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CABINET MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF RAM ADHAR SINGH
Chandigarh, February 5-
At the very outset of its meeting, the Punjab Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today mourned the sad demise of Mr Ram Adhar Singh (95), the father of Chief Secretary Punjab Mr Rakesh Singh, who passed away at Varanasi a few days back.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet recalled the outstanding services rendered by Mr Ram Adhar Singh towards the Nation during his distinguish service in Police force. The Cabinet observed Mr Ram Adhar Singh as an illustrious personality and a fine human being besides disciplined and dedicated Police officer with the rare qualities of head and heart.
On the occasion a two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect in the memory of the departed soul thereby praying to Almighty to grant eternal peace to him and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.
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BUDGET SESSION TO COMMENCE FROM MARCH 11 TO 28
- CABINET GIVES GREEN SIGNAL FOR SETTING 20 FAST TRACK COURTS
- 6 DSPs, 36 INSPECTORS, 415 LADY SUB-INSPECTORS AND 400 LADY CONSTABLES TO BE RECRUITED FOR CHECKING CRIME AGAINST WOMEN
- SPECIAL FUND TO BE SET UP FOR CHECKING MENACE OF CANCER AND DRUG ADDICTION
- 156 SERVICE PROVIDERS TO BE RECRUITED IN PUNJAB INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT
- APPROVES TO DOUBLE THE MONTHLY ASSISTANCE TO THE VETERANS/ WIDOWS OF WORLD WAR II
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 5:
The Punjab Cabinet today approved to convene the 4th Session (Budget) of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from March 11 to 28, 2013.
A decision to this effect was taken in the Cabinet meeting held under the Chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at Punjab Bhawan here this evening.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the dates of the Session would be sent for the final nod by the Punjab Governor for summoning the 4th Session (Budget) of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha. As per the program the session would commence on March 11 in the afternoon with Governor’s address. Budget estimates for the year 2013-14 would be presented on March 20 by the Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa and the general discussion on budget estimates would be held from March 22 onwards.
Reiterating its commitment to preserve the honor and dignity of women, the Cabinet approved the setting up of 20 fast track Courts in the state for the speedy trial of cases of heinous crime against women. The Cabinet also gave its nod for creating 20 additional posts of Superior Judicial Services along with the supporting staff to provide immediate justice to the women of State of Punjab.
The Cabinet also gave nod to create and recruit the posts of six Deputy Superintendents of Police, 36 Inspectors, 415 Lady Sub-inspectors and 400 Lady Constables in Punjab Police to control the crime or sexual assault on women in the state. It would put an additional burden of Rs.18.04 crore annually on the state exchequer.
The Cabinet also approved to amend Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1924 for the provision of penalty and punishments against the defaulters for not paying vehicle tax at the state entry points. Buses plying on contract carriage permit or tourist permit of other States entering into the State of Punjab without payment of Motor Vehicles Tax on entry point would be liable to imposition of penalty for the first offence of Rs 50000 and Rs 100000 for the subsequent offence and subsequently the erring owner or driver of such vehicle would be punished with imprisonment up to six months.
In order to perpetuate the rich cultural heritage of the state, the Cabinet also approved to levy one percent cultural cess on the total construction of roads, bridges and flyovers by the state government for erecting and maintaining heritage buildings, national and state monuments.
The Cabinet also gave in principle approval for creating a special fund to check the menace of cancer and drug-addiction in the state. A surcharge/cess would be levied on some items, taxes and receipts and the money collected from it would be deposited in this special fund. The administrative department with the consent of Chief Minister would enact a scheme under which this fund would be utilized and it would not be utilized for any other purpose.
In compliance with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Cabinet also approved the draft of Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 by repealing Punjab Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1964 and the Punjab Minerals (prevention of illegal mining, transportation and storage) Rules, 2012. It is expected that with the new rules the problem of shortage of bricks, sand and other construction material would be solved soon. District level committees under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner would be constituted for giving environmental clearances to the mines below the area of five hectares. A cluster, not exceeding total area of 100 hectares, would be set up for all those mines having area of less than five hectares. In order to monitor the auctioned mines electronic weighing machines would be installed.
