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CM SLAMS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR DENYING NEEDED INFRA STRUCTURE FOR PROCUREMENT OF FOOD GRAINS
RAPS CENTER FOR STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH PUNJAB
STATE GOVERNMENT DUTY BOUND TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR PANCHAYAT POLLS
RESULT OF MOGA BY-ELECTION TESTIMONY OF GROWING RESENTMENT OF PEOPLE AGAINST CONGRESS- MAJITHIA

Khosa Pando (Moga), March 31-
Assailing the Congress led UPA government for its apathetic attitude towards the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Union government was deliberately denying the requisite infra structure for ensuring the smooth procurement of food grains from the state.
Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the second day of Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Center was once again doing injustice with state by denying the facilities needed for the smooth procurement of the food grains. He said that the Union government was duty bound to ensure proper storage, movement and lifting of the food grains produced by the farmers but the UPA government had totally failed in fulfilling this duty, which has increased the agonies of the farmers. Mr Badal said that the Center was not paying heed towards the demands made by the state government regularly for providing the necessary infra structure to ensure smooth procurement.
Training his guns against the Center government, the Chief Minister said that despite of the fact that he had personally taken up the matter of paucity of storing facilities in the state with the top brass of the UPA government no concrete step has been taken to sort out this problem. He said that matter of giving the permission for the constructing of new silos on scientific lines in the state was also hanging in fire as the Union government was not granting the permission for it on one pretext or other. Mr Badal said that not only this but the Union government has not even bothered to ensure the timely supply of Gunny bags for the procurement of wheat despite of the fact that the state government had made requisition for its supply and deposited the requisite payment too well in advance.
The Chief Minister pointed out that this was the worst form of discrimination being meted out by the Union government with the states ruled by the opposition parties in the country. He said that the only solution for this problem was that the states must be given more powers so that such issues could be solved at their own level only. “The implementation of the genuine federal structure in the country was the only viable solution for it” he added.
Replying to a query regarding the ensuing Panchayati Raj elections in the state, the Chief Minister said that Punjab government was committed for ensuring free and fair elections to strengthen the democracy at grass root level. He said that like all the previous elections these polls would also be ensured in a transparent manner so that the people were able to exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly.
Earlier addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated the commitment of the SAD-BJP government to ensure all round development of the state. He said that the state government was laying thrust to provide best Health care and educational facilities to the people adding that due to the concerted efforts of the state government Punjab which earlier ranked 14th in the country as far as field of Education was concerned today leads the country in this field. Likewise Mr Badal said that the state has been adjudged best in the Health care infra structure by an agency of the Government of India (GoI).
The Chief Minister further said that now the state government was making all out efforts to ensure the provision of basic civic amenities to the residents of all the urban and rural areas of the state for which the work has already begun on war footing. He said that in another path breaking initiative the state government has decided to spend Rs1700 crore for upgrading and strengthening the network of rural road infrastructure in the state.
In his address the Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister of Punjab, Mr Bikram Singh Majithia, who was accompanying the Chief Minister, thanked the voters for reposing the faith in the pro-people and development oriented policies of the SAD-BJP alliance government. He said that the crushing defeat of the Congress candidate in Moga by-election was a clear cut indication of the growing resentment amongst the people against the Congress party for its anti-poor policies. Mr Majithia said that fed up by the growing inflation and corruption in the country the countrymen would trounce the Congress in the coming Lok Sabha polls thereby paving way for the formation of NDA government at the center.
Later on the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of new bye pass to be constructed in Moga at a cost of Rs 5.91 crore. This road would facilitate the commuters aspiring to go to Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ferozepur and others by reducing the distance by about seven kilometres besides removing the traffic congestion from the city.
During the Sangat Darshan program at village Duneke, Bukkanwala, Mothanwali, Saasuwala, Ghal Kalan, Rattian, Saleena, Kot Bhau and Khosa Pando, the Chief Minister disbursed a grant of Rs 2.05 crores for carrying out developmental works in them.
Prominent amongst these present Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Inderbeer Singh Bularia, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, MLAs Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr Joginder Pal Jain, Mr Darshan Singh Shivalik and Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyaali, senior Akali leader and former DGP Mr. PS Gill, Chairman of District Planning Board Mr. Tarsem Singh Rattian, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Arshdeep Singh Thind.    
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PUNJAB TO MAKE ONLINE PAYMENT TO ARTHIAS

• NOW ARTHIAS GET PAYMENTS THROUGH  RUPAY DEBIT CARD
• APPEALS ARTHIAS TO GET REGISTERED

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 31:
The Punjab Government has taken a historic initiative of online transfer the payments to the Arthias (Commission Agents) in the State during ensuing Rabi season against wheat procurement. The amounts would be directly transferred in the accounts of Arthias through ‘Kissan Arthia Information and Remittance Online Network’ with Rupay Debit Card. 
Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the Punjab government informed that all procurement agencies of the state government would make all payments to arthias through online system to ensure the timely disbursement of amounts to Arthias on account of purchase of wheat during the ensuing Rabi season RMS-2013-14 from April, 1, 2013. He said that State has appealed to the Arthias to get registered under this system for receiving timely payments.
The Spokesman said that under this system, Arthias would be issued cards by the participating banks and they would have to swipe their cards on swipe machines to be installed in each Mandi by the banks concerned. He said that by swiping card, entry would be flashed in the portal of agencies for further approval by the agency staff. He informed that immediately after getting approval, the payment would be transferred into the accounts of Arthias by NATIONAL PAYMENT CORPORATION OF INDIA (NPCI). He further said that eleven leading banks are participating in the project, namely State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of India, Corporation Bank, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India and State Bank of Patiala.
He said that in order to ensure the smooth procurement operations, Arthias are requested to get their particulars verified with portal in the office of respective Market Committees and get the card at the earliest.
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JOSHI ORDERS TO SET UP FLYING SQUAD TEAMS TO HARNESS COPYING IN EXAMINATION
Chandigarh, March 31:
In a bid to rein in the use of  mal practices and copying in the exams of technical educations institutions of the state, Mr. Anil Joshi, technical education and industrial training Minister, Punjab has instructed the authorities to set up flying squad teams.
In a press communiqué issued here today, He said that the annual exams were about to start in all the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnics of the state and the department has resolved to strongly check malpractices and menace of copying in these examinations. He said that authorities have been instructed to set up the Flying squads teams, which would conduct surprise raids in the examination centers. The Minister further said that instructions have also been issued for the proposed flying squad teams to file UMC cases; complete in all respect otherwise the responsibility of all uncompleted cases would be fixed upon the supervisor of the flying squad team and the head of the institution concerned. “If any case of copy is come to fore the principal of the respective institution would also be held responsible and departmental action would be taken against him’’ said Joshi. He appealed all the students to shun the practice of copying and work harder to get good ranks in the examinations.
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INFORMATION & PUBIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT PUNJAB
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT EARMARKS RS. 8 CRORE FOR BRILLIANT POOR STUDENTS
MALUKA REITERATES COMMITMENT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO IMPART QUALITY EDUCATION TO WEAKER SECTIONS OF SOCIETY
FREE EDUCATION TO POOR GIRL STUDENTS UPTO CLASS 12TH
 Chandigarh March 31:
          In a noble initiative aimed at imparting free quality education to the brilliant poor students of the state, the Punjab government has earmarked a sum of Rs. 8 crore as financial assistance to these students in the coming financial year.
In a statement issued here, Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that the SAD-BJP government of the state was committed to provide quality education to the poor and weaker sections of the society. So he said that the Punjab government has decided that students studying in government school securing 80% or more marks in matriculation examination would be given an annual assistance of Rs. 30000/- for their two year senior secondary education i.e. (11th and 12th class).
The Minister further said that besides it the Punjab Government would provide free education girls students belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society upto class 12th in government school. He also asked Director General School Education Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu to direct all the DEOs and school Principals in the state to prepare the list of all the eligible beneficiaries under this scheme. The Minister said that all vacant posts of teachers in the government schools would be filled within a year and efforts would be made to upgrade the basic infrastructure of the school buildings across the state.
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Thousands attend  fourth death anniversary of Capt. Kanwaljit Singh Chandigarh, Marh 29 :

Thousand of people from different walks of life today attended the programme on the fourth death anniversary of late Akali stalwart Capt. Kanwaljit Singh.
       On  the occasion Bhai Balwinder Singh and Bhai Lakhwinder Singh with their jathas performed the kirtan.
      Prominent who attended the programmed included Mr. Dipinder Singh Dhillon Chairman District Planning Committee Patiala, Mr. Ujagar Singh Badali former MLA, Mr. Nirmail Singh Jola executive member SGPC, Hari Singh Tohra President of the Karmchari Dal Punjab, Swaran Singh Boparai former VC Punjabi University, Parmjit Kaur Landran Chairperson Punjab state women Commission, Parmjit Kaur Sodhi Vice President Zirakpur MC besides other dignitaries.
      On the occasion Bibi Manpreet Kaur Doli daughter of Capt. Kanwaljit Singh thanked the people who attended the programmed and exhorted them to work together to fulfil the dreams of Capt. Kanwaljit Singh.
………
I am integral part of SAD-Bibi Sarbjit Kaur Chandigarh, March 29 : Mrs. Sarabjit Kaur w/o late Akali stalwart Capt. Kanwaljit Singh today categorically said that she was an integral part of the SAD and would remain so.
       In a statement released here today, Mrs. Sarabjit Kaur said that Capt. Kanwaljit Singh had sacrified his life for the SAD and served the party. She would also follow his footsteps and work for the SAD as a true  and devoted soldier. She said that as a large number of people attended the fourth death anniversary of late akali stalwart had also boosted their will power and the family would continue to serve the people of the area and Punjab with the blessings of the party.

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PATIALA JAIL AUTHORITIES STRONGLY DENY
RUMOURS ABOUT RAJOANA

·        Rajoana still in Patiala Jail

Chandigarh/ Patiala, March 29: Mr. Bhupindejit Singh Virj, Superintendent, Central Jail, Patiala today strongly denied the rumours circulating regarding Balwant Singh Rajoana and affirmed that he was safely lodged in Patiala jail.
In a signed statement , the Jail Superintendent clarified that Rajoana, who was awarded death sentence was lodged in Patiala jail and warned mischievous elements against spreading the rumours regarding his hanging or transfer to other jail. He warned that Punjab government would act strongly against anyone spreading rumours.

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BADAL ENVISIONS RESURGENCE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN PUNJAB

PROJECTS PUNJAB AS MOST PREFERRED INVESTMENT DESTINATION

NEW INVESTMENT FRIENDLY INDUSTRIAL POLICY TO COME UP SOON

FISCAL CONSOLIDATION MEASURES IMPLEMENTED TO REJUVENATE ECONOMIC HEALTH
 
Chandigarh, March 29-
Exhorting the Industrial tycoons of the region to play a proactive role in the development of the state, Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that it would go a long way in heralding a new era of industrial development in the state.
 Addressing the gathering at a function organised by the India Today group to felicitate the business wizards and industrialists of the region, the Chief Minister said that time has come when the industrialists and the state government must remove the communication gap between them and make joint efforts to build a new Punjab. Eliciting the support of the industrialists in developing the key sectors like Education and Healthcare, Mr Badal said that the industrialists of the state should take inspiration from their brethren of Gujarat and Kerala to develop their own mother state. He said that the state was open to respond to the needs of the industrial sector for which a routine discussion must be held between them and the entrepreneurs. 
The Chief Minister said that in today’s changed scenario when Agriculture has reached a point of saturation, giving fillip to the Industry was the need of the hour due to which the SAD-BJP government has taken path breaking initiatives to promote industrial development in the state. He said that Punjab offers an investor friendly and congenial investment climate to the entrepreneurs to thrive with excellent physical infrastructure coupled with availability of trained and skilled manpower in the state. Mr Badal said that it was matter of pride for them that due to the concerted efforts of their government the state was being looked as the most favored destination for investment across the country adding that to further attract huge investment in the state, Punjab government would soon come up with an investor friendly New Industrial Policy.
The Chief Minister further said that knowing well that Power was the catalyst for industrialization; the Punjab government has taken unprecedented steps to augment power generation in the state adding that Punjab would become power surplus within next one year. He said that not only this but the state Government has taken major initiatives to provide single window service to remove all bottlenecks being confronted the investors. Mr Badal said they were committed to provide all possible assistance and cooperation to ensure balanced economic growth in the state with a sharpened focus on the industrial growth.
Clearing the mist regarding certain misconceptions about the state, the Chief Minister said that contrary to claim of the critics, the state government has strengthened the base of economy. He said that the state has achieved a Growth rate of 6.73% against target of 5.9 % during the 11th plan adding that state’s debt to GSDP ratio has been brought down from 44% in 2007 to 32% now – against the national ratio of 49.6%. Mr Badal said that this was further likely to register an increase of 29%.
The Chief Minister further said that state has adopted the path of fiscal consolidation and Punjab’s revenue deficit has come down to 0.6% of GSDP, against the National average of 3.3%. Likewise he said that fiscal deficit of state has also come down 3.28% against a National average of 5.2% adding that due to the consistent effort of the state government, revenue receipts of Punjab have increased at a rate of 10.43% during 2007-12. Mr Badal further said that per capita income of the state at current prices increased by 13.7% in 2012-13 against the National average of 11.71%. Punjab today has the best basic infrastructure in the country and we have been constantly maintaining it, added Mr Badal.
The Chief Minister however rued that said that besides being the nation’s food bowl Punjab also has a distinction of producing several renowned entrepreneurs and industrialists who were known across the globe for their enterprising skill, resilience and acumen since long. He said that these eminent personalities have made enormous contribution towards the socio economic development not only in their state, country but also globally. Mr Badal rued that Punjab, which was once, one of the progressive industrial states in the country was now on the verge of industrial decay due to apathetic and discriminatory attitude of Center.
The Chief Minister further said that Punjab being a land locked state with a hostile border has suffered a lot during the prolonged militancy coupled with the industrial package given by the GoI to the neighbouring states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Jammu & Kashmir due to which the flight of industry took place from Punjab to these states. Mr Badal categorically said that though they were not against any such package given to these states but at the same time Punjab should also be duly compensated by allowing a similar package to offset the colossal loss suffered due to these concessions.
Dwelling on the need to develop Agro based industry in the state, the Chief Minister further said that Agro processing industry in the state has been given a special boost and mega agro projects have been approved so as to ensure maximum benefits to the small and marginal farmers. Likewise he said that in order to promote the agro based industry in the state, the SAD-BJP government has decided to give 50% subsidy to those who were desirous of setting up Agro based industries in the state.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr SK Sandhu and Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Harcharan Bains.

