Connecting over 25 millions NRIs worldwide
Most trusted Name in the NRI media
NRI PEOPLE- OUR NETWORK
 
Punjab News:

-

AMITABH SHUKLA, SENIOR EDITOR, THE PIONEER BEREAVED-SUKHBIR BADAL CONDOLES DEMISE OF Dr. MADHUSUDAN SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 15: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab expressed grief over the demise of Dr. Madhusudan Shukla (72), father of Mr. Amitabh Shukla, Senior Editor of The Pioneer, Chandigarh Edition. Mr. Madhusudan was passed away today afternoon here at PGI after a prolonged illness. Mr. Shukla was survived by one son and three daughters.

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

          The cremation will be held on Wednesday i.e. October 16 at 12 noon in Sector 25 cremation ground. 

-----------

          BADAL PAYS HOMAGE TO TEJINDERPAL SINGH ON HIS BHOG AND ANTIM ARDAAS

·       DESCRIBES DEATH OF A SON DURING LIFETIME OF FATHER AS A 'COLOSSAL LOSS AND FATAL BLOW'

Chandigarh, October 15:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today described the demise of a son as a 'colossal loss and fatal blow' to any father during his lifetime. These impassioned words of grief were expressed by Mr. Badal while paying glowing tributes to late Tejinderpal Singh Soni, the son of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Jathedar Avtar Singh adding he said though all the relations have their own significance but the passing away of the son was a tragedy of unfathomed anguish and sorrow beyond anyone's imagination.

          Sharing moments of grief at the bhog and antim ardaas of Tejinderpal Singh here at local Singh Sabha gurdwara, Mr. Badal said that to give shoulder to the bier of his son was a moment of unbearable agony and profound grief for any unfortunate father, whose son dies in the prime of his youth. The Chief Minister said that though we console someone by relating this tragedy to the 'Order of the Almighty' but in reality it was extremely painful to bear this pain and distress.

          Mr. Badal further said that Tejinderpal Singh shared the burden of domestic affairs with his father thereby enabling Jathedar Avtar Singh to serve the mankind and Sikh Panth zealously. Jathedar Avtar Singh made concerted efforts for the dissemination of Sikh religion and philosophy not only in the country but also across the globe with utmost dedication and sincerity besides discharging his duties diligently as SGPC Chief. He said in the death of Tejinderpal Singh, a void has been created which was difficult to be filled and now Jathedar Avtar Singh has been burdened with enormous responsibilities. Expressing heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to them to bear this huge loss in this hour of crisis so that Jathedar Avtar Singh could discharge his family obligations and responsibilities besides serving the Sikh Panth with enthusiasm.

          Earlier, Mr. Badal presented a Dastar (Turban) to the son of laid Tejinderpal Singh.

          On the solemn occasion, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh also paid homage to Tejinderpal Singh while MLA Ropar and Secretary SAD Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema conducted the proceedings of the stage.

          Prominent amongst the thousands of mourners who shared their grief with the bereaved family included Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Mr. Naresh Gujral (both Rajya Sabha Member), Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon and Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa (all Cabinet Ministers), Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, President BJP Punjab State Mr. Kamal Sharma, Mr. Manpreet Singh Iyali, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik and Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda (all MLAs) besides Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Mr. Manish Tiwari.

 -

UNION GOVERNMENT DELIBERATELY STALLING IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN STATE FOR ITS VESTED POLITICAL INTERESTS- BADAL

ASKS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP TO DESIST FROM STOOPING TOO LOW

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WOULD TROUNCE THE CONGRESS IN  DELHI ASSEMBLY POLLS

OFFERS HELP FOR RELIEF AND REHABILITATION TO RAVAGED COASTAL STATES

INAUGURATES 55TH ZONAL YOUTH AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL AT GIDDERBAHA

Gidderbaha (Sri Muktsar Sahib), October 15-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that in order to pursue its vested political interests, the Congress led UPA government at the centre was deliberately stalling the developmental projects in the state.

          Interacting with the media persons after inaugurating the 55th Panjab University Zonal Youth and Heritage festival at Guru Gobind Singh College here today, the Chief Minister said that a number of important projects of huge public importance were hanging in fire despite of the completion of the entire work just because the Union government was not granting the permission to operationalise them. Citing an example he said that the total civil work of the Bathinda Air port has been completed but the Union Civil Aviation Ministry was not granting the permission for starting the flights from it. Mr. Badal said that he had personally taken up this matter with the top brass of the Union government but of no avail.

          The Chief Minister said that this has vindicated our stand that the Congress party has always adopted an anti-Punjab stance adding there was an unending list of such instances which depicted list Congress party’s step motherly treatment meted out with the state. He said that it was a record that Congress party was envious of the progress of the state due to which it has always made persistent efforts to derail its developmental process. “The Congress leadership must desist from stooping too low because the wise people of Punjab will never spare them for these sinister activities” added Mr. Badal.

          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance would sweep the upcoming polls for Delhi Assembly adding that fed up by the rampant corruption and inflation the wise voters of Delhi would show door to the Congress party. He said that SAD being a key ally of the NDA would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the BJP in routing the Congress party first from Delhi and then from the entire country. Mr. Badal said that they would leave no stone unturned in trouncing the Congress party out from Delhi in these polls.

          Expressing deep concern over the massive destruction caused by the storm in some coastal states, the Chief Minister said that the state government would make every endeavor to help these states in this hour of crisis and grief. He said that they would soon co-ordinate with the respective governments of these states, which were facing nature’s fury, to offer every possible help to them. Mr. Badal said that the state government had already helped the flood ravaged state of Uttrakhand and now it would make every effort for baling out the people of these coastal states. “It is moral duty to extend helping hand to every possible relief to our countrymen facing such problems” he added. 

          Earlier addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister, while underscoring the need for more such festivals, said that they play a vanguard role in the overall development of the students besides providing them opportunity to exhibit their rare talent. He said that concerted efforts were being made by the state government to impart quality education to the students adding that six special schools for the meritorious students of state would start functioning from next session in which free boarding and lodging facilities would be provided to rural students securing 80% or more marks in matric. Likewise Mr. Badal said that Dr. Hargobind Khurana post matric scholarship scheme, which would provide Rs 30000 per annum, to the bright students securing 80% of more marks would also be started soon.

          Striking an emotional chord with the students, the Chief Minister recalled the dedication and hard work done by her wife late Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal in setting up of this college, for imparting quality education to girl students of far flung areas. He said that this college was dream project of Mrs. Badal and it was a matter of great pride for him that the ‘sapling of education’ planted by his wife was today blooming as a full-fledged tree. Mr. Badal also assured fulsome support and cooperation to the college management committee.

          Earlier in his welcome address the Principal of College Prof. NR Sharma also recalled the efforts of late Mrs. Badal in setting up this college and dedicated this youth festival in her loving memory.

          Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chairman District Planning Committee Sri Muktsar Sahib Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon, SGPC Members Jathedar Gurpal Singh Gora and Jathedar Navtej Singh Kauni, Chancellor Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo Dr. JS Dhaliwal, Vice Chancellor Guru Kashi University Prof. NS Malhi, Director Guru Kashi University Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill and Dean Panjab University Dr. Naval Kishore.                                   

-------

PAPERS INVITED FOR WORKSHOP ON ‘IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNMENT THROUGH EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF RTI

WORKSHOP ON 30TH NOVEMBER, 2013 AT SHIMLA

 Chandigarh, October 15:  

Regional workshop on the theme of ‘Improving Transparency and Accountability in Government through Effective Implementation of Right to Information Act-2005 is being organized by the Himachal Pardesh institute of Public Administration, Shimla on 30th November, 2013.

Disclosing this Official Spokesperson of the Government said that this workshop is being organized to provide forum for sharing of best practices and successes that have been achieved using RTI and to deliberate on the steps that need to be taken to further strengthen the RTI.

He said that papers from various stake holders on highlighting good practices in the implementation of RTI Act are invited for the workshop. They may relate to Awareness Generation, Capacity Building, Improving Record Management Practices, Pro-active Disclosures and Management of RTI related work within Public Authorities.

The Spokesperson said that the write-up should be sent in the specific format and papers highlighting good practices received by 13 November, 2013 shall be examined by an expert committee and four papers selected would be presented during the workshop. He added that cash prize would be given for each selected presentation.

Similarly Success stories on Right to Information are also invited out of which best five stories would be selected by a panel and cash prize of Rs 5000 would be given to each selected presentation.

Spokesperson further said that good practices from Public Authorities and success stories from RTI Activists, CSO’s and Citizens etc. are also invited for this workshop which should reach the Himachal Pardesh Institute of Public Administration, Fairlawns, Shimla by 7th November, 2013.

----------

BADAL FELICITATES PEOPLE ON ID-UL-ZUHA (BAKRID)


CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 15:-

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabis especially the Muslim brethren on the eve of Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid).
            In his message, the Chief Minister said “Id-ul-Zuha evokes feeling of brotherhood, charity and empathy for the needy and the under privileged.  Let us, reiterate our resolve to further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, amity unity of cultural bonds, peace and national integration”.

            Mr. Badal appealed to the people to celebrate this festival in unison by rising above petty considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

---------

 

·                     Distribution of Kharif fodder seeds to livestock owners at subsidized rates from 22nd october  onwards-Ranike.

·         Distribution of seeds till the stock is available.

·         Appeal to avoid poisonous green fodder and utilization of balanced fertilizer.

Chandigarh: October 15:

                Government of Punjab has taken an initiative to distribute quality Rabi fodder seeds to the livestock owners of the State.

                S. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy, Punjab today said that certified fodder seed would be distributed to livestock owners at subsidized rates. From 22nd October onwards Rabi fodder seeds will be distributed on First come First serve basis, at all the block level Veterinary Hospitals, till the stock lasts.

                He also said that this certified seed has been procured from Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, Milkfed Punjab, National Seed Corporation and National Agricultural cooperative Marketing Federation Limited, Govt. of India for distribution to livestock owners of the State. These certified seeds will increase the fodder production in the State and the farmers can also produce their own seed for the next year from it.

The Minister further informed that Seeds will be distributed till the stock lasts. He told that the fodder seeds of Javi Kent @Rs. 15/-per kg, Rai Grass @Rs. 60/-per kg and   Saron(Chine Gobi) @Rs. 25/-per kg, will be distributed.

        He asked the livestock owners to get the prescribed form attested by Patvari/ Sarpanch/Namberdar/M.C./Member Panchyat and concerned Veterinary officer or Veterinary Inspector of Civil Veterinary Dispensary and deposit them with the block level Civil Veterinary Hospitals.

                The Minister directed the department officials that Government guidelines regarding reservation should be to strictly follow during seed distribution.

    He appealed to the farmers to use balanced fertilizers to protect their animals from poisonous fodder, because excessive use of Urea fertilizer results in poisoning of green fodder.

-

17th All India Police Golf Team Trophy

PUNJAB POLICE EMERGES RUNNERS UP IN GROSS CATEGORY

Chandigarh, October 15: The Punjab Police Team comprising of S.K. Sharma, IPS, ADGP and Rupinder Singh, PPS, SSP lifted the 17th All India Police Golf Team Trophy as runner up in the gross category. The tournament was held at Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar-J&K from 7th to 10th October-2013. The gross winning team belongs to NSG , who won with a margin of four strokes. Sh. Rupinder Singh representing Punjab Police won the gross championship after a play off on three holes. He carded the score of 8 over for the tournament.

104 participants representing 31 police organizations including Para Military Force participated in this tournament. The prize distribution which was held on the evening of 10th October 2013 was presided over by Sh. N.N. Vohra, Governor J&K.  

-----------

 HEALTH MINSTER & SENIOR OFFICIALS TO INSPECT ALL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

SEVEN DAYS TO CMO’S & SMO’S TO PUT THINGS IN PLACE: VINI MAHAJAN

Chandigarh, October 15:         Senior health officials would start inspecting all Government Hospitals in the state from next week therefore all things should be put in proper place. Disclosing this here today Mrs Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare Punjab issuing directions regarding this said that seven days time is given to all Civil Surgeons and SMO’s for this.

She said that as per the directions of the Health & Family welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani senior officials of the Health Department as well as Minster himself would start visiting the hospitals in the state from next week.

Mrs Mahajan said that funds have been made available to SMO's for making arrangements regarding special cleanliness drive in the Government hospitals of the state. Hospitals have been given 7 days time to ensure proper cleanliness of premises, wards and other areas as well ensuring proper greenery outside hospitals.

Principal Secretary Health said that corruption in the department won’t be tolerated at any level in the department. She said that patients should be treated politely by the Doctors and the supporting staff in the hospitals. She added that doctors should also prescribe drugs made available free at the drug stores of the government hospitals. She further said that laxity won’t be tolerated and strict action against would be taken if anybody found guilty.

Mrs. Mahajan has also directed the Civil Surgeons and SMO’s to ensure the timely attendance of doctors & supporting staff in government hospitals and no excuses would be entertained if anybody found absent.

-------

PUNJAB NOMINATES 32 NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF FATEHGARH GRIEVANCES REDRESSAL COMMITTEE

Chandigarh, October, 15

Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of District Redressal Grievances Committee of Fatehgarh Sahib. A notification has already been issued in this regard.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Redressal of Grievances Department said that 32 non official have been nominated from recognized political parties and communities of District Fatehgarh Sahib.  

He said that amongst the nominated non official members were  S Jagdeep Singh Cheema, S.N. Sharma, S Harinder Singh Bhanbri, Gurmeet Singh, Comrade Amarnath, Comrade Surjeet Singh Sohi, Sh Satish Nanda, Sant Singh Ptanga, Subedar Ujagar Singh, S Manjit Singh, Dharmpal Rao, Bibi Manjit Kaur ,S Harinderpal Singh Chandumajra, Sh Gondi Ram from Bazigar Community, S Karamjit Singh from Rai Sikh, S Kuldeep Singh from Vimukat Jati, S  Paramjit Singh from Comboj Jati,  Dr. Malkit Khan, Joy Kuti, Sh. Karnail Singh, Sh Lal Chand Jindal, S Ratan Singh, S Sher Singh, S Surinder Singh, Sh Satinder Nath Sharma, S Kuldeep Singh , S Mandeep Singh, S Jora Singh from NRI, Sh. Rakesh Kumar from Valmiki Community,  Sh. Tarlochan Singh from Mazbi Sikh  and Dr. Harbans Lal, Fatehgarh Sahib from Special invitee guest category.   

 

FEROZEPUR LEADS IN PADDY PROCUREMENT

·       1343351 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 14: The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1343351 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 1343351 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 1102356 tonnes of paddy (82.1%) till date whereas private traders procured 240955 tonnes (17.9%) of paddy. Till October 13, PUNGRAIN had procured 329981 tonnes (29.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 239307 tonnes (21.7%). PUNSUP procured 274788 tonnes (24.9%), PSWC procured 89444 tonnes (8.1%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 102188 tonnes (9.3 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 66668 tonnes (6.0%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Ferozepur with 287191 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Tarn Taran with 185295 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Sri Mukatsar Sahib 143578 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

 -

Punjab Releases Rs 21 crore for Mid-Day-Meal

NGOs to provide Mid-Day Meal in 41 more schools

 Chandigarh, October 14:

The Punjab Government has released Rs 21 Crore for the Mid-Day Meal to all District Education Officers in the state.

A spokesman of the Punjab Government today said that this amount was released for the month of October, out of which the honorarium to Cooks cum Helpers would also be given for the month of October.

The spokesman further said that Punjab Government has successfully running Mid-Day Meal scheme in Moga, Sangrur and Ajitgarh Districts with the active assistance of NGOs. Keeping in view the successful implementation of Mid-Day Meal by NGOs, the Punjab Government has also given its nod to run mid Day Meal by NGOs in 41 more schools of Ajitgarh District on the proposal of school principals.

        Besides that the Punjab Government has also decided to run mid-day meal scheme in three more districts namely Amritsar, Jallandhar and Patiala from November 1, 2013 under contract system after it was successfully launched in district Mohali.

-

PUNJAB PROVIDES SUBSIDIES TO THE FARMERS DURING CURRENT RABI SEASON

 CHANDIGARH, 14 OCTOBER:

          The Punjab Government has been providing subsidy to the farmers of the state during current Rabi Season under Rastriya Krishi Yojna, National Food Security Mission and Crop Diversification Programme.

          Disclosing this here today Chief Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture S Gurbachan Singh Babbehali said that State Government was providing Rs. 500 per quintal subsidy on certified seeds of  various verities of wheat like HD-2967, PBW-550, 621, 590 and PBW 509.

          He further said that 50 % subsidy would also be given for seed pesticides. This subsidy would be given through Agriculture Department, Sale Centres of PUNSEED, NSE Cooperative Societies and Kribhco only.

          He said that 50 percent or Rs. 500 per hectare subsidy would also be given on seed treatment of wheat and on latest agriculture machinery.

          Mr. Babehali appealed the farmers to contact Chief Agriculture Officer or Agriculture Department for any information.

-

BALMIKI JAYANTI CELEBRATED IN PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT WITH FERVOUR

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 14:

The traditional enthusiasm and religious fervour marked the birth anniversary celebrations of Maharishi Balmiki in Punjab Civil Secretariat. The program was organized by safai Karmcharis of Civil Secretariat. Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor, CM Punjab was the Chief Guest.

Felicitating the employees, Mr. Joshi called upon the people to carve out an ideal, value based and harmonious society by following the teachings of Bhagwan Valmik ji to strengthen the bonds of compassion, love, peace and brotherhood in the state.

He paid rich tributes to Maharishi Balmiki and emphasized the need for imparting quality education to the children of the Dalits so that they could effectively face the challenges of globalization and high-tech vocational needs. “Maharishi worked throughout his life for the uplift of the downtrodden and oppressed”, he added. Mr. Joshi asked people to make sincere efforts in fighting distortions prevailing in the society and help in fulfilment of Balmiki's dreams of building a classless society.

-            

CM MOURNS DEATH OF FORMER BJP MLA HARISH BEDI
DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO CONDOLES DEATH

Chandigarh, October 13, 2013

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of the former BJP MLA Mr. Harish Bedi (56), who passed away at a private hospital in Ludhiana after a massive cardiac arrest this morning. He is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter.
In a condolence message, the Chief Minister described Mr. Bedi as a disciplined soldier of BJP who worked relentlessly for the upliftment of the disadvantaged sections of the society, besides ensuring over all development in the industrial town of Ludhiana. He further said with the death of Mr. Bedi the SAD-BJP alliance had been deprived of a visionary leader with the qualities of head and heart who always stood like a rock with the leaders and workers of alliance besides the people in the hour of crisis. Mr. Badal said that in the death of former MLA, a void has been created within the political arena which was impossible to be filled in the near future.
The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to them to bear this irreparable loss.
Meanwhile Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the death of Mr. Bedi and shared their heartfelt condolences with the family.
-

BHAGAT REVIEWS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GREENING PUNJAB MISSION PROJECT
CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 13:                                          
          Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Forest and wildlife Minister, Punjab today said that under the Greener Punjab Mission the forest cover in the state would be increased from present 7% to 15%. The department has fixed a target of planting 4 crore 75 lakh saplings during the year 2013-14.
          The Forest Minister while presiding over a meeting of the department to review the progress of Greening Punjab Mission he issued strict instructions to achieve this target. He said that the National Forest Policy envisages 33% of the country’s area under Forest/Tree cover for safeguarding the environment and ecology of the Nation. Punjab being a predominantly agricultural State has less than 7% of its area under Forest/Tree cover, resulting in severe environmental and ecological degradation and also leads to rapidly rising pollution levels in the air, water and soil of the State, he added.    
          Mr. Bhagat asked the officers to ensure the proper care and nurturing of the saplings being planted by the department under Greener Punjab Mission. The Minister said that only the plantation of saplings would not get any goal if it was not ensured that these saplings grow into trees.
Mr. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary of the Forest Department apprised the minister that the department has found 9800 hectare area in 9145 villages and 3021 hectare area in institutions which could be utilized for plantation of saplings to achieve states’ goal of 15% forest cover by the year 2020.
Prominent among other present in the meeting included Chowdhary Nand Lal, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. HS Gujral, Principal Chief Forest Conservator, Mr. MP Rai, MD Forest Corporation, Mr. Dhirender Singh, Chief Wildlife Warden and other.
           ------------------                            
 PUNJAB EXEMPTS FACTORIES FROM SITE CLEARANCE LOCATED IN APPROVED AREAS
Chandigarh, October 13:
          To give impetus to industrialization in the state the Punjab government has announced to exempt the factories located/ to be set up in the designated/approved areas from clearance of site from the State Competent Authority cum State Appraisal Committee. Under the new policy this exempt would be extend to those units to be set up in industrial area/industrial estate/industrial focal points/approved Industries Park / industrial zone of the master plan/draft master plan.
          Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that however, for the industries to be set up in area other than such areas as designated/approved areas such as industrial area/industrial estate/ industrial focal point/ approved industrial park/industrial zone of the master plan/draft master plan, would be necessary to get site clearance under section 41-A of the factories Act, 1948.
Spokesperson said that however all the industries which have to be exempted from site clearance, would have to meet all statuary requirements under various acts and obtain required approvals from directorate of factories, Punjab and the Punjab pollution control board.
-

----------------
MALUKA ASSURES DUE CONSIDERATION TOWARDS THE DEMANDS OF TEACHERS
Chandigarh October13
Punjab Education Minister Mr Sikander Singh Maluka today assured the representatives of the 20 various unions of Punjab Teachers Association, Government School Lecturer association, Government School Head Master Association and Master Cadre Union etc. that the state government would give due consideration to all of their legitimate demands .
Assurance to this regard was given by Mr. Maluka to a delegation of the associations of Education Deptt., who called on the Minister. The delegation of various associations apprised the Minister about the problems being faced by the Masters/Lecturers and sought the immediate resolution of their demands. After listening to their demands, Mr Maluka assured that all the associations that due consideration would be given to their all of their genuine demands adding that he was fully aware of the problems being faced by the Masters/Lecturers/Head Masters and Principal of the Government Schools of the state and no stone would be left unturned to solve them.
The Minister asked the teachers to fulfill their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication so that the students could be benefited from it. He said that the state government was fully committed for the welfare of the teachers and the recruitment process for vacant posts of the teachers and promotions as per the seniority would be initiated soon. He said that due to the effort of the state government Punjab is today leading the country in the Education.
The Minister further said the Punjab government is fully committed to provide the quality education in the state. The Government was ready to spend liberally improving the infrastructure and fill up the vacant posts of the teachers in the Government schools of the state. 
Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary School Education, Mr. Kumar Rahul, Director General School, Mr. Kamal Garg, D P I (Secondary), Mr. Gurdeep Singh,  Special Secretary, School Education Mrs. Darshan Kaur, Director, Public Instructions (elementary) and representatives of the various teachers Unions.

SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF DUSSEHRA AND DURGA PUJA

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 12 : Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today greeted the people of country on the eve of Dussehra, also known as Vijaydashmi and Durga Puja.

In a felicitation message, the Deputy Chief Minister said Dussehra and Durga Puja remind people of the universal truth of virtue triumphing over darkness. "The festival of Vijaydashmi strengthens our belief in the inevitability of the victory of righteousness over evil", Mr. Badal said.

        Mr. Badal said the festivals are a glorious heritage of the pluralistic ethos of Punjab, which further strengthens the spirit of harmony and tranquility among various segments of the people. The Deputy Chief Minister urged the people of the state to celebrate the festival with traditional gaiety and fervor, continuing fraternity, harmony and love for each and everyone.

 --------------

BADAL BLAMES CONGRESS FOR MEDDLING IN RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF SIKHS THROUGH ITS ‘B TEAM’ LED BY SARNA

DECRIES SARNA FOR SHOWING DISRESPECT TO SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB- THE HIGHEST TEMPORAL SEAT OF SIKHS

SLAMS CONGRESS FOR STRAINING CENTRE-STATE RELATIONS TO PURSUE ITS POLITICAL MOTIVES

EXHORTS FARMERS TO ADOPT CROP DIVERSIFICATION

SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Lambi (Sri Muktsar Sahib), October 12-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that Congress was pursuing its old policy of irrelevantly meddling in the religious affairs of Sikhs by undermining the position of Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib through its ‘B-team’ led by former President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Mr. Paramjeet Singh Sarna, which was totally intolerable.

Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the filing of suite against Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib through an aide of Mr. Paramjeet Singh Sarna, who was a trusted agent of Congress, was testimony to the fact that Congress party was maneuvering to denigrate the revered position of Jathedar Sahib. He said that since time immemorial authority of Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib had never been questioned by anyone as sacred Sri Akal Takht Sahib was the highest temporal seat of Sikhs and even the mighty Kings like Maharaja Ranjit Singh had always bowed before the supreme power of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and ever accepted its orders (hukamnamas) thereby upholding its supremacy. Mr. Badal said that but by resorting to such cheap tactics the Congress and its agents were trying to dent the authority of Jathedar Sahib, which was unacceptable to any Sikh who believes in the tenets of Sikhism.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister further said that just for the sake of taking political mileage the national Congress leadership was bent on destroying the federal feature of Indian constitution by ignoring the state government ruled by opposition parties during the inauguration of key projects. Mr. Badal said that as a votary of morality in politics he had always held the opposition in high esteem and had accorded ‘Red Carpet’ welcome to the leaders of oppositions of Union Ministers during their tours in the state. However he said that while laying the foundation stone of Cancer Hospital in Sangrur, the Congress leadership has stooped too low, which has given a fatal blow to the centre-state relationship. “But that will not deter us from welcoming the leaders of Union government to the state and we will give full honor and respect to PM or any other Minister, if they come to state”, he added.

  The Chief Minister further said that state government has taken path breaking initiatives to promote sports in the state adding that Punjab has introduced its own Sports policy thereby becoming the first state in the country to have a perfect Sports Policy. He said that as per its commitment with the sportspersons, the state government has given a status of DSP to the 10 players of different games who have won accolades for the state in the field of sports besides giving jobs to the other eminent players. 

When asked to comment on the arrangements made by the state government for ongoing paddy procurement, the Chief Minister said that it was the foremost duty of the state government to ensure a hassle free procurement of the farmer’s produce. He said that the entire arrangement for the smooth procurementprocess have been made so as to facilitate the farmers adding that 1795 purchase centers have been established across the state for this purpose.

Earlier addressing the gathering during the Sangat Darshan program in Karam Patti, Ratta Tibba, Mohlaan, Dhaniwala, Aspaalan, Bhagwanpura, Burj Sidhwan and Kabarwala village, the Chief Minister, while underscoring the need for adopting crop diversification in the state, said that it would go a long way in bailing out the distressed peasantry from the current agrarian crisis. He said that the farmers must adopt the cultivation of crops like Soyabean, Maize and others which were more remunerative on one hand and less water intestive on the other. Mr. Badal also stressed upon the need for adopting agro forestry and fish farming for supplementing their income besides preventing the depletion of under-ground water table. He said that the farmers of the water logged areas must adopt fish farming as there was a tremendous scope in it adding that the state government would extend fulsome support to them in this cause.

The Chief Minister also advised the farmers to adopt the technique of using the farm equipments on custom hiring basis to curtail the heavy cost expenditure meted out on farming. He said that the state government was giving 33% subsidy on this project. “Adopting this technique will not only reduce the cost of farm input but will also enhance your profits” added Mr. Badal.

Meanwhile welcoming 24 Congress families into Akali fold, the Chief Minister said that they would be given due respect in the party.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Member SGPC Jathedar Dayal Singh Kolianwali, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh. 

--------

PUNJAB ALL SET TO DISTRIBUTE 1,52,330 FREE BICYCLES TO GIRL STUDENTS UNDER MAI BHAGO VIDYA SCHEME

MAJITHIA REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS FOR STATE LEVEL FUNCTION TO BE HELD ONOCTOBER 25 AT JAGRAON

Chandigarh, October 12: Continuing its focus on empowerment of girl students, the Punjab government is all set to distribute free bicycles to 1,52,330 girl students of class 11th and 12th studying in government schools under its flagship program Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme in a state level function being organized at Jagraon on October 25.

Reviewing the arrangements of the function with MLAs of Ludhiana district and senior officers of Social Security and Education departments and district administration, the Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia informed that the state government has already released funds to the tune of Rs. 41.90 crore for procuring these bicycles and decided to distribute these cycles to the girl students at their schools after symbolic launch of scheme at state level function in Jagraon on October 25. He said that this was a unique initiative of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who were committed to go to any extent to motivate the girl students for higher education to empower them. He said that the SAD-BJP government had launched this scheme in year 2011-12 by distributing 1,11,000 free bicycles to girl students worth Rs. 30 crore and it was decided to make it annual feature.

