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Use of Dalit card is dirty politics by both Cong, Akalis-Bjp, says Chamar Mahan Sabha

Chandigarh,March 15

The Chamar Mahan Sabha ridiculed both the Akali-BJP combine and the Opposition Congress parties of  using the Scheduled Castes card in the Assembly yesterday when they tried to woo the Dalit vote bank by emphasising the SC identity of the Head Constable Jaipal Singh  and the identity of the Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal. The Akali-BJP combine termed the Opposition Congress as anti-Dalit. This accusation came in reaction to the Congress Legislators' accusation

 in the Assembly earlier that the ruling government is not taking proper action to provide justice to the woman who was assaulted by the police in Tarn Taran allegedly because she was a Dalit.

"The Akali Dal-BJP combine is trying to divert the attention of the SC community by raising non-issues. The real issue is the non-release of the budget allocation of Rs 4039 crores for the SC Sub Plan meant for various welfare schemes for this community," said Paramjit Singh Kainth, president of the Chamar Mahan Sabha.

"Even the Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes is indulging in 'bianbaji' (mere empty talk) as the UT is not under its jurisdiction. The UT comes under the National Scheduled Castes Commission. The Punjab SC commission should be worried about the thousands of unattended cases related to atrocities on SCs in the state," said Kainth in the context of the SC panel issuing notice to the UT administration on the police constable assault case."The government should focus on releasing the Rs 4039 crore meant for the SC community instead of indulging in dirty politics," the Sabha president added.

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PUNJAB TO OBSERVE STATE LEVEL FUNCTION ON THE 13TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF PANTH RATTAN JATHEDAR GURCHARAN SINGH TOHRA ON APRIL 5

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 15:

The Punjab Government would organize a state level function in the Memory of  Panth Rattan Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra on his 13th death anniversary (Barsi) on April 5, 2013 at his native village Tohra.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would preside over the function and pay the tributes to Jathedar Tohra along with his cabinet colleagues.
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EDUCATION MINISTER CONDOLES THE DEATH OF TWO CHILDREN IN TRAGIC INCIDENT

• PUNJAB GOVT. ANNOUNCES RS 2 LAC ASSISTANCE TO EACH THE VICTIM'S FAMILY

Chandigarh, March 15:
The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka today expressed deep grief over the unfortunate incident in which 2 school children lost their life and five others were injured when a speedy truck ramped into the school boundary wall of Government Elementary School Village Jandiali, (Ludhiana) where these children were sitting on the other side of the wall. 
Mr. Maluka said that the Punjab Government would provide Rs. 2 Lacs as a financial assistance to the each family of the deceased besides he directed the District Administration to provide free treatment to the injured school children.
The Minister prayed the almighty to departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.
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CANCER DRUGS TO BE AVAILABLE AT MUCH CHEAPER RATES NOW: MITTAL

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 15:
After the state wide cancer survey, Government of Punjab, Department of Health and Family Welfare has taken up another challenge on the directions of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal of providing cancer drugs at cheap rates by devising a new methodology.
This was stated here today by Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Punjab. Giving further information in this regard, he said that the list of anti-cancer drugs has been got prepared from the experts and finalized by a committee. Mr. Mittal told that tenders for all drugs were floated among manufacturers of good standing and rate contracts finalized such that the drugs would be available at around 10 per cent of the printed price e.g. Drug named Geftinib with print price of Rs.3303 would be available at Rs.346.50, while another drug Filgrastm can be availed at a cost of Rs.198 against a print price of Rs.2,300 similarly another medicine named Docetaxil at Rs.898 against a price of Rs.13.440 and so on.
        Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health & Medical Education said that the step has been taken so as to provide best utilization of the Chief Minister’s Cancer Rahat Kosh. The sanctioned amount of up to Rs.1.5 lakh in each case would now get the patient much better treatment because of huge reduction in the cost of drugs. The reduction is such that in case of Hydroxy urea the retail price is Rs.1200 while it, would be available at Rs.19 (Ninteen) only. The Empanelled institutions under the CM’s Cancer Relief Fund would have to procure the drug at this rate and use for the patient w.e.f. April 1, 2013. She further said that display boards would be made mandatory for the empanelled hospitals, who would be allowed a margin of 6 per cent to cover their costs.
        Mr. Hussan Lal, MD, PHSC informed that all Jan Aushadhi Stores in the state are also being directed to display the rate lists of cancer treatment drugs, so that patients can source their requirement from these stores also. The rate contracts concluded so far cover 72 anti–cancer drugs. The matter has been taken up with TMC, Mumbai, an institution of the Department of Atomic Energy, GOI, to provide remaining drugs from the same source & rate as for TMC’s patients. Director TMC has assured Chief Minister of their support in this regard.
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FORMER DC VIKAS GARG ARRESTED BY VB
Press Note
       Chandigarh March 15: 

Case FIR no. 23/9.11.12 was registered by the Vigilance Bureau Punjab against Vikas Garg, IAS, former DC Patiala and 9 others persons for abuse of official position and getting government property registered in the name of private persons. Out of the 10 accused, 5 are public servants and 5 private persons.

          The public servants who obtained interim bail are naib Tehsildar Gurinder Singh Walia, Rajbir Singh DRO, Pritpal Singh Qanugo and Suresh Kumar Patwari. Except G.S Walia, the other 3 public servants have joined the investigation with the Vigilance Bureau.
     Out of the remaining 6 accused, Yashpal Aggarwal, Devinder Singh Sandhu and Jaswant Singh were arrested and are in judicial custody. Vikas Garg IAS was arrested on 14.03.13 and produced in the judicial court on 15.03.13. One day police remand has been given by the court.
The remaining two accused, N.P Singh and Ravdeep Singh are still evading arrest. PO proceedings against them have been initiated by the Vigilance Bureau.
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IAS AND PCS OFFICER GETS ADDITIONAL CHARGE
Chandigarh March 15
        The Punjab Government today gave the additional charge to IAS and PCS officer in the state.
        According to an official spokesman of the Punjab Smt. Bhawan Garg IAS Additional Excise & Taxation Commissioner Punjab will also hold the additional charge of Special Secretary Planning till 31.3.2013.
        Spokesman further said that Mr. Shivdular Singh Dhillon PCS Additional Excise & Taxation Commissioner Punjab will also hold the additional charge of Director Sports.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PROVIDES MAJOR RELIEF TO THE BRICK KILNS
·        EXCAVATION OF ORDINARY EARTH UPTO 4 HECTARE EXEMPTED FROM THE PURVIEW OF ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN/MINING PLAN

Chandigarh, March 15:
In a significant development the Punjab government today gave major relief to the brick kiln owner in the state to resume their operation by exempting the excavation of Ordinary Earth/Brick Earth from an area of not more than 4 hectare and a depth not exceeding 1.5 meter from the purview of Environment Management Plan/Mining Plan.
Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Industries & Commerce and Technical Education Minister said that notification in this regard has been issued. He said that this decision of the Punjab Government would provide much relief to the Brick Kilns of the State of Punjab as these Brick Kilns would now be able to commence their production by obtaining a permit from the Department, for excavation of Brick Earth. The Minister further informed that with this, the supply of Building Material will ease out in the market and hence it would speed up the development works in the State.
The Minister further said that the Department of Industries and Commerce has earlier notified The Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 on March 8th. Under these rules, a District Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner has been formed which would approve the Environment Management Plan for the quarries having area below 5 Hectare.
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CM MOURNS DEATH OF URMILA ANAND
Chandigarh, March 14-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of eminent writer Mrs. Urmila Anand (84), the wife of Veteran Communist leader and the Editor of Nawan Zamana Mr. Jagjit Singh Anand, who died in a private hospital at Jalandhar after prolonged illness. She is survived by husband, a son and a daughter.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by Mrs. Anand, who was also the daughter of noted Punjabi writer late Mr. Gurbaksh Singh Preetlari, for the upliftment of poor and downtrodden sections of society besides the active role played by her along with Mr. Jagjit Singh Anand in Communist movement. Mr. Badal said that Mrs. Urmila Anand was widely admired for her literary skills both within the country and abroad adding that in her death a void has been created in the literary and social circle which was difficult to be filled in near future. He hoped that role played by Mrs. Anand in the empowerment of the weaker sections of the society would be ever remembered by one and all. 
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give then courage to bear this irreparable loss.
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UPA HAS ‘NO CONCERN’ WITH PUBLIC CONCERNS-HARSIMRAT BADAL

•        COUNTDOWN OF ANTI-PEOPLE AND PRO-MNCs UPA HAS BEGUN

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, MARCH 14: Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament from Bathinda today slammed the Congress led UPA Government for irrelevant budget presented recently and said that once again UPA Government has with its budget proved how disconnected it was with the issues that plague the people of our country including Price rise, corruption, joblessness, inaccessibility to quality or adequate health and educational facilities besides slow growth, lack of infrastructure and development etc.
          Mrs. Badal said that it was a matter of great concern that Congress led UPA government presented a budget like  an accountant’s statement of a desperately doing a balancing act to ensure its last year in office without toppling the applecart and had no road map for any development of welfare of common masses reeling under neck breaking inflation. She pointed out that all the failures of the Union Government due to policy paralysis, corruption, multi crore scams, loot and non-performance leading to price rise and gloom and slow growth across the country.
          The Member Parliament said that our neighbour China has had a growth rate of 9.2% and 7.8% during the last 2 years. Even a small country like Indonesia has been growing at 6.5% and 6.2% as against India’s 5.2% and 4.8%. How has China controlled its inflation at 3.2% and Indonesia controlled it at 5.3% as against India’s 11% , added She. 
          Accusing the Congress led UPA Government for the agrarian crisis in the country and the growing farmer woes of rising cost of inputs like diesel and fertilizer, she lamented that the government has in its 9 years tenure increased the prices by250-400% yet it prides itself for increasing the MSP by barely 100%.

          Giving the details ever increasing inflation, She said that the price of Diesel has been increased by 250% since the year 2004 and Similarly, the prices of Potash, DAP and Mobile Oil have been increased upto 400%, 331% and 200% respectively in the meantime while the MSP of Wheat and Rice has barely doubled during this period. Besides this the prices of diesel and fertilizers were set to rise further every month due to Congress’s anti-people and pro-MNCs policy of decontrol and cutting subsidies.

          In a sharp reaction on the speech of Finance Minister, Mrs. Badal said that he had failed to realise that due to the wrong policies Union Government, the National Crime Record Bureau has recorded almost 15964 farmers suicide deaths in 2010 which in reality as per the farmer organizations were closer to 2 lakh farmers committing suicide each year due to the apathetic attitude of UPA Government. She said that even the state of Punjab’s farm debt has reached to the tune of Rs. 40,000 crores with every farming household being under debt of more than 3 lakh rupees. She said that the UPA Government’s most publicized scheme of Rs. 56000 crore Agriculture Debt Waiver Scheme, did not even spare the poor farmer where CAG has reported 30% of the waiver has been siphoned off and more than 34.5 lakh eligible farmers did not get any waiver. She said that in a state like Punjab that was totally agrarian, contributing 50% of the total wheat and rice to the country’s food bowl, our farmers who are under a debt of 40,000 crores received barely 1.5% of this waiver with all the eligible farmers being denied due  to the ill-managed policies of Union Government and raised a question that Why should  not this government be charged with abetment to farmers suicides ?

          Demanding a fair deal for poor, youth and women, Mrs. Badal said that UPA Government should ensure the benefit of each welfare scheme right from health to education to each unprivileged family, sufficient job opportunities and quality education for the youth and security of women as it was totally failed on these crucial issues during its almost 10 years regime.   

STATEMENT OF SPEAKER, PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

Hon’ble Members, I think, the un-parliamentary and unconstitutional incident which took place on Dated 13-03-2013 on the floor of Punjab Vidhan Sabha was unfortunate and condemnable. On the very beginning of Session, Leader of Opposition Mr. Sunil Kumar Jakhar raised such issues, for which no notice was given and were also against the Parliamentary system.

Hon’ble Members, as you all know that after the Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition is responsible for the smooth flow of proceedings of Vidhan Sabha by following the Parliamentary system. According to the practice and procedure of Lok Sabha, the Leader of Opposition as well as Leader of the House is an important functionary in Parliamentary System, which further increases the responsibility of leader of opposition.

As far as yesterday’s incident concerned, it was very unfortunate and I feel it very bad. First of all unnecessary slogans were being raised on the floor of Vidhan Sabha. These slogans were raised earlier in some sessions also and it was the right of Opposition that they can register their protest on any issue, if they want. Opposition can raise these issues from their own seats, but hurling the copies towards the Chair of Speaker is a shameful act, insult of this Chair and they not only threw the copies but it was also unfortunate that some copies, which thrown towards this Chair, I was informed, may be its right, also hit the Leader of the Opposition.

So, I think, it is not a shocking but an extremely unfortunate act and I also understand that I did not see such an incident in my whole life. I have also served as Speaker here and also as Deputy Speaker, Lok Sabha. I was also Member Parliament and also MLA in 1977. I did not see such an incident throughout my life, where a person possesses the Chair of Speaker, where copies were being throwing towards the Chair of Speaker from the Well of the Floor, my secretary sustained injuries and someone sit on the Chair of Speaker, responsible person sits on it and I think it was the insult of highest order to Speaker’s Chair.

I do not want repetition of such unfortunate incident in future. I think, these members do not want to run the proceedings of the Session. So, I am naming those members whom I am suspending for the rest of the day. It is my duty to inform the house that I have no other option except to accept the resolution presented by Hon’ble Parliamentary Affairs Minister. But before that I would request Hon’ble members of the House Sardar. Jagmohan Singh Kang, who sat on the Chair of Speaker, Sardar Charanjit Singh Channi, Sardar Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Hardyal Singh Kanboj, Rana Gurjit Singh, Shri. Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa, Sardar Parminder Singh Pinki, Sardar Balbir Singh Sidhu, Sardar Kuljit Singh Nagra, to leave the seats for the whole day.

INCIDENT OF CONGRESS MLAs ASSAULT ON  POLICEMAN IN VIDHAN SABHA

PUNJAB SC COMMISSION ISSUES NOTICE TO UT HOME SECRETARY, SSP AND SECRETARY PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 14: The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes today issued notice to UT Home Secretary, SSP, Union Territory and Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha seeking action taken report on assault of Head Constable Jai Pal by Congress MLAs in the premise of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on March 13, 2013.

          The Commission today headed by its Chairman Mr. Rajesh Bagha with members Mr. Parkash Singh Gardhiwala, Mr. Dalip Singh Pandhi today met to consider the representation of Mr. Jasbir Singh Mehta, President Guru Ravidass Welfare Society, Mohali, who had requested the Commission to take strict action against Congress MLAs, who had tendentionally assaulted Dalit Head Constable on duty and ridiculed him with casteist remarks. He said that he had pleaded the Commission it was the duty of Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes to protect the Scheduled Castes population of the state and ensure justice for them at every forum. The Complainant also attached the cutting of various newspapers suggesting that Chandigarh Police was dragging its feet to register FIR against guilty MLAs on one pretext or other. He also expressed apprehension that MLAs were exercising their undue authority to scuttle the investigation in the case.

          Taking serious cognizance of the whole incident, the Commission felt that if a Head Constable, who belongs to Scheduled Caste Community, was not safe in the premises of Punjab Vidhan Sabha and Hon’ble Members of Legislative Assembly, who were supposed to enact Legislation for the protections of SCs, were themselves committing atrocities on them, it was the duty of Punjab State Commission for SCs to intervene and ensure expeditious justice to the aggrieved party.

          The Commission under powers conferred to it under section 10 of The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes 2004 sought action taken report from the SSP, UT and Home Secretary UT. The Commission said that if it did not receive the reply within stipulated time, the Commission would be forced to exercise powers of Civil Court conferred on it by the law.

A notice was also issued to Secretary Punjab Vidhan Sabha to provide factual report of the incident to the Commission. One copy of the complaint was forwarded to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, New Delhi for information and further necessary action. 
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STATE ELECTION COMMISSION ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTION OF NAGAR PANCHAYAT, TALWARA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 14:
The State Election Commission has issued instructions regarding the strict compliance of the Modal Code of Conduct enforced for general election of Nagar Panchayat, Talwara (Hoshiarpur), scheduled for March 17, 2013.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that instructions for the prevention of misuse of official vehicles during the election code and instructions regarding the ban of payment out of discretionary grants/funds and new projects have already been issued. The spokesperson further said that all the departments and administrative heads of the Punjab Government have been instructed to comply with these instructions.

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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH A COMPAIGN TO EDUCATE CONSUMERS DURING WEEKLONG PROGRAMS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH: 14:
The Punjab Government has decided to launch a weeklong awareness campaign to educate consumers regarding his rights and duties during World Consumer Right's Week (CRW) in the State from March 15 to 21. The state has decided to organise various programs to sensitize the consumers about their rights.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson said that the objective behind this is to strengthen the relation and foster the trust between the consumer and traders. He said that throughout the week, various program would be conducted in the rural and urban areas of the state, in which prominent personalities and representatives of the consumer protection institutions would sensitize the consumers about their rights. The spokesperson further said that rallies, meetings and exhibitions would be carried out on the theme of consumer Rights, in which IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material would also be distributed to the public.
He said that the Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners would listen to the grievances of the consumers and would redress their problems on the spot. He said that the quiz, poster making and essay writing competitions would be organized in the schools throughout the state. He said that the Station Director of Radio and Television has been requested to telecast special program on the theme of consumer Rights besides all the department in public dealing have also been instructed to listen to the grievances of the public and redress their problem.
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                    EVERY EIGHTH HOUSEHOLD IN PUNJAB IS FEMALE HEADED

Census 2011 was conducted in two phases viz; ‘Houselisting and Housing Census’ and ‘Population Enumeration’. After the conclusion of Census of India 2011, Tables on Houses, Household Amenities and Assets available at the national, state, district, tehsil level were released and put in public domain, both in publication form as well as in electronic format. Selected tables from the above compilation pertaining to sex of the head of the household have been released for the first time in the history of Census.
 
Releasing the data on female headed households for Punjab, Smt Seema Jain, IAS, Joint Secretary, MHA, Government of India and Director Census, Punjab said that these tables provide an insight into the living conditions of the Female Headed Households (FHH) in the country, states/union territories and districts. FHH refers to households headed by females. There is a significant variation among states and union territories in respect of households headed by females. At the national level, there are about 270 lac female headed households constituting 10.9% of the total households. The highest percentage of FHHs are in Lakshadweep (43.7%) followed by Kerala (22.7%), Meghalaya (21.7%), Goa (20.3%) and Himachal Pradesh (18.3%). On the other hand, percentage of FHH is relatively low in Dadra & Nagar Haveli (5.0%), Rajasthan (7.0%), Bihar (7.4%), Jammu & Kashmir  (7.9%) and Madhya Pradesh (8.0%), Chandigarh (9.0%)  and Haryana has 9.5% and female headed households.

In Punjab, every eighth household (12.4%) is a female headed household. In absolute numbers, out of a total of 54.1 lac households in the state, 6.7 lakh are female headed and 47.4 lakh are male headed households. Among female headed households, 4.2 lac are rural and 2.5 lac urban. Among districts, it varies between 9.2% in SAS Nagar and 18.6% in Hoshiarpur.

Out of the total households in Punjab, 18.7 lac are Scheduled Caste households among which 2.2 lac households are female headed and 16.5 lac are male headed. In other words, 11.7% of the scheduled caste households in the state are female headed households; the corresponding percentages for rural and urban areas are 11.4% and 12.2% respectively.

 
Single member female headed households
The percentage of small sized female headed households is higher than that of the small sized male headed households in the country. There are about 49 lac single member female headed households in India out of which three-fourth are in rural areas and the rest in urban areas. In Punjab, 6.9% i.e. 46,172 households in all female headed households have one member, 10.4% have two members and 16.7% have three members. The corresponding figures for male headed households are 1.9% one member household, 5.7% two members households and 10.8% three members households respectively.
 
