of established and leading private training providers (PTP) in the field of skill development in the department of Technical Education and Industrial Training.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the policy is aimed at developing the skills of the youth of the Punjab on latest courses/technologies of skill development through private training providers in the industrial training institutes of the state.

He further said that the prospective private training provider (PTP) are invited to submit their proposal on prescribed format to start training Programmes in the government industrial training institutes (ITIs) in Punjab. He said that the eligibility criteria and guidelines of policy can be seen on department’s website www.dtepunjab.gov.in/web/circulars_ITI/circulars_ITI.htm

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Rs.3080 CRORE SET ASIDE FOR 4/6 LANNING OF 400 KM HIGHWAYS

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 16   

The Punjab Government has set aside Rs. 3080 crore  to convert all highways in the state into 4/6 lanes till January 2016 that would add another cap in the feather of the to make it first state in the country with all national and state highways with 4/6 lanes. This unique distinction of word class connectivity would help Punjab to attract more investment and to clock the target of one lac crore in next two years.

Stating this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that work on nearly 398.9 KM long stretch was in full swing which would be completed till January 2016. He further said 230 kilometer  national highways have been six laned in last 5 years with the cost of Rs 1460 crore.

Calling the National Highways and State Highways as the life line of the state, the spokesman said that the Punjab government has taken up the matter with National Highways Authority of India for the timely completion of work on NH-1, 15, 64 and 71. He said that NH-1 from Shambhu Border to Jalandhar, NH-1A from Bhogpur to Mukerian, NH-15 from Pathankot to Amritsar and NH-95 from Ludhiana to Talwandi would be 6 laned in next three years. Besides that proposal to construct 101 KM new highways has been finalized worth Rs 700 crore.   

He said that  4 laning of NH-1 from Dhilwan to Amritsar at the cost of Rs. 263 crore, NH-1 from Amritsar to Wagah Border with Rs. 206 crore, Jalandhar to Bhogpur with Rs. 90 crore, Mukerian to Pathankot with Rs. 300 crore have already been completed. 

         The spokesman further informed that the remaining stretch from Jalandhar to Dhillwan on NH-1 has been approved to convert into 6 lane which would give a big push to trade activities between Doaba and Majha region. Besides that 6 laning of three major links namely 4/6 laning of NH-95 from Kharar to Ludhiana, 4 laning of NH-21 from Kharar to Kurali has also been sanctioned, estimated to be  completed by December 2015, he added.

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SET UP ONLINE INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: MITTAL

•        HEALTH DEPARTMENT SIGNS MOU WITH C-DAC, NOIDA

•        SYSTEM WOULD BE HELPFUL IN ONLINE TRACKING OF DRUG INVENTORY AT VARIOUS LEVELS

•        NEW SYSTEM WOULD BRING TRANSPARENCY IN THE PROCUREMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS

•        THREE REGIONAL WAREHOUSES ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED   FOR STORAGE OF DRUGS & MEDICINES

 

Chandigarh, July 16: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab has decided to set up scientifically designed Warehouses for storage and distribution of medicines and putting in place an online inventory management system for ensuring effective online management and monitoring of drugs storage and distribution at various warehouses and Govt health facilities across the state of Punjab.

The MoU for setting up of Online Inventory Management Systems was signed here between the C-DAC, Noida and Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab in the august presence of Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Punjab.

Mr. Mittal divulging about new system said that three regional warehouses are being constructed at Amritsar, Bathinda and Kharar (Mohali) as per the designs of warehouses of Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC). Construction of these three Regional Warehouses is expected to be completed by 31st Oct, 2013.

Health Minister said that for online inventory management, the matter was taken up with C-DAC who has developed Online Inventory Management Systems for Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Ltd, Rajasthan for developing the implementing the similar systems in the State of Punjab. He added that the online inventory management system is expected to be operational soon.

 He said that the online inventory management system will bring more transparency in the procurement and distribution of drugs and consumables and establish online link between State Headquarter, Regional warehouses and hospitals.

Minister added that the new system would enable assessment of requirements of drugs as per the past consumption pattern, deciding reordering levels, identify fast and slow moving drugs, Monitor testing of drugs by generating secret codes, monitor value of drugs drawn from the stores by the hospitals vis-a-vis performance/ norm/ workload/ entitlement of the hospitals.

Present on the occasion Mrs Vini Mahajn Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare informed that each and every batch of drugs will be easily locatable, Online tracking of drug inventory at various health institutions in the state, supplier wise track record to provide a profile of suppliers, tracking of supplies from the manufacturing premises of the suppliers to the Regional Warehouses.

                   Mr. Husan Lal MD Punjab Health Services Corporation briefing about the Online Inventory Management System said that this system is expected to streamline the supply chain management of medicines and consumables at various Government Health Institutions across the State of Punjab. 

Others prominent present on the occasion were Dr. Ashok Nayar, Director Health Punjab and Dr. Rajesh Sharma Joint Director PHSC.

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      GoI OKAYS COAL SUPPLY OF ONE LAC TONNE FOR FIRST UNIT OF 700 MW RAJPURA TPP

·        MoP NOTIFIES 2ND UNIT OF RAJPURA AND 2ND & 3RD UNITS OF TALWANDI SABO FOR 2014-15

 ·        LANDMARK DECISION BELIES OPPOSITION’s CANARD AGAINST STATE GOVERNMENT’s FIRM RESOLVE TO MAKE PUNJAB POWER SURPLUS

 Chandigarh, July 15

          Affirming the readiness of the L&T Thermal Power Plant (TPP) at Rajpura to commence power generation, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), GoI has confirmed the supply of one lac tonne of coal for the trial run of its first unit (700 MW), slated to be made operational during January, 2014. Some time back a similar confirmation of readiness had been made by CEA for the trial run of the first unit (660 MW) of the Sterlite group's power plant near Talwandi Sabo, to be made operational in September 2013.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Chief Engineer, Operation Monitoring Division of CEA has asked the Coal India Limited (CIL) to supply the aforesaid quantity of coal to the Rajpura and Talwandi Sabo TPPs in order to carry out the pre-commissioning/synchronization activities, coal for carpeting, trial run etc.

                   It was also informed that, on the personal intervention of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Ministry of Power, GoI has also acceded to his request by issuing a notification asking Coal India Ltd. to sign Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA) to include the Unit-1 of Talwandi Sabo TPP and Unit-1 of Rajpura TPP for 2013-14 besides Talwandi Sabo TPP unit 2&3 and Rajpura TPP Unit 2 for 2014-15. Earlier, the Ministry of Power (CEA) had not included fuel linkage and signing of FSA (Fuel Supply Agreement) for Talwandi Sabo Unit 2&3 and Rajpura unit 2 in the year 2014-15 and had pushed them to 2015-16. 

          This landmark decision assumes paramount significance at this crucial juncture especially in the wake of ever increasing demand of power in the state. To tide over the gulf between the demand and supply of power, the GoI’s directive to the CIL for assured supply of coal to these plants would not only pave a way for the timely power generation to augment its supply on one hand and also silence the opposition for spreading malicious propaganda against the state government’s concerted efforts to make Punjab, self-reliant in the power sector. With the assured supply of coal to the upcoming thermal plants in Punjab, the state government was zeroing in to achieve its ultimate goal of generating additional power of 3920 MW, spokesperson added.

PUNJAB TO FORMULATE SPECIALIZED POLICY TO PRESERVE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE

 

Chandigarh July 15:  Putting a Rs. 100 crore culture Preservation plan on fast track, the Punjab government had signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) with UNESCO to prepare a appropriate and specialized policy for preservation of heritage and culture of Punjab.

Stating this here today a spokesman of the department of Cultural Affairs Punjab said that Punjab was the first state in the country that had chosen professional model to preserve oldest cultural heritage of the state.

               He said Punjab was rich in tangible and intangible cultural heritage ranging from archaeological remains of the 5,000 year old Indus civilization right up to the planning and construction of Chandigarh. He said that this heritage of the state displayed rich evidence of being a thriving and much sought about gateway to the subcontinent and a key stop along important trade routes such as the linkages to the Silk road and later the Grand Trunk Road; encompassing not only tangible assets of archaeology and architecture, but a rich philosophy, poetry, spirituality, crafts, artistry, music, cuisine and multifold traditions.

            Department of Culture, Archaeology and Museum had taken a unique and visionary initiative to develop a State Cultural Heritage Policy in order to guide the use of Rs 100 crore funds in all fields with relevance to the cultural heritage and helping to improve institutional, legal and other frameworks to better preserve, manage and sustainably use its cultural heritage.

                 He said that the Punjab government had sought the assistance of UNESCO, New Delhi whose mandate was to protect and promote natural and cultural heritage, tangible and intangible, moveable and immoveable while enhancing international mutual understanding among nations and people. He said that in the first phase focus would be on preservation of Monuments/Museums identified by UNESCO. He said that the archival heritage had been identified as a major strength of the state government and efforts were also being made to preserve and conserve these by adopting modern and scientific techniques.

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PUNJAB SETS TARGET TO PLANT 4.75 CRORE SAPLINGS: JAYANI

CHANDIGARH, JULY 15:

Punjab Government has set a target to plant 4.75 crore saplings in the year 2013-14 through the Forest Department. Divulging this here today Mr. Surjit kumar Jayani, Forest Minister said that the Department has already launched a special tree plantation campaign for the ongoing monsoon season. 

The Minister said that vacant government land suitable for plantation  has been identified to increase area under forests. He added that department would also facilitate people who want to plant saplings personally in their lands to make Punjab Greener.

Mr. Jayani has also appealed the people to plant more and more plants to save our planet and make lives healthy. He called upon them to celebrate their special occasions by tree plantation.

Minister further said that Punjab Government has also chalked out a plan to buy land to increase area under forests. He added that Punjab Government has also launched a 'Greening Punjab Mission' to double the area under forests from 7 % to 15% in the coming seven years.

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PROCESS FOR 6 LANING OF KHARAR-LUDHIANA ROAD STARTS: DHILLON

·       WORK TO BEGIN FROM MARCH 2014

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 15:

The Punjab Government has initiates the process for 6 laning of Kharar-Ludhiana road which would prove to be a big push to strengthen the infrastructure in the state.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Public Works Department Minister, said that necessary file work has been started to get all kind of approvals for this 1000 crore ambitious projects and construction work to be started on March 2014.

Stating this road as a life line of the entire Malwa region, Mr Dhillon said that this project would include 68 kilometer stretch from Sector-38 Chandigarh to Ludhiana via Kharar, which would be converted into 6 lane. 

Mr Dhillon further informed that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr Parkash singh Badal and visionary guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab is all set to become the state, having best road connectivity in the country. He said that 175 KM road  from Sambhu Border–Jalandhar with the cost of Rs 1500 crore, 44 KM from Bhogpur-Mukerian with  Rs 300 crore, 102 KM from Pathankot to Amritsar with Rs 800 crore and 78 KM from Ludhiana to Talwandi worth Rs 479 crore have also been under  construction.

The Minister informed that four major four lane projects were under construction in the state including 56 kilometer long Ropar-Chamkaur Sahib-Neelon-Doraha (along Sirhind Canal), 30 kilometer long Morinda-Kurali-Siswan-Baddi, 30 kilometer long Kot Kapura-Sri Muktsar Sahib and 36 kilometer long Batala-Mehta-Beas. He said that these projects would also be completed soon, which would provide a big sigh of relief to daily commuters from traffic congestions besides saving their precious time and energy.

          Mr. Dhillon said that SAD-BJP Government was committed for the overall development of the state and in future more road construction projects would be started for the public convenience.

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SOCIAL SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN & CHILDREN DEPARTMENT INVITES FRESH APPLICATIONS FOR TEN DIFFERENT POSTS 

Chandigarh, July 15: Punjab Social Security and Development Of Women & Children Department invites fresh applications  for  One Programme Manager (Child Protection), One Programme Manager (Training IEC & Advocacy), One Programme Officer (Child in Need of Care & Protection), One Programme Officer (Juveniles in Conflicts with law), One Programme Officer ( Training), One Programme Officer ( IEC & Advocacy), One Accountants Officer, One Accountant, Four  Assistant cum Computer Operator and One Accounts Assistant in the Punjab State Child Protection Society under Integrated Child Protection Society(ICPS).

Official Spokesperson of the Department said that these fresh Applications are invited in continuation of the advertisement given on 9th July, 2011 and last date for receipt of applications in the office is 26th July, 2013. He said that age limit for these posts are 21 to 40 years as on closing date of application.

He said that applications should be strictly sent on the prescribed format given by registered post only. The candidate should specify on the top of the envelop name and category of the post applied for.

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PUBJAB NIGHT POLICING SCHEME STARTED

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would launch Punjab Night Policing Scheme, a first-ever initiative in India, at Khanpur (Kharar) on Sunday i.e. 14th July, 2013 at 7.00 pm by unveiling the foundation stone. He would interact with media persons at CGC, Campus, Gharuan at 7.30 pm after flagging off the vehicles. You are kindly requested to cover this event and oblige.

Note: For any assistance please contact Mr. Randeep S. Ahluwalia, PRO/Punjab Police (98884-53466) and Mr. Surjit Singh Saini, DPRO, SAS Nagar (97800-36238).

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL LAUNCHES UNIQUE STATEWIDE NIGHT PATROLLING SCHEME
v   AIMED TO INSTILL SENSE OF SECURITY  BESIDES GIVING FILLIP NIGHT COMMERCE AND TRADE
v   1,014 POLICE VEHICLES CARRYING AROUND 4000 POLICE PERSONNEL TO PATROL ALL VULNERABLE POINTS
v   7 HIGHWAY PATROL CENTERS (HPC) AND 15 AMBULANCE POINTS AT INTER-STATE BOUNDARIES OR ACCIDENT-PRONE POINTS
v   DEDICATED FUND ALLOCATION TO MEET FUEL REQUIREMENTS OF NPS VEHICLES

Khanpur(SAS Nagar), July 14: Punjab became the first state in the country to have dedicated police force for effective night policing as the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also holding the charge of Home Minister, has formally launched Night Policing Scheme (NPS) with dedicated 4000 police force with independent cadre, command and structure by flagging off a contingent of night patrolling vehicles and inaugurating Highway Patrol Centre at Khanpur ‘T’ point here today.
Later on interacting with media persons, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that the Night Policing Scheme (NPS) aims at augmenting and strengthening (through use of modern technology) the deployment of police personnel during night hours in the cities and towns of the State, as well as on the national and state highways and major roads of the State to instill a sense of security among the citizens of the State. He said that the coverage of NPS would extend to all entry/exit points, vulnerable points, sensitive institutions, and outlying residential colonies/areas etc., of all cities and major towns of the State.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the prevention and control of street crime, which directly affects the citizens, especially vulnerable sections like women and senior citizens, such as snatching of bags, jewellery, mobile-phones etc. in broad daylight by motorcycle and scooter-borne youth, and organized/semi-organized gangs was a major challenge before our force in the recent past. He said that as a result of a concerted drive against such offenders in different districts, the snatching cases in the State have come down drastically.
Explaining the key objectives of NPS, Mr. Badal expressed confidence that it would give a fillip to night commerce and trade, and provide a security umbrella to restaurants, dhabas, eateries, street-hawkers, industrial labour and other night-shift workers such as doctors, nurses, Call-center employees, toll-barrier and excise barrier employees etc. This scheme was also aimed at prevention of offences such as thefts and burglaries, especially from banks and ATMs, carjacking, truck-jacking, robberies of high value items such as copper and nickel. Increased police presence at night would also serve to deter all kinds of criminal and anti-social elements as well as offences such drunken driving, over-speeding and rash driving, thus saving precious lives. It was also expected to curb smuggling, illicit distillation of liquor, boot-legging etc. It should also result in increased excise revenue collections by curbing economic offences and illegal mining, he added  
Mr. Badal revealed that a proper supervisory structure was also being put in place to ensure proper supervision and control over the police deployment under the NPS. A Night Duty Roster would also be issued, mentioning the duties of SPs, DSPs, SHOs, and other police officers at night. A rotation system of duties has been worked out for ensuring adequate rest to the police force. The operation of the NPS would be monitored directly by senior police formations of the State on a daily basis.
Mr. Badal said that more than 4000 police personnel, dedicated exclusively for night-time policing, would be out on the road and streets of the State at night, including the police deployment on 62 highway patrol vehicles, 22 ambulances, cranes and recovery vans. In addition, a large number of officers of various ranks would also be deployed in the districts every night. About 1,014 Police vehicles, both four-wheelers and motorcycles, carrying around 2500 police personnel would patrol the cities, towns, outlying colonies vulnerable points, and highways during the night hours. More than 350 static points would also be covered every night all over the State. 22 Ambulance Points have been set-up on various national highways and state highways of the State. Accident-prone road-stretches have been especially kept in mind for setting these ambulance points. Similarly, the present deployment of Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles and manpower would also be dovetailed with the Night time deployment to achieve best results. Traffic calming measures were being carried out at such stretches, along with the PWD and other agencies & departments of the State.
He further said that 7 Highway Patrol Centers (HPC) were also being set-up either at inter-state boundaries or accident-prone points. The highway patrol vehicles were in the process of being equipped with different kinds of security gadgets, such as Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL), Mobile Data Terminals (MDT), ‘Police Line’ Tape Rolls, First-Aid kits etc. as technology enablers for the police personnel. It would be possible to track the location of Highway Patrol vehicles through AVLs, both at the State Command Centre as well as District Control Rooms. Mobile Data Terminals would enable the police personnel deployed on the HPV to check the ownership of suspicious vehicles on the spot. 
The Deputy Chief Minister said that all the police personnel deployed under the Night Policing Scheme (NPS) would be equipped with fluorescent vests, reflective batons, LED torches, and suitable weapons. A separate and dedicated POL allocation is being made for NPS vehicles to ensure an adequate supply of POL in all districts of the State.
Mr. Sumedh Singh, Director General of Police, Punjab and Mr. Dinkar Gupta, Additional DGP/Security were present on the occasion.
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BADAL SLAMS UPA GOVERNMENT FOR ANOTHER HIKE IN PETROL PRICE
DESCRIBES IT AS AN ANTI-POOR, IRRATIONAL AND RETROGRADE STEP
Chandigarh, July 14-
       The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today assailed the Congress led UPA government for yet another hike of  Rs.1.55 paise per litre in the petrol price and described it as ‘an absolutely irrational, anti-poor and a retrograde step’, which would further invoke inflationary trend in the economy.        
In a statement, Mr. Badal took the UPA Government to the task for having given free hand the country’s oil companies to hike the rates of the petroleum products as and when they deem it fit, by doing so they were arbitrarily increasing these rates frequently and making the plight of common man from sad to worse.This hike in the price of petrol with in a period of little over one month spoke volumes UPA government’s complete insensitivity towards  the welfare of the  common man, which in their parlance ‘Aam Adami’ was now its least priority. Mr. Badal cautioned the Congress government to desist from such anti- people stance, that has unmasked its real face adding he said the countrymen, by and large were fed with autocratic style of congress party’s functioning and anxiously waiting for an appropriate opportunity to teach them a befitting lesson thereby showing them a door forever in the next Lok Sabha polls.