Mr. Majithia informed that it would be the first state level function under series of number of major pro-people programs of Punjab government slated in next one and half months. He said that being elected representatives of Public, it becomes imperative for MLAs to ensure the speedy implementation of such programs so that the targeted beneficiaries could avail timely benefit. He asked the district administration to have a meeting on proposed site of the function and special emphasis should be on availability of ample parking space besides ensuring other provisions including proper drinking water, erection of required tents, setting up of stage so that the people attending the function didn’t face any problem.

Later on, while joining the meeting Punjab Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, who represents the Payal Assembly constituency, underlined the need for proper projection of such pro-people initiatives of state government thereby creating awareness amongst people about such flagship schemes.

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting includes, Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali and Mr. S.R. Kaler, all MLAs, Mr. Hira Singh Gabria, Mr. Jagdish Singh Garcha, both former Cabinet Minister, Mr. Amrik Singh Aliwal, former MP, Mr. Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal and Mr. Jagjiwan Pal Singh Khirnian, former MLAs, Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary, Social Security, Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary, School Education, Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister, Mr. Rajat Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana and Mr. Ashish Chaudhary, SSP, Ludhiana(Rural).

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

BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON DUSSEHRA AND DURGA PUJA

Chandigarh, October 12-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of the country on the sacred occasion of Durga Puja and Dussehra (Vijaydashmi).

In a message, the Chief Minister said that these two festivals, which symbolize the victory of good over evil, remind us of our rich cultural heritage. He said that our nation has an age old tradition of celebrating both these festivals which play a vanguard role in promoting goodwill, peace and communal harmony in the society besides showing us the way of ideal living to carve out an egalitarian and harmonious society.

The Chief Minister appealed the people to collectively celebrate this joyous occasion by rededicating themselves for promotion of peace, amity and brotherhood in the state. All of us should rejoice this festival with full religious fervor and gaiety by rising above the parochial considerations of caste, creed and colour, added Mr. Badal.

-

Punjab registers 3rd consecutive win in national inspire awards exhibition

(While standing first at zonal level also won first state award)

Chandigarh, October 12:

The Third National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC) under the INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Award Scheme conclude with the national awards presentation ceremony on 10-10-2013. Punjab State bagged first position in zonal level & also won first state award. Rohit Banger of Govt. High School Mehta, District Kapurthala is awarded the first prize for the North Region at Third National Level Exhibition and Project Competition (NLEPC)- 2013 held at pargati maidan, New Delhi. He is awarded with the cheque of              Rs. 20,000/- and a certificate.

Jaismeen Kaur, Govt. Sen. Sec. School Jabowal, Amritsar who is studying in 7th class has been adjudged first in the State award. She has been awarded with the cheque of 10,000/- and a certificate.

 Rasika Rawley, Amritsar is also awarded with millionth award with the cheque of Rs. 5000/- at this National Level Exhibition. Mrs. Parampal Kaur, Additional State Project Director, SSA, Punjab released this press release showing marvelous achievements of Govt. schools Students. She told that out of 25 Participants 22 were from Govt. Schools of Punjab

-

AFTER TARNISHING DEMOCRATIC VALUES IMMATURE RAHUL SHOULDN’T DREAM TO LEAD NATION-MAJITHIA

v PUNJAB CONGRESS-A DIVIDED HOUSE “GOOD FOR NOTHING” TO THE PEOPLE OF STATE

v DRUG TRAFFICKING DUE TO TOTAL FAILURE OF CENTRAL AGENCIES HAVING CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY OF BORDER

v AFTER TOSSING UP THE TURBAN OF “GURU” CHELA SHEDDING CROCODILE TEARS

v Pays obeisance at ‘Ramayana Path’ at Kitchlu Nagar

Ludhiana, October 11: The Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that Sangrur rally organised by Rahul Gandhi, following the lines of his ancestors to further ruin the federal values of the country turned out to be a mockery show of ‘rotational headship’ introduced in the Congress party, to keep the dwindling flock of disgruntled ‘leaders’ together. He said that by ignoring the elected representatives on the foundation stone laying ceremony PGI’s Satellite Cancer Treatment Centre being set up on 25 acres of land provided by the Punjab government, the immature Rahul shouldn’t dreamt to lead nation as he has no respect for democratic values. He pointed out that Rahul has a proven record that wherever he campaigns during elections, the people had shown the door to anti-people Congress party and Bihar, UP and Gujarat were the best examples.

Interacting with media persons, Mr. Majithia pointed out that poor response of people during rally has shown Congress leaders the writing on wall in coming general elections. He said that Rahul’s respect towards his “guru”, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had already witnessed by the people of country during stage managed show on ordinance issue. He said that after tossing up the turban of PM, Rahul was now trying to control the damage by showering praises on him at the soil of Punjab but should keep in mind the people of Punjab would never pardon him for his that most condemnable act.

He said that despite various compromise formulas and changing nomenclature of various posts in Congress as Acting President, Working President, Campaign Manager, Party Leader being coined by the Congress high command  to keep the warring leaders of Punjab congress together, the pitiable situation didn’t improved even during photo ops of ‘ solidarity show’ during rally. He said that Amarinder-Bajwa’s strong disliking towards each other was at its best and how can such leaders who were not even united before their party high command that too in a public function can make concerted efforts collectively for the welfare of Punjabis.

Mr. Majithia said that on one side Rahul praised Punjab farmers , but can he list a single farmer friendly gesture of Congress led UPA has done in last 10 yrs except keeping them out of benefit ambit of any central scheme whether Rs. 70000 crore debt waiver/ non remunerative MSP/ total ignorance of border area farmers/unprecedented inflation in agri-inputs. By talking of Gujarat farmers plight, who were suffering due to an act enacted by Congress government of Gujarat in 70s, Rahul was shedding crocodile tears, he added.

Describing the Punjab Youth Congress “adhikar yatra” as the antim yatra of Congress led UPA, Mr. Majithia further said that 8 Congress MPs from Punjab deserve “ Silence” award as by remaining silent in Parliament they served their masters with ‘exemplary obedience’ but betrayed the trust of the voters of their respective constituencies. He dared them to get ready for most humiliating defeats of their political career in ensuing Parliamentary elections. He quipped that Congress MPs area of operation was limited to ‘Shambu barrier’ and these were only the ‘statement release’ leaders not attached to public or ground realities.

Mr. Majithia said that the Congress led UPA government was solely responsible for drug trafficking in the state as despite the total control of international border with central agencies and Border security Force, it was miserably failed to check the flow of heroin from Afghanistan via Pakistan. He said the as per the directions of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, the state police has launched a focused drive against the drug trafficking and results in huge recovery of high-grade drugs like heroin that has touched 278.536 kgs till date.

Mr. Majithia further said that it was high time for people of state to play proactive role in installing NDA government to provide decisive leadership determined to bail nation out of present mess of economic disaster and internal as well as external challenges.

Earlier, Mr. Majithia paid obeisance at Ramayana Path being held in Kitchlu Nagar by Bhagat Hans Raj ji Gohane Wale and Sh. Krishan Vij.

Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab,  Mr. Hira Singh Gabria and Mr. Parveen Chaudhary were also present on this occasion.

 -

 PUNJAB TO SOON BECOME THE HUB OF WORLD CLASS CANCER TREATMENT- BADAL

UNDERSCORES THE NEED TO LAUNCH A VIGOROUS STATEWIDE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO SENSITIZE PEOPLE ABOUT EARLY DETECTION OF THIS FATAL DISEASE

DESCRIBES CANCER REGISTRIES AS 'EYES AND EARS' OF CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM

CANCER HOSPITAL AT MULLANPUR TO BECOME OPERATIONAL WITHIN TWO AND HALF YEARS- DR BADWE

Chandigarh, October 11-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today avowed to make Punjab as one of the best state in the country having superb infra structure and human resources to combat the deadly menace of cancer on one hand and provide the world class treatment to the persons inflicted with cancer at cost effective and inexpensive charges.

          Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Workshop of Cancer registration and Cancer control organized by Tata Memorial Centre Mumbai in collaboration with PGI under the auspices of Punjab government here today at Bhargava Auditorium in PGIMER, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to launch a massive publicity campaign to create awareness amongst the people especially living in remote rural areas across the state about the causes and remedies of Cancer in layman's language without creating any sort of panic. Endorsing the views expressed by Director TMC Dr RA Badwe about the probable causes like lack of exercise and physical activity, obesity, less intake of fruits and vegetables besides tendency to take alcohol and chew tobacco, he said these must be widely publicized amongst the masses in their local idiom so that they should not fell prey to the trap of Cancer. Firm believer of 'prevention is always better than cure' Mr. Badal said this adage must be put into practice by making people apprised of the ill effects of cancer and at the same time sensitizing them about the necessity of early detection, which could otherwise become a cause of death due to ignorance.

 The Chief Minister shared how he lost his father and wife due to cancer and narrated his own traumatic experience of Cancer and having get it cured in US about two decades back by seeking doctor's timely intervention at its initial stage. Therefore, he reiterated that early detection of Cancer was of paramount importance to give a new lease of life to the cancer patients and advised the medical fraternity to primarily concentrate on this aspect so that the incidence of cancer could be minimized.  Mr. Badal said, "We the Indians are fortunate of having less incidence of cancer as compared to developed countries like US and UK and still there is lot of scope to eliminate it completely to make India- a Cancer free nation".

Highlighting the role of Cancer registries in the control and research of this fatal disease, the Chief Minister said that Population based cancer Registration (PBCR) already started in Chandigarh, Mohali, Mansa, and Sangrur, in collaboration with TMC and PGIMER, have put forth useful data in identifying different types of cancer amongst males and females in urban and rural areas. He said that these registries were the eyes and ears of the cancer control and research programs to help the state for intensifying its effort to take on this disease far more effectively.    

Divulging the initiatives taken by the state government to control cancer to a considerable extent, the Chief Minister said that war has been declared on cancer by the state government for which Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction Treatment Infrastructure Act has been legislated and a dedicated fund of Rs. 300 crore would be credited annually to it for providing financial assistance to the cancer patients. He said that under the Chief Minister's Cancer Relief Fund Rs 1.50 lakh was being given to the Cancer patients regardless of his economic and social status. Mr. Badal  mentioned that Cancer Hospital on the lines of  Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai would soon come up at Mullanpur near Chandigarh over 50 acres of land given free of cost for it by the state government. The project has been duly approved by Union Cabinet following his persistent efforts.

Likewise the Chief Minister said that a 100 bedded advanced Cancer Centre at Bathinda would be soon made functional and Government Medical Colleges at Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot have been upgraded to provide state of the art diagnostic and treatment facilities to the cancer patients. Efforts were afoot to provide Cancer drugs to the patients at cheaper rates and so far 133 drugs were being made available to them at subsidised rates. To combat the Cancer efficaciously, the state government was regularly sending the teams of Doctors and Surgeons from Punjab to abroad and TMC for specialised training in oncology and radio diagnosis to upgrade their professional skills.

Speaking on the occasion Director TMC Dr RA Badwe said that he was highly impressed by the out of box initiatives taken by the state government to control cancer in the state. He said that TMC would soon initiate the civil works at its upcoming Cancer hospital at Mullanpur and would make it operational along with another being established at Vizag in Andhra Pradesh. Highlighting the role of Cancer registries Dr Badwe said that these helped any state or organisation to tackle Cancer effectively and in a result oriented manner apart from utilising funds judiciously to treat the special type of cancer in particular area with a focused approach, which otherwise was like groping in dark and indulging in wasteful expenditure.

On the occasion, the Deputy Section Head International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) WHO Dr. F Bray, Additional Professor School of Public Health PGIMER Dr JS Thakur, Dr R Dikshit from TMC and Dr C Stefan from South Africa made their presentations on the role and significance of cancer registration.  

Prominent amongst those who spoke on the occasion included Principal Secretary Health Mrs. Vinne Mahajan and Director PGIMER Dr. Yogesh Chawla. Meanwhile, Head of School of Public Health PGIMER Dr Rajesh Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.

-

RETURN TO GURUS’ COSMOLITAN MESSAGE TO FIGHT EVILS FACING THE COUNTRY: BADAL UNDERLINES NEED FOR MORE ACADEMIC WORK ON GURBANI

CM RELEASES  BOOK ON “HISTORICAL SIKH SHRINES OF J AND K” BY KASHMIRI SIKH SOLDIER-SCHOLAR DALBIR SINGH SODHI

 HONORS GULSHAN PUBLISHER, SHEIKH AIJAZ, FOR CONTRIBUTION TO PROPAGATION OF SIKH RELGION AND CULTURE

PROMISES TO TAKE UP PUNJABIS’ ISSUES WITH J AND K COUNTERPART, OMAR ABDULLAH

-                                       

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 11-

            Continuing his tryst with Sikh heritage, Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today took time away from his political and administrative engagements to interact with some eminent Sikh scholars to discuss ways to propagate the cosmopolitan message of the great Gurus and place it in the context of challenges faced by the modern society in the form of menace of drugs,
female foeticide, violence and threats to peace and communal harmony in the country.
            The occasion was provided by what might have passed off as just another ritualistic release of a book based on distinctive research and highlighting the pan-India landscape against which the Sikh Gurus set their mission. The book,  "Historical Sikh Shrines of Jammu and Kashmir", which is the latest offering from an unusual academic and literary collaboration between a Sikh historian,  Commodore Dalbir Singh Sodhi of Indian Navy and a Kashmiri Muslim publisher,  Shiekh Ajaz of Gulshan Books, Sri Nagar, features some of the most stunning visuals of places visited by Guru Nanak Dev ji, Guru Hargobind Sahib and Guru Har Rai ji, and captures in breath-taking detail in aesthetic camera-work and oil paintings by the author’s daughter Mehak. Some of these places lay in the remotest and almost inaccessible parts of the then Kashmir. The book also deals with the early life of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
             Also present on the occasion were Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media, Mr. SK Sandhu , Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sikh Scholar Dr. Gurbhchan Singh, Giani Swaran Singh Khalsa and Maj. General PS Mehta, In-charge Operations Western Command Chandimandir, besides a large number Sikhs from J and K .

            The  Chief Minister was so touched by the quality of the work done and its presentation that he extended what was meant to be a five-minute affair to a full-fledged session lasting over an hour which climaxed in his honouring both Commodore Sodhi and Mr. Sheikh Ajaz of Gulshan Books Publishing House. The latter has also produced a series of books on Sikh Gurus and the history of the community since
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.

            The Chief Minister made use of the occasion to discuss issues facing the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir. Giani Swarn Singh Khalsa , who represents the SGPC and is in-charge of the Sikh Mission in Jammu and Kashmir apprised the Chief Minister of some long pending issues with the state government there. Eminent Sikh Scholar, Dr. Gurbachan Singh Bachan brought up the problems relating to the spread of Sikh culture and minority Sikh educational institutions in that state. The Chief Minister instructed his Principal Secretary Mr. S K Sandhu, present on the occasion to prepare a detailed note on the issues facing Punjabis in J and K. Mr. Badal said that that he would take the matter up with his J and K counterpart, Mr. Omar Abdullah for an early and expeditious redress of these issues.

            Showering profuse praise on the book, Mr. Badal said the effort would  serve as an extremely useful and vital information and awareness bridge between the people of J and K, belonging to all communities, and the rest of the country. He called upon more Sikh scholars for laying greater focus on creative research about the cosmopolitan approach of the Sikh Gurus which took them to places as far Ladakh, Tibat, Assam, Maharashtra, Benars and Nanded Sahib in India and Arabian countries in the middle-east, including the Holy Mecca. He said that literary and academic work of this caliber can also help in promoting inter-faith and inter region understanding among the
countrymen on the one hand and mankind at large on the global scale on the other.
             On the occasion Mr. Sodhi said that the main objective of his work was not only to project Historical Sikh Shrines of Jammu and Kashmir on the religious tourist map of the State but also to inspire people across the Globe to visit these Holy Shrines of paramount historic importance.

-
CAPTION FOR PICTURE ON BOOK RELEASE:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal releasing a first of its kind research coffee-table book "Historical Sikh Shrines of Jammu and Kashmir" by Commodore Dalbir Singh Sodhi (to CM's right) as  Advisor on National Affairs and Media Harcharan Bains (left) and Maj General Maj. General PS Mehta (extreme left) look on. The CM also honoured Shiekh Ajaz of Gulshan Books ( Second to CM's right)  for his outstanding contribution to the propagation of Sikh religion, history and culture through a series of books. Also in Pic, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. S K Sandhu, (extreme right).

-

LOCAL BODIES MINISTER SUSPENDS DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND SUPERINTEND ON THE CHARGE OF CORRUPTION

·         CORRUPTION AND INDISCIPLINE WOULD NOT BE TOLERATED: JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 11:

The Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today suspended Deputy Director Bhajan Singh and Superintend Jaspal Singh who were posted at head quarter, Chandigarh on the charges of corruption. The Minister also deputed Mr. Rahul Tiwari, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana as an inquiry officer for further investigation. This was disclosed by Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab in a press communiqué released here today.

Mr. Joshi reiterated his resolve to weed out corruption in the rank and files of the department besides hassle free and time bound delivery of services to citizens. He said that corruption and indiscipline would not be tolerated at any cost and the guilty officers and employees would be not spaced at any cost.

The Minister further said that he had received many complaints regarding the corrupt practices in the local bodies department and government officers demanding bribe for delivery of services.

While narrating reasons responsible for the suspension of these officers, the minister said that in the recent past he got a tip off from Mr. Sham Lal Kamboj, who earlier worked in the department as fire officer. Mr. Kamboj complained in an affidavit that these two officers in question has demanded bribe to the tune of Rs.3 lakh from the complaint in the month of June for getting some work done.

-
Education Minister holds first meeting of State Advisory Committee

Chandigarh, October 11:

          State Advisory Committee's first meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Education Minister Punjab. Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the  Punjab government said that four non-official members of this committee.Mr. Prem Mittal, Sh. Chatin Singh, Smt. Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpura and vaninder Kaur loomba were present in this meeting. He said all the members were asked to suggest various steps to improve the education system in the state. The members would visit Schools in their respective areas to check whether  The various  schemes   of the government are being implemented and to find out the deficiencies if any and to suggest the remedial measures for better implementation and facilitation to                             promote  the standard of education system and   standard.

          The Education Minister requested the members of the committee to give their suggestion various aspects in writing so that appropriate measures could be taken to promote the Education and its standard throughout the state. Describing details of Punjab State Advisory Committee Minister said the Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Education)  was the official member and principle Secretary (Education) was the member secretary. Ten non official members were Mr.Prem Mittal,Mr, Chattin Singh, Iqbal singh Jhunda,Smt. Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpura, Smt.Vaninder Kaur Lumba (SAD), S. Charanjit Singh Channi, Sh.Jagmohan Singh Kang, S. Balbir Singh Sidhu ( Congress), Madam Seema Kumari (BJP) and Mr. Rajnish Kumar ( Indepenent).

          The Meeting of the State Advisory Committee will be held once in every three months at Chandigarh.

          Prominent among others who were present in the meeting Smt.Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary Education, Sh. Kumar Rahul, Dirctor General School Education, Smt.Tajinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, Sh. Kamal Kumar Garg, DPI(Secondary), Smt. Darshan Kaur, DPI( Elementary) and Sh. Gurdeep Singh, Special Secretary School Education.

-

1002957 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 11:

            The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 1002957 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 1002957 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 791938 tonnes of paddy (79.0%) till date whereas private traders procured 211019 tonnes (21.0%) of paddy. Till October 10, PUNGRAIN had procured 242692 tonnes (30.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 172528 tonnes (21.8%). PUNSUP procured 194439 tonnes (24.6%), PSWC procured 60414 tonnes (7.6%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 71832 tonnes (9.1 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 50033 tonnes (6.3%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Ferozepur with 214731 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Tarn Taran with 159836 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Sri Mukatsar Sahib 92020 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

Badal calls on Naidu

Opposes anti-people & anti-poor policies of Centre  

New Delhi/Chandigarh, October 10:

          The Punjab Chief Minister and the Patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and TDP Supremo Mr. Chandra Babu Naidu at Andhra Bhawan New Delhi this evening.

          Mr. Badal expressed concern over the deteriorating health of Mr. Naidu who is on indefinite fast.  

          Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Mr. Badal reiterated his party's firm stand to oppose the anti-people and anti-poor policies of UPA government tooth and nail adding that Shiromani Akali Dal would extend all possible support and cooperation to the TDP against the arrogance of the Congress party. He said the national Congress leadership was bent upon putting the peace, communal harmony and integrity of the country in peril just for the sake of its narrow political ambitions. He said the days of the UPA government were numbered as the country men had already been brewing with a lot of resentment against its anti-people policies on one hand and rampant corruption, administrative inability and political insensitivity on the other. Mr. Badal categorically said the people of the country have already made up their mind to show the inefficient UPA government a door thus paving a way for the installation of BJP led NDA government at centre after the Lok Sabha polls.

-

 BADAL CALLS UPON DAIRY FARMERS TO ADOPT NEW

TECHNOLOGIES IN DAIRY FARMING

 PROGRESSIVE DAIRY FARMERS EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO CM FOR GIVING OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPARTING TRAINING IN ISRAEL

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 10

                      The Punjab Government has decided to infuse new technologies in Dairy Farming across the state to promote it on the scientific and modern lines in pursuance with the broad objective of agriculture diversification program.

                      A decision to this effect was taken Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting held here on Chief Minister’s residence on Wednesdaylate evening with the members of a delegation recently returned from Israel after having taken 12-day training in modern dairy practices and techniques. The delegation comprised nine progressive dairy farmers, two officers from the Dairy Development Department, a Veterinary Officer from Animal Husbandry Department and an Associate Proffesor from GADVASU, Ludhiana, while the Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry and Director, Dairy also attended the training session for the last two days.

                      The Chief Minister directed all the concerned departments to chalk out a comprehisive plan to  further disseminate the knowledge of Israeli techniques and processes to the dairy farmers in the state and  make these latest dairy practices popular by extending lucrative incentives to them.  

                      On the occasion, Director Dairy Development  apprised Mr. Badal through a power point presentation higlighting various aspects of dairt farming in Israel besides throwing light on the technical skills in the fields of Animal Housing (cattle sheds), Heat Stress Management, Artificial Insemination, Planning Ratons for High Yielding Cows, Calf Rearing, Record Keeping and Milk Pricing System.

Meanwhile, the progressive dairy farmers  who were sent to Israel for training profusely thanked the Chief Minister, for offering an opportunity to up-grade thier technical skills in the field of dairy farming.

                      After detailed discussions on pros and cons of each & every technique and process, it was decided to adopt the Israeli dairy techniques and practices in housing management, animal feeding, value addition & solar power generation in dairy sector.


-

Bikram Majithia laud Punjabis for boycotting Rahul’s speech

(Majithia says Punjabis did not take kindly to lack to invitation to chief minister Parkash Singh Badal)

(Say Rahul shut off from reality, function showcased deep divide in Punjab Congress)

 Chandigarh, October 10 – Senior SAD leader and Revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia today lauded Punjabis for boycotting the speech of Gandhi scion and Congress vice president Rahul Gandh by leaving the ‘pandal’ immediately before Rahul got up to speak as part of the foundation stone laying ceremony of a PGIMER satellite centre at Sangrur.

In a statement here, Mr Majithia said Punjabis attending the function organized by the Pradesh Congress Committee made it clear that though they might be on opposite sides politically, they had not taken kindly to the crass discourtesy shown by the Gandhi scion by not inviting Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal for the function.

He said it was because of this that people left the ‘pandal’ in large numbers just before Rahul Gandhi rose up to make his speech. “This is a lesson to Rahul that Punjabis do not take kindly to his brand of politics which revolves around brash behavior and an ingrained dis-courtesy towards elders”, he added.

Commenting on Rahul’s speech, the SAD leader said he was shocked to know that the Congress vice president was completely shut off from reality and had chosen to parrot out lines handed over to him by his coterie. “Rahul talked about drugs and the need to curb their smuggling into the State blissfully unaware that Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has initiated a war against drugs which has already resulted in the arrest of 7,500 peddlers”.  He said recent arrests on the border had also proved that the Border Security Force (BSF) was hand in glove with smugglers adding “Rahul could have spoken about tightening security on the border but he chose to make cheap brownie points by targeting the Punjab government knowing fully well that drugs are coming into Punjab from Pakistan”.

Terming Rahul Gandhi as a “Mumma’s boy” who seemed to know nothing beyond what his Mumma had told him, Mr Majithia said the Gandhi scion was apparently also unaware of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report which had ranked Punjab as the safest State in the country with negative crime rate during the last five years. He said similarly NCRB had ranked Punjab as a State having one of the lowest incidences of crime against women. He said similarly the Gandhi scion parroted wrong facts about the case of Sikh farmers because nobody told him that the Punjabi farmers in Gujarat were in a spot because of an amendment in law done during the previous Congress government there.

Meanwhile the senior leader said rather than gaining anything politically which was the sole motive of today’s public meeting organized by the Congress, the Punjab Congress had portrayed a picture of a party in disarray which had been captured by the entire media and the country. “Former PCC President Capt Amarinder Singh refused to shake hands with current president Partap Bajwa who hit back with retorts against Amarinder in his speech”, Mr Majithia said adding “this state of affairs will only further demoralize the Congress rank and file in the State”. EOM

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

 PUNJAB LEADS THE NATION BY GRANTING Rs. 3000 PER ACRE COMPENSATION TO FARMERS HAVING LAND ACROSS FENCING ON INDO-PAK BORDER

SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL HANDS OVER CHEQUES WORTH Rs. 99 LAKH TO 3285 FARMERS

ANNOUNCES DISBURSEMENT OF COMPENSATION ANNUALLY IN 6 BORDER DISTRICTS

EVERY FARMER TO GET TUBE WELL CONNECTION BY DECEMBER

MAJITHIA DESCRIBES YOUTH CONGRESS’ ADHIKAR YATRA AS ‘ANTIM YATRA’ OF CONGRESS LED UPA REGIME

RANIKE (AMRITSAR), OCTOBER 10: The Punjab Government today came to the aid of thousands of farmers owning land across the barbed wire fence on the Indo-Pak border by granting them an annual compensation of Rs. 3000 per acre which has been denied to them since the last ten years by the Congress led UPA government.

Presiding over a special function along with Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia to disburse compensation cheques of worth Rs. 99 lakh to 3285 farmers belonging to 47 border villages of Amritsar district with 3327 acres of land across the fencing, Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the government had decided to compensate them for the difficulty faced by them in cultivating their land by deciding to restart the cash compensation scheme. He said this scheme was initiated more than ten years back by the central government led by the NDA but had been discontinued during UPA rule.

Nearly 20,000 acres of land in six border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran and Fazilka is situated beyond the international fencing in Indian Territory.

Mr Badal said the Punjab government had released Rs. 6 crore for compensation this year from its limited resources as the Congress led UPA Government did not bother to come to the aid of Punjabi farmers despite requests made by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to the Prime Minister as well as the Union Home minister. He said the State government would make this an annual feature.

In another major relief for border farmers, the Deputy CM announced that every farmer having land across the barbed fence would be awarded a tubewell connection by December this year. He informed that till date around 2000 tube well connections had already been issued to the farmers having land across the fencing.

Lambasting the Congress led UPA for constant neglect of border areas, Mr. Badal said the compensation scheme was launched during the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee after Mr Parkash Singh Badal invited then Union Home minister L.K Advani to the border villages in order to understand the hardships being faced by the farmers there. He said besides various restrictions, the farmers could only work limited hours at their fields due to security issues.

Making an emotional appeal to the mammoth gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that time has come to shunt-out the Congress led UPA regime to bring a decisive and pro-people government at the centre.

Later interacting with media persons, Mr. Badal said that by not inviting Punjab Chief Minister on the foundation stone laying ceremony of PGI’s Satellite Cancer Treatment Center at Sangrur, the Congress led UPA government has not only breached protocol but also harmed democratic values. He said the people of Punjab were intelligent enough and fully understood the game plan of the Congress and would teach it a lesson in the forthcoming parliamentary elections.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Punjab Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said the Congress had always accorded step-motherly treatment to Punjab farmers and that the farmers of the border region were the worst sufferers. He said farmers were dealing with two borders. One International and the second one the fencing erected by the Union Home Ministry as farmers did not have freedom to cultivate their own land in Indian territory even after 66 years of independence.

Mr Majithia pointed out the grave injustice being meted out to the border farmers by not only denying them compensation, but also not compensating them for land acquired for various purposes like construction of 11 feet wide road along with fencing setting up of border posts, bunkers and pillars. He said that it was an irony that despite a Sikh Prime Minister who belonged to Amritsar the problems of border farmers were multiplying day by day as the Gandhi family had reduced the PMO office to the status of a rubber stamp.