6.9% or 46,172 households out of total 6.73 lac female headed households in Punjab are single member female headed households. The percentage of single member male headed households at 1.9% is much lower than that of the female headed households in the state. Among the single member female headed households in Punjab, 29,189 (63.2%) are in rural areas and 16,983 (36.8%) in urban areas.

In the state, 1.0% of the female headed households have ‘no exclusive’ room compared with 1.1% in case of total households. Similarly, percentage of female headed households with one room (18.1%) is less than that of the total households (23.0%). Percentage of female headed households with 6 or more rooms at 4.9% is however, marginally higher than that of total households at 4.7%. Similarly, 93.1% of the female headed households own the house occupied by them which is higher than that of the total households (88.9%).

One out of every 10 female headed households (10.2%) does not have a separate ‘bathroom’ compared with 11.1% in case of total households. One out of every five female headed households has ‘no latrine’ (20.1%) which is marginally less than that of the total households (20.7%). Similarly, 27.7% of female headed households and 27.8% of total households have availability of closed drainage for waste water outlet.

In Punjab 76.4% of the female headed households have a separate kitchen compared with 72.0% of the total households. Percentage of households with ‘no cooking’ is nearly the same at 0.3% for female headed as well as total households. LPG, as the main fuel for cooking is being used by 58.2% of the female headed households compared with 54.5% of total households. In urban areas, 82.6% of female headed households are using LPG compared with 79.3% of the total households in the state. Even in the rural areas, almost every second female headed household (43.6%) is using LPG compared with 38.9% for total households in rural areas in the state.

With regard to availability of assets, female headed households do not lag far behind the male headed households. Percentage of female headed households with availability of Television at 82.6% is the same as that of total households. Even, in case of availability of two wheelers or four wheelers, female headed households are almost at par with that of the total households. In Punjab, 44.0% of the female headed households have scooter/motor cycle/moped and 11.2% have car/jeep/van; the corresponding percentages for total households are 47.4% and 13.1% respectively. Percentage of female headed households with ‘none’ of the specified assets at 6.7% is however, a little higher than that of the total households (4.4%).

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ISSUES INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PAYMENT/REIMBURSEMENT OF TELEPHONE BILLS
CHANDIGARH MARCH 14:
The Punjab Government has issued instructions for the payment/reimbursement of the bills of telephone installed at the official accommodation of the officers of Punjab Civil Secretariat.
While disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that written instructions in this regard have been issued to all Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Under Secretaries/Minister, Secretaries/Minister, Deputy Secretaries, Under Secretaries, Private Secretaries and Personal Assistants of Punjab Civil Secretariat, wherein they have been asked to submit two verified photo copies of telephone/mobile bills for payment/reimbursement duly appended with copy of PAN card, e-mail ID, name, designation and address of the officer besides his bank name, address, IFSC code and account number. This information must reach at least one week earlier before the due date for payment.

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SAD STRONGLY ADVOCATES REVISION OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES
GIVE MORE FUNDS TO STATES UNDER NCA-DR. CHEEMA
Chandigarh, March 14 : The Shiromani Akali Dal has strongly advocated review of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) and said that instead of these schemes funds should be given to the states under normal central assistance (NCA).
            Participating in a non official resolution in Punjab Vidhan Sabha today, the SAD MLA from Rupnagar and Secretary and Spokesman of the party Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that issue of the centrally sponsored schemes has been  a subject of hot debate in almost every meeting of the National development council (NDC). In these meetings Chief Ministers of the different states have strongly demanded that the number of CSS should be reduced and there should be a cap that they should not be more than 1/6 or 1/7th of the total central assistance. He said that a committee constituted by the Planning Commission of India under the Chairmanship of Mr. BK Chaturvedi has also made such recommendations in the its report submitted in September 2012.
            Dr. Cheema said that in general practice number of CSS are less at the start of the five year plan but they increase as the plan term nears completion. He said that monitoring of these schemes have become difficult and states also feel that these schemes compel them to change their own priorities a number of times. He disclosed the Planning Commission has already said that 44 % of the total central schemes have an annual outlay of less than Rs. 100 crores and these be either weeded out, merged or transferred to the states.
            Quoting extensively from the speeches of various Chief Ministers of different states delivered at  National Development Council meetings, Dr. Cheema disclosed that even the Chief Ministers of the Congress ruled states have rued that “proliferation of centrally sponsored schemes pre empts a large part of the state’s resources for central initiatives and fetters the discretion of the states to choose programmes and schemes appropriate to their needs.”
            Illustrating his point with figures, the SAD leader informed that the share of the centrally sponsored schemes in the gross budgetary support (GBS) has increased over the years whereas central assistance has decreased in the GBS. He said that in the ninth five year plan (1997-2002) the share of CSS was 31.30 percent of the total  GBS support in which central assistance was 43.75 percent whereas in 11th five year plan the share of centrally sponsored schemes enhanced to 41.59 % and central assistance declined to 25.02 percent of the totally GBS. He said that earlier state plans were 80 percent funded by the centre but now the centre was hell bent on centralisation of the schemes and their implementation.
            Advocating the restructuring of centrally sponsored schemes, Dr. Cheema emphasised that the recommendation of the planning commission to restructure 147 schemes under the 11th plan to 59 be implemented without any delay. 

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CONGRESS DISGRACES THE INDIAN DEMOCRATIC VALUES THROUGH THEIR DEPLORABLE CONDUCT IN PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA-BADAL

Chandigarh March 13 - 

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here Wednesday that the Congress party disgraced the Indian democracy through their shocking and deplorable conduct in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today.
 “They have made it a day of national disgrace and the darkest hour for Parliamentary democracy in the country. They acted as a leaderless mob out on a rampage for arson, looting and street violence, breaking all norms of civilized conduct, charging the speaker’s chair, breaking furniture and other items of public property and assaulting members of the Watch and Ward staff of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. I have been deeply pained by the conduct of the Congress legislators,” said the Chief Minister in a statement here after a day which saw Congress legislator first, as the CM put it,  “actively conniving with unidentified and unauthorized persons in a serious breach of security and later throwing all norms of democratic behavior to the winds in breaking well laid norms of dignified democratic behavior.”  Describing it as the “saddest day of my long political career and a blot on democracy”, the Chief Minister said , “I find it impossible to believe that those elected by the people to function as their spokespersons and act as role models for their children should stoop to the levels of criminal elements indulging in hooliganism. Shocking and incredible,” said the CM.
   Mr. Badal further said that this conduct of the Congress legislators in the House merely climaxed a day of highly condemnable incidents, starting with their stealth tactics to bring in unidentified and unauthorized persons into the Vidhan Sabha complex. “That incident not only violated the dignity and decorum of this highest forum of democracy in the state but also exposed the elected representative to the people to a grave security threat. Thereafter, their action of mercilessly beating up the duly deployed members of  the Watch  and  Ward staff of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha amounts to  an  open incitement to  violence, rowdyism and goondaism. What example are they setting for our children? This is incredible and condemnable beyond words."
 He said that he was shocked that the attack on the officials of the Watch and Ward staff happened under the leadership of senior Congressmen,  including the Leader of the Opposition.”
    Commenting on the entry of the some "unidentified and unauthorized elements in the security sensitive and sacred premises of the Vidhan Sabha" at the start of the session this morning, Mr.  Badal said that he had been pained to learn that a person occupying one of the highest and most responsible offices in  democratic set-up, the Leader of the Opposition,  Shri Sunil Kumar Jakhar, had engineered and facilitated the entry of unauthorized persons in the House. As a legislator of a long standing and experience, Mr. Jakhar was fully aware of the dangerous precedent he was setting and also of the grave breach of security and privilege of the House which his action amounted to.  In my longer career as a public figure, I have never come across an instance in which a person entrusted with the shared responsibility of maintaining the decorum and dignity of the House.  
          The Chief Minister said that he held the Leader of the House in the highest esteem and had appealed to him for playing a constructive role in building a congenial atmosphere in the state for jointly addressing the problems of the people and taking the state forward on the path of development. Instead, the honorable members of the Opposition chose to cast insults on the working of democratic system and creating an atmosphere of needless and dangerous confrontation in the state. Mr. Badal appealed to the Opposition to pull back from this “perilous course to confrontation and even violence” and return to peaceful and democratic means of functioning.
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CM CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE FOR IDENTIFYING AND EVICTING COW GRAZING GROUNDS ACROSS THE STATE
TO BE CONSTITUTED UNDER CHAIRMANSHIP OF SUD COMMITTEE TO HAVE FOUR MEMBERS
CM APPEALS SANT GOPAL DASS MUNI JI TO END HIS INDEFINITE FAST
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 13-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to constitute a four member committee under the Chairmanship of former Minister and senior BJP leader Mr. Tikshan Sud to chalk out the modalities for getting the Cow grazing grounds (Gau Charand Bhoomi) across the state identified and evicted from illegal encroachments. 
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while interacting with a delegation of Gau Raksha Andolan activists led by state BJP Chief Mr. Kamal Sharma, who called on him at his official residence this evening.
During the deliberations with the delegation, the Chief Minister said that the committee to be constituted under Mr. Sud would have Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, former Chairman Punjab Gau Sewa Board Mr. Keemti Bhagat and Mr. Sunder Dass Dhamija as its members. Mr. Badal informed the delegation that he had already directed the Deputy Commissioners across the state to identify all the landes reserved for Cow Grazing grounds in the Revenue record.  He also informed the delegation that the Committee would be fully authorized to give its recommendations to the State Government for the necessary legal actions to get these properties evicted so that they could be optimally utilized for the purpose of cow grazing.
Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government for the protection and the welfare of the Cows in the state, the Chief Minister said that their government had already taken path breaking initiatives in this direction. Mr. Badal also appealed to Sant Gopal Dass Muni Ji, who was observing indefinite fast for getting the Cow grazing grounds evicted, to end his fast as the state government gave due respect to every emotion/sentiments related to the cow protection.       
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Joint Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Sandeep Hans, Shankarya Charya Dev Vati Dandi Swami and Mr. Tikshan Sud besides, members of Gau Raksha Andolan.
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PARENT-TEACHERS’ MEETING IN PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ON MARCH 28

 CHANDIGARH MARCH 13:
The Punjab Government has decided to conduct a massive drive to review the progress and educational advancement in the government schools of the state. Keeping this in mind, parent-teachers’ meetings have been fixed in the government schools across the state on March 28, 2013, except block Sri Anandpur Sahib in District Ropar.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister Punjab said that this exercise is being done to make a agreeable atmosphere for study in the schools and also to bridge the gap between students and teachers, besides apprising the parents about the performance of their wards. He said that the motive behind this initiative to elevate the standard of school education. He further said that during the parent-teachers’ meeting DPI Secondary and DPI Elementary and officers from the O/o DGSE would visit the schools to ensure that the parent-teacher meetings are being conducted in the true-spirit.
Education Minister also said that block Sri Anandpur Sahib in district Ropar has been excluded from this drive due to the Hola-Mohalla celebrations at Sri Anandpur Sahib, where parent-teacher meetings would be held on March 30, 2013.
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PUNJAB’S NEW INVESTMENT PROMOTION POLICY TO BE OPERATIONAL FROM APRIL 1-SUKHBIR

• NEW POLICY TO FOCUS ON INCLUSIVE GROWTH, CUTTING RED TAPE AND AGGRESSIVE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY
• BATHINDA AIRPORT TO BE DEDICATED TO PUBLIC THIS MONTH
• PUNJAB FOCUSING ON Rs 21000 CRORE VAT COLLECTION IN NEXT TWO YEARS
• ALL CITIZEN SERVICES TO BE ONLINE BY JULY

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 12: The Punjab is all set to unveil ‘New Industrial Promotion Policy’ focused on inclusive growth of the state from April 1, 2013.

          This was announced by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, who is also Minister for Investment Promotion while inaugurating North India Textile Conclave 2013 organised by Confederation of Indian Textile Industry here today. Mr. Badal said that he had constituted a core group of Industrial honchos and based upon their organized inputs besides incorporating the suggestions of Governance Reforms Commission, Punjab is all set for a game changer Industrial Investment Promotion Policy. He said that the New Policy besides focusing on inclusive growth, tapping the inherent advantages of the state, would lay out the blue print for Industrial revolution for next 25 years.

          Describing Textile as a biggest catalyst of growth, Mr. Badal said that the beauty of this sector is that it ensures dispersion of prosperity in every section of the society besides giving a big push to employment especially to the women. He said that promotion of Textile Industry was our main agenda and New Investment Promotion Policy besides cutting red tapism and archaic rules would be aggressive policy to attract investment in every sector.

          Presenting Punjab as best investment destination in the country, Mr. Badal said that it would be the first state in the country that would be Power surplus by December and would be able to sell power to other states. “We have demand of power from even Pakistan and it was for Union Government to take a decision (to allow export of power to Pakistan or not)”, He said that besides power, Punjab offers world class road connectivity with every city linked with 4/6 lane roads, Air connectivity with 3 international and 3 domestic airports. He said that with the opening of Attari Border and likely approval of export and import of 6000 goods, Punjab is on threshold of becoming above South-East Asia. He announced that Union Civil Aviation Minister would inaugurate newly constructed Bathinda Airport in the month of March only.

          Inviting Textile enterprenuers to set up their industry in the state, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government would offer conducive atmosphere for industrial growth besides industrial peace. He said that whatever industry that has gone to Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh has started coming back after withdrawal of concessions to hill states. He said that with world class infrastructure and Punjab topping on consumerism, industry would find a best investment scenario in the state.

          Focusing on Revenue Generation, Mr. Badal said that Punjab that has clocked Rs. 15500 crore in VAT collection this year, is set to achieve Rs. 21000 crore target in next two years that would be 7 fold increase in VAT collection from Congress era. He said that by July end all departments including Excise and Taxation Department would provide all citizen services online to the citizens. 

          Earlier Mr. S.V. Armugum, Chairman CITI welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister. Mr. Kamal Oswal, MD Nahar Industries spoke about the new challenges for Textile Sector and Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Chairman Trident Group spoke on Role of Textile in Punjab Economy while Ms. Shilpa Divekar Nirula, Director Monsanto India Ltd spoke on Innovation and Technological Development in Cotton sector.

          In a question-answer session, Mr. Badal assured cotton farmers that Punjab Government was duty bound to provide quality cotton seeds, weedicides, insecticides, pesticides and manure to the farmers besides assuring total technological support. He said that he would soon call Vice Chancellor Punjab Agriculture University and ask him to develop ‘disease resistant cotton variety’ that could double the output of cotton. 

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BANKS SHOULD PLAY A PROACTIVE ROLE IN BAILING OUT THE FARMERS FROM CURRENT CRISIS BY ENCOURAGING FARM DIVERSIFICATION- BADAL

SYNDICATE BANK CMD CALLS ON CM

EXPRESSES KEEN INTEREST TO EXPAND BUSINESS IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, March 12-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on the banks and financial institutions to play a proactive role in bailing out the distressed peasantry from the prevalent crisis by offering them soft loans for crop diversification.
Interacting with the Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of the Syndicate Bank Mr MG Sanghvi, who called on the Chief Minister at his official residence this morning, Mr. Badal said that the squeezing profitability margins due to the high costs of agricultural inputs and low returns in terms of stagnated MSP has virtually brought the beleaguered peasantry of the state on the crossroads. He said that to overcome this crisis the banks need to play a key role by extending helping hand to the farmers by devising some loan schemes especially for the small and marginal ones by giving lucrative incentives to them for supplementing their incomes from other allied farming sectors like Dairy, Fishery, Goattery, Piggery and Animal Husbandry. Mr Badal said that it was the high time when banks should make concerted efforts for providing soft loans to the peasants, dairy farmers and other allied farming sectors to motivate them to go for diversification in a big way.
The Chief Minister also laid thrust on setting up a network of dedicated agricultural branches of banks across the state to ensure cheap loans to the farmers to buy farm equipments, quality seeds, pesticides and fertilizers with a thrust to adopt diversification. Expressing discontent over the cumbersome process involved in the advancing of loans to the farmers, Mr Badal said that the process of these loans should be rationalized to enable majority of farmers to avail these benefits.
Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Sanghvi said that keeping in view the unprecedented all-round development of the state there was a vast scope in banking sector and syndicate bank was mulling to make more investment in the state by opening several new branches across Punjab. He said that it would not only accelerate the pace of ongoing development in the state but would also help in generating more employment opportunities for the local youth. The CMD also assured Mr Badal of comprehensive efforts to give several facilities to the customers.  
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. NK Sharma, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema, DGM OF Syndicate Bank Mr. Kamal Bhola and Chief Manager of the Bank Captain Anil Khanna.  
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CM RELEASES GRANT TO SCHOOL TO PROVIDE FREE EDUCATION TO THE GRANDSONS OF SEPOY BABU SINGH VrC

CHANDIGARH MARCH 12:-
          In a benevolent gesture, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today released a cheque of Rs. 40,200 for Holy Heart Senior Secondary Convent School, Village Mangwal in District Sangrur as annual fee for the two grandsons of gallantry awardee Late Sepoy Babu Singh, who had been honored with Veer Chakra.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that the Chief Minister had made an announcement at the Triennial National Convention-cum-Reunion (TNC) organized by the War Decorated India here on Sunday that the State Government would bear the entire expenditure to provide free education to the grandsons of Sepoy Babu Singh VrC - Rajwinder Singh and Dharam Singh. Honouring his commitment today, the Chief Minister had released the entire amount for this purpose from his discretionary fund. The fee would be released on similar pattern for the education of these boys every year, added the spokesperson.
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Education department dismisses 589 Absentee teachers—Maluka

Chandigarh, March 12:
 
          The Punjab Government has dismissed 589 teachers/employees in the Education Department for being absent from duties during the last so many years. Earlier 212 teaching and non teaching staff had already been sacked and now 377 more teaching and non teaching staff has been dismissed.
          Disclosing this here today Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister Punjab said that 172 Master cadre, 60 Lecturer cadre, 98 ETT cadre, 02 Sarv Siksha Abhiyan teachers, 09 Computer teachers and 15 non-teaching employees have been dismissed. The Minister further said that the Director General Education School was asked to prepare a master plan to deal with the absentee staff and teachers accordingly a special cell was established in the office of DGSE to process inquired into the complaints against the teachers/employees. He said that sixteen hundred complaints has been received so far which would be securitized and dealt with for strict action.   
The Minister said that strict action would be taken against the teachers/employees who fail to resume their duties. That before sanctioning the ex-India leave and affidavit from the applicant would be taken to the effect that the services would be dismissed in case they fail to resume their duty well in time. No laxity will be tolerated in this regard strict and firm action will be taken against the employees who remain absent unauthorisly. To provide quality and standard education the government will not leave any stone unturned.

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MALUKA INVITES TEACHING & NON-TEACHING UNIONS FOR MEETING

• DECISION REGARDING TRANSFERS, CHANGE IN SCHOOL TIMING AND HOLIDAY BE TAKEN AFTER THE MEETING

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 12:
Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab today invited all the teaching and non-teaching unions for a meeting in the first week of the April to discuss the various issues, which include transfers, change in school timing and holidays. In this meeting all other pending issues would also be discussed at length.
In a press communiqué released here today, the minister said that the process of transfers of the teachers would be considered in the month of May. He categorically said that no request, whatsoever, regarding the transfers would be considered before this meeting. Mr. Maluka further said that comprehensive policy would also be framed regarding the sensitive issues of child care and ex-India leave after bilateral meeting with the teachers’ unions.
The Education Minister reiterated the Punjab Government commitment to make the state no.1 in the education sector. He clarified that the scheme of getting a school renamed after the name of one’s family members still continue. He said that under this scheme by donating Rs.10 lakh, Rs.15 lakh, Rs.20 lakh, Rs.25 lakh any person can get a Primary, Middle, High and Senior Secondary School renamed after the name of his/her family member.
Mr. Maluka also issued instructions to the employees to meet him for any official work strictly during office hour (between 10 am to 5 pm) in the Punjab Civil Secretariat-1.
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HOLIDAY FOR WORKERS ON MARCH 17 IN TALWARA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 12:
The Punjab Government has declared March 17, 2013 (Sunday) as the weekly paid holiday for workers working in shops, commercials establishments and factories situated within in limits of Nagar Panchayat Talwara, district Hoshiarpur to exercise their franchise in the jurisdiction of the poll for General Election to Nagar Panchayat, Talwara to be held on March 17, 2013.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that the state government has declared March 17 (Sunday), a paid holiday in lieu of weekly off in all shops, commercials establishments and factories in the Nagar Panchyat, Talwara, where ‘Sunday’ is not a closed day within the jurisdiction of the Nagar Panchayat in lieu of their normal weekly holiday.
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GURDASPUR POLICE SOLVES TWO BLIND MURDER CASES WITHIN HOURS
v BUSTS MAJOR FAKE CURRENCY RACKET  
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 12:  The Punjab Police today achieved a major success by solving two blind murder cases within hours and arresting the accused besides busting a major counterfeit currency racket in the border district of Gurdaspur. 