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BADAL INDISPOSED: CANCEL ALL HIS PRE-SCHEDULED ENGANGEMENTS
GIDDERBAHA SANGAT DARSHAN PROGRAM TO BE HELD NOW FROM AUG 6-8
Chandigarh, JULY 14-
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cancelled all his pre-scheduled engagements and meetings due to his ill health, slated to be held here on Sunday as well as his three-day ‘Sangat Darshan Program’ in Gidderbaha assembly segment of Muktsar district from July 15 to 17.
        Disclosing this here today, the spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that now the sangat darshan program would be held at Gidderbaha from August 6 to 8 as decided by Mr. Badal. The doctors attending on the Chief Minister has advised him to take complete bed rest and avoid travelling for next couple of days as he was down with viral fever.
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CITIES FACELIFT ON AGENDA, BHAGAT DISBURSED RS. 402 CRORE TO ALL 145 LOCAL BODIES
CHANDIGARH, JULY 14:
            The Local Bodies department disbursed grant in aid worth Rs. 402.08 crore to all the 145 local bodies of the state to compensate them for the loss of octroi. This grant meant for the overall development of the cities. It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Local Bodies, Punjab here today.
            The Minister said that the grant in aid was provided to the local bodies out of the collection of the VAT. He said that the funds were provided to the Local Government for the first quarter of the current financial year 2013-14 and in total Rs. 402.08 crore was disbursed to the local government. The respective Local Bodies included Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Panchayats would use this grant for providing better basic amentias and setting up modern infrastructure.
The Minister while divulging the detail of the amount disbursed to the different Local Bodies, said that Municipal Corporation Ludhiana has been disbursed an amount of Rs. 99.77 crore, Municipal Corporation Jalandhar Rs. 42.09 crore, Municipal Corporation Amritsar Rs. 35.39 crore, Municipal Corporation Bathinda Rs. 17.98 crore, Municipal Corporation Mohali Rs. 13.93 crore and Municipal Corporation Patiala has been provided the finical assistance of Rs. 9.77 crore.
Mr. Bhagat reiterated the SAD-BJP Government resolve to enact total facelift of all the cities by providing the citizen basic amentias coupled with ultra modern infrastructure.

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10 COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS TO BE DEDICATED TO THE PUBLIC BY SEPTEMBER: DHILLON
CHANDIGARH, JULY 14: 
The Punjab PWD is all set to dedicate 10 World Class community health centres to the state by September 2013. The construction work of all these community health centres is almost complete and final touches are being given to these centres.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister said that community health centres were constructed according to the latest guidelines of World Health Organization keeping in view the changing requirements of health services centres.   He said that 97% construction work of these health centres has been completed and by September 2013 these centres would be dedicated to the people of Punjab. He said that these state-of-the-art buildings were on advanced stage of completion with a total cost of Rs. 50.38 crores at Chowk Mehta in Amritsar District, Dhaliwal in Gurdaspur District, Bharatgarh in Roop Nagar district, Benewal and Harta Badla in Hoshiarpur district, Koom Kalan in Ludhiana District, Doodhan Sadhan in Patiala District, Lalru in Ajitgarh(Mohali),  Khera in Fatehgarh Sahib District and Bareta in Mansa district. 
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PUNJAB APPROVES CONSTRUCTION OF LABOUR SHEDS AT DISTRICT AND SUB DIVISIONAL LEVEL: JAYANI
SHEDS TO BE CONSTRUCTED WITH THE COST OF RS 10 CRORE
CHANDIGARH, JULY 14:
The Punjab government has approved the construction of labour sheds at district and sub division level to provide basic facilities to labourers.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani, Labour Welfare Minister, Punjab said that labour sheds would be constructed at district and sub division level across the state with the cost of Rs 10 crore.
He said that the maps of labour sheds have already been passed and Municipal Committees would provide land for construction of Sheds at district and sub divisional level. He added that the department of labour welfare would provide money to Municipal Committees to construct these Sheds.
Minister said that sitting arrangements, drinking water and washrooms facilities would be provided at the Sheds. He said that the department has decided to give walls of the Sheds to advertising agencies to display their boards or flex boards and the money collected from this would be spent on maintenance of the sheds. ‘Welfare schemes run by the labour department would also be displayed on the walls of the sheds’, the minister added.
He further said that in the lack of proper place for labourers who seeking work, they have to face problems in the rainy season and summers. Now With the construction of labour Sheds they could easily sit there for seeking work and common man easily find labourers from proper place.
Minister further said that the Punjab government is committed to labourers welfare. Keeping in view recently the state government has been increase the scholarship and Shagun scheme amount of registered labourers with Punjab building and other construction workers welfare board.

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FOUR HIGH LEVEL BRIDGES BE READY BY FEBRUARY 2014: DHILLON

CHANDIGARH, JULY 13:

Punjab would soon witness the four state of the art ultra modern high level brides. The Construction work is in full swing and it would be completed by February, 2014 by all means. The total expenditure on these bridges would be Rs 266 crore. These bridges would be opened for the Public in February, said Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon Public Works Minister, Punjab here today.

Reviewing the progress of this project Mr. Dhillon said that the bridge at Ludhiana-Rahon raod near village matewara on Satluj River is being constructed with the cost of 62.58 crore, bridge near Abadgarh-Meerthal- Patran on Chaki River with the cost of 61.45 crore, bridge at Jhanda-Lubana-Dhonoa-Mukerian road on Beas river near Dhanoa Patan with the cost of 56.50 crore and bridge at Roopnagar bypass on Satluj river with the cost of 79.61 crore. He said that the 60% construction work on these Bridges has been completed whereas the remaining work would be completed by February, 2014.

Mr. Dhillon said that bridge on Sirhind Canal with the cost of 11.44 crore at Roopnagar bypass has been completed which would soon be opened for public.

The Minister said that the Punjab Government has decided to upgrade the road infrastructure to de-escalate the traffic problems in the state. He said that with this motive in mind the high level bridges are being built. He said that Punjab government has constructed 6 high level bridges with the cost of 153.01 crore during the last five years.

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MALUKA HANDS OVER REGULAR JOB LETTERS TO 95 ON COMPASSIONATE GROUND

CHANDIGARH, JULY 13:

Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka today handed over regular job letters to 95 dependents of deceased employees of education department on compassionate ground.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the education department said that the job letters were handed over in a simple but impressive function. He said that out of these 95 candidates, 32 candidates were handed over job letter for the post of clerk, 52 candidates for the post of Senior Lab attendants (SLA) and 11 candidates were given the regular job letter for Class IV post.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Maluka said that the Punjab Government is duty bound for the look after of the families of the deceased employees. While congratulating the candidates for their selection into the government job the Minister persuaded them to work with full sincerity and dedication.

Prominent among other who were present on the occasion included Mr.Kamal Garg DPI (secondary), Mrs. Darshan Kaur DPI (elementary) and Mrs. Parampal Kaur, Additional state project director.

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PUNJAB RESERVES SEATS FOR KASHMIRI MIGRANTS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 13:

       The Punjab Government reserved 1 seat in various courses in admissions for Kashmiri Migrants.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the state government after considering the guidelines issued by All India Council for Technical Education and Ministry of Human Resources development has reserved one seat in each Engineering/MBA/MCA/M-Pharma/B-Pharma/Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Punjabi University, Engineering Colleges and Polytechnic Colleges of the state for admission of Kashmiri Migrants for the academic session 2013-2014.

He said that the counseling of the candidates would be held on August 2, 2013 in the committee room of Directorate of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab, plot No.1, Sector 36-A Chandigarh. The last date of submission of complete application July 26, 2013 positively. The other details about courses and guidelines for admission and prescribed Performa are available on the directorate’s website www.dtepunjab.gov.in

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PUNJAB LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY ORGANIZES COLLOQUIUM ON MEDIATION

CHANDIGARH, JULY 13

                        The Punjab Legal Services Authority, today, organized a Colloquium on Mediation in the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Chandigarh which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Patron-in-Chief, Punjab Legal Services Authority. Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K. Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India, graced the occasion.

                        The purpose of the Mediation Colloquium was a step   towards the reduction in the huge pendency of cases by sensitizing both the Bench and the Bar, where, Mediation Centers have already been functioning.  In all, 150 Judicial Officers and 250 Advocates, from 12 Districts and various Sub-Divisions were sensitized as to how effectively to resort to Alternative Dispute Redressal through Mediation and so as to reduce the burden on the courts. It may be recounted that this was the first ever such exercise undertaken at this large scale to impress upon the Advocates to utilize their skills as Mediators and also the Judicial Officers so as to help effectively to reduce the backlog of cases and to assist the fresh litigation wherever the same can be nipped in the bud in the form of resolving pre-litigation cases through amicable settlement.

                        Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K. Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India, shared meaningful illustrations and impressed upon the need to adopt this noble forum of disputes redressal as a sacred duty.

                        Hon’ble Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court highlighted the benefits of Alternative Dispute Redressal Mechanism and especially the Mediation in an impressive manner and strictly directing the Judicial Officers across the State to compulsorily invoke provisions pertaining to ideas in each and every case, as their pious duty.

                        Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jasbir Singh, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Punjab Legal Services Authority, Hon’ble Mr. Justice S.K. Mittal, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Haryana State Legal Services Authority and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Hemant Gupta, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, State Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh also shared their valuable views regarding the efficacy of ADR System and impressed upon the Advocates to contribute their skills in this  Mediation process in the larger public interest of the entire  Nation.

                        The Colloquium was consisting of two Sessions , Chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice K. Kannan, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court.   Ms. Asha Menon, Member Secretary, National Legal Services Authority, New Delhi, Mr. J.P. Singh, Senior Advocate, Delhi High Court, Mr. Sudhanshu Batra and Dr. Sudhir Jain, Judge Incharge, Delhi Mediation Centre (all the Panelists) apprised the delegates about the mechanism of Mediation Process and effective implementation thereof through reconciliation/mediation.  The significant Colloquium was also attended by a large number of Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court and other dignitaries.  This Colloquium was unique exercise and first of its kind to sensitize the Advocates towards their pious duty of contributing towards mechanism.  This Colloquium  evoked a very good response from  the delegates  and is being considered  to be very significant in more than one way,  as it is now not hidden fact that the mantra of arresting  huge pendency of cases  lies  in ADR  System,  which also  includes Mediation.

                        The Colloquium ended with a vote of thanks.

Jadish Tytler Case

Chandigarh July 12 - The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal  today hailed the
refusal  of the Supreme Court to stay proceedings on framing of charges on murder and rioting against Congress leader Jadish Tytler,
one of the key men believed to have orchestrated the bloodiest massacre in free India’s history.


In a statement here, the Chief Minister said, ”It  is  only just, right and fair that the apex court has taken note of the criminal
30-year long  delay in the delivery of justice and relief  to the victims of the of the 1984 massacre of innocent Sikhs and punishment
to the  goons and their patrons in high positions of power at that time. If the government of the day has any conscience, it should read
the message in the observation of the apex court highlighting the three decade long wait for justice. For these three decades,  the
guilty have not only been roaming the streets of Delhi proudly but have even been elevated to the highest portals of power.  It is
already past high time that the Congress heeded the call from the highest seat of judicial authority in the country.”

   The Shiromani Akali Dal president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was even more direct and severe on the Congress-led UPA government on the issue. In his reaction, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said, “The SC refusal to stay proceedings against Tytler and its observations on the delay in brining the guilty to book are  a resounding slap on face of those who have been  misusing positions of power in the UPA to shield the guilty. What worse damnation of a government’s deliberate attempts to shield the guilty can there be than that the highest court of the land should express deep anguish over and disapproval of the willful delay in punishing those responsible for the massacre of innocent Sikhs in  November 1984.
  The Deputy CM said that the  Congress-led UPA government lacks the moral courage to  move against the guilty as the entire tragedy was scripted and enacted the instance of the most powerful people in the Congress at that time. The Congress should heed the SC warning and stop rubbing salt into the wounds of the innocent victims by protecting the guilty through misuse of authority. The massacre
remains the darkest blot on the conscience of the nation, but does the Congress have a conscience? The answer is a positive ‘no’, “ said the Deputy Chief Minister.

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SUKHBIR GIVES NOD TO SCHEDULE OF 4TH WORLD CUP KABADDI

10 MEN AND 7 WOMEN TEAMS TO VIE FOR RECORD PRIZE MONEY OF Rs. 8.92 CRORE 

PRIZE MONEY OF WOMEN TEAM DOUBLED TO Rs. 1 CRORE FOR WINNER, 51 LAKH FOR RUNNERS UP, Rs. 25 LAKH FOR THIRD POSITION 

SANCTIONS Rs. 20 FOR FOURTH EDITION OF WORLD CUP KABADDI 

KENYA TO SENT WOMEN KABADDI TEAM 

COACHES TO BE SENT TO ALL COUNTRIES TO TRAIN THEIR TEAMS

 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 12: The Punjab is all set for 4th World Cup Kabaddi with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal presiding over the organizing committee gave final touches to its schedule.

            The World Cup Kabaddi would be held from 9 to 23 November and inaugural function would be held at multipurpose stadium Bathinda while the teams would clash for World Cup title at Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana. The league matches would be played in 13 stadiums including outdoor stadium Hoshiapur, Guru Nanak Stadium Amritsar, Sports Stadium Doda, War Heroes Stadium Sangrur, Nehru Stadium Ropar, Sports Stadium Chohla Sahib, Sports Stadium Jalalabad, Government College Gurdaspur, NM Government College Mansa. The Semifinals for men would be held at Bathinda whereas Final of women would be held at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar.

            Doubling the prize money for the women, Mr. Badal said that the winner team would get Rs. 1 crore, with Rs. 51 lakh for second and Rs. 25 lakh for third position. In the men section winner team would get Rs. 2 crore, with Rs. 1 crore for runners up and Rs. 51 lakh for third position. Participating teams would get Rs. 15 lakh each.

            Approving Rs. 20 crore budget for the 4th World Cup Kabaddi, Mr. Badal said that glittering opening and closing ceremonies will be telecasted live throughout the country and in Canada, USA and UK also. In the men team 10 teams including India, Argentina, USA, UK, Canada, Pakistan, Seirra Leone, Iran, Scotland, Kenya and Denmark would participate whereas in the women section India, USA, UK, Turkmenistan, Denmark and Kenya would participate.

            Issuing strict instructions for ensuring dope free tournament, Mr. Badal said that every participant player would have to undergo dope test as prescribed by NADA and sanctioned Rs. 50 lakh budget for dope tests.

Reiterating his commitment to take kabaddi to Olympic level, Mr. Badal issued instructions to Sports Department to sent Kabaddi coaches to all participating countries to give them technical training for three months so that all teams should come fully prepared for the 4th World Cup Kabaddi.

            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Member Parliament, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Mr. Pawan Kumar Teenu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA, Mr. N.S. Kang, FCR, Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. S.S. Channi, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industries, Mr. Anurag Verma, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Mr. A.Venu Prasad, Secretary Urban Development, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Sports, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Chief Administrator PUDA, Mr. Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Director Sports and Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM.

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 BADAL ASKS NABARD TO FUND STATE SCHEMES UNDER ALLIED FARMING SECTOR AT PAR WITH AGRICULTURE

DEMANDS TO SLASH NABARD’S REFINANCE FROM 4.5% TO 2.5%

CHANDIGARH JULY 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the NABARD to provide finance to the allied farming sector on the interest at par with agriculture to give further impetus to the much needed agriculture diversification program in the state.   He also demanded to immediately slash the rate of interest on the NABARDs refinance from 4.5% to 2.5% to boost the rural economy. 

Delivering his address on the 32nd foundation day of NABARD here at Shivalik Hotel, Mr. Badal said that NABARD had been earlier providing refinance at 2.5% which had been now increased to 4.5% and impressed upon the NABARD to immediately reduce it to 2.5% so that the farmers could be provided loans at cheaper rate, which would also make the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) financially viable and enable the state government in converting PACS into Multi-purpose Cooperative societies by adding farmer friendly services.  He also pleaded for providing finance to allied sectors like dairy, piggery, bee-keeping, goatery on interest at par with agriculture in Punjab by NABARD.   Likewise, Mr. Badal also urged the NABARD to immediately do away with the condition of capping of Rs.30 lakh for house loan and Rs.1 lakh for repair/renovation/enhancement. Mr. Badal also asked the NABARD to work out a scheme to arrest the growing trend of heavy migration of population from rural to urban area, by giving the rural economy a big boost.    

Appreciating NABARD for providing concessional funds under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund for upgrading rural infrastructure in the State, Mr. Badal revealed that  an amount of Rs. 495 crore has been earmarked for the current fiscal and demanded the amount to be at least  doubled to Rs. 1000 crore. 

Showing concern over the 22% decline in the share of agriculture and allied sector in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state despite the fact of rapid progress in agriculture sector, Mr. Badal called upon the NABARD to play a pro-active role to facilitate the developmental efforts of the state government. He said that the state government in its own humble way has laid special thrust on the diversification of agriculture and was facilitating the farmers for adoption of latest techniques and technology in ushering an era of second green revolution.  He also lauded the efforts of NABARD to issue Kisan Credit Cards and Rupay Kisan Credit Cards, a new farmer-friendly service to be launched soon for helping them to withdraw money like any other credit cards. 

The Chief Minister also said that the state government had already initiated computerisation of all the cooperative banks in the state to make them competitive with other banks and thus all the 842 branches of cooperative banks would function online by 15 August, 2013.  On the occasion, Mr. Badal also inaugurated the evening branches of cooperative bank at Amritsar and Bathinda besides releasing a compendium ‘Vikas Jyoti’ highlighting various developmental and promotion initiatives taken in Punjab by NABARD.  He also felicitated 21 partner agencies like commercial banks, regional rural banks, cooperative banks, PACS, PADBs, self help groups, joint liability groups, NGOs, etc for their commendable efforts at the grassroots in the development process of the state.    

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his principal secretary Mr. SK Sandhu.  Prominent amongst others who were present in the function included chief managing director NABARD Mr. Naresh Gupta and general manager NABARD Punjab Mr. DD Mishra. ..

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CM ASKS GOI TO INSTALL STATUE OF BHAI MAHARAJ SINGH IN PARLIAMENT

BADAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST MARTYR OF INDIAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE

ASKS LUDHIANA MAYOR TO INSTALL STATUE OF BHAI MAHARAJ SINGH AT A SUITABLE PLACE IN THE CITY

WORK ON JANG-E-AZAADI MEMORIAL TO INITIATE SOON

Rabbon Uchi (Ludhiana), July 12-

To perpetuate the glorious legacy of Indian freedom martyrs, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union government to install a statue of Bhai Maharaj Singh at Parliament House in New Delhi, to pay a befitting tribute to the first martyr of the national freedom struggle.

Addressing a mammoth gathering at a state level function to mark the martyrdom day of Bhai Maharaj Singh here today, the Chief Minister said that this valiant hero had laid down his life for the cause of national freedom thereby igniting a spark amongst the countrymen to uproot the Mighty British Raj from the nation, which ultimately resulted in India’s independence in year 1947. He said that realizing the utmost contribution of Bhai Maharaj Singh the Union government should install his statue to perpetuate the legacy of this great martyr for our coming generations. Mr. Badal asked the Mayor of Municipal Corporation Ludhiana, who was also present on the occasion, to erect statue of Bhai Maharaj Singh at an appropriate place in the city as a heroic tribute to this national hero.