He said that consecutive tenures of Congress led UPA government has broken the backbone of Punjab peasantry with roof piercing inflation in agri-inputs with many fold increase in fertilizers, pesticides, diesel followed by non-remunerative MSP ignoring recommendations of Dr. Swaminathan Commission.

Describing the ‘Adhikar Yatra’ being launched by Punjab Youth Congress as ‘Antim Yatra’ of Congress led UPA regime, Mr. Majithia said that the people of country have already made up their mind to install NDA Government keeping its previous record of clear vision and decisiveness. He said that once the NDA Government takes over the reins of country, he was fully confident that these farmers would get compensation to the tune of Rs. 20000 per acre.

Describing the 8 congress Member Parliaments from Punjab as ‘paper tigers’, Mr. Majithia asked the PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa to point out a single project or package being sanctioned by the Punjab mps or him for Punjab or the border area. He said in the forthcoming parliament session SAD-BJP MPs from Punjab would raise the issue of constant neglect of border farmers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Cabinet Minister, representing Attari constituency on Indo-Pak border briefly outlined the problems being faced by the border farmers. He also expressed gratitude for the Punjab Government’s Special Anti-narcotic drive resulting in major recoveries.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included, Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mr. Indebir Singh Bolaria and Mr. Amarpal Singh Ajnala, all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Manjit Singh Manna, MLA and Mr. Veer Singh Lopoke, Chairman District Planning Committee.EOM

 -

CM EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER THE TRUCK MISHAP IN HOSHIARPUR

 

·        DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO EXPRESS GRIEF

 

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

 

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic accident, in which a truck carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge near Manguwal barrier (Hoshiarpur) while returning from Chintpurni late last evening, which claimed 20 lives and injuring 17 of which three seriously injured. All the deceased were from Bajaj and Fethehpur villages of Kapurthala District.

 Mr. Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear huge loss in this hour of crisis and grant peace to the departed souls.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an ex -gratia grant of Re one lac each to the next of kin of the deceased and free medical treatment to the injured in the government hospitals, besides a financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 to each of the injured undergoing treatment in the private hospitals.  He also directed the Civil and Police administration to extend all possible help to ensure best and free treatment to all the injured in order to save the precious lives and make elaborate arrangements to send the bodies of  the victims at their native places.

 Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also shared their heartfelt condolences over this tragic incident.

-

 

BADAL BLAMES UPA FOR STRAINING CENTRE-STATES RELATIONS

·        ELECTED STATE GOVERNMENTS WERE BEING IGNORED TO TAKE POLITICAL MILEAGE

·        HARDLY BOTHERS ABOUT NOT BEING INVITED AT SANGRUR

·        BAJWA HAS CAUSED HUGE  LOSS TO STATE EXCHEQUER

·        STATE TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FOR ELIMINATING WATER LOGGING

·        HOLDS SANGAT DARSHAN IN GIDDERBAHA ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Loondewala (Sri Muktsar Sahib), October 10-

               Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the hostile attitude of the Congress led UPA government towards the states ruled by opposition parties was straining the Centre-states relations in the country. 

               Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in the Gidderbaha assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the national Congress leadership was eroding the federal system in the nation by deliberately ignoring the elected governments of states during the inauguration of developmental projects. He said that whether it was Uttar Pradesh or Punjab, the Congress leaders had deliberately ignored the ruling political leadership of the states in the functions of the union government just to take political mileage of these projects. Mr. Badal said that it reflected the frustration of the Congress leaders who were making these futile attempts in the false hope of regaining the power again at centre.

               The Chief Minister said that the Congress leaders must remember one thing that the money spent on these projects comes from the states through the collection of taxes due to which they have every right over it. He said that they do not bother about not being invited at the function to lay down the foundation stone of PGIMER Satellite Centre at Sangrur but the manner the Union government has humiliated them by ignoring the state government in this regard, was unconstitutional and derogatory. Mr. Badal said that Health was a state subject but Congress leaders, who were habitual of usurping the powers of the states, have once again encroached upon their rights.

               Holding the state Congress President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa responsible for causing irreparable damage to the interests of the state, the Chief Minister said that the Lok Sabha MP from Gurdaspur has caused a loss of thousands of crore to state exchequer by getting the central grants blocked. He said that these grants could have helped in ensuring the overall development of the state and prosperity of its people but by acting as a stumbling block Mr. Bajwa has got these grants stalled. However, Mr. Badal praised the leader of opposition in Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar for supporting the state government in seeking grant for the water logged areas of the state.

Earlier addressing the gatherings at villages Babanian, Taraiwala, Baadian, Bhunder, Gurusar, Kothe Dashmesh Nagar and Kothe Himmat Pura, the Chief Minister said that the high powered technical committee of the state government has integrated prepared a comprehensive plan to eliminate water logging from Ferozepur, Fazilka, Faridkot and Sri Muktsar Sahib Districts of South Western Punjab. He said that the recommendations of this plan have been submitted to the centre government for its approval, so that reprieve could be given to the people of these areas. Mr. Badal hoped that the Union government would extend a helping hand to the state for eradicating this menace. “However if the Centre is not ready to help you people, I assure you that the state government will leave no stone unturned in implementing the recommendations of this committee to bail you out from this problem” he added.

The Chief Minister also announced that as the loss to the standing crops and property of the people due to the floods in this region has been assessed by the state, so the compensation for it would be awarded shortly. He said that efforts were also afoot get the amount of compensation hiked from the Union government for which he had met the top brass of the Centre a number of times.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the sole aim of holding the Sangat Darshan in the villages was to bring the state government virtually at the door steps of the people for redressing their problems. Mr. Badal also said that the Deputy Commissioners have been authorized to allot five marlas land each to the homeless household following the resolution passed by the village panchayats. He also asked the officers to adhere to the high quality norms stipulated for carrying out the development works. 

Honoring Akali workers and their kin who were lodged in jails with him during the various Akali agitations, the Chief Minister said that he had always aspired to felicitate these ‘heroes’ who had made supreme sacrifices for constituting the Akali governments in the state. Mr. Badal also said that he had asked the leaders to collect the data of all such leaders who had faced hardships in jail so that a pictorial Directory of these leaders could be compiled for inspiring the future generations about their rich legacy. He said the SAD was in power today just because of the struggle of these leaders due to it was their moral duty to honor them.

On the occasion, welcoming 25 leaders of the PPP into Akali fold, the Chief Minister said that they would be given due respect in the party.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP from Faridkot Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon, Member SGPC Jathedar Navtej Singh Kauni, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh.        

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

KHARAR-LUDHIANA ROAD TO BE SIX LANED: DHILLON

·        PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED WITH 600 CR.

·        WORK TO BEGIN FROM MARCH 2014

 

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

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

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Public Works Department Minister, said that this ambitious project would be completed with the estimated cost of Rs. 600 crore, the work for which would start on March 2014.

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

Mr Dhillon further informed that under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr Parkash singh Badal and visionary guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab is all set to become the state, having best road connectivity in the country. He said that 175 KM road  from Sambhu Border–Jalandhar with the cost of Rs 1500 crore, 44 KM from Bhogpur-Mukerian with  Rs 300 crore, 102 KM from Pathankot to Amritsar with Rs 705 crore and 78 KM from Ludhiana to Talwandi worth Rs 479 crore have also been under  construction.

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

 

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

 

PUNJAB GOVT. INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR 461 POSTS OF FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLY INSPECTORS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

          The Punjab Government has invited applications for the recruitment of 461 inspectors in the food, civil supplies & consumer affairs department.

Giving the details a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that 461 posts of the inspectors (Group-B) in the food, civil supplies & consumer affairs department would be filled to direct recruitment from various categories. The pay scale of the inspector is 10300-34800+ 4200 GP with the initial pay of Rs. 16290.

            Eligible candidates can apply online by November 9, 2013 which is the last date to apply for this post. Candidate can log in to the official website www.foodsuppb.nic.in to fill on line application form. Application received through any other means would not be entertained. Eligibility would be taken on December 15, 2013.

The spokesman further said that the applicant must have possessed bachelor or equivalent degree from any recognized university and having passed matriculation with Punjabi subject.  He said that for further information one can log in to official website www.foodsuppb.nic.in.

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

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT URGES FARMERS TO SELL STUBBLE TO BIO-MASS PLANTS

CHANDIGARH: 10 OCTOBER

          In a bid to provide new avenues to the farmers to supplement their income, the Punjab Government has established Bio-mass Plants in the various Tehsils of the districts in the state.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that these plants has been established in the seven Tehsils of the state. He said that among these 7 Bio-mass Plants, one plant having capacity of 6 MW at Mukatsar, 8 MW at Abohar, 14.5 MW at Malot, 6 MW at Garhshankar, 6 MW at Nakodar, 12 MW at Rajpura and plant having capacity of 10 MW has been established at Mansa.He said that the total accumulated capacity of all these plants was 62.5 MW.

He further said that under the 'Earn Don't Burn' campaign of the Punjab Government, PEDA has appealed the farmers of the state that they should not burn the stubble. He said that Punjab Government has decided to give 40 to 50% subsidy on stubble balers, rake and stubble chopper to collect the paddy stubble through Punjab State Farmers Commission. He appealed the farmers to sell their straw to the Bio-mass Plants so that their income could be increased.

-

PUNJAB INITIATES SKILL DEVELOPMENT COURSES FOR THE WARDS OF EX-SERVICEMEN – VALTOHA

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BEAR 80% OF THE TOTAL FEES

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

Punjab Government has initiated Skill Development Courses for Ex-servicemen/their widows/wards and children in the various districts/Tehsils across the state.

          Disclosing this here today, Chief Parliamentary Secretary S. Virsa Singh Vltoha said that the purpose of these courses is to provide self employment to Ex-servicemen/their widows/wards and children.

He said that these courses would be started in Amritsar, Bathinda, Faridkot,Ferozpur, Fatehgarh Sahib,Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hosihiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Sri Mukatsar Sahib,Patiala, Mohali, Roopnagar and Sangrur. He added that these courses would also be started in the remaining districts after availing the required space.

Giving details of the courses Mr. Valtoha said that under this scheme Punjab Government would run the Ayurvedic Therapy Course for 12th pass, Electrical Technician, Refrigeration & air-conditioning, computer application certificate course, homeopathic dispensing certificate course for  10th pass students. He further said mainly these courses would be of one year but Plumbing and beauty culture course for 8th pass and Cutting, tailoring &dress making course would be for six months.

He further said that all concerned articles and books would be provided free of cost during the course and  Punjab Government would bear the 80% of the total fee of the course. Mr. Valtoha said that these courses would be run like other regular courses. Interested students may contact their respective district defence service welfare office for their registration.

 

PUNJAB ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 10 TO 17 OCTOBER

 

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Kharif Season through Canal water from 10-10-2013 to 17-10-2013. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab Canal, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch,  Abohar Branch and Patiala Feeder respectively.

            Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that direct distributaries of BML, in Group ‘A’, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor of Group ‘B’ respectively.

The spokesman further said that Punjab channels and Branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozpur Head Works, all the direct Distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group ‘A’ being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/minors, in Group ‘B’.

            The spokesman also said that the in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Main Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Lahore Branch,Sabhroan Branch, Kasur Branch Lower, and with their distributaries, respectively.

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

PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR STATE AWARD TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPED-2013

·        APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH HEAD OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT BY 15THOCTOBER, 2013

·        APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT THE RECOMMENDATION OF DISTRICT COMMITTEE WON’T BE CONSIDERED

Chandigarh, October 10: Punjab Government has invited applications for State Award to Physically Handicaped-2013. Disclosing this here today Official Spokesperson of the Social Securities Department said that Punjab Government gives cash awards to the Physically handicapped persons, employees, sportspersons and organizations working for the welfare of the Handicapped persons.

Spokesperson said that eligible applicants could get specified Performa from the district offices of the Social Securities department. He said that district level committee is constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner for this award.

Spokesperson further said that applicants should send their applications recommended by the district committee to the head office of the Social Securities Department, Punjab by 15th October, 2013. He said that applications sent without the recommendation of the district committee would not be considered.

Spokesperson said that under the scheme of state award to Physically Handicapped, Rs 25000 per organisation are awarded to organizations/NGO’s working in the field of welfare of  handicapped persons, Rs 5000 per person to Handicapped Sportspersons/Women for their personal qualification/achievements and Rs 10000 to employee/self-employee/personal of per category.

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

 

PUNJAB LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR 37 POSTS OF CLERKS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

          The Central Recruitment Agency of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana at Chandigarh, on behalf of Punjab Legal Services Authority, invites applications online (www.recruitmenthighcourtchd.com) for filling up 37 vacant posts of Clerk in the Punjab Legal Services Authority at Chandigarh, District Legal Services Authorities and Permanent Lok Adalats (Public Utility Services) in the Districts of the State of Punjab.

Giving the details a spokesperson said that selected candidate can be appointed anywhere in the State of Punjab including Chandigarh. He said that the applicant should possess a degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent thereto from a recognized university or institution. The applicant should have passed Matriculation examination with Punjabi as one of the subject and should also possess at least one hundred and twenty hours (120 Hours) course with hands on experience. 

He said that last date/time for online Registration is 22nd October 2013. For more information, online registration, category wise vacancy breakup, fee, age, mode of selection and other important instructions applicants can log on to www.recruitmenthighcourtchd.com, spokesperson added.

-

PUNJAB DISBURSE 12574 CRORE E-PAYMENTS IN SIX MONTHS-DHINDSA

·        26 LAC PLUS BENEFITED FROM ONLINE PAYMENTS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10: The computerization of entire treasury offices in Punjab ensuring all Government Payments online proved a grand success with  Punjab becoming first successful state in the country to disburse more than Rs. 12574 crore to more than 26 lakh beneficiaries in first six months by online system.  

 Disclosing this here today Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Punjab said that crediting online payments was successfully running in the whole state. He said that through this system of e-payments to various departments, authorities besides salaries of government officials/employees, Punjab has credited Rs. 12574 crore 92 lacs and 39702 in just six months.

He said that Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) has been monitoring the system of online payments from its inception on 1st April, 2013 and Punjab has become the country's first state to start this programme. He said that all government payments from 1st April, 2013 were being deposited directly in the bank accounts of concerned departments and authorities. He said 26 lakh 85359 people were directly benefitted with this scheme.

The Finance Minister further said that E-Payment system was implemented in all Government Offices/Departments, whose transactions were done through treasury offices. He said that 21 Treasury Offices in the state has implemented the E-payment system while besides these offices all 71 sub treasuries were running this system in the state.

-

 826806 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 10:

            The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 826806 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 826806 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 627882 tonnes of paddy (75.9%) till date whereas private traders procured 198924 tonnes (24.1%) of paddy. Till October 09, PUNGRAIN had procured 203649 tonnes (32.4%) whereas MARKFED procured 136255 tonnes (21.7%). PUNSUP procured 146263 tonnes (23.3%), PSWC procured 45769 tonnes (7.3%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 56217 tonnes (9.0 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 39729 tonnes (6.3%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Ferozepur with 174498 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Tarn Taran with 134630 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Sri Mukatsar Sahib 73003 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

-

  • BADAL RESENTS CENTER’S GRAVE POLITICAL IMPROPERIETY OVER PGI SATELLITE
    CENTER AT SANGRUR
  • CHEAP POLITICAL GIMMICKRY VIOLATED THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATIVE
    FEDERALISM IN THE COUNTRY”:  CM TELLS DR MANMOHAN SINGH
  • BADAL WRITES TO PM: “STOP NEEDLESS CONFRONTATION AND POLITICISATION OF
    DEVELOPMENT ISSUE”


    CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 9:

    Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed displeasure over  as a “grave and avoidable political impropriety involved in keeping Punjab in the dark about the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Satellite Center of the PGIMER, Chandigarh, at Sangrur on October 10, 2013.

    Disclosing this here today, Mr. Harcharan Bains, Advisor on National Affairs and Media to the Chief Minister said that Mr. Badal had written  to  Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh expressing his strong“surprise, dismay and displeasure” over the unseemly lack of decorum and courtesy involved in the center’s decision. Mr. Badal strongly
    urged the PM to “impress upon his colleagues not to   allow politics to take precedence over issues of development and governmental duties or to over-ride basic governmental courtesies.”

    Expressing surprise over the move by the Union Government, Mr. Badal raised a fundamental issue of the spirit of “co-operative federalism“ in the working together of the Union and the state governments for the development and prosperity oof the states and the country. This spirit, he said, had been dealt a severe blow by this needless act of
    cheap political gimmickry.  “The Center and the States must work hand in hand in an atmosphere of complete constructive cooperation, adding to and speeding up the overall developmental thrust. “As a matter of
    fact, we have always rolled out a red carpet for the honorable members of the Union Government and other constitutional dignitaries from the center,” said Mr. Badal.  The chief Minister said that he was personally satisfied and happy over the Foundation Stone of this prestigious being laid in Sangrur, but “ignoring state government completely was intolerable as it involved not just issues of protocol but also of great political impropriety”, said Mr. Badal.

Objecting both to the manner and motive behind  the move to lay the Foundation Stone ceremony of a major development project in the state without  keeping the state government in the loop, Mr. Badal said that this smacked of a low-level petty politicking gimmick, something that did not behove the government of a free democratic country like India.
“The actin lacked courtesy and there was a definite loss of grace and dignity on the part of some people in the Government of India who thought they were being too smart in politicizing an issue of sensitive significance to the people of the state.
             The Chief Minister told the PM that he had been surprised by the deliberately mischief move of not letting the state government agencies know about the function. “This is not how mature governments and political parties function in a responsible democracy,” said Mr. Badal.

No one in the state government had been informed about the GoI’s programme at the level of the Union Ministry of Health to lay the foundation stone of the Satellite Center at Sangrur on October 10, 2013 in with some senior members of the Union Government, including the Minster for Health and some other senior leaders of the ruling party were taking part.

Mr. Badal pointed out that the proposal for setting up this Satellite Centre of PGIMER in Punjab had been personally initiated by him ( Mr. Badal)  in October 2012. The state government ahd identified a suitable piece of land for it in Sangrur. Later, he along with Union Health Secretary, Director, PGIMER, and state government’s officers
had also visited the site, said Mr. Badal.

Mr. Badal said he had personally urged the Union Health Ministry to accord approval to this project and with continuous efforts and persistent follow-up by the state government it had been Okayed.“Keeping in view   the importance and the necessity of the project state government had always moved fast and ensured the timely handing over of the site to the Union Health Ministry.

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

 
HARSIMRAT ADVISES RAHUL TO LEARN ETIQUETTES IN POLITICS- …

*BATHINDA : OCTOBER 9*

Bathinda Member Parliament, Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal advised AICC Vice
president Rahul Gandhi to learn etiquettes in politics  as he showed
immaturity by not inviting Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal
for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Cancer Hospital at Sangrur,
for which  Punjab Government  had given  25 acres of  land.

      While speaking to media-persons at Goniana Kalan , when she was asked
to comment on the issue of no invitation extended to the Punjab CM,   she
said “Rahul needs to learn some manners in politics. First he insulted his
own Prime Minister by calling an ordinance passed by Dr. Manmohan Singh’s
cabinet as ‘rubbish’ and ‘nonsense’.  He toppled turban of his own Prime
Minister by making fun of his government in public, when he was abroad,”
said Mrs. Badal.

      She said, “Rahul not only committed a mistake by not inviting Punjab
Chief Minister on inauguration function but he is enough rude that he did
not invite even former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who remained
president of  Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee for more than 10 years .
This is not really the way of practicing politics,”.

     “He should know that we gave the land for the construction of the
cancer hospital. By extending no invitation to the Punjab government,
Congress has once again exposed itself. Congress proved that they only do
politics for votes and not for the welfare of people,” said Mrs. Badal.

     “UPA government in center has never come forward to support cause of
Punjab. Congress leaders are only doing vote bank politics. Issues directly
concerning  with people like pollutions in rivers, renovation of irrigation
system and water logging problems have being ignored by the central
government repeatedly,” added Mrs. Badal.

     She said, “You can see that Congress is ready to dole out crores of
rupees on the Food security bill ahead of the elections only to play vote
bank politics but same Congress government in center is not ready to pay
single penny for the irrigation projects of Punjab which has supplied food
grains to all the nation by consuming its own resources,”.

     “New Domestic Airport at Virk Kalan is ready for functioning as its
building is ready for more than one year but central government has not
been giving any time for its inauguration,” added  Mrs. Badal.

       She said, “People have rejected the government of scandals from
their heart and waiting eagerly for the parliament elections to throw this
government out of power.”

      Mrs. Harsimrat Badal addressed impressive and visited villages of
Goniana Kala, Jeeda, Jandanwala, Khialiwala, Kothe Amargarh, Kothe Sandhu,
Mehma Swai,  and Sivian  addressed the grievances of the public on the spot
besides disbursing the developmental grants of lakhs of rupees to these
villages. She also gave patient hearing to the Taksali (veteran) Akali
leaders in every village and solved their problems immediately.

     Funds of lakhs of rupees were distributed during her tour. She also
inaugurated new Primary school in Jeeda village. She inaugurated water
works at Jandan Wala village and inaugurated Government High school library
at Khialiwala.

      Meanwhile she also distributed the saplings under her Nanhi Chaan
Program and appealed the public to stop female foeticide and to plant more
trees to make the environment clean, besides giving a call for shunning the
drugs.

     Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Kamal Kishore Yadav, SSP, Ravcharan Singh
Brar, Senior Akali leaders Lakhbir Singh Lakhi, Sukhman Sidhu, Balkar Singh
and various officials were also present at the occasion.

-

ULTRA MODERN TENTAGE TO COME UP FOR PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB SUMMIT 

Chandigarh, October 9 –

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today while taking stock of arrangements for the Progressive Punjab Summit being held on December 9-10 gave in principle nod for creation of an ultra modern tented structure at the Mohali multi purpose sports stadium to host the event. 

The Deputy CM also decided that the entire event would be held at the stadium. It was therefore decided that separate meeting halls would also be created at the site to accommodate small industry/ theme specific brainstorming sessions. 

Addressing a high level meeting comprising of Industries minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, Adviser Industries Kamal Oswal and representatives of KPMG and CII, Mr Badal also directed the formation of committees headed by senior officers for various tasks and responsibilities. 

Industries Secretary Karan Avtar Singh while briefing the Deputy CM disclosed that invitations were being sent to corporates both in India and abroad and that there was immense enthusiasm amongst the industry and corporate sector to participate in the event. 

Mr Karan Avtar briefed that the main session would be held on December 9. He said on the same day there would be separate sessions on IT,ITEs, Bio Sciences and Health besides manufacturing and Agro and Food Processing industry. 

Mr Karan Avtar disclosed that the second day would have separate sessions for the Hardware and Electronics industry as well as Renewable Energy and Infrastructure. He said a separate session would focus exclusively on Taiwanese investment. 

The deputy Chief Minister also directed that all arrangements for the summit should be done in a professional manner and emphasised on ensuring the usage of modern communication tools. He also directed that the ongoing beautification and landscaping of the Sports Complex should be expedited. EOM

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

 SUKHBIR GIVES A CLARION CALL TO DEMOLISH CONGRESS

·        ENSURING SECURITY TO THE SIKH FAMILIES OUTSIDE STATE TOP PRIORITY

·        CHAIRMAN DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE ASSUMES CHARGE 

FATEHGARH SAHIB, OCTOBER 9:

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today reiterated the resolve of Shiromani Akali Dal to extend full security cover to the Sikh families based in other states.

                Addressing a press conference at Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr. Badal termed the attack on a Sikh family by a group of men at their farm in Loria village of Bhuj district in Gujarat early this morning, as unfortunate. He said that “we are already in touch with Mr. Narender Modi and Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal would speak to him in this regard and adequate steps would be taken to secure the Sikh families settled in other states”.

                On being asked about the NRI industrialists keen on investing in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the Punjab government would hold a prestigious  two-day Progressive Punjab-Global Investment Summit on December 9 and 10 at Mohali with a view to showcase investment opportunities available in the state in various sectors, especially in IT (information technology) and electronics. He said investment opportunities and offers from the state government would be unveiled at this summit.

                Quoting the World Bank study on the most favored and easy destinations for trade and business, Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of pride that Ludhiana was identified ahead of Delhi, Ahmadabad and other major cities for business and trade. Referring to the demands of the Industrialists of Steel Industry of Mandi Gobindgarh, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the difficulties being faced by them were being examined and under consideration of the government.

                In reply to another query on VAT, Mr. Badal said that a people friendly Reform Policy aimed at simplifying the entire procedure would be unveiled by next month. On regularization of illegal colonies in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that the campaign launched by the state government has invoked a good response and as many as 1 lakh applications were received in one week. To facilitate the public, the date has also been extended. There would be a visible improvement in the basic infrastructure and other assured essential amenities with the regularization of illegal colonies in Punjab, he added. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be the most comfortable and prosperous states in the coming years.    

                Earlier Mr. Joginder Pal Singla assumed charge as Chairman of District Planning Committee in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Justice Retd. Nirmal Singh MLA Bassi Pathana and Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary Shiromani Akali Dal and Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon Akali leader.

                Later addressing a massive rally, Mr. Badal gave a clarion call to the entire rank and file of Shiromani Akali Dal and Bhartiya Janta Party to ensure crushing defeat of the Congress led UPA in the ensuing general elections. He hoped that the Congress party would be completely demolished from the political scene of India as the people have clearly understood the anti people policies which have destroyed country’s financial health. He also said that SAD was the only secular party which has given due respect to every religion and the workers within the party.

-

BADAL ADVOCATES CHANGE OF GUARD AT CENTRE DUE TO FAILURE OF UPA

NO HARM IN GIVING A CHANCE TO NARENDRA MODI

WRITES LETTER TO PM FOR EXPRESSING DISPLEASURE ON SANGRUR ISSUE

INAUGURATES FIRST OF ITS KIND MAIZE DRYER AT SAILLA KHURD

ANNOUNCES 50% SUBSIDY ON MESHED WIRES

DEMANDS MSP FOR MAIZE ON THE PATTERN ON WHEAT AND PADDY

Sailla Khurd (Hoshiarpur), October 9-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today justified the need for change of guard at centre, as the incumbent Congress led UPA government has miserably failed at all fronts due to rampant corruption, administrative inability and for failure in combating external as well as internal aggression thereby putting the nation’s security in peril.

The Chief Minister while talking to the media persons on the sidelines of inauguration of first of its kind Maize Dryer in the country installed here at a cost of Rs 9 crore, said that there was no harm to give a chance to the Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi projected by the BJP led NDA because, ‘change is always better’. He said Mr. Modi’s candidature as PM has been endorsed by the Shiromani Akali Dal being an alliance partner of the NDA. Mr. Badal chided the national Congress leadership at centre in blatantly failing to discharge their duties especially to maintain the law and order situation in the country adding he said the country was confronted with grave threats to its security both internally and externally.

Referring to an issue of withdrawal of ordinance for allowing tainted political leaders to contest elections, in haste and thus denigrating the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh by the Indian National Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi, who called the ordinance sent to the President for his concurrence as nonsense and should be torn up, as unfortunate, the Chief Minister said that had the Congress leadership bit serious and sincere towards Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi should not have issued this statement publically which has not only belittled the importance of coveted post of Prime Minister but also brought disgrace to the Congress party.

Referring to the issue of receiving no invitation for laying foundation stone of Cancer hospital at Sangrur, the Chief Minister said that he had already written a detailed letter to the Prime Minister conveying his displeasure on the issue. Mr. Badal said that not only he but the entire SAD-BJP leadership had been ignored on the issue. On the contrary the Chief Minister said that he always sought cooperation for opposition in getting the development projects through from the centre for instance recently he accompanied by leader of opposition in Vidhan sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar called on Chairman of Planning Commission of India Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia for seeking Rs 3357 crore under the integrated plan to combat the menace of water logging in south western districts of Punjab.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that recently he presided over a function at Gurdaspur for inauguration of old age home on the personal invitation extended by former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Ashwani Kumar. Without mincing any words Mr. Badal said that he believes in the politics of consensus rather than that of confrontation and vendetta to seek whole hearted cooperation and support from opposition to ensure overall development of state and prosperity of its people. He however lamented that senior Congress leaders often confide in him that their colleagues in the state leadership were stalling the projects and development proposals for their petty narrow interests beyond anyone apprehensions. The Chief Minister said had he acted on their advise by not meeting the central ministers than he would not have been able to fetch funds for development schemes in the state.     

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Maize Dryer, the Chief Minister said that more such dryers would be installed in various mandis across the state in the districts which were producing huge quantity of Maize as a part of diversification program. He also asked the Chairman of Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal to make available to the farmers in consultation to the technocrats of PAU, indigenous Maize dryers on the pattern of small sized threshers for personal use. Mr. Badal said that the dried up crop with these dryers would fetch more profit of Rs 300-400 per quintal as compared to Maize with moisture content. 