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Rajjit Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Gurdaspur revealed that the killers of Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) Ashwani Kumar(46) who was allegedly murdered at his house, on Saturday night were arrested. Arrested four accused included the real daughter of the deceased, who had got killed her father by her paramour and his associates.

Giving the details , the SSP said that in this case an  FIR No. 45 dated 10.03.2013 u/s 460/458 IPC, PS City Gurdaspur was registered on the statement of Ritu Mahajan wife of RMP Ashwani Kumar Mahajan r/o Gali Kasaian Wali, Main Bazar, Gurdaspur that on the  intervening night of March 9 &10 at around 1.30 AM, while she, her husband RMP Ashwani Kumar and two daughters namely Ekas (18) and Chhaya (16) were asleep in the same room, 4 youths duly armed with sharp edged weapons, broke open the Godrej Almirah and looted the gold ornaments those were kept in it. When they woke up due to noise, the culprits attacked upon her husband with their weapons on his face and decamped with gold ornaments weighing 19 tolas and cash Rs. 10000/-. Her husband succumbed to serious injuries. The complainant had claimed that they do not know how the alleged killers entered the room and ran off. He said that since, this was a blind murder case, the police started the investigation of this sensational case vigorously, made hard efforts and managed to lay hands upon the accused namely Hari Om s/o Sunil Kumar Mahajan r/o Masit Mohalla Geeta Bhawan road, Gurdaspur, Anmoldeep Sharma s/o Bhagya Chander r/o Ram Leela Ground backside Geeta Bhawan road, Gurdaspur, Mithu Kumar s/o Pappi @ Amarjit r/o Backside Satuti Mata Mandir, Geeta Bhawan road, Gurdaspur , Ekas d/o deceased Ashwani Kumar Mahajan r/o Gali Kasaian Wali, Main Bazar, Gurdaspur while Zorawar Singh @ Mithu s/o Balkar Singh r/o near Baba Salender, backside Geeta Bhawan road, Gurdaspur was still absconding.

The district Police Chief further said that during preliminary interrogation and investigation of this case, it has surfaced that Ekas d/o deceased RMP Ashwani Kumar had affair with Hari Om since last 3 years and her father Ashwani Kumar had been opposing to this affair. She made a plan to loot their house and elope with her paramour to get married and settled.  Ekas disclosed about the golden ornaments in the Almirah in her house and as per plan, she invited Hari Om on her mobile phone to come to their house at mid-night. As Hari Om with his 4 accomplices armed with sharp edged weapons reached there, Ekas opened the door. Hari Om and his accomplices, entered the room, broke open the Almirah and took out gold ornaments and cash. As Ashwani Kumar was against this affair, they attacked upon Ashwani Kumar with their weapons while he was asleep resulting in his death. The police has recovered gold ornaments weighing 8 tolas and a duplicate gold chain weighing 4 tolas – worth Rs. 2,50,000/- from the accused. The weapons of offence have also been recovered. Further investigation and interrogation of the arrested accused is on and efforts are being made to arrest the remaining accused, he added.

Mr. Rajjit Singh further informed that the district police has also arrested one killer namely Ranjit Singh s/o Tarsem Singh r/o Zaffarwal, PS Dhariwal for the killing of his father-in-law namely Gurcharan Singh r/o Sagar Chowk, Sri Hargobindpur, police district Batala. He said that a case FIR No. 50 dated 10.3.13 u/s 302/323/148/149 IPC, PS Dhariwal was registered on the statement of Bikramjit Singh s/o Gurcharan Singh  r/o Sagar Chowk, Sri Hargobindpur, police district Batala that his sister Jasmeet Kaur was married to Ranjit Singh . Ranjit Singh being an addict, used to maltreat/beat his sister, her two sons and a daughter. That on 9.3.13, his sister Jasmeet Kaur told him on phone that her husband has again beaten them mercilessly, so they should come and take them along. The complainant Bikramjit Singh with his father Gurcharan Singh his brother Narinder Singh and wife Amandeep Kaur went to his sister’s house at Zaffarwal in Maruti Car No. PB-06B-5727. On 9.3.13 at around 10.30 PM as they were talking to Ranjit Singh to solve the problem in an amicable manner, Ranjit Singh started quarreling with them. Meantime, his neighbourers Gurbhej Singh, Amandeep Singh and Lakhbir Singh with 4/5 persons reached there armed with sticks etc. and attacked upon them.  Lakhbir Singh and his two sons Gurbhej Singh and  Amandeep Singh dragged his father in the street and gave hard blows on his body with their sticks as a result of which he became unconscious. Meantime, the neighbourers gathered there and the accused ran off from there. That his father, Gurcharan Singh died on way while he was being evacuated to Civil Hospital Gurdaspur. The police after registering the case raided at the houses of the accused persons and managed to arrest Ranjit Singh s/o Tarsem Singh r/o Zaffarwal, PS Dhariwal on 10.3.13. Raids are being conducted to arrest the remaining accused persons and the case is under investigation, he added.
The SSP further said that the district police has also succeeded in busting a racket indulging in the circulation of fake Indian currency by arresting three accused including a lady and recovered Rs. 55,000/- of fake Indian currency notes. He informed that on 11.3.13, SI Ashok Kumar, Incharge,  Anti-gunda Staff and SI Rajinder Kumar , Incharge CIA Gurdaspur along with police party had laid a Naka at Kahnuwan Chowk, Gurdaspur  on  a reliable information that two youths and a lady were  indulging in the circulation of fake Indian currency notes in this area and were  coming from Batala side in a bus with such currency. As the information was reliable, the police party started the checking of buses effectively and during checking spotted two youths and a lady of the prescribed description who had alighted from a bus at Kahnuwan chowk. The police party stopped them and on asking, they disclosed their names as Lakhwinder Singh s/o Gurmukh Singh and Sandeep Singh @ Kalu s/o Jagseer Singh r/o Jadwala Bhime Shah, district Fazilka and Krishana Sehgar Verma d/o Raj Kumar Sehgar Verma r/o Kerla presently r/o house of Jatinder Singh  r/o village Lakhna, PS Patti, district Tarn Taran. On their search as per procedure,  110 fake Indian currency notes each of 500 denomination – total Rs. 55,000/- were recovered from the possession of Lakhwinder Singh (Rs. 20,000/- ),from the possession of Sandeep Singh (Rs. 20000/- ) and from the possession of lady Krishna Sehgar Rs. 15,000/- of fake Indian currency notes were recovered. Thus, they were booked vide case FIR No. 46 dated 11.3.13 u/s 498-ABC/420 IPC, PS City Gurdaspur and fake Indian currency notes were taken into possession and they have been arrested in this case. Their further interrogation and more revelations/recovery of fake Indian currency notes were expected, he added.

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PUNJAB SIMPLIFIES PROCEDURE OF MUTATION OF UNREGISTERED WILLS-MAJITHIA

·        AFFIDAVIT WOULD BE SUFFICENT INSTEAD OF PERSONAL APPEARANCE IN CASE OF UNANIMITY OF DEPENDENTS
·        REVENUE MINISTER PRESIDES FIRST EVER MEETING OF STATE REVENUE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 11: In a significant decision, the Punjab Revenue Department today simplified the procedure of mutation on unregistered wills. Now, in the case of unanimity amongst all dependents, they just to give an affidavit instead of appearing in person.

          Presiding over a maiden meeting of State Revenue Advisory Committee here today Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Punjab said that earlier all the dependents had to personally appear before the Revenue Officers for getting the mutation and transfer of property. He said that it was a long and time consuming process and creates lot of harassment to NRIs especially in such cases. He said that after a detailed discussion of panel of State Revenue Advisory Committee, it has been decided that in case of unanimity amongst the dependents, the mutation can be done by submitting an affidavit instead of personally appearing before the revenue officers.

          The Minister said that Punjab Government has constituted this committee to ensure proper upkeep of revenue records, simplification of registration process besides implementation of schemes relating natural disasters and riot victims. He said that besides Administrative Officers, MLAs also have been included in this committee to access the problems being faced by the common people.

Prominent amongst others, who were present in the meeting included Mr. Pargat Singh, Mrs. Vaninder Kaur Loomba, Mr. Simarjit Singh Bains (all MLAs), Mr. N.S. Kang, Financial Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Sarbjit Singh, Secretary Revenue, Mr. Arvinder Singh Bains, Special Secretary Revenue, Mr. S.S. Khara, Secretary Revenue and Mr. Amandeep Singh Bhatti, Deputy Secretary Revenue.

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PUNJAB POLICE QUESTIONS VAJINDER SINGH IN PANCHKULA

Chandigarh/ Fatehgarh Sahib, March 11:           
Punjab Police tied up with Haryana Police for questioning of Vajinder Singh. Team headed by a DSP and Inspector of Punjab Police went to Panchkula to the office of Sh. Hardeep Singh Doon, IPS, SSP Crime & Telecommunication, Haryana and questioned Vajinder Singh in his office  regarding the drug case registered last week. He was  examined by a DSP and Inspector of Punjab Police from 5.00 PM to 8.30 PM in investigation of Case FIR No. 45 dated 3-3-13 U/s 21/61/85 NDPS Act, 420, 465, 468, 471 IPC, 25 A Act PS Fatehgarh Sahib. As per the procedure, in the presence of two private witnesses, he was asked for his consent for giving his blood and hair samples required for forensic examination for investigation purpose, which he refused. 

• JOGINDER PAL JAIN TAKES OATH AS MLA

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES JOINT ACTION GROUP TO CURB ROAD ACCIDENTS

·       SCHOOL BUSES BE EQUIPPED WITH SPEED GOVERNOR WITH MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT OF 40 KMPH

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 11:
Taking serious concern of the ever-increasing road accidents in the state, the Punjab Government has initiated an elaborate drive to ensure that the road safety norms are being properly implemented. For this purpose, a Joint Action Group has been formed, in which departments of Transport, Education, Forest and Police would work cohesively. School Education Department has been entrusted upon a special responsibility to properly maintain school buses and their use following the norms of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Supreme Court rulings.
It was arrived at in a high level meeting of Punjab State Road Safety Council, which was held today at Punjab Bhawan in the chairmanship of Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Punjab. The meeting was attended by Mr. S.K. Sandhu, Principal Secretary/CM, Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary/Home besides senior officers of Transport, School Education, Forest, PWD (B&R). The Minister apprised the officer that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is very much concerned about the road safety measures. In the meeting, it was decided that every school bus must be equipped with the speed governor with its maximum speed limit of 40 kmph. The driver of the school bus must possess license of heavy vehicle with 5 years of experience and the school bus be painted in yellow colour. The school buses must also bear the name and the contact number of the school in bold letters. These buses must also carry first aid boxes. Directions to curb the practice of over loading in the buses were also passed. It was also decided that the services of a driver, who was challaned two times, would not be hired for school bus. Medical check up of the school bus drivers would also be got done time to time.
To curb the accident at unmanned railway crossings, a joint working committee consisting of Secretary/PWD B&R, Secretary/Transport and I.G./Traffic has been constituted to review the progress in this regard. To effectively execute the work of road safety, the fund position was also discussed in the meeting.
Mr. Kohar said that instructions were also issued to all the district transport authorities to implement the decisions of the transport department. He said that all the DTOs would be held responsible for any violations of the road safety norms and departmental action would be initiated against him.
Dr. Kamaljit Singh Sohi, Deputy Chairman, Punjab State Road Safety Council also presented his proposals in the meeting. A concise note based on the proposal of Dr. Sohi would be forwarded to GoI for further action.
Mr. Pawan Kumar Teenu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Sports Department was also present in the meeting.

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SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROTECT THE HONOUR AND DIGNITY OF WOMEN- GOVERNOR
TERMS PUNJAB AS AN OASIS OF PEACE AND COMMUNAL HARMONY
STATE GOVERNMENT HAS ENSURED THE BEST LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY
BATS FOR GIVING A FREE HAND TO STATES FOR CHOOSING AND FINANCING DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES OF THEIR REGIONS
STATES SHOULD BE GIVEN 50% SHARE IN REVENUE COLLECTED FROM THEM
DEMANDS IMMEDIATE TRANSFER OF CHANDIGARH AND OTHER PUNJABI SPEAKING AREAS TO PUNJAB
ANTI-SIKH RIOTS OF 1984 A HUGE BLOT ON THE CONSCIENCE OF NATION
SEEKS RS. 5000 CRORES FOR DIVERSIFICATION IN GREEN REVOLUTION STATES
THANKS PEOPLE FOR BACK-TO-BACK MANDATE FOR SAD-BJP ALLIANCE GOVERNMENT
Chandigarh, March 11-
Reiterating the firm commitment of the SAD-BJP government to protect the honour and dignity of women, Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today said that the state government stands for the establishment of a society based on total gender equality and a place of high respect and dignity for women.
Addressing the members of Punjab Vidhan Sabha in his inaugural address for the fourth session of the state assembly, the Governor expressed concern of the state government over the continuing ignominy and sufferings inflicted on the pious and brave womenfolk. He said that the state government was inspired by the message of the great Gurus, saints and seers for the establishment of a society which was committed not only to ensure an atmosphere of total safety and security for life and honour of women but also for working decisively and purposefully for giving them a leading role in different spheres of social and professional life. Mr. Patil said that to ensure the safety and dignity of girls and women in Punjab, the state Government had already issued strict instructions that all cases pertaining to women in the police stations would be handled by members of the lady police adding that instructions have also been issued that the women would not be called to the Police Stations and if required they must be examined at their residence in the presence of their family member and lady police.
The Governor said that efforts were afoot for increasing the strength of the lady police for which a total of 3233 lady constables had been recruited so far and another 1200 lady constables besides 338 lady SI’s would be recruited in next three years. Likewise he said that 20 dedicated courts had also been approved for speedy trial of cases related to crime against women in the state.
The Governor said that maintaining peace and harmony in these changing times poses the greatest challenge to any elected government and at a time when several parts of the country were witnessing growing levels of unrest and agitation, Punjab stands out as an oasis of peace and communal harmony, despite the great locational disadvantage of being a border state with a long and active border and its proximity to the international narco- terror transit zone. Mr. Patil said, “I am glad to say that my Government, which accords the highest priority to peace and communal harmony, has always been able to ensure the best law and order situation in the country”.
Emphasizing that the maintenance of peace and harmony requires a multi-dimensional approach, the Governor said that the state government had been urging the Government of India (GoI) to remove the fundamental causes behind the social unrest in many states through concrete political and economic initiatives.
The Governor further said that the state government had always advocated for building a strong, progressive and federal India, with its firm belief that strong states mean a strong nation. He said that the founding Fathers of our Constitution were fully aware of the vast diversities that run through the rich texture of Indian identity therefore they believed that both the regional aspirations and nationalist sentiments must complement each other. However Mr. Patil said that unfortunately, over the years, this federal spirit of the Founding Fathers’ has been diluted and  there has been a progressive erosion of powers given to the states in the Constitution therby sacrificing the federal impulse to create a unitary structure and reducing the states to mere beggars at the doors of the center. He said that the states were directly accountable to the people for all their needs of development and better quality of life due to which they were in the best position to understand and address the problems of the people at the cutting edge. Therefore Mr. Patil said that states should be given a free hand in choosing and financing development priorities of their regions. Central schemes were generally made without any reference to the varied needs of different states and of different regions within the same state, he added.
The Governor said that his government demands that the formula for devolution of funds be recast in favour of states and that funds be allotted to them for spending on state specific requirements and plans, adding that states should be given 50% share in revenue collected from states.
The Governor said that the state government was deeply concerned about the specific issues on which Punjab has faced discrimination and injustice at the hands of some central governments. He said that first of all, Punjabis were denied their legitimate right to have a state formed on the basis of their linguistic identity and finally, when it was formed after a long and tough struggle with countless sacrifices, it was discriminated against through the exclusion of vast Punjabi speaking areas. Mr. Patil said the Capital City of Punjab, Chandigarh, was too was denied to the state and it has still not been transferred to Punjab even 47 years after it was decided that it would go to the state. The Governor bemoaned that even the sacred commitments about the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab made by the Government of India in July-August 1985 on the floor of the two houses of the Parliament had yet not been honoured. Mr. Patil reiterated that Chandigarh and other Punjabi speaking areas should be transferred to the state immediately.
The Governor further said that even the state had been meted out a grave injustice in the river waters issue despite of the fact that Punjab’s farmers have been coming to the rescue of the nation and upheld its honour in the comity of nations whenever it has faced food shortages. He said that in the process of making the country self reliant in food production the farmers of state have sacrificed the only two natural resources that they had: soil fertility and sub-soil water as a result of which major parts of the state face the specter of turning into a desert if immediate correctives were not applied. He said, “Punjab seeks no favours; it only demands that its natural and constitutional right on river waters be protected as per the nationally and internationally accepted Riparian Principle”.
Asserting that in India, this principle has been violated only in the case of Punjab, the Governor said that for the same reason, his government was opposed to any national river water policy that was framed in violation of the Riparian Principle.
The Governor further said that the economy of the state, especially its industry, had suffered immensely because of concessions given by the Government of India to the neighbouring states of Punjab. He said that the state government has kept requesting that to offset this disadvantage  either the same concessions be extended to Punjab also for a similar or same length of period as given to the neigbouring states or state should be compensated with an adequate and just  financial package. Mr. Patil further said that the state Government demands that in all fairness and in keeping with the demands of justice, the center should give a liberal and comprehensive compensatory economic package to Punjab so that the damage suffered by its economy because of GoI’s decision may be repaired.
The Governor said that apart from injustice on the economic and political fronts, the people of the state have suffered grievous blows to their religious psyche also. He said that the brutal and inhuman massacre of innocent Sikhs in November in Delhi and some other parts of the country in 1984 still remains a huge blot on the conscience of the nation. Mr. Patil said that the guilty had still not been punished and many of them had in fact been rewarded with positions of power and honour by the Government of India. The Governor said that his government demands exemplary punishment to the guilty and comprehensive relief to families that suffered in this dark period. He lamented that it was really a matter of disgrace that even 28 years after the tragedy struck thousands of innocents, the victims still await for justice and relief.
The Governor said that they had been demanding major inputs to boost the farm and industrial economy of the state which has suffered major blows in the service of the nation. He said that Agricultural production and growth have reached a point of stagnation and it needs a major push to kick start farm economy adding that one of the ways to achieve this target was to make major investments in the field of crop diversification. Mr. Patil said that his government had been demanding a comprehensive economic package of Rs. 5000 crores for diversification in Green Revolution States.
Thanking the people for the historic back-to-back mandate for the SAD-BJP alliance government, the Governor said that the alliance received this mandate on the basis of their commitment to   peace, communal harmony, overall inclusive development and good governance plus due to the fact that they shirked the conventional politics of confrontation and mutual mudslinging by focusing on a positive vote for performance. Mr. Patil said that this verdict has altered the political mindset of the state adding that no government would now dare to go to the people without having a definite report card of the work done by it. He said, “In other words, through its bold political decision, my government has made accountability and transparency the cornerstone of the democratic process in the state.  After a long, long time, democracy has acquired its true substance as a system of governance of the people, by the people and for the people’.
The Governor said that the latest evidence of the fact that the people of the state were convinced and satisfied with the sincerity of purpose of state government was provided by the resounding verdict in its favor in the just conducted by-election to the Moga constituency, in which the alliance not only secured the seat but also substantially improved on the size of the popular mandate. Mr Patil said that the faith which the people have in the policies and programmes of the alliance partners, individually and together, was so strong now that they have swept every election they have contested, be it the Vidhan Sabha Elections or the Lok Sabha poll.  
The Governor further said that somewhat away from their legitimate governmental duties but in pursuit of their commitment to peace harmony and service of the people, the alliance received thumping verdict from the Sikh masses in elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). These victories confirmed the view that people of all communities fully back them in the ideals that the alliance pursue, he added.
Reiterating the commitment of state Government to the maintain and promote peace and communal harmony, providing good governance, ensuring inclusive growth and taking development to the doorsteps of the people who have reposed unprecedented faith in re-electing this government, the Governor said that the state Government has dared to dream big for the people of this great state. He said that in the pursuit of this dream, the Government was clear in its vision, firm in its resolve and sure of its feet.