The Chief Minister further said that it was a matter of great pride for them that 90% of the martyrs of the national freedom struggle belonged to the state adding that the Punjabis had played a vanguard role in emancipating the country from the yoke of foreign imperialism. Reiterating that the state government was duty bound to preserve Punjab’s rich heritage of sacrifice, nationalism and patriotism amongst the coming generations, he said that keeping in view this fact they were constructing Jang-e-Azaadi Memorial near Jalandhar, the work on which would initiate soon. Mr. Badal said that this state of art memorial would showcase the immense contribution made by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle besides highlighting the watershed movements of freedom struggle like Kuka, Ghadar and Kamagatamaru episode.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjabis have inherited the traits of sacrifice and martyrdom from the Sikh Gurus who have taught us to vehemently raise voice against the oppression, injustice and tyranny. Mr. Badal said that owing to this only Punjabis have made countless sacrifices during the national freedom struggle and the list of renowned and unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in freedom struggle of the country was very long. He said that the supreme sacrifices made by Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Udham Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai and others had forced the Britishers to leave the nation adding that as a tribute to all these great warriors the state government was constructing befitting memorials for them besides organizing state level functions to mark the important days related to their life.

However the Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that even after passing of more than 65 years of independence the dreams of the freedom fighters have not been fulfilled yet. He said that owing to the misrule of the Congress, which had remain at the helms of affairs at the centre for a majority of period, the countrymen were confronting the maladies like Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment corruption and others. Mr. Badal said that despite of the fact that Punjabis have made enormous contribution in the freedom struggle the Union government had meted out step motherly treatment to it by snatching its capital and depriving it of its legitimate share in river waters. He said that not only this but the Congress governments had given a major blow to the psyche of Punjabis by irrelevantly meddling in the social, political, economic and even the religious affairs of the state.

On the occasion Speaker of Punjab Assembly Mr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Chairman Punjab State Subordinate Services Board Jathedar Santa Singh Umedpuri, former Minister Mr. Jagdish Singh Garcha, former MLAs Mr Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal and Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi also addressed the gathering.        

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HIGH LEVEL DELEGATION CALLS ON CM AND KAIRON

DELEGATION LEADER EVINCE KEEN INTEREST IN IT AND FOOD PROCESSING

PROMISES TO MAKE HUGE INVESTMENTS IN PUNJAB

PLANS TO SET UP ELECTRONIC CITY IN MOHALI

CHANDIGARH JULY 12:

A six-member high level delegation led by the Representative, Taipei Economic & Cultural Center in Delhi Mr. CK Tien today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and evinced keen interest in the food processing and information technology (IT) sector thereby making huge investments in setting up joint ventures in these fields.     

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the chief minister’s office said that Mr. Tien apprised the chief Minister that Taiwan had age old ties with India since long spanning over 150 years.  He said that Taiwan had a well knit network of food processing and IT industry and the entrepreneurs there in these spheres could replicate their success stories in Punjab as there was huge potential of growth in both IT as well as agro-processing industry. 

The Chief Minister assured the visiting delegation that the state government would provide all possible assistance and cooperation in setting up joint ventures especially in food processing as Punjab had a strong agriculture base being pre-dominantly as an agrarian state.   Likewise, state lucrative an investor-friendly investment policy would also help the prospective industrialists and investors to invest in Punjab, which had a bright future besides now the state was being looked at as the most preferred investment destination not only in the country but across the globe also. 

Later the delegation  also called on the Food & IT Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon at Punjab Bhawan this afternoon and further discussed the modalities for planning investments in IT and food processing sector in view of the incentives in the latest investment policy, which had not only assured handsome returns on the investments by the investors but also taken care of all sorts of requisite permissions/ sanctions for setting up of industrial units on fast track without any hassles.  Mr. Kairon also informed the delegation that they would be entitled for far-more liberal concessions on the food processing units according to the latest investment policy with an objective to promote the state’s ambitious program of agriculture diversification. 

Mr. Tien assured the Food & IT Minister that they were planning to set up electronic city in India but shown keen desire to set up the same in the upcoming IT hub at Mohali following their detailed deliberations with both Chief Minister and IT Minister.  Likewise, he also expressed his interest to make lot of investment in food processing as they were already globally acknowledged as a key-player in the ‘Noodle’ manufacturing industry especially in China and now they were seriously contemplating to enter India particularly in Punjab for this industry as the state was the major producer of wheat and rice. 

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included principal secretary IT Mr. AR Talwar, secretary food & civil supplies Mr. DS Grewal and director food processing Mr. Amit Talwar. 

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150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMIVIVEKANAND BE OBSERVED IN A BEFITTING MANNER: PARKASH SINGH BADAL

SWAMI VIVEKANAND SAHITYA RATH FLAGGED OFF

CHANDIGARH JULY 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today flagged off the ‘Swami Vivekanand Sahitya Rath’ as part of the year long celebrations of 150th birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, the great spiritual ambassador and a distinguished philosopher. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Badal said that Swami Vivekanand was a great visionary who enlightened the souls of Indian youth. He assured the Members of the organizing committee constituted for the commemoration of 150th birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand that the state government would extend full cooperation in observing this mega event.  The Chief Minister also released the two books namely the ‘Patriot Monk’ and ‘Swami Vivekanand Ke Sapno Ka Bharat’ written on the life, philosophy and works of Swami Vivekanand ji.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chander Shekhar Talwar, Secretary of the Committee threw light on the series of programs which have been conducted so far to propagate the philosophy of Swami Vivekanand amongst the youth. He said that the main thrust of the celebrations was to spread the message of Swami ji amongst the younger generation particularly the students of different age-groups. He said that creative and literary activities like poster making competition, slogan writing competition, reading and writing competitions would be organized at various levels. Seminars/lecturers by eminent philosophers, educationists and academicians associated with work and life of Swami Vivekanand would also be organized.

 Prominent among other who attended the meeting included principal secretary to chief minister Mr. SK. Sandhu,  president state unit BJP Mr. Kamal Sharma, former MP and Advocate Satyapal Jain, Vice Chancellor, Sri Guru Ravidas Ayurvedic university Dr. O P Uppadhaya and Co-Secretary of the organizing committee Mr. Vijay Singh.

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BADAL MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF PADAM SHREE EYE SURGEON

DR. DHANWANT SINGH

 CHANDIGARH JULY 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the Padam Shree Dr. Dhanwant Singh Grewal, a noted eye surgeon, who passed away at Patiala after a brief illness on Thursday evening. 

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Dr. Dhanwant Singh as an accomplished eye surgeon who performed countless surgeries with utmost precision and diligence during his long career spanning over 60 years.  Dr. Dhanwant Singh was a great personality, committed to the welfare of poor and unprivileged, for which he often organized free eye treatment camps across the state with missionary zeal.  He was indeed, a guiding spirit for several upcoming doctors and surgeons in the field of ophthalmology not only in the country but abroad also.      

Mr. Badal shared his heart-felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, friends and relatives and prayed to the Almighty to give courage to bear this huge loss in this hour of grief and grant peace to the departed soul. 

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 SUKHBIR CONDOLES DEMISE OF RENOWNED OPHTHALMOLOGIST PADMA SHRI Dr. DHANWANT SINGH GREWAL

 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 12: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed grief over the demise of veteran and renowned Ophthalmologist of the region Padma Shri Dhanwant Singh Grewal (87), who passed away on Thursday night after a prolonged illness at Patiala.

In a condolence message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Mr. Grewal’s contribution in the field of Ophthalmology and eye surgery would always be remembered.

Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

The cremation ceremony would take place at Cremation Ground at Badungar at 11am on Friday.

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HALL GATE TO GOLDEN TEMPLE WILL HAVE HERITAGE FAÇADE- SUKHBIR

·         Reviews the development projects of Amritsar

·         Amritsar to be a international tourism centre- Approves many tourist oriented  projects

·         Forms committee to review the preservation of 140 old buildings

·         Ordered to install statues of Majha region martyrs in entire city

·         Shelters for city buses to construct with Nanakshahi bricks 

Amritsar, July 12 The Holy city of Amritsar is all set for total facelift as Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal approving a plan to change the façade of corridor to Golden Temple right from Hall Gate and give a feeling of heritage walk to all pilgrims coming to pay homage at Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Accompanied by Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Animal Husbandry Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, the Deputy Chief Minister, who was here to review the development projects of Amritsar and adjoining areas made a unscheduled program to walk through the lanes leading to Golden Temple and approved the total façade uplift to make it No. 1 tourist destination of the world. While reviewing the progress of Golden Plaza and other ongoing development projects here after paying obeisance at Golden Temple, Mr Badal said that nearly 1 lakh devotees visit Golden Temple daily and  the city has a large potential to emerge as a best tourist destination of the world. He   ordered the officials to ensure that the whole road from Hall Gate to Golden Temple should be given the heritage look according to the rich Sikh traditional values, which would send a strong message of humanity, brotherhood to the pilgrims. He said that all shops, houses should be colored with same colour, besides installing sign boards with same colour and size.  Mr Badal has also asked the officials to complete the work of Golden Plaza in next three months as he wanted it to dedicate the pilgrims till Diwali this year. 

Keeping in mind the need of tourists in the city, Deputy Chief Minister has ordered to engage the tourist guides with multilingual specialty, which would give a big push to tourism and employment. In another decision to boost tourism, Mr Badal has asked to use Nanakshahi bricks instead of concrete to construct the city bus shelters across the city.

Mr Badal has also asked the PWD and Cultural Affairs department to make a joint committee to review the preservation of 140 old buildings identified by Municipal Corporation. He said that this committee would check out to preserve the building having rare architect, art and demolished not having an archival value. To pay the tribute to all martyrs of Majha region, Deputy Chief Minister has also asked to install their statues in the entire city.  

While examining the progress of POD System from Railway station to Golden Temple, Mr Badal asked the PWD officials to prepare a plan for widening the Bhandari bridge as it connects the both sides of the city.

Stating the road connectivity as a base for development, Mr Badal has approved the 8 laning of Bhandari Bridge to Guru Nanak Dev University, 6 laning of Airport road, 4 laning of Sercular road. Besides those service lanes along with Amritsar-Ajnala road, Fatehgarh Churrian road, Amritsar-Batala road has also been sanctioned by the Deputy Chief Minister.  To ease out the traffic chaos   on Amritsar-Taran Taran road, Mr Badal has asked to construct a ROB at railway crossing.

Taking a serious note of problems occurred by the ongoing sewerage  projects, Mr Badal has strictly instructed the Municipal Corporation Officials to make sure that only the roads to be dug out, which could be build in 10-15 days.  At Ranjit Avenue, deputy Chief Minister has examined the construction of open air theater, Food court, Football and kabbadi stadium and asked to completed these projects in the given time frame.      

 ·        BE AWARE OF FAKE RECRUITMENTS ON THE NAME OF KISAN CALL CENTRE –SANDHU APPEALS GENERAL PUBLIC

·        BHARTI KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA, KISAN HELPLINE SERVICES AND KISAN SEVA KENDRA ARE NOT RELATED WITH DEPARTMENT OF AGRICLTURE, PUNJAB

Chandigarh: 12 July

             Punjab Government has issued an alert to public regarding fraud on the name of Kisan Call Centre and other fake Government Offices/Institutes. While disclosing this here today Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu has conveyed his message that if someone received a call from any company/agency regarding offering job which demands money for security/laptop then immediately inform Chief Agriculture Officer of your district. Dr. Sandhu also emphasized that such issue may also be brought in notice of Administration and Police Department of an area.

             Dr. Sandhu suggested that before applying and to deposit money against any vacancy, everyone is required to personally seek advice and authenticate the details with respective Govt. Department.  

            Director Agriculture also intimated that for information applicant/person can contact Directorate Agriculture during working hours on phone number 0172-5000091, 2601864 (9.00 morning -5.00 evening Monday- Friday)  .

          Dr. M.S. Sandhu also briefed that Govt. Departments never demand money on the name of Security/Laptop. He also pointed that in Punjab State Kisan Call Centre is run by IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) and Govt. of India has recognised IKSL to recruit manpower in Kisan Call Centre. No other Agency/Institute has authority to recruit manpower in Kisan Call Centre.

           Dr. Sandhu highlighted that so many complaints are being received regarding fake agencies/institutes are doing fraudulent practices by looting money from 10th or 12th standard educated candidates on the name of jobs in Kisan Call Centre and other bogus offices. Initially these suspicious agencies attracts unemployed youth by offering salary of rupees 15,000-20,000 and then they demand Rs. 15,000 as refundable advance money against security/laptop. Sometimes Rs.1000 are also demanded to send application form simply. These illegal organizations are frequently changing their names as Bharti Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kisan Helpline Services and Kisan Seva Kendra etc. and doing fraud with people. Some are also publishing their advertisements through newspapers /internet whereas others are doing these illegal activities through telephone and mobiles.

            Dr. M.S.Sandhu,Director Agriculture, Punjab humbly appealed public of State to remain awake regarding this type of fraud on the name of fake recruitments.

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TAIWAN OFFERS TO SETUP HARDWARE UNITS IN PUNJAB

 SUKHBIR PROPOSES TAIWAN ELECTRONIC CITY IN THE STATE

CHANDIGARH, JULY 12: Mr. C.K. Tien, Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India today called on Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and called for strengthening trade and industrial between Punjab and Taiwan. 

          Mr. Tien informed Deputy CM that Taiwan has a strength in computer hardware industry, food processing industry and solar power and Taiwan and Punjab industrial entrepreneurs could work out joint ventures in these areas. Expressing the desire of Taiwan to set up their hi-tech hardware industry in Punjab, Mr. Tien said that an industrial delegation from Punjab could interact with Industrial entrepreneurs of Taiwan to work out mutual industrial arrangements. He said that Taiwan was visualizing Punjab as next Industrial hub as Punjab being third power surplus state with world class road and air connectivity, has the real potential of industrial growth. 

          Inviting Taiwan to setup their industrial ventures in Punjab, Mr. Badal offered them to setup a separate “Taiwan Electronic City’ in Punjab where units from Taiwan could set up their base. He said that Punjab was emerging as Textile hub and Textile machinery units of Taiwan have their captive consumers in the state. He said that Taiwan with expertise in polymer manufacture could setup its polymer units near Bathinda refinery as this refinery would provide them raw material with its residue. He said that new industrial policy of Punjab was most industrial friendly policy as Punjab with smooth industrial relations was the right state to invest. 

          Expressing his desire to strengthen its trade ties with Punjab and he said that his visit to this state was a step forward to strengthen these ties. Mr. Kevin Y.C. Chen, Commercial Secretary, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, Michael Huang, CEO Branch Manager and a delegation of industrialists also accompanied the Taiwan representative. 

          Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industry and Commerce, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM were also present in the meeting.  

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PUNJAB OBTAINS APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS WORTH RS. 49.50 CRORES: JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, JULY 12:

Mr. Anil Joshi, Industries & Commerce Minister, Punjab said that the concerted efforts of the Punjab government has borne fruit as the department has obtained approval of two projects worth Rs. 49.50 crores from GOI.

Divulging the details he said that the first project approved by the GOI is Strengthening of Institute for Auto Parts and Hand Tool Technology, Ludhiana under ASIDE Scheme. He said that Rs. 35.42 crores from the Ministry of Commerce & Industries, which is meant for strengthening the equipment in Institute for Autoparts & Hand Tools Technology, Ludhiana.  He said that with this project, Institute would be strengthened for technological gaps identified for the MSME sector of our state in the areas of Testing, Calibration, Tool Room and Cutting Edge Process Technologies. Now Punjab should have a Technologically Advanced industry support institute to assist and help MSME sector to become competitive for global markets and enhance exports from the state.

He further said that Rs. 14.07 crores has been approved by GOI for Common Facility Centre (CFC) Under Micro & Small Enterprises- Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP). He said that this project is meant for setting-up of Common Facility Centre for manufacturers of Sanitary & Bath Fittings at Mohali under Micro & Small Enterprises- Cluster Development Programme. 

          The Minister said that the State Government is committed for providing impetus to industry in Punjab especially the Micro, Small & Medium scale industry.

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PUNJAB SETS UP FLOOD CONTROL ROOM TO OVER VIEW POTENTIAL FLOODS

Chandigarh, July 12:

Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, Punjab said that the Punjab government has set up state flood control room to monitor the day to day situation of the heavy rains and potential floods in the state. He said that the district level flood control rooms are already working and the state government is fully prepared to tackle any untoward situation arising out of heavy rain and potential floods in the state.

The minister said that the government has already released Rs. 10 lac to each district particularly for flood relief activities. He said that apart from this Rs. 10 lac additional grant would also be released to the districts. He said that the flood works like strengthening of the river embankments and bridges in the flood prone area of the state are underway. He said that the DCs have been asked to put the security gadgets in proper place. In the written instructions issued to the deputy commissioners they have been asked to report the loss to life and property due to heavy rains and potential floods on daily basis. DCs could also give their suggestions for proper implementation of rescue operation. DCs could report to the state flood control room on telephone numbers 0172- 27479901 and fax number 0172-2747798. During emergency they could contact Mr. Sarvjit Singh, IAS, and director cum secretary. Revenue rehabilitation and disaster management department on telephone no 0172-2740533.

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750 PSEB PASSED STUDENTS SELECTED IN IITs

·       EDUCATION MINISTER FELICITATING STUDENTS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING

CHANDIGARH, JULY 12:

          Education Department has added another feather to its cap has 750 Students who have passed 12th exam from Punjab School Education Board, has been selected for the prestigious IITs. Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today congratulated these meritorious students who have won laurels for Punjab by their outstanding acemedic achievement.

Mr. Maluka said that these students would be honored by the education department so that other students could be motivated to pursue higher education. He expressed hope that the students of Punjab Government schools would also excel in the forthcoming councilling for medical and non medical colleges.

 

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Whereas the Punjab Government has ordered an inquiry to be conducted by justice A.N.Jindal (Retd.) into the allegations relating to purchase and supply of Library books for Primary and Upper Primary Schools through a private supplies and Language Department respectively, Science Kits and map masters in the Department of Education, vide Government order dated 27.05.2013 and inquiry has to be conducted as per terms of reference (supplied in the Government order dated 1.6.2013), as mentioned below:-

1.     To enquire into the purchase/supply of library books for Primary and Upper Primary Schools of the Government of Punjab by the Private Supplier and the Language Department.

2.     To ensure into the purchase/supply of Science Kits to the Government Schools.

3.     To examine into purchase/supply of Map Masters in the Government Schools.

4.     The ambit of inquiry will include the role of any person in the purchase and supply of the aforesaid material.

Whereas through this Public Notice all the role of the interested persons who want to provide comments/facts/information in order to facilitate the inquiry may furnish their affidavits accompanied by documents. If any, personally or by registered post to the undersigned at the following address on or before 15.7.2013 for their perusal or consideration. The deponent furnishing such information would also supply hard copy and a soft copy of the affidavit and the documents so furnished.

It is also informed that vide notification No. 7/213/2013-3H4/3307, dated 8.6.2013 issued by the Department of Home Affairs and Justice, all the provisions of ‘The Commission of inquiry Act, 1952 shall be application to the above said inquiry’.

The Nodal Officer

Commission of Inquiry

Room No. 23, Administrative Block-F, 2nd Floor,

Punjab School Education Board Complex,

Phase VIII, SAS Nagar, Mohali

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

 

BADAL GIVES NOD TO PROVIDE SUBSIDIZED MAIZE SEEDS TO THE FARMERS IN REMAINING 12 DISTRICTS DURING KHARIF – 2014

OKAYS TWO COMMUNITY MAIZE DRYERS TO BE INSTALLED AT NAWANSHEHAR AND SAILA KHURD AT A COST OF RS. 16 CRORE

ALL THE DEDICATED MANDIS TO HAVE COMMUNITY DRYERS AT A COST OF RS.150 CRORE IN A PHASED MANNER

 CHANDIGARH JULY 11:

                In a bid to promote crop diversification program across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to provide maize seed at 75% subsidy to the farmers in the remaining 12 districts during the next kharif season-2014. 

                Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the chief minister’s office said that Mr. Badal also directed the agriculture department to ensure the installation of two community maize dryers at Nawanshehar and Saila Khurd (Hoshiarpur) at a cost of Rs.16 crore before the procurement of maize during the current kharif season.  This step would enable the farmers to ensure better remunerative price of the maize crop in the mandis because dried maize fetched better returns as compared to maize with moisture content.  The chief minister also gave directions to the agriculture department to install maize dyers in all the dedicated mandis at a cost of Rs.150 crore before the commencement of procurement during next kharif season in a phased manner adding he said that the maize growers would also be given subsidy of 50% on the purchase of portable maize dryers. 

                The spokesperson further said that the  financial commissioner development had already convened a joint meeting of managing directors of Milkfed and Markfed to immediately to initiate the process for setting up of cattle feed units at Nawanshehar and Hoshiarpur at the cost of Rs.10 crore so as to ensure assured marketing support to the farmers producing maize in the region. 

                Highlighting the position regarding the supply of subsidized hybrid maize seed under PPP mode to the farmers, the spokesperson informed that 362 MT of maize seed of  Pioneer-P 3396 and Shree Ram TX 369 has been supplied to the farmers in the ten districts namely Barnala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Moga, Mohali, Patiala, Ropar and Sangrur under the pilot project for the promotion of maize crop and had been sown over an area of 18,040 hectare in these districts.   As per information supplied by the district chief agriculture officers, Jalandhar tops in maize sowing followed by Mohali under PPP mode.  The state government has now decided to replicate this model in the remaining 12 districts so as to shift the major chunk of area under paddy as an alternate crop in order to give much needed impetus to the agriculture diversification program.    The chief minister also categorically asked the directorate of agriculture to ensure the supply of only that seed which was compatible with the climatic conditions and soil texture in the particular area.   

                It may be recalled that maize had been so far sown under PPP mode and traditional area of 1,44,352 hectare during the current kharif season against the last years area of 1,29,000 hectare.  

-

TOTAL FACELIFT OF PUNJAB ROADS IN NEXT TWO YEARS-SUKHBIR

 Rs. 13740 CRORE TO BE SPENT ON 4/6 LANING OF HIGHWAYS

·         4/6 LANING OF 230 KILOMETER HIGHWAY COMPLETED AT THE COST OF 1460 CRORE

·         WORK NEARING COMPLETION ON 400 KMs AT THE COST OF Rs. 3080 CRORE

·         217 KILOMETER STATE HIGHWAYS AT THE COST OF Rs. 2500 CRORE IN PROGRESS AND 535 KILOMETER AT THE COST OF Rs. 6000 CRORE TO BE COMPLETED IN NEXT TWO YEARS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 11: Punjab is all set to witness total facelift of road network with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal setting aside Rs. 13740 crore for 4/6 laning of all highways including intercity roads to be completed in next 24 months.

            Accompanied by Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, PWD Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the progress of ongoing Road Infrastructure and expressed satisfaction that during last five years 230 kilometer national highways have been six laned at the cost of Rs. 1460 crores while the work of another 400 kilometer long stretch was in full swing with a combined cost of Rs. 3080 crore and the proposal for 101 kilometer road worth Rs. 700 crore was in pipeline and the work will be allotted soon after completion of remaining formalities. Sukhbir said that 6 laning of NH-64 was at full swing and Rs. 6000 crore has been earmarked for 6 laning of NH-15 and 71.

            Describing Roads as arteries of development, Mr. Badal said that our last term saw completion of 4 laning of NH-1 from Dhilwan to Amritsar at the cost of Rs. 263 crore, NH-1 from Amritsar to Wagah Border at the cost of Rs. 206 crore, Jalandhar to Bhogpur at the cost of Rs. 90 crore, Mukerian to Pathankot with a cost of Rs. 300 crore, Kurali to Kiratpur Sahib at the cost of Rs. 309 crore besides 4 laning of NH-22 from Ambala to Zirakpur at approximate cost of Rs. 298 crore. Mr. Badal also reviewed the progress of 6 laning of NH-1 from Shambhu Border to Jalandhar, NH-1A from Bhogpur to Mukerian, NH-15 from Pathankot to Amritsar and NH-95 from Ludhiana to Talwandi and all these roads with combined cost of Rs. 3079 crore would be completed by December 2013.

            Sukhbir also approved 6 laning of three major links i.e. 4/6 laning of NH-95 from Kharar to Ludhiana, 6 laning of NH-1 from Jalandhar to Dhilwan and 4 laning of NH-21 from Kharar to Kurali and all these projects would be completed by December 2015. It was informed in the meeting that Rs. 501 crore project of 4 laning of Zirakpur-Patiala NH-64 would now be allotted in December 2013 and completed in June 2016 and Rs. 2007 crore project of Patiala-Bathinda section would be now completed in December 2016. Similarly, 4 laning of Amritsar to Bathinda would be completed in October 2016 and Jalandhar-Jind Road via Barnala to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 2468 crore would be completed in June 2016. The meeting also approved ROB on NH-15 near Bathinda Thermal Plant.

            It was also informed in the meeting that 520.44 kilometer road projects have been completed at the cost of Rs. 624.22 crore whereas work was in progress on Ropar-Chamkaur-Doraha Road, Kotkapura-Mukatsar Road, Morinda-Kurali-Siswan Road and Batala-Mehta-Beas Road and these roads with a combined cost of Rs. 454.26 crore would be completed by December 2014. The meeting also approved 427.19 kilometer roads at the estimated cost of Rs. 2500 crore that included Rayya to Khara, Manpur Head to Jagraon-Raikot Road, Manpur head to Barnala-Raikot Road, Nidampur Lehra Road, Tanda-Srihargobindpur-Amritsar Road, Kapurthala-Nakodar-Phillaur. The meeting also approved Rs. 2505.89 crore projects of 4 laning of Ladowal byepass and Ropar-Nawanshahr-Banga-Phagwara Road. 4/6 laning of Nine major roads have also been approved in the meeting of combined length of 460.50 kilometer to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 1400 crore that included Barnala-Mansa-Sardulgarh-Sirsa, Ratia-Boha-Budhlada- Bhikhi Road, Mukerian to Gurdaspur, Dharamkot-Zira-Ferozepur Road, Phillaur-Nagar-Rahon Road, Kapurthala-Tarn Taran-Chabbaal-Attari Road, Chandigarh-Landran-Chunni-Sirhind Patiala Road, Rampura-Maur-Talwandi Sabo-Rama Mandi Road, Mukatsar to Malout Road.  

            The Deputy Chief Minister issued instructions to put construction of 8 major roads with combined length of 91.37 kilometer and estimated combined cost of Rs. 555 crore on fast track that included 4 laning of Sidhwan Canal road, 4 laning of Ropar Byepass, widening of Bebe Nanki Marg, widening and upgradation of Talwandi Sabo-Rama Road up to Refinery Gate, 4 laning of Batala-Mehta-Beas Road, Pathankot-Sujanpur Road, construction of new road from NH-95 to Ludhiana airport and connectivity to BISA from NH-1 to PAU Ludhiana. It was informed in the meeting that 33 ROBs at the combined cost of Rs. 564.95 crore have been completed and work on six more ROBs at the combined cost of Rs. 111.80 crore were in the advanced stage of completion and most of the ROBs would be completed by December 2013. The meeting approved construction of three more ROBs on Malerkotla-Raikot Road, at Gobindgarh and northern byepass Patiala at the combined cost of Rs. 94.18.

            Mr. Badal asked the PWD to ensure scheduled completion of high level bridges on Satluj River near Mattewara, Chakki River on Abadgarh Crossing, River Beas at Dhanoa Pattan and on Satluj crossing Ropar Byepass. All these projects with combined cost of Rs. 266.14 crore would be completed by January 2014. The meeting also approved Rs. 76.84 crore for high level bridge on River Beas on Sultanpur Lodhi-Chohla Sahib Road. 

            Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary to CM, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM and Secretary PWD, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy C

-

HOSTILE WITNESSES TO FACE MUSIC IN VIGILANCE CASES-ARORA

DELINQUENT OFFICERS WARNED AGAINST LAXITY IN ACQUITTAL OF ACCUSED

Chandigarh 11 July-State Vigilance Bureau has directed its field officers to initiate suitable legal process against the hostile witnesses under section 182 of Cr.P.C. in vigilance cases without waiting for the final court verdict.

This direction was issued by Mr Suresh Arora, DGP-cum-Chief Director Vigilance Bureau (VB) Punjab in a state level meeting with senior officers of Bureau held here at VB headquarters. Reviewing the progress of various Ranges of Bureau he asked the officers to personally monitor and make ensure that no officer or official of Bureau working under their control should indulge in corrupt practices.

Mr Arora stressed upon for effective follow-up (pairvi) of vigilance cases under trial in various courts and directed the officers to initiate appropriate legal action against the witness and shadow witness u/s 182 of Cr.P.C. if they turn hostile during the evidence trial. He instructed that the court judgments should be perused thoroughly after acquittal of accused and in case the acquittal was due to the fault of any officer/official of the Bureau, then stern action should be taken against the delinquent officer/official.

To curb the practice of bribery in public dealing offices the Vigilance Chief asked the officers to identify corrupt public servants so that preventive measures against tainted servants could be initiated. Mr Arora also suggested the range officers to create awareness in educational institutions under their respective jurisdiction regarding anti-corruption measures initiated by the bureau and the need to curb the menace of corruption from the society.

During the review meeting public complaints, vigilance enquires, cases under investigation and under trial were also discussed and necessary directions were passed to the concerned investigation officers so as to ensure efficient and speedy disposal of the pending work.

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

PUNJAB CONSTITUTES STATE LEVEL COMMITTEE TO MONITOR/IMPLEMENT WELFARE SCHEMES FOR MINORITIES

CHANDIGARH, JULY 11:

The Punjab Government has constituted a state level committee to implement and monitor the welfare schemes for minorities.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson said that the 11 member committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab. He said that the other members of the committee are Financial Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayat, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Principal Secretary, Finance, Principal Secretary, Home and Justice, Principal Secretary, School Education, Principal Secretary, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Principal Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation, Secretary, Planning, Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development and Chairman of Punjab State Commission for Minorities.

The spokesperson further said that the committee would meet at least once every quarter to monitor and review the progress of implementation of welfare schemes.

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

PUNJAB FIXES JULY 31 AS DEADLINE FOR DELIVERY OF BALANCE STOCK OF RICE IN CENTRAL POOL

Chandigarh, July, 11: The Punjab government has fixed July 31 as the deadline for the delivery of balance stock of rice in the central pool.

Disclosing this here today Mr. D S Grewal, secretary food and civil supply said that the Punjab government had fixed a target of 85 lac tone rice for the central pool. He said that till date 80 lac tone of rice (94%) has been deposited in the central pool. He said that the residue supply of 5 lac tone rice is to be delivered by July 31. 2013.

 He said that all arrangements have been completed and district officers have been asked to ensure the compliance. He said that instructions have also been issued to the FCI to make required arrangements in the go downs so that the adequate quantity of rice delivered could be managed.

-

NEWLY ELECTED ZILA PARISHAD AND BLOCK SAMITI MEMBERS

TO TAKE OATH ON 19TH JULY

Chandigarh, July 11: The Punjab government has announced to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the elected representatives of Zila Parishads and Block Samitis on 19th July at Ludhiana.

Stating this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that the Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would be the Chief Guest and Rural Development Minister S. Surjit Singh Rakhra would preside over the function. The spokesman said that Chief Minister would administer the oath to the newly elected members.

In a congratulation message to all newly elected members of Zila Parishads and Block Samitis, Mr. Rakhra has also called upon them to work for the betterment of villages with a constant coordination of all villagers. He asks them to implement the development policies of Punjab government in an honest manner at bottom level. 

ALL PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED IN TIME: SHARANJIT DHILLON

CHANDIGARH, JULY 11:

Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon PWD Minister Punjab said that all the development projects started by the department would be completed within stipulated time period.

He was presiding over a meeting of chief engineers to review the progress of various development projects. He instructed the officers to expedite the pace of work so as the projects could be completed within fixed time frame. Mr. Dhillon also sought the detailed progress report of all the projects under construction. He asked the chief engineers to put up this report in the next meeting.

Mr. Dhillon said that the projects which are about to complete soon be dedicated to the public by Chief Minister Mr. Parkash singh badal and Deputy chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh badal. He said that the construction work of approved projects has been commenced. He directed the officers to put up a detailed report of all the projects which have been forwarded to the union government for approval.

     Mr. Dhillon further said that the Punjab government has decided to launch a state wide campaign to put up modern signages along all National and State Highways besides demarcating all roads with white centre and border lines to ensure road safety and guide commuters.

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SWAMI VIVEKANAND'S 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY BE COMMEMORATED ON LARGE SCALE: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 11:

The Medical Education and Research department would celebrate the 150th birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda on large scale. Functions would be conducted in all the Medical, Dental, Nursing and Ayurvedic colleges of the state.

It was disclosed by Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Medical Education and Research while presiding over a high level meeting of the senior officers of the department. Directions in this regard have been issued to the institutions, whereby they have been asked to conduct creative and cultural extravaganzas.

He said that to commemorate the event the institutions have been asked to constitute committees comprising of faculty members and students.

He said that the main thrust of the celebrations is to enable the students of different age-groups to participate in the cultural fiesta like dance, drama, skits etc. Creative and literary activities like poster making competition, slogan writing competition and reading and writing competitions can be organized at various levels. Seminars/lecturers by eminent philosophers, educationists and learners associated with work and life of Swami Vivekanand would be organized. Yoga Camps would also be conducted in the institutes.

Prominent among other who present in the meeting included Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Dr. Tejbir Singh, DRME, Dr. S.S. Gill, Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid Medical University of Health Sciences.

- 

JOSHI ISSUES STRICT INSTRUCTIONS TO PREVENT RAGGING IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION INSTITUTES

Chandigarh, July 11:

 Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education Minister today issued strict instructions to all the government and private technical education institutes including Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics and ITI's to take all preventive steps to in their respective institutions to ensure that students being admitted by them in fresh batches were not subjected to any harassment and ragging by the seniors.

Mr. Joshi has asked Technical Education Department to issue instructions to all Punjab Technical University, other deemed universities, Technical Educational Institutions, Polytechnics and ITI's to follow the Supreme Court guidelines in this regard. He said that strict action would be taken against the institution found violating the norms.

Mr. Joshi had also asked the authorities of the educational institutions to take written undertaking from the students and their parents that they would not to take part in any kind of ragging activity. He said that parents should be made aware of the condition that involvement of their wards in any form of ragging would invite expulsion from the Institute including criminal case.

Mr. Joshi had also appealed to all the student fraternity not to indulge in ragging instead they should focus on their studies. The Minister also said that the aggrieved students could lodge their complaint before the college authority. All institutions have been ordered to set up a helpline for the ragging victims.

-

PPS OFFICER MOHAN LAL SUSPENDED

CHANDIGARH, JULY 11:

            The Punjab Government today placed the services of Mr. Mohan Lal, PPS Superintendent of Police under suspension, with effect from June 26, 2013, who was arrested on the charge of abetment to suicide.

            Disclosing this today an official spokesperson of Home Affairs said that the suspension order of the officer has been issued after his arrest in the case of abetment to suicide of Miss Lovepreet Kaur, who committed suicide by jumping down from an apartment in Rishi Apartment, Zirakpur. The suspension order has been issued under Punjab civil services (Punishment & Appeal) rules 1970, section (4) (2) (A). During suspension, Director General of Police, Chandigarh would be his headquarter.

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

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO ERADICATE CANCER: MITTAL

GOVERNMENT TIES UP WITH TATA CENTRE TO SET UP CANCER TREATMENT UNITS IN THE STATE

TMC TEAM TO TRAIN DOCTORS AND PARAMEDICAL STAFF ABOUT ONCOLOGY

          Chandigarh, July 11: Punjab Government has launched a campaign to generate awareness amongst people and save them from Cancer in the state. Punjab government is working on to eradicate cancer from its roots. Divulging this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Minister for Health & Family Welfare Punajab said that Punjab Government is establishing a International level Cancer Hospital in collaboration with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai at Mulanpur Near Chandigarh and Punjab Government has released Rs 60 Crores to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences up a cancer treatment centre.

          Minister said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal recently visited Tata Memorial Centre and asked their staff to provide training to doctors and Paramedical staff of Punjab regarding treatment of Cancer. He said that TMC is starting 6 Months training oncology training programme in colleges and hospitals of Punjab.

          Mr. Mittal said that state government would provide man power i.e Doctors, Nurses and other supporting staff to TMC at Patiala, Amritsar, Faridkot and Bathinda to treat cancer patients in the state especially the poor.After the successful completion of training by the TMC the trained doctors and other staff would be posted in Oncology departments of the state run hospitals.

          He said that awareness and detecting cancer patients campaign run by the state government has entered second phase in this phase 80 thousand cases would be checked free and referral cards would be issued to the cancer patients for hassle free treatment.


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GRANT IN AID WORTH RS. 14 CRORE RELEASED TO THE 40 GOVT COLLEGES: MALUKA

CHANDIGARH, JULY 11:

          The Punjab Government with the motive of upgrading the higher education standards in the state has released grant in aid worth Rs. 14 Crore to the 40 Government Colleges of the state. It was disclosed by Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister of Punjab in a press communiqué here today.

          He said that the grant in aid is meant for the procurement of essentials infrastructure and other education related materials which could be beneficial for creating enabling environment for the higher education. He said that this is the first installment of grant in aid and the process of supporting the Government Colleges finically would continues in future.

--

 

List of colleges to whom the amount have been released

Sr.