Keeping in view the larger public interest and to safeguard the rights of school going children, the Cabinet also gave nod to amend Rule 11 (1), 11(5) and 18(1) of the Punjab Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education 2011 thereby extending the deadline of filing declaration by the schools under the act with more five months. This move would benefit around 1.72 lakh students studying in 1673 schools across the state, who have not submitted the declaration yet.
The Cabinet also approved to issue Ordinance for amending Punjab Lokpal Act, 1996 thereby paving way for the appointment of one Up-Lokpal in the state. This decision would assist the Lokpal in dealing with the cases in more effective manner on one hand and would also enable the democratic functioning of Lokpal Act on the other.
Keeping in view the welfare of people of the state, the Cabinet also approved the draft of the Punjab Laws (special provision) Bill, 2013 which would regulate and control the un-authorized colonies in the state.
In another important decision aimed towards taking immediate action against the officers/officials retaining government houses in an unauthorized manner, the Cabinet gave its nod to amend Rule 10(2) of Punjab Government Houses General Pool Allotment Rules 1983.
In another decision the Cabinet also gave nod to omit Rule 45-A of Punjab Panchayat Election Rules, 1994 which was inserted in the year 2008 to facilitate the election of Sarpanchs from amongst the Panchs. However after amendment in section 10 of the Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 which provides that Sarpanchs would be elected from amongst the members of the Gram Sabha both rule 45-A and section 10 had became contradictory to each other so there was no necessity to keep this rule, added the spokesperson.
The Cabinet also approved for signing a tripartite agreement between Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, Bharat Broadband Network Limited and State of Punjab for creation of National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) for providing Broadband connectivity to the Panchayats in the state. This project which was a joint effort of the Centre-State governments would connect 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats in the country through optical fiber by utilizing existing fibers of public sector undertakings (PSUs) viz. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL), Railtel Corporation of India Ltd. and Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.
The Cabinet also approved to double the monthly assistance to the veterans/ widows of World War II above the age of 65 from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 besides, enhancing the annual income eligibility conditions of these beneficiaries from Rs.12000 to Rs. 100000.
Likewise in order to impart Drug De-addiction services in an efficient manner, the Cabinet also Okayed the shifting of already created posts of different categories to the functional and newly constructed Drug de-addiction Centers across the state besides creating requisite posts of four Social Workers and nine Medical Officers for these centers.
In order to provide best Health care facilities to the people by overcoming the shortage of staff, the Cabinet also approved the process of filling all vacant posts of Medical Officers (Specialist) through a system of walk in interview/Campus recruitment process.
In a bid to upgrade the Industrial Training centers across the state to impart vocational training to the youth, the Cabinet also gave its approval for the creation and filling up of 156 posts of Service providers for the advanced module of Vocational Training Improvement project of Punjab Industrial Training department.
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CM FOR BLUE PRINT TO DEVELOP ADARSH SCHOOLS UNDER PSEB
CONSTITUTE THREE MEMBER COMMITTEE FOR IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE IN ADARSHSCHOOL
ELECTRICITY TUBEWELL CONNECTIONS FOR ADARSH SCHOOLS ON PRIORITY
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 05:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Punjab School Education Board to prepare a responsive blue print to ensure the development of all the 11 Adarsh Senior Secondary Schools run by it in the state in a holistic manner.
A direction to this effect was given by Mr. Badal during a high level meeting with the Principals, officiating principals and the senior officers of the education department held at Chief Minister’s residence this morning to review the functioning of these schools.
Expressing concern over the performance of some Adarsh schools, Mr. Badal directed the chairperson of Punjab School Education Board to take immediate steps for appointing regular principals besides other teaching and non teaching staff in all the schools as per their requirement on adhoc basis.