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PUNJAB SEEKS RELAXATION IN 5KM DISTANCE CONDITION FOR THE UPGRADATION OF MIDDLE SCHOOLS TO HIGH

• PUNJAB CM SEEKS PALLAM RAJU’S INTERVENTION FOR EXPEDITING THE WORK OF CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AT BATHINDA

CHANDIGARH MARCH 10:
Union Human Resources Development Minister Dr. Mangapatti Pallam Raju today visited Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal’s official residence here this morning.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office informed that during the meeting Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to grant the relaxation in the condition of 5km distance for the up gradation of middle schools to high as situation in the state was entirely different due to the existence of shortly-distanced and densely-populated villages, so there was a dire need to upgrade many thick strength middle schools to high schools. He urged to relax the present 5km condition to 3km subject to the village/urban population.
Mr. Badal also apprised the Union HRD Minister that the State Government had established 17 University Degree Colleges which were presently successfully operational and performing well. He asked to accord approval for two more modern degree colleges at Narot Jaimal Singh and Guru Har Sahai besides, approval for two additional University colleges at Verka and Moonak. Likewise, two new Polytechnic Colleges were also being setting up at Jalandhar and Amritsar to impart skill training to the youth, added Mr. Badal.
Mr. Badal also urged Dr. Pallam Raju to expedite the construction and other related work of Central University at Bathinda as all the requisite formalities from the state government side had already been completed.
The Chief Minister also urged the Union Government to chalk out a comprehensive plan with a view to impart quality education to the deprived but intelligent students with rural background. He said that state government was already striving hard in this direction through its limited resources whereas Union Government could play a bigger and vital role to protect the country’s brilliant potential before it go waste. Mr. Badal also asked the Union Minister to enhance the School Grants, Uniform allowances and Management Cost under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for the state from 3.5% to 6%.  
On this occasion IT and Food & Supply Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon raised the issue of inadequate residential facilities for the teachers serving in the schools near International Border and suggested that GoI could provide them residential accommodation as a joint venture with Border Security Force (BSF). 
Appreciating the concern shown by Mr. Badal, the Union HRD Minister emphasised the education was the second most important subject that should be given priority after Law and Order and he assured him that he would consider all the issues with an open mind for their early solutions.
The Union Minister was accompanied by Secretary Higher Education HRD Ministry, GoI Mr. Ashok Thakur and OSD to HRD Minister Mr. Seshu Kumar.
Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Principal Secretary to the CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Higher Education Mr. AR Talwar, Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra,  Special Principal Secretaries to the CM Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and DGSE Mr. KS Pannu.
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PUNJAB TO SETUP A STATE-OF-THE-ART WAR HEROES MEMORIAL AT AMRITSAR

• CONCEPT COMMITS TO BE CONSTITUTED SOON

• CM ANNOUNCES FREE EDUCATION OF THE GRANDSONS OF SEPOY BABU SINGH VrC

• IT IS OUR BOUNDED DUTY TO TAKE CARE OF OUR VETERANS AND VEER NARIS TO PAY REAL TRIBUTES TO OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS-Badal

• ANNOUNCED RS. 50 LAC GRANT FOR WDI

• ANNOUNCES ADEQUATE ENHANCEMENT IN THE ALLOWANCES FOR GALLANTRY AWARDEES SOON

CHANDIGARH MARCH 10:-
          The Punjab Government would setup a state-of-the-art War Heroes Memorial at Amritsar for which a concept committee to be constituted soon.
          An announcement to this effect was made by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during Triennial National Convention-cum-Reunion (TNC) organized by The War Decorated India (WDI) here in the auditorium of Government Museum & Art Gallery in Sector 10 today.
While addressing a galaxy of the bravest of the brave- war decorated heroes, Veer Naris and next of kin of posthumous awardees across the country belonging to all the three Defence Services and Para Military Forces, Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of the serving defense personnel and ex-servicemen  because he personally believe that the persons who had rendered exemplary services and even sacrificed their lives to safeguard the interests of the Nation must be responded back by the government in a better way. It was our bounded duty to take care of our Veterans and Veer Naris across the country especially our soldiers who had been honoured with the highest gallantry awards like Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra.
The upcoming War Memorial would be a tribute to our brave sons of the soil for their unmatched valor in different battles from 1948 J&K Ops to 1999 Kargil Ops, said Mr. Badal, further adding that for this he had personally asked the three Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air force to provide vital inputs. Mr. Badal said that to perpetuate the rich legacy of the countless freedom fighters, patriots and martyrs from Punjab during the Indian independence movement the state government had already working on the  plan to set up a world class ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur near Jalandhar.  Expressing satisfaction, the Chief Minister said that he was sure that both these upcoming memorials would play a vital role and act as a beacon light to acquaint our younger generations about the saga of great sacrifices made by Punjabis.
Expressing great pride over the excellent contribution made by Punjab in the defence services, Mr. Badal said that at present our government’s Welfare Plans were working for about three lac ex-servicemen/widows and approximately 60 lacs soldiers from all the 3 wings of Armed Forces. He further said that the state government had taken many path breaking initiatives in this direction like making budgetary provision of Rs. 24 crore in the current fiscal year to ensure the welfare works, financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the widows of the martyrs to purchase house/plot, doubled the financial assistance under Jangi-Jagir from Rs. 5000 to Rs 10000 besides, making adequate provisions for other monetary benefits, grants, old age pensions, self-employment through technical coaching and jobs to them through 13% reservation quota in Punjab and PSUs in the State.
 The Chief Minister also announced that state government would soon made adequate enhancement in the allowances for gallantry awardees.
Expressing concern over the present scenario of reducing number of Punjabis in defence services, Mr. Badal said that the Recruitment  Policy on the bases of population adopted by the Government of India was not justified in case of Punjab even than the state government was striving hard to motivate Punjabi youth to join defence services through establishing Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution Mohali, 16 C-PYTE Centres, reviving the Sri Dasmesh Academy at Anandpur Sahib, Naval NCC Unit at Bathinda besides establishing two NCC academies one at Rupnagar over an area of 9 acre at a cost of Rs 9 crore for boys and other at Malout over an area of 6 acre at a cost of Rs 9.80 crore for the girls. Both the academies would impart NCC tranning to about 55 thousand cadets every year and motivate them to join the Army, Navy and Air Force.
On the occasion the Chief Minister honored the gallantry awardees, Veer Naris and next of kin of posthumous awardees along with two living legends Parmam Vir Chakra Hony. Capt. Bana Singh and Hav. Sanjay Kumar  and announced a grant of Rs. 50 Lac to the War Decorated India (WDI) besides, free Education of the grandsons of Sepoy Babu Singh VrC. Mr. Badal also asked the WDI to prepare a fresh list of the war widows so that a welfare plan could be chalked out accordingly.
Earlier, President of the War Decorated India, Brigadier NS Sandhu, MVC in his welcome address said that their organization was an apolitical organization with a single aim of bringing all Vir Chakra series of War gallantry awardees together for mutual welfare and advancement of their common interests.

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CM MOURNS SAD DEMISE OF
BJP LEADER SATPAL SAINI

CHANDIGARH MARCH 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Former State Minister and BJP leader Satpal Saini who passed away at a Private Hospital in Pathankot after a prolonged illness on Saturday.
         In a condolence message, the Chief Minister said that in the death of Mr. Saini, the BJP has lost a balanced and an experienced leader, who believed in clean and value based politics. Mr. Saini was a true leader of the masses who tirelessly served the people at grassroots level throughout his political career 
Mr. Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength and courage to them to bear this irreparable loss.
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GOLDEN TEMPLE PLAZA PROJECT TO BE DEDICATED TO SANGAT  BY END OF 2013-SUKHBIR

• AMRITSAR ALL SET TO BE ON INTERNATIONAL TOURIST CIRCUIT
• PAYS OBEISANCE AT GOLDEN TEMPLE ALONG BATHINDA MEMBER PARLIAMENT Mrs. HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

AMRITSAR, MARCH 10: The ongoing construct work of the prestigious Golden Temple Entrance Plaza here would be completed by the end of this year and it would be dedicated to Public by the end of this year.

          This was stated by Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, who was here along with his wife and Bathinda Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal was here to pay obeisance at Golden Temple.

          After praying for the accelrated development of Punjab, communal harmony and welfare of all Punjabis, Mr. Badal, while talking to media persons, said that Golden Temple would witness the completion of its prestigious project of Underground Plaza by the end of this year as the work was on full swing. He said that within few months finishing touches would be given to the project.  He said that this unique project would prove a boon for thousands of daily tourists from across the world as there would have audio-video information system depicting history and rich Sikh heritage besides number of world class auditoriums.

          Answering a query, Mr. Badal said that he has already reviewed the status of the construction work and directed the concerned authorities to put the work on further acceleration, so, the project would be completed in a stipulated time frame for the facilitation of Sangat.

          Talking about the under preparation two Master Plans, exclusively designed to make Amritsar one of the beautiful city in the country, Mr. Badal said that as per the under progress master plans Amritsar would be developed in a well-planned manner and he was sure that after implementation of these plans Amritsar would be the part of country’s most beautiful cities.

          On being asked about change in the Punjab Congress, Mr. Badal said that this would not at all affect Shiromani Akali Dal in any way as Mr. Bajwa was not a ‘new challenge’ for them and SAD would remain continue with its agenda of development besides following pro-poor, pro-people and pro-Punjab policies.

          Extending congratulations to Mr. Bajwa for taking over as Punjab Congress Chief, Mr. Badal invited Congress Chief to play a significant and vital role in the development of state by playing a constructive role in the initiatives taken by SAD-BJP Government.

          Answering a query regarding the ensuing 4th Session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Badal said that Budget was a secret document, which could not be uncovered outside the session. He assured that the budget of SAD-BJP Government would be pro-people and in the interests of people of the state since the ruling combine was committed for the overall development of the state.

          On the issue of beating a woman by cops in Tarn Taran district, Mr. Badal said that strict and adequate action would be taken on the basis of enquiry report. He also said that zero tolerance would be adopted in the cases of crime against women.

Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Cabinet Minister was also present on this occasion.

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URBAN POPULATION BE SENSITIZED ABOUT e-GOVERNANCE: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 10:
The Punjab Government has devised a road map to sensitize the urbane population of the state about the virtues of the e-Governance delivery system, which has successfully been implemented in Municipalities, Corporations and Nagar Panchayats across the state, said Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minster for Local Bodies, Punjab, in a press statement here today.
The Minister said that the most ambitious e governance project, which was aiming at providing various day to day services to the urban population in transparent and hassle free manner, was successfully running in the state. He said that 162 services were being delivered under this project and 30 lakh population of the state was availing the services sitting in their homes. “The Punjab Government has decided to further sensitize the urban population about the high merits of the e-Governance delivery system through conducing seminars across the state, IEC material would also be distributed to the public” added minster.
The Minister further said that under e-Governance 162 services were being provided in 30 sectors and 35 services were provided on the priority basis. He said that now the residents could get the services like birth & death certificates, bills of water and sewerage, NOCs etc using internet at their homes.
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RAKHRA INSTRUCTS FOR CANDID AUCTION OF CATTLE FAIRS

• STATE LEVEL AUCTION ON 22ND MARCH AT MOHALI,
• AUCTION PROCESS WOULD BE VIDEOGRAPHED.

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 10:
Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats today issued instructions for the officers concerned for executing auction of 19 cattle fairs in the state candidly and in transparent manner. The auction is scheduled for 22nd march at Vikas Bhawan, Mohali. He said that there would only be state level auction for all the cattle fairs in the state.
In a press communiqué the minister said that in order to promote the auxiliary professions related to the agriculture, the Punjab government conduct 19 cattle fairs at the different places of the state. He said that the department has fixed a reserve price of Rs 32 crore for auction in the financial year 2013-14, from the auction of these 19 cattle fairs. “The department has earned a revenue of Rs 31.8 crore from the auction in the current financial year 2012-13, and the department is now striving to increase the revenue form the auction ,which would be executed in transparent manner” Minister added.
Mr Rakhra further said that the whole auction process would be videographed with foolproof security at the auction site. He said that all the preliminary arrangements for the auction process have been completed and every facility would be given to the bidders. The minister said that the 25 percent of the accumulated earnest money, which would be to the tune of 8 crore, has been reserved as security. The successful bidders would have to deposit 25 percent of the bid price that is 8 crore after the completion of the auction. “The contract for the auction would be between bidder and director Rural Development and Panchayats” the minister added.
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DR SIDHU’S WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AGENDA CATCHES COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARIANS’ ATTENTION
NEW DELHI, MARCH 10:
Punjab Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Amritsar (East) MLA from BJP, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu emerged as a centripetal  force at Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians India Region two-day Seminar, by suggesting revolutionary, but, pragmatic formulas for woman empowerment in the country. The March 8 & 9, 2013 seminar held under the aegis of Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, was seen to be picking most of the suggestions made by Dr Sidhu to recommend them across to the central government for brining a paradigm change towards women in the country.
In her address Dr Sidhu raised the demand of 50 per cent reservation for women across the board right from government formation and fabrics of each political party up to each government (centre and state) department including provincial police forces. Portraying recent Punjab assembly poll example wherein 102 out of 985 male candidates and 15 females out of 94 contesting candidates, had emerged victorious Dr Sidhu said that women were more in demand than their male counterparts in politics.
Ridiculing India’s male chauvinism Dr Sidhu questioned that why women were not considered competent to handle sensitive and important portfolios like Defence, Home Affairs and Finance in the Ministries? Furthering the argument Dr Sidhu asked why there was no regular provision of gender budget in all the states? “It should be mandatory that only women cops handle the cases of rape, molestation and women exploitation and same yardsticks are adopted in putting such cases through legal process,” Dr Sidhu said adding that a national level women’s social body should be framed to pursue women’s rape, molestation and exploitation cases till their logical end.
A Gynecologist-turned-politician Dr Sidhu proposed to engage decoys to curb the cases of female-foeticide by resorting to sting operations. She also demanded to replace the existing censor board with ‘one with eyes and ears open and conscious alive’ to stop women being portrayed as cheap commodity. “What do you expect from men with devil mind if you produce an item song in each Hindi film with half naked heroine dancing to just entice men? And what you expect from society if you see all city roadside buildings flooded with obscene movies posters and writers and singers producing cheap and obscene songs? If you can stop all this non-sense than arrange separate schools, colleges, playgrounds, public parks, buses, trains, air flights etc for women where they feel secure,” she maintained.  
Demanding mandatory provision of education for girls, she proposed punishment for parents who stop their girl child from getting education. She also demanded women rehabilitation centres for women victims of dowry, sexual exploitation, broken relations and those convicted in some crime.
Giving the example of her pet project ‘Himmat’ through which she prepares her constituency women to fight against male-atrocities, Dr Sidhu proposed instant reporting system of any sort of women exploitation case through phone call or SMS to women police officers, women-politicians and social activists. She also demanded compulsory one-hour teaching of social sciences/values in each school across the country.
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ALL PARTY MEET CONSITUTES THREE MEMBER COMMITTEE FOR 4TH SESSION OF 14TH PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

·  COMMITTEE COMPRISES SPEAKER, CHIEF MINISTER AND LEADER OF OPPOSITION
·  WOULD ENSURE THE SMOOTH FUNCTIONIG OF THE SESSION
·  DECISION TAKEN IN ALL PARTY MEETING PRESIDED OVER BY SPEAKER PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:  The All Party Meeting held here today decided to constitute a three member committee comprised of Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Leader of Opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of all proceedings during the 4thSession of the 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

          After presiding over All Party Meeting in view of ensuing Vidhan Sabha session scheduled to be commenced from March 11, 2013, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal said that the committee would consider the issues concerned with the functioning of session. He said that Committee would convene a meeting before commencement of session to ensure the smooth functioning of the session.

          Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Mr. Sunil Jakhar, Leader of Opposition, Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Congress MLA, Mr. Ashwani Sekhri, Congress MLA, while from the Bhartiya Janata Party Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health Minister, Punjab attended the All Party Meet. 

          The Speaker said that in the previous session there were some objections on his performance, which were considered today in All Party Meeting and all parties has desired that there should be no repetition of last session in the ensuing session so the smooth and uninterrupted flow of proceeding can be assured. He said that all such issues would be sorted out after a detailed consideration before commencement of session.

          Mr. Atwal also informed that Punjab Vidhan Sabha would be developed as world class legislative assembly and very soon laptops would be provided to every member of Punjab Legislative Assembly.

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF MAHASHIVRATRI

 CHANDIGARH MARCH 9:
           Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the sacred occasion of 'Mahashivratri'.
          In a message, Mr. Badal said that Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion.  Lord Shiva protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed, anger and grants boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in his devotees.   Mr. Badal urged the people to celebrate 'Mahashivratri' festival with traditional fervour and gaiety as such festivals not only promote communal harmony, compassion and goodwill but also bring joy and prosperity.
          Mr. Badal also appealed the people to celebrate this auspicious occasion collectively by rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.
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SUKHBIR FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF MAHA SHIVRATRI

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

In a message, Mr. Badal said that Maha Shivratri inspires the people to strive towards the pursuit of truth that leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomized by Lord Shiva. He said that the festival laid stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony, the cornerstones of the great Indian civilization.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed hope that Maha Shivratri would be celebrated in a spirit of harmony and would usher in a new era of peace and goodwill among all sections of the society.

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CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT AND MADAN MOHAN MITTAL GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF MAHA SHIVRATRI

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 9:
Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Cabinet Ministers of Punjab today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.
In a message, the both ministers said that Maha Shivratri inspires people to strive towards the pursuit of truth that leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomized by Lord Shiva. The Festival, they said that, laid stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony, known as the cornerstones of the great Indian civilization. They expressed the hope that Maha Shivratri would foster sense of universal brotherhood, coexistence and tolerance among all section of society.

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HOSPITALITY COURSE IN AMRITSAR ITI TO START FROM THIS SESSION: JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 8:
Keeping in view the tourist potential in Amritsar, the Punjab government has decided to start course in hospitality at Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Ranjeet Avenue from this session.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister, Punjab said that Amritsar is fast emerging  on the global tourist map, in order to tap the tourist inflow and to empower the youth in hospitality sector, the Punjab Government has decided to start the course in hospitality in ITI, Ranjeet Avenue, Amritsar from this session. He said that instructions have been issued to the department to compete all the basic formalities regarding this.
The Minister further said that it has also been instructed to start the diploma course in tourism with the modified syllabi. He further said that under Centre for Excellence Scheme, diploma in tourism is currently being run. Mr. Joshi said that due to lack of basic infrastructure, students are reluctant to opt for this diploma course. He said that now the Technical Education Department is revamping the ITI and to equip it with ultra modern infrastructure so as to attract more and more students into it.