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PUNJAB TO PROMOTE DENTAL TOURISM-BADAL
CM INAUGURATES PUNJAB’S FIRST STATE DENTAL CONFERENCE
FIVE STATE-OF-THE-ART CANCER TREATMENT FACILITIES CENTRES TO BE SETUP IN PUNJAB AT A COST OF RS. 300 CRORE
RS. 5 CRORE PLAN TO UPGRADE DENTAL CARE FACILITIES IN THE RURAL SECTOR
BADAL LAUNCHES PRACTITIONER PORTAL, BIOMETRIC SYSTEM OF PDC
RELEASES SMART CARDS FOR DENTAL SURGEONS

CHANDIGARH MARCH 29 :-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the dental surgeons’ fraternity to play a pro-active role in promoting Dental Tourism in the state.
Mr. Badal was addressing the galaxy of dental surgeons across the Globe during the inaugural function of three-day  ‘1st Punjab State Dental Conference’ held here today at auditorium of the Government Medical College in sector 32. Underlining the need to provide best dental treatment at affordable prices to the dental patients for abroad, Mr. Badal said that presently updated health sector in the state could play a pivotal role in boosting ‘Dental Tourism’ in Punjab.
Lauding the initiatives of the Punjab Civil Medical Services Dental Association and Punjab Dental Council (PDC) in general and efforts of Dr. RS Maan and his team in particular for organizing this mega event for the first time in the state, Mr. Badal said that dentistry today had evolved into a very refined specialized field and became an organized profession moreover, people were also fully aware towards dental care.
Mr. Badal said that the concerted efforts of the SAD-BJP Government had improved the health care sector tremendously through its path-breaking initiatives for strengthening the health infrastructure both in terms of technological advancements as well as availing the expert doctors and other Para-medical staff for providing best health care treatment to the general public in the government hospitals of the state. In order to tap the vast potential of dentistry in the state, the Punjab government had laid special emphasis on setting up of dental colleges in the state, consequently today there were around 16 dental colleges in Punjab, added the Chief Minister. Likewise, government had also released Rs. 4.50 crore for the purchase of 90 dental chairs with highly advanced specifications and 20 digital x-rays and other machines.
Revealing the future plans, the Chief Minister said that to further upgrade the dentistry infrastructure in government hospitals, Rs. 5 crore would be spent to purchase 148 high-tech dental chairs, 90 dental X-rays machines along with other ultra-modern equipment to be installed in the Primary Health Centre’s for providing advanced dental facilities in the rural sector.
Reiterating the firm committed to combat oral Cancer that was unfortunately rapidly spreading in the Punjab, Mr. Badal said that to fight this deadly disease the state government had already banned the sale of Tobacco in the state besides taking other preventive steps. The Chief Minister further mentioned that the state government has initiated a crusade against the Cancer and Drug addiction in the state and had established Punjab State Cancer and Drug de-addiction Treatment Fund to provide an effective treatment for the patients. Apart from upgrading the infrastructure of three government colleges at Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot the state government also was providing State-of-the-Art Cancer treatment facilities in these colleges besides similar Centres at Sangrur and Bathinda district at a cost of Rs 300 crores and in addition to this Tata Memorial Hospital and Cancer Research Institute, Mumbai had also aggred to establish a Cancer diagnostic and treatment Hospital at Mullanpur in Mohali District. Besides, at a cost of Rs. 25 crore five state level Drug De-addiction centres were also being setup at Amritsar, Patiala, Faridkot, Bathinda and Jalandhar by the state government, added Mr. Badal.
In order to provide the quality Health services to the people at their door steps, the state government had organized Mega Medical camps in recent past, where on the spot free of cost dental treatment was provided to the weaker sections of the society. Mr. Badal also mentioned that Punjab was the only state, which was providing full dentures free of cost by organizing dental fortnight every year in the month of November, whereas this one set of good denture was costing about Rs. 8000 in the private sector. The State Government had also set up a specialized Punjab Dental Implant centre, first of its kind in the civil dental services of the government sector at Mohali under Public Private Partnership scheme that was working successfully.
On the occasion Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal said that Health Department had achieved new heights under the bright leadership of the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal. It was only Mr. Badal’s visionary approach that Health Department had conducted two Mega Health Care Medical Camps successfully. In order to promote the dentistry in a big way the SAD-BJP government during its previous regime had appointed 148 new dentists in the government sector. Today total 320 dentists were discharging their duties efficiently in the government hospitals, said Mr. Mittal.
Earlier, In-charge of the Conference Organizing Committee Dr. RS Maan welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries along with other office bearers and members of both the Punjab Civil Medical Services Dental Association and Punjab Dental Council. On behalf of the Council he also assured the Chief Minister that all the Dental Surgeons would work relentlessly to realize the dream of Mr. Badal to provide best dental care services at the doorsteps of the poor section of the society especially in the rural sector.
On the Occasion the Chief Minister also presented mementos as a token of appreciation to the Dental Surgeons of the country and abroad for their out standing contribution in the Medical field.  He also launched the Practitioner Portal, Biometric System of Punjab Dental Council besides, releasing Smart Cards for the members of the Council and a Dental awareness book-let for the general public.
Prominent amongst those who attended the function included Local Government and Medical Education Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education & Research Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, VC Baba Farid Medical University of Health Sciences Dr. SS Gill besides, many renowned Dental Surgeons and dignitaries across the globe.
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BADAL GIVES NOD FOR SLEW OF REFORMS TO UPGRADE SERVICES IN CO-OPERATIVE BANKING SECTOR

CM FOR APPOINTING PROFESSIONALS ON THE POSTS OF MD IN DISTRICT BRANCHES IN LIEU OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES

CONSTITUTES A COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF CHIEF SECRETARY TO IMPROVE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN CO-OPERATIVE BANKS

ASKS MILKFED AND MARKFED TO ENSURE BETTER MARKETING STRATEGIES OF THEIR PRODUCTS

GAVE IN PRINCIPLE APPROVAL FOR ENACTING AN ACT TO CHECK SALE SPURIOUS CATTLE FEEDS IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, March 29-
            In order to benefit the farmers by strengthening the co-operative banking sector in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today approved a slew of reforms for the upgradation of services in this sector to the advantage of the peasantry.
             A decision to this effect was taken in a high level review meeting of the Co-Operation Department held under the Chief Minister here at his official residence.
In another significant decision the Chief Minister also decided to do away with the prevalent practice of electing political appointees of MDs in the district branches of banks across the state. The step is aimed at bringing far more efficiency in the delivery system of the banks on one hand and enhancing profitability on the other through appointing professional on these posts to make these institutions financially viable and economically sustainable. The process of making appointing professional with expertise in banking sector would be implemented gradually. 
The Chief Minister laid thrust on the complete renovation of these banks by computerization of all its 805 branches in the state along with implementing the Core Banking Service in them. Mr Badal said that it was the need of the hour to expedite the process of giving these services to the consumers so as to benefit them on one hand and plug the leakages of the banks on the other. He also asked the department to adopt consumer centric approach by providing the ATM facility in all the branches of these banks so as to expand their business.
            Giving his nod for the recruitment of 300 Clerks, 21 Assistant System Analysist and 50 Managers, the Chief Minister asked the department to ensure that the recruitment was held every year through Centralized recruitment process in a transparent manner so as to attract the best talent for the banking services. He said that efforts must be made to provide perfect banking services to the people especially the farmers in rural areas which would go a long way in strengthening these banks. In order to further enhance the quality of services provided by the Co-operative banks by engaging the Professionals in the Board of Governors, Mr Badal also constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary to study the entire matter.   
            Dwelling on the issues pertaining to the MILKFED and MARKFED, the Chief Minister laid thrust on increasing the business of these agencies by further popularizing the products manufactured by them. He said that both these agencies should make all out efforts for the better marketing of their products which were renowned all over the world due its good quality and mouth watering taste. Mr Badal asked these agencies to lay focus on enhancing the sales of their wide range of products in the national and international markets.
            In order to check the sale of spurious cattle feeds in the state, the Chief Minister also gave in Principle approval for enacting an Act to check this malpractice. He said that the sale of poor quality cattle feed was not in the interest of the peasantry of the state and effective steps were needed to check it, so as to benefit the diary farmers of the state.
            During the meeting Principal Secretary of the Chief Minister and Financial Commissioner Co-operation Mr SK Sandhu apprised the Chief Minister that the Co-Operative banks were performing exceptionally well especially in the field of disbursing the loans to the farmers, Diary farmers and other customers. He said that in accordance with the directions of the Chief Minister the work on computerization of the Co-Operative banks would also be completed soon for giving better services to the customers. Mr Sandhu also revealed that efforts were afoot to start a vigorous campaign for effectively marketing the popular products of MARKFED and MILKFED both the within the country and globally.
            Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Registrar Co-operative Societies Mr AS Miglani, MD MARKFED Dr Karamjeet Singh Sra, Director MILKFED Mr Balwinder Singh Sidhu and Managing Director Punjab State Co-operative Agriculture Development Bank Mr GS Mangat.          

CM GIVES GO AHEAD FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STATE-OF-THE- ART TEMPLE AT SRI VALMIKI ASHRAM (RAM TIRATH) AT A COST OF RS 115 CRORE

PROJECT TO HELP IN PERPETUATING RICH LEGACY OF BHAGWAN VALMIKI MAHARAJ JI

BADAL TERMS THIS PROJECT AS AN ENGINEERING MARVEL WITH RARE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING

ATWAL AND RANIKE THANKS CM FOR THIS NOBLE CAUSE

 Chandigarh, March 29-
             In a bid to perpetuate the rich legacy of Bhagwan Vailmiki Maharaj Ji, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today approved the construction plan of the state-of-the art Temple, Museum and Panorama in Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) near Amritsar at a cost of Rs 115 crore.
            A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the members of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Vikas Board constituted for the development of Sri Valmki Ashram (Ram Tirath) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike.
            Paying reverence to the great spiritual ambassador who propagated the concept of egalitarian society by composing the legendary epic ‘Ramyana’, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for the state government to offer humble tributes to Bhagwan Vailmki Maharaj Ji by developing this site for the devotees visiting this sacred place from every nook and corner of the world. It may be recalled that Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji resided and composed his masterpiece ‘Ramayana’ at this sacred place. He said that realizing the paramount significance and sanctity of this historic place the state government has made concerted efforts to develop it adding that so far Rs 20 crores has been spent for its beautification. However Mr Badal pointed out that new Temple which would be constructed at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) would be an engineering marvel spruced with rare architecture, landscaping besides aesthetically designed.
            The Chief Minister categorically said that this Temple would be unique in the sense that it would not only help in disseminating the philosophy of Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji for carving out a harmonious society in the state but it would also act as a lighthouse to guide the destiny of our youth through the great ethical and moral values preached by him. He said that the museum and the panorama to be constructed at Sri Valmiki Ashram would showcase the teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji which emphasized equality in the society along with the Principles of what an ideal man, ideal ruler and ideal people should follow for the formation of an ideal state or society. This temple would be a befitting tribute to Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji, who was the “Pitaamah” of Sanskrit language and first poet or the Adi Kavi of the world who by his immortal and masterpiece composition the “Ramayana” propagated the message of victory of good over evil, added Mr Badal.
            The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was fully committed to undertake renovation and beautification of this sacred place from its historical and religious perspective adding that the work on this ambitious project would be commenced soon and was likely to be completed within two years. He further said that the work would be executed in a phased manner and during the first phase the construction of Temple and Multi Storey Bus/car parking would be undertaken followed by construction of Langar Hall, Sangat Hall and Museum in the second, third and fourth phase respectively. Mr Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar Mr Rajat Aggarwal who also participated in the meeting to ensure that timely commissioning of this prestigious project.
            Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for making all out efforts to ensure unprecedented development of this historical and sacred place, Speaker of Punjab Assembly Dr Charanjeet Singh Atwal and Cabinet Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike said that with the approval of this project Ram Tirath, which was the sacred place of all the religions and communities, would emerge as a prominent religious destination on the world religious tourism map. They also said that community would be ever indebted to the Chief Minister for showing the magnanimity to ensure overall development and beautification at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) in view of the religious sentiments of the community.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Vice Chairman of Board Mr Hans Raj Hans, Members Mr Vijay Danav, Mr Lakshman Dravid, Mr Naresh Dhingan, Mr Om Parkash Gabbar, Mr Randeep Gill, Mr DP Khosla, Mr Karnail Singh Sahota and others.    
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VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES TO BE SET UP IN THE ADARSH SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE
PILOT PROJECT TO BE OPENED IN TWO SCHOOLS OF BHARTI FOUNDATION

Chandigarh, March 29, 2012

Taking a leap forward towards imparting technical training to the unemployed youth of the state thereby opening the new vistas of self employment for them, the Punjab government today gave nod for setting up vocational training Centers in all the Adarsh Schools of the state.
A decision to this effect was taken in the eighth meeting of the Punjab Education Development Board held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal here at his official residence.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to draft a policy for setting up vocational training centers in all the Adarsh Schools of the state so that quality technical training could be imparted to the youth belonging to the rural areas. Mr Badal emphasized that with the opening of these centers quality education could be imparted to the students besides opening the new avenues of the self employment for them.
During the meeting permission was granted to Adarsh School being run by the Bharti Foundation to open one such centre at the school. Divulging the details Member of the Board Mr Rakesh Mittal said that these centers would be opened in two out of the five schools run by the foundation as Pilot projects.  He said that in these centres the unemployed youth of the area along with the students of senior secondary classes in the schools would be imparted the technical training thereby enabling them for the self employment. Mr Mittal categorically said that these centres would not take any fee from the students against the technical training imparted to them.
It was also decided in the meeting hand over the management of seven operational ASdarsh schools in village Bhopal (Mansa), Mallan (Faridkot), Hardasa (Ferozepur), Daultpura Neevan (Moga), Ransinh Kalan (Moga), Chauke (Bathinda) and Boha (Mansa). The Board also gave approval for handing the management of Adarsh Senior Secondary School village Ucha (Kapurthala) to the Chief Khalsa Diwan Charitable Society. Likewise it was also decided to open another Adarsh School with private partnership at village Dialpura Bhai ke (Bathinda), which would be established with the help of Sant Mahesh Muni Ji Bhore wale Welfare Society.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion include Education Minister Mr Sikander Singh Maluka, Chief Secretary Mr Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary Finance Mr Satish Chandra, Secretary Scholl Education Mrs Anjali Bhanwra, Director General School Education (DGSE) Mr Kahan Singh Pannu, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University Dr Jaspal Singh, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Member Mr Madan Mohan Vyaas. 

----CONSTRUCTIONS ALONG WITH AMMUNITIONS DUMPS IN THE STATE
 
CHANDIMANDIR-CHANDIGARH MARCH 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today presided over the Civil Military Liaison Conference (CMLC) here at Headquarters Western Command in the presence of Food and Civil supplies Minister Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon and senior officers of the Army and State administration.

Taking Part in the deliberations Mr. Badal reiterated the firm commitment of the state government for the welfare of the serving and ex-servicemen. He said that state government had taken path-breaking initiatives in this regard by establishing a 'Monitoring Cell' to monitor the re-employment of ex-servicemen by ensuring 13% reservation in all Punjab Government Services. Likewise the amount under various financial assistances had also been doubled besides, enhancing the assistance for Gallantry Award Winners by 20%. The Punjab Government had taken a policy decision to offer Honour and Gratitude appointment to the widows/ dependants of  the family of  War Heroes added Mr. Badal and 437 jobs were given which included 9 - PCS, 24 - Class I & II, 252 – Class III and 152 – Class IV.
Expressing concern over the decline in the numbers of Punjabis in the defence services, Mr. Badal said that to restore the imbalance in officer cadre of the Defence Services the state of Punjab had launched a motivational scheme wherein, a cadet joining National Defence Academy Pune (NDA), Indian Military Academy Dehradun (IMA), Officers Training Academy Chennai (OTA), Naval/Air Force Academies with effect from 01 Apr 2010 and subsequent dates, would be given an incentive of Rs one  lakh. This would motivate youth from Punjab to seek commission in the Defence Services,     under this scheme sum of Rs 146 Lac rupees had been released to concerned District Defence Services Welfare Offices for payment to 146 cadets during year 2012-13.
The Chief Minister also informed in the meeting that issues pertaining to inadequate water supply at Fazilka Military station at a cost of Rs. 12.50 crore, Civil Sewage and Sludge Disposal at Air Force Station, Pathankot, reimbursement of additional excise duty in lieu of octroi charged by government in Jalandhar, Ferozepur cantonments, exemption of entry tax on lubricating oil, besides acquisition of 350 acres of land at Patiala and other many issues had also been resolved.
Earlier, in his welcome address the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Command, Lieutenant General Sanjiv Chachra, AVSM, VSM, thanked the Chief Minister and Civil administration that had always been responsive and helpful to the need of the Defence Forces. He mentioned that with Mr. Badal’s personal intervention numerous issues related to defence services had already been resolved through interactive sessions held prior to the CMLC.
He further said that Punjab and the Armed Forces shared a strong and enduring relationship, which the Army was proud of. The State had given the Armed Forces distinguished military leaders, brave heart soldiers and had always been generous to the ex-servicemen community when rolling out concessions and benefits for their yeoman service. The Army Commander was confident that this trend would continue in the years to come.
The issues were discussed in a frank & forthright manner. Punjab Government sought coaches from Army for training of members of Punjab Amateur Rowing Association (PARA) which was agreed to by Army. The issue of Ammunition Dump Patti was discussed along with other Dumps with Army where various unauthorized constructions had come up in the notified area. Army Commander clarified that the provisions of the Act could not be violated being a Government of India Notification. It was decided that a committee would study the case and come out with concrete recommendations. Army also made a request for 500 acres at Mand for setting up an Aviation Base.
The Chief Secretary brought out that the development of the area as a Greenfield Project could be considered. Army raised the requirement of land for Jai Jawan Awas Yojna and AWHO colonies. Chief Secretary mentioned that State Government was constructing housing colonies in 50 Tier I and II towns and a certain percentage could be shared based on their requirement. The Hon’ble CM also agreed to extend all possible support to bring up the standard of Sainik School Kapurthala. The Government also agreed to analyse whether wards of Defence personnel could be classified as a ‘disadvantaged group’ under the RTE Act. The CM agreed wholeheartedly to provide all possible help to ensure greater employment to retired officers, JCOs and jawans. The flooding issue of Chandigarh Airport also came up for discussion and Govt agreed to address the problems afflicting the Airport at an early date. It was also decided in the meeting that Army authorities would re-examine the construction of security wall around the Jalandhar Cantonment.
On conclusion, a vote of thanks was proposed by the Army for the Hon’ble CM and the Goverment of Punjab for their positive response to all issues discussed. The Government of Punjab assured greater interaction at functional level for early resolution of all ongoing issues.

