ANAND MAHINDRA ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF MAHINDRA UNIVERSITY IN NEW CHANDIGARH

 HINDUJA GROUP TO INVEST IN UNIVERSITY, SOLAR POWER AND DEVELOPMENT OF COLD CHAIN

ADLABS TO ESTABLISH A THEME PARK IN LUDHIANA

 Mumbai/Chandigarh, October 23 – Mahindra and Mahindra Chairman Anand Mahindra today announced his company would establish a world class Mahindra University in New Chandigarh besides providing end to end solutions in marketing and agro processing of fruits and vegetables in Punjab.

The Mahindra group Chairman made this announcement after Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal briefed him about the Knowledge city coming at Mullanpur besides other initiatives being taken by the government including creation of a single window for investors and Value Added Tax (VAT) and Central Sales Tax (CST) retentions schemes.

            Lauding the Deputy chief minister for what he termed as the former’s “mission oriented” approach, Mr Mahindra said “as far as we are concerned it will be like returning home by establishing the Mahindra University in Punjab”.  Mahindra said the University would be an umbrella institution for five engineering colleges being established by the Mahindra group in different parts of the country in technical collaboration with Ecole Centrale Paris of France. He clarified that the family would invest its personal money for the establishment of the University which would have liberal arts disciplines also besides engineering studies.

Speaking about the other initiatives the Mahindra group was ready to foray into in Punjab, Mr Mahindra said the company was interested in processing of fruits and sweet potatoes. The Deputy chief minister urged the company to go in for end to end marketing and agro processing of fruits and vegetables which was agreed to by the Mahindra group head who appreciated the new contract farming policy formed by the Punjab government. Mr Badal also urged Mahindra to take up marketing of kinnows from Punjab in the same manner in which it was marketing Indian grapes worldwide.

            Earlier while briefing Mahindra about the strides being made by the State government to make it easy for investors to do business in Punjab, the Deputy CM said his government’s job was not to make money but to create environment which would result in money creation. He said old archaic rules and posts including that of boiler and vehicle inspectors were being dispensed with and a new system of self certification had been introduced.

            MEETING WITH ADI GODREJ – In a late evening meeting with Godrej group Chairman Adi Godrej and the Deputy CM, the former accepted an invitation to attend the forthcoming Investment Summit on December 9-10 besides evincing interest in housing and biomass power. Adi Godrej deputed a team on the spot to visit Punjab to work out the modalities even as the Deputy CM appointed his special secretary Manvesh Singh Sidhu to work as a point man on behalf of the State.

MEETING WITH ASHOK P HINDUJA – In another late evening meeting with Hinduja group Executive Chairman Ashok P Hinduja the latter following a briefing by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal offered to establish a University in Punjab. Hinduja has also agreed to set up Solar Power Plants, Wheelhouses and cold storages to benefit farmers to sell their produce and reduce wastage. Hinduja also agreed to sign an mou with the Punjab government during the Investment Summit in December for establishment of a Driver’s Training Institute in Punjab. The group also announced it would establish its zonal office in Mohali.

MEETING WITH VODAFONE COO – The Deputy CM assured that all mobile towers would be provided with 24 hour power connection and that the government would regularize all towers as a onetime measure. Following a proposal by the Deputy CM, the Vodafone chief operating officer Sunil Sood assured to provide broadband connectivity in rural areas.

            ADLABS EVINCES INTEREST IN THEME PARK - Encouraged by the rise in the number of tourists visiting Punjab; Adlabs Chairman Manmohan Shetty evinced interest to set up a theme based tourist entertainment hub near Ludhiana along River Satluj. The Deputy CM said the government would assist in working out the modalities for the project. EOM

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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TRANSFERS 179 LECTURERS

ALSO TRANSFERS 49 PRINCIPALS & 38 HEAD MASTERS

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SIX NEW ROADS TO BE CONSTRUCTED, INVESTING 955 CRORE: DHILLON

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 23:

            The Punjab Government has approved six new road projects of 330 km of length. The total estimated cost on this project would be 955.89 crore.

            Disclosing this here today PWD Minister, Punjab Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that 42.12 Km long Rayya-Kharra road along with Sabhroan Branch with the cost of 145 crore, 53.50 km long Manpur Head to Jagroan-Raikot road along Abohar Branch with 194.74 crore, 47.44 km long Manpur Head to Barnala-Raikot road along Bathinda Branch with 155.15 crore, 49 km long Nidampur-Lehra road along Ghaggar Branch with 163.71 crore, 72.15 km long Tanda-Shri Hargobindpur-Amritsar road with 158.30 crore and 65.98 km long Kapurthala-Nakoder-Phillaur road with the cost of 138.99 crore would be constructed. “Official formalities for these projects have been completed and the work on this project would be commenced soon.” said Mr. Dhillon.

            He said that with the construction of this new road network the load of traffic in Majha area would be de-escalated. He said that the government is also repairing the 1343.71 km of roads with the cost of 290 crore.

Mr. Dhillon said that SAD-BJP government has also chalked out a plan to construct bridges, widening and strengthening of roads and construction of flyovers, where needed, in the state since the department was working on this plan at ground level. He said that a special emphasis was paying by the Punjab Government in this regard to further bring improvement in the road network besides connecting all parts of the state with upgraded roads.