Name of the Collage

District

Name of the Bank

Cheque No. & Date

Amount

1

Principal, Govt. College(women) Amritsar

Amritsar

HDFC Sector-35

655745 / 11-07-2013

32,12,000

2

Principal, Govt. Rajindera College, Bathinda

Bathinda

HDFC Sector-35

655748 / 11-07-2013

53,37,000

3

Principal, Govt. College, Sardargarh, Bathinda

Bathinda

HDFC Sector-35

655749 / 11-07-2013

7,63,000

4

Principal, Govt. Rajindera College, Faridkot

Faridkot

HDFC Sector-35

655750 / 11-07-2013

38,04,000

5

Principal, Govt. College of  Education, Faridkot

Faridkot

HDFC Sector-35

655751 / 11-07-2013

16,90,500

6

Principal, Govt. College, Kotakpura

Faridkot

HDFC Sector-35

655752 / 11-07-2013

16,51,500

7

Principal, J.L.N. College, Tooran, Mandi Gobindgarh

Fatehgarh Sahib

HDFC Sector-35

655753 / 11-07-2013

9,52,500

8

Principal, Govt. College, Fazilka

Fazilka

HDFC Sector-35

655754 / 11-07-2013

16,05,000

9

Principal, Govt. College, Zira

Ferozpur

HDFC Sector-35

655755 / 11-07-2013

52,50,000

10

Principal, Govt. College, Gurdaspur

Gurdaspur

HDFC Sector-35

655756 / 11-07-2013

19,24,000

11

Principal, Govt. College, Kala Afgana

Gurdaspur

HDFC Sector-35

655757 / 11-07-2013

22,30,000

12

Principal, Govt. College, Hoshiarpur

Hoshiarpur

HDFC Sector-35

655758 / 11-07-2013

46,09,000

13

Principal, Govt. College, Tanda Urmur

Hoshiarpur

HDFC Sector-35

655759 / 11-07-2013

44,05,000

14

Principal, Govt. College, Bhulath

Kapurthala

HDFC Sector-35

655762 / 11-07-2013

22,85,000

15

Principal, Govt. College, Jandiala

Jalandhar

HDFC Sector-35

655763 / 11-07-2013

16,32,500

16

Principal, Govt. College of  Education, Jalandhar

Jalandhar

HDFC Sector-35

655764 / 11-07-2013

17,20,500

17

Principal, N.J.S. Govt. College, Kapurthala

Kapurthala

HDFC Sector-35

655765/ 11-07-2013

51,15,500

18

Principal, Govt. Science & Research  College, Jagraon

Ludhiana

HDFC Sector-35

655766/ 11-07-2013

54,93,000

19

Principal, Govt. College, Karamsar

Ludhiana

HDFC Sector-35

655767/ 11-07-2013

17,24,500

20

Principal, Govt. College,Ludhiana

Ludhiana

HDFC Sector-35

655768/ 11-07-2013

51,05,000

21

Principal, Govt. College for Girls, Ludhiana

Ludhiana

HDFC Sector-35

655769/ 11-07-2013

37,11,500

22

Principal, Govt. College, Sidhsar

Ludhiana

HDFC Sector-35

655770/ 11-07-2013

16,82,000

23

Principal, Govt. College, Dhudike

Moga

HDFC Sector-35

655772/ 11-07-2013

41,66,500

...

 

BADAL FLAGS OFF FIRST CONSIGNMENT OF RELIEF MATERIAL FOR THE VICTIMS OF UTTRAKHAND TRAGEDY

LAUDS STUPENDOUS EFFORTS OF PUNJAB OFFICIALS IN CARRYING OUT RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OPERATIONS

BADAL TO MEET PM SOON FOR HANDING OVER PUNJAB’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS PMNRF

 SAS NAGAR/CHANDIGARH JULY 10:

          In a benevolent gesture, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today flagged off the first consignment of relief material including 100 tonne of rice, 20 tonne of atta, 18 tonne sugar, 75 tonne milk powder besides 15000 blankets and 14000 woolen clothes in 24 trucks for the flood victims in Uttrakhand.

          Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the flagging ceremony here at Dusshera ground, Mr. Badal said that he had recently called on Uttrakhand Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Bahuguna to ascertain their requirement of relief material for the flood victims in this hour of crisis.  Mr. Badal said that the state government was committed to provide succor to the people of Uttrakhand, who had been rendered homeless due to recent flash floods in the valley thereby keeping alive the traditions of Punjab’s bonhomie to help the needy in difficult times. 

Mr. Badal reiterated that the state government would further dispatch consignments of 1000 tonne of rice, 500 tonne of atta, 80 tonne of sugar besides 10000 blankets and woolen clothes each, as and when required by the Uttrakhand government due to lack of adequate storage facility there.   He said that the state government had already announced a grant of Rs.10 crore for the reconstruction of Sri Kedarnath Temple and the damaged infrastructure at Gobindghat. 

Describing the devastating flash floods in Uttrakhand as national tragedy, the Chief Minister expressed his complete solidarity with the people of Uttrakhand adding he said that the Punjab government has deputed several senior Civil and Police officers/officials besides deploying a fleet of nearly 300 buses/ small vehicles for the timely evacuation of people standard in the valley.  He highly appreciated the superb work done in carrying out relief and rehabilitation operations by the teams sent from Punjab.  The Chief Minister further said that he would soon call on the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to hand over the state’s contribution towards the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Replying to a query regarding the missing persons from Punjab in Uttrakhand, the Chief Minister said that Mr. Bahuguna had given us a list of 26 persons who had gone missing, when he called on him at Dehradun last week adding that efforts were afoot to trace those persons/establish their whereabouts with the help of Uttrakhand government. 

It may be recalled that the convoy of 24 trucks which left for Uttrakhand were escorted by two police vehicles besides two officials of Food & Civil Supplies department, who would hand over the atta and rice to the concerned authorities at Rishikesh and other items at Dehradun. 

Referring to the power scenario in the state, Mr. Badal said that with the allocation of major coal block to the state, we were optimistic that most of the units of upcoming thermal plants across the state would become operational and the civil work on 1320 MW Mukerian thermal plant to be executed by the PSPCL would also begin soon.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Food & Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Karion and his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu.  Others who were present on the occasion included Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Coordination Mr. Sanjay Kumar besides the senior officers of civil and police administration of Mohali district.

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PUNJAB TO HARNESS 300 MW BIOMASS POWER IN NEXT 3 YEARS- MAJITHIA

·Presides over a meeting with biomass power project developers

·Punjab committed to promote clean energy through renewable resources

·PEDA identifies 29 sites to set up new biomass power plants

 Chandigarh, July 10: After successfully biding out the 250 MW solar power projects, the Punjab is all set to harness the biomass potential of the state for generating 300 MW power in next 3 years.

Presiding over a meeting with more than 30 top Bio-mass Power Project Developers of the country, Punjab Non-Conventional Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that the state government was fully committed to promote generation of clean energy with dual purpose of safeguarding the health of people and protecting environment on one side and to achieve the target of meeting at least 10% power requirements through these renewable resources on the other. Mr. Majithia pointed out that with availability of 15 Million Ton Paddy straw and 5 Million Ton other agro residue like Cotton and Mustard Stalk, the State has the potential to generate 600MW power through biomass. He said that the burning of Paddy straw was causing not only serious health hazards but also affecting the ecology of the region. He said that keeping in view the seriousness of this trend; it becomes imperative to find a long term solution of this problem. He said that the setting up of biomass based power projects have the potential not only to address these problems but also to further supplement the income of farmers by ensuring them additional income through their agro residue.

The Non-conventional Energy Minister informed that the biomass power projects having joint power generation capacity of 62.5MW were successfully working in the state and the state government’s renewed focus was to harness at least 300MW such power in next 3 years. He said that Punjab Energy Development Authority(PEDA) has identified 29 sites/tehsils for setting up of new biomass power plants and the preference would be to set up a 10-12MW such plant at a particular site so that there should not be any problem for availability of fuel i.e., paddy straw. He said that the detailed bidding process would be initiated soon and the purpose of today’s meeting with biomass power project developers was to take their feedback to make changes, wherever, required.

On this occasion, Mr. Majithia also briefed about the key incentives offered in the State government’s NRSE Policy-2012. He informed that during the construction and testing of the project 100% electricity duty has been exempted for power consumed by any state licensee. Besides this, 100% VAT exemption has also been extended for manufacturing and sale of NRSE devices/systems/machinery for NRSE power projects, 100% exemption from entry tax for all supplies required for setting up and trial operations of the project, 100% exemption from payment of fee and stamp duty for registration/lease deed charges for the land required for the project and 100% exemption from payment of CLU and EDC for the land required for renewable energy power projects are also the other key incentives offered in the new policy.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Secretary Power & Non-Conventional Energy explained about the programme for allocation for 300MW capacity biomass power projects through tariff based competitive bidding. Mr. Balore Singh, Director & Mr. M.P. Singh, Joint Director, PEDA made a presentation regarding biomass power potential in the state. On this occasion, Mr. T.L. Jain (Punjab Biomass), Mr. Sanjay Goenka (Viaton Energy Ltd.), Mr. Vikram Ahuja (Biomass Collector) and Mr. Ranjan Kumar (Orient Green Power) also shared their experiences.

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PUNJAB ISSUED FRESH NOTIFICATION OF RED BEACONS

 VEHICLES USING RED LIGHTS UNAUTHORISEDLY TO BE IMPOUNDED

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 10: The Punjab Government today issued afresh notification with a pruned list of dignitaries, who have been authorized to use red beacons atop their official vehicles.

            It may be added that this notification has been issued on the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India deciding a Special Leave Petition in this regard with a view to strictly implementing the road safety measures. The orders to impound vehicles using red lights without authorization have also been issued besides directing the authorities concerned to implement the instructions in true spirit.  

            According to the new notification issued by Secretary Transport those, who have been authorized to use red beacons included Governor Punjab, Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Minister of State, Deputy Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Parliamentary Secretaries, Chief Justice and Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Member Parliament from Punjab (one vehicle only), Speaker, Deputy Speaker, MLAs (one vehicle for MLAs), Chief Secretary, Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Advocate General of Punjab, Legal Remembrance Punjab, Chairman of State Level Boards/Corporations/Commissions with the rank of State Minister and above, Director General of Police, ADGPs, IGs (Zonals), Commissioners/Senior Superintendents of Police, Registrar of Punjab and Haryana High Court, District Session Judges, Commissioners/Deputy Commissioners, Excise and Taxation Commissioner and State Transport Commissioner, Punjab besides all Advisors to Chief Minister, Punjab with a status of State Minister and above and Mayors of all Municipal Corporations.  

            It has also been clarified that in case vehicles with red light atop was not carrying the dignitary then such a red light would not be used and covered with a cover. All eligible dignitaries have been requested to deposit their old stickers and get the new stickers issued.

             Instructions have also been issued to impound the vehicles that were found using red beacon without any authorization.

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PUNJAB FORMULATES COMPREHENSIVE POLICY TO REGULARISE UNAUTHORISED COLONIES

 Chandigarh July 10: Aiming at providing basic amenities to the people of Punjab, the state government has formulated a comprehensive policy to regularize unauthorized colonies and structures with a view to benefitting thousands of residents of about 5000 such habitats.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that the decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of council of Ministers held recently. This would be a big relief to about 5000 colonies and 2 lakh individuals plot holders/ building owners' across the state.The policy focuses on bringing all the unauthorized colonies/ buildings into the planning framework and to regularize the development, which would further facilitate the smooth implementation of the master plans across the state to ensure the entire urban development in a holistic manner. T he policy would be applicable for a period of one year i.e. from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 in the entire state. Only those unapproved colonies or the buildings constructed before the April 1, 2013 would be considered under this policy, he added.

          Adding further he said that 25% of the composition fee and regularisation charges were required to be deposited with the application and remaining 25% in three equal six monthly instalments. 10% discount would be given to those applicants who deposited the fee and charges lump sum. If any colonizer does not apply within 60 days by August 25, 2013 then legal proceedings would be initiated against them. Similarly for these colonies if the individual plot/ building owners do not apply under this scheme then the registration of their plots would be closed down and Power, Water Supply, Sewerage connections would be disconnected.

          The spokesman further said that the detailed policy has been uploaded on the official website of PUDA www.puda.gov.in. Further information could be sought from the GAMADA, GALADA and Development Authorities of Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar and Jallandhar.

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PUNJAB GOVT. CREATES CORPUS FUND FOR GALLANTRY AWARDEES AND WAR WIDOWS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 10

 Akali-BJP government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Punjab, S. Parkash Singh Badal is committed to the welfare of the gallantry awardees and their wards, disabled soldiers and defence personnel belonging to state. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that a corpus fund of Rs.0.50 crore has been created to provide financial assistance to Gallantry Awardees, War widows and scholarship to their children.

          The Spokesman said that government has also provided financial assistance to the parents of the martyrs. An additional relief of Rs.2 lac was provided to the dependent parents of the married martyrs who were killed in any notified operation on or after 1.1.1999. A sum of Rs.0.30 crore was provided for the annual plan 2013-14, added the spokesman.   

          The Spokesman further said that a sum of Rs.5.00 lac in cash was provided in lieu of plot/house to each the NOK/dependent of Martyrs/75 percent to 100  percent disabled soldiers in any notified operation or after 1.1.1999 onward . An amount of Rs.2 crore was provided for the year 2013-14, added the spokesman.

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COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN OF 300 CRORE FOR

STRENGTHENING PRISONS IN PUNJAB

 MORE WELL EQUIPED MODERN JAILS TO BE SET UP

 Chandigarh July 10: The Punjab government has formulated a comprehensive master plan of 300 crore for the overall development of prisons in the state, besides construction of new sub-jails both at divisional and district levels. To overcome the problem of over crowding in the Punjab Prisons would come up three new jails with enhanced capacity at Amritsar, Bathinda and Muktsar.

Stating this here today Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab said that presently there are 25219 prisoners as against the present capacity of 18406. The Minister also said that the master plan would be implemented in next four years in a phased manner.

                        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. 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.

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.

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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES 1% RESERVATION FOR SINGLE GIRL CHILD'S IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION INSTITUTES

·        TO BE IMPLEMENTED FROM CURRENT SESSION

Chandigarh, July 10

The Punjab Government today announced 1 % reservation in admissions for single girl children’s in the technical education institutions across the state.

Calling it a historic decision to boost up the gender equality and eliminate the discrimination against the girls in education, The Technical Education Minister of Punjab, Mr Anil Joshi said that with this single girl Childs would be able to attain 1 % reservation in all the Engineering colleges, Polytechnics, Industrial Training Institutions of Punjab. Mr Joshi has made it clear that this decision would be implemented from current session and necessary instructions have also been issued to the higher officials in this regard.

While appealing to all the governing bodies of private technical institutions to execute the new decision in their respective institutions, The Minister has also called upon them to perform a bigger role to ensure better education opportunities for girls. 


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FOUR PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 10: 

          The Punjab Government today issued the transfer and posting orders of four PPS officers in the state with immediate effect.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Ramandeep Singh, PPS has been posted as SP Crime Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Kehar Singh, PPS posted as SP Crime Punjab, Chandigarh, Mr. Hitender Singh Ghai, PPS posted as SP Crime Punjab, Chandigarh and Mrs. Sunita Rani, PPS posted as SP Crime Punjab, Chandigarh.

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PUNJAB LAUNCHES PLAN TO MANAGE & HANDLE E-WASTE: CHAIRMAN PPCB

WORK AUTHORIZED TO FIVE FIRMS TO COLLECT E-WASTE

 

Chandigarh, July 10: Punjab Government has launched a specific plan to Manage & Handle E-waste in the state.  The Punjab Pollution control Board has granted authorization to the five firms for the collection of e-waste.

Divulging this Mr. Ravinder Singh Chairman Punjab Pollution control Board said that as per e-waste Management and Handling Rules, under the Environment Protection Act these rules apply to every producer, consumer or bulk consumer involved in the manufacture, sale, purchase and processing of electrical and electronic equipments or components as well as to the collection centres, dismantlers and recyclers of e-waste.

He said that every concerned is directed to make necessary arrangement for the  management and handling of e-waste, obtain necessary authorization/ registration from the Board, file returns  as prescribed under Rules & shift their e-waste to authorized collection centres.

Chairman said that following are authorized to collect e-waste M/s Singbros Mobility Solutions, Patiala, M/s Sony India Pvt. Ltd., M/s Singbros Mobility Solutions, Sirsa, M/s Attero Recycling Pvt. Ltd, and M/s Anand Traders.

Mr. Ravinder Singh said that it’s the responsibility of the producers, collection centres, consumers or bulk consumers, dismantlers and recyclers for obtaining authorization and getting registration under the rules.

He further added that every dismantler or recycler of e-waste or the person/ firm intend to establish the e-waste facility is also required to obtain consent to establish (NOC) from the State Pollution Control Board.

 

He said that the detailed information regarding this is available on the Board’s web site www.ppcb.gov.in

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HEALTH DEPARTMENT CALLS WALK IN INTERVIEW TO RECRUIT 394 SPECIALIST MEDICAL OFFICERS

WALK IN INTERVIEW ON JULY 22

Chandigarh, July 10: Punjab is going at full stretch to provide better health facilities in government hospitals. Health Department has called Walk in Interview for the recruitment of 394 specialist Medical Officers.

Disclosing this here today Mrs. Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare said that eligible applicants should personally attend the Walk in Interview to be held on 22nd July, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Auditorium, State Institute of  Health & Family Welfare Complex, Near Civil Hospital, Phase-VI, Ajitgarh, (Mohali).

Principal Secretary said that specialization wise posts advertised are Anaesthesia 64, General Surgery 39, Gynaecology 46, Medicine 35, Opthalmology 3, Orthopaedics 11, Paediatrics 119, Pathology 10, Radiology 37, Skin & V.D. 4, SPM 2, TB & Chest 6, and Psychiatry18 and added that number of posts may increase or decrease.

Mrs. Mahajan said that for details regarding qualification, experience, category wise vacancies, application form and other instructions, candidates should visit department websitewww.pbhealth.gov.in.

She said that candidates are advised to fill on-line application available on www.pbhealth.gov.in and mail the scanned testimonials to nrc.dhspunjab@gmail.com on or before 14th July, 2013 till 5:00 pm.

Mrs. Mahajan said that candidates are also advised to bring with them their Original Certificates, print out of filled online application, two Passport Size Photographs at the time of interview.

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WATER LEVEL IN BHAKRA DAM 84.65 FEET HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR

CHANDIGARH, JULY 10:

            The water level in the Bhakra Dam today recorded at a level of 1629.87 feet against 1545.22 feet last year on the same day. Water level is 84.65 feet more than as it was last year on the same day.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the irrigation department said that the water level of pong Dam has been recorded at 1340.68 feet which is 48.61 feet more than it was recorded last year that is 1292.07 feet. Similarly the water level of Ranjit Sagar Dam on 10 July, 2013 touched 511.92 meter mark which is 11.76 meter more than the water level recorded last year on the same day that is 500.16.

He further said that the inflow of water in Bhakra is 62150 cusec against 35765 last year and the release from Bhakra Dam is 37167 cusec against 28569 cusec last year. Inflow of water in pong Dam has been recorded as 30503 cusec against 16094 cusec and release from pong dam is 10008 against 14307 on the same day last year whereas inflow of water in Ranjit Sagar Dam is 11688 cusec against 10405 cusec and release from Ranjit Sagar Dam is 12598 cusec against 10302 cusec release on the same day last year.

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TWO CATTLE FEED UNITS TO COME UP AT NAWANSHAHR AND HOSHIARPUR

 AT COST OF RS.10 CRORE

BADAL EARMARKS RS.100-150 CRORE AS BUDGETARY PROVISION IN NEXT BUDGET FOR PROVIDING MARKETING SUPPORT TO CANE GROWERS

BEE KEEPING TOP PRIORITY ON AGENDA OF AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION

LAUNCHES WEBSITE OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT

CHANDIGARH JULY 9:

In a bid to provide assured marketing support to the maize farmers under the State’s crop diversification plan, the Punjab chief minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to set up two cattle feed processing units at Rs.5 crore each at Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur to be operated by the Markfed and Milkfed.

            Presiding over a meeting of the chief agriculture officers of the state after launching the website of agriculture department here at the punjab bhawan this morning, Mr. Badal said that the state government efforts to boost agriculture diversification could only fructify with the assured marketing mechanism in place to benefit the farmers and the setting these two cattle feed plants was a positive step in this direction.  Likewise, to boost the cultivation of sugarcane as an alternate crop to paddy under this ambitious crop diversification program, Mr. Badal announced to make a budgetary provision of at least Rs.100-150 crore in the next annual budget to ensure marketing support to the cane growers.   