For the rationalization of staff, Mr. Badal constituted a committee comprising Director General School, Chairperson PSEB and his technical adviser to study detailed requirements of these schools in terms of staff and other infrastructure. Reiterating his firm commitment to provide fulsome support from the state government side for these schools, he said that the Adarsh schools had been established by him as a dream project to impart quality education amongst the rural children. He said that school education board must act in a responsive manner for the further development of these educational institutions.
During the meeting, Mr. Badal directed the Chairman POWERCOM to release electricity tubewell connections for the agriculture land of these Adarsh schools on priority.
Prominent those who were present in the meeting including Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Chairperson PSEB Dr. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Secretary Education Mr. Ashok Gupta, Director General Schools Mr. KS Pannu and Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh besides principals and officiating principal of various Adarsh senior secondary schools being run by PSEB.
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JET TEST TO BE HELD ON 7TH APRIL
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 5:
Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training has decided to hold the Joint Entrance Test 2013 on 7th April 2013 (Sunday). On the basis of the merit of the Joint Entrance Test online counseling would be held for admission to various diploma courses in the affiliated institutions located in Punjab & Chandigarh.
Mr. A.R. Talwar, Principal Secretary Technical Education-cum-Chairman of the Board informed that this year Joint Entrance Test is being held five weeks in advance so that the admission procedure is completed within the stipulated period as per the academic calendar of AICTE. Further he also indicated that the online counseling for general as well as fee waiver scheme should be held simultaneously so that the candidates could get maximum benefit out of it.
About 60,000 seats are available for admission spread over 29 different diploma courses. In addition to this about 3000 seats are available under fee waiver category where the students are exempted from paying tuition fee of Rs. 22,000/- per year. The information diary of JET 2013 along with Application forms should be sold through affiliated polytechnic colleges of the Board, schools affiliated to Punjab School Education Board and Suvidha Centers in the D.C. office of the districts at a cost of Rs. 50/-. For details regarding the availability of the information diary of JET 2013, the candidates may log on towww.punjabteched.com and www.punjabteched.net.
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PUNJAB TO ORGANISE SHAHEED-E-AZAM BHAGAT SINGH GAMES 2013-MALUKA
· TO ORGANISE MAHARAJA RANJIT SINGH AWARD CEREMONY NEXT MONTH
· FELICIATES WORLD KABADDI CUP WINNER INDIAN KABADDI TEAMS
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 5: The Punjab Government has decided to organize ‘Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh State Games-2013’ to nurture the upcoming sports talent in the state. Besides this, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award ceremony would also be organized next month.
This was stated by Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab and Senior Vice President of the Organizing Committee of 3rd World Kabaddi Cup during felicitation ceremony held here today to disburse prize money to the World Kabaddi Cup winner teams. Mr. Maluka said that the success of 3rd World Kabaddi Cup could be gauged from the fact that there were 15 and 7 international teams respectively for men and women section took part in this tournament and most of the teams were comprise of the natives of those countries. He said that the Punjab Government was committed to promote the traditional and most popular game of the Punjabis and would make concerted efforts to include it in Asian as well as Olympic Games. He said that state Government would extend all benefits to the players of Circle Kabaddi as being provided to the players of other disciplines.
Mr. Maluka informed that the Punjab Government has also decided to organize Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award Ceremony during next month to honour the sportspersons for their achievements in the field of sports.
On this occasion Mr. Maluka handed over Rs.13,57,142 cheque to each member of World Kabbadi Cup Winner Indian Kabbadi Team (men) member and Rs.3,46,071 cheque to each member of World Kabbadi Cup Winner Indian Kabbadi Team (women).
Prominent amongst others, who were present on the occasion included Mr. Pawan Kumar Tinu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA and Former Director Sports, Punjab, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Secretary Sports and Mr. Shivdular Singh Dhillon, Director Sports.