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PUNJAB ESTABLISHES FIRST MEDICINAL PLANTS NURSERY –CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT 

·       TO SUPPLY MORE THAN 100 VARIETIES OF PLANTS

·       ALL SET TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN DIVERSIFICATION PLAN

Chandigarh, October 23

In a major breakthrough, Punjab has established its first Medicinal Plants Nursery in collaboration with the Forest Research Institution, Dehradoon at Village Bhatoli in block Talwara under Hoshiarpur district, which would prove to be a major boon for the crop diversification plan.

Forest and Wild life Conservation Minister of Punjab, Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat today said that the basic aim behind this nursery was to provide the alternative to farmers against the traditional paddy and wheat crop pattern in the state. He said that the nursery would supply more than 100 varieties of herbal plants, which has been brought from various nurseries around the country.

The plants, especially used for treatment of human beings as well as curing  animals diseases in ancient India have also been purchased to give a push to ayurvedic treatment system. Earlier the Punjab Government has also set up a Guru Ravidas  Ayurvedic University at Hoshiarpur.  In next step these varieties would be developed on large scale to fulfill the demand of plants by farmers as Punjab Government has decided to initiate a campaign to aware the farmers about to replace cash crops with these plants, he added.

The Minister has also added that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would inaugurate the nursery in mid November. For the marketing of these saplings special arrangement has been made by the forest department and all District forest officers has been appointed as nodal officers in this regard. The plants at nursery mainly included Sandal, Bamboos, Falsa, Lemon grass, Roja, Nirgundi, Tej Patta, Jal Brahmi, Mushkpur, Bajardanti, Malkangni, Banaksha, Shiv Nag, Nilkanth, Saket Basa and Kasturi etc.

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MUKESH AMBANI EVINCES INTEREST TO GIVE BROADBAND CONNECTIVITY TO ALL SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS IN PUNJAB

(ALSO SAYS COMPANY WILL INVEST IN PETRO CHEMICALS AND INCREASE ITS FACILITY IN HOSHIARPUR AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH DEPUTY CM SUKHBIR BADAL)

(TO ATTEND INVESTMENT SUMMIT ON DECEMBER 9-10)

 Mumbai/Chandigarh, October 22 – Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani today following discussions with Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal announced his keen interest to increase broadband connectivity in Punjab besides taking up a petro chemical project, expanding its facility in Hoshiarpur and even considering investment in agro processing in Punjab.

In an over one and a half hour meeting with the Deputy CM who was accompanied by Industries minister Madan Mohan Mittal and Industrial Adviser Kamal Oswal, the Reliance group head also agreed to attend the Progressive Punjab Investment summit being held on December 9-10following a personal invitation extended by Mr Sukhbir Badal.

The Deputy CM while giving a brief about the State government initiatives to Mr Ambani and his team said his government was on the verge of making Punjab surplus in power generation following which the Reliance chief said his company would increase the scope of its operations in Hoshiarpur. The Deputy CM also urged the Reliance group to invest in solar and bio mass power saying his government was facilitating investment in this sector through special incentives.

He also briefed Mr Ambani about the incentives being given on the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Central Sales Tax (CST) front whereby companies investing in the State could retain as much as 80 per cent of both taxes for a period of ten years. Mr Ambani lauded the Deputy CM for his out of the box thinking and described the initiative as “revolutionary”.

During his discussions with the Deputy CM, the Reliance head said his company was ready to provide broadband connectivity to all schools and hospitals in the State at a nominal cost. He said this initiative had the capability to change lives.

Mr Ambani also expressed his company’s desire to train more than a million diploma engineers in home services, saying his company wanted to develop real time skills of the youth as well as create jobs in this sector. He said Punjab could play a big role in this initiative following which the Deputy CM said the State was open to the establishment of a Vocational Training University and said Reliance could start certified courses for various vocational courses in such a University.

The Reliance chief also invited the Deputy CM to visit Jamnagar to see the various advances in research on the use of sunlight and biomass for creation of synthetic crude oil.

Others present on the occasion, included Chief Parliamentary Secretary N K Sharma, Media Adviser to Deputy CM Jangveer Singh, Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh, FCD Suresh Kumar, Housing Secretary Venu Prasad, Secretary Industry and commerce Mr Vikas Pratap and special Principal secretary Manvesh Sidhu. EOM

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SUKHBIR BADAL INITIATES TALKS WITH TCS TO CREATE PUNJAB ONLINE

(All citizen centric services to be made available at village and ward level)

TATA SONS CHAIRMAN CYRUS MISTRY AFFIRMS COMMITTMENT TO ACT ON VARIOUS DISCUSSIONS 

Mumbai/Chandigarh, October 22 – Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today initiated talks with software giant Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) to take all citizen services to the doorsteps of the people through a unique “Punjab Online” programme which will cover each and every village panchayat in the State.

                During a visit to the TCS campus here, the company vice president Tanmoy Chakraborty and his team gave a presentation on the proposed Punjab Online programme which will capture the entire services needed by a citizen from life to death and provide the same at the village level in rural areas and at the ward level in towns and cities.