LT. GEN. SANJIV CHACHRA CALLS ON CM
CM FOR SHORT TERM ARMY TRAINING TO YOUTH

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 8:
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command Lt. General Sanjiv Chhachra, AVSM, VSM, today called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal  and appreciated the performance of the students of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution Mohali in written exam of National Defense Academy (NDA).
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office informed that taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Badal apprised the Lt. General about the concerted efforts of the state government for make youth of the state more disciplined and physically fit to join armed forces through establishing Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institution Mohali, two NCC academies at Ropar and Malout, besides reviving the Sri Dasmesh Academy at Anandpur Sahib.
Lt. Gen. Sanjiv Chhachra also informed that he had constituted few teams of his officers with an aim to motivate our young generation to join Army. These teams visit different Schools and Colleges in the state along with army- vapors and equipment to exhibit the life and charm of the army. He also agreed to send his team to Sri Dasmesh Academy at Anandpur Sahib soon.  
Mr. Badal asked him to work out some plan to provide short term training to the youth on regular bases besides motivating them for which the state government would provide fulsome support and cooperation to the Army for this noble venture.  
Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema was also present in the meeting.

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PUNJAB TO SETUP FIVE STATE-OF-THE-ART CANCER DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT CENTERS

TMC AGREES TO PROVIDE FULL TECHNICAL SUPPORT

CHANDIGARH MARCH 8:
          The Punjab Government would set up total five state-of-the-art Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Centers in all the three Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot, in addition to two centers at Bathinda and Sangrur by spending Rs. 157 crore in the first phase.
          A decision to this effect was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a high level meeting with a team of Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (TMC) Mumbai headed by its Director, Dr. Rajendra A Badwe at Chief Minister’s residence today.
Mr. Badal informed the visiting team that the state government would ensure ultra modern infrastructure along with updated equipment for these upcoming centers besides, it had also prepared a plan of Rs. 40 crore to upgrade the existing buildings and construction of additional wards especially in the Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar and Patiala.
          The Chief Minister asked Dr. Badwe to provide all technical support for these centers through organizing special training program for the specialist doctors of the State for the treatment of Cancer. He also informed that state government had already created a Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Dedicated Fund and would soon recruit the doctors and other Para-Medical staff as per the requirement of these centers. Mr. Badal asked TMC Director to depute their team with the officers of the State Health Department for the selection of the appropriate sites for these Centers. Mr. Badal said that their government was committed to provide the best medical care and diagnostic & treatment facilities to the people at their door steps.
          Agreeing the proposal of the state government, Mr. Badwe assured the Chief Minister that TMC would provide all types of Technical assistance for setting up of these centers besides providing training to the doctors for the treatment of Cancer in an effective manner to serve the humanity. He further added that TMC would design a certification course for the doctors of Punjab in such a manner that in future each Centre would create its own human resources and capacity-building so that it would no longer be dependent on TMC. He also suggested putting the work done on the website to monitor and study the quality of service being provided to the patients.
          Showing concern over the growing incidence of cancer in the state, Mr. Badwe said that TMC was establishing the prestigious Cancer Hospital in Mohali district; he further added that few path breaking steps had been taken in this direction but still lot was to be done. 
          It was also informed in the meeting that both construction work of these centers and recruitment & training of the doctors would go simultaneously and a high powered committee would review the progress after three months.
Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Medical Education & Research Ms. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chairman Medical Council of India Prof. KK Talwar, Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Ms. Vini Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar Director Medical Education & Research Mr. AS Thind, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Dr. SS Gill, Dr. JS Thakur from PGI, Director Health Services Mr. Ashok Nayyar besides the Principals of Government Medical Colleges of Punjab.
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PUNJAB PROVIDES LAST CHANCE OF REGISTRATION FOR RED IDENTITY CARD TO ’84 RIOT AFFECTED FAMILIES

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 8: The Punjab Government has decided to provide one last chance for issuance of Red Identity Card registration to the heads of Sikh families, who migrated to Punjab between 1 November 1984 to 11 December 1985 in wake of Anti-Sikh Riots of 1984. This is being provided to all those families, who could not get themselves registered earlier to avail the concessions and other facilities provided by Government from time to time.  
             Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that it has been observed that some affected families could not avail the concessions and facilities being provided by the government, so the decision to provide an additional and last chance to the remaining families has been taken by the State Government. He said that the remaining families, who could not get themselves registered in the list of Red Identity Cards, can apply for registration and issuance of Red Identity Cards before the last date i.e. April 8, 2013.
            The spokesman informed that the application can be submitted with the concerned Deputy Commissioner on a non-judicial stamp paper of Rs. 25 along with the full details of the affected family.
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Government APProves change of name of college

Chandigarh March 8 :

The Punjab Government has given in principal approval to change the name of Guru Gobind Singh Degree College Giddarbaha to Guru Gobind Singh College for Girls Giddarbaha.
          Disclosing this here today the Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that the college authorities had requested him to change the name of the college. He said that the Punjab Government has accepted the proposal of college authorities and changed the name of the college.

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3 INSPIRE AWARDEE PUNJAB STUDENTS TO CALL ON PRESIDENT

Chandigarh, March 8: Three INSPIRE awardee students of Punjab schools would get a rare opportunity to have a special interaction with President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee on 22ndMarch, 2013 at New Delhi.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister Punjab said that three students namely Jaspreet Kaur, Government High School, Dhulkot (Muktsar), Sahil Dwivedi, St. Francis School, Amritsar and Jagdeep Singh, Government Middle School, Mandiala, Amritsar, have got National Awards during National Level Inspire Award Exhibition. He said that the Punjab government was committed to develop the scientific temperament amongst school students so that they should opt for science stream for higher studies. He said that the state government was laying emphasis on the quality study of science subjects in government schools.
 Meanwhile, Mr. K.S. Pannu, DGSE has directed the District Education Officers and District Science Supervisors, Muktsar and Amritsar to ensure that these awardees along with their medals, identity cards and certificates should report at Department of Science & Technology, New Delhi on 21st March, 2013.
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INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT ALLOWANCE TO PROFESSIONALLY SKILLED STUDENTS
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 8:
The Punjab government has launched Maharaja Ranjit Singh Professional skill Scheme, under which employment allowance would be given to the students getting higher education.
While disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that Rs.1000 per month would be given to the students as employment allowance for enabling them pursuing higher vocational/technical education. He said that the students could claim the employment allowance for vocational/technical course of the duration of three/six months and one year. He said that the amount of the allowance would be directly credited to the account of institute though Electronic Service Delivery (ESD), in which the student is getting education.
The spokesperson further said that the students between the age of 17 to 30 years having annual family income less than 1.5 lakh, could claim the employment allowance. Desirous students could contact the District Employment Generation & Training Bureau and Employment Office.
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4 PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, March 8: The Punjab government today issued transfer orders of 4 PPS officers with immediate effect. According to an official spokesman, Mr. Sushil Kumar has been posted as Commandant 2ndCommando Battalion, Bahadurgarh, Mr. Iqbal Singh as AIG, Litigation, Mr. Randhir Singh Uppal as Assistant Commandant 5th IRB, Amritsar and Mrs. Harpreet Kaur as AIG, Welfare Punjab
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PUNJAB TO PROMOTE ORGANIC FARMING
FARMERS’ TO BE TECHNICALLY TRAINED
Chandigarh March 8:
The Punjab government has formulated an extensive training programme for the farmers aimed at encouraging them to adopt the latest techniques in crop cultivation and also promote organic farming in the state.
        Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the government said that the government would impart training to the farmers in the government run Farmers Training Centers including PAU Ludhiana and Khalsa College, Amritsar. About three lac farmers are being imparted training every year during Rabi and Kharif seasons and also by holding specialized training course in agriculture & other allied subjects. 6016 training camps/programmes were organized to disseminate latest farm technology amongst farmers under various schemes like Training, National Food security Mission, Extension Reforms etc.
        Adding further, he said that besides this the state government would lay more emphasis on the organic farming especially in the Malwa belt where due to the excessive use of pesticides together with water contamination has caused tremendous damage to human beings. Focused awareness campaign would be generated among the farmers to change their mindset guiding and helping them in the proper implementation of organic farming techniques. Organic fertilizer and organic pesticide would be arranged for healthy cultivation, he said. To Increase agro-bio diversity through mix-cropping, conserving water resources and increasing genetic diversity would be introduced.

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OFFICERS TOLD TO TRAVEL BY AIR INDIA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 8:
The Punjab Government has issued directions to all officers to travel by Air India while on Official tours and also while availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
            In the directions issued by Finance Department, it has been stressed that Air India has announced an exclusive travel policy for Government Officers and all Officers should avail that policy while undertaking any journey by air.  It was emphasized that if the travel schedule of Air India was not suitable as per the travel requirements of the officer of cost of travel by Air India was more expensive than private airlines; the Officer can fly by private airline giving a self-certification in this regard. This self-certification must be brought to the notice of Head of Department.
            This communiqué had been conveyed to all Head of Departments, Commissioners of the Divisions, all Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers (Civil) for information and necessary action. These directions have also been conveyed to Registrar of All Universities in the State and Directorate of Public Enterprises and Disinvestment for implementation in various State Boards and Corporations.
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CABINET GIVES GREEN SIGNAL TO THE
NEW EXCISE POLICY 2013-14

• APPROVES PUNJAB STATE CANCER AND DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT INFRA STRUCTURE FUND BILL 2013
•  GIVES NOD TO THE PUNJAB COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN MUNICIPALITIES ACT, 2013
• PUNJAB RENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2013 TO BE INTRODUCED IN ASSEMBLY
•  IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL FOR CONTRACT FARMING ACT
• ANNUAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (JANGI JAGIR) OF EX-SERVICEMEN ENHANCED FROM RS. 5000 TO RS. 10000

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 7-
Punjab Cabinet today approved the new Excise and Taxation policy for the year 2013-14 with an increase of Rs.610 crore over last year. The revenue expected during 2013-14 is Rs.4020 crores as against Rs.3410 crores in the current year.
A decision to this effect was taken in a Cabinet meeting Chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at CMO this morning.
Divulging the salient features of the new policy a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that the Cabinet has decided to continue with the existing system of allotment of liquor vends through draw of lots with an objective to provide quality liquor to the people at affordable prices.
It may be recalled that the Punjab Government has already approved amendments in the Punjab Excise Act to curb illegal sale and smuggling of liquor. In this regard, the Cabinet gave nod to the amendment to Section 61 of the Punjab Excise Act. Now, if any vehicle was detected carrying more than 10 cases of liquor illegally, it would be confiscated and auctioned.
The policy provides for earmarking Rs.83 crores for education. Similarly, Rs.60 crores would be allocated for development of Sports in the State in addition to Rs 18 crore for preservation and maintenance of heritage monuments in the State.  A provision for creating Social Security fund has been made in the Policy and approximately Rs.10 crores would be generated for this purpose.
Taking serious cognizance of the exploitation of consumers by the licensee the new policy has authorized Excise & Taxation Commissioner and the Assistant Excise & Taxation Commissioners to fix rate of liquor to be supplied at Marriage Palaces.
It has also been decided to set up Model Shops in each Zone of Corporation City and ‘A’ class Municipalities. These model shops would be operated by the regular L-2 licensees of the Zone.  It had been found that L-2B licensees (departmental stores) were indulging in malpractices and were hitting at the sales of the regular licensees. So, the L-2B license has been abolished.
The quota of Punjab Medium Liquor (PML) has been marginally increased by 5% (50 lakh proof litres) and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by 2% (10 lakh proof litres).  Keeping in mind the customer preference, the percentage of Open Quota has been increased from 60% to 65%.  There was a marginal increase of Rs.4/- per litre only, in incidence, on PML and IMFL.  A provision in the policy has been made to create a level playing field by forming groups and zones of liquor vends which were not detrimental to each other, thereby avoiding unhealthy competition.
The system of levying extra license fee has been made more rational and scientific on advalorem basis. The burden of extra license fee would be less on lower brands of liquor and more of higher brands.
In order to encourage exports from the State, permit fee of Rs.1/- levied on RS/ENA used for the manufacture of IMFL to be exported out of Punjab has been abolished. The discrimination between distilleries and bottling plants for manufacturing of IMFL to be sold in Punjab has been removed by levying a uniform permit fee on both of them.  In order to encourage bottling in Punjab, the import fee on import of bottled IMFL into Punjab has been increased from Rs.15/- per PL to Rs.25/- per PL.
The concept of Micro Breweries was introduced in 2011-12 in order to wean away people from hard drinks.  Beer manufactured by micro breweries was being encouraged, as it was cheaper than the normal beer. In order to encourage micro breweries, the scope and area of the sale has been widened in this policy.
In another significant decision, the Cabinet also gave approval for introducing “Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infra Structure Fund Bill 2013” in the coming Budget session of the state assembly. This bill aims at creating a special fund for creation of infrastructure including machinery equipment and provision for medicines in selected hospitals for treatment of  cancer and drug-addiction in the state.  A surcharge/cess would be levied on some items, taxes, receipts and a share from sale of Government and Semi-Government properties the money collected from it would be deposited in this dedicated fund. A Board under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister would be created to administer this fund. 
            In order to ensure more participation of citizens in the working of all  Nagar Panchayats/ Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations in the state, the Cabinet also gave a go ahead for enacting “The Punjab Community Participation in Municipalities Act, 2013”. The new Act which would be presented in the coming Budget session of State Assembly envisages constitution of Area Sabhas and Ward Committees in all the Municipalities thereby providing an opportunity to the citizens for effective participation in the civic affairs.
             
            To facilitate the NRIs in getting their properties vacated quickly, the Cabinet also gave nod to introduce Punjab Rent (Amendment) Bill, 2013 before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in the coming Budget session. The properties given on rent under an agreement from the ate of enactment of this Bill will come under the purview of this new law.
            In order to curtail expenditure and implement the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court the Cabinet cleared the security policy for the State under which security to the elected representatives, officials & public men will be provided based on the threat perceptions.
            In order to establish Mega Textile Park in Barnala district, the Cabinet also gave its nod to include the district in the list of eligible ones for availing all the incentives including exemption from the Electricity Tax for seven years under the Textile Policy -2006.
            The Cabinet also gave approval in principle for enactment of Punjab Contract Farming Act, 2012 to safeguard the rights of farmers as well as the buyers besides ensuring marketing mechanism to boost the much needed farm diversification program in state. The Contract Farming Act would also open several avenues for the promotion of food processing industry in the state. To ensure strict Implementation of the Act, Punjab Contract Farming Commission would be set up having one Chief Commissioner and three Commissioners to be appointed by the state government. Under the provisions of the Act, the registration of the buyers had been made compulsory with the competent authority prior to an agreement between the buyers and the farmers so as to ensure that only genuine buyer or a person with valid antecedents could enter upon such agreement.  It had been clearly stipulated that the right of ownership or possession of land on which the farming was to be done would solely vest in the farmer and would not be a part of said agreement, in any case.
            Keeping in view the larger public interest, the Cabinet also approved to grant ownership rights of the land to the allottees who had migrated from Pakistan after partition and had been shown as tenants of this land which is currently owned by the government as per the record, in the State. 
            The Cabinet also gave its nod to introduce the Prisons Punjab Amendment Bill, 2013 in the coming session of the Vidhan Sabha by amending Prisons Act 1894 which envisages imprisonment up to 1 year and five years for those prisoners who use mobile phone etc in or outside the prison. Likewise the Cabinet also approved to introduce Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act (Amendment) Bill in the coming session of the state assembly by amending Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1924.
            In order to impart technical training to the youth of the state in an efficient manner, the Cabinet also gave its green signal to create 39 posts of C-PYTE within six months.
            To overcome the shortage of the PCS officers for running the administrative work efficiently, the Cabinet also gave ex-post facto approval for extending the reappointment period of 23 Retired PCS (Executive Branch) Officers on contractual basis further for one year and that of 14 others for a period of six months.
            The Cabinet also gave nod for the creation of 4 regular posts and 24 on outsource basis for running the newly constructed Circuit Houses at Ferozepur and Gurdaspur.
            In another significant decision the Cabinet also gave nod for amending section 3 (1) of the East Punjab War Awards Act, 1948 thereby enhancing the annual financial assistance (Jangi Jagir) given to the Ex-servicemen from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000.
            In order to the safeguard the dealers, supplying goods to the CSD, from the effect of double taxation, the Cabinet also approved to amend the Punjab VAT Act by omitting entry 43 of its schedule A.
            The Cabinet also approved to amend Punjab State Lotteries Rule 1998 thereby ensuring that the payment of bumper prizes would be made to the prize winners without deduction of establishment charges.
            The Cabinet also gave nod to amend rule 5 of the Punjab Motors Transport workers Rules 1963 for enhancing the annual registration fee recovered from the transport companies registered under the abovesaid Act.
Vide which heavy penalties ranging from Rs. 50000 to Rs. 1 Lakh will be imposed on these transport vehicles which enter the state without paying taxes. There is a provision for imprisonment also in case of repeated offences.
            In another important decision the Cabinet also gave approval for the appointment/regularization of the services of 12 work charger/daily wagers by creating the posts in the jail department. These work charged employees/daily wagers have been rendering their services from last 10 years.
            The Cabinet also decided to give teacher’s job to the wife of ASI Mr. Kulbir Singh, who was recently found dead in village Geowala in Tarn Taran district on compassionate grounds.
            The Cabinet also decided that a suitable place will required facilities will be earmarked at each District Head Quarters for staging rallies, dharnas, agitations etc. so that the general public is not put to inconvenience.
            The Cabinet also decided to streamline the A.G. office for effectively following up of Government cases pending in the High Court by deputing dedicated law officers for major departments.
            The Cabinet also directed the Chief Secretary to take measures so that all major Municipal Corporations become financial self sustainable. It also directed that the payment of dues by the citizen be computerized and a facility of online payment be made available to citizens.
            The Cabinet also reviewed the existing State of solid waste management in the cities and asked the Chief Secretary to come up with an effective policy by June, 2013.

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CABINET CONDOLE SAD DEMISE OF 13 CHILDREN
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 7-
At the very outset of its meeting, the Punjab Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal expressed condolences to the families of 13 children who lost their lives in a tragic accident between Truck and school bus at Jalandhar- Nakodar road, on Monday morning.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Cabinet also observed two minutes silence in the memory of deceased and prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls besides giving strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.  

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RANIKE SWORN IN AS CABINET MINISTER

Chandigarh, March 7-
The Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike as Cabinet Minister of the state in a brief but impressive ceremony here at Punjab Raj Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that with this the total strength of the Cabinet had increased to 16 including CM and Deputy CM.
Earlier, the Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh conducted the proceedings of the ceremony with the permission of the Governor. After being sworn in Mr. Ranike signed the oath, which was counter signed by the Governor.
The prominent dignitaries who attended swearing in ceremony included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Mr. Adesh Partpa Singh Kairon, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr. Surjeet Singh Rakhra (All Cabinet Ministers), Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, DGP Mr. Sumedh Saini besides the top brass of the state administration and Police and members of the journalist fraternity besides, the family members, friends and supporters of Mr. Ranike.

                               
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PUNJAB ACCELERATES CAMPAIGN AGAINST CANCER AND DRUG ADDICTION: MITTAL 
·       CABINET APPROVES PUNJAB STATE CANCER AND DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT INFRASTRUCTURE FUND BILL-2013

·       CHIEF MINISTER TO CHAIR THE SPECIAL BOARD TO BE CONSTITUTED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ACT

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 7:
The Punjab Government has accelerated its drive against cancer and drug-addiction to eradication the menace from the state. Keeping this in view, the Punjab Cabinet today gave its nod to ‘Punjab State Cancer and Drug-addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Bill-2013’. Bill now be tabled in Punjab Legislative Assembly and would become act immediately after the approval of the house.
It was stated by Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Health Minister, Punjab. In a press communiqué here today, he said that the state government would mobilize all its resources and would garner support from all the departments so that campaign against cancer and drug-addiction could be speed up on war footing. He said that the public would be sensitized about the social, psychological and economical ill-effects of drug addiction and awareness would be generated against cancer.
Mr. Mittal said that the state government had already conducted a survey on cancer in the state and now suspected cases and patients would be treated in government hospitals and medical centers. He said that the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has assured us that there would not be any dearth of funds required for this campaign.
Health Minister said that to further implement the provisions of this act ‘Punjab State Cancer and Drug-addiction Treatment Infrastructure Board’ would be constituted with Chief Minister, Punjab as its Chairperson. He further said that Health Minister, Finance Minister, Medical Education and Research Minister, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary/Chief Minister, Principal Secretary/Medical Education & Research and Principal Secretary/Finance would be inducted as members, whereas and Principal Secretary/Health and Family Welfare would be Member Secretary of the Board.