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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL

SAD SYMPATHISIZES WITH BAJWA, LASHES OUT AT HIGH COMMAND

“BAJWA’S HONEY-MOON MELODIES RUINED BY BRIDE’S PARENTS: Appointment of former rebel-independents as General Secys shows political bankruptcy: "  SAD
                  
Chandigarh  March 28 – The Shiromani Akali Dal today wondered  what could a PPCC president achieve for his state from the Congress-led UPA government in Delhi if he could not appoint even his own secretaries without prior  permission of the High Command.

            In a statement released through the party office here this afternoon, Shiromani Akali Dal Secretary General, S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa also said that the being forced to chose three former independents as General Secretaries in Mr. O P Soni, Mr. Gurpeet Singh Kangar and Mr. Charanjit Singh Channi, who had rebelled against the High Command earlier, the Congress had also exposed its political bankruptcy of the highest order. "This just shows what a complete disarray the party is in and how desperately short of loyal workers. By appointment three former rebels, the party has not only displayed panic but also clearly sent a signal that it was no longer a cadre based party, "said Mr. Dhindsa.

            “We really sympathise with the newly appointed president, Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa. His high pitch honey-money songs have been  ruined by the bride’s parents in Delhi. But this is hardly surprising. This is symbolic of the way that party is being run and also of how much importance they give to Punjab,” said 
            Mr. Dhindsa felt that Mr. Bajwa should have protested against the rude and rough manner in which he had been treated so soon after getting himself installed with such pomp and show. This must be very embarrassing and sets a wrong political precedent.”
            The senior Akali leader said that Bajwa was not the first leader of the Congress from Punjab to be handed this humiliating treatment by the High Command of that party.” But the problem with their Punjab leadership has always been  that they never show the courage to stand up for their convictions. The PPCC president has  always been a puppet in the hands of those who do not even understand Punjab. The local leadership is treated as no more than a rubber stamp of the non-Punjabi central leadership and that is part of the reason behind the entire tragedy faced by Punjabis,” said Mr. Dhindsa.
            The Akali leader was commenting on reports that  all appointments made by the newly installed PPCC president Mr. Bajwa, including those of an office secretary and a spokesperson of the party had been cancelled by Congress High Command. “That the cancellations came within hours of the announcement of the appointments showed that the High  Command really wanted to show the president his true place and was meant to send a signal that mr. Bajwa was not truly in-charge of the PPCC which  still remained a remote-controlled puppet-show. This is highly disgraceful and insulting to the office of the state president.

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CONGRESS LED UPA GOVERNMENT ALWAYS METED OUT STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT TO PUNJAB: HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

·        LAID FOUNDATION STONES OF THE SEVERAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS WORTH RS.4 CRORE

MANSA/CHANDIGARH, MARCH 28:
Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament, Bathinda today strongly lashed at the Congress led UPA Government for ignoring Punjab in the distribution of funds for development works. She said that although the Punjab has been contributing 90 per cent of its income to the national exchequer, in response the Punjab is getting less then one per cent of the total allocation of the center reserve for the states.
Speaking with the media persons, Mrs. Badal said that the Punjab has been totally cornered by the center government by not allocating any fund in the budget. She said that Congress has always adopted an apathetic attitude towards the state, a testimony to it was that the Congress led UPA government has ruined the industry and agriculture of state by enacting anti Punjab policies. She said that the result of the center's anti-Punjab stance is that the corruption, unemployment and inflation have broken all records and the people of the state are reeling under the unprecedented price hike and unemployment. She said that Congress is only interested in meddling with the social and religious affairs of the Punjabis.
Training her guns against the Congress propaganda about the funds given to Punjab under central schemes, Mrs. Badal said that these funds are infact the prerogative of Punjab because it has been given from the revenue, collected by center from Punjab. She blamed that the UPA government is diverting the funds collected from Punjab to other states, which is totally undemocratic and against the federal structure of the nation.
Earlier in the day, Mrs. Badal laid foundation stones of the development works worth Rs.4 crore, which are two bridges worth Rs.75 lakh each over Kotla Branch Canal in the Villages Kotli Kalan and Village Bhainibagha, the road leading from Raman Cinema (Mansa city) to Mansa Khurd worth Rs.97 lakh, the road leading from Mansa to Thootian worth Rs.84 lakh besides foundation stone of New Tehsil Complex at Joga worth Rs.42 lakh.
Addressing the mammoth gatherings at different villages, Mrs. Badal said that the Mansa would not witness any scarcity of funds from the Punjab Government. She assured the public that the works would be commenced before April 10 on all projects for which the foundation stones have been laid down today.
Mrs. Badal also listened to the grievances of the public and redress their problems on the spot. She urged the public to come at her office at Mansa for any kind of grievance.
Prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Prem Mittal, MLA, Mansa, Mr. Chatin Singh Samao, MLA, Budhlada, Dr. Narinder Bhargav, SSP, Mr. Amit Kumar, ADC (J), Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma, ADC (D), Mr. Harbant Singh Datewas, District President, SAD and Former MLA, Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal, Chairman, District Planning Committee, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, Former MLA, Mr. Harinder Singh Saran, DDPO, Dr. Paramjit Singh Dhatt, Chief Agriculture Officer, Dr. Amrit Singh, Deputy Director, Animal Husbandry, Mr. Harbans Singh, Deputy Economic and Statistical Advisor, Mr. Kuldeep Singh, DWO, Mr. Darshan Singh Bhullar, District Sports Officer, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Banawali, District President, YAD and Mr. Manjeet Singh Bappiana.

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Punjab Government conferred Shaheed-I-Azam Bhagat Singh State Youth Awards
NK Sharma exhorted the youth to participate in national building
Chandigarh, 28 March: The Punjab Government today conferred Shaheed-I-Azam Bhagat Singh State Youth Awards on the youth of the State who have excelled in one or the other youth activity. Eight such young persons were awarded at an impressive function organized at the Shivalik Public School, Mohali, to commemorate the Youth Day. Punjab Chief Parliament Secretary of Punjab Government Mr. Narinder Kumar Sharma presided over the award giving function. 
                   Mr. Jagga Singh, Ms Renu and Amandeep Singh from Mansa, Jindpreet Kaur from Bathinda, Maninderpal Singh from Mohali,  Mandeep Kaur from Ropar, Gurkaran Singh from Faridkot and Khushmeet Kaur from Ludhiana District are the young persons who got these prestigious awards.
             After bestowing the awards, Mr. Sharma exhorted the youth to actively participate in national building by taking initiative to eradicate social evils.  He said that Youth had the infinite energy which, if channelized and utilized for constructive purposes, could be a great human resource.  Mr Sharma said that the State Government was committed to encourage the youth in every aspect. The awards given to the youth after the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh were the little recognition for the great role being played by our new generation for uplifting of society, he said. Congratulating the awardees, Mr. Sharma called upon them to work more aggressively for the betterment of the society as well as the State.
                   Prof. Chaman Lal from Jawaharlal Nehru University threw light on the various distinctive aspects of the life of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Elaborating the ideology of Shaheed-E-Azam, he highlighted the unique features of his vision which inspired the youth to lay down their lives for freedom of the country. He called upon the youth to come forward for wiping out the menace of injustice, inequality and communalism from our society.
                   While presenting the vote of thanks, Punjab Youth Services Director Mrs. Hidaipal said that Shaheed-I-Azam Bhagat Singh State youth awards were given every year to those youngsters who have excelled in any youth activity. A medal, scroll and cash prize of Rs. 20,000 is given to every recipient of the award, she said.
                   More than 100 young boys and girls donated blood in specially organized blood donation camp. Essay writing and painting completions were also held on the occasion. 

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BADAL DUBS CONGRESS FOR ITS ANTI-PUNJAB STANCE
LISTS OUT HIS GOVERNMENT’S SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIORITIES
SUKHBIR FOR VIGOROUS CAMP TO STAMP OUT DRUG ADDICTION FROM STATE WITH HEAVY HAND
MAJITHIA SEEKS SUPPORT OF PEOPLE TO OUST OF CONGRESS AT CENTRE FOR INSTALLATION OF NDA IN LOK SABHA POLLS 2014
Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 27-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that due to its anti-people policies and anti-Punjab stance the Congress party has been decimated from the political scene of the state.
Addressing the mammoth public gathering in a conference to mark the occasion of Hola Mohalla here today, the Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have shown the door to the Congress leaders due to their dubious track record of remaining the mute spectator of the grave injustice with state. He said that it was a matter of record that the Congress party has never staged its comeback in any state in which it has been routed out from power. Citing the example of Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and others Mr Badal said that the Congress would meet the same fate in Punjab also.
Reiterating that Congress has always adopted an apathetic attitude towards the state, the Chief Minister said that a testimony to it was that the Congress led UPA government has ruined the industry and agriculture of state by enacting anti Punjab policies. Mr Badal lamented that the single point agenda of the UPA government was to ruin the farmers of the state, notwithstanding their enormous contribution in making our country self sufficient in food production. Coming down heavily on the UPA government, he said that the Union government was intriguing to bring our state at the brink of economic disaster through its anti- Punjab stance and discriminating policies, as a result of which the farmers of state were burdened with a heavy debt of Rs 32,000 crore.
Mr Badal said that by exorbitant hike in prices of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs like diesel, the Union government had broken the back of the farmers, rendering them at the mercy of the Centre. He said that the union government has always meted out a step motherly treatment with the state by irrelevantly meddling in its social, political, economic and even religious affairs. He further 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.
Reiterating his stand on setting up of a genuinely federal structure in the country, the Chief Minister said that the sole reason for the fiscal mess in many states across the country was the excessive centralization of powers by the UPA government. He said that true Federal structure was the need of the hour to ensure balanced regional growth in the entire country. Mr Badal said that the successive Congress-led government at the Center had been constantly usurping the powers of the state governments thereby reducing them to beggars who have to seek funds from the Union government to ensure development in the states.
The Chief Minister said that the centre should redefine the central-state relations in the context of true federal structure because the deliberate attempts on the part of Government of India (GoI) to dilute its character to unitary form by usurping the states’ power was against the very spirit of constitutional norms and democratic values. Mr Badal further said that unfortunately 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.
Training his guns against the UPA government, the Chief Minister reiterated that it has broken the back bone of a common man by increasing the prices of essential commodities during their entire tenure. Mr Badal said that the anti-poor and pro-rich policies of the UPA have accentuated inflationary trends much to the dismay of common man. He lamented that it was the misrule of Congress for several decades in the country, which was responsible for the plight of common man.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that Congress has never bothered to keep any check over the serious problems faced by the country. He said that it was paradoxical situation that the Congress which claimed itself to be the votary of common man was infact helping the big companies to mint the money illegally by safeguarding their interests in a clandestine manner. 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. 
The Chief Minister said that realizing well that it was the duty of the state government to acquaint the coming generations with their rich cultural heritage the state government have erected Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, ‘Chhota Ghallughara Kahnuwan Chhambh Shaheedi Memorial’ at Kahnuwan, Memorial of Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rahiran and Fateh Burj at Chhapar Chiri in the state. He further said that the Punjab government has already spent Rs 500 crore on the construction of Virasat-e-Khalsa which has emerged as a huge centre for attraction amongst the people from all strata of society.
Likewise the Chief Minister said that now in order to pay glorious tributes to the great martyrs and sons of the soil for their immense contribution in the Indian freedom struggle, the state government would soon start work for constructing a ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial on 25 acres of land at Kartarpur in district Jalandhar. Mr Badal said the work on this exemplary memorial to be erected at the cost of Rs 200 crore would be completed in two years. He said that apart from it the state government would also construct the memorial of Baba Jiwan Singh in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj at Khuralgarh in Hoshiapur, Moti Ram Mehra and Bhagwan Valimiki Ji Maharaj so as to pay befitting tribute to them.
Striking an emotional chord with the people, the Chief Minister categorically said that he was seized of majority of problems and hardship faced by the people of Punjab due to his long stint as Chief Minister of the state for five terms. He said that knowing well that free power to the farmers was the need of the hour the state government was paying more than Rs 5000 crore to the POWERCOM so as to ensure free power supply to them far. Likewise Mr Badal said that Rs 1300 criore was being spent for the welfare of the poor and weaker sections of the society through schemes like Atta Dal, Shagun and Pensions. 
The Chief Minister further said that not only this but his government was also laying special emphasis on the all round development of the state adding that Rs 1700 crore was being spent to the upgrade and strengthen the network of the rural roads across the state. Similarly he said that a prestigious program has been embarked to provide basic civic amenities to the all the towns and villages of the state. Likewise Mr Badal said that thrust was also being laid for providing quality health services and education to the people of the state.
Earlier in his address the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and President of Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that in order to check the menace of drug addiction in the state, the SAD-BJP government has adopted zero tolerance policies towards the drug peddlers. He categorically said that a special campaign has been started by the state government to put the drug smugglers behind the bar adding that the results of this campaign would be evitable soon. Exhorting the people to play a proactive role in checking the drug addiction in the state, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that public support was vital for carrying out any such campaign in an effective manner. He also said that soon a helpline number would be set up by the state government where the people could lodge their complaint besides giving vital inputs check the drug trafficking in the state.
Recalling the history of sacrifices of the Shiromani Akali Dal for safeguarding the interest of the state and its people, the Deputy Chief Minister said that whenever the AD has assumed power in the state the well being of all the sections of the society has been ensured. Making a scathing attack on the Congress party, he said that rather than working for the welfare of the common people the Congress leadership has always shed crocodile tears on the issues related to them. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Punjab was the only state in the country which under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal was extensively working for the welfare of the poor and weaker sections of the society.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that for the first time in the state social emphasis has been laid on the education of poor but bright students adding that all senior secondary students in government schools securing 80% or above marks would get an annual scholarship of Rs. 30,000 under a new Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship Scheme. Likewise he said that all BPL families would get Rs 30,000  Medical Insurance for each member under a new Bhagat Puran Singh Health Welfare Scheme and all government hospitals would provide free medicines to the poor in the state. In the same manner the Deputy Chief Minister said that all BPL families would get free Life Insurance and all children belonging to these families will get a monthly stipend of Rs 200 each
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that in order to give a fillip to the girl education in the state Rs 30,000  per annum Nannhi Chhaan Scholarship Scheme for poor girl students of 15.40 lakh Blue Card Holder families in professional courses would be given by the state government. Likewise he said that all Government ITI's in the state would provide Free Professional Education for girls.
Revenue and Information & Public relations Minister and President of Youth Akali Dal (YAD) Mr Bikram Singh Majithia in his address said that it was a fact that the SAD-BJP alliance government of the state, which enjoys the faith and confidence of very section of the society, was in reality the government of the poor and downtrodden people due which it was working with a missionary zeal to ensure their well being. Lauding the role of Chief Minister in constructing the monuments like Virasat-E-Khalsa, Chotta Ghallughara, Wadda Ghallughara and others for perpetuating the rich cultural legacy amongst the coming generations, Mr Majithia said that only a statesman like Mr Parkash Singh Badal could take such decision. He also lauded the role of the state government under the stewardship of Mr Parkash Singh Badal to develop the holy cities across the state.
          Thanking the people of the state for reposing their faith time and again in the pro-people and development oriented policies of the SAD-BJP combine, the Minister said that it was the high time that the Congress must be wiped out from the national political arena so that more development could be ensured in the state. He also sought people’s co-operation and support to oust congress from centre in order to pay a way for installation of NDA government so that the long pending legitimate demands of Punjab could be met without any further delay. Mr Majithia said that as a goodwill gesture towards the Media fraternity across the state, the Punjab government has decided that Insurance scheme for accredited correspondents with cover of Rs 5 lakh, which was under implementation since 2010, has now been extended to all 4000 yellow card holder journalists.
          In his address President of state unit of BJP Mr Kamal Sharma while recalling the significance of the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib said that during the regime of SAD-BJP alliance the state has witnessed complete communal harmony and brotherhood. He called upon the people on this historic occasion to take a pledge to fight out the scourge of drug addiction, female foeticide and untouchability from the society.
          The President of SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh in his address exhorted the people to follow the path shown by the Sikh Gurus for carving out an egalitarian society in the state. The SGPC Chief reiterated his commitment to make out concerted efforts to wean away the youth from the menace of drug addiction by organizing aware camps across the state besides sensitizing people against the social evils like female feoticide, dowry and untouchability. He said that these maladies which had already inflicted our society were against the tenets of Sikhism adding that these must be condemned by one and all.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, MLAs Mr Daljeet Singh Cheema, Jathedar Tota Singh, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Mr Surinder Singh Bhullewalrathan, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Harcharan Bains, Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Rajya Sabha MPs Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, former Union Minister Mr Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, former MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Mr Manjeet Singh GK, Chief of Damdami Taksal and President Sant Samaj Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma and senior BJP leader Mr Rakesh Rathore.     