                Giving details of the programme, Mr Chakrabarty said the programme would result in creation of jobs at the village and ward levels with TCS proposing to create franchisees which will manage the small kiosks. More than 25,000 people are likely to get employment besides removing congestion in government offices once people start going from “lines” to “online” to avail government services at a nominal cost. The services offered will include birth and death certificates, school admission forms, examination results, vehicle registration, passport verification, marriage certificate, utility services and provision of land records.

                Appreciating the efforts made by TCS in providing citizen services through various schemes in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, the Deputy chief minister asked TCS to study a model whereby the company could integrate the working of the government’s “Sanjh” and “Suvidha” centres. The TCS vice president affirmed it could do so in case it was chosen for the project. He also committed that TCS would submit a detailed proposal in this regard within two weeks.

Mr Sukhbir Badal on his part announced the establishment of a task force headed by chief secretary Rakesh Singh and other senior officers including financial commissioner (development) Suresh Kumar to evaluate the proposal and take a quick decision on the same.

                TCS on its part also proposed that it could effectively manage a health care scheme on turnkey basis and offer services including keeping an inventory of medical records, online update of bed capacity, online claims/payments and a variety of control systems which would bring in efficiency in healthcare management. The Deputy CM briefed the TCS management that the government had already finalized a scheme to provide medical treatment facilities worth Rs 30,000 annually to poorer sections and Rs 1.5 lakh medical insurance cover to 31 lakh socially backward sections of society. He said the government was open to partnering with TCS to make the health care system more efficient and responsive to the needs of the people.

                CYRUS MISTRY AFFIRMS TATA REMAINS COMMITTED TO ACT ON DISCUSSIONS – The Deputy CM also called on Tata Sons Chairman Mr Cyrus Mistry at the Bombay House during the course of which Mr Mistry assured him that his company was committed to act on the broad range of discussions being held with the Punjab government for investment in various sectors.

                Mr Sukhbir Badal on his part invited TCS to invest in the IT Park in Mohali and the Tata Sons Chairman reciprocated by saying he would ask his team to visit the State and consider the proposal. The Deputy CM said his government was not looking at profits but rather wanted to create assets which would have a trickledown effect on the State’s economy. “It is with this desire that I have come to invite you to invest in the IT and other sectors in the State”, he told Mr Mistry.

                The Tata Sons Chairman said his company had finalized the project to establish a Skill Training Institute and Training Centre at Ropar and that five ITIs would be attached to it. A formal mou in this regard will be signed during the Investment Summit being held in Mohali on December 9-10.

The Deputy CM was accompanied by Industries Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, chief parliamentary secretary N K Sharma and a number of senior State government officials. EOM

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DEDICATED CORPUS TO CLEAR VAT REFUNDS-SUKHBIR

ü backlog of VAT refunds to be cleared within next 3 months

Chandigarh, October 22 :

Mr.Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab today said that  in order to permanently resolve the problem of VAT refunds being faced by Punjab industrialists, Government of Punjab has decided to set up a dedicated Corpus to be maintained by the Excise and Taxation Department.

This Corpus will be called “The Punjab VAT Refund Fund”. All the collections made by the Excise and Taxation Department as Advance Tax will go to this Corpus. The funds in this Corpus would be used to clear the VAT refunds first. At the end of the month, if any funds are left in this Corpus, they will be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of the State. 

Mr.Badal further elaborated that on an average the State expects to collect advance tax of Rs.200 crores per month. On the other hand, every month, refunds amounting to Rs.100 crores are likely to accrue. So, there will be no dearth of funds, once the refund is cleared by the AETC. He further added that as of now, there is a backlog of about Rs.300 crores of refunds. The refunds will be cleared out of this corpus on First In First Out basis.  He said that with the creation of this dedicated Corpus, the entire backlog is likely to be cleared within next three months.

The Deputy Chief Minister has also said that industrials had brought to his notice that once the refunds are cleared by the Excise and Taxation Department, they face harassment at the level of Treasuries. He said that in order to resolve this problem, he had directed that henceforth, once the Excise Department clears a refund file AETC will clear the refunds from this corpus fund which is outside treasury. While doing so, the AETC will also fill in the bank account number of the industrialist. As a result, the refund amount cleared by the AETC will directly be credited into the bank account of the industrialist and the industrialist will not have to even go to the Treasury. 

Mr.Badal further added that in the next Assembly Session, the necessary amendments in the VAT Act will be made and the entire system will be in place by 15th November, 2013. He added that in view of the representations from the industrialists a sum of Rs. 75 crores was released last week to clear  the pending refunds.

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RANIKE REVIEWS WORKING OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 22: Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Animal Husbandry Fisheries and Dairy Development Punja today reviewed the functioning of Animal Husbandry Department and issued directions to the officers to achieve the remaining target of providing medical treatment to a total 50 lakh animals in the state.  

Reviewing the function in a high level meeting of top brass of department and officers from districts, Mr. Ranike said it was appreciable that department teams has accomplished more than 50 percent given task and issued directions to complete the target before December end.  He said that teams should work with full commitment and dedication and no laxity would be accepted at any level in this regard. Mr. Ranike also reviewed the functioning of semen banks at Nabha and Ropar and said that for different types of tests and treatment for animals there were 19 polyclinics in the state.