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DIRECTS HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO BUY COMPUTERS
 
Chandigarh, March 7: In an important decision taken here today, the Punjab Education Department has directed all the Heads of Middle, High and Senior Secondary Schools to buy computers for their institutions from out of the allocated school funds.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Education Department said that the heads have also been asked to upload all the important information related to their respective schools on www.epunjabschool.gov.in. They are also requested to go through the information which was given by the education department on www.ssapunjab.org.
It is found that in this technological world the heads and the teachers are seen less interested with the computers/internet. Due to the lack of this hi-tech knowledge this main information, which is passed online, is often missed by them. The Modern time demands the heads and the teacher to keep a pace with the technology. The education department has instructed the heads of the schools to buy computers along with the facility of internet and printer, for the smooth running of work.
All the expense for the above would be taken from the school funds. In case of any problem persisting with the use of computers, the heads could take the assistance of computer teachers.

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STUDENTS’ PLACEMENT TO REFLECT IN ACR OF PRINCIPALS: JOSHI
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 7: The Placement of students of Technical Institutes including ITIs and Polytechnic would reflect in the Annual Confidential reports of institute heads.
            A decision to this effect was taken by Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister Mr. Anil Joshi to strictly monitor the placement record of all Technical institutes. The Punjab Government has issued instructions for the competent authorities to consider the placement of the students before writing Annual Confidential Report (ACR) of the principals of the concerned institutes.
The Minister said that the efficient principals ensuring good placements would also be suitably rewarded. He said that the ACR’s of principals, belonging to Polytechnic and Engineering Colleges and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) of the state, would be written on the basis of the placement of the students. Minister further said that the issue of constructive use of the funds and grants would also be taken care of before writing ACRs.
Mr. Joshi also instructed the principals to have relations with more and more big corporate units to organize job fairs so that opportunities could be made for the students for the placements. He also asked the principals to start new courses considering the demands of the corporate sector.

INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 8 MARCH TO 15

CHANDIGARH, March 7:
            The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi Season through Canal water from 08-03-2013 to 15-03-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala Feeder, Abohar Branch, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab canal respectively.
            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that the distributaries and branches of BML, Ghaggar Link and its off-taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor, in Group ‘B’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Group ‘A’.
            The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and branchs off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries, in Group ‘B’ being in first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’.
          The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Kasur Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in, Sabhroan Branch, Lahore Branch and Main Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively.
          The spokesman further said that water level of dams would be taken into consideration while implementing rotational programme of canals.

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SIX TEACHERS SUSPENDED DUE TO ABSENCE FROM EXAMINATION DUTY
Chandigarh, March 7:
         
Taking a serious note of the absence of the teachers in the examination centers, the Punjab Government today suspended six teachers for remaining absent from their examination duties without intimation.
          Disclosing this here today Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister Punjab suspended Rajesh Kumar, Math Teacher, Govt. High School ( Derabassi), Surinder Singh, SS Master, Govt High School, Rampur Sainia, Rajveer Kaur, Science Mistress, SSSS, Amlala, Baljit Kaur, PTI, Govt Middle School, Dhrali, Sahib Singh, PTI, SSSS, Lalru and Sangeeta Rana, Science Mistress, SSSS, Samgoli.
          Minister Further said that the headquarters of suspended teachers would be Mandal Education Officer, Nabha. He also said that No employee and teachers will be permitted to remain absent without any prior permission from concerned authorities and strict action would be taken against all the erring employees.   

Farmer and labour organizations had given a call for ‘Rail Roko’ agitation for March 6, 2013

Chandigarh, March 6:
                17 farmer and labour organizations had given a call for ‘Rail Roko’ agitation for March 6, 2013, with a view to pressurize the Central and Punjab Governments to accept their demands. In order to avoid inconvenience to the public at large, the state government had decided to keep the rail tracks and national highways open. In furtherance of this decision, additional force of 10000 police personnel was mobilized and pressed into law & order duty throughout the state. To prevent leaders and workers of these organizations from disrupting rail and road traffic, Police parties conducted raids at about 319 places and took 155 activists of these organizations into preventive custody early in the morning of March 6. Prominent among them were Com. Darshan Lal, State Secy. Dehati Mazdoor Sabha (CPM Pasla), Com Ruldu Singh, President Punjab Khet Union, Com Harmesh Malri, State President Pendu Khet Mazdoor Union, Kanwalpreet Singh Pannu, State convener Kisan Sangharsh Committee (Piddy), Nirbhai Singh Dhudike, President Kirti Kisan Union District Moga, Gurmeet Singh Bakhtupura, State President AICTU and Darshan Pal, President BKU (D) District Patiala. During the course of day, another 1353 persons were rounded up so as to ensure proper maintenance of law and order and minimize inconvenience to the public.

                During one of the raids, police party headed by ASI Kulbir Singh No. 1726/TTN, Incharge, Police Post Manochahal, Police Station Sadar Tarn Taran, was gheraod by a mob led by Salwinder Singh, President, Jeowala Zone of Kisan Sangharsh Committee (Piddi) in order to prevent it from taking Palwinder Singh s/o Amrik Singh into police custody at village Jeowala. However, ASI Kulbir Singh moved slightly away from the spot to inform his seniors telephonically about the gherao of police party. The farmers continued to gherao vehicles of the police party. The gherao was got lifted by DSP Harpal Singh, Sub Division Gobindwal Sahib at about 06:00 AM. Members of the Police party informed the DSP that ASI Kulbir Singh had left the spot in order to inform the senior officers. The DSP and other police officials searched the area and found ASI Kulbir Singh’s dead body at some distance from village Jeowala. The dead body of ASI Kulbir Singh was immediately sent for post mortem to civil hospital, Tarn Taran.  After looking into the matter a case FIR No. 37, u/s 304, 332, 506, 186, 120B, 148, 149 IPC PS Sadar Tarn Taran was registered and out of 9 nominated accused, 3 have been arrested. However, there was no report of any clash or violence in village Jeowala.

                No incident of violence of any kind occurred in the state on account of this Rail Roko agitation and rail and road traffic plied normally except slight delay at Tangra and Dhulke. At Tangra and Dhulke, small groups of people squatted on rail tracks. Police acted with utmost restraint and keeping in view the age and infirmity of the agitators managed to persuade them to vacate the tracks. Some agitators squatted at railway stations Tarn Taran and Patti. About 400 persons are squatting on the road at Harike Pattan demanding release of few detained leaders of district Amritsar. DC Tarn Taran and SSP Tarn Taran are present on the spot and are handling the situation.
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PERSONALLY PEEVED OVER THE TARN TARAN INCIDENT- CM

BADAL TERMS THE INCIDENT AS UNFORTUNATE

SALARIES OF THE EMPLOYEES TO BE DISBURSED SOON

TERMS APPOINTMENT OF NEW PPCC CHIEF AS OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLE

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE FOR PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION TO GIRLS
Ferozepur, March 6-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that he was personally peeved over the unfortunate incident in which a woman was thrashed by the Policemen in Tarn Taran district on Monday.
Interacting with the media persons here at the residence of the state BJP Chief Mr Kamal Sharma, the Chief Minister said that it was an unfortunate and condemnable incident, which could not be tolerated at any cost. Mr Badal said that he had already ordered a magisterial probe to look into the matter and strict action would be taken against the persons found guilty in it. Reiterating the state government’s commitment to protect the dignity and honour of the women, Mr Badal categorically said that this was an unpardonable offence and anyone connected with this grave crime, howsoever influential he may be, would not be spared and brought to book as per the law of the land.
The Chief Minister further said that the state government was keeping a strict vigil over the law and order situation in the state and no one would be allowed to disturb the hard earned peace of Punjab.
Replying to another query the Chief Minister categorically said that the delay in the salaries of the state government employees had occurred due to a technical hitch and as now it has been resolved the wages to the employees would be disbursed soon. Mr Badal said that the fiscal situation of state was very sound and Punjab was ushering a new era of development in the current regime of SAD-BJP government.
  Equating the appointment of new President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Mr Partap Singh Bajwa to ‘old wine in new bottle’, the Chief Minister said that due to its anti-people stance the Congress was a sinking ship today and no Congressmen could save it. He said that the people were fed up from the misrule of the UPA government and it was writing on the wall that the Congress party would be wiped out from the state in the general elections slated to be held in 2014.
When asked about the increasing road accidents in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government was making hectic efforts to ensure road safety of the commuters. Mr Badal further said that he had asked the officers to take stern measures for strictly implementing the Road Safety Act in the state so that the loss of precious lives in fatal accidents could be averted.
Earlier addressing the gathering in a function to mark the foundation day of Dev Samaj College for women, the Chief Minister lauded the role played by the institution in imparting quality education to the girls in last many decades. Mr Badal said that realizing well the importance of educated women in the overall development and progress of the society, the state government was making all out efforts for providing quality the education to the girls. He also said that the state government was ready to support every private educational institute which was playing a pivotal role in educating the women.
The Chief Minister further said that keeping in view the need to impart quality and modern education to the students their government has accorded top priority to education sector adding that due to the path breaking initiatives taken by them for reforming the Education system, Punjab which earlier ranked 14th in the field of education, now leads the country in this field. Mr Badal further said that a Mega Education city over an area of 1500 acre would soon come up at Mullanpura near Chandigarh to give further impetus to the quality higher education in the state. He said that the upcoming education city would house eminent educational institutions and universities in humanities, medical, pharmaceutical, engineering etc. to impart the state of art education to the students of our country as well as from other parts of the world.
The Chief Minister further said that though since independence the state had only 56 colleges but due to the persistent efforts made by the alliance government around 17 new colleges were opened in the state in last one year. Mr Badal further said that when they had taken over the reigns of the state government there were only four universities in the state but now nine new universities have been opened by the government. He also announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh for the development of the college.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon, State BJP President Mr Kamal Sharma, MLAs Mr Joginder Singh Jindu and Mr Joginder Pal Jain, Chairman of College Management Committee Mr Nirmal Singh Dhillon and Principal Dr Madhu Prashar.   
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DISBURSEMENT OF SALARIES FROM MARCH 7 ONWARDS: DHINDSA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 6:
Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab today said that the salaries of the government employees would be released from March 7 onwards.

In a press communiqué, Mr. Dhindsa said that the salaries could not be released till date because of the technical snags of over drafting and non-receipt of share from the central taxes. He said that the state government has managed the salaries of the employees from its own resources.
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PUNJAB INTRODUCES DOUBLE ENTRY ACCOUNTING SYSTEM IN LOCAL BODIES

·        WOULD BRING TRANSPARENCY IN ACCOUNTING PROCESS- CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 6:
The Punjab Government has introduced Double Entry Accounting System in its all 141 Local Bodies of the state.
          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab said that Punjab has formed a panel of 12 Charted Accountants for 141 local bodies to implement this internationally recognised system of Double Entry Accounting in true spirit. He said that earlier there was a single entry of transactions in the Local Bodies but now there would be double entries for both debit and credit transactions.
          The Minister asserted that this system would also bring transparency in financial transactions of Local Bodies including Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipal Panchayats. He said that Double Entry Accounting system would also ease the process of taking loans for Local Bodies.
NO: PR/13/223
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DEPTS TOLD TO SEND LEGISLATIVE MATERIAL AS PER RULES

·       INSTRUCTIONS TO FURNISH COPY OF CALL ATTENTION MOTIONS TO THE SPEAKER IN ADVANCE
                                        
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 6:
The Punjab Government has asked all the departments to send the legislative material slated to be tabled in the assembly as per the norms and regulations of Punjab Legislative Assembly.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Parliamentary Affairs Branch said that the departments have been instructed to send legislative material strictly adhering to the sub sections of Rules 115, 121 and 122 of the Proceedings of Punjab Legislative Assembly.
Besides this, all the departments have also been asked to furnish an advance copy of the reply on the call attention motions.
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Education department directs schools to link with social networking sites
Chandigarh, March 6

To provide the information regarding the education improvement technique, policies and activities and to link the schools with the common platform of technology,  the Punjab Government has make the social networking site (www.facebook.com/ssaapb) and directed  the schools to link the same.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of education department said that the department has asked the schools to upload the information regarding the school activities on this site. Spokesman further said that information, photos and videos of school activities can be uploaded on this site so that other schools know the activities of their counterparts.
He said that account of the school on this site was mandatory to link with the face book site so all the schools should make their face book account to link with www.facebook.com/ssaapb and upload the site regularly.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SEEKS REPORT ON ACHIEVEMENTS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 6:
The Punjab Government has sought brief report on achievements/important issues scheduled to be tabled in Punjab Legislative Assembly from all departments by March 8, 2013.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson said that earlier this report was sought by February 28, 2013 but some of the departments have yet not furnished the same. He said that in the new instructions issued to departments, it has been told to submit brief report on achievements/important issues though special messenger in Room No.18, Second Floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 by March 8. The spokesperson further said that the achievement reports from the departments are being sought for presentation in forthcoming 4th session of the 14th Punjab Legislative Assembly.
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DATE EXTENDED FOR SUBMISSION OF FORMS FOR JET

CHANDIGAH, MARCH, 6:

The Punjab State Board of Technical Education & Industrial Training has extended the date to submit the admission application forms till March 26, 2013.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Punjab government said that earlier the last date for the submission of form was 7th March, which has now been extended keeping in view the demands from the students. He said that JET test which was scheduled to be held on 7th April 2013 has also been rescheduled to 21st April 2013.The admission for various Diploma Courses to be made on the basis of rank obtained by candidates in the JET 2013.
He further said that the JET Refresher 2013 has been made available free of cost on the Board’s website.
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CM ORDERS MAGISTERIAL PROBE INTO TARN TARAN INCIDENT

ASKS DISTRICT MAGISTRATE TO SUBMIT REPORT WITHIN THREE WEEKS

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT DIGNITY AND HONOUR OF WOMEN
Chandigarh, March 5-
          Taking serious cognizance of the alleged thrashing of a woman by the Policemen in Tarn Taran district, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today ordered a magisterial probe into the incident.
          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that, the Chief Minister has directed the district Magistrate Tarn Taran to ascertain the causes and circumstances which led to this incident and submit the inquiry report within three weeks.
Reiterating the commitment of the state government to protect the dignity and honour of the women, Mr Badal categorically said that this was an unpardonable offence and any one connected with this grave crime, howsoever influential he may be, would not be spared and brought to book as per the law of the land.     
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DIGITAL MAPS OF WARDBANDI OF VILLAGES WOULD BE ONLINE BY MARCH 31: RAKHRA
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:
Digital maps of villages and wardbandi would be uploaded on website of Rural Development and Panchayat Department by March 31, 2013 with a view to conduct fair and smooth Panchayat elections in the state. This was disclosed by Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Department, Punjab here today.
In a press communiqué, he said that the state government has taken initiative to conduct Panchayat election through wardbandi, under which work for wardbandi has been completed as per votes of the villages. Total 81,500 wards have been constituted in the state. Digital maps of all villages are prepared and all wards are shown in these maps. Mr. Rakhra said that earlier people used to get harassed in different offices for getting information of their wards; therefore department has taken initiative to prepare digital maps of villages and wards. He added that now anyone could get whole information about their wards with just click of a button as whole information would be available on department’s website. Minister said that this information would be uploaded on department’s website by March 31.
Mr. Rakhra said that Zila Parishid and Block Samiti elections would be conducted by 15 May and Panchayat elections by 31 May and all preparations are complete for these elections. He said that voter lists are being upgraded by the election commission and this work will be completed by the first week of April.
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WORK ON THEME PARK CHAMKAUR SAHIB TO BE RESUMED
PRESTIGIOUS PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED SOON------PHILLAUR

Chandigarh March 5: The Punjab government has resumed work on the prestigious project 'Saka Chamkaur', theme park being built at Chamkaur Sahib in Rupnagar district in memory of the elder Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikhs, who had attained martyrdom while fighting the Mughals in 1704.
       Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Punjab said that the Chief Minister, S. Parkash Singh Badal has taken keen interest to complete the project lying incomplete for some time. He said that the senior officers of the MARKFED have been asked to look into the ongoing construction work of the project. He also said that required funds to the tune of 26 crore required for the completion of this project would be raised and the project would be completed at the earliest.
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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES FREE EDUCATION TO GIRL CHILD UP TO CLASS 12 UNDER BEBE NANKI SCHEME-MITTAL
·      NO EFFECT OF THE NUMBER OF GIRLS ALREADY BORN IN THE FAMILY
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:The Punjab Government has decide to impart free education to eligible girl child up to Class 12th increasing the ambit of Bebe Nanki Scheme. Under the Punjab Government’s most ambitious, ‘Bebe Nanki Ladli Beti Kalyan Scheme’, the families of all the girl children born after January 1, 2011, would be eligible for financial assistance up to 12th standard for imparting quality education.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Minister for Social Security and Women & Child Development, said that the state government has started Bebe Nanki Ladli Beti Kalyan Scheme to check the ever-increasing menace of female foeticide and to impart quality education to the girls in the State besides extending financial assistance to the poor families in bringing up the girl child.
Minister said that those orphan girls, who have been found after January 1, 2011 and who are living in destitute, children homes in the state, would also be eligible for the financial assistance for their education up to 12th standard. He said that to attain the financial benefits there would be no effect of the number of girls already born in the family. The benefit would be given to those families, whose annual income is less than Rs.30,000. He further said that proof of income of Rs.30,000, would be the Blue Card issued by Department of Food and Civil Supplies. The families of only those girls would be considered for the financial assistance under this scheme, who were permanent resident of Punjab, he said adding that to avail the benefit eligible applicants could obtain the form from the District Program Officer.
Mr. Mittal said that the Punjab Government has implemented Bebe Nanki Ladli Beti Kalyan Scheme just to provide economic assistance time to time to the parents of a girl, so that they do not considered the birth of a girl as a burden on them.
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MORE SERVICES TO COME UNDER THE AMBIT OF RTS: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:
          With the view to bring more transparency into the service delivery system and to provide hassle free services the Punjab Government has decided to bring more services under the ambit of Right to Service (RTS) Act. Disclosing this here today Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Local Bodies, Punjab said that under local bodies department more services would soon be inducted beside 12 services already being given under RTS.
          Divulging the detail of new services tipped to be inducted under the domain of RTS, the Minister said that issue of copy of tax assessment register in cases of change of ownership, death, registered will, un-registered will and Orders of Court, issue of trade license and renew of trade license would be new entries under the RTS for which information could be sought by the public.
It is pertinent to mention here that the services which are being provided to the public under RTS in local bodies department included sanction of building plan, issue of completion and occupation certificates, issue of no objection certificates, duplicate allotment letter and re-allotment letter, issue of conveyance deed, issue of no due certificate, transfer of property in case of sale, transfer of property in case of death, issue of permission for mortgage and sanction of water supply and sewerage connection.
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LIC ORDERED TO PAY RS. 5 LACS WITH INTEREST
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:
The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Punjab has directed the Life Insurance Corporation of India to pay Rs. 5 lacs with interest to life assured’s widow.
            Disclosing this here today the spokesman of the Punjab government said that S. Satnam Singh had taken the insurance policy for an amount of Rs. 5 lacs from LIC but the life assured died in Amar Hospital, Patiala. The claim was lodged by the widow of life assured but LIC denied to pay the compensation to the party claiming that life assured committed suicide by hanging him and was declared dead at Amar Hospital.
The Commission has perused certificate issued by the Amar Hospital where the life assured was brought in unconscious state and life assured was declared dead but in the said certificate the cause of death was not mentioned by the duty doctor, who examined the life assured.
The spokesman further said that after hearing both the parties the Commission found negligence from the side of Life Insurance Corporation of India and directed to pay Rs. 5 lacs with interest @ 9% per annum from the date of repudiation of the claim and to pay Rs. 5000 as compensation as well as Rs. 1000 on account of litigation expenses.