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PUNJAB EXTENDS LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ONLINE APPLICATIONS
CHANDIGARH, MARCH, 28:
The Punjab government has extended the last date for submission of online 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 and 33 posts of senior assistants to be filled on regular basis in the department of technical education and industrial training (industrial training wing). He said that last date for online registration would be March 31, 2013 till 5.00 pm. last date for deposite of fee would be April 7, 2013 and last date for online submission of applications would be April 15, 2013 till 5.00pm. Earlier tha last date for submission of applications was March 25.
He further said that in case of any difficulty in online submission of applications, applicants can contact Principals/Head Master of Industrial Training Institute Namely Amritsar (Ranjit Avenue), Ferozpur, Faridkot, Fazilka, Bassi Pathana, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Ludhiana, Budhlada Moga, Muktsar, Patiala, Ropar, Sunam, Nawanshahr, Tarn Taran, Bathinda, Barnala (w), Mohali and Maharchand ITC, Jalandhar. Applicants can also seek information/clarification by sending their problems trough e-mail (dfe@applyforexam.com), their queries would be answerd through e-mail.         

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• SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL CONSTITUTES 3 MEMBER SCREENING COMMITTEE ON ELECTION OF MAYOR OF PATIALA
• FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE IN CHANDIGARH ON MARCH 29 AT 10.00 AM

(Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema),Secretary & Spokesman

Chandigarh, March 28 : The Shiromani Akali Dal President and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has constituted a three member screening committee headed by party Secretary General and MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa for selection of the candidate for the post of Mayor of Patiala Municipal Corporation.
            In a statement released from the party head office here today , the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema disclosed that besides Mr. Dhindsa, party General Secretary and MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Malooka are other  members of the committee. He said that the first meeting of  this committee which was scheduled to be  held on today at Patiala would now be held on 29th March at 10.00 am at party head office in Chandigarh. The Committee will meet all the municipal councillors and other SAD leaders of the Patiala city to elicit their views on the issue and submit its final report to the party President at the earliest.

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BADAL DUBS CONGRESS FOR ITS ANTI-PUNJAB STANCE

LISTS OUT HIS GOVERNMENT’S SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS AND PRIORITIES

SUKHBIR FOR VIGOROUS CAMP TO STAMP OUT DRUG ADDICTION FROM STATE WITH HEAVY HAND

MAJITHIA SEEKS SUPPORT OF PEOPLE TO OUST OF CONGRESS AT CENTRE FOR INSTALLATION OF NDA IN LOK SABHA POLLS 2014
Sri Anandpur Sahib, March 27-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that due to its anti-people policies and anti-Punjab stance the Congress party has been decimated from the political scene of the state.
Addressing the mammoth public gathering in a conference to mark the occasion of Hola Mohalla here today, the Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab have shown the door to the Congress leaders due to their dubious track record of remaining the mute spectator of the grave injustice with state. He said that it was a matter of record that the Congress party has never staged its comeback in any state in which it has been routed out from power. Citing the example of Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and others Mr Badal said that the Congress would meet the same fate in Punjab also.
Reiterating that Congress has always adopted an apathetic attitude towards the state, the Chief Minister said that a testimony to it was that the Congress led UPA government has ruined the industry and agriculture of state by enacting anti Punjab policies. Mr Badal lamented that the single point agenda of the UPA government was to ruin the farmers of the state, notwithstanding their enormous contribution in making our country self sufficient in food production. Coming down heavily on the UPA government, he said that the Union government was intriguing to bring our state at the brink of economic disaster through its anti- Punjab stance and discriminating policies, as a result of which the farmers of state were burdened with a heavy debt of Rs 32,000 crore.
Mr Badal said that by exorbitant hike in prices of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs like diesel, the Union government had broken the back of the farmers, rendering them at the mercy of the Centre. He said that the union government has always meted out a step motherly treatment with the state by irrelevantly meddling in its social, political, economic and even religious affairs. He further 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.
Reiterating his stand on setting up of a genuinely federal structure in the country, the Chief Minister said that the sole reason for the fiscal mess in many states across the country was the excessive centralization of powers by the UPA government. He said that true Federal structure was the need of the hour to ensure balanced regional growth in the entire country. Mr Badal said that the successive Congress-led government at the Center had been constantly usurping the powers of the state governments thereby reducing them to beggars who have to seek funds from the Union government to ensure development in the states.
The Chief Minister said that the centre should redefine the central-state relations in the context of true federal structure because the deliberate attempts on the part of Government of India (GoI) to dilute its character to unitary form by usurping the states’ power was against the very spirit of constitutional norms and democratic values. Mr Badal further said that unfortunately 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.
Training his guns against the UPA government, the Chief Minister reiterated that it has broken the back bone of a common man by increasing the prices of essential commodities during their entire tenure. Mr Badal said that the anti-poor and pro-rich policies of the UPA have accentuated inflationary trends much to the dismay of common man. He lamented that it was the misrule of Congress for several decades in the country, which was responsible for the plight of common man.
The Chief Minister bemoaned that Congress has never bothered to keep any check over the serious problems faced by the country. He said that it was paradoxical situation that the Congress which claimed itself to be the votary of common man was infact helping the big companies to mint the money illegally by safeguarding their interests in a clandestine manner. 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. 
The Chief Minister said that realizing well that it was the duty of the state government to acquaint the coming generations with their rich cultural heritage the state government have erected Virasat-e-Khalsa at Sri Anandpur Sahib, ‘Chhota Ghallughara Kahnuwan Chhambh Shaheedi Memorial’ at Kahnuwan, Memorial of Wadda Ghallughara at Kup Rahiran and Fateh Burj at Chhapar Chiri in the state. He further said that the Punjab government has already spent Rs 500 crore on the construction of Virasat-e-Khalsa which has emerged as a huge centre for attraction amongst the people from all strata of society.
Likewise the Chief Minister said that now in order to pay glorious tributes to the great martyrs and sons of the soil for their immense contribution in the Indian freedom struggle, the state government would soon start work for constructing a ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial on 25 acres of land at Kartarpur in district Jalandhar. Mr Badal said the work on this exemplary memorial to be erected at the cost of Rs 200 crore would be completed in two years. He said that apart from it the state government would also construct the memorial of Baba Jiwan Singh in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj at Khuralgarh in Hoshiapur, Moti Ram Mehra and Bhagwan Valimiki Ji Maharaj so as to pay befitting tribute to them.
Striking an emotional chord with the people, the Chief Minister categorically said that he was seized of majority of problems and hardship faced by the people of Punjab due to his long stint as Chief Minister of the state for five terms. He said that knowing well that free power to the farmers was the need of the hour the state government was paying more than Rs 5000 crore to the POWERCOM so as to ensure free power supply to them far. Likewise Mr Badal said that Rs 1300 criore was being spent for the welfare of the poor and weaker sections of the society through schemes like Atta Dal, Shagun and Pensions.  
The Chief Minister further said that not only this but his government was also laying special emphasis on the all round development of the state adding that Rs 1700 crore was being spent to the upgrade and strengthen the network of the rural roads across the state. Similarly he said that a prestigious program has been embarked to provide basic civic amenities to the all the towns and villages of the state. Likewise Mr Badal said that thrust was also being laid for providing quality health services and education to the people of the state.
Earlier in his address the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and President of Shiromani Akali Dal, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that in order to check the menace of drug addiction in the state, the SAD-BJP government has adopted zero tolerance policies towards the drug peddlers. He categorically said that a special campaign has been started by the state government to put the drug smugglers behind the bar adding that the results of this campaign would be evitable soon. Exhorting the people to play a proactive role in checking the drug addiction in the state, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that public support was vital for carrying out any such campaign in an effective manner. He also said that soon a helpline number would be set up by the state government where the people could lodge their complaint besides giving vital inputs check the drug trafficking in the state.
Recalling the history of sacrifices of the Shiromani Akali Dal for safeguarding the interest of the state and its people, the Deputy Chief Minister said that whenever the AD has assumed power in the state the well being of all the sections of the society has been ensured. Making a scathing attack on the Congress party, he said that rather than working for the welfare of the common people the Congress leadership has always shed crocodile tears on the issues related to them. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Punjab was the only state in the country which under the stewardship of Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal was extensively working for the welfare of the poor and weaker sections of the society.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that for the first time in the state social emphasis has been laid on the education of poor but bright students adding that all senior secondary students in government schools securing 80% or above marks would get an annual scholarship of Rs. 30,000 under a new Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship Scheme. Likewise he said that all BPL families would get Rs 30,000  Medical Insurance for each member under a new Bhagat Puran Singh Health Welfare Scheme and all government hospitals would provide free medicines to the poor in the state. In the same manner the Deputy Chief Minister said that all BPL families would get free Life Insurance and all children belonging to these families will get a monthly stipend of Rs 200 each
The Deputy Chief Minister further said that in order to give a fillip to the girl education in the state Rs 30,000  per annum Nannhi Chhaan Scholarship Scheme for poor girl students of 15.40 lakh Blue Card Holder families in professional courses would be given by the state government. Likewise he said that all Government ITI's in the state would provide Free Professional Education for girls.
Revenue and Information & Public relations Minister and President of Youth Akali Dal (YAD) Mr Bikram Singh Majithia in his address said that it was a fact that the SAD-BJP alliance government of the state, which enjoys the faith and confidence of very section of the society, was in reality the government of the poor and downtrodden people due which it was working with a missionary zeal to ensure their well being. Lauding the role of Chief Minister in constructing the monuments like Virasat-E-Khalsa, Chotta Ghallughara, Wadda Ghallughara and others for perpetuating the rich cultural legacy amongst the coming generations, Mr Majithia said that only a statesman like Mr Parkash Singh Badal could take such decision. He also lauded the role of the state government under the stewardship of Mr Parkash Singh Badal to develop the holy cities across the state.
            Thanking the people of the state for reposing their faith time and again in the pro-people and development oriented policies of the SAD-BJP combine, the Minister said that it was the high time that the Congress must be wiped out from the national political arena so that more development could be ensured in the state. He also sought people’s co-operation and support to oust congress from centre in order to pay a way for installation of NDA government so that the long pending legitimate demands of Punjab could be met without any further delay.
            In his address President of state unit of BJP Mr Kamal Sharma while recalling the significance of the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib said that during the regime of SAD-BJP alliance the state has witnessed complete communal harmony and brotherhood. He called upon the people on this historic occasion to take a pledge to fight out the scourge of drug addiction, female foeticide and untouchability from the society.
            The President of SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh in his address exhorted the people to follow the path shown by the Sikh Gurus for carving out an egalitarian society in the state. The SGPC Chief reiterated his commitment to make out concerted efforts to wean away the youth from the menace of drug addiction by organizing aware camps across the state besides sensitizing people against the social evils like female feoticide, dowry and untouchability. He said that these maladies which had already inflicted our society were against the tenets of Sikhism adding that these must be condemned by one and all.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, MLAs Mr Daljeet Singh Cheema, Jathedar Tota Singh, Bibi Jagir Kaur and Mr Surinder Singh Bhullewalrathan, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Harcharan Bains, Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Rajya Sabha MPs Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, former Union Minister Mr Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, former MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Mr Manjeet Singh GK, Chief of Damdami Taksal and President Sant Samaj Baba Harnaam Singh Dhumma and senior BJP leader Mr Rakesh Rathore.                

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SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL CONSTITUTES 3 MEMBER SCREENING COMMITTEE ON ELECTION OF MAYOR OF PATIALA

Chandigarh, March 27: The Shiromani Akali Dal President and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has constituted a three member screening committee headed by party Secretary General and MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa for selection of the candidate for the post of Mayor of Patiala Municipal Corporation.
            In a statement released from the party head office here today , the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema disclosed that besides Mr. Dhindsa, party General Secretary and MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Malooka are other  members of the committee. He said that the first meeting of  this committee would be held on 28th March at 4.00 pm at Circuit house Patiala. The Committee will meet all the municipal councillors and other SAD leaders of the this and submit its final report to the party President at the earliest.