The Minister also informed that Punjab has launched various schemes for the development of Poultry and Piggery farms under which chicks and piglets were being provided on subsidized rates. He said that Punjab has provided more than 90,000 chicks to various poultry farms.

Prominent amongst those were present in the meeting included Dr. G. Vajralingam Finance Commissioner Animal Husbandry, Dr. H.S. Sandha Director Animal Husbandry, Dr. Amarjit Singh Joint Director Animal Husbandry and Deputy Directors from across the state.

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 JOSHI SUSPENDS ABOHAR MUNICIPAL COUNCIL JE FOR NEGLIGENCE IN DUTY

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 22:

Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today suspended Municipal Council Abohar Junior Engineer Mr. Kulwant Singh for negligence in duty. He has been charged for registering the work without checking for which committee has to pay for low quality work.

The Minister has also ordered to charge sheet Mr. Banke Bihari, Ramesh Chabra and Mr. Suresh Raj who were posted as Assistant Town Planner at Amritsar, for not taking action against illegal construction of Hotels. The Minister has called upon the employees/officials to work honestly and transparently to provide services in a better way.

Mr. Joshi said that no such ill regularities would be tolerated in the department at any level and more strict actions would be taken in future. 

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FIVE VILLAGES OF MOGA INCLUDED IN MUNICIPAL CORPORATION MOGA: ANIL JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 22:

 

            Five villages in the adjoining area of Moga namely Dunoke, Sant Nagar, Landeke, Mahila Singh Wala and Mahima Singh Wala have been included in the municipal Corporation Moga.

            Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab said that in order to provide basic infra structure and facilities like potable drinking water, sewerage, street lights etc. these villages included in MC Moga.

Mr. Joshi said that Punjab Government has been committed to provide basic facilities and ultra modern infrastructure to the citizens of the state. He said that the development of these villages would be ensured by preparing the composite master plan by the MC Moga. He further said that notification would be issued shortly.

 

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CABINET APPROVES SETTING UP OF REGULATORY BODY FOR STREAMLINING FEE STRUCTURE IN THE UNAIDED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

·        665 POSTS OF TEACHING FACULTY IN AMRITSAR AND PATIALA GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGES AND HOSPITALS OKAYED

·        THAPAR UNIVERSITY TO RECRUIT 120 JEs AND 30 JUNIOR DRAFTSMEN FOR WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION DEPARTMENT 

·        MD OF THE CENTRAL COOPERATIVES BANKS TO BE APPOINTED FROM AMONGST THE EXPERTS OF THE BANKING SECTOR

·        PUNJAB ANCIENT, HISTORICAL MONUMENTS, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE MAINTENANCE BOARD ACT-2013 TO BE INTRODUCED IN COMING ASSEMBLY SESSION

·        SUPERSESSION PERIOD OF THE MARKET COMMITTEES ENHANCED BY A YEAR

·        SEVERAL PROVISIONS OF VAT AMENDED TO FACILITATE TRADERS AND DEALERS

·        CONDOLES SAD DEMISE OF EX-MLA HARISH BEDI

Chandigarh, October 21-

In a bid to rationalise and regulate the fee structure in the unaided educational institutions across the state, the Punjab Cabinet today approved to establish a regulatory body to keep a check on these institutions.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers chaired by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at Chief Minister's Office this morning.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that this decision has been taken in compliance with the directions of Punjab & Haryana High Court and would consequently prevent these private institutions from charging excessive fees from the students arbitrarily.

In another significant decision aimed at imparting quality education to the medical students and providing the best health care and diagnostic facilities to the people, the Cabinet decided to create 665 posts of the teaching faculty in the Government Medical Colleges of Patiala and Amritsar and the Hospitals associated with them. The Cabinet also gave nod to enhance the number of posts of Medical Teachers along with creation of new posts of various cadres in these institutions. This decision would also take care of future enhancements of the seats in medical colleges. These newly created posts would be filled within next three years in order to give boost to the medical education and research.

With a view to imbibe professional temper in the functioning of Central Cooperative Banks, the Cabinet also gave nod to replace the Ordinance with a bill for amending section 26 (2) (a) of the Punjab Cooperative Societies Act 1961 in the coming session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, thereby paving a way for the appointment of Managing Directors of the Central Cooperatives Banks from amongst the experts of the banking sector. It may be recalled the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now laid down a stringent procedure for functioning of the Central Cooperative Banks and any deviance or non-compliance would adversely affect the refinance from NABARD.

In order to hasten the provisioning of drinking water, the Cabinet also approved to withdraw recruitment of 120 Junior Engineers (JEs) and 30 Junior Draftsmen from the purview of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board and to entrust the same to the Thapar University of Technology, Patiala. The requisite staff to be recruited would be instrumental in covering all 15,170 habitations across the state with potable drinking water besides maintaining efficiency and sustainability of the rural drinking water supply schemes. The entire process of recruitment of these posts would be completed within 60 days from the date of decision of the Cabinet.