The Chief Minister called upon the centre to immediately introduce the mechanism of MSP on the pattern of wheat and paddy to motivate the farmers to cultivate Maize in a big way as a part of diversification program because it was far more remunerative and less water intensive as compared to paddy. He also asked the farmers to grow crops like soyabean and basmati which also gave better returns to the farmers. Moreover our government had already abolished RDF and Market fee on the basmati which was sold in Mandis to ensure better return to the farmers.

Acceding to the demands of farmers of Kandi areas, the Chief Minister agreed to grant 50% subsidy on the fencing of meshed wire to protect their crop from the damaged caused by the wild animals and stray cattle as these animals were posing a great threat to the crops to the farmers. Mr. Badal also asked the farmers to make use of Solar pumps for irrigating their fields as the state government was providing 70% subsidy on them. He also called upon the farmers to go for agro forestry in the Kandi belt as this region was highly conducive for it. Our Government has already set up timber markets at Hoshiarpur, Garh Shankar and Dasuya for hassle free trade of poplar and eucalyptus as both have high demand in the plywood industry.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the SAD-BJP government was committed for the overall welfare of all sections of society. He said that the number of beneficiaries would be doubled from 15 lakh to 30 lakh under the Atta Dal scheme and a novel scheme namely Dr. Hargobind Khurana scholarship scheme to encourage poor and bright students by providing them a scholarship worth Rs 30000 has also been initiated.   

On the occasion the MLA Garhshankar and the SAD district President Mr. Surinder Singh Bhulleraathan put forth the demands of the region and urged the Chief Minister to immediately get 11 deep tube wells installed in the area. Likewise he also impressed Mr. Badal to instruct the water supply and sewerage board for laying of water supply and sewerage lines in Mahilpur and Garhshankar.   

   Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Rajya Saabha MP Mr. Avinash Rai Khanna, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Tikshan Sud, former MP Mr. Varinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Bibi Mohinder Kaur Josh and Chaudhary Nand Lal, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Vice Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr Ravinder Singh Cheema, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Deepinder Singh and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.   

          -      

BADAL SHOTS LETTER TO PM

REGISTERS PROTEST FOR NOT BEING INVITED AT THE FUNCTION TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF CANCER HOSPITAL AT SANGRUR

TERMS THE MOVE AS VIOLATION OF FEDERAL STRUCTURE

SLAMS NATIONAL CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR ITS MYOPIC ATTITUDE AND NARROW MINDSET

SAD-BJP TO FINALISE SEAT SHARING ARRANGEMENTS FOR DELHI SOON

FULY READY FOR COMING LOK SABHA POLLS

LAUDS ROLE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN IMPARTING EDUCATION AND HEALTH SERVICES

Jalandhar, October 9-

          Terming the matter of not inviting the state government in a function to lay down the foundation stone of cancer hospital in Sangrur tomorrow as violation of federal system, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he has protested this unwarranted move of the centre by writing a letter to Prime Minister.

          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the ninth annual conference of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) here today at Trinity College, the Chief Minister said that it was unfortunate that despite of the fact that the he has personally pursued this project and the state government has given 25 acres of land free of cost for this Hospital, the Union government has due to its vested interests not bothered to invite them in the function. He said that this callous attitude on the part of centre and national leadership depicted their myopic outlook and narrow mindset, which does not behove of such leadership to stoop too low for indulging in politicking on the projects related to the prosperity and welfare of general public. Mr. Badal said that though Health was a state subject but by ignoring the state government in this important event the Congress leadership has vindicated our stand that it was deliberately encroaching upon the rights of the state thereby diluting the nation’s federal structure on one hand and of its mental bankruptcy on the other.

The Chief Minister said that the projects for cancer hospitals in Ferozepur and Sangrur had been conceived by the state government for which they had given land to the PGI also. However he said that owing to their narrow mindset the Congress led UPA government has not even bothered to give a courtesy call to them for inviting to the function. “The Congress leaders must have refrained from stopping so low even for this great public cause” added Mr. Badal.     

          Lashing out at the state Congress leadership, the Chief Minister said that instead of helping the state in getting any major project, the Congress leaders were busy in creating obstacles in the way of central grants for the state besides vitiating the atmosphere of state by issuing illogical statements. He said that the Congress leaders were not only blocking the grants or aids from centre but were also issuing dictatorial orders to ban their leaders from meeting us even in social functions. Mr. Badal said that the anti-Punjab stance of the state Congress leaders have been exposed before the people due to which they have rejected them time and again.

          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister categorically said that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) would soon finalize the seat arrangement with its alliance partner BJP for the Delhi assembly elections in the coming few days. He said that all the formalities regarding the seat sharing would be completed in the coming time after which the alliance would work hard to wipe out the Congress from Delhi. “We will be camping in Delhi to ensure the victory of SAD-BJP alliance in these polls” added Mr. Badal.

          The Chief Minister categorically said that the SAD-BJP alliance was fully ready for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls adding that the Congress would be given a crushing defeat in the state. He said that the leadership of the alliance partners would meet soon for chalking out the strategy of these polls adding that the candidates for the polls would be announced at appropriate time.

          On another query, the Chief Minister said that the policy of regularization of the colonies was in the interest of the general public as it would go a long way in ensuring the welfare and overall development of the cities.

Earlier addressing the conference, the Chief Minister exhorted the youth to play a proactive role in bailing out the country from the current crisis. He said that our country which was once known as ‘Golden Sparrow’ was currently engulfed with a large number of problems and the need of the hour was that youth should come forward for making a strong and united India. Mr. Badal bemoaned that due to the misrule of successive Congress governments at the centre the nation was confronting a large number of social maladies like corruption, unemployment, illiteracy, poverty and others.

Lauding the role of Christian community in the various philanthropic works, the Chief Minister said that the community has done exemplary work in the field of providing quality education and health services to the people. He said that on its part the state government has undertaken a number of path breaking initiatives to ensure the well being of the Christian community in the state adding that in future also no stone would be left unturned in this noble cause. Mr. Badal assured fulsome support and cooperation to the Christian community for their social work.

Earlier in his welcome address Bishop of Jalandhar and Chairman ICYM Northern region Revered Dr. Franko Muakkal lauded the Chief Minister for promoting communal harmony and peace in the state. Dr. Franko said that being minorities of the country the Sikhs and Christians have a strong bond of association.

On the occasion the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh to the Trinity College Management Committee.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. KD Bhandari and Mr. Pawan Teenu, Chairman District Planning Committee Jalandhar Mr. Gurcharan Singh Channi, Chairman District Planning Committee Kapurthala and former MLA Mr. Sarabjeet Singh Makkar, Mayor Municipal Corporation Jalandhar Mr. Sunil Jyoti and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.              

-----------

DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNANCE REFORMS ORGANISES WORKSHOP ON PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE (PKI)

Chandigarh, October 9:

Directorate of Governance Reforms, Punjab organized a specialized training programme on ‘Public key Infrastructure (PKI) for e-governance Projects in coordination with Controller of Certifying Authorities ( CCA) Government of India , New Delhi and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC). this training programme was organised at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Punjab.

Disclosing about the motive of the training programme official spokesperson of the Governance Reforms Department said that this workshop was organized to equip all the departments with skills and knowledge on Public key Infrastructure (PKI).

Spokesperson said that Additional Deputy Commissioners, Directors / Joint Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors; Superintendent, Govt. representatives in State/Project e-Governance Mission Teams / Project Management Units (PMUs), Project Managers Nodal officers for e-Governance and officials involved in development and implementation of e-governance application, e-tendering, e-procurement attended this wprkshop. He said that these officials are expected to play crucial role in e-Governance implementation of State Government level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being implemented in the state under National e-Governance Plan(NeGP).

 

The specialized Training Programme on Public key Infrastructure (PKI) was conducted by Dr. Mohammed Misbahuddin, Senior Technical Officer, Computer Networks & Internet Engineering, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) from Bangalore and Sh. Prabhat Kumar, from Controller of Certifying Authorities, Government of India, CCA (GOI), New Delhi.

Spokesperson said that during the two hours Specialized program on Public key Infrastructure (PKI) for e-governance Projects, experts provided knowledge on Introduction to Cryptography, Symmetric & Asymmetric key Cryptography , Hash Functions , Digital Signature , Digital Signature Certificate , Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) , IT Act provisions , The Indian Scenario .

 

This traing cum workshop programme ended with interactive session between the participants and the experts with the valuable exchange of knowledge about the use of this technology.


-

PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO DECLARE E-CIGARETTES AS ILLEGAL: DR.RANA

THREE DAY SMOKEFREE WORKSHOP ON PROHIBITION OF SMOKING AT PUBLIC PLACES ORGANISED

VINI MAHAJAN INAUGURATS THE WORKSHOP

Chandigarh, October 9:

A three day Smokefree workshop is being organised by The Union South-East Asia (The Union ) on implementation of Prohibition of smoking at public places under Cigarettes and  Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 here at chandigarh. Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab inaugurated the workshop.

Speaking on the ocassion Mrs. Vini Mahajan emphasised on the importance to protect the general public from harmful effects of second-hand smoke. She stated that 12 districts of Punjab have already been declared Tobacco smoke-free and Government of Punjab is committed to enforce the law and make whole Punjab as a Tobacco Smoke-free state. She revealed that from Jan 2013 to August 2013, more than 17000 violators have been challaned under COTPA.

Dr.Rana from 'The Union'  told that Punjab is the first state in which State Drug Controller has declared e-cigarettes as illegal. Mr. Hemant Goswami from Burning Brain Society, Chandigarh during his address stressed that all of us should work for phasing out and focus on eradicating the use of tobacco. He also emphasised that it is responsibility of Ministry of Health, Government of India to ensure that states are fully supported for tobacco control. Dr.L.Swasticharan, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health, Government of India  emphasized that the role of multi-player involvement for effective tobacco control and the Central Government would be extending support for the State Tobacco Control Cell at Chandigarh.

He said district Bathinda has been included this year under National Tobacco Control Programme( NTCP), while adding that NTCP is being rolled out to include more districts in the country in a phased manner during the XII Plan period.

The delegates from 12 states which included state nodal officers, civil societies representatives, public health experts attended the workshop.

 

PUNJAB SUBMITS PROJECT REPORT OF RS. 3327 CRORE FOR WATER LOGGING PROBLEM: SEKHON

 ·        COMMITTEE ON WATER LOGGING SUBMITS REPORT WITHIN 27 DAYS

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8:

The Punjab Government has submitted a project report of Rs. 3327 crore before the planning commission for the eradication of the water logging menace from the sate. The state level committee by the Punjab Government has submitted its report within record time of 27 days. It was disclosed by Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Irrigation Minister, Punjab while presiding over a high level meeting of department here today.

Mr. Sekhon said that a state level committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Mr. B.S. Dhaliwal, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Technical Advisor to Chief Minister. In which Chief Engineers of all the departments were inducted as members. Mr. Sekhon congratulated the efforts of the committee for submitting its finding within 27 days. He said that the south western districts of the Punjab are severely damage by the perennial water logging problem. He said that water logging has economically shattered the farmers of this region.

Mr. Sekhon directed the officers of the department to personally visit those areas of Ferozpur and Mukatsar Districts which are still inundated under the flood water. The Minister also asked the officers to expedite the relining process of Sirhind and Rajasthan Canals.    Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Mr. B.S.Dhaliwal, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Technical Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary, Irrigation, Mr. Vinod Chadaury, Chief Engineer (Drains).

 ---------

BADAL FINALIZES ARRANGEMENTS OF BHAGWAN VALMEKI JI’S PARKASH DIVAS CELEBRATIONS AT AMRITSAR ON OCTOBER 18

APPROVES DESIGN AND PATTERN OF THE ADVERTISEMENTS/HOARDINGS

 Chandigarh, October 8

       The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today held detailed parleys with the members of the Board especially constituted for the celebrations of Parkash Divas of Bhagwan Valmeki ji- the creator of legendary epic Ramayana and the great scholar of Sanskrit, during a state level function to be organized at Amritsar onOctober 18. The meeting was convened to elicit their views to make this historic event as a memorable and mega occasion.

       Presiding over a meeting here at Chief Minister’s residence this evening, Mr. Badal asked the members of the board to extend invitation to all the prominent religious leaders associated with Valmeki community in order to disseminate his teaching amongst the society, which were aimed at the creation of an egalitarian society.

Mr. Badal also apprised the board members that the foundation stone of Rs. 115 crore prestigious Bhagwan Valmeki ji’s shrine would be laid in the presence of great saints and seers who were likely to converge there on this mega event.

The Chief Minister also approved the design and pattern of the advertisements/hoardings to be inserted in the Newspapers and put up on the strategic locations in all the districts on campaign basis from October 11-18 in consultation with board members.

Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included the Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur (both Cabinet Ministers), Advisor to the Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr. SS Channy besides the members of the board including Mr. Hans Raj Hans, Mr. Vijay Danav, Mr. Randhir Gill, Mr. DP Khosla, Mr. Naresh Dhingan, Mr. Raj Kumar Atikay, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Gill, Mr. Kewal Krishan and Mr. Om Parkash Gabbar.  

-

NEW CHANDIGARH TO BE DEVELOPED AS HI-TECH CITY---SUKHBIR BADAL

Chandigarh October 8:  Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that Mullanpur Township as New Chandigarh would be developed as a futuristic township with high-tech facilities. He said the road grid of the Mullanpur city would be in total synchronization with master plan and road network would be planned keeping in view the pressure of development for next 50 years. He said medi-city and edu-city to be developed in the vicinity of Mullanpur would have world class hospitals and universities along with their campus. He said that edu-city would be developed on the pattern of Oxford University. Cautioning about mushrooming of unauthorized or non-sanctioned colonies in the Mullanpur planned area, Mr Badal said that it was imperative for the authorities to check the growth of un-authorized construction with stern hand.

Referring to the Transit plan for the coming up project, Mr. Badal said that transit plan for New Chandigarh would be finalized focusing on well planned sectoral grid and roads widened from 100 ft to 200 ft. For better connectivity the new town would have four main roads connected with Mohali, Chandigarh, Panchkula, Zirakpur, Baddi, Kharar, Sirhind and Airport .There would be one metro junction and two metro stations in the local planning area (LPA).

With big projects like Educity and Medicity, about four 200-ft-wide connecting roads, metro terminal, residential projects like DLF, OMAXE, Altius etc, PCA cricket stadium and a civic and community centre. He also said that about 2,200 acres of land for the town's expansion has already been acquired. The land would be allotted for Educity, Medicity and Ecocity projects and for widening of roads. Adding further, he said that maximum transit nodal hubs would be created especially keeping in mind the forthcoming IT sectors around Chandigarh.

Reviewing the progress of the Master plan of Mullanpur as New Chandigarh, Mr. Badal said that it would be developed as a world class planned city “equipped with the good infrastructure and ultra modern facilities,” .The Punjab government was in the process of finalizing the master plan of New Chandigarh. The consultants have been engaged and the fine tuned master plan would be ready within four months.

            Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab while presiding over a high level meeting said that master plan was being envisaged to make New Chandigarh a hi-tech city with proper zoning so that enough employment avenues could be generated in the coming up IT hub and trade centres.

            Mr. Badal asked the officers to ensure that planning of the city was done meticulously after thorough and diligent study so that the work on this ambitious project was completed in a time bound manner.

            Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. A.Venu Prasad, Secretary Housing and Urban Development Punjab, Mr. P.S.Aujla Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM and other senior officers of the department.

---------

 SUKHBIR CHECKS STATUS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO REALISE ‘MISSION LUDHIANA’

·        BY MID 2014 FLEET OF 210 CITY BUS SERVICE TO BE ON ROADS

·        POSSESSION OF 1100 DWELLING UNITS TO SLUM DWELLERS BE GIVEN ON COMING REPUBLIC DAY

 

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8 : The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today reviewed the status of ongoing development works in the industrial capital Ludhiana to realize the ‘Mission Ludhiana’ dream of Punjab Government.

          Presiding over a high level meeting with the officers of Ludhiana Administration, Municipal Corporation, Mayor and GLADA, Mr. Badal asked them to expedite the ongoing projects by completing all in given time frame and conclude the formalities for the projects in pipeline at the earliest. He said that by the end of 2015, the Ludhiana would be one of the most developed city in the country having modern infrastructures besides all basic amenities in a well-manner. 

          It was informed in the meeting that the 8 laning of Rs. 209 crore 8 laning project of Ferozepur Road-Jagraon Bridge-Sidhwan Canal and construction of three Under Bridges would commence from December this and the project would be completed by the March 2015. Mr. Badal was also informed that the construction of Parking Complex at Feroze Gandhi Market with the cost of Rs. 35 crore would be completed in June 2015.

          The Deputy Chief Minister said that with a view to upgrade the living standards of slum dwellers under Rs. 136 crore project, the keys of 1100 dwelling units would be handed over to beneficiaries on January 26,2014 and by the end of June 2014 Ludhiana city would have a fleet of 210 city buses for the facilitation of residents and daily commuters.

           Giving details of strengthening of road infrastructure in the city, Mr. Badal said that all the roads would have road drains to improve durability, black topping, installation of traffic signs, lane markings, road furnishing, pedestrian crossing, footpaths and improvements of crossing/junctions. He said that for this purpose Hambran Road, Extended Hambran Road, Rahon Road, Tajpur Road, Gill Road, Dugri Road and Ishmeet Road has been identified and this project would be completed with a cost of Rs. 60 crore.

           The Deputy CM also informed that according to the plan of holistic development of Ludhiana Rs.88 crore to be expended for the internal works with complete maintenance of all 75 wards. He said the construction in this regard would start in January 2014. He said that start of construction of Indoor Stadium on Pakhowal Road was on the verge, which would be completed December 2015. He said that ROBs on Pakhowal and Dana Mandi with complete upgradation would also be concluded in 2015.  He said that the process to choose top consultants for development and maintenance of parks and green belts in the city has been initiated and with the end of 2014, all the parks of the city would have lush green looks.

          On the issue of Buddah Nullah, Mr. Badal said that a master plan in this regard has been prepared with Rs. 500 crore including Rs. 110 crore for roads was under consideration. He said that the work on these sites would be started in January 2014. He said that mechanized sweeping and washing of main roads in Ludhiana has also finalized and the work would start in January 2014. He said that modernization and development of slaughter house with a total Rs. 37 crore was also under consideration.

          Asking the authority to expedite the ongoing works, Mr. Badal directed them that all the works should be completed in stipulated time limits.

          Prominent amongst those present in the meeting including, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, MLA, Mr. H.S. Gohalwaria, Mayor, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM.

 - 

CM VISITS HOUSE OF VIDHU JAIN

ASSURES THE FAMILY THAT THE CULPRITS OF THIS HEINOUS CRIME WOULD BE BEHIND THE BARS SOON

VIDHU JAIN’S SACRIFICE WOULD EXPOSE THE FORCES TRYING TO DIVIDE PEOPLE ON COMMUNAL LINES

LAUDS MALERKOTLA RESIDENTS FOR UPHOLDING THE TRADITION OF COMMUNAL HARMONY AND PEACE

MAJITHIA SHARES CONDOLENCES WITH THE FAMILY

Malerkotla (Sangrur), October 8-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would leave no stone unturned in tracing the murderers of 11 years old innocent child Vidhu Jain, who was killed brutally a few days back.

The Chief Minister accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, today visited the house of Vidhu Jain and condoled the death of the child. Mr. Badal who stayed at the residence of Vidhu Jain for about half an hour assured his family members that the culprits of this barbaric crime would be behind the bars soon. He said that a high level investigation team of the Police was looking into the case adding that he had directed the Police officers to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to the book.

The Chief Minister said that the sacrifice of Vidhu Jain would be instrumental in exposing those elements who want to disturb the hard earned peace and communal harmony in the state. He categorically said that the state government was committed crush the ugly head of all those powers which were trying to divide the people on communal lines by carrying out such nefarious activities. “We are keeping a close tab on all such forces and I assure you that the culprits of the case will be given exemplary punishment” added Mr. Badal.

Lauding the Malerkotla residents for being the flag bearers of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood, the Chief Minister said that the people of this town have once again upheld the long tradition of love and mutual cooperation by maintaining law and order situation even in the tense circumstances. Mr. Badal appealed the residents to extend fulsome support and cooperation to the Police and Civil authorities by exercising restraint in this hour of crisis.

On the occasion Revenue, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also shared his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. Praising the family for fully supporting the Police and Civil administration in investigating the case, Mr. Majithia also assured them that the culprits of this dreadful crime would be put behind the bars soon. He said that the state government was making all out efforts to crack this case.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Farzaana Aalam, MLA Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, DIG Mr. Shive Kumar Verma & Others.

-----------

THREE IPS OFFICER GOT CURRENT DUTY CHARGE OF DIG

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8:

                The Punjab Government has given current duty charge of DIG to three IPS officers with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Jaskaran Singh, Mr. Yurinder Singh and Mr. Rajinder Singh (all 1999 batch) have been given the current duty charge of DIGs.

-
CM ATTENDS CREMATION OF TEJINDER SINGH SONI

LAYS WREATH ON BEHALF OF STATE GOVERNMENT

Ludhiana, October 8-

Mortal remains of Mr. Tejinder Singh Soni, the younger son of Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee President Jathedar Avtar Singh, were consigned to flames at Model Town Extension Cremation ground in Ludhiana amidst thousands of mourners and sympathizers who reached here to pay homage to the departed soul.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, accompanied by Revenue, Information & Public Relation Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, attended thecremation of Mr. Tejinder Singh Soni, who passed away on Monday afternoon after renal failure.

The Chief Minister laid wreath on the behalf of Punjab Government during his last rites and also shared heartfelt sympathies and condolences with Jathedar Avtar Singh. The Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

Revenue, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni who passed away in the prime of his youth.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Cabinet Minister Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, MLAs Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Balwinder Singh Bains, Mr. Simerjeet Singh Bains and Mr. Ranjeet Singh Dhillon, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Vice Chairman Punjab Planning Board Prof. Rajinder Bhandari, former Ministers Jathedar Hira Singh Gabria and Mr. Satpal Gosain, President Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Mr. Manjit Singh GK, former MLA Mr. Ranjit Singh Talwandi besides several members of SGPC and leaders of SAD-BJP alinace. 

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

 JOSHI DIRECTS OFFICERS TO IMMEDIATELY CLEAR CASES OF CLU AND BUILDING PLANS

·        CAMPS TO BE ORGANISED AT AMRITSAR AND LUDHIANAON OCTOBER 26 AND NOVEMBER 7RESPECTIVELY

·        STRICT ACTION TO BE INITIATED AGAINST THE ERRING OFFICERS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 8: 

Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab today directed the officers of the department to clear cases pertaining to Change of Land Use (CLU) and Building Plans lying pending in the state. He said that to ensure the implementation of his directive he would visit different cities of the state and hold public camps. He accompanied by Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor to Punjab Government said that initially Amritsar and Ludhiana have been identified to hold camps in this regard, where the Local Bodies Department would resolve such cases on October 26 and November 7respectively.

          Talking to media persons here in his office, Mr. Joshi said that this move of Local Bodies department would prove a boon for thousands of applicants, whose cases were lying pending in different districts. He said that after Amritsar and Jalandhar, department would hold such camps at Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda to clear the pendency of CLU and Building Plan cases. He said that instructions have been issued to authorities concerned to provide CLU and approval for building plans within a stipulated time limit. He said that officers concerned would be held responsible for any kind of delay in providing CLUs and building plans. Strict action would be initiated against the erring. He has also asked the officers to ensure the receipt of all the required documents from the applicants at the time of submission of applications.

          The Local Bodies minister also informed that he would also visit the camps to ensure the transparency and timely disposal of the cases. He also said that state has been divided into 8 clusters for door-to-door collection of garbage and installation of solid waste management plants were on full swing at Ludhiana, Bathinda and Ferozepur while the tender for Jalandhar cluster has been floated whereas the tenders for Amritsar would be floated within few days.

           Replying to a query regarding illegal colonies, Mr. Joshi said that Punjab Government has already introduced a policy under which a colony or plot could be regularized by paying a nominal fees. He said that the amounts collected through this exercise would be spent on the development of colonies.

           Mr. Joshi, who is also holding the portfolio of Medical Education and Research, said that the government has already written to Medical Council of India to increase 100 MBBS seats from the ensuing academic session. 

-

9 PPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh, October 8: The Punjab government today issued transfer orders of 9 PPS officers on administrative ground.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman has informed that Mr. Simratpal Singh has been posted as AIG/Intelligence, Chandigarh, Mr. Ashwani Kapoor as AIG/Hqrs, Intelligence, Chandigarh, Mr. Navjot Singh Mahal as SP/Crime, Chandigarh, Mr. Kuljit Singh, ADCP/Hqrs, Amritsar, Mr. Jasdev Singh as SP/Detective, Ludhiana Rural, Mr. Darshan Singh Mann, SP/Detective, Ropar, Mr. Raminder Singh, SP/Industrial Security, Mohali and Mr. Naresh Kumar as Asstt. Commandant/7th IRB, Kapurthala. Besides this, the services of Mr. Baldev Singh as SP has been placed at the disposal of Vigilance Bureau.

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

Maluka suspends Principal

Chandigarh, October 8:

          The Education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today placed under suspension the services of Smt. Garo Devi, Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Chitti, District Jalandhar, due to dereliction in duty and indiscipline in the school. During the suspension period her headquarter has been shifted in the office of Circle Education Officer (CEO), Faridkot.

-

EDUCATION MINISTER CONDOLES THE DEATH OF TEJINDERPAL SINGH SONI YOUNGER SON OF SGPC PRESIDENT JATHEDAR AVTAR SINGH

Chandigarh, October 8-

Punjab Education Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely death  of S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni younger son of SGPC President Jathedar Avtar Singh Makkar.  Sharing his heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, friends and relatives, Mr. Maluka prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

-----

CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU RAM DASS JI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 8:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the Punjabis living across the world on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ram Dass ji.   

In a message, the Chief Minister said that the life and philosophy of Sri Guru Ram Dass ji would ever guide the mankind on the path of righteousness, self-less service, humility and compassion. Guru Sahib redeemed the humanity from the pangs of agony and sorrow in the materialistic world by showing the path of spirituality. 

On the occasion, the Chief Minister appealed to the people to celebrate this sacred day with utmost devotion and religious fervor rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion.

------

Punjab nominates non-official members of SAS Nagar Grievances Redressal Committee

Chandigarh, October, 08

Punjab Government has nominated non-official members of  District Redressal Grievances Committee of SAS Nagar. A notification has already been issued in this regard.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Redressal of Grievances  department said that 29 non official have been nominated from recognized political parties and communities of District SAS Nagar.  

He said that amongst the nominated non official members were  S Ujagar Singh Badali, Shri Harkesh Chand Sharma, S Harbhajan Singh, S Baldev Singh Jhaj, Captain Nazar Singh, Gurmeet Singh Saini, Shri Krishan Pal Sharma, S Manjit Singh, S Karnail Singh, Sh Ravinder Saini, S Partap Singh , Bibi Inderjit Kaur, S Gurmeet Singh Walia, S Surinder Singh from Bazigar Community, Sh Jagdish Ram from Vimukat Jati, S. Balwinder Singh from Comboj Jati, Sh. Faqir Mohamamd, Sh. Tilak Raj, S. Surinder Singh, Sh. R.P.Singh, Sh. Nardev Sharma, S. Avtar Singh Bhatti from Trade & NRI wing, Smt. Jasbir Kaur, Master Charan Singh from Nambardar wing, Sh. Roshan Lal from Valmiki Community, Sh. Karam Singh from Mazbi Sikh, Dr. Rajinderjit Kaur Mohali from Special invitee guest category.   

-

 518526 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 08:

            The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 518526 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 518526 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 360353 tonnes of paddy (69.5%) till date whereas private traders procured 158173 tonnes (30.5%) of paddy. Till October 07, PUNGRAIN had procured 125926 tonnes (34.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 78027 tonnes (21.7%). PUNSUP procured 80365 tonnes (22.3%), PSWC procured 23365 tonnes (6.5%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 31387 tonnes (8.7 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 21283 tonnes (5.9%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Ferozepur with 113743 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Tarn Taran with 97873 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Fazilka 44476 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

 

Punjab exempts plots/colonies developed before 1995 from regularization

  • (Regularization of illegal plots/ colonies extended till October 25)
  • (Regularization can be done from October 25 to November 5 by paying further penalty)
  • (One lakh applications received, Rs 125 crore collected under regularization scheme)

Chandigarh, October 7 – The Punjab government today exempted holders of all plots and colonies developed before 1995 from getting themselves regularized under the regularization of illegal colonies scheme even as it extended the last date for regularizing plots and colonies under the scheme to October 25.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting here which was presided over by Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and attended by Finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Industry minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Revenue and Public Relations minister Bikram Singh Majithia, PWD minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Local Bodies minister Anil Joshi besides chief parliamentary secretaries Som Prakash and K D Bhandari.