The chief minister asked the chief agriculture officers to motivate the farmers through organizing frequent seminars and camps to adopt alternate crops of maize, cotton, basmati and sugarcane besides oilseeds like soya bean, conola and hyola as these where not only less water intensive but also highly remunerative.  He also underscored the need to promote bee-keeping in a big way and asked the financial commissioner development to depute a dedicated officer not below the rank of joint director to formulate policies and programs for incentivizing the bee keepers on one hand and ensure their economic stability on the other.  He also asked the agriculture department to collect and compile the entire data relating to bee keepers across the state, which were mostly un-organized, in the form of a directory so as to enable the department to extend all benefits and facilities to them from time to time.   Mr. Badal also desired that the marketing of honey after proper and scientific processing should be done by the Markfed which had already a well knit marketing network in the country. 

            Emphasizing the need to initiate all round steps for popularizing the concept of harvest mechanization amongst the farmer, Mr. Badal asked the director agriculture to ensure the supply of latest agricultural equipments and machines being used in various form operations like happy seeders, raised bed planters, rotavators, starw choppers and portable maize dryers readily available to the farmers especially through the agricultural cooperative societies to hire purchase basis.  He also asked the department to ensure adequate number of community maize dryers to be installed at the strategic locations especially in the maize producing zones to enable the farmers for fetching remunerative price of their produce.   He instructed the chief agricultural officers that these dryers must be installed in the designated markets before the procurement of maize.   The chief minister also directed the FCD to ensure the marketing of maize through the leading cattle and feed manufacturing companies directly from the farmers.  Apart from this he also asked the agriculture department to find ways and means for value addition of maize in the PPP mode to ensure better marketing facilities to the maize growers.  Meanwhile, the agriculture commissioner apprised the chief minister that he had already taken up this issue with the various manufacturers of cattle and feed based at Khanna, who have assured him of purchasing maize in bulk quantity directly from farmers.  Mr. Badal also asked the agriculture department to compile a data of all the agro and food processing units across the state so that the farmers of the state could fetch better remunerative price of their produce after value addition by these industrial ventures. 

Mr. Badal assured the chief agricultural officers that the state government would extend the scheme of providing best quality subsidized maize seed to all the remaining districts during the next kharif season keeping in view the tremendous success of this project already launched in 10 districts to shift the area under paddy towards maize during kharif-2013. 

            The chief minister also asked the FCD to ensure effective delivery of knowledge down the stream to the farmers by strengthening the network of extension services so that the farmers could be immensely benefitted from the scientific farm practices.  This should be done in sync with the agriculture department and the extension service department of PAU in a result-oriented manner.  Mr. Badal also underlined the need to create awareness amongst the farmers about the latest farm operations and practices through proper publicity because the lack of knowledge on the part of farmers was a major obstacle in its implementation. 

            Highlighting the need to provide best quality seed of sugarcane to the farmers to enhance its production both qualitatively and quantitatively, the chief minister asked the sugarcane industry to set up tissue culture labs in their units to achieve this goal.  Mr. Badal also asked the sugar mills to go far the production of ‘Gur’ and ‘Shakar’ on scientific and hygienic lines as there was huge demand of these products due to heavy consumption in the state.  He said that gur and shakar could further be marketed across the country through Markfed.  Mr. Badal categorically said that the road side vendors and manufacturers of gur should be asked to abide by the prescribed quality standards of the health department.  He asked the director agriculture to tie up with health department to test the samples of gur produced by these vendors and those flouting quality norms should be dealt with severely, adding he said that such erring vendors could not be allowed to play havoc with the health of human beings.

            The chief minister was apprised by the FCD that under the agriculture diversification plan, the department has geared up its activities to enhance the area of cultivation under cotton and maize from 4.81 and 1.29 lakh hectares during kharif-2012   to 5.05 and 1.40 lakh hectares during the kharif 2013 and the sowing of maize was underway over an area of 10000 hectares.  Likewise, the area under basmati was also being increased from 4.58 lakh hectares to 5.50 lakh hectares during the current kharif season. 

            Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included chief parliamentary secretary Mr. GS Babehalli, financial commissioner development Mr. Suresh Kumar, special principal secretary to chief minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, commissioner agriculture Mr. BS Sidhu and director agriculture Mr. Mangal Singh Sandhu. 

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BADAL REVIEWS FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS

 SANCTIONS ADDITIONAL RS. 10 LAC TO DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS FOR EXECUTION OF EMERGENT FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS

 Chandigarh, July 9

           The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Relief & Rehabilitation department to place adequate funds at the disposal of deputy commissioners to effectively combat any eventuality arising out of the floods in the current monsoon season.

           Mr. Badal was presiding over a meeting with the deputy commissioners of flood prone districts of Ropar, Nawanshehar, Ferozepur, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Moga and Kapurthala to review the progress of flood protection works in these districts here at Chief Minister’s residence this evening.  

           The Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Revenue to immediately sanction Rs. 10 lac in addition to the already released Rs. 10 lac for strengthening the flood protection works at vulnerable sites in consultation with Chief Engineer Drainage. Mr. Badal also directed the Chief Engineer Drainage to ensure that the strengthing and upgradation of the flood protection works at these sites must be completed within a week on war footing adding he said all the concerned Executive Engineers should be mandated to undertake these works on top priority in the larger public interest. He further asked the Chief Engineer Drainage to issue standing instructions to his subordinate staff to start such works immediately in the flood prone areas without waiting for the administrative approval from the competent authority and directed all the officers/officials to comply with these orders meticulously.

           The Chief Minister also asked the deputy commissioners to ensure the proper deployment of flood protection equipments like boats, ropes, ladders etc. to evacuate the marooned people in the flood ravaged areas, in case of any exigency. All the deputy commissioners apprised Mr. Badal that they have personally visited the vulnerable sites and already got the work for strengthening of the embankments started on these sites through the Drainage department.

Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer Drainage informed Mr. Badal that all the sanctioned flood protection works and cleaning of drains had already been completed. In wake of any emergency, the protection works on Dhusi Bandh by way of laying crates of empty cement bags with sands in rope/wire along all the vulnerable sites was in full swing to prevent the flood water from entering into the villages thus securing the life and property of the people.

    Prominent amongst others who attended in the meeting included FCR Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Chief Engineer Drainage Mr. Vinod Chaudary and Chief Engineer canal Mr. AS Dulat besides the deputy commissioners.

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BADAL GIVES NOD TO AMEND PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE MARKETS (GENERAL) RULES, 1962

 CHANDIGARH JULY 09:

The Punjab chief minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to amend the Rule 29 and 30 of the Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets Act 1962 thereby omitting the rule 30, the sub rule 7 and 9 of the ‘The Punjab Agricultural Produce Markets (General) Rules, 1962’ in accordance with the proposal mooted by the state agriculture department. 

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the chief minister’s office said that Mr. Badal cleared the file to this behalf on Monday evening.   Approving the proposal sent by the agriculture department, the chief minister also agreed to insert Rule 7A after the sub rule 7 in Rule 29 as under:

            “Any agriculture produce taken from outside the state to the state of Punjab, shall be deemed to have been bought or sold in the notified market area where it is brought, may be for any purpose. Any exemption granted from payment of market fees under rule 29, 30, 30(c) or any other rule or otherwise of the said rules, will not applicable and the dealer have to pay the market fee as per the procedure already laid down. Provided that in sub rules, nothing will apply to fruits and vegetables as specified by Board, brought from outside the state to state of Punjab”. 

            The approved draft amendment by the chief minister has been sent to the legal remembrancer for vetting, prior to amending the Punjab Agriculture Produce Markets Act, 1962, the spokesperson added.

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BADAL TERMS FOOD SAFETY ORDINANCE AS A ‘COVER UP EXERCISE’

MOVE AIMED AT DIVERTING ATTENTION OF PEOPLE FROM SCAMS

UPA HAS COPIED ORDINANCE FROM PUNJAB

REITERATES DEMAND FOR SPECIAL ECONOMIC PACKAGE FOR STATE

ASSAILS UPA FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SECURITY TO THE NATION

CM PAYS TRIBUTE TO GURCHARANJEET SINGH GREWAL

MAJITHIA TERMS DEATH OF GREWAL AS A HUGE LOSS TO PARTY

Alamgir (Ludhiana), July 9-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the hasty move of bringing the Food Safety Ordinance by the Congress led UPA Government was aimed at distracting the attention of the countrymen from the various scams and scandals of the union government.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the Bhog ceremony of late Mr. Gurcharanjit Singh Grewal, the father of MLA Mr. Manpreet Singh Aiyali, the Chief Minister termed the ordinance, as a cover up exercise of corrupt and inefficient UPA government. He categorically said that they were not opposed to it but the timing of the Ordinance indicated that the UPA government was trying to cash it into votes in the ensuing general elections. Mr. Badal said that besides food the countrymen were also facing a number of other problems but the UPA government had turned a blind eye towards it by adopting the pro-rich and anti-poor stance.

The Chief Minister said that it was on record that the SAD-BJP government of the state has the distinction of being the maiden state of the country to ensure food security to its residents by starting the Atta-Dal scheme in its previous tenure. He said that Food security ordinance of the UPA was nothing more than a ‘copy’ of this unique endeavor of the state government.

Lashing out at the UPA government, the Chief Minister said that due to the faulty policies of the Union government the countrymen were confronting a large number of social maladies like unemployment, corruption, poverty, illiteracy and others. He said that the exorbitant inflation during the tenure of UPA government has accentuated the woes of the common man thereby making his life miserable. Squarely blaming the Union government for the underdevelopment of the country, Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that despite of presence of bounty of natural resources the per capita income of the nation was lowest in the world.   

Justifying the demand of the state government for a special economic package for Punjab, the Chief Minister said that there was hardly any match for the tremendous contribution made by Punjab for not only making the country self reliant in food grains but also in safeguarding its borders besides playing a vanguard role in the national freedom movement. He said that the state not only deserved a special package for its industry but also for bailing out its farmers from the current crisis. Mr Badal pointed out that they were not against extending incentives to other states but Punjab must get its due share for valuable contribution to the nation and for checking the flight of industry from the state. Daring the Congress leaders to seek special package for the state from the centre government, he said that rather than criticizing the SAD-BJP government the state congress leadership should join hands with them for protecting the interests of the state. 

Making a scathing attack on the UPA government, the Chief Minister said that the Union government has miserably failed in providing external and internal security to the countrymen thereby putting the sovereignty of the nation in deep peril. He said that due to the weakness of the UPA government, on the one hand the internal security of the country was being threatened by series of bomb blasts and on the other hand countries like China were invading in Indian territory. Mr. Badal said that the feeble UPA government was not capable of providing security to the countrymen.

Earlier paying rich tributes to late Mr. Gurcharanjit Singh Grewal, the Chief Minister said that sudden demise Mr. Grewal was a big personal loss for him. He said that Mr. Grewal had played an outstanding role in strengthening the Co-operative movement in the state besides developing the Agriculture sector. Mr. Badal further said that the contribution of Mr. Grewal in the political, social and religious field would ever be a source of inspiration for the coming generations.

In his address Revenue and Information & Public Relation Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia paid tributes to Mr. Grewal on the behalf of Deputy Chief Minister and President of Shiromani Akali Dal Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. He said that the sad demise Mr. Grewal was a huge loss to the party as they have lost a dedicated and farsighted leader. Mr. Majithia also lauded the role played by the Grewal family in the various fields especially in the service of the mankind.  

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, President Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) Mr. Avtar Singh Makkar, Chairman Punjabi Mandi Board Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal besides several MLAs, SGPC members and leaders of SAD.      


PUNJAB DISBURSE 7281 CRORE ONLINE PAYMENTS IN FIRST QUARTER-DHINDSA

·        14 LAC PLUS BENEFITED FROM ONLINE PAYMENTS

·       IFM SYSTEM RUNNING SUCCESSFULLY IN ALL 21 TREASURY OFFICES

CHANDIGARH, JULY 9: The computerization of entire treasury offices in Punjab ensuring all Government Payments online proved a grand success with  Punjab becoming first successful state in the country to disburse more than Rs. 7281 crore to more than 14 lakh beneficiaries in first quarter by online system.  

 Disclosing this here today Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab said that crediting online payments was successfully running in the whole state. He said that through this recently implemented system of online payments to various departments, authorities besides salaries of government officials/employees, Punjab has credited Rs. 7281 crore 85 lacs and 98352 in a short span of three months.

He said that Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) has been monitoring the system of online payments from its inception on 1st April, 2013 and Punjab has become the country's first state to start this programme. He said that all government payments from 1st April, 2013 were being deposited directly in the bank accounts of concerned departments and authorities. He said 14 lakh 32566 people were directly benefitted with this scheme.

The Finance Minister further said that E-Payment system was implemented in all Government Offices/Departments, whose transactions were done through treasury offices. He said that 21 Treasury Offices in the state has implemented the E-payment system while besides these offices all 64 sub treasuries were running this system in the state.

                  He added that from July 1, 2013 Punjab has set a new milestone by starting the whole work online, which would prove to be a major step to ensure paperless administration in releasing funds to various departments in the entire state. He said that no physical files would be required to be submitted now.


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PUNJAB TO PROVIDE SECONDARY SCHOOLING TO 7016 DISABLED STUDENTS-MALUKA

Chandigarh July 9,

The Punjab Government has earmarked Rs.21 lacs to provide higher schooling to 7016 disabled students in the state during the current financial year.

Disclosing this here today Education Minister Punjab Mr Sikander Singh Maluka said that Punjab government would provide Education for disabled at secondary stage aims at providing all students with disabilities completing eight years of elementary schooling and opportunity to complete four years of secondary schooling in an inclusive and enabling environment. Minister further said that Rs. 3000/- per disabled  student would be provided for providing facilities like free books, uniform, scholarship, transport allowance and aid and appliances.

He further said this special teacher, helper and barrier free school structure like resource Rooms, Ramps and disabled friendly toilets etc. would be provided to the disabled children as well as the school where these children were studying. He further said the state government would also provide of Rs. 600/- per child per annum towards scholarship.

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PUNJAB LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE TO CHECK MALARIA: MITTAL

-         FREE OF COST TESTS AND TREATMENT IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 9

The Punjab Government has decided to launch a coordinated to check the onset of Malaria keeping in view the monsoon season.

Disclosing this here today, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal said that Health and Family welfare department has been asked to coordinate with Local Bodies Department and concerned agencies to check the spread of Malaria and take effective steps in this regard.  The department has launched  a drive to check menace of mosquito breeding by issuing instructions to all medical officers to involve public to make it "man based drive"

He said that mosquitoes were not only a nuisance as biting insects, but were also involved periodically in transmitting disease to human and animals. Mosquitoes also transmit disease, such as, Malaria, Dengue, Yellow fever and Ecephalitis and it was imperative to check their breeding sources.

The Minister said that Mosquito control agencies have been asked to  take effective steps to check the spread of mosquito menace. Besides this he said residents have been requested to help significantly by controlling mosquitoes around their homes and properties. He said that most efficient method of controlling mosquitoes was by reducing the availability of water suitable for Larwal and pupal growth. He said that a campaign has been launched to educate the public that Mosquitoes   thrives in smaller bodies of water in protected places, like unwanted tin cans and tires, water coolers, clogged roof and drains etc., he added.  Public has been advised that the water inside the desert coolers should be replaced at least twice in a week.

He said that medical test and treatment of malaria is free of cost in all government hospitals in state. He said that as per the advice of Health Department, to prevent malaria one should drink boiled or chemically treated water etc.

 The Minister said that all the government hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of medicines and fluids. Detailed guidelines in this regard have been issued to all the civil surgeons in the state to ensure all possible measures and steps to prevent any outbreak of malaria.

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PUNJAB DECIDES TO ESTABLISH INTER-STATE COMPUTERIZED CHECK POSTS

Chandigarh, July 9

The Punjab Government has decided to establish inter-state computerized check posts at the entry points of borders of neighboring states.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of Transport department said that these check posts were being set up on out sources basis. He said that main purpose to set up these computerized check posts was to curb the illegal operation of transport vehicles entering in the state.

He further said that computerized check posts would ensure transparency in the entire system of tax collection and it would be helpful to check the theft of taxes.


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DEOs TO DISPLAY INFORMATION REGARDING VACANT POSTS OF TEACHERS

Chandigarh, July 9: The Punjab Education has directed the District Education Officers to ensure that information regarding vacant posts should be displayed outside their offices so that any teacher should not face harassment for getting this information. Besides this, they have also been asked to get the information updated on regular basis.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the Education department categorically said that if any transfer could not be implemented due to any wrong entry, the responsibility of the erring employee would be fixed to initiate departmental action against him. He also made it clear that while implementing any transfer in a primary school, it should be ensured that the school might have left with two teachers as in case of single teacher the transfer would be cancelled.

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PUNJAB STARTS HELPLINE FOR MISSING PILGRIMS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 9

The Punjab Government has started a new helpline to find out the missing pilgrims of the state at Uttrakhand due to the massive natural disaster.

A spokesman of the Punjab Government today said that three Phone No 0172-2740397, 0172-270253  and  0172-2740859 have been started in the control room established at Punjab Civil secretariat, Chandigarh.  He further said that relatives of the missing person at Uttrakhand may call for any quarry/information on the given no. 

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JALANDHAR TO WITNESS TOTAL INFRASTRUCTURE REVAMP- SUKHBIR

·         APPROVES SLEW OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH CRORES OF RUPEES

·         GARBAGE TO BE TAKEN FROM BINS TO SWTP IN GPS ENABLED VEHICLES

·         IDENTIFIED 75 WARDWISE DUMPING POINTS

·         COMPANY BAGH TO BE REDEVELOPED WITH A COST OF Rs. 3.84 CRORE

·         12 MAJOR ROADS TO BE RECARPETED WITH A COMBINED COST OF Rs. 24 CRORES

·         32.40 CRORES TO BE SPENT ON INTEGRATED HOUSING SLUM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SCHEME COVERING 22 SLUM ABADIS-3676 BENEFICIARIES TO BE BENEFITTED

·         CITY TO GET 13 BLOCKS OF SHULABH TOILETS

·         RUB AT CHANDAN NAGAR

·         ACQUIRES 8 ACRES OF LAND TO CONSTRUCT STATE-OF-THE-ART SLAUGHTER HOUSE, A DOG POND WORTH Rs. 17 CRORES

JALANDHAR, JULY 8: The NRI hub of Punjab, Jalandhar is all set to realize total infrastructure rehabilitation by the end of 2014 with the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has approved a slew of projects worth thousands of crores for this heartland of Doaba region.

            Presiding over a high level meeting with the officials of various authorities of Jalandhar, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, accompanied by the Local Bodies Minister Chunni Lal Bhagat, said that as Jalandhar having more than 10 lakh population of Punjab was the third largest city of the state, where 95% population has been covered under water supply system while 85 percent population was being covered under sewerage system. He said that Punjab Government has approved two tier sewerage project for the city under which in phase I Rs. 54.79 crore and in phase II 62.37 crore to be spent under this project. He said that out of the total cost Rs. 49.955 crore and Rs. 24.58 crore has been released respectively. The Deputy Chief Ministe said that to cover the 100% population with ultra modern treated sewerage network up to 2025 Rs. 235.86 crore has been sanctioned under National River Conservation Plan, out of which Rs. 52.48 crore as on June 30, 2013 has been released. He said that for 100% water supply coverage an amount of Rs. 14.86 crore has been sanctioned and the work of project was in full swing.  