The Cabinet also gave green signal for the conversion of the Punjab Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Ordinance, 2013 into bill for its enactment in the ensuing Punjab Assembly Session, so that the legal proceedings against unauthorized colonies could be suspended for a period of one year during the operation of the act. However, after the expiry of period of one year, the prosecution proceedings would continue, if the colonizer fails to get the offence compounded.

Likewise, the Cabinet also gave a go ahead to amend section 45 (3) and 66 of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995 through bringing a bill in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. To maintain uniformity and reduce litigation, this amendment would empower the Estate Officers of various Urban Development Authorities to forfeit a uniform amount of earnest money.

The Cabinet also approved to introduce a bill in the coming session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha regarding amendment in 'The Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Act-2013' under section 6 (3) which stipulates, "To levy one percent cultural cess with immediate effect on building works costing more than Rs 15 crore constructed by the agencies of the state out of their own resources or the state's resources instead of Rs 50 crore as approved earlier."

The Cabinet also gave approval to replace ordinances by bills for its conversion into acts regarding the Punjab Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2013 and Punjab Municipal Corporation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2013 in the coming session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha to provide major relief to the residents of the state by reducing the rates of Property Tax and introducing the system of self-assessment.

The Cabinet also decided to convert the ordinance into a bill by amending section 17 (1) (iii) of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Act, 1969 which empowers the PSEB to stop unauthorized Private Bodies, institutions from conducting Schools Education examination and issuing certificates to the students. By indulging in such malpractices, they were spoiling the career of students as those unauthorized certificate were not being recognized by the Government or any other Institutions. Henceforth, all such actions would be done only by PSEB, CBSE and ICSE.

To overcome the shortage of staff in the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) for conducting various examinations from time to time efficaciously, the Cabinet also approved to convert the 21 temporary posts of various cadres in the Commission into the regular ones. 

In a view to enabling the administrators to perform their duties/work of the Market committees in an effective manner, the Cabinet also approved the enhancement of the supersession period of the Market committees for another year till November 20, 2014. Pertinently the nominated Market committees were superseded by the Administrators through an amendment in "The Punjab Agricultural Produce Market Committees Act- 1961" with effect from November 21, 2012.

The Cabinet also gave approval for amending various provisions of Punjab VAT Act, 2005 making it far more dealer/trader friendly. The path breaking steps to ensure rationalisation of VAT included option to levy VAT on MRP at first stage, transport vehicles carrying tax evaded goods to be fined, assessment period to be enhanced from three to six years by amending section 29, sub section 4, Input Tax Credit (ITC) to be allowed only on sold/used goods besides ensuring ITC never to be more than the tax paid by all sellers to the end sellers. Likewise, provision to purchase under invoiced goods at 10% higher price than the invoiced price, enabling provision in VAT for giving incentives and retention of VAT, empowering levy of penalty on owners of godown if such receipt of goods was not reported earlier and enabling provision to reopen such cases which were rejected being time bound as the assessment was made within extended period had also been incorporated in these amended provisions. Similarly, the Cabinet also decided to remove bottlenecks/difficulties in the implementation of newly introduced advance tax by exempting exporters of manufacture goods out of imported raw material and abolishing section 13 (1-A) which treats advance tax as ITC whereas it should not be so.

The Cabinet also approved to introduce a bill in the ensuing session of the state assembly to replace the "Punjab Mechanical Vehicles (Bridges and Roads Tolls) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2013 to ensure that best Industry practices being followed by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government  of India and other state governments were followed in state besides rationalising the existing toll charges to further improve/ add some definitions and amend a certain existing ones so as to avoid any complication/misinterpretations for ensuring effective and smooth implementation of road projects on BOT basis.

In order to overcome the problems faced by the Punjab Civil Secretariat Administration due to the shortage of drivers, the Cabinet also approved to revive 15 posts of drivers. 

At the very onset of the meeting, the Cabinet deeply mourned the sad demise of ex-BJP MLA from Ludhiana Mr. Harish Bedi and observed two minutes silence in his fond remembrance thereby praying to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreplaceable loss. 

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KAIRON CALLED UP KV THOMAS

SEEKS IMMEDIATE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RELAXATION IN NORMS OF PADDY PROCUREMENT

REVIEWS PROGRESS OF PADDY PROCUREMENT WITH THE HEADS OF ALL PROCUREMENT AGENCIES

THOMAS AGREES TO SEND CENTRAL TEAMS FOR ASSESSING THE DAMAGE

Chandigarh, October 21-

            On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon today called up Union Minister of state for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs (Independent Charge) Mr KV Thomas for immediately announcing relaxations in the existing procurement norms of paddy, which has been considerably discolored due to recent rains and hail storms across the state.

Presiding over a high level meeting with the heads of the procurement agencies of the state here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Kairon apprised the Union Minister about the hardships faced by the farmers for the procurement of the grains due to the inclement weather. Subsequently, Mr. Thomas assured the Minister that he would soon dispatch technical teams of the officers from his ministry to take stock of the entire situation and assess the extent of damage caused to the paddy in terms of discoloration and moisture. He further promised Mr. Kairon that the special teams would take sympathetic view of the piquant situation to bail out the state’s peasantry by relaxing the prescribed norms of paddy procurement, immediately after the submission of report. 