It was decided after due consultation that the first registered sale deed of the plot would be the basis for charges to be levied under the new policy. It was decided that anyone who has paid extra charges under the new policy as per the last registry could be eligible for adjustment.

                It was also clarified that in case of colonies the year of sale of 50 per cent area of the colony or 50 per cent number of plots sold would be the basis for establishing the year of the colony. Regularization charges would be charged on this criterion.

It has also been decided that after October 25 plot holders and colonizers can still get their plots/houses regularized but will have to pay a compounding fee. This scheme will be open only till November 5. Plot holders will have to pay a compounding fee of 20 per cent and colonizers of 50 per cent.

Meanwhile the Deputy chief minister was briefed at the meeting that more than one lakh applications had been received under the scheme. Approximately 40 per cent of identified plot holders and 30 per cent of colonizers have applied for regularization of plots/colonies under the scheme. The government has received more than Rs 125 crore as regularization fee as of now.

                Mr Sukhbir Badal meanwhile ordered officers to accept acceptance of forms both manually and online. This is being done to facilitate people to approach the authorities as they wish. Applicants are now also being given the facility to deposit online also.

                The Deputy CM also directed that all plot holders in the below poverty line (BPL) category could get their plots regularized free of cost up to 100 square yards.

                A detailed survey of illegal colonies in the State earlier had revealed that there were 5340 illegal colonies which had come up on 20,600 acres of land. Beside this it was revealed that a number of scattered buildings of all categories had come up without approval in various parts of the State. In order to bring all these unplanned areas into the fold of planned development and to provide basic amenities and a better quality of life to the public it was decided to formulate a policy under the Punjab Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2013 to compound these offences. EOM

-

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the PPCC leadership to stop ……………. 

Chandigarh,  October 7 –

 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the PPCC leadership to stop  “ openly urging leading national and international business and industrial houses not to
invest in Punjab.”


  “I am shocked to see Congress leaders getting so panicky on seeing
the economic resurgence of Punjab. The Congress is crestfallen that
even the Reserve Bank of India has now rated Punjab as one of the
three best investment destinations in the country.  They can’t believe
what they are seeing and neither do they like it. So they have
launched a massive propaganda campaign to dissuade investors from
coming to Punjab. But I appeal to them to stop betraying the land that
gave them birth and fed them. It is sad to see them so upset over good
news about Punjab ” said the Cief Minister in a statement here this
evening.

     Mr. Badal said that the Congress is jittery that their doomsday
predictions on Punjab are proving false.  “Sensing the economic tide
turning in favour of Punjab with big houses like the TATAs,  IT giants
like Infosys and many others showing keen interest in investing in the
state, the Congress leadership has really gone nervous and sleepless.
They did their best to defame the state for decades, and now that they
see that thanks to our efforts, Punjab has emerged as one of the top
investment destinations in the country and  business sentiment is
flowing Punjab’s way, the Congress leaders in the state seem to have
been told by their masters in Delhi to ‘wake up and stop this trend.
But Punjab has arisen now, and the Congress won’t be able to stop its
march back to economic ascendancy. In their own interest, the Congress
leaders would be well advised to halt their vicious propaganda
campaign against their own state and people, “ said the Chief
Minister.

    Mr.Badal said that he was shocked “by the brazen manner in which
the Congress leaders are campaigning against the interests of their
home state, and bending over backwards to stop big ticket investments
coming to Punjab and thus inflicting damage on their home state.
Instead of joining hands with us in promoting the state and bringing
more investments for development and economic prosperity of our
people, the Congress leaders including the PPCC Chief Partap Singh
Bajwa have actually gone into an over-drive to campaign against the
interests of their home state, going  to the extent of telling even
the TATAs not to be ”misled” into investing in Punjab. Even the TATAs
and other big business houses, who always make their own assessments
before choosing a state visit and invest in, must be shocked by the
energies being spent by Congress leaders in trying to stop investments
from coming to Punjab.  No political party or leader in any state
would so  brazenly oppose the interests of their own people as the
Congress leaders of Punjab have always done and  are still doing,”
said Mr. Badal in a statement here.

Mr. Badal said however that there was nothing new  in this act of
betrayal of against the people of Punjab by the Congress leaders.
“They had  opposed tooth and nail the setting up of the Rs 20, 000
crore Sri guru Gobind Singh refinery at Bathinda . They did not allow
work on the  Refinery to start during five years of their rule between
2002 and 2007. They continue to ridicule our demand for securing the
same industrial concessions for the state as have been given to our
neighbouring states. And no one in the Congress has opened his mouth
against the Rangarajan report which will break the back of the
states’s economy by further cutting down our share in central taxes to
less than 1.2 percent. They had opposed our efforts on securing
justice for the state on the Riparian Principle on river waters, which
is lifeline for economic health of the agrarian Punjab. Even on the
question of Punjabi language and Punjabi speaking areas left out of
the state, their vote was cast against their own state,” said Mr.
Badal.

  The Chief Minister said that it was “truly amazing and incredible
that Mr. Bajwa and his colleagues have chosen to keep mum over Haryana
openly laying claim on Punjab’s capital city, Chandigarh, even after a
commitment by Congress government at the center led by Rajiv Gandhi to
transfer the City to its rightful owner, Punjab. There is a rare and
broad national consensus expressed through a unanimous resolution in
both Houses of the Parliament that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab, but
far from raising their voice against its non-transfer, the PPCC
leadership keeps a gleeful silence over open claims laid on the City
by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Instead, the Congress
leaders are using their energies in trying to dissuade big business
houses against coming to Punjab,” said the Chief Minsiter.

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

 CM EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER THE TRAGIC BUS-TRUCK ACCIDENT 
ANNOUNCES EX GRATIA GRANT OF RS 1 LAKH EACH FOR THE NEXT OF KIN OF DECEASED

·       DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER THIS ILL-FATED ACCIDENT

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 7

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed deep shock and anguish over the tragic bus-truck collision near Makhu in Ferozepur district this morning in which five persons were killed and eight injured.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this disastrous accident, 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. Meanwhile the Chief Minister also announced an Ex Gratia grant Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and a sum of Rs. 25,000 each to the seriously injured besides free medical treatment to the all the injured in the accident. The Chief Minister has directed the civil and police administration of Ferozepur district to extend all possible help to the family members of the victims of the accident.

      Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also expressed profound grief and sorrow over this tragic accident and shared their condolences with the bereaved families.

SGPC PRESIDENT JATHEDAR AVTAR SINGH BEREAVED

·        BADAL CONDOLES DEATH OF HIS YOUNGER SON

·        DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO MOURNS PASSING AWAY OF TEJINDERPAL SINGH SONI

Chandigarh, October 7-

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Jathedar Avtar Singh was bereaved today as he lost his younger son S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni (38), who passed away here at PGI this afternoon after renal failure. He is survived by his widow, a daughter and a son.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad and untimely demise of S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni who passed away in the prime of his youth. Sharing his heart felt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, friends and relatives, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also mourned the passing away of S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni and shared their heartfelt condolences with the family.

 Advisor to Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, also condoled the death of S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni.

According to the family sources, the cremation of S. Tejinderpal Singh Soni would take place tomorrow(Tuesday) at cremation ground, Model Town Extension in Ludhiana at 11 AM.

                                                          -

BADAL BATS FOR ADOPTING NANO TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

SEEKS TECHNICAL SUPPORT FROM US BASED CORNELL UNIVERSITY'S FOR THE PROMOTION OF NANO TECHNOLOGY IN PUNJAB

 CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 7:

        In a bid to adopt Nano Technology in the agriculture sector, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the concerned state departments to chalk out the modalities for collaborating the with World's top ranking organizations in the field of Nano technology.

        Mr. Badal was reviewing the prospects of the various applications of the Nano technology in the field of Agriculture during a high level meeting with the senior officers of Agriculture and Horticulture departments besides the scientists of Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) Ludhiana here at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday evening. 

        Emphasizing the dire need to introduce Nano Technology in the agriculture sector, Mr. Badal said that it would not only enhance the crop productivity but also reduce the agricultural input costs drastically. He asked the Scientists of PAU to explore the possibilities of effective implementation of this technology in the state with the help and coordination of world's top Universities like Cornell University (US) and other organizations working in this field.

        Appreciating the marvelous efforts of some farmers working on scientific lines in the field of Fisheries and Dairy farming, Mr. Badal reiterated the state government's firm commitment to introduce new technologies in the field of agriculture and allied farming in the state to facilitate the farmers for supplementing their income. He further said that as the productivity of agriculture sector had been considerably reduced with the over use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides for a long period thus making the soil extremely hard and acidic. Experts in the meeting apprised the chief minister that Nano technology could reduce acidic nature of the soil and attract earth warms to regain its fertility.

        Referring to the tissue culture research, Mr. Badal approved a plan of Rs 4 crore to be carried out by PAU in two years and asked its scientists to intensify their research work to develop a seed less verity of Kinnow.    

        Prominent amongst those who were present in the meeting included Chairman Punjab State Farmers Commission Dr. GS Kalkat, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and VC PAU Dr. Baldev Singh Dhillon besides other senior officers of the state government.        

-

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

BADAL REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS OF STATE LEVEL FUNCTION AT SRI RAM TIRATH ON PARKASH UTSAV OF BHAGWAN VALMIKI JI

·        CM TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE OF Rs. 115 CRORE WORLD-CLASS MEMORIAL AT SRI RAM TIRATH ON OCTOBER 18

·        DEPUTY CM UNVEILS WEEK LONG PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN PRIOR TO THE FUNCTION

·        MAJITHIA ENVISIONS THIS HISTORIC FUNCTION AS A LIGHT HOUSE TO STRENGTHEN THE BONDS OF COMMUNAL HARMONY AND PEACE IN THE STATE

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 7-

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today convened a high level meeting of the senior leaders of the SAD-BJP, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs besides the senior officers of the state government to finalize the arrangements of the foundation laying ceremony of Rs.115 crore state-of-the-art memorial on the state level function to be held at Sri Ram Tirath Temple, Amritsar on the Parkash Utsav of Bhagwan Valmiki ji on October 18.

               Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister said that Mr. Badal exhorted the leaders of SAD-BJP and the top brass of the government to elicit huge participation of the people from different walks of life on this historic event. The Chief Minister deputed the MLA Ropar and Secretary SAD Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema to overall supervise the arrangements and ensure comfortable night stay of the people arriving at Amritsar prior to the day of function, from far flung districts of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Mohali. Mr. Badal called upon the people to celebrate this mega event collectively with great enthusiasm thereby rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion in order to demonstrate the ethos of secularism and religious tolerance. Mr. Badal asked the organizing committee to ensure the participation of the heads of all religious sects besides the eminent spiritual leaders of the country. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal apprised the Chief Minister that  responding to the invitation extended by the Punjab Government the Head of the Bhagwan Shree Laxmi Narayan Dham Brahmrishi Kumar Swami and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of Art of Living Foundation have already confirmed their participation in the function. The Chief Minister informed in the meeting the construction work of the world-class memorial at Sri Ram Tirath would begin within two months as its site plan and layout had already been finalized.

               Taking part in the deliberations, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said the state government would organize a week long publicity campaign through inserting a series of advertisements in various newspapers highlighting the detailed route map and other relevant information related to the arrangements of the function from October 11-18. The Deputy Chief Minister also informed in the meeting that all the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to put hoardings at the strategic locations in their districts with the uniform design and pattern to highlight the message of Bhagwan Valmiki ji. He appealed to the people to participate in this function with great fervor and gaiety to commemorate the Parkash Utsav of Bhagwan Valmiki ji- the creator of legendary epic Ramayana and the great scholar of Sanskrit. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal asked the organizers to make special arrangements for the stay of the women pilgrims and also directed the police administration to ensure smooth and hassle-free movement of vehicle traffic in order to avert any sort of traffic jams. He also instructed the district administration Amritsar to make elaborate arrangement for the parking lot to accommodate maximum number of vehicles especially buses carrying pilgrims to the place of function.

               Speaking on the occasion, the Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia assured the Chief Minister that this prestigious function would prove to be healthy platform to further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state, as the people from different religions, sects and communities were expected to participate on this auspicious occasion.

               It may be recalled that the SAD-BJP leaders from 11 districts namely Jalandhar, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar (Nawanshahar), Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Barnala, Mansa and Sangrur participated in today’s meeting. Earlier, the Chief Minister had detailed discussion with these leaders of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, Moga, Ferozepur, Mohali, Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Rupnagar and Faridkot districts.

               Prominent among others who attended the meeting Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Member Parliament Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, (all Cabinet Ministers), Former Minister Bibi Jagir Kaur, Senior Akali leader Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr. Tikshan Sood, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr. SS Channy besides Deputy Commissioners and SAD-BJP leaders of all the districts.

----------

PUNJAB ALL SET FOR ‘INVESTMENT PROMOTION SUMMIT’ ON DECEMBER 9-10

· SUKHBIR BADAL VISITS VENUE AND REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS

·ORGANISING COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED UNDER DEPUTY CM

· MORE THAN 2000 TOP BUSINESS HOUSES/ REPRESENTATIVES TO PARTICIPATE

 Mohali, October 7 – The Investment Promotion Summit being held on December 9-10 will be held at the newly constructed multi sports stadium here and will host around business heads and representatives of more than 2,000 companies from all across the country and even abroad.

The Deputy chief minister today kick started preparations for hosting of the Investment Summit by visiting the multi sports stadium here along with Revenue and Public Relations minister Bikram Singh Majithia and senior officials.

Reviewing the arrangements on the occasion, the Deputy CM briefed officers that they should take steps to project to the visiting dignitaries that Punjab was the best State as far as ease of doing business was concerned. He also directed that all arrangements for the summit should be done in a professional manner and emphasized on ensuring the usage of modern communication tools. He also directed that the ongoing beautification and landscaping of the Sports Complex should be expedited.

An Organising committee of Ministers under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister has also been constituted and the committee would soon convene a meeting to finalise the whole program and preparations. Deputy CM constituted a high level committee under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh besides Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Secretary Industries and Mr. Gagandeep Singh Brar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister to oversee the arrangements.

Informing that the summit would be organized in different sessions, Mr. Badal said after the formal inauguration on December 9 there would be a main session followed by smaller sessions and individual interaction with the CEOs of various industrial and business houses. The Secretary Industries Mr. Karan Avtar Singh assured the Deputy CM that all the arrangements would be made well in time.

Mr. Badal also there was a vast scope for setting up IT and electronic hardware industry in Mohali, besides education, tourism and hospital ventures besides agro processing. He said an attractive investment policy had already been unveiled by the State government and that he was touring the country to make investors aware of the same through “road shows” and one to one interactions. EOM

 -

PUNJAB MALWA BRAHMIN SABHA CALLS ON SUKHBIR BADAL

CHANDIGARH, OCTOEBR 7:  A delegation of Punjab Malwa Brahmin Sabha today called on Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and honoured him for his outstanding contribution for making Punjab a prosperous state and maintaining exemplary communal harmony in the state.

          Delegation led by Pandit Som Pal president of sabha accompanied by members Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Mr. S.K. Attri, Mr. Pyare Lal, Mr. Durgesh Sharma and Mr. Rajiv Kumar honoured Deputy CM with a siropa (a robe of honour), a portrait of Mata Rani and a sword. Mr. Som Pal apprised Mr. Badal that the Sabha would organize annual mega religious event in Mata Rani Temple at village Maisarkhana on the 6th day of Navratras, where lakhs of devotees pay obeisance.

          Mr. Badal assured the sabha to provide every needful cooperation from the Government of Punjab.  

 -

TATA’S KEEN INTEREST TO INVEST IN PUNJAB HAS FRUSTRATED BAJWA’S ATTEMPTS TO SCARE AWAY INDUSTRY BY MAKING NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT THE STATE’S ECONOMY

(DHINDSA ADVISES BAJWA TO TAKE HEED FROM SUNIL JAKHAR’S ACTIONS AND WORK FOR BETTERMENT OF PUNJAB)

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 7: Punjab Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa said the keen interest shown by Tata Sons and a host of other reputed companies including Infosys and Biocon to invest in Punjab had frustrated Pradesh Congress President Partap Singh Bajwa’s attempts to scare away industry by making unfounded and negative comments about the State’s economy.

          In a statement here, the finance minister said the Punjab Congress chief had been systematically feeding misinformation to the media ever since Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s highly successful visit to Bangalore where he interacted with heads of top companies including those of Infosys and Biocon. “This despite the fact that Infosys Chairman Narayana Murthy expressed interest in establishing a 100 acre campus at the Knowledge Park in Mohali and Ms Kiran Mazumdar Shaw was keen to take steps to set up a manufacturing facility in Punjab”.

          Mr Dhindsa said while these steps did fluster Mr Bajwa, the latter lost further touch with reality by claiming that Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was trying to mislead industrialists. “This happened on the day Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus P Mistry came to Amritsar to inaugurate his company’s mall in the city as well as the announce that the company was seriously considering investments in several areas including complete management of cities in Punjab and also management of integrated transport facilities in Ludhiana and Amritsar besides other proposals”.

          Asking Mr Bajwa whether the head of the most respected business house in the country would make such a statement and even hold detailed meetings with chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, if he was being misled, he asked him with all humility not to make statements which harmed the interests of the State. “Your aim to criticize the government on each and every front should not make you do something which will take the State backward as will happen if you succeed in your nefarious designs to scare away investors by uttering lies and orchestrating a disinformation campaign”, he added.

          The finance minister also asked the PCC President to take heed of Congress legislature party leader Sunil Jakhar’s recent actions during a meeting at the Planning Commission in which Mr Parkash Singh Badal was also present. “Shedding a confrontationist stand, Mr Jakhar gave due recognition to the chief minister and set an example of how an opposition party can work jointly with a ruling party for the betterment of the State”. Urging Mr Bajwa to shun negative propaganda, Mr Dindsa said he could instead use his good offices to demand an industrial package for Punjab from the centre as well as ensure Punjab received its rightful share from central funds.

          Mr. Dhindsa revealed that the industrial policy was on the final stage and it would be notified shortly. He said the new policy aimed to incentivize investors be it small, medium or big industries. He said the state had now reached a level where it could showcase itself with pride having top class infrastructure, highest road density in the country, five operational and upcoming airports and availability of sufficient power and adequate land bank.

          Meanwhile in a scathing comment on the previous Congress government led by Mr Amarinder Singh, the finance minister said if it had done something Punjab would not have missed the IT boom. He said the SAD-BJP government was however taking concrete steps to invite investment and was organizing the“Progressive Punjab-Global Investment Summit” on December 9 and 10 at Mohali with a view to showcase the investment opportunities available in Punjab in various sectors especially in IT and Electronics. EOM

-
An amount of Rs 62.52 lakh released for setting up of Math labs in 6252 Government Schools

Chandigarh, October 7:

          The Punjab government has released an amount of Rs 62.52 lakh to the 6252 government schools for setting up of Math corners and Math Labs. This amount has been e-transferred in the bank account of the schools.

          Disclosing this here today Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Education Minister Punjab said that the Punjab Government has committed to ensure the basic infrastructure in the schools besides providing specialized math labs in the government schools. Adequate attention would be given to encourage the students to adopt math as a subject. He also said that the math labs already setup in the schools would be upgraded.

          He also said that math activity would be prepared in the schools and he urged the students not to buy readymade math activities from the market.

          The minister has also directed the heads of the schools to ensure the timely setting up of the math corners in their respective schools. He has also asked the authorities concern to visit the schools for the implementation of the government directive in both letter and spirit.

-

STRICT ACTION AGAINST GOVERNMENT DOCTORS INVOLVED IN PRIVATE PRACTICE: JAYANI

CMO’S & SMO’S TO KEEP A CHECK ON GOVERNMENT DOCTORS DOING PRIVATE PRACTICE

MINISTER INSTRUCTS OFFICIALS TO START CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

Chandigarh, October 7: Private practice by the Government Doctors won’t be tolerated at any cost, anybody indulged in such practice should put an end to it. Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani Health & Family Welfare Minister, Punjab strictly issued a warning regarding this while addressing during a meeting with all CMO’s & SMO’s of the state here today at the head office of the Punjab Health Systems Corporation. All Civil Surgeons & SMO’s would be would be responsible if any government doctor found doing private practice, ‘said Jayani’.

Mr. Jayani said that Punjab Government is committed to provide better health services to all and called upon officials & doctors to ensure proper health services especially in the backward rural areas to the poor people. Health Minister called upon all officials and doctors to work untidily to improve the health services in the state to the satisfaction of the patients. He said that he would start visiting all hospitals in the state after 15 days.  He said that cleanliness in hospitals and wards is his top priority therefore all needy should be done before he starts his tour. He also highlighted the issue that behavior of doctors should be polite with the patients and no excuses like lack of funds etc should be made for cleanliness.

Stating pollution as a main root cause of all health hazards Health Minister called upon all present to contribute in purifying our environment by planting as much trees as possible in hospital compounds. Mr. Jayani said that there should not be any compromise with the quality of Medicines being supplied at the health department drug stores. He added that department should also regularly keep a vigil on the private medical stores to stop supply of medical drugs.  Health Minister said that he would not work as a minister or boss but as a brother and anybody could directly approach him regarding any issue of the department. But he also added that he won’t tolerate any irregularity in performing duty. Mr. Jayani also clarified that anybody seeking undue favour in his name should be directly reported to him.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu CPS Health & Family Welfare congratulating the New Health Minister called upon officials & doctors to work in a chain owing responsibility to provide better health services at the ground level to the needy and poor.

Earlier Mr. Jayani took over the charge of Health Minister at Punjab Civil Sectriate in the presence of Mrs. Navjot Kaur Sidhu CPS Health & Family Welfare, Mrs.  Nesara Khaton CPS Social Securities, Mrs. Vinni Mahajan Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Mangal Sing Sandhu Principal Secretary Social Securities, Mr. Husan Lal MD Punjab Health Systems Corporation, Mr. Gurkirt Kirpal Singh Director Social Securities, Dr. A. Karthik Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Dr. Ashok Nayer Director Health Services, Dr. Karamjit Sing Director Family Welfare A senior officials of the Health & Family Welfare Department.  

-----------

EDUCATION DEPTT. RELEASES REVISED  EDUSAT REGULAR PROGRAMME

DEOs TO INSPECT THE CIVIL WORKS UNDER RMSA

 Chandigarh Oct.7   The Education Department has released the revised regular EDUSAT programme for class 8th to class 12th during the month of October, 2013, which would come into force from October 16,2013.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the EDUSAT programme would remain same as per the previous scheduled to October 15 i.e.  8:15 am to 2:00 pm while the revised proramme would i.e. October 16 to onwards would be telecast from 9:20 am to 3:15 pm.

          The spokesman further said that all District Education Officers of the state would inspect the civil works being carried out in the schools under the Rashtriya Madhmik Shiksha Abhiyan. He also said that the works of up gradation of schools (from middle to high) was under construction at several schools in Punjab. He also said that the construction of science labs, libraries and art and craft rooms were going on construction in many schools under the National Secondary Education Mission Authority. Though the works are also being monitored by the junior Engineers and SDOs of the respective agencies, the D.E.Os would also inspect the civil work during their inspection at respective schools.  

-

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ROLLS OUT AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION MISSION: BABEHALI

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 07:

Punjab Government has launched much needed agriculture diversification mission to conserve its depleting ground water and ensure remunerative price to the farmers for alternative crops.

Disclosing this here today Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Agriculture,  Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babehali said that  out of 28-lakh hectare area currently under paddy, 12-lakh hectare to be shifted to alternative crops like maize, sugarcane, cotton, pulses, fruits and vegetables besides Agro Forestry in next five years.

 He said that Punjab Government provided 70% subsidy on the agricultural infrastructure to the farmers for adopting drip irrigation, water tanks, solar water pumps and solar connections. He said that state-of-the-art Borlaug Institute for South Asia was being established to develop new varieties of Wheat, Cotton and Maize crop through research at Laddowal, Ludhiana. Amount of Rs. 500 crores has already reserved for this Institute.

Mr. Babehalli said that 50% subsidy on seeds, insecticides, pesticides, machinery and other input materials to boost the cultivation of alternative crops. Punjab Government has enhanced the budget for PAU to Rs. 300 crore for the year 2013-14 from Rs.190 crore of 2012-13 to carry out extensive research and development.         

Mr. Babehalli said that Punjab has won “Krishi Karman Award” (GoI’s award) for record production of food grains during 2010-11. He said that fives citrus estates at Abohar,Tahliwala-Jattan, Bhunga, Badal, Hoshiarpur were established at a cost of Rs. 5 crore to promote the disease free varieties of citrus. Litchi and Pear estate to come up at Pathankot and Amritsar respectively at a cost of Rs 3.80 crore each.

-

PUNJAB TO ESTABLISH GURU RAVIDAS MEMORIAL, EIGHT EXECUTIVE MEMBERS NOMINATED

Chandigarh, October 7:

          Punjab Government has nominated eight executive members, who would help the government to establish memorial of Guru Ravidas ji.

          Divulging the details a spokesperson said that names of the executive members are S. Sohan Singh Thandal and Sh. Som Parkash both CPS, Principal Secretary to CM, Principal Secretary Finance, Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Prof. Jasvir Singh Sambar, Dr. Kulwant Kaur Patiala and Dr. Avtar Singh Issewal Ludhiana. He said that a notification regarding this has been issued.

 - 

PUNJAB RELEASES DIWALI POOJA BUMPER- 2013

      FIRST TWO PRIZES TO BE GIVEN OUT OF SOLD TICKETS ONLY

 Chandigarh, October 7:

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

          Spokesperson said that two 1st prizes for Maa Laxmi Diwali Pooja Bumper-2013 are Rs 1 crore each will be given out of sold tickets only.  2nd prize five of Rs 10 lakh each and 3rd prize five of Rs 5 lakh each.  He said that the draw will be held on 15th November 2013. Similarly, draw of monthly lottery October-2013 will be held on 25th October 2013. Price of a single ticket of monthly lottery is Rs 50 and 1st prize is Rs 51 lakh.  

He added that the price of a single ticket of State Maa Laxmi Diwali Pooja Bumper-2013 is Rs 100/. Spokesperson said that Punjab State Bumpers and Monthly lotteries are popular not only in the state but all over India due to its transparent system.  “Last year people gave overwhelming response to Maa Laxmi Diwali Pooja Bumper and we hope the same this year” he added. Spokesperson has appealed to the ticket buyers to verify the Punjab Government’s logo on the ticket before buying.

-

GRIEVANCES OF INDUSTRIALISTS TO BE ADDRESSED ON PRIORITY, MITTAL
•       STERN ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING

•       ASSUMES CHARGE AS INDUSTRIES MINISTER

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 7:

Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industries and Commerce Minister, Technical Education and Parliamentary Affairs Punjab today said that priority would be given to resolve the issues, problems and grievances pertaining to industrial sector and industry friendly atmosphere will be ensured for industrial growth in the state. He said that despite hurdles laid by centre government  to scuttle Punjab's industrial development, the state is witnessing massive growth in this sector, which could be assessed by the recent visit of TATA Group and interest shown by other big industrial groups.

After assuming the charge as Industries and Commerce Minister, Mr. Mittal categorically said that illegal mining, if any, would be dealt with heavy hand and punitive action would be taken against the illegal miners.

He said that in consultation with industrialists and all the stake holders, the SAD-BJP government has announced its industrial policy, still we are open to all kinds of suggestions.

Mr. Mittal said the SAD-BJP Government has provided various incentives in the recently announced industrial policy. He added that the big industrial houses are keen to invest in the state making the SAD-BJP government’s dream of making state the most preferred industrial destination become alive.