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AMBASSADOR OF KAZAKHSTAN CALLS ON SUKHBIR
 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26:

Mr. Doulat Kuanyshev Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India today called on Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab.
Mr. Badal explained to Kazakhstan ambassador that there was a greater potential of increasing business ties with the Kazakhstan especially through road route of Attari with the likely decision of full port status to Attari border. He said that Punjab, the granary of the country, if permitted by Union Government, can export Wheat, Rice and perishable vegetables to Kazakhstan, much cheaper than these goods being imported through sea route by that country. Mr. Badal said that Kazakhstan can contribute in energy security of the country if the Kazakhstan-India oil and gas pipeline gets materialize.
Emphasizing the need for strengthening the bilateral relations, Mr. Badal said that Kazakhstan and India share ancient historical ties and both countries should work together to strengthen bilateral trade ties. Mr. Badal said that Punjab Agriculture University can provide latest expertise on Agriculture to Kazakhstan.
Thanking the Deputy Chief Minister, the Ambassador said that he was looking forward to further strengthening the vibrant trade and business ties with the largest democracy of the world. The meeting between Ambassador and Deputy Chief Minister lasted for 25 minutes.
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BADAL TERMS THIRD FRONT NOTHING BUT A FIGMENT OF IMAGINATION

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF SAD TO SUPPORT BJP FOR WIPING OUT THE CONGRESS

NATIONWIDE CONSENSUS REQUIRED FOR MAINTAINING DECORUM IN VIDHAN SABHAS AND PARLIAMENT

ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH PUNJAB
  
Badal (Sri Muktsar Sahib), March 26-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the proposed constitution of Third Front at national level was nothing but a figment of an imagination. He however said that any possibility of third front would be cleared only after the formal announcement of Lok Sabha polls.
          Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program here today, the Chief Minister said that due to the instability of the Union Government new gossip was taking place every day which was hardly having anything concrete in it. He said that picture would be clear after the process of Lok Sabha elections was set in motion. However reiterating that the SAD-BJP alliance was firm, Mr Badal said that the SAD being an important ally of the NDA was fully committed to the support the BJP to wipe out the Congress party from the national political scene.
          The Chief Minister said that the SAD was fully prepared for contesting the Lok Sabha elections at any time. He categorically said that SAD would contest these forthcoming polls in alliance with the BJP adding that the unprecedented development of the state along with the people oriented policies of the SAD-BJP alliance government in the state would be their sole agenda.
Replying to another query regarding the ruckus in the state assembly by the Congress MLAs during the recently concluded budget session, the Chief Minister while terming it as a nationwide problem emphasized on the need for building a consensus  for taking steps to maintain decorum in the state assembly and national Parliament. He said that it was unfortunate that the Congress leadership in the state have not paid any heed to smoothly run the proceedings of the state assembly. Mr Badal categorically said that the Congress leaders had misused their position by helping an unauthorized person to enter in the assembly premises thereby breaching the security adding that instead of apologizing for their mistake the Congress leaders had created ruckus in the house thereby undermining the democratic norms and ethics of the house.
The Chief Minister said that not only this but in another shameful act the Congress leaders exhibited grave disrespect to the chair of Speaker of Punjab assembly. Mr Badal said that the Congress leaders should have upheld the honour and dignity of the august house rather than indulging in such derogatory acts.
Earlier in his address during the Sangat Darshan program, the Chief Minister criticized the Union government for meting out a step motherly treatment with the state. He said that despite of enormous contribution of the state in the freedom struggle of the country and later on in making country self reliant in food production the successive Congress governments at the Centre have not only ignored the vast contribution of the state but have adopted an apathetic attitude towards it. Mr Badal said that it was on record that the Union government frame policies to deliberately exclude the state from getting its benefits.
The Chief Minister said that due to the discriminatory policies of the Union Government the industry and agriculture of the state were on the brink of economic disaster. Mr Badal further said that due to the ill conceived policies of the Union government the beleaguered farmers of the state were reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 32000 crore and were virtually on the crossroads.
The Chief Minister said that as the power of fixing the MSP and the cost of Agricultural inputs was in the hands of the Union government so the agonies of the farmers have increased manifolds. Mr Badal further said that the non remunerative MSP coupled with the sky rocketing price of the Agricultural inputs the Agriculture was no longer a profitable preposition. He said that the irony of the fate was that the states, which were connected with the people at the grass root level, were hardly consulted by the Union government while taking such vital decisions due to which the situation has aggrieved further.
Assailing the Union government for the ‘deregulated diesel mechanism’, the Chief Minister said that the sole motive of this system was to extend largesse to the big Oil companies that too at the cost of the common man. He said that under the garb of this system the big oil companies were frequently increasing the price of diesel which was adversely affecting the interests of the farmers. He said that the UPA government has rendered the hard working and resilient farmers of the country on the mercy of the Big Oil companies.
The Chief Minister further said that in the current scenario when the profits margins have been squeezed in the agriculture sector, the imparting of Skill training to the youngsters was the key for self employment. Mr Badal said that realizing well that imparting technical training to the youth for gainful self employment was the need of the hour, the state government has laid special thrust on opening a number of skill centres across the state.
During the Sangat Darshan program the Chief Minister disbursed grants for the developmental works in villages Bhai ka Kera, Baloch Khera, Kangan Khera, Dabwali Malkon ki and Badal.
          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Political Advisor Major Bhupinder Singh, Senior Akali leader Mr Paramjeet Singh Lalli Badal, SGPC Member Jathedar Dayal Singh Kolianwali, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mr Paramjeet Singh.   
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        PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF HOLI

CHANDIGARH MARCH 26:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of Punjab on the eve of Holi- The festival of colours.
In a message, the Chief Minister said that this festival has a special significance in our centuries-old culture that propagated the unity of mankind, tolerance and compassion. Celebrating such festivals not only strengthen the bonds of the communal harmony in the society but also inculcate the eternal social and moral values amongst the people, added Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister appealed the people to celebrate this joyous occasion in unison with religious fervor and gaiety rising above of the petty considerations of caste, creed and colour.
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SUKHBIR FELICITATES PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF HOLI

Chandigarh, March 26: The Punjab deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab on the eve of Holi, the festival of colours.
       In a message, Mr. Badal said that Holi provides us an opportunity to break all barriers for sharing our joy, sentiments and good feelings and to spread happiness all around. He said such occasions strengthen bonds of love, affection and amity between various sections of the society and facilitate sharing of each other’s joy and happiness.
       Calling upon the people to celebrate this festival collectively, Mr. Badal said that it would help us in further strengthening secular ethos of our country.
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PUNJAB ALL SET FOR RECORD WHEAT PROCUREMENT
BIGGEST EVER PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS TO BEGIN ON APRIL 1st 

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26:
The Punjab is all set for achieving a new record in wheat procurement as the state government would begin the biggest ever procurement operations in the state from April 1. Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Punjab and Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary, Punjab today unitedly reviewed the procurement procedures of wheat crop in Punjab, in a high level meeting with the MDs of all procurement agencies.
Giving the details of arrangements made for Rabi marketing season an official spokesman said that Punjab Government today notified 1770 mandis/purchase centers for the procurement of wheat in the state. 
The spokesman said that this year the state government has made arrangements for record procurement of 140 lakh Metric Tonnes of wheat against 129.35 lakh metric tonnes procured in the last season. The procurement agencies would purchase wheat at the MSP of Rs.1350 per quintal during the current rabi season. 
  The state government has allotted Pungrain 20%, Markfed 20%, Punsup 20%, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation 11%, Punjab Agro Industries 9% and FCI 20% as its share of wheat procurement.  He said that state agencies would procure 112 lac MT and FCI would procure 28 lac MT from total wheat procurement of the state. According to state agriculture department 161.59 lac MT of wheat production was expected this year. 
He said that payment would be made with in 48 hours and lifting with in 72 hours. The state government has made arrangements for gunny bags for the procurement operations. He said that Punjab government had make arrangements for 65 lac MT extra storage besides available storage capacity of the state. 

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VIGILANCE NABS POLICE INSPECTOR AND CONSTABLE IN A BRIBERY CASE
Chandigarh March 26:

State Vigilance Bureau during its ongoing drive against rampant corruption today nabbed a Police Inspector and Constable posted in Excise department red handed accepting bribe.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Suresh 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 Bureau caught Ranjit Singh Inspector Police and Hardip Singh Constable posted in Excise department district Jalandhar, demanding and accepting bribe from the complainant Jinderpal of village Palliwali, Nakodar for implicating him falsely in under excise act.
He added that the complainant approached the Bureau and alleged that both the accused police officials have raided his house without any official duty and nothing was found from his premises. Despite that they were demanding a bribe of Rs. 5,000 for not to book him in an excise case. After finding the veracity of facts a vigilance team led by Mr Satpal DSP Vigilance Bureau Jalandhar laid a trap and both the accused were nabbed red handed near Railway Station Nakodar in the presence of two government officials as witnesses. The tainted money was recovered from them. In this regard a vigilance case under u/s 7, 13 (1) read with 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 at Vigilance Bureau Police Station Jalandhar and further investigation was under progress.
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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SEEKS INFORMATION ON DEDUCTION OF CPF/DA & OTHER ARREARS OF IAS/PCS OFFICERS
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26:
The Punjab Government has issued strict instruction to all the departments to furnish data of deduction of contributory pension fund (CPF), dearness allowance (DA) and other arrears of IAS/PCS officers.
While disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the state government said that departmental heads have been told to submit data of monthly deduction under new pension scheme CPF, dearness allowance and other arrears of IAS/PCS officers appointed on or after January 1, 2004 from the date of their joining up till March 31, 2011, but most of the departments have yet not furnished the required information.
The spokesperson further said that departmental heads have been strictly asked to submit the requisite details to Deputy Director, Pension/New Pension Scheme, Tower No.-4, Forest Complex, Sector-68, S.A.S. Nagar besides one copy to Department of Personnel.

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AFTER MISERABLY FAILING TO PERFORM ITS CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY, CONGRESS NOW SHEDDING CROCODILE TEARS-SAD
            Chandigarh, March 26 :

The Shiromani Akali Dal lashed out at the Congress party for presenting memorandum to the Governor of  Punjab on the fiscal situation of the state and said that after miserably failing to perform its constitutional duty as a responsible opposition party in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha,  the party was now running for a cover up and shedding crocodile tears.
            Strongly reacting to the development,   the SAD Secretary and Spokesman Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said after committing grave sin of denigrating the highest office of speaker, breaching security of the state assembly and shamelessly beating the watch and ward staff on bona fide duty, the Congress is now resorting to cheap tactics  to save its image in the eyes of public. The Congress will have to answer people of Punjab that why did they boycott the whole budget session of assembly on flimsy grounds. “ Was not it the duty of the Congress party as a principal opposition party to express its views on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address and whether it was not their responsibility to bring the lapses, if any in the budget proposals on the floor of the house ? ” asked Dr. Cheema
            Dr. Cheema further said that people of the state were wise enough to understand that it has become a habit on the part of the Congress party to run away from its responsibility and later  submit false complaints to cover up their failures.
            Coming down heavily on the Congress party for misinterpretation of facts about the Punjab budget, the SAD leader reminded the party that the revenue deficit in the Punjab was much lower than the Union government being run by the Congress led UPA. He said that the reality is that revenue is increasing fastly in the state as compared to other states and economic growth rate of Punjab is also above the national growth rate. 

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ONE IAS AND ONE PCS OFFICER TRANSFERed
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26:
              
The Punjab government has issued posting/transfer orders of one IAS and one PCS officer with immediate effect.
According to an official spokesman Mr Parveen Kumar Thind, IAS has been transferred & posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), S.A.S. Nagar.
Mr. J.C.Sabharwal, PCS has been transferred & posted as Joint Secretary Power.

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BADAL ORDERS EXECUTION OF SPECIAL GIRDAWARI FOR ASCERTAINING DAMAGE TO CROPS DUE TO RAINS
·        REIETATRES COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO SAFEGUARD INTERESTS OF FARMERS
·        RAPS STATE CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR STALEMATE IN VIDHAN SABHA
·        EXHORTS SPIRITUAL LEADERS TO PLAY A PROACTIVE ROLE FOR PROMOTING EDUCATION AND CURBING THE MENACE OF DRUGS
·        PAYS RICH TRIBUTES TO SANT BABA ISHAR SINGH JI
Jhordan (Ludhiana), March 24-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would soon conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the extent of damage caused to the wheat and other crops due to heavy rains in the region last night.
Talking to the media persons here on the sidelines of centenary function to mark the birth anniversary of Sant Baba Ishar Singh ji here at Nanaksar Thaath, the Chief Minister said that he has already asked the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) to direct all the Deputy Commissioners to immediately carry out special Girdawari in the areas lashed by rains to ascertain damage caused to wheat crop on the priority. He said that adequate compensation as per government's norms would be given to the affected farmers after the survey was completed. Reiterating that the government was fully committed to protect the interests of farmers against natural calamities, Mr. Badal said that the state government was committed to extend all support to the farmers whose standing crops have been damaged due to the inclement weather following a spell of widespread rains across the state.
          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister directly held the Congress party responsible for the stalemate in the Punjab assembly. He categorically said that the Congress leaders had misused their position by helping an unauthorized person to enter in the assembly premises thereby breaching the security adding that instead of apologizing for their mistake the Congress leaders had created ruckus in the house thereby undermining the democratic norms and ethics of the house. Mr. Badal said that the Congress leaders should have upheld the honour and dignity of the august house rather than indulging in such derogatory acts.
          Earlier addressing the massive gathering, the Chief Minister while paying floral tributes to Sant Baba Ishar Singh Ji lauded the services rendered by him in the social, religious and educational field. Mr. Badal said that the state government was following the footsteps of great Gurus, Saints and Seers to maintain communal harmony, peace and amity in the state at all costs for taking off Punjab in the orbit of high growth trajectory. He further said that that apart from ensuring all round development of the state the SAD-BJP government has laid special focus on development of the religious institutions and towns of historical importance.
Exhorting the spiritual leaders across the state to play a proactive role for promoting education and curbing the menace of drugs besides other social maladies in the state, the Chief Minister said that it was the need of the hour that the ‘Sant Samaj’ and the spiritual leaders should make all out efforts for preaching the tenets of Sikhism, which could play a pivotal role in curbing social evils that had plagued the society. He said that the state government would extend all support and co-operation to the spiritual leaders in this noble cause. Mr. Badal also impressed upon the people to follow footsteps of our great Gurus who preached us to serve the mankind with utmost dedication and devotion.  
Earlier Sant Baba Ghala Singh presented a Siropa (robe of honour) to the Chief Minister. 
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Senior Akali leader Jathedar Jagdev Singh Talwandi and Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal.