Later on Mr. Kairon had threadbare deliberations with the Managing Directors of all the procurement agencies to ensure smooth, hassle free and prompt procurement of paddy in wake of the damage caused to it due to recent unseasonal rains and hail storm across the state especially in Ludhiana, Rupnagar and Fatehgarh Sahib District. 

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Mr. DS Grewal and Commissioner Food and Civil Supplies Mr. Satwant Singh Johal.

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SUKHBIR BADAL DIRECTS TO CREATE WORLD CLASS ‘SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM’ BY NOVEMBER 10

·         CEO TO BE APPOINTED AT SINGLE WINDOW OFFICE TO PROVIDE NOCs AND CLEARANCES

·         DEPUTY CM TO MEET CYRUS MISTRY, MUKESH AMBANI, ADI GODREJ, ANAND MAHINDRA AND OTHERS IN MUMBAI

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21: The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today while proceeding to Mumbai for meeting Captains and CEOs of various Industrial Houses, announced that the Punjab would have a 'Single Window System’ to facilitate investment in the State by November 10.

          The Deputy CM, who will meet Mr. Cyrus Mistry, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Mr. Adi Godrej, Mr. Anand Mahindra besides others tomorrow at Mumbai said the state-of-the-art Single Window would be setup at PIDB Office, from where all the approvals and NOCs would be given to industrial houses in the shortest possible span.     Reiterating his commitment to eliminate the unwanted archaic laws and rules coming in the way of industrial investment, , Mr  Badal asked Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh to come with an agenda to eliminate such archaic rules in the next cabinet meeting.

The Deputy CM, accompanied by Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Revenue Minister Punjab while  presiding over a meeting to review preparations for the Investment Summit being held in December, emphasised his endeavour was to make Punjab a State where investors would find doing business most easy. He said once single window system was established industrial houses would be able to get speedy and instant approvals and clearances for setting up of new units.

Mr. Badal also informed that Single Window System (SWS) office would be headed by a Chief Executive Officer having full authority  to grant all approvals and NOCs.  He said that the office would also be equipped with modern software systems and would start operating by November 10.

          Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary to make such a easy procedure for filing of applications that the Industrialists would have to file a self attested single or two page application while the rest proceedings should be completed by the CEO of the SWS. He said that CEO would get all requisite approvals and clearances from various departments including Powercom, Local Bodies, Industries, Pollution Control Board etc.   

          The Deputy Chief Minister, will hold exclusive meetings with Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry at Bombay House to finalize investment proposals put forth by the later during Amritsar visit in Punjab. He would also visit TCS campus in Andheri. Besides this Mr. Badal will also call upon Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and MD, Reliance Industries, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman Mahindra & Mahindra, Mr. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto, Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Group Chairman, Hinduja Group and Mr. Manmohan Shetty, Chairman, Adlabs Entertainment to attract new investment.

Deputy CM will attend special business meetings with Mr. Adi Godrej, Chairman and Pirojsha Godrej, Managing Director and CEO of Godrej Properties, Mr. Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and MD, JSW Steel, Mr. Abhay Firodia, Chairman, Force Motors, Mr. Anil Sardana, CEO and MD, Tata Power, Mr. Shapoor Mistry, MD, Shapoorji Pallonji Group.

On October 22 besides meetings business heads on a one to one basis, the Deputy CM will also participate in an investors meet on October 23 in which he will showcase the investment opportunities available in Punjab and also the incentives being given by the State government to attract new investment. Explaining the concept behind the investment exercise being undertaken by the State, the Deputy CM said he had made it the mandate of his government that Punjab would be the easiest State to do business in for new investors. EOM

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ILLEGAL MINING IN PUNJAB TACKLED EXPEDITIOUSLY - SUKHBIR BADAL

STRICT ORDERS TO REGISTER FIRs AGAINST SUCH ELEMENTS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today said illegal mining was being tackled expeditiously in the State and that strict instructions had been issued to register cases in this regard in case of any complaint. 

Talking to media persons after participating in the Punjab Cabinet here today, Mr. Badal said that being Home Minister he was personally keeping a tab on illegal mining besides issuing strict directions not to spare anyone indulging in this practice. He said Zonal IG's had been deputed to look into all such complaints. The Deputy CM also informed that an investigation was on to probe the allegations of ‘goonda tax’. 

          Answering a query regarding registration of criminal cases in illegal mining, Mr. Badal said that though the illegal mining has prevailing across the country but Punjab was the only state, where maximum FIRs had been registered against illegal miners.

          On being asked about the delay in notification of new Industrial Policy of Punjab, Mr. Badal clarified that the new industrial policy was on anvil. He said that the due to drastic changes as per the recommendations of industrialists the policy had taken some time to take final shape.

Predicting NDA’s government at Center after ensuing general elections, Mr. Badal said  the electorate of the country was eagerly waiting for the general elections to wipe out the worst Congress led UPA government after independence.

.  When asked about the Congress Party’s propose agenda to field ‘bigwigs’ from Punjab, Mr. Badal ridiculed the statement of congress party and said that SAD was fully prepared for ensuing elections. He said  Congress could not open its account in Punjab even after fielding UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi.