Prominent amongst those were present on the occasion included Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Transport Minister, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister, Mr. N. K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Advisor to CM, Mr. Vineet Joshi, Assistant Media Advisor of Punjab Government and Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary SAD.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

ALL THE POLITICAL PARTIES SHOULD SINK THEIR DIFFERENCES FOR SOLVING MAJOR PROBLEMS FACED BY THE COUNTRY- CM
VOTERS HAVE TIME AND AGAIN REJECTED POLITICS OF HATRED AND VENDETTA
INAUGURATES ELDERS RETREAT HOME AT GURDASPUR

Gurdaspur, October 5, 2013

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that keeping aside their political affiliations and ideologies, all the political parties of the country should join their hands to solve the major problems being confronted by the nation today.
          Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the ‘Elders Retreat Home’ here today, the Chief Minister said that rising above their vested interests the political parties across the board should sink their differences and unite for the public cause. He said that it was the need of the hour to work in unison manner for ensuring the progress of the country on one hand and for facilitating the common man on the other. However Mr. Badal said that for the sake of scoring brownie points in the media some of the political parties were indulging in mudslinging against each other, which was not at all desirable.
          The Chief Minister further said that the wise voters of the country hardly get swayed away by the malicious propaganda of political parties and it was on record that they have rejected the politics of hatred and vendetta, time and again. He said that the politics of vendetta was not in the interest of any person or country due to which the political leaders should desist from indulging in it. “Throughout my political career I had been the votary of morality in politics and have refrained from using foul language against any political opponent” added Mr. Badal.
          The Chief Minister also said that Punjab being the land of Gurus, Saints, Seers and Prophets had ever remained epitome of communal harmony, peace, brotherhood and amity. He said that the great Sikh Gurus had given the message of humanity and universal brotherhood to the people adding that they had also taught the people to fight against injustice, tyranny and oppression. Mr. Badal said that the laying down of the foundation of Sri Harmandir Sahib by a Muslim saint Sain Mian Meer and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur against the religious bigotry were glaring examples of love and respect given by Sikh Gurus to all religions.
          The Chief Minister further said that the state government was following the footsteps of Sikh Gurus for ensuring the well being of all the sections of society. He further said that being a flag bearer of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in the state, the Punjab government was committed to upheld at every cost.
          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. GS Babbehali, former Minister Jathedar Sucha Singh Langah, his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.    

-      
PUNJAB GOVERNMENT AND TATA JOIN HANDS TO PUT STATE ON HIGH GROWTH TRAJECTORY
CM CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO HOLD PARLEYS WITH TATA FOR FIRMING UP INVESTMENT IN STATE
GOVERNANCE REFORMS TO ATTRACT MAJOR INVESTMENTS
IMPRESSES UPON MISTRY TO FIRM UP HUGE INVESTMENTS IN STATE
DEPUTY CM SOLICITS SUPPORT OF TATA FOR PROVIDING QUALITY CIVIC FACILITIES IN CITIES
ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT TO THE GROUP FOR INVESTMENT IN STATE
Amritsar, October 5, 2013
The Punjab Government and the TATA Group initiated a large scale engagement to take the state to the next level of development and make Punjab  a key destination of the country’s premier  business, trade and industrial power-house in a wide-ranging sweep of projects, which cover building top-end model townships, power, renewable energy, world class hotel chains, solid and water waste management, modernising the state’s already solid infrastructure along global lines and introducing state-of-the art rapid transport facility in major cities and towns of state.
The Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal also announced to constitute a high level committee of the officers from the state government under the Chief Secretary which would have detailed parleys with the Tata group for firming up the investment proposals.
The TATAs  under-lined their keen interest in the state as a major investment  destination, as they brought one of their strongest teams ever to visit a state on a business mission, headed by their Chairman Mr. Cyrus Mistry,  comprising MD TRIL Mr. Sanjay Ubale, Members GEC TATA Mr. Madhu Kanan and Dr. Nirmalya Kumar, MD TATA Reality Mr. Phillip Karkaria, Head TATA Housing Mr. Shashi Kumar, Head Government TSUs Mr. Tanmay Charvarthy, Chairman TATA Skills Mr. HN Srinivas and others.
The Group also showed a strong inclination to join and supplement the efforts of the state government in taking the state to the next level of development in education, health infrastructure and e-governance, including on-line citizen delivery system, which forms the central component of governance reforms being spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.
Mr. Mistry gave an indication of the seriousness of purpose behind his visit when he showered liberal, praise on the state government, saying in his view the government was “not only the warmest and most spontaneous but also extremely serious and businesslike” in its approach, while addressing a meeting of his high-powered mission and top-ranking government officials of the state in the presence of the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and the Deputy Chief Minister.
The Chairman also spoke about large-scale projects with huge employment potential for local youth, saying that his Group believed in training and employing local youth for a  mutually beneficial interaction.
Significantly, this was Mr. Cyrus Mistry’s second visit to the state and his third meeting with the Chief Minister in less than six months, giving an indication of the proposed level of engagement that he foresees for his  Group in  development activity in the state. In addition, Mr. Mistry has also met the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal twice during this period.
The Chief Minister assured the Group Chairman that his government would “act fast” on development projects. For this, we have already set in motion a process known as ‘Governance Reforms’ aimed at cutting red tape and ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability in decision making.  Mr.  Badal said that the Reserve Bank of India had rated Punjab as one of the three best investment destinations in the country. The state had the most congenial industrial relations and business climate and there was an atmosphere of complete peace and communal harmony in the state, something that was vital for investment and development. Infrastructure in the state has repeatedly been rated as the best in the country and so has been its profile as a rich consumerist state.
Underlining the need for massive industrial development in the state, the Chief Minister said that it would give the much required boost to its overall development besides opening new vistas of trade and commerce for the Punjabis. Mr. Badal said that due to the path breaking initiatives taken up by the state government Punjab has today emerged as a leading investment destination in the country.
Expressing keenness to collaborate with the Tata Group in the fields of Renewable Energy, Hotel Industry, On-line Citizen Service Delivery Portal, Model Townships, Bus Rapid Transport System as also e-Learning for School Education, the Chief Minister said that he had already asked the concerned officers of the state government to interact with the team of the Tata Group to ensure that the said projects were in place. Mr. Badal said that he was sure that such a collaboration would go a long way in the development and industrialisation of the State and offer many more opportunities to its residents. He informed Mr. Mistry that the state government has recently approved a liberal Package of Incentives for attracting new Investments into the State.  
The Chief Minister said that for the first time, a unique  Policy of  VAT and CST retention  has been allowed, in addition Electricity Duty Incentive, Stamp Duty Incentive and Property Tax Incentive were available, besides special incentives pertinent to specific sectors adding that due to the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab would soon become a power surplus state. Impressing upon the Chairman of TATA group to make huge investments in the state, Mr. Badal said that the state government was committed to ensure a congenial investment friendly atmosphere in Punjab.
During discussions, the Deputy Chief Minister while underscoring the need for providing quality services to the residents of the state said that the Tata sons must support the state government in effectively delivering civic services to the people besides solving the problems like disposal of waste water, solid waste management and others which were a cause of major concern for the civic bodies. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also laid thrust on the need for improving the Health care facilities and the civic administration in the cities. The Deputy Chief Minister also solicited the support of Tata group for developing the cities of Punjab as model cities equipped with the world class civic amenities.
Assuring fulsome support and co-operation to the Tata group in this matter, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the state government has already initiated a slew of reforms to promote industrial development in the state. He said that a new Hotel policy to encourage investment in the Hotel sector was already on cards adding that it would further encourage the prospects of this industry in the state.
The Group Chairman Mr. Cyrus P Mistry unveiled a wide-ranging sweep of projects that covered various important sectors.  Mr. Mistry apprised both the leaders that the group would make massive investment in infra structure projects to be conceived by the state government in the coming time. He said that the company was also working on a number of housing projects in Chandigarh, Mohali and Ludhiana which would enable the people to get world class housing facilities. Mr. Mistry also informed the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister that the company was coming up with a number of projects in Hotel industry in cities like Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali and others.
The Chairman of Tata sons also informed that the company was already working on the project regarding the optimum utilisation of the solar energy by installing rooftop solar projects over the government buildings. Likewise Mr. Mistry said that a proposal to produce solar energy by utilising the land over water canals was also in pipeline. He said that the company was also working on a project to aptly utilise the municipal waste to produce energy in the cities.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Anil Joshi and Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Industries Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Education Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Secretary Housing Mr. A Venuprasad, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Local Bodies Mr. Ashok Gupta, besides several other senior officers of the state government.        

-

RISING OF THE PHOENIX : PUNJAB THE MOST FAVORED STATE FOR INVESTMENT-CM
TATA'S FORAY INTO PUNJAB IS JUST THE BEGINNING, LOT MORE IS ON WAY

Amritsar, Oct. 5:
Having borne the brunt of Partition and thereafter suffering under
terrorism, Punjab has finally risen from the ashes like a Phoenix and
has been termed as the third most favoured state for investment
according to the recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report, claimed
Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab in a media interaction
after jointly inaugurating 'Trilium' mall with Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal
DCM and Mr. Cyrus Mistry Chairman Tata Group, at Amritsar
Mr. Badal said that Punjab would be on the top of the list by being
the the most preferred investment destinations of the country in the
coming two years.  He said that Punjab government in assuring
matchless efforts to create investment friendly atmosphere. Adding
further he said that various development projects worth Rs.1400 crore
would be launched in the state in the coming four months.  Besides, to
strengthen the road connectivity in Punjab all the major cities and
towns in the state would be made 4/6 lane expressways  in the coming
three years at a cost of Rs. 12000 crore.  To ensure over all
development in the rural areas of the state, Mr. Badal said that an
amount of 10,000 Crore would be spent on various projects within next
two years.
The Chief Minister said that due to the step motherly treatment of
Centre with the state, Punjab’s industry has got a major setback due
to which massive flight of industry has taken place. Mr. Badal said
that the freebees given by the Union government to certain hill states
have given fatal blow to the industry of the state. However he said
notwithstanding the continued apathetic attitude of centre towards
state’s industrial growth, the state is being accepted as one of the
most preferred investment destinations of the country. Likewise, due
to the stupendous efforts of the state government Punjab is  today
leading the country in the field of education, as per the report of
the Government of India (GoI).
Replying to a media query pertaining to the report of the Raghu Rajan
Committee, Mr.Badal said that the findings of the report may be yet
another “lollypop” for some but Punjab has no hopes from  any of the
Central Schemes and Policies because Congress led Centre Government
has always been insensitive and apathetic  to the needs of Punjab. In
response to yet another query he termed Mr. Manpreet Badal's statement
on political murders in Punjab as a 'sheer baseless', 'no truth
story'.
        Replying to a volley of questions on need to reduce chopper usage
and despensing with the post of Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs)
in Punjab, Mr. Badal said that this is a myopic thinking as any sound
mind would well comprehend that use of faster means of communication
brings efficiency in working; more work can be accomplished in lesser
time. Similarly, he said that CPS is a training ground for elected
representatives before they take on to the larger responsibilities.

        Talking on Tata's foray into Punjab with the launch of States finest
Mall in Amritsar, Mr. Badal said that it is just the beginning and
there is lot more to come in near future.  He said that Mr. Cyrus
Mistry, Chairman Tata Group has had a series of meetings with CM and
Dy. CM Punjab and has envinced keen interest into investment in
Punjab. Likewise many other National and Multi National Companies are
in touch with Punjab Government and a revolution in investment sector
is on way.
        Earlier, CM and DCM along with Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Mr. Anil
Joshi, Mr Madan Mohan Mittal (all Cabinet Ministers) and Mr. Cyrus
Mistry, Chairman Tata Group Jointly inaugurated Trilium Mall in
Amritsar.  Tata Realty has invested Rs. 510 crore in the project which
is expected to generate over 1000 jobs in Amritsar.  Spread over 5.54
acres with 700, 000 sq ft. of shopping area, Amritsar is to experience
the largest retail destination of Punjab.
------
PUNJAB COMMITTED TO ACT AS ENABLER TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT – SUKHBIR BADAL TO CYRUS MISTRY
(MISTRY LAUDS GOVERNMENT FOR CREATING RIGHT ATMOSPHERE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP)
(MISTRY AGREES FOR OPENING SKILL CENTERS ACROSS PUNJAB)
(DEPUTY CM OFFERS TATA TO TAKE UP CITIES IN PUNJAB FOR DEVELOPMENT AS MODEL CITIES)

Amritsar, October 5 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today assured Tata Sons Chairman Mr. Cyrus P Mistry that his government was committed to act as an enabler to fast track investment in the State even as Mr. Mistry commended him for taking the needed steps to create the right atmosphere for entrepreneurship in Punjab.

The Deputy chief minister, who had a free wheeling discussion with the Tata head on various issues at a breakfast meeting here, told Mr Cyrus Mistry that his government had chalked out a strategy whereby entrepreneurs wishing to invest in the State would have utmost ease in doing business. Giving the example of three thermal power projects which are on the verge of completion, he said the reason for their success was that the government formed a company, took all necessary clearances and then bid out the projects. "Due to this we have succeeded in making the power projects a reality while such projects are languishing for want of clearances across the country", he said.

Listing the present priorities of the State government, Mr Sukhbir Badal said he was keen to ensure integrated development of cities in Punjab whereby one company could manage all services. Mr Mistry expressed interest in the proposal and said the group could manage all services on the pattern of that being done in Jamshedpur.

Mr Mistry also said the group could also manage the bus service operations in the major cities including the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) in Amritsar besides giving entire transport solutions for both Ludhiana and Amritsar. The Deputy CM said the State government was open to creation of a small monorail system in Amritsar which could connect both the bus stand and the railway station with the Darbar Sahab.

Mr Mistry also shared with the Deputy CM that his group could initiate corporate social responsibility exercises in Punjab with the development of skill centres across the State including a centre for excellence in Ropar. He said the group had drawn up a plan to train 10,000 youth as part of this initiative and that it would conduct both short and long term courses. Mr Badal on his part said he was keen that Tata develop a Skill University and conduct certified courses in various skills to make the youth of the State self employable.

Meanwhile during the break fast meeting at which Mr Mistry relished the "chhole kulcha" of Amritsar, the Deputy CM also discussed some novel ideas with Mr Mistry. He said the government was keen to encourage solar power plants and that it was ready to pay entrepreneurs the subsidy which it was presently giving to the State power utility. He said once the entrepreneurs were paid off for their entire project, the power so generated would be an additional resource for the State.

The Tata Sons Chairman while evincing interest in all the projects proposed by the Deputy CM said the level of warmth and genuineness expressed by both him and Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had not been experienced by him anywhere else in the country. "This is why we are back here so soon", he said adding the group was keen to take the various proposals being discussed to their logical conclusion.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Revenue and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Industries Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh. EOM

-

BADAL ALONG WITH JAKHAR SUBMITS RS. 3327 CRORE INTEGRATED PLAN TO PCI FOR ERADICATION OF WATER-LOGGING IN SOUTH-WESTERN PUNJAB

·       BOTH LEADERS ASK PCI TO DECLARE WATER-LOGGING AS A NATIONAL PROJECT

·       RESOLUTION OF WATER-LOGGING PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT’s ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT

·       CALLS FOR GOI’s SINCERE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS WATER-LOGGING LEST SITUATION EMANATING FROM IT COULD TURN VOLATILE-BADAL

·       JAKHAR SUPPORTS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO CHECK WATER-LOGGING

·       MONTEK ASSURES BOTH LEADERS OF POSITIVE OUTCOME IN THIS REGARD

·       MONTEK TO FLAG UP THIS ISSUE WITH PM FOR SEEKING HIS NOD FOR INTEGRATED PLAN

·       DEPUTES MIHIR SHAH TO WORK OUT MODALITIES FOR FUNDING OF ANTI WATER-LOGGING PROJECT THROUGH WORLD BANK

Chandigarh/New Delhi, October 4

       The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with the leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar today jointly posed an Integrated Plan of Rs. 3327.57 crore to the Planning Commission of India (PCI) for effectively addressing the problems related to the reduction of the sub-soil water level besides eradication and prevention of flooding immediately in the water-logged areas of South-Western Punjab.

       Interacting with the high level team of the PCI led by its Deputy Chairman Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia in a meeting with the State Level Committee to check water-logging in South-Western Punjab headed by his Technical Advisor Lt. Gen (Retd) BS Dhaliwal here at Yojna Bhawan this evening, Mr. Badal said that the vexed issue of water-logging could not be sorted out without Central government assistance and cooperation rather it was practically impossible sans GoI’s support. He said, “The serious problem of water-logging should be declared as a National Project, to be efficaciously tackled through central funding in a National Special Area Program”. He further apprised the PCI team that the people living in this area were facing not only economic hardships but also several social problems, which may threaten to cause unrest and upheaval in the near future and if such a situation left unattended could become volatile.

Henceforth, the Chief Minister impressed upon the PCI to immediately approve the proposed plan and sanction requisite funds to enable the state government to check the menace of water-logging permanently in the Malwa belt. Mr. Badal called for concerted efforts to address these problems in water-logged areas of Punjab in a result-oriented manner and rescue this strategic and sensitive area from losing its potential as a ‘food and fruit basket’ for India.

Mr. Badal thanked the Leader of Opposition for lending his full support and cooperation for this noble cause and urged Dr. Ahluwalia to bail out Punjab and its people confronted with the peculiar problem of water-logging adding he said perhaps it was for the first time that the Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition of the state has joined hands on a common platform for the welfare of the state and its people.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Jakhar said that the people of Punjab especially in the Malwa belt have been worst hit by the water-logging and now the onus to save them from this menace lies with GoI. Expressing gratitude to Mr. Badal, the leader of Opposition said, “Water-logging is a serious problem in Punjab which has now gradually engulfed the Suratgarh and Hanumangarh districts in Rajasthan. Therefore, the GoI must tackle this issue on the top priority in a much wider perspective rather than viewing it as a regional issue restricted to Punjab only.” He endorsed the proposal put forth by the Punjab Government to resolve the issue of water-logging holistically considering it as a ‘National Project’ as it has already spread in the vast tracts of Rajasthan adjoining West-Southern region of Punjab. He categorically said that the problem of water-logging was far above the petty politics and thus to save the Punjabis from this menace, Mr. Jakhar appealed one and all rising above the political affiliations to come forward to launch a crusade against this serious problem for the welfare of mankind.

Giving an account of unprecedented devastation caused due to nearly week long heavy rainfall from August 14-19, 2013 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Faridkot and Ferozepur districts, the Chief Minister informed the PCI that such an intensive rainfall had never taken place in the last 50 years in this area some of which was already water-logged. As per the Government’s estimates standing crops over an area of 3.14 lac acres have been damaged and 10,622 houses have suffered irreparable damage, besides loss of previous human life (15 persons) and live stock (391). An estimated amount of Rs.233 crore of relief work has been carried out in the area. Mr. Badal said, “The natural tragedy, due to the excessive rains, has caused unparalleled destruction and water-logging, due to which the entire economy of the region has been ruined thereby giving a fatal blow to the entire economy of the State, especially the Malwa Region.”

Mr. Badal informed the PCI that South-Western Punjab was a strategic area neighboring Pakistan. The sub-soil water level in this highly sensitive region has been constantly rising after the construction of the Sirhind Feeder (1954-55) and Rajasthan Feeder (1959-61).  In the past 50 years, it had risen from 150 feet below ground level and has almost touched the Natural Surface Level (NSL) at a few locations and was 15 to 20 feet below NSL in the remaining areas. The situation was reaching the tipping point as holistic steps have not been taken to resolve this issue.

The Chief Minister cautioned that in case integrated measures were not immediately initiated to arrest the rise of the sub-soil water, this extremely fertile agricultural land might become a waste land in the near future, which was unacceptable to us under any circumstances.

       The Chief Minister reiterated that it was not feasible to resolve the problem of water logging without the Centre’s assistance and support adding he said the Union government must buttress the efforts of State government rather both have to work in close liaison to ensure satisfactory amelioration of the issue with missionary zeal. He mentioned that a similar problem, in 2011, was tackled by the State but now appeared to be recurrent due to Global warming and thus the South-Western Punjab was expected to experience very heavy rainfall in future, upsetting the ecological balance.       

Earlier, giving the break-up of Rs.3327.57 crore Integrated Plan to eradicate water-logging in the South-Western Punjab during his presentation, the Chairman of the high level committee Lt. Gen (Retd) BS Dhaliwal sought funds for the various works/projects for the eradication of water-logging in the region. (Annexure enclosed at the end)  

        Sharing his concern over the issue of water-logging with the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Ahluwalia assured them of resolving this issue on the highest priority. Assuring both the leaders of positive outcome, Deputy Chairman of PCI said that he would soon take up this issue with the Prime Minister and Chairman of Planning Commission of India Dr. Manmohan Singh for the approval of this gigantic project to save the farmers from the agony of water logging as it was looming grave social and economic implications, which needed be dealt with at the earliest without any further delay. He also asked the Member Planning Commission Dr. Mihir Shah to work out the modalities for seeking financial assistance from the World Bank for funding the anti water-logging works under this project. Meanwhile, CEO, National Rainfed Authority Dr. JS Samra shared his experiences about the various facets of water-logging and suggested measures to overcome it. 

       The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, his Technical Advisor Lt. Gen (Retd) BS Dhaliwal, Principal Secretary Irrigation Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Resident Commissioner Punjab Bhawan New Delhi Mr. K. Siva Prasad and Chief Engineer Canals Mr. AS Dullat.

 WORKS/PROJECTS TO TACKLE WATER-LOGGING

Total (Rs. in Crore)

 

Revamping Existing Drainage System and Constructing

New Surface Drains

2053.16

 

Crop Diversification

325.00

Setting up of Industries which will use Saline Water

295.00

Improving of Soil

200.00

Enhancing the Use of Drip Irrigation and Sprinkler Based Irrigation.  

200.00

Dairy Development in Water Logged Areas

104.20

 

Motivating/Convincing Training Program

53.31

Cross Drainage Works on Roads

28.10

Emptying of Ponds into nearby Drains (During Monsoon)

27.60

Pisci-Culture(Fish Farming)

26.56

Bio-Drainage

12.57

Cross Drainage Works on Canals

1.10

Cross Drainage Works on Railway Line

0.80

 -------------

 CM ORDERS MAGISTERIAL PROBE INTO THE BOAT

MISHAP IN RIVER BEAS

EXPRESSES SHOCK OVER THE TRAGIC INCIDENT

DEPUTY CM AND MAJITHIA ALSO EXPRESS GRIEF

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 4-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today ordered a magisterial probe into the tragic incident of capsizing of a boat in Beas River, in which nine passengers, who had boarded the boat from village Munda for going to a fair in village Dalla, were feared to have been drowned. The probe would ascertain the causes of this disastrous incident and suggest remedial measures to prevent any such mishap in future.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over this tragic accident, 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. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also announced an Ex Gratia grant of Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and free medical treatment to the injured, if any. The Chief Minister has directed the Civil and Police administration of Kapurthala, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur districts to keep a close tab on the situation to fish out the bodies from the river on the priority and hand over to their next of kin.

On the directions of Chief Minister, Deputy Commissioner Kapurthala Mr. DS Mangat, Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran Mr. BS Dhaliwal, Senior Superintendent of Police Kapurthala Mr. Inderbeer Singh and SSP Tarn Taran Mr. Rajjeet Singh reached on the spot to supervise the rescue operations.

 Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia also expressed profound grief and sorrow over this tragic accident and shared their condolences with the bereaved families.

------

PUNJAB TO HOLD GLOBAL INVESTMENT SUMMIT-SUKHBIR BADAL

·        HEADS OF TOP BUSINESS HOUSES TO PARTICIPATE

·        PUNJAB TO UNVEIL NEW INVESTMENT POLICY

Chandigarh October 4:  The Punjab government would organise a two-day “Progressive Punjab-Global Investment Summit” on December 9 and 10 at Mohali with a view to showcase the investment opportunities available in Punjab in various sectors especially in IT and Electronics. The heads of top business houses, CEOs of noted companies from within and outside India are participating in the summit.

Disclosing this here today at a press conference, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, said that investment opportunities and offers from the state government would be unveiled during the two-day summit. Explaining the concept behind the investment exercise being undertaken by the state, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was offering a number of attractive packages and incentives to the upcoming investors in the state. The state has formulating programmes and policies with a view to wooing the established industrial houses in India as well as in foreign countries to invest in the state. Mr. Badal also said that the state has now reached at a level where it can showcase itself with pride having top class infrastructure, highest road density in the country, five operational and upcoming airports and sufficient power and adequate land bank was available in Punjab, added the Deputy Chief Minister.

Recalling his recent successful trip to Bangalore, Mr. Badal said that a lot of enthusiasm was shown by major companies like Infosys – the largest IT Company of the country and Biocon-pharmaceutical have also expressed their keen desire to setup their units in Punjab. Tata Group headed by Cyrus Mistry is also visiting Amritsar tomorrow to work out the modalities in setting up of the new ventures in the state, revealed Mr. Badal.

Mr. Badal also said that a high level delegation headed by the Chief Secretary of the state would visit Taiwan to further strengthening the business ties between the two. He also said that Taiwanese delegation had visited Punjab recently and appreciated Punjab’s huge potential, specifically, in agro sector, IT sector and agreed that both India and Taiwan can join hands in the field of IT/software, hardware, electronics, automotive components, food processing, agri-technology and education to build international brands. He also said that in the coming 10 years a lot of market would be captured by electronic goods and the government would be spending more money while importing electronics from countries like Taiwan and Korea. Punjab has also offered Taiwan and Korea, the leading nations in Electronics to set up specific ‘Electronic Towns” in Punjab.

Replying to a query on Bathinda refinery, Mr. Badal said that Mr. Laxami Mittal has recently expressed satisfaction over the ongoing progress of the refinery and more small industries in Bathinda would also be set up based on by-products of Bathinda refinery. He also said that Mohali and Amritsar would be set up as IT hubs where giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and other MNCs would set up their IT centres leading to employment generation for 50,000 people. Adding further he said that two trade fair centers would also be established at Amritsar and Mohali.

To notify the industrial policy, he said that it was on the final stage and would be notified shortly. He also said that in the industrial policy even the investors’ with medium and tiny industries were being given incentives. Mr. Badal Categorically said that Punjab would be a power surplus state after December this as three thermal projects would be commissioned at the end of this year.

-----

GANDHI FAMILY RUINS THE DEMOCRATIC VALUES IN THE COUNTRY: MAJITHIA

·       RAHUL A POLITICAL NOVICE FAR FROM REALITY CAN’T REALIZE THE DREAM TO LED COUNTRY

·       CONGRESS TRYING TO RAISE THE NON ISSUE OF COMMUNAL POLARISATION

·       OLD ALLIES LIKE TDP’s INCLINATION TOWARDS NDA AND MODI TESTIFIES THE CHANGING MOOD OF INDIAN VOTERS

·       NOT EVEN A SINGLE CONGRESS MP FROM PUNJAB COULD DREAM OF RE-ELECTION

·       DR. SUKHWINDER KUMAR SUKHI TAKES OVER AS CHAIRMAN DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE

 NAWANSHAHR, OCTOBER 4:

The Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today said that the mis-governance of Congress led UPA and ruining of democratic values by Gandhi family has done irreparable loss to the prestige of country. He said that the intelligent electorate of the country would ensure the end of ten year Congress led UPA tenure mired in various scams and anti people decisions thereby paving the way for installation of NDA government in the country.

Addressing a mammoth gathering after installation ceremony of Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi as Chairman, District Planning Committee, SBS Nagar, Mr. Majithia said that the insult meted out to the dignity of chair of Prime Minister and collective wisdom of the Union Cabinet by Rahul Gandhi, a political novice and far from reality has posed a serious challenge before the nation to think that whether Gandhi family was above all democratic practices? He said that how we can expect respect of our Prime Minister from USA or Pakistan when his own party leader was stooped so low to humiliate? He said that Rahul Gandhi should never dream of leading the nation as being projected by Congress. He said that his latest accusation that BJP was trying to communalize also shows the desperation of congress 'think tank' for regaining power as it have nothing to project while going before voters for coming Parliamentary elections and was resorting to raise non issue of communal polarization. He said that while talking Hindu Muslim voters' polarization, Rahul himself revealed the hidden agenda of anti-people and anti-poor congress party. He further said that Rahul don’t have capability to understand the sentiments or aspirations of common masses as he was being groomed as a politician by Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi’ coterie which itself has proved time and again its ‘damn care’ attitude towards the hardships being faced by a common man.

Mr. Majithia claimed that the way old allies like Telgu Desam Party (TDP) has shown inclination towards NDA and Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi, one can easily realize the changing mood of country voter determined to get rid of most in-efficient and corrupt government of Independent India. He said that Mr. Modi has rekindled a hope amongst the people of country and they were itching their hand to pack up the ongoing drama of congress led UPA. He said that Mr. Modi was a mass based leader committed to take the country back on track of overall development and economic stability as the UPA has not only get the currency of country ‘hospitalized’ but also remained hand in glove for unabated loot of national resources. Mr. Majithia pointed out that the way congress led UPA used CBI to arm twist his allies, even the hon'ble Court described CBI a caged parrot. He said that the UPA has also manipulated the formula of sharing of central taxes by granting liberal packages to its favorite allies or would be allies and denying the others their rightful due.  