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NO LEAVE DURING BUDGET SESSION-PUNJAB ISSUES ORDERS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:
Punjab Government today issued orders not to grant leave to all officers (group A and B) during ensuing budget session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
An official spokesman said that to ensure smooth working of budget session, the Punjab Government has issued written instructions to all department heads, Commissioners of Divisions, Deputy Commissioners not to grant leave to officers during budget session.
The official spokesman said it has come to the notice that the functioning of Vidhan Sabha gets affected due to leave of officers . It has been decided not to grant leave to the officers during the budget session.  He said that the head of department can however allow leave to officer in case of emergency by appointing substitute of the officer on leave.

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DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO SUBMIT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS IN TIME

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 5:
Punjab Legal and Legislative Affairs Department has asked all the departments to submit legislative proposals, which are to be submitted in the Legislative Assembly, in time.
Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson said that written instructions in this regard have been issued. He said that the budget session of the Legislative Assembly has been scheduled to commence on March 11, 2013.
The spokesperson further said that many of the departments have still not submitted their legislative proposals. He said that the department is facing much difficulty to compile the report of legislative proposals. He further said that in this backdrop, departments have been told to furnish legislative proposals in time so as the department could scrutinize the material and prepare bills to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly.

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EDUCATION MINISTER RAIDS EXAMINATION CENTRE

Chandigarh, March 1:

The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today raided examination centre in Sawan Mal Aggarwal Senior Secondary School, zira and found that Superintendent Mr. Yadvinder Singh, Physics Lecturar, Govt. Girls Senior Seceondary School. Zira, Ferozpur was absent from his duty without any intimation.
          While disclosing this here today a spokesman of education department said that minister has placed under suspension Mr. Yadvinder Singh with immediate effect. He further said that during suspension his headquarter would be District Education Office,  Ferozpur.
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CM EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER THE TRAGIC SCHOOL BUS TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT NEAR JALANDHAR
ANNOUNCES EX GRATIA GRANT OF RS 2 LAKH EACH FOR THE NEXT OF KIN OF DECEASED  
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 4:              
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and anguish over the tragic incident in which 13 persons including 12 school children and a bus driver were killed and four children were seriously injured in a head on collision between the school bus and a truck near village Gohir on Jalandhar-Nakodar Road
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss in the hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls. Meanwhile Mr. Badal also announced an ex-gratia grant Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and directed the district administration to provide free treatment to all the injured.  

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CM CONDOLES DEATH OF FORMER MLA GURDEV SINGH GREWAL

Chandigarh, March 4-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran Akali leader and former MLA from Samana Mr Gurdev Singh Grewal (90) who breathed last today morning at Patiala after a prolonged illness. He is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with members of the bereaved family, the Chief Minister described Mr Grewal as a disciplined and committed soldier of the party. Mr Badal said that his contribution in the development of the region and the welfare of people would be ever remembered by one and all. It may be recalled that Mr Gurdev Singh Grewal was elected MLA from Samana assembly constituency in 1977.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family, relatives and friends to bear this irreplaceable loss.

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SUKHBIR EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER THE TRAGIC ACCIDENT
OF AKAL ACADEMY BUS
Chandigarh, March 4: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed shock over the tragic accident near Nakodar in which 13 persons including 12 school students died on the spot. It may be mentioned here that the accident took place near village Gohir in which a school bus of Akal Academy, Boparai Kalan carrying around 40 students collided head on with a truck.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed the District Jalandhar Administration to provide free of cost medical treatment to the injured students besides providing logistic support to the families of deceased students. He also directed the District Police Authorities to make comprehensive arrangements for smooth flow of traffic on all important but congested roads of the district especially during school and office hours.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families, Mr. Badal prayed to Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to their families to bear these irreparable losses.

SUKHBIR CONDOLES FORMER AKALI MLA GURDEV SINGH GREWAL’S DEMISE

Chandigarh, March 4: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed grief over the demise of veteran Akali leader Mr. Gurdev Singh Grewal, former MLA, Samana.
In a condolence message, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Mr. Grewal throughout his life made concerted efforts for the welfare of the downtrodden and unprivileged sections of the society. He also made a significant contribution for the strengthening of party cadre at grass root level.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.
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BHAGAT CONDOLES THE DEATH OF CHILDREN IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT
Chandigarh, March 4:
The Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat today expressed deep grief over the unfortunate tragic accident near Nakodar, in which 13 people lost their lives included 12 school children.
The Minister prayed the almighty to bestowed peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable blow. He assured the full cooperation and emotional support to the victims' family on behalf of Punjab Government.
The Minister also directed the District Administration to extend full help to the aggrieved families in this time of distress.

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RECORD PLACEMENT OF 1753 ITIs TRAINEES IN AUTO MAJORS: JOSHI

CHANDIGARH,   MARCH, 4:
The ITIs in the state got great recognition  from the Auto majors as record 1753  ITI trainees of 8 ITI's  in Patiala, Rajpura, Bassi Pathana, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Roopnagar, Baba Bakala and Batala got their placement in Maruti, Hero Honda, Godrej, Toyota and Tata Motors from September 2012 onwards.

          Disclosing this here today, Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister said that ITIs in Punjab were focusing on employability of the trainees by providing them training according to the requirement of the industry. He said that Department had organized an employment fair at Patiala, Rajpura, Bassi Pathana, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Roopnagar, Baba Bakala and Batala. During this job fair more than 1753 job seekers were selected by the main auto majors. 
Mr. Joshi said that the aim of the Technical Education Department was to secure maximum placements for the students and to achieve the target the department was continuously organizing employment fairs. He said that it was the result of endless efforts of technical education department that the number of placements has been increasing up year after year. He said that technical institutes were focusing on weeding out obsolete trades to assure placement to youth getting training there. He said that there were 111 government and 294 private ITIs in the state providing training to over 64,000 youth every year.
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VIGILANCE NABS FOUR OFFICIALS IN BRIBERY CASES
SIX ACCUSED CONVICTED BY SPECIAL COURTS
Chandigarh March 4: State Vigilance Bureau has arrested one gazetted officer and three non-gazetted officials alongwith two private persons red handed in three different corruption cases and was able to secure the convictions of one officer, three officials and two private persons in three different prosecution cases contested by the Bureau in the last month.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sursh Arora, Chief Director-cum-DGP Vigilance Bureau Punjab said that Bureau has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere in the State. In this direction, the Vigilance officers have ensured that suspect did not escape judicial punishment in the various courts in the State. Adding further he said that the Bureau has also registered a criminal case and five Vigilance enquiries against suspect corrupt officials to probe into the alleged allegations.
He added that during the last month of February, the Vigilance had nabbed Bhola Singh Brar District Mining Officer-cum-General Manager District Industries Centre Mohali alongwith his relative Surinder Singh and BLEO Mohali Amarinder Singh accepting bribe of Rs. 50,000 from a Tipper owner used to ferry sand gravel. In another case Satpal Singh Patwari of Duggari, Ludhiana, Maniraj Mohan and Manjinder Singh Phillour have also been caught red handed accepting bribe of Rs. 20,000 from the complainant for registration of Fard of his land. Dalbir Singh Head-constable posted as reader to DSP Mohali was also nabbed for accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000.
The Vigilance Chief added that during the month of February the special courts have sentenced one officer, three officials and two private persons in three different prosecution cases after finding them guilty. The accused Shashi Kumar Chadha, PCS, LAO Amritsar was sentenced by Additional District and Sessions Judge Amritsar for two years imprisonment alongwith fine of Rs. 5,000. Mr Amamndeep Singh Clerk Government High School Dina, Navtej Singh Clerk Government Senior Secondary School Droli Bhai and Mahajit Singh Clerk Government Senior Secondary School Bhaike in Moga District have been imprisoned for five years each fined for Rs. 5,000 each. In another case Darshan Pal Garg and Megh Raj Garg both owners of M/s Kalwanu Rice Mill Bhunarheri, Patiala have also been sentenced for two years each.
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Education Minister suspendS Chemistry Lecturer
Chandigarh, March 4:
             Education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka takes a serious note about the teachers/employees in the Education Department who have been absent from their duties for the last so many years.
             Education Minister Punjab today suspended Mr. Hardeep Singh Chemistry Lecturer Senior Secondary School Morinda (Roopnagar) who had been absent from his duties for long a period without any intimation.
 Issuing a strict warning to all the employees of the education department Mr. Maluka said that no teachers/employees would be permitted to remain absent without any prior permission from concerned authorities and the strict action would be taken against all the erring employees.
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PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT CONDOLES THE DEMISE OF H.L. SIBAL
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 4:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court today convened a Full Court Reference to condole the sad demise of noted lawyer, jurist and legal luminary Mr. Hira Lal Sibal, in which all the judges of High Court took part.
While sharing the grief with the family of Mr. H.L. Sibal, the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Mr. Arjan Kumar Sikri said that Mr. Sibal was a symbol of simplicity, dedication and commitment and was also known for his high professional caliber. He described the sad demise of Mr. Sibal as a huge loss to the legal fraternity as he was a source of inspiration for the young lawyers. Chief Justice further said that the legal fraternity has lost a great human being and legal luminary, who would also be remembered for his legal acumen, sagacity, courtesy and firmness.
The other dignitaries, who paid tributes to the departed soul included; Mr. Ashok Aggarwal and Mr. Hawa Singh Hooda, both Advocate Generals of Punjab and Haryana respectively, Mr. Minderjit Singh Yadav, Chairman, Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and Mr. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, President, High Court Bar Association.
The family members of Mr. Hira Lal Sibal, who were present at the condolence meeting included; his four sons Mr. Virender Sibal, Mr. Jitender Sibal (both retired IAS officers), Mr. Kanwal Sibal (former foreign secretary) and Mr. Kapil Sibal (Union Cabinet Minister) besides daughter Mrs. Asha Nanda, their Children and his brother Mr. Satish Sibal and Mr. Deepak Sibal son of Mr. Satish Sibal (both senior advocates of the bar).
The retired judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court and members of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana and Bar Association of High Court were also present in condolence meeting.
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PUNJAB GOVT. CHALKED OUT COMPRESSIVE PLANE THE UPGRADATION OF THE RURAL LINK ROAD
·       RE-CARPETING OF 11,147.09 KM ROADS HAS BEEN COMPLETED WITH THE COST OF RS. 1350 CRORE
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 4:
The Punjab Government has decided to allocate special fund of Rs. 1350 crore for upgrading and maintenance of Rural Road network in the state.
          Disclosing this here today an official Spokesman said that with a view to further improve and upgradation of Rural Road Network in the state, Punjab Mandi Board, Rural Development Board and Punjab Infrastructure Development Board has jointly initiated this ambitious project, under which a total 11,147.09 kilometer rural road network would be upgraded in coming years.
          The Spokesman said that the construction work under this project would be started from April this year and the project would be completed within a record time with a total cost of Rs. 1350 crore.
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18 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 4:  The Punjab Government today issued transfer/posting orders of 18 Senior Police Officers including 16 IPS Officers with immediate effect.
           According to an official spokesman Mr. M.K. Tiwari, ADGP, Administration Punjab has been given an additional charge of ADGP Provisioning, Punjab, Mr. C.S.R. Reddy, has been posted as ADGP, IT and T, Mr. Harpreet Singh Sidhu as IGP/ Home Guards, Mr. Paramraj Singh as DIG Border Range, Mr. Parmod Ban as DIG IRB and Additional Charge of DIG Ferozepur, Mr. Shive Kumar Verma as DIG Patiala Range, Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh, DIG Administration, Punjab, Mr. Amar Singh Chahal as DIG Bathinda, Mr. Balkar Singh Sidhu as DIG Crime Punjab, Mr. Mohnish Chawla as DIG Intelligence Amritsar, Smt. Vibhu Raj as DIG IT and T, Mr. Mukhwinder Singh Chinna as DIG Provisioning, Mr. Surinder Pal Singh Parmar as DIG cum Joint Director PPA Phillaur, Mr. S.K. Singh as DIG, CDO, Punjab, Mr. Gurinder Singh Dhillon, DIG, Intelligence Administration Chandigarh, Mr. S. Bhoopathi as SSP Khanna, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Kahlon as SSP Fazilka and Mr. Ashish Chaudhary as SSP Ludhiana Rural. Besides this, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Toor SSP Faridkot has been given additional charge of SSP Moga.   

IMR & MMR IN PUNJAB IS SUBSTANTIALLY LESS THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE: MITTAL
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 4:
‘At present the IMR in the State is 30 against the National average of 44 per 1000 live births and the MMR (per 100,000 live births) is 172 against the National average of 212. This was stated by Punjab Health & Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, here today.
He said that the Health Department is taking various steps to further reduce the Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio in the State. A special initiative for tracking and line listing of severe anaemic pregnant
women has already been launched in the state under the aegis of
National Rural Health Mission, Punjab. Under the program all
severely anaemic women (i.e. those with HB below 7 mg) are tracked and line listed for providing timely medical intervention. All the Primary Health Centers and Sub-centers have been provided necessary equipments and reagents for estimation of hemoglobin of the pregnant women and all the districts have been asked to ensure the regular supply of necessary drugs.
He told that in order to give a boost to the scheme, Punjab Government has approved an incentive of Rs 250/- per case to ASHA workers for ensuring treatment and care of severe anaemic women. Any pregnant women whose Hemoglobin is found to be less than 7 mg at the time of Ante-natal check up is considered to be severely anaemic. Health Minister added that all concerned health workers have already been issued detailed guidelines in local language for effective management of such cases and a review is carried out on quarterly basis.
         Divulging another details, Mr. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health said that that 3411 ASHA workers have been incentivized till December 2012 for ensuring medical care of anaemic women. Furthermore, 655 ASHA’s have also been provided incentives under a separate scheme, wherein they have contributed in ensuring low birth weight infants (i.e. babies having a weight less than 2.5 kg at the time to birth), to gain a weight of 2 kg within first three months. Punjab has been successful in bringing a substantial decline in its key health indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the recent year. The Government is making consistent efforts to bring further reduction in these indicators by initiating various proactive measures and schemes with special focus on healthcare for women and children in

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Transfer and posting of IAS/PCS officers
Chandigarh, March 04 –
Punjab Government has ordered that Ms. Khusboo Goel, IAS Additional Secretary, Local Government Punjab will also hold the charge of Secretary, Infrastructure Regulatory Authority in addition to her present assignment.
Sh. Avtar Chand Sharma PCS (Retd.) (Re-employed), Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Punjab will hold the charge of Special Secretary, Medical Education and Research, Punjab in addition to his present assignment, during the training period of Sh. Harbhupinder Singh IAS, i.e upto 19-04-2013.
Mr. Balwinder Singh IAS has been posted as Deputy Commoissioner Tarn Taran. Mr. Harmesh Singh Pabla, IAS has been posted as Special Secretary, Welfare of SC/BC's. Mr. Nachhattar Singh Brar has been posted as SDM Faridkot.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT APPROVES “THE PUNJAB MINOR MINERAL RULES 2013”

• SAND AND GRAVEL SUPPLY PROBLEM TO EASE OUT
• 100 MORE QUARRIES WOULD BE AUCTIONED IN NEXT MONTH

CHANDIGARH, MARCH,3:
The Punjab Government has approved "The Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013" to ease out the supply of minor minerals in the state.
Disclosing this here today Sh. Karan A. Singh, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce, Punjab said that under these rules, the Environmental approval of mines having area below five hectares shall be accorded by a District Level Committee, headed by concerned Deputy Commissioner with General Manager-cum-Mining Officer as Member Secretary. He further said that this committee, while approving the Environment Management Plan of the quarries having area below five hectares, shall also ensure that mining activities are undertaken as per the provisions made under rules.
He said that the main aim behind the new rules was to make sure that people could get sand, gravel and bricks on very nominal rates. He said that new rules would prove to be beneficial both for common man as well as the government.
He further added that the mining activity in the 241 quarries, which was stopped in the month of August, 2012 would also start soon after the approval by aforesaid District Level Committee and regular supply of sand and gravel shall resume in the market.
He also informed that 100 more quarries having area below five hectare have been identified which shall be auctioned in the next month.

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PUTIA Welcomes the High Court decision
Mohali 3 March
Punjab Unaided Technical Institution Association (PUTIA) has welcomed the decision of Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court, in which the high court has given green signal to the direct Second semester admission of PTU. A meeting of PUTIA took place under the leadership of its President, Dr. J.S. Dhaliwal & the decision of Court was welcomed.
The spokesman of PUTIA Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman of Aryans Group of Colleges said that in many states the result of 10+2 is declared little late which results in loss of one academic year of the students. After this ruling such students will be able to save their one year of their education and the institutions will be able to fill their vacant seats.
It is to be mentioned that PTU had allowed admissions directly into the second semester for B.Tech, MBA courses for the academic year from 2012-2013. Under this admission policy hundreds of students got admission into more than 50 colleges.
This policy was challenged in the Punjab & Haryana High court saying that PTU had given admission directly into the second semester ignoring all rules & regulations. The hon’ble High Court has now given the judgment in favour of PTU. The High Court has said that in many countries such options are available and decision is well within the rights of university which is autonomous.

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UNAUTHORIZED ENCROACHMENTS FROM WAQF’S BOARD PROPERTY TO BE REMOVED- BADAL

CM HAILS CONSTITUTION OF ‘AMARAT-E-SHARIA’

Malerkotla, March 3-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Sigh Badal today said that the state government would take every possible step to evict unauthorized encroachments from the properties of the Punjab Waqf Board so that the income from them could be aptly utilized for the overall development and welfare of the Muslim community in the state. 
            Addressing the mammoth gathering of the Muslim community here in a conference to mark the constitution of ‘Amarat-e-Sharia’(Muslim Welfare and Shariat Society) under the leadership of Chairman Punjab Waqf Board Mr Mohammed Izhar Aalam here today, the Chief Minister said that in order to ensure proper maintenance of the properties of Punjab Waqf Board across the state, the SAD-BJP government had reconstituted this board. He categorically said that if any matter pertaining to the unauthorized encroachments on property of the Board was pending than the state government would promptly take the necessary action for getting it evicted.
Lauding the efforts of constituting ‘Amarat-e-Sharia’, the Chief Minister said that it would help in bringing the entire Muslim brethren on one platform which would go a long way in ensuring the progress and development of the community. He said that it was really admirable that the most important motive of the ‘Amarat-e-Sharia’ was to strengthen the bond of love, harmony and brotherhood with the other religions. Recalling the age old ties between the Muslim and Sikh Communities, Mr Badal said that both the communities shared a rich bond of traditions amongst themselves, the testimony to which was that the Sikh Gurus had urged a Muslim Saint Sain Mian Mir to lay down the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the most revered place of Sikhs.  
Reiterating the commitment of the state government towards promoting brotherhood and amity in the state, the Chief Minister said that the biggest achievement of their government was that it had ensured communal harmony and peace in the state. Mr Badal said that despite of being a border state their government has assured that no untoward incident takes place in the state adding that thrust has been laid towards maintaining proper law and order situation in the state.
Listing the initiatives taken by the SAD-BJP government to ensure the welfare of the Muslim brethren, the Chief Minister said that in order to safeguard the interests’ of the minorities in the state and to ensure their well being, their government has constituted Punjab Minority commission and three members of this commission belonged to the Muslim community. Mr Badal further said that he had already directed the Panchayats and Government officers across the state to provide adequate land for the burial ground of Muslims adding that in case the land was not available they have been directed to purchase the land and provide it to the community. He said that in another important effort the state government has widened the ambit of Shagun scheme and its benefits have now been extended to the Muslim and Christian communities also.
The Chief Minister further said that for the promotion of Urdu literature and language, an Urdu Academy has been already set up at Malerkotla itself and now the state government would lay special emphasis on imparting technical training to the youth of the community, so that adequate opportunities of self employment could be provided to them. Mr Badal also said that the state government was duty bound to make endeavors for the economic development of the Muslim community by providing them quality educational facilities. Expressing gratitude to the wise voters of Malerkotla for electing Mrs Farzana Nisaara Khatoon as their MLA, he said that no stone would be left unturned for ensuring the development of this constituency. 
In his address the Chairman of Punjab Waqf Board Mr Mohammed Izhar Aalam said that the sole aim of constituting ‘Amarat-e-Sharia’ was to ensure the development of the Muslim community of the state by uniting them. He said that apart from this the organization would also work towards strengthening the ties with other communities also. He said that in order to provide quality education to the Muslim community the society was constructing a convent school at village Jamalpur (Malerkotla). Thanking the Chief Minister for taking path breaking initiatives for the welfare of the community, Mr Aalam urged him to pass the necessary directions to the officers for implementing the schemes of welfare for the community in the right earnest.
On the occasion Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mrs Farzana Nisaara Khatoon announced a sum of Rs 10 lakh for the society.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha MP Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mrs Farzana Nisaara Khatoon.