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PUNJAB TO ORGANIZE 4TH WORLD KABBADI CUP FROM NOVEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 14 --SUKHBIR

TWELVE MEN & EIGHT WOMEN TEAMS TO PARTICIPATE

Chandigarh October 21: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab, while taking stock of the forthcoming prestigious 4thWorld Cup Kabbadi cup to be held in Punjab from 30th November to 14thDecember, said that the invitations to the participating teams have already been sent with the revised dates for the 4th World Cup Kabbadi. The opening ceremony would be held in Sports Stadium Bathinda and the closing ceremony at Guru Nanak Stadium Ludhiana. H.E. Mr. Chaudhary Shujaat Hussain Former Prime Minster of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and President Pakistan Kabbadi Federation has also given his consent among other dignitaries to attend the mega event.

          Addressing an especially convened high level meeting for giving a go-ahead to its schedule, the deputy chief minister said there would be twelve Men Teams and eight Women Teams representing various countries participating in the 4th World Cup Kabbadi Tournament .Approximately Rs 20 crore budget for the prestigious mega tournament has been approved and the entire event would be telecast live not only in the country but also in Canada, USA and UK also, said Mr. Badal. The countries which represent Men Team included India, Argentina, USA, England, Canada, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Iran, Denmark, Kenya, Scotland and Spain where as the Women Teams included India, USA, England, Denmark, Iran, Mexico, Kenya and Pakistan.

Mr. Badal also said that The league matches would be played in 13 stadiums including Outdoor stadium Hoshiapur, Guru Nanak stadium Amritsar, Sports stadium, Badal at Muktsar,  War Heroes stadium Sangrur, Nehru stadium Ropar, Sports stadium Chohla Sahib, Sports stadium Jalalabad, Government College Gurdaspur,  NM Government College Mansa and Guru Gobind Stadium Jalandhar.

            Mr. Badal further said that elaborate arrangements have been made to keep this international Kabaddi cup drugs free. He said that for this purpose, National Anti Dope Agency (NADA) has deputed teams for conducting dope test on the players. The blood samples would be collected before the tournament and the samples of dope would be tested from the laboratories duly recognized by World Anti Dope Agency (WADA). He said that anyone found guilty of taking drugs would be banned for two years, besides curtailment of prize money. The expenditure incurred has been worked out in consultation with Dr. Manmohan Singh Chairman Anti Dope Commission, said Mr. Badal.

          The Government would also constitute a team under the Chairmanship of a Retired Judge of High Court to monitor and oversee the conduct of the Tournament to ensure that it is held in accordance with the rules of the game. Besides ensuring the drug free game, the government would also take adequate measures to prevent betting, said Mr. Badal.

            Prominent among other who were present in the meeting included Revenue & PR Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Education Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. P.S. Aujla, Secretary Sports Mr. Ashok Gupta, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Ajay Mahajan and Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Director Sports Mr. Shivdular Singh Dhillon.

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RAKHRA RELEASES BOOKS ON PANCHAYAT LAWS & LAND MEASUREMENTS

• BOOKS WOULD BE HELPFUL IN PROVIDING VALUABLE INFORMATION TO PANCHAYATS IN MOTHER TONGUE

MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21:

Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra released two books at Vikas Bhawan, Mohali today which would provide detailed information regarding Land Laws & Land Measurements.

Books titled ‘Panchayat Laws’ and ‘Basic information regarding Land Measurements’ is written by Adv. Jaswinder Singh Member Punjab Child Rights Security Commission. Both books are written in Punjabi.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra said that this is a great effort by the author to provide valuable knowledge in the mother tongue as most of the rural background people did not have the knowledge about these laws as most of the books regarding such laws are available only in English. He said that now the people who are not familiar with the English especially the rural people of villages would also become aware about the Land Laws and Land Measurement information in their own language.

Mr. Rakhra announced that these books would be made available to panchayats and every house of the villages in the Public interest. These books would also paly an vital role in campaign launched by the rural development department to aware rural people about their rights.

Others prominent on the occasion included Mr. Karuna Raju Director Rural Development & Panchayats Department, Mr. J.P. Singla Deputy Director, Mr. Jatinder Singh Brar and Mr. Shivdev Singh.

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JOSHI DIRECTS TO SOLVE ALL HOUSE TAX DISPUTES BEFORE DECEMBER 15

• SANITARY INSPECTOR ASKED TO BE READY FOR FOGGING
• MAJOR GENERAL BHATT TO MONITOR ALL ON GOING PROJECTS OF DEPARTMENT

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21:

            “All the pending issue related to house tax must be resolved by December 15, strict instruction in this regard has been issued to the officers concerned.” said Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab while presiding over a high level review meeting of the department here today.

            Mr. Joshi instructed the officers that all the pending complaints on house tax must be resolved by the dispute committees before December 15, 2013. He said that as per decision of the committee if house tax is not paid before December 31 then no rebate would be given on tax. The Minister also instructed the officers to further issue orders for all Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayats for necessary action.