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CM PAYS TRIBUTE TO SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH
ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR NOT HOLDING FUNCTION AT KHATKAR KALAN
WORK ON JANG-E-AZAADI MEMORIAL TO BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS
LAMBASTS UPA GOVERNMENT FOR STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH PUNJAB
TERMS UPA A SYNONYM OF SCAMS AND CORRUPTION
Khatkar Kalan (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, March 23-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Congress party was totally apathetic towards the contribution of Shaheed Bhagat Singh in national freedom struggle due to which its leaders have not bothered to organize a function to pay tribute to this true son of soil here at his native village.
Addressing the massive gathering here today in a state level function organized to pay tribute to the legendary martyr on his martyrdom day, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Congress could have planned the coronation ceremony of its new President on some other day rather than giving a miss to such historic day. He said that the Congress has never acknowledged the valuable contribution of these martyrs in national freedom struggle and its absence today was a testimony to it. Mr Badal categorically said that realizing well the supreme sacrifices made by Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev in liberating the country from yoke of foreign imperialism, he had hardly given any miss to this mega event in his entire political career. “Congress leaders must not forget that they have been enjoying the fruits of power just because of sacrifices made by these legendary heroes” he added.
The Chief Minister said that the Congress was least bothered about paying respect to the great martyrs of the country adding that the fact that no single memorial has been erected by the successive congress governments to commemorate the sacrifices of our great national heroes was  a testimony to it. Taking a dig at the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) Chief Mr Manpreet Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said that he had constituted his political party from this sacred land by taking the vow but it seems that he had also forgotten the date of martyrdom of these great heroes due to which he was absent also today. He said that Manpreet has committed political suicide by the leaving the Shiromani Akali Dal but the unfortunate thing was that now he has also forgotten the martyrs of the country.
Reiterating the commitment of state government to perpetuate the rich legacy of the great martyrs and freedom fighters of the country, the Chief Minister said that the “Jang-e-Azaadi” memorial would be constructed within two years by the state government to showcase the supreme sacrifices of the Punjabis in the national freedom struggle. He said that this memorial which would come up in Kartarpur near Jalandhar at a cost of Rs 200 crore would be a befitting tribute to the great heroes of freedom movement. Mr Badal also said that in the same manner a memorial to mark the great services rendered by Punjabis in Armed forces of the country for safeguarding the freedom of nation, was also coming up at Amritsar.
Lauding the contribution of state in Indian Independence movement the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of fact that Punjab was having a rich treasure in form of martyrs who had made selfless contribution for attaining the independence for the country. He said that we should feel proud on the fact that despite of having a population of only 2.5% in the country Punjab constitutes 80% of the total number of the martyrs of the freedom struggle. However Mr Badal said that the need of hour was that the message and contribution of martyrs of state must be disseminated to the people so that they could be made aware about the rich tradition of sacrifices set by their ancestors.
Making a scathing attack on the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that due to the wrong policies of this party, which had mostly remained in power ever since country attained independence, the dreams of martyrs remained unfulfilled. Mr Badal said that though the martyrs had laid down their lives for ensuring the betterment of people, during their own rule the situation was totally opposite as the countrymen were facing a large number of problems. He said that it was the irony of the fate that despite of having a bounty of natural resources the country remained poor due to the wrong policies of successive centre governments formed by the Congress party, thus resulting in a large number of social and economic maladies like unemployment, poverty, inflation, illiteracy and corruption in the country.
The Chief Minister rued that despite of the fact that Punjabis have made immense contribution in the freedom struggle and were uprooted due to the partition of country, the Congress governments have meted out a discriminatory treatment with the state by unnecessarily interfering in the social, economic, political and even the religious matters of the state. Bemoaning the grave injustice meted out to Punjab by the successive Congress governments at the Centre, Mr Badal said that refusal of Punjabi speaking areas and transfer of Chandigarh to the state along with denial of legitimate share of river waters in accordance with universally accepted Riparian Law were a testimony to it.
The Chief Minister pointed out that country was facing a peculiar situation as it was not safe both externally and internally. He said that due to the wrong policies of the UPA government today the country was having hostile border and internally also the security of the country was in peril.
Training his guns against the UPA government for its anti-poor and pro rich policies, the Chief Minister said that it was paradoxical situation that the Congress which claims to be the votary of common man was in reality helping the big companies to mint the money illegally by safeguarding their interests in a clandestine manner. He said that it was shameful that instead of serving the people the Congress leaders sitting at coveted positions were plundering the tax payer’s money by indulging in corrupt practices. Mr Badal further said that neck deep in corruption; the Union Ministers of UPA government has amassed huge wealth, which could have duly helped in ensuring development of the country for coming several decades. He said that due to rampant corruption and misdeeds the tenure of UPA government has virtually became a synonym of scams and scandals, which have become the order of the day.
On the occasion the Chief Minister also felicitated the niece of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Mrs Raminder Kaur Mann and nephew of Shaheed Sukhdev, Mr Vinod Thapar
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal, State BJP President Mr Kamal Sharma, MLA Mr Daljeet Singh Cheema, former MLA Mr Mohan Singh Banga, Senior Akali leaders Mrs Jatinder Kaur Kareeha, Mr Jagateshwar Singh Majithia and Chairman district Planning Committee Mr Resham Singh Thiara   

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PHILLAUR receives NATIONAL TOURISM AWARD FOR AMRITSAR HERITAGE WALK
·       HIGHLY SPECIALIZED AND MOTIVATED WORKFORCE TO BE ENGAGED FOR PROMOTING TOURISM: PHILLAUR
Chandigarh March 24:
Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Punjab has stressed on the need to engage highly specialized and motivated workforce with a view to promoting tourism in the state and attracting both foreign and domestic tourists in Punjab.
Stating this here today after receiving the National Tourism Award for Amritsar Heritage Walk from the Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, President of India in New Delhi, Mr. Phillaur said that a prestigious project “Heritage Walk “was envisaged by Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board for the old historic city of Amritsar to enable tourists and visitors to discover the 400 year old history of the city. This walk is a guided tour where one learns of the old town planning, traditional trade & craft, old bazaars. The intricately crafted wooden facades and doors along the route fascinate the tourists and provide a unique opportunity to the tourists to learn more about Amritsar’s history, said the Minister.
          The originality of the ancient city of Amritsar has remained intact and during the walk one gets to see Katras, Akharas, Bungas, Havelis and Hattis- the vocabulary of traditional town planning and architecture. The walk takes you back to the traditional trades and crafts being practiced in the same place and in the same manner, as have been done for centuries, said Mr. Phillaur. This walk is an opportunity to feel part of this beautiful, sacred, vibrating, Guru Di Nagari. The walk has 14 pause points in its route. It is a varied composition of Colonial past, Hindu temples, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s buildings, old bazaars etc, he added.

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FINANCE MINISTER TO CONCLUDE BUDGET DEBATE ON MARCH 25
·        INVITES ALL THE MLAs AND JOURNALISTS FOR LUNCH
Chandigarh, March 24:
Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab would conclude the debate on the budget 2013-14 on the last day of the budget session of 14th Vidhan Sabha on March 25th.
Disclosing  ­­­­­this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the Finance Minister would address the assembly on March 25th , with this the ongoing debate on the budget 2013-14 would come to an end. He said that as per the traditions of the Vidhan Sabha the Finance Minister has invited all the MLAs and Journalists for lunch in Punjab Vidhan Sabha  at 1 p.m one hour before the commencement of the proceedings in the Vidhan Sabha at 2 p.m. He said that formal invitation has already been sent to all the invitees.

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WITH AN OUTLAY OF 596 CRORE, RECORD 37 PER CENT INCREASE FOR THE WELFARE OF SC/BCs: MAJITHIA
·       CABINET MINISTER RANIKE ASSUMED CHARGE IN THE PRESENCE OF MAJITHIA
·       AN OUTLAY OF RS.11O CRORE HAS BEEN FIXED FOR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRY DEVELOPMENT AND FISHERIES

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 22:
Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, the newly inducted Minister in the Punjab Cabinet today assumed charge of the Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Department at Punjab Civil Secretariat-1, in the presence of Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Information & Public Relations and Revenue Minister, Punjab. Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria (both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Maheshinder Singh Nihal Singh Wala, Mr. Joginder Singh Jindu (MLAs) and Mr. Sarabjit Singh Makkar, Former MLA were also present during the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia eulogized the effort of the Punjab Government for enhancing record 37 per cent budget for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes (SC/BCs) in the state for the year 2013-14. He said that the budget for the welfare of SC/BCs has now been increased from Rs.435 crore to Rs.596 crore. Minister further said that animal husbandry sector has a lot of potential for boosting the agriculture income of the farmers. Mr. Majithia said that an outlay of Rs.110 crore has been fixed for animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries sectors.
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment towards the welfare of SC/BCs, he said that Rs.50 crore has been allocated in the budget to provide houses to the poor homeless scheduled castes population of the state, whereas Rs.237 crore for the SC/BCs students and Rs.28 crore has been allocated in the budget for constructing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawans in the state.
Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike extended gratitude towards Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab for reposing faith in him. He said that he would work with full dedication and diligence to uplift the SC/BCs population of the state, besides striving to boost animal husbandry sector and its allied activities.
Mr. Prithi Chand, Director, Welfare Department, Mr. Inderjit Singh, Director, Dairy Development and Dr. H.S. Sandha, Director, Animal Husbandry Department was also present on the occasion.

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EMPOWERED COMMITTEE GIVES NOD TO LEVY 0.25 AND 1% OF TOTAL PROJECT COST FROM ENTREPRENEURS TOWARDS ‘CANCER RELIEF AND DRUG DE-ADDICTION FUND’ UNDER CSR

                       MEGA PROJECTS OF Rs. 578.68 CRORE CLEARED

CHANDIGARH MARCH 22:

The Empowered Committee on mega projects today approved to levy 0.25 and 1% of the total project cost towards the contribution for special ‘Cancer Relief and Drug de-addiction Fund’ under the provisions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Empowered Committee chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at Punjab Bhawan this evening.
Disclosing this here today, the spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that the committee made it mandatory for all the entrepreneurs and Industrialists to contribute 0.25% and 1% of the total investment in case of manufacturing units and multiplexes & housing projects with a maximum cap of Rs. 25 lac and Rs. one crore respectively for this purpose. All the entrepreneurs whose projects were cleared in the meeting consented to contribute for this noble cause.
Meanwhile, the Empowered Committee also approved four mega projects with total investment of Rs. 578.68 crore comprising three mega manufacturing projects viz. M/s Asian Fine Cements for setting up of a Cement Plant with an installed capacity of one million per annum at village Rajgarh in Tehsil Rajpura of District Patiala with an investment of Rs. 127.46 crore. Likewise, the committee also approved a manufacturing unit of designed woolen and cotton apparels by M/s Monte Carlo fashions Ltd. at Sherpur Kalan in Ludhiana district at a cost of 163.86 crore and a Terry Towel Project to be set up by M/s TC Terry Tex Complex near Lalru in Tehsil Dera Bassi of Mohali district with an investment of 104.36 crore besides a Mega Multiplex of M/s Parv Promoters Limited at Jalandhar with a total capital outlay of 183 crore.
 Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Local Government Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat,  Tourism & Jail Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majhitia, Industries and Technical Education Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Mr. NK Sharma and Mr. GS Babehali (both Chief Parliamentary Secretaries), Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. GS Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr.SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Finance & Planning Mr. Satish Chandra, Principal Secretary Water Supply and Sanitation Mr. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Housing and Urban Developmet Mr. A Venu Prasad, Director-cum-Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr. Vikas Partap, MD Punjab Agro Mr. Kirandeep Singh Bhullar.
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MISUSE OF CBI AGAINST DMK A CLASSIC CASE OF VENDETTA POLITICS BY CONGRESS-SAD
CENTRE MUST UNDERSTAND ITS CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITES AS A FEDERAL GOVT.-DR. CHEEMA
Chandigarh, March 22 :

The Shiromani Akali Dal lambasted the gross misuse of the investigative agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Congress party to settle scores against its political opponents and termed the raid on the DMK leaders by the agency sleuths as a classic case of vendetta politics ushered by the Congress led UPA government
            Initiating the debate on the Punjab budget in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha today MLA from Rupnagar and Secretary and Spokesman of the SAD, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that it was most unfortunate the centre government was using the agency for its arm twisting tactics to crush the voice of its political opponents. He said that it is an established historical fact that Congress has always misused power to snub its opponents and same is being done now. He asked the Punjab Congress leaders to get equipped with the real face of their own party and stop making false allegations against the SAD-BJP government of the state.
            Coming down heavily on the Centre government for forgetting its constitutional duties towards the states and welfare of the people, Dr. Cheema said that it was making all out efforts to centralise the whole system by  usurping powers of the states and interfering in the  subjects in the state and concurrent list particularly on law and order, health, education and other sectors. He said that instead of providing funds for the all round development to the states centre was keeping  more than 68% percent of total tax collection and result is that Punjab is getting only 1.389 percent share from this. He said that the formulas for devolution are faulty as better states are at disadvantage. He demanded that at least 50 percent of the total tax collections by the centre government should be given to states.
 He expressed surprise that no weightage is being given to Punjab which has 29 percent SC population, has the longest and alive international border and is suffering for filling the food bowl of the country which in result has affected its soil fertility and ground water table is fast depleting. He said although there is a precedent that the Prime Minister and Rail minister always favour their parent state but in the case of Punjab it was other way round and state has suffered.
            Lauding the Punjab budget, the SAD leader said that it caters to the needs of all sections of the society. He said that farmers will the most benefit as the agriculture sector has been provided Rs. 1063 crore, Rs. 110 crore has been provided for animal husbandry, fishery and dairy development besides subsidy for women dairy entrepreneurs. He said that Punjab has focussed more on education, health, girl child and women empowerment and even CAG report has proved the fact  which states,     “ in the case of education, the ratio of expenditure incurred by the government of Punjab in general category states average has gone up from 76.70 % in 2008-09 to 90.86 % in 2011-12 whereas in case of health higher proportion (106.74%) of the aggregate expenditure was spent by the government of Punjab as compared to general category states average.”
            He said that the high economic growth rate of 6.73 percent of the state above the national average of 5-6 percent  reflects the commitment of the SAD-BJP government under the able guidance of S. Parkash Singh Badal towards the development agenda. He said that in a welfare state a government cannot act as a ‘Shahukar’ and hence adequate measure for social welfare have been initiated in a number of schemes like Dr. Hargobind Khurana scholarship scheme for providing Rs. 30 thousand yearly scholarship to students of the government schools, Bhai Ghannayia health insurance scheme has been extended for all the citizens, Rs. 30 crore has been earmarked for tablets to be given to students besides others.
            The SAD leader said that the budget aims at realizing the ‘New Punjab’ dream of the Punjab Chief Minister which would usher a new era of development with infusion of huge funds for infrastructure development and other developmental schemes.

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CONGRESS USING CBI AGAINST ALLIES TO KEEP ITS TOTTERING FLOCK TOGETHER-SUKHBIR

• CAN NOT SURVIVE LONG BY SUCH DIRTY TRICKS
• PUNJAB TO COME OUT WITH LEGISLATION TO REGULARISE ILLEGAL COLONIES
• FREE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ALL POOR FAMILIES
• BRILLIANT STUDENTS TO GET SCHOLARSHIP TO THE TUNE OF RS. 30,000
• ALL SET TO LAUNCH RAPID RURAL POLICE RESPONSE SYSTEM AND SAFE CITY CONCEPT 

BUDHLADA, MARCH 22: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today decried Congress led UPA Government for using CBI against its allies to keep their flock together and said that such dirty tricks by the ruling party has reinforced the demand of the people to give total autonomy to CBI.
          Talking to media persons after inaugurating Rs. 30 Crore Railway Over Bridge and laying foundation stone Sadr Police Station, Mr. Badal said that UPA that was on ventilator has activated its dirty tricks department to lash its allies into submission by launching raids against them and then disowning any responsibility for that. He said that UPA was using carrot and stick policy to force Mulayam and Maya to continue their support to this tottering government. He said that raids on Stallin on a flimsy issue of illegal Car Import were just a subtle message to Mulayam and Maya, sitting on fence, to fall in line or face similar vindictive actions. He said that NDA had been advocating total autonomy to Central Bureau of Investigation so that it was not used as a political tool by the ruling party but Congress Party was dragging its feet on this issue. Mr. Badal said that days of congress led UPA Government were numbered and it can not survive in the office for long by such dirty tricks.

         
          When asked about problems being faced in the registration of properties especially of illegal colonies, Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government was fully seized of this problem and has involved a comprehensive policy and in this session on Monday SAD-BJP Government was bringing out a holistic Legislation to regularize all illegal colonies in the state.
Earlier addressing an impressive gathering at local grain market, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that in Punjab Budget-2013, the SAD-BJP government has focused on  the development of poor and unprivileged sections of the society by launching unique health insurance scheme besides ensuring quality education for poor children and girls opting for professional courses. He said that our government has decided to start a health insurance scheme for 15.4 lac poor families availing Atta-Dal scheme through which they can avail free treatment up to Rs. 30,000 in any private hospital too. He said that Bhai Ghaniya Insurance Scheme providing medical cover up to Rs.1.5 lac was also being extended to each resident of the state at a symbolic premium of Rs.100 per month.
The Deputy Chief Minister informed that the State government has also decided to provide Rs.30,000 scholarship per year to all those students of government schools getting 80% or above marks in matriculation for their two year senior secondary education. Similarly, such scholarship would also be provided to those girl students of government schools, who were opting professional courses like nursing. He said that the state government has also decided to set up 1,000 model schools in rural areas. He said that any village Panchayat, which offers 5 acres of land, would get this school to be constructed/operated/managed by the private developer. He said that all the students of the concerned village would get free of cost education besides an annual income for the village Panchayat.
Reiterating its commitment to ensure law & order in the state, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that a Rapid Rural Police Response System was being launched in the state soon at a cost of Rs.35 crore. He said that with this system Police assistance would be available in less than 20 minutes even in the remotest rural areas on a distance call. He said that the state government was all set to cover Amritsar and Ludhiana, both major cities of the state under its unique project Safe City at the cost of Rs.135 crores, to effectively curb the crime with ultra modern technologies in the form of CCTV cameras, mapping of crime prone areas, sensors, automatic license plate readers etc. He said that to facilitate public 147 more Saanjh Kendras at remaining Police stations were being set up at a cost of Rs.14 crore by March 31, 2014.
He said that the Rs.9000 crore plan had already been launched to provide world class civic infrastructure in Urban areas of the state in coming three years. He said that the state government has also decided to set up PUDA colonies in each city and town of the state to showcase its urban development model. He said that the Chief Minister has approved Rs.1700 crore for village link roads to be repaired/ renovated in next 4 months. He said that with the ambitious road projects of Rs.13000 crore, every city and town of the state would have 4/6 lane connectivity in coming three years. He also announced to set up an ultramodern hospital in district Mansa in coming months. He said that projects worth Rs.70 crore had already been launched/ completed in Budhlada city alone and categorically assured that there would be no dearth of funds for the development of Budhlada constituency in future also. Later on the Deputy Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones of Rs.5 crore Adarsh School and Rs.2 crore Health Centre at Boha town.
Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhundar, Member Parliament, Mr. Chatin Singh Samaon, MLA, Budhlada, Mr. Prem Mittal, MLA, Mansa, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Former Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Harbant Singh Harta, Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal and Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Biroke, all Former MLAs also spoke on the occasion.
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PUNJAB CANCELS HOLIDAY ON SEPTEMBER 30 UNDER NEGOTIABLE ACT 

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 22: The Punjab Government today cancelled holiday under section 25 of Negotiable Instrument Act on September 30 (Bank Holiday and half year closing) for this year and for future also.