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PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CRAFT INSTRUCTERS
CHANDIGARH, MARCH, 3:
The Punjab government has invited applications for Craft Instructors and Senior Assistants in the department of Technical Education and Industrial Training.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that applications are invited for 216 posts of craft instructors (in the pay scale of Rs 10300-34800+4600 G.P) and 33 posts of senior assistants (in the pay scale of Rs 10300-34800+4400 G.P) to be filled on regular basis in the department of technical education and industrial training (industrial training wing).     
He further said that interested candidates would apply along with the application form and instructions for filling up the form has been put on the website www.dte.applyforexam.com. He said that information regarding detail of posts, reservation chart, qualifications, pay scale and other terms and conditions etc. is given on the website also. Online registration would start on March 3, 2013 and will close on March 25, 2013 at 5.00pm. He said that only online applications would be entertained.

CM ASSURES EARLY SOLUTION FOR GENUINE DEMANDS OF TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING UNIONS
BADAL HOLDS SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH VARIOUS TEACHING AND NON-TEACHING UNIONS
DIRECTORATE FOR ETT (ZILA PARISHAD) TEACHERS SOON
 
Chandigarh, March 2-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today assured the Teaching and Non-teaching associations of the state that the government would sympathetically consider all their legitimate demands and resolve them in a time bound manner.
                Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Chief Minister held a series of meetings with different associations who called on him here at his official residence. These associations include groups of Zila Parishad ETT Teachers Association, Rashtiya Madhmik Sikhsha Abhiyaan (RMSA) Teachers association, School Lab Attendants Association, Education Guarantee Scheme Association, 7654 Teachers association and Sikhya Provider Association.
                Expressing deep concern over the inordinate delay in the implementation of decisions taken at the Chief Minister’s level in various meeting, Mr Badal said that no laxity of any sort in this matter would be tolerated in future and the accountability of the concerned officers would be fixed for such delays.
                During the meeting with ETT Association, the Chief Minister directed the Rural Development and Panchayat department to expedite the process of setting up the Directorate of ETT (Zila Parishad) Teachers with Director Rural Development and Panchayats as its Director. He also directed the department to ensure that the necessary formalities like appointing the Additional Director, District Education Officers and others on deputation basis from the Education department should be completed at the earliest. Mr Badal also mentioned that the 5000 ETT Teachers of Zila Parishad who had been shifted to Education department but were currently working in the Rural Development and Panchayat department were technically the employees of Education department.
The Chief Minister further assured the delegation that the process of shifting these teachers from Rural Development and Panchayat department to the Education department would be continued on regular basis as per the commitment of the state government. Mr Badal also directed the Rural Development and Panchayat department to complete the process of allotting PRAN number under the Contributory Pension Scheme to all these teachers by March 31.
                During deliberations with Sikhya Provider Association, the Chief Minister assured the delegation that he would pursue the genuine demands of the Union with the Centre government and would personally write a letter to the Union Human Resource Development Minister for considering these demands in a sympathetic manner.
                In a meeting with the School Laboratory Attendants, the Chief Minister directed the Education department to explore the feasibility of removing the pay anomaly of these SLAs besides looking into the matter of providing promotion channel to them.
                Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Education Minister Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Mantar Singh Brar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Rural Development and Panchayat Mr Mandeep Singh Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr KJS Cheema and Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Secretary Education Mr Ashok Gupta, Director Rural Development and Panchayat Mr S Karuna Raju and Director General School Education (DGSE) Mr KS Pannu.  
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BADAL ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR HIKE IN PETROL PRICES

• HIKE AIMED AT EXTENDING LARGESSE TO THE BIG OIL COMPANIES

• HIKE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PRESENTATION OF BUDGET REFLECTED DOUBLES SPEAK OF UPA

• HIKE WOULD EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF DECIMATION OF CONGRESS FROM NATIONAL SCENE

Chandigarh, March 2-
Terming the hike of Rs 1.40 in the petrol price as a totally irrational and anti-people decision of the Congress led UPA government at the centre, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal said that sole motive of this hike was to give undue benefit to the big Oil companies.
Reacting sharply on the price hike, the Chief Minister said that the price hike was a clear attempt on the part of the UPA government to extend largesse to the big oil companies that too at the cost of the common man. Mr. Badal said that this move was reflective of centre’s doublespeak policy as on one hand it was claiming that the recent budget would arrest the inflationary trends but to everyone’s utter surprise just within 24 hours of its presentation the Congress led UPA government has clandestinely hiked the petrol price by Rs 1.40. He said that this hike in the prices of Petrol has exposed the anti people face of the Congress party.
Lashing out at the UPA government, the Chief Minister said that though the Centre was duty bound to check the prices of essential commodities but it has miserably failed on this count. Mr Badal categorically said the common man was suffering terribly due to the illogical policies of the UPA government coupled with uncontrollable prices further making it extremely difficult especially for the middle and lower middle class to make their both ends meet. He ridiculed the Centre for pursuing the interest of pro-rich and multinational companies at the cost of poor and disadvantaged sections of the society.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that the increase in petrol price would further break the back bone of the common man and it would be very difficult for him to survive now. He said hike would add to the burden of the common man which was already reeling under the high rate of inflation. Mr Badal also lamented that actually the Congress party was just waiting for the completion of election process in a few states for increasing the prices of petrol adding that once the elections results have been declared the UPA government wasted no time in hiking the prices of petrol.
Mr Badal called upon the centre that it would have been better if it had consulted the Chief Minister’s of all the states before hiking the price of petrol. Without mincing any word the Chief Minister pointed out that since the UPA government was hand in glove with the MNC and big oil companies therefore it had never consulted the states earlier and taken these decisions on its own to pursue their agenda.
However, the Chief Minister reminded the UPA government that its days were numbered and the people had already made up their mind to show it door during the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2014. He said that it was writing on the wall that the people of country would not tolerate such irrational decisions taken by the Centre unilaterally at the behest of Oil Companies anymore. Mr Badal said that such anti poor and anti-people stance of UPA would further speed up the process of decimation of congress from national scene.
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Education Department authorize the District Level Officers to conduct surprise raids at the examination centers

• Naib Tehsildar, Tehsildar, DDPOs, District Welfare Officer, Secretary Market committee would visit any examination centers and recommend punitive action against mal practices

Chandigarh, March 2:
         
The Punjab Government today issued the instructions to all the Naib Tehsildar, Tehsildar, DDPOs, District Welfare Officer, Secretary Market committee  have been authorized to visit and check any nearest examination center.  
          Disclosing this here today Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that this initiative has been taken to ensure that there are no any kinds of mal practices in the Board Examination of 10th and 12th classes. He said that the department has made elaborate arrangements to keep the board examination be rest of mass copying and other unfair means. He said that the diverting the detail of present set-up instructions. He also said that the the Naib Tehsildar, Tehsildar, DDPOs, District Welfare Officer, Secretary Market committee have been authorized to conduct raids at any examination centers in their jurisdiction.
          He said that any kind of mal practices are noticed these officers could immediately report to the department for punitive action.
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SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ROOFTOPS TO GENERATE POWER IN 120 POLICE STATIONS- MAJITHIA

• ALL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS WOULD GET SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS IN PHASES BY 2017
• EACH SYSTEM TO HAVE 2.5 KW CAPACITY
• Rs. 6.6 CRORE PROJECT WOULD GENERATE POWER FOR LIGHTING AND COMPUTER LOADS IN POLICE STATIONS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 1: The Punjab Government has initiated an ambitious program to install rooftop photovoltaic solar systems in 120 police stations in the state for power generation.  
          Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Non Conventional Energy Minister, today said that Punjab Energy Development Authority would soon embark on a major programme for these installations in order to increase usage and popularize Solar PV technology for power generation. He said that these solar PV systems would be installed in all 120 police stations in the state and each system would generate 2.5 KW power for powering lighting and computer loads in the police stations. He said that the total cost of this project was Rs 6.6 crore.

          Reiterating the resolve of Punjab Government to install Solar Power Systems on all government buildings by the end of 2017, Mr. Majithia said that the power generated through these rooftop systems would replace conventional energy and also provide backup power during grid shut downs. He said that PEDA was already promoting the installation of rooftop PV Power Plants in which capital subsidy was being provided as per the guidelines of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy guidelines, GOI. He said that these projects would also reduce generation cost, which was in the range of Rs. 6-7/Kilowatt hour in the long term and which was also almost comparable to the tariff being charged by the PSPCL from its consumers.
Divulging the details of rooftop solar power systems, Mr. Majithia said that PEDA has also carried out a detailed rooftop survey of major Government Buildings in the State and estimated potential was 40 MW. He said that solar power generated from the rooftops would also replace conventional power and provide backup power to buildings during grid outage including surplus power being exported to the PSPCL grid.
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EDUCATION MINISTER RAIDS EXAMINATION CENTRE

• SURPRISED TO SEE MANY STUDENTS SITTING ON SINGLE BENCH IN EXAMINATION HALL
• ALL ROOMS STUFFED WITH STUDENTS
• GIRL STUDENTS BEING FORCED TO SIT ON FLOOR TO WRITE EXAMS
• ORDERS INQUIRY TO FIX ACCOUNTABILITY

Chandigarh, March 1: The Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today raided examination centre in Khalsa Senior Secondary School, Kharar and was appalled to see that girl students were sitting on the bare floor, writing their examination in the extreme cold conditions.
On entering the examination centre he was surprised to see that students were stuffed in all rooms far beyond the capacity of every classroom and many students were sitting on a single bench, writing their exams, making mockery of total examination system. There was no light in the examination rooms and students were being forced to write their exams in dark.
Taking serious note of irregularities and lack of supervision at various levels, the Education Minister issued instructions to Chairperson Punjab School Education Board to conduct thorough inquiry to fix the accountability of officers/employees who have recommended this school for centre and failed to discharge their supervisory duties while allotting students to a centre much beyond its actual capacity. He has recommended a serious exemplary action against erring employees and sought a complete report within three days.
The Education Minister has issued strict warning to all District Education Officers to personally supervise capacity in each and every centre and conduct surprise checks to check the menace of copying.
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PERSONAL STAFF INSTRUCTED TO REMAIN PRESENT DURING LONG LEAVE OF THEIR OFFICERS

Chandigarh, March 1:
The Punjab government has issued strict instructions to the personal staff of the officers working in Secretariat to remain punctual and mark their presence in the Establishment branch during the leave period exceeding one week of their supervisory officers.
An official spokesman today said that during the absence of the senior officers for more than a week’s time or during their election duty, training or due to any other reason, it was imperative for their personal staff to report at the establishment branch-2 at Punjab Civil Secretariat.
The spokesman said that it was observed that the personal staff was not seen reporting at establishment branch-2 during the absence of their senior officers resulting in difficulty faced by Administration department in allocating them work. He said that these instructions have been issued to ensure punctuality an discipline among the staff.
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PPP HAS NO FUTURE IN THE STATE- BADAL

MANPREET HAS COMMITTED POLITICAL SUICIDE

EQUATES CONGRESS WITH PATIENT ON ‘ICU’

TERMS CENTRE’S ALLOCATION OF MERE Rs 500 CRORE FOR CROP DIVERSIFICATION A ‘PEANUT’

RESOLUTION OF RIVER WATER DISPUTE NOT WITHIN AMBIT OF HOODA ALONE

BADAL RAPS CENTRE FOR LACKING POLITICAL WILL RESOLVE TERRITORIAL DISPUTES BETWEEN PUNJAB AND HARYANA

Bhullarwala (Sri Muktsar Sahib), March 1-
            Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) has no future in the state and its Chief Manpreet Singh Badal has committed political suicide by leaving Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at the behest of Congress party.
Addressing the gathering during the concluding day of Sangat Darshan program of the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the Congress has always adopted the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ to weaken the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the constitution of PPP was part of one such conspiracy of the Congress.He said that despite of all such efforts the SAD has always emerged stronger as ‘it is like an ocean where hardly any difference is caused if any leader leave the party’. Mr Badal said that history of state polity was an ample proof that people have never accepted the treacherous attempts of the Congress leaders and SAD has emerged victorious and more powerful after every such attempt.   
The Chief Minister said that Manpreet has fallen prey to the cheap tactics of Congress party but as usual the wise voters of Punjab have shown the door to him. Mr Badal categorically said that Manpreet has ruined his entire political career by floating the PPP because the people of Punjab would never forgive him for this political blunder. Taking a dig at the PPP, he said that the result of Moga by-election has proved that people hardly have any faith in this party as its candidate has lost its security deposits, which was a clear proof of its dwindling popularity amongst the masses.   
The Chief Minister further equated the condition of Congress after the debacle of its official candidate in Moga by-election with a patient in ‘ICU’ on last breath. He said that the people of Punjab have time and again rejected the divisive politics of Captain Amarinder Singh and have reposed their faith in the people friendly and development oriented policies of the SAD. Mr Badal said that the people were fed up due to the anti-people policies of the Congress led UPA government at the Centre and the party would be routed out from the state in the next Lok Sabha elections.
Assailing the Union government for an irrational budget, the Chief Minister said that nothing has been done for the welfare of the farmers, poor and the middle class sections of the society in this budget. He said that the adverse policies of the Union government were responsible for the day-by-day mounting inflation which has resulted in the increase in agonies of the common man manifolds. Mr Badal bemoaned that centre’s allocation of merely Rs 500 crore for Green Revolution states primarily Punjab was just a peanut to undertake massive crop diversification program to pull out its beleaguered peasantry from the rut of wheat/paddy rotation. It may be recalled that the state government has been demanding Rs 5000 crore for this ambitious program.
The Chief Minister said that rather than helping the states the Union government has usurped the rights of the states thereby rendering them to the status of dignified Municipal Committees. He said that apathetic attitude of the Union government towards state could be well judged from the fact that the centre has done nothing for the tackling the grave problem of water logging in the state.     
The Chief Minister said that the Congress led UPA government was neck deep in corruption, nepotism and maladministration adding that it has today virtually became a synonym of the scams and scandals. He said that the UPA government must resign from the power on moral grounds and pave way for fresh elections so that people could give their verdict for constituting a pro-people government at the centre.
Taking strong exception to his Haryana counterpart Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s offer to resolve the contentious river water issue between Punjab and Haryana amicably through a dialogue, the Chief Minister said that resolution of river water dispute was not within ambit of Mr Hooda alone. He said that Mr Hooda was sadly mistaken that the key to the solution of this issue was in hands of states as Mr Hooda neither had any mandate or right to solve this issue. Mr Badal said that Punjab had always played a role of big brother to its neighbouring state Haryana where as the latter has never repaid in the same gesture.
The Chief Minister rued that the centre has betrayed Punjab by denying its legitimate share of river water in accordance with the universally accepted riparian principles besides non -transferring the Punjabi speaking areas and Chandigarh to Punjab. He categorically said that unless and until the Congress at centre was sincere to the core, these territorial issues could not be solved as they needed a strong political will which the centre government was lacking.
Earlier during the Sangat Darshan program at village Kakhanwali, Bhullar Wala and Haakuwala a large number of Congress and PPP leaders joined the SAD in the presence of Chief Minister.
Meanwhile during the Sangat Darshan in Lambi, Panjawa, Kakhanwali, Bhullar Wala, Haakuwala, Fatta Khera, Kandu Khera, Dhani Telian Wali and Bheetiwala the Chief Minister disbursed the grants for undertaking development works in them.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema, DC Mr Paramjeet Singh and SGPC Member Jathedar Dayal Singh Kolianwali.   

SIDHWAN BRANCH CANAL WOULD REMAIN CLOSE TILL MARCH 10

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 1:
The Sidhwan Branch canal would remain close till March 10, 2013 for early completion of the Southern Bypass on Sidhwan Branch.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that notification in this regard under rule 63 of rules framed under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873) has been issued. He said that this decision to close canal for shorter span has been taken keeping in view the congenial weather condition and having due regard to the status of crops.

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ANGANWARI CHILDREN TO GET FREE TREATMENT FOR THELCEMIA, CANCER AND CHRONIC HEART DISEASES
Chandigarh, March 1:
          The Punjab Government has decided to include Anganwari Children in the age group of 3 to 6 in the ambit of National Rural Health Mission and School Health Programme for providing them free treatment for Thecemia, Cancer and Chronic Heart diseases.
          According to Mr. K S Pannu Director General School Education instructions has been issued to all School Heads to identify children suffering from these diseases so that their treatment could be insured by the Government.
          He said that after identifying such children they have been told to submit the case on the record performa attested by CDPO for necessary action. Detailed instructions in this regard have been uploaded       www. ssapunjab.org.

BADAL ASSAILS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR HIKE IN PETROL PRICES

HIKE AIMED AT EXTENDING LARGESSE TO THE BIG OIL COMPANIES

HIKE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PRESENTATION OF BUDGET REFLECTED DOUBLES SPEAK OF UPA

HIKE WOULD EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF DECIMATION OF CONGRESS FROM NATIONAL SCENE
Chandigrh, March 1-
Terming the hike of Rs 1.40 in the petrol price as a totally irrational and anti-people decision of the Congress led UPA government at the centre, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that sole motive of this hike was to give undue benefit to the big Oil companies.
Reacting sharply on the price hike, the Chief Minister said that the price hike was a clear attempt on the part of the UPA government to extend largeese to the big oil companies that too at the cost of the common man. Mr Badal said that this move was reflective of centre’s doublespeak policy as on one hand it was claiming that the recent budget would arrest the inflationary trends but to everyone’s utter surprise just within 24 hours of its presentation the Congress led UPA government has clandestinely hiked the petrol price by Rs 1.40. He said that this hike in the prices of Petrol has exposed the anti people face of the Congress party.
Lashing out at the UPA government, the Chief Minister said that though the Centre was duty bound to check the prices of essential commodities but it has miserably failed on this count. Mr Badal categorically said the common man was suffering terribly due to the illogical policies of the UPA government coupled with uncontrollable prices further making it extremely difficult especially for the middle and lower middle class to make their both ends meet. He ridiculed the Centre for pursuing the interest of pro-rich and multinational companies at the cost of poor and disadvantaged sections of the society.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that the increase in petrol price would further break the back bone of the common man and it would be very difficult for him to survive now. He said hike would add to the burden of the common man which was already reeling under the high rate of inflation. Mr Badal also lamented that actually the Congress party was just waiting for the completion of election process in a few states for increasing the prices of petrol adding that once the elections results have been declared the UPA government wasted no time in hiking the prices of petrol.
Mr Badal called upon the centre that it would have been better if it had consulted the Chief Minister’s of all the states before hiking the price of petrol. Without mincing any word the Chief Minister pointed out that since the UPA government was hand in glove with the MNC and big oil companies therefore it had never consulted the states earlier and taken these decisions on its own to pursue their agenda.
However, the Chief Minister reminded the UPA government that its days were numbered and the people had already made up their mind to show it door during the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2014. He said that it was writing on the wall that the people of country would not tolerate such irrational decisions taken by the Centre unilaterally at the behest of Oil Companies anymore. Mr Badal said that such anti poor and anti-people stance of UPA would further speed up the process of decimation of congress from national scene.