Reviewing the Solid Waste Management project ready to become operational in Jalandhar, the Deputy CM said that Jalandhar would soon witness door-to-door collection of garbage and under this program the garbage would be taken from bins to Solid Waste Treatment Plant in GPS enabled vehicles. He said that the work has been allotted to renowned firm of the country and the GPS enabled vehicles have been reached to the Municipal Corporation for the first phase beginning of the project.

 

Briefing the process of collection, Mr. Badal said that the filed staff of the authorized company would collect the garbage in segregated manner more suitable for processing. He sadi  that 75 wardwise dumping points have also been identified and the first phase of operation would be started in 6 wards in the third week of July in ward nos. 18, 29, 30, 31, 34 and 35.He said that a mobile application ‘cap me and track me’ is also being introduced, under which the system will generate alert automatically, if the bins was not cleared once in 12 hrs time. He said that to facilitate coordination between the residents and field staff a complaint redressal system will also be launched.  

The Deputy CM also approved series of Road infrastructure and other development projects including food court 3G fish aquarium, redevelopment of Nehru Garden, Integrated Housing Slum Development Program. Approving 279 crore Roads redevelopment program Mr. Badal approved flyover at Basti Bawa Khel to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 38 crore, widening and strengthening of Hoshiarpur Road upto Lamba Pind (Rs 3.50 crore ), Widening of main approach from Urban Estate to Dairy Complex (Rs. 2 crore), widening of road from PAP Chowk to BSF chowk (Rs. 1.87 crore), restoration of water supply and sewerage trenches, reconstruction of roads Phase-II (Rs 80 crore), execution of development works from ward 1 to 60 (Rs 50 crore), 6 laning of old GT Road from Patel Chowk to Bidhipur Railway Crossing (Rs. 30 crore), road infrastructure of different wards (Rs. 24 crore), construction of ROB at Chuggitti Railway Crossing (Rs. 32 crore), construction of  Townhall building (3 crore), lining of Kala Sanghian Drain (Rs. 14.64 crore) and total coverage of Jalandhar City for Storm Water Drainage System at the cost of Rs. 172 crore.   Sukhbir also sanctioned for recarpetting of 12 major roads of the city.

Asking Municipal Corporation to put the Rs. 48 crore project of Food Court cum 3G fish aquarium project on fast track Mr. Badal said that this project could develop as  a major tourist attraction for Jalandhar city. Mr. Badal also approved redevelopment of Company Bagh at the cost of Rs. 3.84 crore.

 

Focusing on rehabilitating slum dwellers of 26 slums, Mr. Badal asked MC to expedite construction of 3676 slum tenements and hand over the keys to them within one year. It was decided to handover all public toilets to Shulabh Toilets.

 

            The residents of Jalandhar would get a breather from traffic chaos with Sukhbir approving Rs. 47 crore for construction of Chandan Nagar Railway Over Bridge that would facilitate the movement of ten lakh population living near Brij Nagar. Sukhbir also approved Rs. 12.47 crore project for construction of 445 tenements for slum dwellers. A modern slaughter house and a dog pond to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 17 crore at Kapurthala Road was also approved in the meeting

 

            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Krishan Dev Bhandari, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA, Mr. Ashok Gupta, Secretary Local Government, Mr. Paramjit Singh Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Mr. Ajay Kumar Mahajan, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM, Mr. Priyank Bharti, Director Local Bodies and Mr. Vinay Bublani, Commissioner MC Jalandhar and other senior officials of various department. 

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BADAL FOR STRENGTHENING DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY IN PUNJAB

·        LAUDS OFFICERS/OFFICIALS DEPLOYED IN UTTARAKHAND FOR RELIEF AND RESCUE OPERATIONS

·        ASKS DISASTER MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT TO PREPARE TIME-BOUND ACTION PLAN FOR ITS UPGRADATION AND PROCUREMENT OF LATEST GADGETS/EQUIPMENTS

 

Chandigarh, July 8

          The Punjab government would equip its Disaster Management Authority to face any challenge or eventuality arising out of natural calamity in future.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting with the officers/officials deployed in the Uttrakhand for carrying out relief and rescue operations here at Chief Minister’s Residence this evening.

          The Chief Minister said the department of Disaster Management would soon procure the latest equipment such as high lifts, boats and life saving jackets to rescue the victims trapped in various calamities/disasters like earthquakes, floods and fire etc,. He asked the department to prepare a comprehensive blueprint for the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment to save the precious lives of the people adding Mr. Badal said there would be no paucity of the funds for this good cause. The Chief Minister also desired to immediately initiate effective steps for the up-gradation and strengthening of the fire brigade services across the state and directed the Local Government Department to procure the new fire tenders equipped with the latest gadgets so as to prepare our fire personnel to take up any challenge or face any unforeseen eventuality in the wake natural disaster valiantly.

          Mr. Badal highly appreciated the collective efforts made by the civil and police officers/officials besides the medical teams including the doctors and paramedics in saving the lives of the people apart from providing them succor in this hour of crisis. He also lauded the exemplary role of pilots in evacuating the people stranded at various pilgrimages in Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gobind Ghat.

          Meanwhile, the officers/officials present in the meeting shared their traumatic experiences and narrated the hardships faced them while undertaking the relief and rescue operations in Uttrakhand valley. They also stressed the need to impart training in the field of mountaineering to the members of the disaster management teams so as to enable them to carry rescue and relief operations far more effectively.

          Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Sk Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar besides the DGSE KS Pannu, MD Punjab State Cooperative Bank Mr. Kamaldeep Singh Sangha and DIG Mr. Khubi Ram, who were deployed by the state government in Uttarakhand for the execution of relief and rescue operations.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO HOST WORLD CUP KABADDI IN NOVEMBER-SUKHBIR

 

·        25 nations would participate in the Tournament

·        3% Sports quota in the Government jobs for Punjabi youth 

·        2000 budding sportspersons would be trained in Sports Centres

 

DELHI, JULY 8: Punjab is all set to host 4th world cup Kabaddi Tournament in the month of November this year. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today here at his residence said that all formalities were completed by the Punjab Sports Department to hold the 4th edition of World Cup Kabaddi 2013, in which 25 nations would be participating for record prize money in a fortnight long sports festival.

Mr. Badal said that strict NADA anti doping guidelines would be implemented in the tournament and

He said that Punjab has given Kabbadi an International Status and  now Punjab is promoting Kabaddi in countries of Europe, Africa, USA, Australia and other non representative sub-continents to make its  claim strong for Olympics. He said that the Government was already taking up this issue with International Olympic Committee for making efforts to include this game in 2020 Olympics.           

Mr. Badal laying emphasis on the development of Sports Culture in the state said that a record provision of Rs. 91 crore has been made in the current budget and Rs. 13 crore has been set aside for developing play grounds in 1233 villages. He said that 2200 sportspersons would be graded and would get monthly scholarship of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 per month.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government has already finalized the plan to establish Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Center of Excellence in Sports at Mohali with 4 regional campuses at Bathinda, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar at the cost of Rs. 100 crore, in which 2000 budding sportspersons would be selected for training. 

He said that Punjab Government has introduced 3% Sports quota in the Government jobs to attract Punjabi youth towards sports and many sports personality were given jobs as per their level of performance.

 

MUSLIM INMATES EXCUSED FROM

HARD LABOUR DURING RAMZAN--PHILLAUR

Chandigarh July 8: Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Jail Minister Punjab has directed the senior officers of the department to ensure adequate facilities to the Muslim prisoners during the Ramzan starting from July 9.

 In a statement issued here today the Minister said that the Punjab Government was committed to promote national integration and extent due respect to every religion. He also said that the Prison authorities have also been directed to exempt Muslim prisoners from hard labour during the holy month of Ramzan. The Minister has also asked the DGP Prisons to make sure that the directive of S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab, to allow the Muslim Prisoners perform prayers and other rituals for Ramzan, during which they observe fast. Assistant inspector general of prisons, Punjab, would co-ordinate with jail superintendents and sub-jails deputy superintendents to supervise the arrangements on a day-to-day basis, he added.


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PUNJAB ASKS ALL TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO CONSTRUCT HOSTELS FOR SC/ST STUDENTS

CHANDIGARH, JULY 8:

The Punjab government has asked all government and aided technical institutes in the state to construct hostels for SC/ST students in their respective institutions availing the facilities provided All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that AICTE has come out with a scheme for government and aided institutes, approved by AICTE with more than 150 SC and ST students on its roll to provide funding of Rs. 2 crore for construction of hostels. He said that this step has been taken to enhance the enrollment of SC/ST students as well as to improve the quality of education and research capabilities.

The spokesman said that all eligible institutes have been directed to avail the scheme for immediate implementation.

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INJUERD IN A UTRAKHAND CALAMITY AVTAR SINGH DISCHARGED FROM PGI

CHANDIGARH, JULY 8:

          The Punjab Government came to the rescue of Mr. Avtar singh who was deeply wounded in Utrakhand floods today discharged from PGI after his total recovery.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Avtar singh of village Rurky kham district SAS Nagar was badly wounded in the natural calamity struck Utrakhand. He said that Mr. Avtar singh was on religious tour to Hemkunt Sahib when the furious flood hit the hill state. Avtar singh got fractured his arm and leg in the calamity. He said that the family of Avtar singh contacted the Punjab Government for help. The Punjab Government immediately jump into action and got the wounded Avtar singh admitted in the PGI.

          He further said that the Punjab Government borne the total expenditure on the treatment of Avtar singh where he was admitted since twenty days. He totally recovered his injuries and today reached home hale and hearty.

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PUNJAB ALL SET FOR THE PROMOTION OF BLUE REVOLUTION: GULZAR SINGH RANIKE

Rs.11.16 CRORE EARMARKED FOR THE PROJECT

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 8:

            Punjab is now on the threshold of a Blue Revolution to encourage farmers to go in for diversification and opt for fish farming in the state.

Disclosing this here today Punjab fisheries minister S Gulzar Singh Ranike said for this purpose an outlay of 11.16 crore has been reserved in the annual plan 2013-14 against Rs.10.55 crore during 2012-13. He said that the farmers were adopting intensive fish culture in ponds and tanks on modern scientific lines through composite fish culture of fast growing species. 

The Minister said that at present 11287 ha. area is under fish culture and there are around 8000 fish farmers. Punjab is having the highest average fish production of 6560 kg/ha. against the national average of 3000kg/ha. There are 868 kms of rivers and 4370 ha. reservoirs and 16585 kms of canals as notified water areas added the minister.

          S Ranike said that for making fish culture, more lucrative and attractive to farmers and for bringing more area under fish culture, the main thrust of the department during the 12th plan would be on providing quality fish seed of culturable varieties of fish; adopting more suitable village ponds under fish farming ; providing opportunities for gainful self-employment in rural areas, providing better extension services at pond sites; providing facilities of short term training in fish farming and to arrange visits of fish farmers to other states and developing saline/brackish water into fish farming. 

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PUNJAB ISSUES STRICT INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLIANCE OF BIO MEDICAL WASTE RULES

CHANDIGARH, JULY 8,

            The Punjab Government has issued strict instructions to comply the guidelines for treatment of Bio Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 in order to preserve environment and to save human health from the ill-treatment of bio medical waste. The instructions have been issued to all hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories, blood banks and all those institutions where medical wastes is generated, collected, stored, treated, disposed or handled.

            Giving the details of instructions issued to all institutions here today, a spokesperson said that Bio medical waste would not be mixed with other wastes. He said that Bio medical waste would be segregated into containers/bags at the point of generation in accordance with rules prior to its storage, transportation, treatment and disposal.  The containers would be labeled according to rules.

            He further said that no untreated bio-medical waste would be kept stored beyond a period of 48 hours, provided that if for any reason it becomes necessary to store the waste beyond such period, the authorized person must take permission of the prescribed authority and take measure to ensure that the waste does not adversely affect human health and the environment.  He said that every occupier/operator shall submit an annual report to the prescribed authority every year, to include information about the categories and quantities of bio medical wastes handled during the preceding year.

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BUTTAR SWORN IN AS PPSC CHAIRMAN BY GOVERNOR

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 8:

The Punjab Governor, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Lt. Gen. (Retd.) M.S. Buttar as the Chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) at a brief but impressive ceremony held here at Punjab Raj Bhavan.

Earlier, Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue, who conducted the proceedings of swearing in ceremony, sought the permission of the Governor to begin the oath ceremony. Soon after, Mr. Buttar was sworn in as Chairman, he signed the oath which was counter-signed by the Governor.

Prominent amongst others who attended the swearing-in-ceremony included Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Revenue and Public Relations Minister, Punjab Mr Bikram Singh Majithia,  Cultural Affairs Minister, Punjab, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Principal Secretary to Governor,  Mr. M.P. Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Mr. S.K. Sandhu. Besides the members of PPSC and several senior officers of civil and police administration were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Buttar was accompanied by his family members, friends and relatives, who offered their best wishes to him on his new assignment.

 

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GOBINDGARH FORT AMRITSAR SET TO

 BE DEDICATED TO TOURISTSIN SEPTEMBER ---PHILLAUR

Chandigarh July 8: The historic Gobindgarh Fort Amritsar, a legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh is all set to be put on International Tourist circuit as it will dedicate to the tourists in the September after completion of its first phase of restoration. 

Stating this here today, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Punjab said that the conservation work of the fort has been started in a phased work and the first phase has already been completed with the financial assistance of the Asian Development Bank. The Minister said that the Fort would be opened to the Public on the eve of World Tourism Day in September and would remain opened for three days a week. Special arrangements have also been made for a heritage walk for the tourists. The walk would take the visitors on a voyage that would start from the Mukh Dawaar through the Nalwa Gate, Androoni Gate and Darbar Hall to the Tosha Khana, he added.

            The Minister said that the state government would organize an exhibition and a guided tour for the tourists visiting this fort from across the world. A light and sound programme depicting the historical background and other minute details associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh would also be planned by January next year.

The Gobindgarh Fort was built in 1760 AD and was associated with the Sikh warrior king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The fort, named after the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was in the possession of the British army for nearly 150 years.

                         

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408 CHILD LABOURERS RESCUED DURING CHILD LABOUR ERADICATION WEEK: JAYANI

LUDHIANA WITNESSES MAXIMUM VIOLATION OF CHILD LABOUR ACT

CHANDIGARH, JULY 8:

          The Punjab Labour Department was successful in rescuing over 408 children engaged as child labour during the child labour Eradication Week observed in the state from 17 to 23 June 2013.

 Disclosing this here today Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani, Labour Minister, Punjab said that during the course of this activity special team were constituted under the leadership of Deputy Commissioners concerned, these teams conducted raids in 8964 different centres. He said that during such raids 408 cases of child labour were detected and 337 offenders were challaned for the offence.

He said that challans would be submitted to the respective courts that would pronounce punishment ranging form Rs 10000 fine to 6 month imprisonment. He said that among these cases, 203 children were found to be working in dangerous occupations. Maximum 99 cases of child labour were found in district Ludhiana, in Sangrur 59, in Amritsar 47 whereas in Jalandhar 31 such cases of Child Labour were detected.

Mr. Jayani said that the state government was committed to abolish the child labour in the state. He said that during the observance of this week the teams besides conducting raids also organized special seminars for sensitizing general population so that the children belonging to the poor family could also enjoy their childhood.

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MALUKA DIRECTS FOR PLANTATION OF MAXIMUM SAPLINGS IN GOVERNMENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Chandigarh, July 8: The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka has underlined the need for plantation of maximum saplings in the vacant land available in the premises of 20600 government educational institutions in the state to create awareness amongst students regarding environment.

Mr. Maluka said that the present monsoon season was fully conducive for plantation of seven lac saplings thereby making our contribution in making our state more green and eco-friendly. He said the state education department has decided to launch a campaign to encourage students to not only plant maximum saplings but also take care of existing plants/trees in their respective institutions. He suggested for plantation of saplings having medicinal value besides fruit bearing plants. He said that wherever sufficient space was not available focus should be on flower and ornamental plants. He said that for this purpose local NGOs could also be roped in.

The Education Minister said that the institutions and students with better performance in plantation drive would be given appreciation awards.

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PUNBUS to avail services of new law officers

Chandigarh, July 08

Punjab state bus stand management company (PUNBUS) has decided to avail the services of 17 new law officers in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the PUNBUS.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of PUNBUS said that tenders have been invited from the outsourcing agencies to avail the services of law officers for different depots of PUNBUS in the state. All the related information could be acquired from the office of PUNBUS or the website of the company.

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WATER LEVEL IN BHAKRA DAM 83.05 FEET HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR

CHANDIGARH, JULY 8:

            The water level in the Bhakra Dam today recorded at a level of 1626.14 feet against 1543.09 feet last year on the same day. Water level is 83.05 feet more than as it was last year on the same day.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the irrigation department said that the water level of pong Dam has been recorded at 1335.47 feet which is 43.78 feet more than it was recorded last year that is 1291.69 feet. Similarly the water level of Ranjit Sagar Dam on 8 July, 2013 touched 512.00meter mark which is 12.17 meter more than the water level recorded last year on the same day that is 499.83.

He further said that the inflow of water in Bhakra is 73312 cusec against 42739 last year and the release from Bhakra Dam is 36401 cusec against 29500 cusec last year. Inflow of water in pong Dam has been recorded as 108221 cusec against 22850 cusec and release from pong dam is 10001 against 14808 on the same day last year whereas inflow of water in Ranjit Sagar Dam is 12667 cusec against 11141 cusec and release from Ranjit Sagar Dam is 15417 cusec against 4815 cusec release on the same day last year.

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CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB

BADAL TERMS SERIES OF BOMB BLASTS AT BODH GAYA AS BARBARIC AND INHUMAN ACT

CASTIGATES UNION GOVERNMENT FOR ITS FAILURE TO PROVIDE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SECURITY TO THE COUNTRYMEN

PAYS OBEISANCE AT SRI DARBAR SAHIB ALONG WITH RAJNATH SINGH

Amritsar, July 7-

Assailing the incident of series of bomb blasts at world renowned Maha Bodhi Temple at Gaya in Bihar, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal termed it as barbaric and inhuman act.

Talking to the media persons here at the Information centre of Sri Harmandir Sahib complex, the Chief Minister said that it was very unfortunate that the terrorists had not even spared the religious shrines for carrying out such brutal activities. He said that this incident has once again proved that the terrorist do not have any religion and their sole aim was to spread terror amongst the masses.

Lashing out at the Congress led UPA government at the centre, the Chief Minister said that during their tenure the Union government has miserably failed in providing internal and external security to the countrymen. Mr. Badal said that it was a fact that the Congress government has failed to check such incidents of terrorism in the country thereby putting the sovereignty of the nation in deep peril.

When asked to comment on the issue of shifting of seats with the BJP, the Chief Minister said that it would be too early to comment on the issue as this matter has not been discussed yet by both the alliance partners. He reiterated that the alliance between SAD and BJP was very firm and both the alliance partners have always solved the major issues through mutual dialogue. Mr. Badal said that both the alliance partners have never said no to each other on any issue and have always respected each other’s sentiments.

Meanwhile the Chief Minister asked the officers of Municipal Corporation Amritsar to ensure proper cleanliness around the Sri Darbar Sahib complex. Later on the Chief Minister and National BJP President Mr. Rajnath Singh paid obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, President of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar, Secretary of SGPC Jathedar Dalmegh Singh, Incharge of Punjab BJP and former Union Minister Mr. Shanta Kumar, President of state BJP Mr. Kamal Sharma and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat Aggarwal.     