      This was disclosed by an official spokesperson.

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ASSOCIATE SCHOOLS IN PUNJAB GIVEN 2 YEAR GRACE PERIOD TO FULFILL NORMS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 22:

The Punjab Education Department has accorded permission to the Associate Schools in the state to continue functioning and fulfill norms within this grace period of two years.
Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister, Punjab said that this decision was taken in a high level meeting of the officer of Education Department and representative of Associate Schools. ''The Associate Schools, which fulfill desired conditions and are being run in the buildings of 500 square yard or more, could continue their functioning", he adding by saying that if any inadequacy in the infrastructure is found, the affiliation of the concerned school would be cancelled.
The Minister further said that the cases of those schools, which are being operated in the area less than 500 square yard, would also be considered sympathetically. He said that the District Education Officers have been instructed to furnish report regarding these schools up till April 5, 2013. Mr. Maluka said that the eligible Associate Schools could start admission for the academic year 2013-14.
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CONGRESS BID FOR FRANCHISEE ZONAL PRESIDENTS CAN NOT STOP MASS DESERTION OF MLAs FROM PARTY-MAJITHIA

• CONGRESS REDUCE TO MOCKING PARTY BY STAGING MOCK ASSEMBLY
• LASHES AT CHANDIGARH POLICE FOR DRAGGING ITS FEET ON FIR AGAINST MLAs

FEROZEPUR/CHANDIGARH MARCH 21:  Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Punjab today said that Congress novel experiment of appointing Zonal and Regional Presidents on ‘franchise’ was a desperate step to stop mass desertion of MLAs from Congress to Shiromani Akali Dal.
          Speaking to media persons here, Mr. Majithia said that directionless, leaderless Congress Party has reduced itself to a laughing stock by coming out with such formulas and said that over 5 Congress MLAs were making desperate bids to join SAD. He said that by staging mock assembly, the Congress leaders have shown to the people of Punjab that they were not worth of entering the Sanctum-Sanctorum of Punjab Vidhan Sabha and Congress Party has become a mocking party. He regretted that instead of apologizing for mistakes committed by their MLAs, the Congress leaders were enacting new street play everyday to ensure their photographs in the media. He said that some MLAs climb on trees and other sit on inverted flower pots to give a photo shoot to the media.
          Lashing at Chandigarh Police for dragging its feet on FIR against 8 MLAs under direct pressure from Congress led UPA Government; Mr. Majithia said that a delegation of Youth Akali Dal would submit a memorandum to Punjab Governor and Administrator UT complaining about inaction of Chandigarh police. He questioned that if Maharashtra Police could be so prompt against MLAs in initiating criminal action, what was preventing Chandigarh Police in custodial interrogation of guilty MLAs. 

          Earlier Mr. Majithia inaugurated the 6 day long  Sports and Cultural Program organized on the eve of Martymdom Day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at local Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium. He also said that to promote sports in the state, the SAD-BJP Government had constructed 6 Hockey and 8 Multipurpose Sports Stadium in the state with the cost of Rs. 150 crore besides setting-up of 5000 multipurpose gyms and distributed 9000 sports kits to the youth in villages. He also announced to give a grant of Rs. 2 Lakh for Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev Memorial Society.  Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, both CPS, Mr. Jaswinder Singh Sandhu, Mr. Rajinder Singh Chinna, Chairman Punjab Agro, Mr. Kartar Singh Chinna, Mr. Vardev Singh Nony Maan and Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nanhu, Former CPS.  
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PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES

ASSAULT OF WATCH AND WARD STAFF BY CONGRESS MLAs
SC COMMISSION RECORDS STATEMENT OF SPEAKER PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 21: The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes on Thursday proceeded further on a complaint regarding assault of Head Constable Mr. Jai Pal belonging to Scheduled Castes Community by Congress MLAs, who ridiculed him with casteist remarks on March 13, 2013 and it recorded the statement of Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal. 
Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman Commission for Scheduled Castes accompanied by Mr. Parkash Singh Gardhiwala and Mr. Dalip Singh Pandhi, Members of Commission informed that they recorded the statement of the Speaker as he was the Custodian of Punjab Vidhan Sabha, where the alleged assault and denigration of an on duty Head Constable, belonging to SC Category, took place. They informed that the Victim was working under the superintendence and control of Punjab Vidhan Sabha and discharging duty allocated by Secretary Vidhan Sabha and it was imperative to record their statements to further investigate complaint.
The Chairman said that in his detailed statement given to the Commission,  the Speaker informed them about the sequence of events, including assault on the on duty victim by a group of Congress MLAs. He also informed about complaint received from the victim regarding his manhandling along denigration being a member of SC Community and action taken by him as Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha on the complaint. He also informed that the complaint has been also forwarded to Chandigarh Police that has registered a FIR on the said complaint under section 147,149, 332, 353, 384 of the IPC.
 
Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Cabinet Minister for Parliamentary Affairs was also present on the occasion.

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MARUTI SUZUKI ADOPTS FIVE ITI's IN PUNJAB SIGNS MoU WITH STATE

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 21: The largest manufactures of automobiles in the country the auto giant Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) today took the major initiative of adopting five industrial training institutes of the state and establishing a long term relationship with Punjab.
The Technical Education Department, Punjab today signed a historic MoU with the auto giant Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) for the up gradation of technical education institutes in the state.
The MOU was signed by Mr. B. Purushartha, Director Technical Education on behalf of the Punjab Government, whereas Mr. Rajesh Uppal, Executive Director of Maruti Suzuki also signed the agreement from company side in the presence of Mr. Anil Joshi, Technical Education Minister, Punjab. As per MoU MSIL has adopted five ITIs of Amritsar, Bassi Pathana. Pathankot, Malerkotla and Nabha. These ITIs are being adopted in private public participation (PPP) mode with the objective to train and create a pool of employable youth for the automobile and allied industries. Over 2,000 youngsters in the Punjab region are expected to directly benefit through this initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Joshi directed the officials of the department to work for the skill development in the state. He further said that as per MoU both parties would work to improve the quality of training to upgrade the above mentioned industrial Training Institutes into centre of excellence, leading to the better employment opportunities to the students in the state. He instructed that besides this placement cells would also be set up in these ITIs to guide the students for better future and to develop suitable and sustainable mechanism to trace the careers. He said that MSIL would also identify training needs of faculty and depute them for training in associate industries and to ensure the placement of pass outs to the maximum possible extent within and outside its own organization and network. Executive Director of MSIL revealed that both parties would develop the plan for ITIs, defining the long term goals of the institutes besides chalking out the strategies for dealing the challenges faced by institutes.
Mr. A.R. Talwar, Principal Secretary, Technical Education said that the department was fully committed to provide the best placement opportunities to the students by collaborating with Multi National Compaties (MNCs) around the globe.
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RANIKE TO INAUGURATE STATE LEVEL FISH FARMING
FAIR ON MARCH 23

Chandigarh March 21: To encourage the farmers to adopt crop diversification and initiate dairy farming along with fisheries, the Animal Husbandry department in collaboration with National fisheries Board Amritsar would organize a state level Fish Farming Fair on March 23.
Disclosing this here today, a spokesman of the department said that Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike Animal Husbandry Minister would inaugurate the fair at Amritsar and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Des Raj Dhugga would be the Chief Guest on the occasion. The successful fish farmers would be honored during the state level fish farming fair, he said. A large number of fish farmers from neighboring states are also expected to attend the fair and acquaint with the latest know-how in the field.
         
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CM HAILS STATE’S ANNUAL BUDGET 2013-2014

TERMS IT AS A ROADMAP FOR NEW PUNJAB

BUDGET WOULD FURTHER ACCELERATE THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT IN STATE
Chandigarh, March 20-
          Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today hailed the Tax free budget of the state for the year 2013-2014 presented by the Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa in Vidhan Sabha and described it as a roadmap for New Punjab.  Terming the Budget as a balanced, development oriented and reflective of pro-people policies of the state government, he said it aims at to serve the weakest of the weak and poorest of the poor sections of society in the right earnest.
          In a statement, the Chief Minister said that the budget was the outcome of the pragmatic approach of the SAD-BJP alliance government to achieve the objective of overall development and prosperity in a holistic manner. He further said that the budget would certainly boost the tempo of all-round development of the state be it in the sector of Agriculture, Industry, Infra structure, Power, Education, Health besides empowering the women and weaker sections of the society. Mr Badal envisioned the current budget as a milestone which would go a long way in setting new parameters of growth and development to take the state to the new zenith thereby cherishing aspirations of people of Punjab to realize the goal of New Punjab in near future.   

SC COMMISSION INITIATES ACTION IN MANHANDLING CASE OF HEAD CONSTABLE IN PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA
·         RECORDS STATEMENT OF VICTIM JAI PAL AND HIS COMMANDANT  
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 20: The Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes today initiated the action on a complaint regarding assault of Head Constable Mr. Jai Pal belonging to Scheduled Castes Community by Congress MLAs, who insulted him with casteist remarks on March 13, 2013 as victim and his commandant today appeared before the Commission to record their statements.
Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman Commission for Scheduled Castes accompanied by Mr. Parkash Singh Gardhiwala, Member of Commission, informed that the victim Jai Pal appeared before the commission and recorded the whole sequence of events leading to his assault and deliberate attempt of MLAs to denigrate him before whole media.
The Chairman said that in his detailed statement given to the Commission, the victim disclosed that he was deployed on duty in the premises of Vidhan Sabha on March 13, 2013 and the on duty police had been informed that a girl entered the Vidhan Sabha in an unauthorized manner. He said that when he was discharging his duties on his duty point in front of CLP Office, some MLAs came  charging towards him and started his manhandling in full public view. Mr. Jai Pal also alleged that Congress MLAs Rana Gurjit Singh, Mr. Kuljit Singh Nagra, Mr. Sukhjinder Singh, Mr. Jagmohan Singh Kang and Mr. Parminder Singh Pinky were running behind the policemen discharging their duties in the lounge of Vidhan Sabha.

Mr. Jai Pal also added that meanwhile, these MLAs caught him up and started his thrashing. He said that these MLAs also questioned him about  his identity and my caste. The victim said that when I told them that he belonged to a poor downtrodden family and was from Scheduled Castes community, they snatched my identity card. On knowing my caste, they asked me that how dare you come here and made mockery of me ridiculing me with caster ridden remarks.  
According to Jai Ram, he had managed to escape from them and reached to his duty point but when after a short while he went to Congress MLAs for the recovery of his identity card but to no avail since the Congress MLAs were still abusing him. The victim said that on intervention of Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Congress MLA, they released him.  

Pleading a strict action against the erring Congress MLAs, Mr. Jai Pal requested the Commission to initiate stern action in a stipulated timeframe and ensure the delivery of justice against the injustice committed by Congress MLAs. He also pleaded for security to him and his family as he feared threat from MLAs, who assaulted him.

Meanwhile the Commission also recorded the statement of Commandant 3rd Battalion, Mohali Mr. Sukhwant Singh Gill, whose duty was to check internal security of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Mr. Bagha, Chairman of the Commission, assured the victim that every possible legal remedies would be taken to ensure the delivery of justice to the aggrieved.

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UPA GOVERNMENT FAILED TO CHECK THE INDISCRIMNATE USE OF PESTICIDES-HARSIMRAT BADAL

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH, MARCH 18:

Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament from Bathinda today in Lok Sabha strongly raised the most serious and sensitive issue of using pesticides indiscriminately and its fatal affects on thousands of lives in Malwa region and demanded the strictly implementation of guidelines of Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers at ground level to save the lives as well as the agri-lands from pesticides pollution.

            During Zero Hour, Mrs. Badal produced detailed studies and facts harming the Malwa belt of Punjab with the utmost affect of pesticides, which were being used by the farmers to garner the high-yield of crops. She said that this pollution was not only harmful to human beings but too our eco system.

            Accusing the ill-managed agri relating policies of Union Ministries, Mrs. Badal said that due to meager increase in Minimum Support Price in every season, the farmers of the country were forced to use the pesticides its maximum to produce high-yield of their crops resulting 90 percent of pesticides were got mixed in the soild and water besides contaminating the water circle of the various affected areas. She said that no check and control over the indiscriminate use of pesticides was leading to hazardous problems in our health systems.  Mrs. Badal said that the studies conducted by Punjab Agriculture University and other organisations in Malwa regions had proved that unjudicious use of pesticides was also one of the reason behind increasing numbers of cancer in this belt. Mrs. Badal also said that the rising cases of victims of various diseases were exposing that, obviously, there was no body and no authority, which was looking into the indiscriminate use and harmful effects of these pesticides on thousands of lives and our eco system. She also asked the Speaker that if there was a Body or plan to look into this most sensitive issue of Punjab’s Malwa belt, it means it was not being implemented the way it needs to be implemented.

            Lashing out at Union Ministries for their sheer failure on this issue, Mrs. Badal asked the Union government did they ever plan to have any dedicated body to look into this and strict implementation of laws, which could create awareness at ground level to educate the farmers about the side-affects of the unjudicious use of pesticides. She also demanded the implementation of plan or scheme made by Union Government in true spirit to save thousands of lives and eco-system from the pesticide pollution.

            Describing the plight of people in Malwa belt, Mrs. Badal said that in this specific area of the state content of pesticides had been found in the blood samples of the farmers, which were highest in the world besides finding uranium contents in the hairs of children. She said that flora and fauna along our entire eco system was being harmed through this practice of pesticides.

            Quoting the study of Punjab Agriculture University, Mrs. Badal said that the PAU had collected food samples in the Malwa region and out of total 162 vegetable samples, residues over the permissible limit were found in 5. She said that it was not the Ministry of Environment, who was responsible for this, it was something that was concerned with the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilisers and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. She said that Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers should strictly monitor those pesticides, which were allowed to be registered and used in the country.

            Mrs. Badal also accused the Union Minister Jayanti Natrajan for her comments that the situation was not as alarming as sounded by Bathinda Member Parliament and said that the limitless use of pesticides produces cancer in the state. she said that it was a known fact that national average of cancer were 100 cases on per lakh population while only in Bathinda Constituency it was 134 cases.

\Chandigarh, 18 March

            S. Partap Singh Bajwa, President, PPCC today appointed the following PCC observers for holding district level meetings on 20.03.2013 for mobilizing Congress workers & masses for official function on 23rd March, 2013 at Punjab Congress Bhawan, Sector – 15, Chandigarh for taking over as President, PPCC.