He said that all the eight congress representatives including PCC President Partap Singh Bajwa in national Parliament from Punjab hell bent to stop the grant legitimate share of Punjab in central funds being collected from the state. “What to talk of any new central project for the state, they are always on toes to create hindrances in ongoing one” alleged Mr. Majithia. He said that they were the leaders with their maximum limit up to “Shambu barrier” as they never raised or talked of any issue concerning state beyond that point and there too they were limited to issue press statement only. He said that not even a single congress MP should think of the representing state in Parliament again and get ready to suffer the most humiliating defeat of their political career.

Earlier, congratulating Dr. Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi on his taking over as Chairman, District Planning Committee, Mr. Majithia expressed hope that he would work hard to ensure the rapid and balanced over all development of the district.

Prominent amongst others, who spoke on the occasion included; Chaudhary Nand Lal, Mr. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, MLA, Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid, Mr. Resham Singh Thiara, Mr. Sanjeev Bhardwaj, President Distt BJP and Mr. Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa, Member, SGPC.

---

PUNJAB TO SOON HAVE 85 NEW POLICE OUT REACH CENTER: SK SHARMA

Chandigarh, October 4:

The Punjab Government is all set to establish 85 police out reach centers with the cost of 8.5 crores to speed up the delivery of police services at the door steps of the people. It was disclosed by Mr. SK Sharma, Additional Director General of Police, HRD & CP, and Punjab. He was speaking at a meeting organized to review the working of the Saanjh Kendra in the state of Punjab.

This Performance Appraisal Meeting of Nodal Officers of all Saanjh Kendra was organized at Committee Hall of the Governance Reforms Commission, MGSIPA, and Chandigarh. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Pramod Kumar, Chairman, and Governance Reforms Commission and chaired by Mr. S.K. Sharma, IPS Additional Director General of Police, HRD & CP, and Punjab. The meeting was attended by the Nodal Officer of all the Saanjh Kendra.

Addressing the meeting Mr. SK Sharma said that the establishment of 85 new Police out Reach Center would be another step to expand the reach of saanjh Kendra in the state. He said that all these units would be made operational in the first month of 2014.

Dr. Promod Kumar said that more that 2 million services have been delivered by the saanjh Kendra in time bound manner. He said that special emphasis was laid on the launching of the third phase of the project by initiating community programmes in collaboration with community members to tackle problems of drug paddling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, snatching, crime against women and other crimes that affects social environment.

Mr. S.K Sharma ADGP said that out of the total 14606 complaints received in the saanjh Kendra on the issues related to women and children ,9114 cases have been resolved and 364 FIRs have been registered. Similarly out the total 4494 complaints received on the issues of Economical and Financial crime, 2804 cases have been solved and 112 FIRs have been registered. He further said that 3371 other complaints have also been received by the saanjh Kendra and 2103 cases were solved and 84 FIRs have been registered.

 -

Punjab Congress MP’s should also pressureise centre to announce special package for maintaince & preservation of Heritage buildings: Harsimrat Badal 

Punjab to promote multi dimensional tourism and creative activities related industry. 

Seminar-cum-Workshop on

Integrated Tourism and Development of Creative Industries in Punjab

Patiala, October 4:  

Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said Punjab Congress MP’s should demand a special package from the centre for preservation of heritage buildings and promotion of its rich culture and art by rising above party lines. Inaugurating a two day Seminar-cum- workshop organized at A heritage hotel here today the Bathinda MP said the Punjab Congress mps could raise this issue jointly also in the Lok Sabha. 

                   Speaking at the seminar organized by the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board, she said that the states were not able to spend much on the maintenance of heritage buildings due to limited resources. Mrs. Badal said Punjab on its part had taken concrete steps to promote tourism, culture and handicraft in the state and a new tourism policy was also being implemented. She said self help groups were also being set up in rural areas to revitalizePhulkari, Daryian, Chikkoo, Changera and Juti making art forms.

The MP said an Endeavour was also being made to ensure artisans practising traditional art forms fetched remunerable prices for their products. Replying to a query about the preservation of historical buildings of Patiala Mrs. Badal said the State had taken concrete steps in this direction and was spending Rs 8 Crores on the repair work of Quila Mubarak, Nabha. She also criticised local MP & Central Minister Mrs. Preneet Kaur and her husband former CM Mr. Amarinder Singh for not paying any attention to preservation of the city's heritage and culture. Praising the initiative to organize such seminars and workshops she said these would provide a platform for artisans to promote and market their products more effectively. EOM 

During seminar Principal Secretary Tourism Mrs. Geetika Kalha briefed that for promotion of the craft sector in Punjab state ‘Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board’ (PHTPB) organized a two day seminar-cum-workshop, at Patiala which is the heart of Punjab’s traditional craft activities. She said that PHTPB has laid strong emphasis on capacity building of public and private sector experts as well as community development. This approach helps bring together renowned professionals, designers, entrepreneurs, NGOs and policy-makers as well as community representatives. This will help identify best practices, create innovative solutions and forge new partnerships between creative and strategic minds she told.

Rural Development & Pancahyat Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Member Proposal Approval Committee National Skill Development corporation Mr. Krishan Kalra, MD Industry Craft Foundation Ms. Neelam Chibber, Joint Sectary Textiles GOI Mrs. Monika S. Garg also spoke on the occasion. On the first day, there were presentations by designers, entrepreneurs and institutions outlining the market trends, linkages and potentials for the craft industry of Punjab. During the seminar there was also an exhibition and workshop where artisans / craftsmen have showcased their products and manufacturing techniques.

Former SGPC President Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, MLA Shutrana Mrs. Vaninder Kaur Lumba, Mr. Charnjit Singh Rakhra, Mayor Mr. Amrinder Singh Bajaj, District Planning Committee Chairman Mr. Deepinder Singh Dhillon, Zilla Prishad Chairman Mr. Jaspal Singh Kalyan, Secretary Tourism Mrs. Raji P Srivastva, Director Tourism Mr. Navjot Singh Randhawa, PHTPB ED Mr. VV Kumar, DC Patiala Mr. GK Singh, SSP Mr. HS Mann, several designers, entrepreneurs, professionals, NGOs as well as artisans from various districts in Punjab were also present at the workshop.

---------

104242 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 04:

            The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 104242 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 104242 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 47522 tonnes of paddy (45.6%) till date whereas private traders procured 56715 tonnes (54.4%) of paddy. Till October 03, PUNGRAIN had procured 25586 tonnes (53.8%) whereas MARKFED procured 10233 tonnes (21.5%). PUNSUP procured 5449 tonnes (11.6%), PSWC procured 1398 tonnes (2.9%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 3544 tonnes (7.5 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 1257 tonnes (2.7%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Fazilka with 17413 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Tarn Taran with 13290 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Shri Muktsar Sahib 13000 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

The State Government has set up 1795 procurement centers and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesperson added.

 Patiala, October 4, 2013

            Mr. Anurag Verma, Excise and Taxation informed today that just like the dealers used to do in the case of Entry Tax, they will be able to deposit the Advance Tax at the Information Collection Centres. Mr. Verma added that for the convenience of the dealers, a new provision has been made, so the dealers can deposit the advance tax in the office of the AETC of the District. Going a step ahead, the facility of depositing advance tax through internet banking has also been provided.

            Mr. Verma said that if a dealer frequently imports goods into the State, he may deposit a lump-sum of Advance Tax in the office of the AETC. For this purpose the dealer may make payment through Challan in the form VAT 2 under the sub-head ‘Advance Tax’ (0040-00-111-01).  Once a dealer has made the payment in the Treasury in the above sub-head, he will present the receipt at the front window at the AETC office. The AETC office will immediately enter the amount of Advance Tax into the credit of the dealer, in the computer system. Thereafter, whenever the dealer presents any goods at any ICC, the system will automatically work out the Advance Tax due and deduct that amount from the lump-sum already deposited by the dealer. The dealer/driver will be given a receipt showing the advance tax deducted on account of that import.

                Mr. Verma said that in order to make the facility of payment of Advance Tax 24x7, the Department has developed a software and has tied up with following seven banks - ICICI bank, HDFC bank, Punjab National Bank, Kotak Mahindra, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank. For availing this facility, the dealer may visit the website of the department www.pextax.com and open the VAT 2 Challan and fill up the details in the sub-head “Advance Tax” (0040-00-111-01). The dealer can do so either through his log-in or through the facility of open payment. After the Challan details are filled, the dealer or the person making the payment will be routed to the bank website where he can make the payment of the advance tax. His ledger with the Department will be updated post successful transaction. Thereafter, whenever the dealer presents any goods at any ICC, the system will automatically work out the Advance Tax due and deduct that amount from the lump-sum already deposited by the dealer.  

 

 

PUNJAB CM APPROVES AMENDED POLICY FOR RICE SHELLERS

 CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 3:

           Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today approved the amended Policy for Rice Shelling Units and Saila Plants to streamline guidelines for handling, transportation, storage and disposal of Paddy Husk.

                    A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister during a high level meeting with the senior officers of Science, Technology & Environment, Labour, CTP, Food and Civil Supplies department and Punjab Pollution Control Board, besides office bearers of the Punjab Rice Sheller's Association. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon was also present in the meeting.   

           According to the Secretary Science, Technology & Environment Ms. Seema Jain, the modified policy is an improvement of the Code of Practices to be followed by Rice Shelling units in Punjab. The industry would be required to construct a 35 feet long brick wall on each side of the rice husk discharge pipe and its height will be at least 10 feet or 3.5 feet higher than the discharge point of Husk pipe (whichever is more) for proper rice husk storage facilities inside the units. A five feet high wind screen of mild steel or some other similar material above the wall would also be fixed besides covering the heap of rice husk with a proper net whenever height of the heap rises to more than 3 feet as per the new norms. All the Units shall have to comply with the policy by November 2013.

           She further informed in the meeting that these units have been allowed to install Sortex Machines provided that the Pollution load and the capacity of the respective Sheller should not be increased. All the rice shelling units / saila plants were asked to provide paved / brick roads / cement concrete roads / metalled roads inside their premises so that generation of dust is regulated.

----------- 

CABINET APPROVES SUMMONING OF VIDHAN SABHA SESSION FROM OCTOBER 28

REVIEWS PADDY PROCUREMENT ARRANGEMENTS

EMPOWERED COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED UNDER DEPUTY CM FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FOOD SECURITY ACT

244 POSTS OF VARIOUS CATEGORIES SANCTIONED AND TO BE FILLED IN SHAHEED BHAGAT SINGH NAGAR, MOGA AND SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB DISTRICTS

229 TEMPORARY POSTS OF THE PUNJAB LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY CONVERTED INTO PERMANENT

RESTRUCTURING PLAN OF COOPERATION DEPARTMENT OKAYED

INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNALS RESTRUCTURED AND RATIONALISED

GARDEN/ ORCHARD OWNERS WILL CONTINUE TO GET WATER ALLOWANCE IN WATER LOGGED AREAS

CANCER DETECTING DRUGS EXEMPTED FROM VAT

175 POSTS OF VETERINARY INSPECTORS TO BE FILLED THROUGH GADVASU

Chandigarh, October 3-

The Punjab Cabinet today approved the summoning of the 6th Session of 14th Vidhan Sabha from October 28 to November 1, 2013.

A decision to this effect was taken here at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal in CMO this morning. 

Giving the details, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the session would commence on October 28 in the afternoon with obituary references.  Legislative Business would be executed on October 29, 30 and November 1 while the Non official business would be conducted on October 31. The house would adjourn sine-die after the proposed legislative business on November 1, 2013.  

The Cabinet also approved the arrangements for paddy procurement during Kharif Marketing Season 2013-14 which commenced on October 1, 2013. The Cabinet was apprised that the state agencies would procure 135 LMT (90%) and FCI 15 LMT (10%) during Kharif Marketing Season (KMF) 2013-14. The state agencies require 7.71 lakh new gunny bales for packaging of Paddy whereas 7.70 lakh new Gunny bales have been made available to all the state procuring agencies. Cash credit limit amounting to Rs 23600 crore has also been got sanctioned from the RBI for making payments to the farmers and Arthiyaas out of which Rs 17600 crore have already been received by the state government. Balance amount of Rs 6160 crore would also be received soon. Payments to the Arthiyaas and farmers would be made through swipe cards by the state agencies and the farmers have been given the options to receive the payments directly from the procuring agencies also. As many as 1795 purchase centers have been notified and allotted to the six procuring agencies as per their procurement shares by the government.

The Cabinet also okayed to constitute an empowered committee under the Chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for the implementation of Food Security Act in the state. The empowered committee would comprise Food and Civil Supply Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Industries Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa as members. 

The Cabinet also sanctioned 244 posts of various categories in the districts of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Moga and Sri Muktsar Sahib to further improve the administration and functioning of these districts on one hand and to overcome the shortage of staff on the other. These newly created posts would entail a financial liability of Rs 7.14 crore to the state exchequer.

To ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of record related to Registered documents at district levels, the Cabinet also gave approval to create one post of H.R.A (Head Registration Assistant) each in five districts and 11 posts of H.R.Cs (Head Registration Clerks) in the remaining 11 districts.

The Cabinet also decided to create 13 more posts of Additional District and Session Judges in the state, which would be filled within next three months by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in order to ensure quick dispensation of justice to the people.

In a bid to provide free legal aid to the poor and bring awareness about legal literacy amongst the masses across the state, the Cabinet gave green signal for the conversion of 229 temporary posts of the Punjab Legal Services Authority into permanent.  In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved to regularise the services of those 88 Assistant District Attorneys of State Prosecution and Litigation department.

The Cabinet also decided to create a new Industrial Tribunal at Mohali. The Gurdaspur Industrial tribunal would now function under the Amritsar Tribunal. It may be recalled that currently Industrial Tribunal in Patiala has jurisdiction over Patiala, Ropar, Mohali, Sangrur, Barnala and Fathegarh Sahib districts thereby resulting in huge pendency of cases, which has the highest pendency amongst Industrial tribunals. On the contrary the Industrial Tribunal Gurdaspur has jurisdiction over only two districts viz. Pathankot and Gurdaspur. Moreover the institution of cases in industrial tribunal Gurdaspur was far less as compared to other industrial tribunals. However, the Mohali district has the highest institution of cases being an industrial town having major concentration of industrial units. The Patiala tribunal would now hear cases of Patiala, Barnala and Sangrur districts only.

The Cabinet also approved to amend section 6 of Payment of wages Act, 1936 thereby enabling the workers to get full wages assured under the minimum wages act as the same would be paid through the cheques or by crediting the wages in their bank accounts. The said bill would be presented in the coming session of state assembly.

The Cabinet approved the enhancement of annual financial assistance (Jangi Jagir) from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 with effect from June 28, 2013. It may be recalled that Rs 5000 was paid as War Jagir to the eligible beneficiaries since January 1, 2004.

To effectively disseminate the policies and programs of the state government aimed at its overall development and welfare of the people at the grass root level, the Cabinet approved to engage the services of eminent TV/ Film personalities as brand ambassadors. These policies and programs would be aptly projected through advertisements in electronic and print media.         

The Cabinet also gave approval for the creation for posts of Advisors/ Media Advisors and their terms & conditions of service. It may be recalled that at present Advisor to Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs (in the rank of state Minister) Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister (in the rank of state Minister) Mr. Jangveer Singh, Assistant Media Advisor to Punjab Government (in the rank of Chief Parliamentary Secretary) Mr. Vineet Joshi and Assistant Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harjinder Sidhu had been working with the state government.    

In order to help the farmers whose gardens/ orchards have been devastated by water logging and who want to convert them into Agro forestry, the Cabinet has decided that there would be no change in the presently applicable water allowance.

The Cabinet also approved the restructuring plan of the Co-operation department to streamline its functioning in an effective and result oriented manner. As a part of this exercise the Cabinet approved to create 97 new posts while abolishing 926 posts of various categories out of 2782 already approved posts, of which 1643 were lying vacant. After restructuring 1953 posts would be under regular head. Apart from this, it was recommended that 992 vacant posts of direct vacancies would be filled up in three phases viz. financial year 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16.

The Cabinet also approved to amend the Punjab Good Conduct Act 1962 to define sufficient cause in section 3 (d) of Punjab Good Conduct Prisoners Temporary Release Act to bring parity in Parole cases and to include grandparents and grand children in the definition of family.

In order to combat the fatal disease of cancer in an effective manner, the Cabinet also amended certain schedules of the Punjab VAT Act 2005 thereby exempting the cancer detecting chemicals F-18 and F-18 FDG from the payment of 6.5% VAT.  It also approved introduction of VAT at first stage of sale only in case of Cigarette etc.

In a bid to check the evasion of tax by many dealers through floating bogus firms and making huge transactions from outside the state, the Cabinet also approved to amend the provisions of VAT Act to enable collection of advance tax, adjustable against VAT liability on the entry of certain items into the state.

In compliance to the orders of the Apex Court of India, the Cabinet also gave nod for extending the jurisdiction of Educational Tribunal Punjab thereby enabling it to hear and decide the cases of disputes between the Management Committees of all unaided educational institutions and their employees by amending the Punjab Privately Managed Recognised Schools Employees (Security of Service) Act 1979 for ensuring speedy justice to the employees of educational institutions. A bill in this regard would be introduced in the forthcoming assembly session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

The Cabinet also decided to grant ex-post facto approval for extension in the reappointment of 10 retired PCS (Executive Branch) Officers on contractual basis for further period of six months till December 31, 2013.

The Cabinet also gave approval to revive 48 regular/ permanent posts in the Hospitality department to fill up these posts through outsourcing.   

The Cabinet also gave approval to appoint each family member of eight deceased farmers/ labourers, of Tarn Taran, Barnala, Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Bathinda districts, who died in various farmers' agitations across the state in group C and D on compassionate grounds against the vacant posts lying in the concerned Deputy Commissioner's offices.

In compliance with directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Cabinet decided to enhance amount of compensation from Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakhs to the victims of rape and Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh in cases of murder with rape.

To ensure better Animal Health Services in the state as Animal Husbandry plays a vital role in state's economy having GDP of 13%, the Cabinet gave go ahead to recruit 175 Veterinary Inspectors through Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana instead of Punjab State Subordinate Services Selection Board. This decision would give a further boost to state's ambitious program of crop diversification.

In order to meet the expenditure incurred on the roads and connected infra structure required for plying of motor vehicles on roads, the Cabinet approved to impose a lump sum tax on various motor vehicles at the time of transfer of ownership under the Punjab Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1924 (amended 2013). This move would result in an additional income of Rs 50 crore per annum. 

-

PUNJAB ISSUES IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING P.L.A.

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 3:

            Punjab Government issued a letter to all the head of departments, Deputy Commissioners, Registrar Punjab and Haryana High Court and District session judges regarding use of personal ledger accounts (P.L.A.). Divulging the details a spokesperson said that some of the state offices are not fulfilling the rules of Punjab financial rules and Punjab treasury rules.

            He said that instructions have been issued that P.L.A. should be open with the permission of finance department and Audit General only. No Drawing and Disbursing Officer (D.D.O) would withdraw money from P.L.A. with the purpose to deposit in private bank accounts.

            He further said that personal ledger accounts which are not operated since last three years would be close immediately and money credited in the account should be transferred to ‘receipt head’ in the concerned department.  “Concerned D.D.O would ensure that P.L.A. pass book will be cross checked by district treasury officer at least once in a month “he added.  

 -

 

PUNJAB STARTS RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR 1428 TEACHERS-MALUKA

 

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER  3:

The Teachers Recruitment Board Punjab (TRBP) has started the process for recruitment of one thousand four hundred and eighteen teachers across the state.

Disclosing this here today Education Minister Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said the Punjab Government has committed to provide quality education to every child, to meet this target Government has already demanded the details of vacant posts in the schools.  He said that the Teachers Recruitment Board Punjab has started the recruitment process of 1428 teachers in model schools, Adarsh Schools and the Rashtriya Madhmik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in the state.

Giving details about the whole process, the Minister said that 264 Head Masters, 764 Subject Teachers would be recruited under RMSA, whereas posts of 10 Principals and 205 subject wise PGT lecturers to be filled in model schools. Besides that 127 TGTs would also be selected for model schools. For Adarsh Schools Punjab is all set to fulfill posts of 38 subject wise lectures and 20 TGT teachers, he added.

 

The Education Minister said that to cope with the shortage of teaches and maintain education standard in government schools across the state, vacant posts of selecting professionals teaches would be filled shortly to impart the quality education. He said that for further online details for the recruitment log on http://rmsa.ssapunjab.org.

-

41684 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, October 03: Government agencies and private millers procured more than 41684 tonnes of Paddy   till last evening

                        Out of total procurement of 41684 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, Government agencies procured 17922 tonnes of paddy (43.0%) till date whereas private traders procured 23762 tonnes (57.0%) of paddy. Till October 02, PUNGRAIN had procured 12111 tonnes (67.6%) whereas MARKFED procured 2483 tonnes (13.9%). PUNSUP procured 1694 tonnes (9.5%) , PSWC procured 485 tonnes (2.7%) whereas PAIC was able to procure 556 tonnes (3.1 %) of paddy.

                        The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 593 tonnes (3.3%). 

            The spokesman added that District Faridkot with 9945 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas  District Muktsar with 6887 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Tarn Taran  a  6481  tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

The State Government has set up 1795 procurement centres and activated its total machinery to ensure smooth procurement of paddy, the spokesman added.

 - 

 IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT ALLOTS STATIONS TO 121 JEs

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 3: Among the total recruitment of 150 junior engineers, the Punjab government has allotted stations to 121 junior engineers in the irrigation department.

            Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the irrigation department said that the newly appointed JEs have been asked to submit the attendance report at their respective station at the earliest. He further said that the JEs have been allotted stations in various divisions of the department like Drains Circle Amritsar, Sirhind Canal Circle Ludhiana, Canal Division Bathinda, IB Circle Patiala, Drains Circle Patiala, Project Circle Chandigarh, BML Circle Patiala, Canal Circle Ferozpur, Kandi Canal Circle Hoshiarpur, Drainage Circle Jalandhar, Shahpur Kandhi Project, Drainage Circle Giddarbaha and UBD Circle Amritsar.

            He said that the postings have been allotted against the vacant posts. Therefore all the JEs have been directed to submit attendance report before the competent authority.

-

20 DAYS LEAVE TO DOCTORS FOR NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES-JOSHI

ü WOULD FIRMLY PREVENT THE USE OF PLASTIC

ü GREEN SIGNAL FOR COLLABORATION WITH TMC

Chandigarh, October 3

          The Punjab Government has decided to grant the 20 days leave to doctors for presenting the research papers in National and International conferences during every two years term.

          Medical Education and Research Minister Punjab, Mr Anil Joshi, while presiding over the maiden meeting of Department officials, Principal of Medical Colleges and Medical Superintendents, said that Punjab Government would grant 20 days leave to doctors for National and International conferences so that they          could          attain         the    experience of new researches/techniques/subjects in the field of medical sciences.

          Taking a serious note of use of plastic carry bags, Mr Joshi said that Punjab Government has banned its use, and ordered the department officials to leave no stone unturned to prevent the use of synthetic carry bags. He also asked the officials to start a campaign to make general public aware about the harmful impacts of plastic on our environment as well as on human body.

          Reviewing the ongoing infrastructure development projects in medical colleges, Mr Joshi asked the officials to ensure the quality construction, besides ordering the third party examination in next three months.

          The Minister also gave green signal to the department for collaboration with TMC for Super Specialty works like cancer treatment etc. Besides that the Minister has also sought the details of all vacant seats till 15 November, 2013 so that these could be filled as per the requirement.  

          Asking the officials to provide free medical facilities to poor class, Mr Joshi said that they should ensure the availability of medicines in Government run medical stores in the entire state.

          Reviewing the working of Drug de-addiction Centres in Amritsar, Patiala and Jalandhar , Mr Joshi asked the officials to initiate a campaign to persuade the parents to admit their kins in drug De Addiction centres. Besides that he also asked to keep a close vigil on the privately run Drug De Addiction centres in order to ensure that nobody could be cheated at the hands of these fraudulent doctors running commercial establishments in the name of drug de-addiction centres.

---
CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT EXAMINES THE FUNCTIONING OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT


•ASKS TO ENSURE THE PROPER IMPLIMENTATION OF LABOUR LAWS


•SEEKS MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT OF OFFICIALS

Chandigarh, October 3

The Labour Minister of Punjab Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat today examined the functioning of Labour Department and ordered the officials to submit performance report monthly.

Presiding over the first meeting of Labour Department here today the
Minister said that for the welfare of labour class, higher officials would have to ensure the implementation of labour laws strictly.


The Minister has also asked the department to organize awareness camps
for labourers across the state, especially in industrial cities like
Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar, Mandi Gobingarh etc.
Besides that the minister has also ordered to conduct surprise checks
in industrial units so that there should be no exploitation of
labourer by their employers. In factories where chemicals mostly used,
the minister asked to organize  health check up camps for labourers on
regular intervals.
Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Mr Vishavjeet Khanna briefed
the Minister that Punjab Government has initiated many welfare schemes
under the Punjab Building And Construction Workers Welfare Board,
which mainly included the massive increase in the amount of Shagun
Scheme and scholarships.  The Minister has ordered to popularize the
whole policies through a campaign. Besides that he also ordered to
complete the construction of labour sheds in districts/tehsils with
the cost of Rs 10 crore.
Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Chief Parliamentary
secretary Choudhary Nand Lal, Principal Secretary Mr Vishavjeet
Khanna, Labour Commissioner Haropinder Singh Nanda, Additional Labour
Commissioner Harish Nayyar, Deputy Director Factories Sodhi Mall.
CAPTION- Principal Secretary, Labour Department Mr Vishavjeet Khanna
presenting Bouquet to Mr Chunni Lal Bhagat at Chandigarh on October 3.
Mr Chaudhary Nand Lal CPS and  Labour Commissioner Haropinder Singh
Nanda are also seen with them.

CM ASSURES ANGANWARI WORKERS TO FLAG UP THE ISSUE OF THEIR PENDING DEMANDS WITH UNION GOVERNMENT

TO SEEK HIKE IN COMPENSATION TO FLOOD VICTIMS FROM PM

WRONG POLICIES OF UPA HAS RUINED THE COUNTRY

ALLIANCE BETWEEN PPP AND CONGRESS WOULD CAST NO EFFECT ON PROSPECTS OF SAD-BJP ALLIANCE

NOBODY WAS COMMUNAL IN POLITICS

Sri Muktsar Sahib, October 2-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he would take up the matter regarding the pending legitimate demands of the Anganwari Workers and helpers associated with the Women Development and Child Welfare project with the Union government.

          Addressing the gathering after being felicitated by the All India Anganwari Mulaazim Union here today, the Chief Minister also announced that the lists of the promotion of Anganwari workers to Supervisors in the Women Development and Child Welfare department would also be issued soon. He said that due to the centralization of powers by the Union government the rights of the state have reduced so he would take up the matter of pending demands of the Anganwari workers with the Union Government for solving them. Mr. Badal said that he would plead the case of the Anganwari workers in an effective manner so that their problems were redressed.

          The Chief Minister said that the scheme to set up Anganwari centers across the state was started on the same day in the year 1975 and 26656 centers were being run across the state in 154 blocks by the 53000 workers and helpers. He said that these Anganwari workers work hard to impart education and health facilities to the kids. Mr. Badal said that from year 2007 the state government has opened 6487 more centers in the state and 6487 Anganwari workers and 5267 helpers have been recruited. He said that the state government would make every effort to ensure the well being of the Anganwari workers.

          The Chief Minister said that the policy of the Union government to extend relief to the victims of natural tragedy was far away from the ground realities due to which he would take up the matter of enhancing the compensation with the Prime Minister soon. He said that due to the riders imposed by the Centre the state government was not able to extend a helping hand to the flood victims despite of the fact that they want to give reprieve to the people in this hour of crisis. Mr. Badal said that he would apprise the Prime Minister about the grim situation due to floods in Sri Muktsar Sahib district so as to seek his intervention for the help of flood victims.

          The Chief Minister further said that due to the wrong policies of the Union government the country was facing huge crisis. He said that the countrymen were fed up from the Congress led UPA government and have made up their mind to show door to this corrupt and insensitive government. “The day is not far when the NDA government would constitute government at the Centre, with the Shiromani Akali Dal as a key ally” added Mr. Badal.

          Later on talking to the media persons after presiding over the Zonal Youth Festival at Maharaja Ranjit Singh College Malout, the Chief Minister said that joining of hands by PPP and Congress was hardly an issue as both these parties have been rejected by the wise voters of the state time and again. He said that the joining of hands by these parties would hardly cast any effect on the poll prospects of SAD-BJP alliance. Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance would register spectacular win on all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in ensuing general elections.