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INFORMATIOM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

 

DRAINS FOR KOTLA, SIDHWAN & EASTERN CANAL BRANCH BE EXCAVATED SOON: SEKHON

   

·        PUNJAB SANCTIONS 280 NEW TUBE WELLS FOR KANDI AREA COSTING RS. 108 CRORE

 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 7:

The Punjab Government has the approved the project for digging up drains for Kotla, Sidhwan & Eastern canal branch. The Irrigation department has initiated the work on this project. On the other hand to tackle the perennial Irrigation water shortage problems in the kandi area, the Punjab government has also given approval for digging 280 new tube wells at the cost of Rs. 108 crore.

           Disclosing this here today Mr. Janmeja singh sekhon, Minister for Irrigation, Punjab said that Punjab Government was fully committed to develop agriculture and encourage diversification in the Kandi area to bring the development of this area at par with developed areas of the state.

The Minister said that the government has got a comprehensive study done on irrigation requirement of the area and as per findings of that study 280 spots were identified, where there was an immediate requirement of digging deep tube wells. Mr. Sekhon further said that the Irrigation Department would shortly float the tender for digging of 280 tube wells. He said that the government has decided that 140 deep tube wells be handed over to farmer community by September 30 and remaining 140 would be operational by March 31st, 2014.

            He said that the Punjab Government has also approved the work for the relining of all minors in the state. He said that the in future Irrigation Department while tendering out these projects should make the construction agency accountable for maintaining that system for next 15 years. He said that tender should also incorporate the clause making construction agency accountable for ensuring supply of water at tail end of the system besides monitoring the usage of Canal Water at different points.

NO.PR.13/

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INFORMATION& PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

PUNJAB HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECRUITS 602 STAFF NURSES: MITTAL

NEWLY SELECTED STAFF NURSES TO UNDERGO 6 DAYS ORIENTATION & INDUCTION TRAINING COURSE

LIST OF 21 PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKERS FINALISED TO WORK AS COUNSELLOR IN DE-ADDICTION CENTRES

CHANDIGARH, JULY 07: Punjab Governments drive to strengthen the health services in the state, Health Department has recruited 602 Staff Nurses on regular basis through a transparent and fair process of recruitment.  Disclosing this here today Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab said that newly selected Staff Nurses would be shortly joining the department.

He said that more Doctors & other supporting staff would also be recruited in the health department very soon. Minister also added that they are in a process to improve infrastructure and provide ultra modern healthcare facilities in the government hospitals.

          Minister said that the norms for staff nurses have significantly been enhanced and additional posts have been created for running the de-addiction centres, ICU and SNCUs. He added that  in a new initiative, these newly selected staff nurses would be imparted a 6 days Orientation & Induction training course in order to sensitize and train them regarding the various national health programmes, orientation about their profile and the nature of duties expected from them. The induction course for these Staff nurses would begin from beginning 8th July 2013 in a phased manner.

He said that recruitment of staff nurses would not only provide employment to youth but also greatly help in bridging the gap of paramedical staff in the health institutions and further improve the patient care services, especially the indoor services in the government hospitals.

Mr. Mittal said that the department has also finalised the list of 21 Psychiatric Social Workers who will the posted in various de-addiction centres in the state and work as counsellors along with Psychiatrists already posted there.

The detail of selection letter along with the list of qualifying staff nurses is available on the department's website 

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PUNJAB IMPARTED ‘SPECIAL TRAINING’ TO TOP BRASS FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNANCE REFORMS

 

  • FOCUSED ON BUSINESS MODELS AND PPP MODE
  • WOULD FURTHER BRING MOMENTUM IN E-GOVERNANCE PROJECTS

 

CHANDIGARH, JULY 7: The Punjab Government today organized a two day Specialized Training for e-Governance Program (STeP) to bring further efficiency and results  with effective implementation of Governance Reforms for the facilitation of general masses in the state.

            Focusing on the Business Models and Public Private Partnership, the workshop was organized for the Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Commissioners, District Collectors, Directors, heads of District level units including Deputy Commissioners, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Project Managers for e-governance, where they have been equipped with ultra modern skills and latest updates and knowledge on business models and PPP. The workshop cum training program was organized in association with National Institute of SMART Governance (NISG), Hyderabad and was attended by the senior officers from various state departments and district offices.

            Emphasizing the need to strengthen business models and PPP mode in e-governance projects, Mr. V. N. Zade, who is also director of Governance Reforms Department Punjab, said that effective and result oriented implementation of Governance Reforms was the call of the hour in this era cyber era. He said that Punjab has received an enormous response of people by its newly enacted the Right to Service Act-2011 as it was successfully provided more than 70 services while 87 new services have also been recommended, which would be included soon in the ambit of act. He said that 2nd Punjab Governance Reforms commission has reestablished to analyse civil and criminal justice system, procedure for industrial development, underlining the framework for the affairs of NRIs and to bring reforms in fiscal management of the state.

            Expressing satisfaction over the functioning of desks established under Governance Reforms in the state, Zade said that there were 139 Police Sanjh Kendras successfully providing 25 citizen services like copy of FIR, verification of documents whereas land records of 12538 villages our of 13206 in the state have been put on the web besides providing fards to the people in a minimum span of time at the state-of-the-art Fard Kendras setup under Governance Reforms. He said keeping in view the importance of time and energy of people, the Punjab has also put new milestones in its administrative complexes by providing speedy citizen centric services. He said that now the dealers have been empowered to issued vehicle registration certificates, principals of colleges are now also authorize to issue learner driving license. He said that in Punjab all the departments and markets have introduced e-tendering and e-procurement systems for the facilitation of consumers and other sections of the society.

            Describing Governance Reforms a boon in this cyber era, Mr. Zade said that with the implementation of e-governance, the Punjab has become the first state to run its treasuries and budget preparations online under integrated finance management system of governance reforms.

            Mr. Rajnish Malhotra, Head of SeMT, Prof. Harish P. Iyer and Dr. Ram Somasundaram from NISG were also presented their perspectives on Business Models and PPP, its importance in various administrative activities.

            Meanwhile Mrs. Bhawna Garg, Special Secretary Personnel distributed participation certificates to all officers, officials of various state departments/offices and distinguished guests.

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AADHAR NUMBER FIELD SESSION 2013-14 COMPULSARY

RANIKE APPEALS BENEFICIARIES TO GET AADHAR CARD

CHANDIGARH, July 7:

            In a significant decision, Punjab Government has transferred two schemes related to Scholarship Management System of minority students (Sikh, Muslim, Chrishtian, Bodhi and Parsi) from manual to online.

            Disclosing this here today Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that scholarship amount of 2013-14 session under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme and Marriage-cum-Means basis scholarship scheme would be transferred only to account numbers which are attached to Aadhar Card Numbers.

            The Minister appealed to all eligible students that they should make their Aadhar Card on preference and write their Aadhar Number with their account numbers. He also appealed to the Head of the Educational institutions and Schools to extend every possible help to the students.

 

BRITISH DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER CALLS ON BADAL

• SHOWS KEEN INTEREST IN SETTING UP OF JOINT VENTURES IN EDUCATION, SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING, RETAIL AND AGRO-SECTOR ACTIVITIES

• CM FOR JOINT EFFORTS TO ADDRESS ISSUES RELATED TO IT SECTOR AND CYBER CRIME

CHANDIGARH July 3:
British Deputy High Commissioner Mr. David Lelliott today called on Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Chief Minister's residence this morning and evinced keen interest in setting up joint ventures in Education, Skill development training, Retail, Transport and agro-sector activities.
Mr. David who was accompanied by Senior Trade & Investment Adviser to British Trade Office at Chandigarh Ms. Tanisha Thiara, offered to start collaborative ventures with the state Government of Mutual interests and benefits. He informed the Chief Minister that various universities in the United Kingdom had signed several MoUs with IIT Ropar for partnership in research works and teaching programm and now they were looking to initiate skill development training program for generating skilled work force for the various trades. He also informed that British Council would initiate joint venture with two Community Colleges of the state at Jalandhar and Bathinda.
The Chief Minister desired for a serious and meaningful cooperation with UK, especially in Education and Skill development training. Mr. Badal apprised the British Deputy High Commissioner that their Government had launched a health care program to combat cancer by establishing a network of well-equipped Cancer Treatment Hospitals in the state and asked the UK government to provide technical support in this regard which would be a great service towards the people inflicted with cancer. Likewise in the field of Education the state government had initiated special program to provide quality education free of cost to the brilliant rural students with poor background. He impressed upon Mr. David to plan teacher exchange program under which the state government would make arrangements for the boarding and lodging of the interested retire teachers from UK to visit Punjab to impart training to our teachers.
To address the issues related IT, Mr. Badal also accepted the offer to initiate joint efforts to redress the issues related to IT sector and Cyber crime. He directed the Police and IT departments to work out a meaningful action program in this regard.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to the CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to CM Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar.
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FAROOQ ABDULLAH CALLS ON BADAL
• CM demands 80% GoI Subsidy on Solar Water Pumps
• Union Minister assures to take-up matter with PM
Chandigarh July 3:
In a bid to tap maximum irrigation potential through non-conventional sources of energy for irrigation purposes in the state especially in the horticulture sector, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Government of India (GoI) to enhance the subsidy on solar water pumps from 30% to 80%.
This demand was raised by Mr. Badal before the Union Minister of New & Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah, who called on Mr. Badal at the chief minister’s residence here this afternoon.
During the meeting Mr. Badal said that Central government had been providing 80% subsidy of the benchmark price for solar water pumps as central financial assistance till 2004 but thereafter reduced it to 30%. He urged the Union Minister to restore the earlier subsidy available to the farmers.
In addition to this the chief minister also asked Mr. Abdullah to introduce Invertors and Battery backup system in the existing scheme of solar water pumps to enable the farmers to utilize their existing AC motor setup instead of purchasing new DC motors, which was not financially viable for them.
Regarding the state’s share of Rs. 285 cr. for the development of non-conventional energy as per the 13th Finance Commission recommendations, Mr. Badal asked the Union Minister to get the process expedited for early release of the funds.
On the occasion, Mr. Farooq Abdullah assured Mr. Badal that he would soon take up all these issues with the Prime Minister personally for early solution, especially of subsidy enhancement for solar water pumps. He also advised Mr. Badal to personally write to the Prime Minister conveying his view point in this regard.
Emphasizing to encourage the use of renewable energy sources, Union Minister said that their Ministry has supported installation of Solar Power Plants on the roof tops of all the government buildings like offices, institutions, colleges, hostels and hospitals to provide uninterrupted power supply besides water heating systems to reduce the conventional power load. Appreciating the efforts of the state government in popularizing the solar and bio-mass energy, the Union Minister asked the Punjab government to launch a massive campaign to aware the general public for the optimum utilization of these energy sources. He also asked to arrange Kissan Samalens (meetings) for which center would provide all types of technical support.
Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to CM Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Principal Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, CEO PEDA Mr. Manashvi Kumar and Director PEDA Mr. Balour Singh.
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PUNJAB LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO WEED OUT INELIGIBLE OLD AGE PENSIONERS
• SPECIAL CAMPAIGN BEING LAUNCHED ON THE DIRECTIONS OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT
• DCs TOLD TO COMPLETE EXERCISE IN TIME BOUND MANNER
Chandigarh, July 03: The Punjab Government today issued instructions to launch a special campaign to weed out ineligible old age pensioners as per the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court. A statewide drive has been launched to verify the age and residence proof of all beneficiaries of Old Age Pension.
According to an official spokesman, all cases of old age pension beneficiaries of villages and Urban localities after January 01, 2009 would be verified and instructions in this regard have been already issued to all Deputy Commissioners of the state.
Clarifying the procedure to be adopted for verification, the spokesperson said that Primary verification would be completed by village level officers for the proof of residence and age and for the purpose of income of the beneficiary Patwari would be the competent authority for the primary verification.
He said that the list of such cases, not fulfilling the eligibility criteria for old age pension, would be displayed in Panchayat Ghar in the villages for inviting claims and objections. He said that claims and objections would be heard in Gram Sabha by an officer deputed by the Deputy Commissioner and preferably of the rank of SDO and above and including CDPO, BDPO and DDPO etc.
He said that Sub divisional Magistrate of the sub division would be overall incharge of verification process for his sub division. After the completion of entire process at sub division level reports would be sent to Deputy Commissioner, who would send this report to the Director Social Security and Women Welfare Department, Punjab. After verification status report of eligible and ineligible beneficiaries would be presented in the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
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WATER LEVEL IN BHAKRA DAM 81.69 FEET HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR
CHANDIGARH, JULY 3:
The water level in the Bhakra Dam today recorded at a level of 1617.72feet against 1536.03feet last year on the same day. Water level is 81.69feet more than as it was last year on the same day.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the irrigation department said that the water level of pong Dam has been recorded at 1327.26feet which is 37.41feet more than it was recorded last year that is 1289.85feet. Similarly the water level of Ranjit Sagar Dam on 3 July, 2013 touched 512.73meter mark which is 13.36meter more than the water level recorded last year on the same day that is 499.37.
He further said that the inflow of water in Bhakra is 55830 cusec against 35728 last year and the release from Bhakra Dam is 34750 cusec against 29666cusec last year. Inflow of water in pong Dam has been recorded as13031cusec against 5302 cusec and release from pong dam is 8009 against 15311 on the same day last year whereas inflow of water in Ranjit Sagar Dam is 11396 cusec against 11141 cusec and release from Ranjit Sagar Dam is 14347 cusec against 10817 cusec release on the same day last year.

ROY UPDATES CM ON THE PROGRESS OF RAJPURA THERMAL PLANT

·       ASSURES COMMISSIONING OF 1ST UNIT OF 700 MW IN DECEMBER, 2013

·       BADAL ASKS L&T TO UNDERTAKE SEVERAL OTHER INFRA PROJECTS INCLUDING JANG-E-AZADI  MEMORIAL  

Chandigarh, July 2

L&T Executive Vice President Mr. SN Roy today assured the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that the 1st unit of 700 MW of its upcoming thermal plant at Rajpura would be made operational by December, 2013.

            Mr. Roy called on the Chief Minister in his office this morning and apprised him about the latest progress of the project. He urged the Chief Minister to help the company in acquiring nearly 25 acres of land for the construction of new road from NH-1 to the site via Sarai Banjara-Chandumajra-Chak Kalan-Chak Khurd-Sural Kalan, as the existing approach road from NH-64 could not bear the load due to the heavy movement of 400 bulker’s fly ash every day.

Responding to the request of Mr. Roy, the chief minister asked him to go for acquisition of the requisite land on their own and assured him of all logistic support and cooperation thereafter for the construction of the road. Mr. Badal also agreed to the proposal for the exemption of the peak load restrictions and weekly day offs on industrial power connection granted to the L&T power plant at Rajpura.

The chief minister impressed upon Mr. Roy to execute few prestigious projects in Punjab including the construction of three jails at a cost of Rs.450 cr., sewerage projects worth Rs. 200 cr., Rs. 1452 cr. robust project of the Sirhind canal lining besides four- laning of Zirakpur-Bathinda road at the cost of Rs.2100 cr., as the L&T group was internationally known for its expertise and reputation in engineering marvels. Apart from these projects, the chief minister also offered Mr. Roy to undertake the construction of the world class Rs. 250 cr. Jang-e- Azadi Memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar to show case the unparalleled contribution of the Punjabis in the national freedom struggle.

     Mr. Badal asked his Principal Secretary to fix up meetings of Mr. Roy with the Principal Secretary Irrigation, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs and Secretary Local Government to work out the modalities for the execution of projects offered to L&T.  The chief minister also asked Mr. Roy to visit the memorial site to comprehend the entire concept layout and plan in consultation with the member secretary of the Jang-e-Azadi foundation & managing editor Ajit group of newspapers Dr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard. Mr. Roy assured the chief minister that he would soon visit the memorial site along with a team of his top most engineers and architects to explore feasibility for the execution of this prestigious project.

        Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included principal secretary to chief minister Mr. SK Sandhu, special principal Secretaries to chief minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KJS Cheema, secretary power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, secretary PWD(B&R) Mr. PS Aujla besides chief executive Nabha Power Ltd Upender Singh and L&T GM Mr. JS Gill.

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CM GIVES IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL FOR PROJECTS WORTH RS. 660 CRORE UNDER NABARD SCHEMES

ASKS NABARD TO PRIORITIZE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IN SYNC WITH PUNJAB GOVT

 CHANDIGARH, JULY 2:

           Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to the state's projects worth Rs. 660 cr for the current fiscal under various schemes of NABARD.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the chief minister during a high level meeting with a 7-member team of NABARD led by its Regional Chief General Manager Mr. Naresh Gupta.

          The cm okayed the projects viz construction and upgradation roads worth Rs.380 cr, Rs. 140 cr Drinking Water Supply RO system, Rs. 100 cr  for revamping of Canals and Drains network, Rs. 30 cr for setting up of Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Rs. 11 cr farmers' contributory project of Brick lining of  the water courses etc. Mr. Badal asked them to prioritize all these projects in coordination with the state government.

          Expressing concern over the rapidly depleting ground water in the state, Mr. Badal asked the Irrigation to prepare a comprehensive plan to recharge the same and sought NABARD's support to fund this robust task.

          Reviewing the pace of ongoing development works, Mr. Badal assured the Chief General Manager that all the sanctioned funds under various schemes would be optimally utilized. He asked principal secretary finance to regularly monitor the progress of schemes funded by NABARD.

          On the occasion Mr. Naresh Gupta also apprised the chief minister about various other schemes being funded by the NABARD. He informed that NABARD had approved Rs. 12 cr to 320 Agricultural societies to advance subsidized loans for the purchase of tractors and other agricultural implements. It was also informed that NABARD has also launched a unique funding scheme for Farmer clubs to bring awareness amongst them besides funding self help groups of women for capacity building. Mr. Gupta said that under NABARD Infrastructure Development Authority (NIDA) they were providing funds to cope up with the requirements of rural infrastructure.

          Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included financial commissioner rural development & panchayats Mandeep singh Sandhu, principal secretary to CM SK Sandhu, special principal secretary to the CM Gaggandip Singh Brar, principal secretary finance DP Raddy, principal secretary irrigation KBS Sidhu, principal secretary animal husbandry G Vajralingam, secretary finance Jaspal Singh besides other senior officers of the state government. The NABARD team was represented by GM DD Behera, AK Pasrija, Satya Prasad (both DGMs) besides Dr. M Biswas, RR Badiyal and S Ghosh (all AGMs)

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  PB GOVT DECLARES HOLIDAY IN SHOPS, COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND FACTORIES ON JULY 3.

Chandigarh: July 2,

Punjab Government has declared July 3, 2013 (Wednesday) a paid holiday in all the shops and commercial Establishments in the State under second provision to sub section (1) of section 10 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 to enable the workmen working in shops and commercial establishment to exercise their franchise in the Gram Panchayat Elections to be held on July3, 2013.

While disclosing this here a spokesman of Punjab Government said that Punjab Government has also declared Wednesday (3-07-13) the weekly paid holiday for all factories where Wednesday is not close day within the State in lieu of their Normal weekly holiday to enable the workmen working in the factories situated within the state to exercise their franchise in the Gram Panchayat Election to be held on July 3, 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

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