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RAM DENWYAL FILED HIS NOMINATION FOR MOGA BYE POLL
CHANDIGARH, February, 5
One more candidate has filed his nomination for the Moga by poll, which was scheduled to be held on February 23.
A spokesperson of the CEO today said that Mr. Ram Denwyal has filed his nomination as independent candidate. In an another development Mrs. parveen sood has filed her papers as a covering candidate for vijay sathi, official Indian National congress candidate for moga by election.
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ORDINANCE ON RAPE: "STEP FORWARD BUT WAY SHORT OF NATIONAL CONSENSUS": BADAL
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 4 –
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended “cautious welcome" to the ordinance against rape, saying that while it represented a step forward, it fell way short of the historic necessity as well as the national consensus for a comprehensive constitutional initiative on the issue. The government had surprisingly chosen to turn a blind eye to the recommendations of the Verma panel and women's organisations and advice of well meaning eminent social activists and jurists in favour of stringent provisions on all gender offences."
In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that the timing of the ordinance also raised questions as the prosecution had already "absolved" one of the most serious offenders in the Delhi gang rape case on grounds of juvenile crime. "It sounds strange that the government first seeks the opinions of all the Chief Ministers and then dithers on their recommendations regarding lowering of the upper age limit for "minors" in rape cases. I was personally of the view that lowering of upper age limit for adult franchise from 21 to 18 years had provided the rationale for a similar reduction in the definition of a juvenile in rape cases. But the government not only chose to ignore the recommendations of the state governments but even allowed the FIR in the Delhi case to be presented in a manner that would clearly allow one of the most brutal crimes against women to go unpunished. This is strange. The government's intentions are not clear," said the Chief Minister.
Mr. Badal said that he strongly advocated drastic and bold constitutional amendments through a comprehensive legislation on the issue , aimed not just at pre-empting and punishing crimes against women but also at powering women in many other ways. You cannot segregate gender offences against women from their general plight in society. A sweeping social up-scaling of women's status in society is badly needed. In the absence of such empowerment, no other law will have meaning or be fully effective."
Mr. Badal also expressed surprise that that the government had chosen to cold-shoulder women's organisations and other social activists who had been advocating more effective and stringent laws on the subject. "Few issues had moved national conscience the way the Delhi gang rape had. A girl had paid with her honour and life but in the process an opportunity had come for society and the nation to address the critical issues of safety, equality and empowerment of nearly half the population of the country represented by women. But the government had shown its insensitivity by getting bogged down in legal and political hair-splitting instead of taking courageous steps forward,” said the Chief Minister.
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CM AND DY. CM CONGRATULATES HARMANPREET KAUR FOR HER CENTURY AGAINST ENGLAND
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 4 :
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today congratulated Harmanpreet Kaur of Punjab for scoring her maiden one day international century against England women Team during an International Cricket match at Mumbai on Sunday.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that in a congratulatory message both CM and Dy. CM appreciated the spectacular performance of this daughter of the Punjabi soil and said that the sportspersons had not only brought glory to Nation through their rare talent and outstanding performance but also inspire our budding players to further excel for such championships.
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PUNJAB PLANS TO INTRODUCE A NEW WATER PURIFICATION SWISS SYSTEMS FOR POTABLE WATER
CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 4
The Punjab government is planning to introduce a cost effective Central Water Purification System in difficult rural areas of the state in collaboration with Aqua Infinite a Swiss based company to provide 100% chemical free treated potable water to the people.
A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with a representative of Aqua Infinite Ms. Jennifer Beresford here at the Chief Minister’s official residence on Sunday. Aqua Infinite was operating through “Trunz“ its authorised company in India and provides commercial scale water purification equipment to meet the world’s urban and rural drinking water needs.
Mr. Badal informed that the water samples testing conducted across the state evident of the presence of heavy metals contaminating the ground water and it varies from place to place. He asked Ms. Jennifer if their company installs its water purifier plant at few different places as pilot project that would help both the State Government as well as the Aqua Infinite to initiate this programme more effectively. Ms. Jennifer agreed to setup their Purification System as pilot projects at five places of the government’s choice.