          When asked to comment on labeling of BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Mr. Narendra Modi as communal by his political opponents, the Chief Minister categorically said that no one was communal in politics adding that the Congress has always followed the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ to achieve their political interests.  Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance was fully secular due to which peace, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood prevails in the state.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.       

          -

I WOULD HAVE RESIGNED IF HUMILIATED IN THE MANNER PRIME MINISTER HAS BEEN- BADAL

RAHUL HAS EXPRESSED NO CONFIDENCE IN CABINET AND PM

SHINDE’S LETTER UNWARRANTED

SLAMS UNION GOVERNMENT FOR FAILING ON ALL FRONTS

BAJWA’S DAILY STATEMENTS AGAINST STATE GOVERNMENT: A SIGN OF FRUSTRATION

LAUDS PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS OF SRI RAM NAUMI COMMITTEE UNDER VIJAY CHOPRA

Jalandhar, October 2-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that he would have preferred to resign rather than facing a major humiliation as confronted by the Prime Minister on the issue of the recent ordinance to reverse Supreme Court ruling on convicted leaders.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of a function organized by Sri Ram Navami Utsav Committee here today, the Chief Minister said that if he was faced with the situation in which his any of his party office bearer had belittled him on a decision taken by whole cabinet then he would have preferred to step down rather than face embarrassment. He further said that by using derogatory language against the ordinance the Vice President of Congress Mr. Rahul Gandhi has expressed no confidence in the Prime Minister and the Cabinet adding that it was imperative for the Cabinet to submit its resignation. Mr. Badal said that it was the blatant insult of the office of the Prime Minister, which was very unfortunate.

The Chief Minister further said that he was highly concerned about the authority of the Cabinet being eroded and even a fool could understand that Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Mr. Rahul Gandhi were privy to the passage of Ordinance in the Cabinet twice and now they could not feign their ignorance. Mr. Badal said that though the managers of Mr. Rahul Gandhi might have tried to enhance his image by indulging in such cheap tactics but this step has given as severe blow to both te Cabinet and Prime Minister.

When asked to comment on the letter written by Union Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde to the state governments regarding the imprisonment of innocent Muslims in Jails, the Chief Minister said that there was hardly any need for this letter. He said that every government at the Centre or the state must be secular adding that they must rise above their vested political interests and channelize their energy for the well being of people.    

The Chief Minister said that UPA has failed to perform its duty in safeguarding the life and property of the citizens. He said that recent twin attacks on Police and Army in Jammu region were direct challenge to the sovereignty of the country. He said that if the government that could not protect its armed forces and Police, what the common citizens could expect from it. Mr. Badal said that country needs a decisive and strong Prime Minister to give a stern message to such forces.

Describing state Congress President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa’s daily outbursts on the performance of the state government as a sign of frustration, the Chief Minister said that it was for the first time since independence that opposition party was totally clueless and agenda less. Mr. Badal said that he was surprised that opposition instead of performing its constructive role was approaching each and every Union Minister to scuttle the legitimate grant to the state. He said that they forget the point that centre was not doing any favor to the state by sanctioning such grants as it was their legitimate and constitutional right to receive their share in the central taxes.

The Chief Minister said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had been advocating fair devolution of taxes along with strong federal system just because Congress led UPA government has reduced states into begging Municipalities. Mr. Badal said that he was surprised that even for sanction of village link roads, they have to send the file to the Union government for clearance.

          Earlier addressing the gathering the Chief Minister lauded the role of Sri Ram Utsav Committee under the leadership of Editor of Hind Samachar Group Padamshree Mr. Vijay Chopra for carrying out a large number of social and philanthropic works. He said that the distribution of free scholarship amongst the students by the Committee was a noble cause which would go a long way in spreading the message of Education amongst the poor and needy students besides ensuring the progress of the state.

          The Chief Minister said that the state government was making concerted efforts for the promotion of Education in the state adding that due to all these efforts the state was leading the country in the field of education. He said that in order to give further fillip to the education, the state government has embarked a major scheme of Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship scheme in which the meritorious students would be granted a scholarship of Rs 30000 per annum. Likewise Mr. Badal said that special school were being opened in the six districts across the state in which free boarding and lodging facilities would be provided to the students securing 80% or marks.           

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Anil Joshi, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar and Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, state BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, his Advisor Mr. Tikshan Sud, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. KD Bhandari, MLA Mr. Manoranjan Kalia and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.           

=

Sukhbir Badal says IT companies want to set up base in Punjab due to pressure from Punjabis who want to be closer to their homes

(Says Modi tsunami set to hit Congress hard in the parliamentary elections)

 Chandigarh, October 1 – Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today declared that a number of companies from South India had assured to send delegations to Punjab to explore investment opportunities because they were under pressure from their Punjabi employees who wanted to be closer to their homes.

                Interacting with the media after the completion of the Investment Summit here, the Deputy chief minister said he had been given assurances by several companies that they would like to invest in the Knowledge City in Mohali and also the Medicity and the Education City at Mullanpur. He said the State government on its part had reserved 1600 acres, 2,000 acres and 300 acres for all three projects respectively and that it could transfer land to interested entrepreneurs immediately.

                Speaking about his visit to various IT and other offices, the Deputy CM said he had met a number of Punjabis all of whom told him they would like to come back to their homeland if given a choice. He said the IT companies also understood this fact and were now keen to establish their campuses in Punjab. He said Infosys was already sending a team to the State this month itself to explore the offer to become the anchor unit at the Knowledge Park in Mohali.

                Speaking about the investment offers, the Deputy CM said there was an offer to establish a cluster of schools using the latest communication tools. He said companies had also evinced interest for group housing projects in Dowñ town Mohali and at Ludhiana. The Deputy CM said an investment of Rs 30,480 crore had already come into Punjab in this sector and that there was scope for more investment.

Mr Sukhbir Badal assured the media that when Punjab hosts the Progressive Punjab Investment Summit on December 9 and 10 the State would have achieved a power surplus status. He said similarly the State was on the eve of achieving the distinction of best air and road connectivity.

                Asserting that all this was possible due to a decisive government led by chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, the Deputy CM said this was the need of the hour at the centre also. He said the Congress led UPA government was likely to fall like a pack of cards after it was hit by the “Modi tsunami” in the parliamentary elections. “The Congress might well be pushed to the Maldives”, he quipped adding the NDA too would be strengthened with more allies before the elections.

                Mr Badal said for the first time ever there was clarity of thought in the country that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi was the only alternative to lead the nation. “I have experienced this sentiment here during my visit to Bangalore also”, he said adding the people were fed up of the indecisiveness of the UPA government and were waiting to teach it a lesson it would never forget. EOM

----------

 Punjab ready to give preferential market access to electronic hardware and food processing industry – Sukhbir Badal

(Agrees to establish incubation centre for semi conductor industry in Mohali)

(To form task force under B V Naidu to transform Mohali as Knowledge hub)

 Bangalore, October 1 – Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today told the captains of industry that his government was ready to give preferential market access to entrepreneurs setting up electronic hardware and agro processing units in Punjab in order to encourage investment into the State.

Addressing top industrialists at the Investment Summit held here as part of the Progressive Punjab summit which will be held in Chandigarh on December 9 -10, the Deputy chief minister said while Punjab had already announced a host of incentives for new investments including 80 per cent retention of VAT (Value Added Tax) and CST (Central Sales Tax), he was ready to go the extra mile to invite investment into the State.

Mr Badal said investors setting up industries in key areas including electronic hardware and food processing besides few other sectors which would be identified by the government soon, would get the first choice to bid for government as well as orders from various boards and corporations including the State power utility.

On a suggestion from Mr Sanjeev Keskar of the India Electronics and Semi Conductors Association, the Deputy chief minister also agreed to establish an incubation centre at Mohali which could help small entrepreneurs to work on electronic systems and semi conductor design. Mr Keskar assured the Deputy CM that his organization would partner with the State government to make the incubation centre a success.

In another major decision, Mr Sukhbir Badal announced the establishment of a task force headed by former STPI (Sortware Technology Parks of India) head B V Naidu to help the State transform Mohali as a knowledge destination. Naidu is part of the task force constituted by the Karnataka government to come up with a roadmap for investment and employment targets for 2020.

In his presentation, which was lauded by the industry later, Mr Badal said his mandate was that Punjab should be the best State as far as ease of doing business was concerned. Outlining the opportunities available for doing business, he said the government was keen on developing a textile hub in the Malwa region which was a cotton growing area. He said Amritsar and Ferozepur had been designated as a food centre, Mohali and Amritsar as an IT hub, Bathinda as a Petro Park, Patiala as Automobile hub, Ludhiana as hosiery hub and Jalandhar as sports and leather goods centre.

Listing the initiatives taken by the government to make this possible, the Deputy CM said the government had appointed senior officials as relationship managers and ensured online interface. Among the next steps being taken by the government, Mr Badal said the government was committed to remove redundant clearances and inspections.

Asserting that the incentives including those of VAT and CST would pay back the cost of the project in due course, he said a further advantage would be opening up of the Wagah border. He said while 140 items were being exported presently, this list was likely to go up to 1400 items in a few months. This, he said, would open up the entire Central Asian market for entrepreneuers.

Industry minister Madan Mohan Mittal while speaking said incentives were being given in the entire State and that they were directly commensurate to investment. He gave the example of the textile industry saying anyone investing more than Rs 150 crore would be able to retain as much as 90 per cent of VAT and CST for ten years.

Speaking on behalf of the Punjab industry, Trident group head Rajinder Gupta said during the last 25 years he had been doing business in the State not a single day of production had been lost due to labour unrest. He said the State had the best connectivity and would be power surplus by December this year.

Others present included Cisco Director Global Policy Harish Krishnan, Sandeep Maini of Reva,M C S Reddy of Lanco Infrastructure, V Raja of GMR Infrastructure, Sunil Bhasin of Technicolor, Gaurav K Punjabi of Latitude Edutech,  Ashish Puravankara of Puravankara reality, V Madhu of Providend Housing Limited and Ghanshyam Dass, Chairman FIG Consultants besides others.

The Deputy CM was accompanied by chief parliamentary secretary N K Sharma, chief secretary Rakesh Singh,Principal Secretary to the Deputy CM – P S Aujla, Principal Secretary Karan Avtar Singh, Housing Secretary Venu Prasad and Punjab Infotech MD D K Tewari. EOM

---------

  CM MONITORS STATUS OF PRE-MATRIC AND POST MATRIC LEVEL SCHOLARSHIPS TO SC, BC AND MINORITY STUDENTS

·        UNDERLINES NEED TO ENSURE TIMELY DISBURSEMENT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

·        RS. 450 CRORE EARMARKED FOR SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES DURING CURRENT FISCAL

Chandigarh October 1, 2013

        To provide the pre-matric and post-matric scholarships to the students belonging to scheduled castes, backward classes and minority communities, the Punjab Government has earmarked Rs. 450.79 crore during the current fiscal to benefit as many as 21.70 lac students.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Chief Minister’s Office said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal reviewed the status of scholarship schemes at pre-matric and post-matric with the senior functionaries of the welfare department.

The Chief Minister was apprised during the interaction the sum of Rs. 210.70 crore and Rs. 240.09 crore has been earmarked to benefit 15.98 and 5.72 lac students of these caste/communities under pre-matric and post-matric scholarship schemes respectively during 2013-14.

Mr. Badal reiterated his firm commitment for overall development of the students belonging to scheduled castes, backward classes and minority communities across the state and asked the officers of the Welfare department for the timely disbursement of scholarships under these schemes.

It may be recalled that the State Welfare department has launched various programmes for providing pre-matric as well as post-matric scholarships. During 2007-08 to 2012-13 the state government through welfare department has utilized Rs. 183.91 crore to provide per-matric scholarships to 45.85 lac students belonging to scheduled castes, backward classes and minority communities.

        Subsequently, a sum of Rs. 334.49 crore has been disbursed to 5.35 lac students of these caste/communities under post matric scholarship schemes, during 2007-08 to 2012-13.

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

MAJITHIA LAMBASTS BAJWA FOR BETRAYING PUNJAB PEASANTRY

·      SONIA’S NO TO MEET PUNJABI FARMERS EXPOSES BAJWA’S STATURE BEFORE CONGRESS HIGH COMMAND

·      RAHUL GANDHI’S BEHAVIOR TOWARDS PRIME MINISTER HIGHLY CONDEMNABLE

·      PUNJAB FARMERS REELING UNDER WHOPPING RS.30,000 CRORE DEBT DUE TO ANTI-FARMER POLICIES UNLEASHED BY CONGRESS

·      PUNJAB WITH WORLD CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE SET TO BECOME MOST FAVOURED DESTINATION FOR INVESTMENT

·      URGES INDUSTRIALISTS TO SET UP NEW UNITS FOR CREATING MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS

 Ludhiana, October 1:

The Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today accused PCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa of betraying the Punjab peasantry by mobilizing them to national capital for getting announced a special package but could not get announced a single penny for the debt ridden farming community. He said that the plain refusal of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for meeting the farmer’s delegation shows the apathy of Congress for this hardworking community along with the ‘stature’ of Mr. Bajwa in the eyes of party high command. He also condemned the behavior of Rahul Gandhi towards Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and equated with an incident of removal of turban of an elder.

Addressing a series of Youth Akali Dal (YAD) rallies at Bhai Bala Chowk, Pakhowal Road and Jodhewal Basti besides interacting with the industrialists of industrial city during his whirlwind tour, Mr. Majithia, who is also President of Youth Akali Dal, pointed out that Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa was a known liar and an incapable advocate as he has an old tendency to make false promises but delivers none. He said that his latest drama of mobilizing Punjab farmers to Delhi to get them a special package from UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has shown his true colours as the latter don’t even bothered to meet those farmers. He said that the way Mr. Bajwa befooled the Punjabi farmers by luring them to Delhi has exposed his seriousness towards the most crucial issue of suffering farming community. He said that this theatric has also uncovered his poor standing before the party high command. He said that Mr. Bajwa simply believes in divisive politics and the polarization of Congress leaders in the state has proved that he was not a leader as he was miserably failed in leading the party. He also pointed out that not only Mr. Bajwa but also the other seven Congress MPs from Punjab have also being miserably failed in getting any special package or mega project for the state. He said that the recent insult meted to Punjab farmers by the UPA Chairperson also highlights the constant betrayal of Congress with hardworking farming community. He said that since independence majority of the time Congress or Congress led UPA government’s had ruled the country but did nothing significant to strengthen the farming sector. He said that the Congress has been more bias against Punjabi farmers who have been making a huge contribution of more than 50% in National Food kitty but the most unfortunate aspect before us was that Punjabi farmers were reeling under a whopping Rs.30,000 crore debt. He said that when Congress led UPA-1 government was at the last leg it had announced a Rs.70,000 crore debt waiver scheme of which Punjab farmers got less than Rs.1,000 crore despite their un-paralleled contribution in making the nation self reliant on food grains front.

Describing the behavior of Rahul Gandhi towards Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh highly condemnable, Mr. Majithia said that it shows the Congress yuvraj’s arrogance despite total failure on political front. Equating it with the removing a turban of an elder, Mr. Majithia demanded that Rahul should apologize to the PM.

Exhorting the people of Punjab especially the youth to play a pro-active role in installing NDA government after coming general elections, Mr. Majithia said that it becomes imperative to ensure the balanced and fast paced development including a major economic package for Punjabi farmers to boost their sagging economy. He said that the way Punjab Congress leaders especially Congress MPs from Punjab have limited themselves to destructive politics by creating hindrances in state projects and rightful share of state in Central funds, the people of Punjab would give them a befitting reply by ensuring their big defeats in Lok Sabha elections. He said that we need a decisive, capable and able administrator as Prime Minister of the Country and only NDA can provide this to save the country as Congress led UPA government has taken the country to the brink of economic disaster.

He said that Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance has given the youth an appropriate representation at government as well as in political set up. Expressing gratitude to Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for showing confidence in youngsters and assured them that the Youth Akali Dal workers would not leave any stone unturned to ensure clean sweep of SAD-BJP on all 13 Lok Sabha seats in coming general elections.

Later interacting with prominent industrialists of the city, Mr. Majithia said that the SAD-BJP government has fulfilled its promise to provide world class infrastructure by making state power surplus, setting up of two international along with five domestic airports, linking every city and town of the state with 4/6 lane highways besides implementing a new investor friendly industrial policy. He said that even the Reserve Bank of India has acknowledged Punjab as the best destination for investment which shows the commitment of state government for promoting industry. He said that the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal’s recent Bangluru tour has resulted in attracting IT giant Infosys and Bio con to set up their campuses in Mohali. He urged the industrialists to expand their industrial units as well as setting up new ones to create more and more job opportunities for the youngsters.

Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Sharnjit Singh Dhillon, Cabinet Minister, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mr. Darshan Singh Shiwalik and Mr. S.R. Kaler, all MLAs, Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Hira Singh Gabaria, former Minister, Mr. Amrik Singh Aliwal, former MP, Mr. Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Mayor, Mr. Santa Singh Umaidpuri, President District Unit SAD, Mr. Tanvir Singh Dhaliwal, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Babbal and Mr. Tarsem Singh Bhinder.

---------

BADAL TERMS REDUCTION OF PETROL PRICE AS AN ‘INTERIM RELIEF’

·        UPA PREPARING GROUND FOR A MASSIVE HIKE IN FUTURE

·        CENTRE MUST ENSURE DIGNITY AND RESPECT OF TURBAN ABROAD

·        BLAMES CENTRE FOR UNCHECKED DRUG SUPPLY IN STATE

·        CENTRE VIRTUALLY RUNNING SANS GOVERNMENT

·        STATE ALL SET FOR HASSLE FREE PROCUREMENT OF PADDY

·        SAD-BJP STANDS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE WHILE CONGRESS FOR POLITICS OF VENDETTA AND CONFRONTATION

·        CONCLUDING DAY OF SANGAT DARSHAN IN FATEHGARH CHURIAN

Fatehgarh Churian (Gurdaspur), October 1-

          Terming the slashing of Petrol prices by the Congress led UPA government at the Centre as an ‘Interim relief’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the Union government was preparing ground for exorbitant hike in the near future.

          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the concluding leg of his two-day Sangat Darshan program in the Fatehgarh Churian assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that reduction of petrol price was a strategy of the Union government to garner support in view of the ensuing elections in the four states. However, he said that the situation would further worsen in future as the Union government would hike the prices of petrol manifold in the coming days. Mr. Badal said that the Union government was hand in glove with the big oil companies and was leaving no stone unturned to extend largesses to them at the cost of common man.

          The Chief Minister further said that the hike in the price of diesel would prove fatal for the farming community which was already reeling under a whopping debt due to the anti-farmer’s policies of the Union government. He said that this hike would also escalate the transport cost due to which the household budget of the common man would be completely shattered. “The move of Centre would further accentuate the woes of a common man who is helpless to manage even two square meals a day due to spiraling prices in this difficult phase.” added Mr. Badal.

          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the sudden surge in the cases of the disrespect of Turban in the foreign countries was an unfortunate development and it was the high time that the Ministry of External Affairs, GoI must exploit all the diplomatic channels at international level to register their protest against this inhuman act which tantamount to hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community. He said that the psyche of Sikhs residing in any part of the world was deeply anguished by such incidents and the Centre must intervene and take a timely and stern action to restore the dignity and honor of turbans in abroad. Mr. Badal said, “It is obligatory on the part of the Union government to safeguard the interests of minority communities and any depart from this moral and ethical duty in this regard would not be tolerated at any cost.”

          Squarely blaming the Union government for failing to check the cross border smuggling of drugs in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Central agencies have been unable to discharge their duties in the right earnest; consequently, the unabated supply of drugs was taking place in the state. Mr. Badal said that he had taken up this issue with the top brass of the Union government several times but of no avail. However, he said that on our part the state government was making concerted efforts to check the rampant drug trafficking on one hand and weaning away the youth from this menace by opening de-addiction centers and promoting sports on the other.

Lashing out at the Union government, the Chief Minister said that there was virtually no government functioning at the Centre today and the country was exposed to threats both internally and externally. He said that the Union government has miserably failed on all fronts for which our countrymen were eagerly waiting for the coming Lok Sabha polls to teach them a lesson in a befitting manner. “It is just a matter of few days when this insensitive government would be shown a door by the countrymen” added Mr. Badal.

When asked to comment on the arrangements made by the state for procurement of Paddy starting from today, the Chief Minister said that it was the foremost duty of the state government to ensure a hassle free procurement of the farmer’s produce. He said that the entire arrangement for the smooth procurement process has been finalized so as to facilitate the farmers.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to combat the deadly menace of cancer in an effective manner. He said that soon a world class Cancer hospital on the lines of Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital Mumbai would come up at Mullanpur near Chandigarh for providing quality treatment to the cancer patients. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the infra structure in a number of other hospitals was being upgraded to tackle the problem of cancer in the state.

Earlier in his address, the Chief Minister said that despite of the discriminatory policies of the Union government Punjab has registered tremendous progress in all the sectors adding that due to concerted efforts of the SAD-BJP government the state was today leading the country in field of education, Health, infra structure and has been declared the third top most investment destination of the country by the Reserve Bank of India. He said that though due to the wrong policies of the Union government the hard working and resilient farmers of the state were reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 30,000 crore but in order to bail them out the state government was providing them free power at a cost of nearly Rs 6000 crore.

Cautioning the state Congress leadership to refrain from vitiating the atmosphere of the state by spitting venom, the Chief Minister said that the wise people of state have already rejected their divisive policies a number of times. He said that the Congress leaders must learn lesson from their past and desist from misleading the people who would not get swayed away by their malicious propaganda. “People are well aware that SAD-BJP alliance stands for communal harmony, peace and development of the state whereas Congress was synonymous for politics of hatred, vendetta and confrontation” added Mr. Badal.

Laying thrust on the need for diversification of agriculture, the Chief Minister said that all out efforts were being made by the state government to promote it for safeguarding the interests of the farmers. He said that imparting of Skill education was the need of the hour to open new vistas of self employment for the youth, to make them gainfully employed.  

The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Speaker Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon, former Chairman Punjab Tube well Corporation Mr. Ravi Karan Singh Kahlon, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Abhinav Trikha.   

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

UNPRECEDENTED RESPONSE FOR REGULARISATION OF ILLEGAL COLONIES

·        PUDA/GLADA OFFICES WOULD REMAIN OPEN ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR FILING OF APPLICATION

·        LUDHIANA LEADS WITH MAXIMUM 9000 APPLICATIONS

·        NO EXTENSION IN LAST DATE I.E. OCTOBER 7

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1: The Punjab Government today said that as on Monday more than 35000 applications have been received by the concerned authorities for regularization of illegal colonies and plots situated in illegal colonies. It was also announced that for the facilitation of applicants the offices of PUDA and GLADA would also remain open on Saturday and Sunday

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman clarified that there would be no extension in the last date of applying for regularization of illegal colonies i.e. October 7 and said that state was receiving an unprecedented response in this regard. He said that by Monday evening authorities had received more than 35000 applications for regularization of colonies and plots. He said that district Ludhiana was leading with receiving maximum 9000 applications followed by Amritsar with 3000 and Jalandhar with 2000. 

          The Spokesman said that no extension would be given in the date of submitting applications and all the district administrations were extending all possible cooperation and support to the colonizers and plot holders.  He said that Punjab Government has deputed nodal officers for each illegal colony in the state, where awareness camps were being organized under the supervision of concerned sub divisional magistrate and tehsildars so maximum people can avail the benefits of this opportunity.

          The Spokesman also warned that state may take legal action against the errant colonizers, promoters and developer under PAPR Act 1995 besides facing disconnecting of water and electricity connection. He said that instructions have also been issued to concerned authorities to effectively launch the sustained drive in this regard so no problems could be faced by the applicants.  

 -------------

PUNJAB ORGANISES SPECIALIZED TRAINING PROGRAMME ON e-GOVERNANCE PROJECT LIFE CYCLE

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

            Directorate of Governance Reforms, Punjab has conducted three Days Specialized e-Governance Training Programme  on ‘e-Governance Project life Cycle’. This workshop was organized for Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADC), Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chief Medical Officers (CMO), District Development Panchayat Officer (DDPO), District food and supply controller  (DFSC) , District Social Security Officers (DSSO) of each District of Jalandhar  Division who are expected to lead/play crucial role in e-Governance implementation of State Government. Programme was organized to equip them with skills and knowledge on e-Governance Project life Cycle for State level e-Governance initiatives and e- Governance projects being implemented in the state under National e-Governance Plan. This training was organized in coordination with National Institute of SMART Government (NISG), Hyderabad and was attended by senior officers/ Officials from various District Offices of Jalandhar Division.

            Mr. Rajnish Malhotra Head State e-governance Mission Team (SeMT), Punjab welcomed distinguished.  He laid focus on importance of e-Governance Project life Cycle in various e-Governance projects.  Sh. Veerraju Naidu, Sr.Project Manager from NISG briefed Participants about National e-Governance Division (NeGD) Projects being implemented for the benefits of Citizens.

            During the three days program, participants were provided knowledge on Introduction to e-Governance & National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), e-Governance Project Development Lifecycle, Services Identification and Prioritization, Government Process Reengineering, Understanding e-Governance Applications, Understanding Business Models, Introduction to Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Data Digitization and Quality Management, Approach for managing people change in e-Governance projects, Preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and Request for Proposal (RFP) development.

            The specialized Training Programme on e-Governance Project life Cycle was conducted by Sh. Surender Singh Rana , Sh. Sashi Dhar  and Sh.Lovneesh Chanana from NISG. Distinguished officers also performed in various activities on e-Governance Project Life Cycle.  Punjab SeMT Team Led by Mr. Manpreet Singh, Sr.Consultant, Programme  Management Gave Live demonstration of services provided under e-District Pilot project for the state.

            This  event was concluded by Sh. Veerraju Naidu , Sr.Project Manager  from NISG. During his concluding address, he shared his perspective on the significance of e-Governance Project life Cycle. Sh. Veerraju Naidu, from NISG distributed participation certificates.

-

 PUNJAB INSTRUCTS DEPARTMENTS FOR TIMELY SUBMISSION OF UC CERTIFICATES

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

            Punjab Government has instructed all departments to submit usage certificates of grants as soon as possible so that consolidated report regarding this could be sent to the Chief Minister.

            Disclosing this here today official Spokesperson said that all departments sends quarterly consolidated report of all of grants to the chief minister. He said that it has come to notice that some departments have not sent these reports up to 6th November, 2012 and after this period.

            He further added that Punjab Government has strictly instructed the departments to send the pending usage certificates of grants at the earliest and also ensure that in future these certificates should be regularly sent on time.

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

PUNJAB TO PROMOTE ECO-TOURISM FOR EXPANSION OF TOURISM INDUSTRY: CHUNI LAL BHAGAT

·        GIVES CALL FOR PRESERVATION OF NATURAL HERITAGE ON SECOND DAY OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 1:

Tourism Industry in Punjab would witness a record expansion in Punjab in coming years as the state was taking special initiatives in this regard prioritizing the 'Eco-Tourism' in the state.

            This was stated by Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Forerst Minister, Punjabunder the mission Eco-Tourism Punjab has launched a special campaign to preserve natural water resources, trees and wildlife for expansion of Tourism industry in the state. The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the second and concluding day of International Conference on Tourism Promotion.

            Mr. Bhagat informed the conference that Punjab has decided to develop its wetlands including Harike Pattan, Ropar, Keshopur, Nangal, Kanjli and Ranjit Sagar Dam as International Tourism Centers, which would attract the tourists from across the world. He also informed that Punjab would also promote wildlife tourism on the international tourism map by preserving the rare wildlife. He said that Forest and Tourism Department was working in collaboration to promote Eco-Tourism in the state, which would bring positive results in the coming time.

            Presiding over the second day session, Mrs. Raji P Srivastva Secretary, Tourism department, said that tourism department would launch a sustained drive in association with Forest Department to conserve natural heritages in the state. Chief Wildlife Conservator Mr. H.S. Gujral said that Punjab was also contemplating a plan to further development of zoos in the state besides making them economically autonomous bodies to make them center of attraction for tourists.

            Mr. Bernerd Harrison, Mr. Krispean Abreson, Mr. H. Somorandro, Mr. Narhari Rao, Dr. Khyati Mathur, Dr. Sanjiv Pandey, Dr. Kuldip Kumar, Mr. P.C. Tyagi, Dr. B.K. Gupta and Mr. Sudhir Sahi were natural tourism experts, who spoke on the occasion. On this occasion an audio-visual exhibition was also displayed. Mr. NPS Randhawa, Director Tourism Department and Additional Project Director Mr. VB Kumar thanked the delegates for their valuable suggestions.

 

 

 

 

NRI PUNJAB NEWS