(Nirmal Rampal)
                                                       Office Secretary, PPCC

GOVT NEVER SOUGHT APOLOGY. ISSUE BETWEEN SPEAKER, HOUSE AND CONGRESS- MEDIA ADVISOR 

Chandigarh March 18 –
The Punjab government has at stage sought an apology from the Opposition Congress party in the state and therefore there is no occasion for latter to accept or decline any such demand.
"The Congress response on these lines is irrelevant. The issue is not between the government and the Congress. It is between the House and the Speaker on the one side and the Opposition on the other. At no stage did the government even seek an apology as it was not even in order for it to do so," said Mr. Harcharan Bains , Chief Minister's Advisor on National Affairs and Media, reacting to reports on the Congress refusing to apologize to the government. 

CM EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER THE
TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT OF POLICE VEHICLE ON THE WAY TO FATEHGARH

ANNOUNCES EX GRATIA GRANT OF RS 2 LAKH EACH FOR THE NEXT OF KIN OF DECEASED
CHANDIGARH March 18:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic accident of Punjab Police Vehicle on the Khamano - Fatehgarh road near village Lohari  in which six staff members of Khamano Police station were killed and 11 others were injured. The driver of the vehicle carrying these Policemen to Fatehgarh Sahib via Sanghol for participating in weekly parade, lost control and resulted in collision with tree on the roadside.
Mr. Badal directed the Civil and Police administration to extend all possible help to ensure best and free treatment to all the injured to save their precious lives. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an ex Gratia grant Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased besides a financial assistance of Rs. 25000/- for the seriously injured. Mr. Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and 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.

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CM FOR SCRAPPING ALL CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

CALLS FOR RECASTING- CONSTITUTION ON FEDERAL LINES

DEMANDS IMMEDIATE TRANSFER OF CHANDIGARH AND PUNJABI SPEAKING AREAS TO PUNJAB

PROMISES NEW PUNJAB

APPEALS OPPOSITION TO SHUN THE POLITICS OF CONFRONTATION

SEEKS THEIR WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION TO ENSURE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF PUNJAB 

LISTS OUT MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT

Chandigarh March 18 –
The Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today called for a nation-wide political initiative to recast the Constitution along federal lines, scrapping of all central schemes and make a provision for direct transfer of 50% of central taxes to states.
Winding up the debate on the Governor's address in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr Badal also impressed upon for an end to the politics of confrontation and starting of an era of political consensus for taking the state forward on the path to progress and getting its long pending demands settled. The Chief Minister asked the Centre to desist from usurping the powers vested in states by the constitution of India under state’s list. He pleaded the fixation of Agriculture inputs and MSP, upgradation of schools, allocation of funds under the National Rural/Urban Health Mission and allotment of link roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna etc. should be solely left to the states so that they could prioritise these projects according to the felt needs of the people.    
Pleading for the scrapping of centrally sponsored schemes which were arbitrarily based on the parameters suited to the Centre, the Chief Minister asked the Union government to transfer the funds directly to the states as Untied Funds and Direct Grants to enable them to formulate schemes. He cited Central government retained 67.5% of all the tax collected and merely 32.5% was devolved to the states. Mr Badal vehemently said, “Shiromani Akali Dal is the maiden political party which raised the voice for a federal set up and devolution of funds to the states in the right earnest could be a step for achieving this goal”.
The Chief Minister rued the grave injustice meted out to Punjab by the successive Congress governments at the Centre adding he said refusal of Punjabi speaking areas and transfer of Chandigarh to the state and denial of legitimate share of river waters in accordance with universally accepted Riparian Law were the testimony to it. Demanding immediate transfer of Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas to Punjab and early resolution of river waters, Mr Badal said that Punjab could no longer be denied its justified right over these contentious inter-state territorial issues. The constant saga of apathy has not yet ended here and now the UT administration of Chandigarh was tinkering with the prevalent system of maintaining 60:40 ratio of posting officers from Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh administration till it was not transferred to Punjab. Mr Badal also mentioned that UT administration of Chandigarh was flouting the norms despite without any provision of its cadre or recruitment.  Earlier the post of Chief Commissioner was held by Punjab cadre IAS Officer however it was abolished by the Centre during militancy and consequently Punjab Governor was made ex-officio administrator and UT Cadre IAS officer has been appointed his Advisor ever since.
Bemoaning the denial of justice to the victims of 1984 anti Sikh riots, the Chief Minister appealed the Centre through this house to bring to book the guilty of this heinous crime. He said Congress party instead of punishing the guilty has rewarded the perpetrators with plump posts in the Government and the party. Mr Badal sought exemplary punishment to the guilty of 1984 riots without any further delay.  
Banking upon his foremost agenda to ensure peace, communal harmony, brotherhood, development and clean administration, the Chief Minister categorically said that the spectacular victory of Dasuya and Moga by-elections with huge margins was reflective of people’s unstinted support and faith in the pro-development policies of SAD-BJP alliance government. Continuing the spree of winning different elections, he also pointed out SAD’s unprecedented performance in capturing the control of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) by winning 37 out of 46 seats in the recently concluded elections was again an outcome of party’s firm belief in the ethos of mankind.
Seeking co-operation and support from the opposition, the Chief Minister appealed them to sink their differences for the overall development of the state and the well being of its people. Mr Badal said that he always held the opposition in high esteem and adopted a constructive approach towards them thereby impressing upon them to work collectively for the betterment of Punjab rising above the narrow and vested political affiliations.  He said, “Our party had completely vanished the atmosphere of vendetta and confrontation, which was once the order of the day during Congress regime prior to formation of SAD-BJP alliance government in 2007”. The Chief Minister urged Congress with all humility to shun the path of confrontation to usher an era of politics of consensus to take peace, communal harmony and development in Punjab to zenith. Mr Badal said, “The confrontation is the flagship scheme of the Congress, which is unfortunate”
The Chief Minister said; "The overall development seen in the state during the SAD-BJP alliance government over the past six years has no parallel in the history of the state and was rapidly poised to become the frontrunner state in the country”. The unprecedented development coupled with the pro-people policies has paid rich dividends to the SAD-BJP alliance in creating a history by coming to power for the second consecutive term. He assured the unaccomplished development agenda of the state set out in its previous term would be taken out to its logical conclusion in the current term zealously. He however said that all the development projects and pro-people welfare schemes would be implemented to cherish the aspirations of the people.
Listing out the achievements and priorities of his government briefly, the Chief Minister promised a ‘New Punjab’ with a modern outlook having world class social and physical infra structure within next four years. He said that ‘New Punjab’ would be the outcome of the state government’s sheer initiative and pragmatic approach through its pro-people and development oriented policies.    
Mr Badal demanded that the Union government should immediately enhance the allocation of Crop Diversification to Rs 5000 crore, from meagre Rs 500 crore for the Green Revolution states as announced by the Union Finance Minister in his budget speech, on the pattern of already sanctioned Rs 4000 crore to the eastern states under bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India. He also advocated that the MSP of the crops should be fixed keeping in view the recommendations of National Farmers Commission headed by Dr. Swaminathan which recommended that MSP should provide the farmers a margin of 50% over the cost of production. Mr Badal mentioned that even the criteria for allocation of funds under RKVY were highly discriminatory adding that though the state contributed about 35-40% rice to the central pool, it had not been included in National Food Security Mission for Rice. Even in National Food Security Mission for wheat, only 10 districts of the state have been covered.
On the Power sector, the Chief Minister renewed his commitment that Punjab would soon become a power surplus state with the commissioning of all units of three thermal plants at Talwandi Sabo, Rajpura and Goindwal Sahib to be  functional by May 2014. Mr Badal said that Transmission and Distribution losses had been reduced from 22.53% to 17.50% thereby saving nearly Rs 2000 crore.
The Chief Minister said that strenuous efforts have been made to revamp the education infrastructure at all levels be it school, college and university.  Apart from Central University at Bathinda seven new private universities have been started and equal number of letters of intent has been issued for other private universities. As many as 18 new degree colleges have been opened and two more were being opened in Amargarh in Sangrur and Jalalabad in Fazilka districts. It’s a matter of great pride that Punjab had been rated first in “Composite Education Development Index of India” in 2010-2011 from its earlier 14thrank in the year 2005-2006.  Nearly 61000 school teachers had been appointed since 2007 and process was on to recruit 5622 more besides services of 17000 school teachers had been regularised and 7654 would be regularized soon.
Dwelling on the initiatives taken by the state government to strengthen Health and Medical infrastructure, the Chief Minister said that Punjab State Cancer and De-addiction treatment infrastructure fund has been created to eradicate the menace of cancer on one hand and to wean away the youth from the scourge of drug addiction. Tata Memorial Cancer hospital would come up at Mullanpur near Chandigarh at a cost of Rs 450 crore and the 50 acre land has already been allotted free of cost for setting up of this state of the art cancer hospital. Rs 300 crore had been spent for the up gradation of infra structure to provide the best treatment to the cancer patients in Government medical colleges besides 100 bedded Cancer hospital was being set up in Bathinda at a cost of Rs 68 crore. Likewise the Chief Minister’s cancer relief fund has been enhanced from Rs 20 crore to Rs 30 crore.
On the law and order front, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government was committed to ensure safety and security of women in the state and was far ahead of almost all the states of the region to implement path breaking initiatives in this behalf. 20 fast track courts have been sanctioned for speedy trial of gender related crimes. Strict instructions had been issued by the Home Department for not calling any women to Police stations and all ladies to be examined at their residence in the presence of their family by the Police authorities accompanied by a lady Police officer. Government has also mooted a proposal to have a lady gazetted officer and adequate constables in each Police station. The government had already approved to recruit six lady DSPs, 36 Inspectors, 338 Sub Inspectors and 1200 constables over a period of next three years.
To ensure planned and integrated urban development, the Chief Minister said for the first time master plans for cities had been formulated adding that 32 master plans had already been notified and 18 would be notified within a year and 40 more would be notified in next three years. A Medicity over an area of 250 acre at Mullanpur near Chandigarh was being developed. Ludhiana Metro Rail project had been approved at a cost of Rs 9840 crore and its Detailed Project Report has been submitted to the Government of India. A project of City Bus Service at a cost of Rs 98 crore has been launched thereby adding a fleet of 350 buses in Amritsar and Ludhiana. Strenuous efforts have been made to cover all the villages and Dhanis across the state with quality potable drinking water supply by December 2014 at 70 litres per person per day. Out of 15170 total villages and Dhanis, 7085 had been covered during over government at accost of Rs 1664 crore.      
Showing satisfaction over the tremendous increase in the VAT and Excise the Chief Minister said that the Revenue from VAT had gone up to Rs 12000 crore in 2011-2012 as compared to Rs 5136 crore in 2006-2007 during Congress regime which was likely to touch Rs 14700 crore in 2012-2013. Likewise the Excise Collection was expected to be Rs 3400 crore in 2012-2013 as compared to Rs 1363 crore in 2006-2007 during the Congress regime. This increase was further likely to touch a mark of Rs 4020 crore in 2013-14.  Referring to the annual plan size Mr Badal pointed out that it was just Rs 4000 crore during 2006-2007 which was the last year of Congress regime whereas we enhanced it to Rs 14000 crore in 2012-2013 and further intend to take it up to Rs 16123 crore in 2013-2014.
Referring to the remarkable progress made by SAD-BJP government for strengthening and up gradation of the Road infra structure, the Chief Minister said that nearly Rs 10000 crore was being spent on the four laning of eight road projects across the state besides Rs 750 crore on the Railway over and under bridges. A sum of Rs 1700 crore would be spent on the repair of all the link roads within one year and 1000 kilometers of link roads would be upgraded under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna.
          Reiterating the commitment of the state government to ensure the welfare of disadvantaged sections of the society, the Chief Minister said that the state was having the highest concentration of Schedule Caste population in the country. He said that Punjab was the first state to implement the Shagun Scheme for SCs which has now been extended to Christians, BCs, Muslims, Weaker Sections and Widows. He said that the Congress Government in  their regime from 2002-07 has disbursed a meager amount of Rs 90 Crore for this purpose but after taking over reigns SAD-BJP Government (2007-13) has distributed Shaguns worth Rs 407 Crore adding that number of beneficiaries has also increased manifolds from 95000 in Congress Government (2002-07) to 2,36,000 in SAD-BJP Government (2007-13). He said that apart from it the 19.94 lakh beneficiaries were getting pensions every month by the state government. The government has successfully implemented the Atta Dal scheme covering 15.20 lakh beneficiaries at an annual expenditure of nearly Rs 300 crore.
To perpetuate the rich legacy of our cultural heritage amongst our younger generations, the state government had approved to construct Jang-e-Azaadi memorial at Kartarpur to showcase the immense contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle. Likewise, the Government had already given nod to construct Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh, Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal at Amritsar besides Swami Vivekanand Memorial, War Memorial at Amritsar, Moti Ram Mehra Memorial at Fatehgarh Sahib, Baba Jiwan Singh Yaadgar and Swami Birja Nand Yaadgar at Kartarpur were under active consideration.  A state of the art Rs. 78 crore project of Golden Temple Entrance Plaza was in the advanced stage of completion.  The Chief Minister stated as per Government of India report Punjab has been ranked as 12th in tourism sector in the country from the earlier 28th position in the Congress regime.
Making a firm resolve to tackle the problem of unemployment which has posed the biggest challenge to the society, the Chief Minister said that his government had created a new department of employment generation and training during the previous regime. A target of imparting skill training to the 50000 unemployed youth has been fixed through all technical institutes, universities, Polytechnics, ITIs and private industry players besides 30000 in other departments like Tourism and Rural Development. Apart from this a target of imparting skill training to 12000 youth has been fixed for the year 2013-2014 through C-PYTE.
Outlining the achievements in Industrial sector, the Chief Minister said that the state government has so far approved 98 Mega projects since 2007 worth Rs 52614 crore. New Focal points were being developed at Kapurthala and Phase- 8 A and B Mohali. A new investor friendly industrial policy would be announced soon to herald Industrial revolution in the state. Capital Subsidy worth Rs 410 crore has been disbursed. Punjab Industrial facilitation Act had been implemented to ensure sanctions to the entrepreneurs in a fast track manner. Mr Badal stated that since agriculture had already reached at a saturation point and now our hopes were pinned to promote trade, industry and services sector as an alternative.
The state government has focussed special attention for the promotion of sports and made spectacular achievements in this arena. 13 stadiums had been constructed/ upgraded at a cost of Rs 200 crore. Award money had been considerably increased from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2.5 crore to the sports persons winning Gold Medal in Olympics, from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1.01 crore for silver and from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 51 lakh for Bronze medal. Likewise the award money for the Kabaddi world cup had also been hiked to Rs 2 crore, Rs 1 crore and 51 lakh to the winner, first runners up and second runners up besides Rs 10 lakh each for all the participating teams .   

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DIRECTIONS FOR SENIOR IAS OFFICERS TO ENSURE ATTENDANCE DURING BUDGET SESSION

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 18:
The Punjab Government has issued revised instructions to the all Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries, Secretaries and other Senior IAS officers of the state to ensure their attendance in the Officers’ Gallery of the Punjab Legislative Assembly during the Budget Session of 14th Punjab Vidhan Sabha.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Parliamentary Affairs Department said that the senior IAS officers have been asked to note the proceedings of the other departments allotted to them, besides their own department. As per new instructions they have been asked to report to the Principal Secretary/CM, besides a copy to the Parliamentary Affairs Department on the same day.
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SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF 6 POLICEMEN IN A TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT

Chandigarh, March 18:
The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today expressed shock over the tragic demise of 6 policemen including a Head Constable and five constables in an unfortunate road accident near village Lohari of district Fatehgarh Sahib. Besides this, 11 policemen were injured in this accident.
Directing the district civil and police administrations to provide logistic support to the families of the victims and medical treatment to the injured ones, Mr. Badal assured that the state government would provide every possible help to the families of these policemen.
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 the families to bear this irreparable loss.
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