Mr. Badal further asked the Principal Secretary Public Health Department to chalk out various modalities regarding the need based installation of equipment and clearances for funding agencies at the Federal Government level.
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JUSTICE GURDEV SINGH APPOINTED AS PRESIDENT OF COMMISSION
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY, 4:
The Punjab government has appointed Mr.Justice Gurdev Singh as president of Punjab state consumer disputes redressal commission.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that Mr. Justice Gurdev Singh has already assumed the charge of the chair. This post was vacant after the retirement of Justice (retd.)
Mr. S.N.Aggarwal. He further said that Mr.Justice Gurdev Singh
remained as a judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court and retired on 31.12.2011.
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JOB FAIR ON FEBRUARY 7 BY MARUTI SUZUKI
CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 4:
In collaboration with Punjab Technical Education Department, the leading company Maruti Suzuki is organizing a job fair in Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Amritsar on February 7, 2013.
disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the department said that during job fair, the company would conduct campus interviews of Fitter, Welder, Machinist, Motor Mechanic, Auto Mobile, Diesel Mechanic, Electrician, Turner, C.E.O. Production & Manufacturing, Tool & Die Maker and Painter Trades, in which more than 1000 pass out students would avail employment opportunity.
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2 MORE NOMINATIONS FILES FOR MOGA BY POLL
CHANDIGARH, February, 4
2 more candidates have filed their nominations for the Moga by poll, which was scheduled to be held on February 23.
A spokesperson of the CEO today said that Mr. Ravinder Singh Dhaliwal of Peoples Party of Punjab, Mr. Gurmail Singh Peoples Party of Punjab covering candidate and Mr. Rajinder Singh has filed their nominations as independent candidate.
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MARKFED LAUNCHED NEW RANGE OF READY TO EAT, PICKLES AND SPICES UNDER SOHNA BRAND
Chandigarh, February 4
A function was organized by Markfed to launch “SOHNA” brand of spices, pickles and Ready-to-Eat some more canned products at jalandhar . The function was presided over by Dr. Karmjeet Singh Sra, IAS, Managing Director, Markfed. Dr. Sra in his address informed that Markfed is one of the largest Cooperative Marketing Organisations in Asia and is on the thresh-hold of giving complete revamp to its existing outlook and working strategies in order to be a dominant player in the processed food segment in the domestic/ international markets. To achieve the desired objectives, a complete haul up of the product portfolio, is under way with the introduction of new labels, recipes and new packaging. Besides, the present portfolio of the products will be strengthened by adding more products to the existing line up and the presence of the products will be ensured over PAN-India.
For the presence of “SOHNA” products across PAN-India, new distributors and marketing agents are being appointed, he said.
Dr. Sra also informed about the scope of Ready-to-Eat products in the domestic market where, over the period of years, a paradigm shift has been noticed wherein joint families have become nucleus families and transition has been to working couples, working individuals in the local/ metropolitan towns. With the increase in the disposable incomes and with the emergence of strong upper middle class, the scope of Ready-to-Eat products has become highly pronounced.
He appreciated the growth and capacity utilization achieved by the plant over the last years and also informed that due to stupendous success of SOHNA products, Markfed has envisaged to set up a modern State of the Art Canneries Unit at Jalandhar telling about the salient features of markfed .. In order to popularize its Ready-t-Eat products, it was also informed that the products of Markfed does not contain any preservatives and have shelf life of two years and are economical than the ‘Dhaba Food’. In order to acquaint the consumers about the products, an intensive awareness campaign has been launched by Markfed on Radio, Press and through point to point tasteing session programmesand by participating in food fairs and exhibitions in order to popularize its products. Further he also intimated that markfed is going to install packed water plant at jalandhar.
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