            The Minister further said that Major General V.K. Bhatt, Technical Advisor of PMIDC would monitor all ongoing projects of the department for the timely compliance of projects. Mr. Joshi also instructed Sanitary Inspector to ensure fogging in their respective areas to check the menace of Dengue. He also said that Sanitary Inspectors would be responsible for cleanliness of their cities.

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3937140 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21:

            The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 3937140 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 3937140 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 3599690 tonnes of paddy (91.4%) till date whereas private traders procured 337450 tonnes (8.6%) of paddy. Till October 20, PUNGRAIN had procured 1042513 tonnes (29.0%) whereas MARKFED procured 851414 tonnes (23.7%). PUNSUP procured 822314 tonnes (22.8%), PSWC procured 333555 tonnes (9.3%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 357184 tonnes (9.9 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 192710 tonnes (5.4%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Ferozepur with 516411 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Patiala with 401432 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Tarn Taran 317585 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

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ADOPT SUBSIDIARY OCCUPATIONS FOR SELF EMPLOYMENT- RANIKE TO YOUTHS

Chandigarh, October, 21:

Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister, Punjab today asked the youths of Punjab to adopt subsidiary occupations for self employment. 

While addressing the meeting of Sate Advisory Committee of Animal Husbandry Department, The Minister said that Presently Animal Husbandry was contributing nearly 13 percent in the GDP of State, which further has a great scope of expansion. He said that to assist the youth for subsidiary occupations like Dairy farming, Fisheries and Piggery, The Punjab Government has decided to organize special training camps, especially in rural areas for youth.

The Minister has also directed the higher officials to personally monitor the functioning of recently established 100 goat units with the cost of 85 Lakh for training across the state.

To prevent the animals from foot and mouth disease, The Minister has also asked the officials to initiate a campaign. The officials informed the Minister that during 2012-13 the department has completed a vaccination campaign in which 201.17 lakh vaccines have been vaccinated.

The prominent amongst present in the meeting included non officio members Mr Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mr Manpreet Singh Iyali, Janab Mohamad Sadeeq and Harchand Kaur All MLAs. Besides that Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Dr G Vajralingam, Director Animal Husbandry H.S.Sandha, Director Dairy Inderjeet singh and Director Fishery B.K.Sood were also present in the meeting.

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CHESS AND GYMNASTIC (RHYTHMIC) GAMES INCLUDED IN THE SPORTS GRADATION LIST

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 21:

            The Punjab Government has inducted Chess and Gymnastic (Rhythmic) games in the sports gradation list and circular in this regard have been issued.  The old and new players of both games would be eligible for sports quota to get government jobs and admissions in academic courses.

            Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that to consider the performance of the players in the newly included games Chess and Gymnastic (Rhythmic), the state government has issued instructions to all the Financial Commissioners, Principal & Administrative Secretaries Heads of Departments, Universities of the state, Commissioners of Divisions and Deputy Commissioners.

            It has also been directed that to issue sports gradation certificates to the sportsperson of both the games for their achievements/performance prior to the circular issued on October 19, 2009 and August 25, 2011.

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GRAM SUVIDHA KENDRAS TO PROVIDE ELECTION RELATED SERVICES: CEO RAMNIDER SINGH

Chandigarh, October 21: Election Department, Punjab is planning to provide election related services like registration of new voters (form6), deletion (form 7), Modification (form 8), transposition (form 8 A) and Electrol Photo identity Card (EPIC) to rural citizens through Gram Suvidha Kendras opened in rural areas of Punjab.

            Official Spokesperson of the Department disclosing this here today said that Mr. Raminder Singh CEO Punjab visited some CSC’s in the district Mohali to access the readiness of these centres for initiating election related services. These centres have been opened at a ratio of one centre for around six villages under common service centre scheme as part of National eGoverneance plan.

            Spokesperson said that this project is being implemented in Punjab to provide services to citizens at their doorsteps and presently 2140 Common Service Centres have been established in the state. He said that as per information conveyed by the department of Governance Reforms Department, Punjab services such as PAN Card, eAADHAAR Card downloading & printing, AADHAAR Card enrolments, online citizen grievance registration, electricity bill collection along with various Business to citizen services such as mobile recharge, dishtv recharge, ticketing, insurance etc.

            Spokesperson said that in near future services under financial inclusion scheme, eDistrict mission mode project and state Service delivery Gateway are also being planned to be delivered through these CSCs.

During his visit Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab highlighted the essential requirement of providing hassle free, transparent and time bound citizen services at the doorsteps of rural citizens. He further highlighted that necessary measures should be taken to spread awareness among rural citizens regarding availavility of citizen services at CSCs. 

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SHOOTING IS A MAJOR HOPE FOR MEDALS IN OLYMPICS-MAJITHIA

v PRSA TO UPGRADE SHOOTING INFRASTRUCTURE IN A BIG WAY

v ASAD SULTAN AND NAMANVIR SINGH BRAR WON SENIOR AND JUNIOR TRAP SHOOTING COMPETITION

Patiala, October 20 – Shooting as a sport discipline is all set to be promoted in a big way in state as Punjab Rifle Shooting Association (PRSA) has chalked out an ambitious plan to encourage the budding shooters from school level keeping in view the possibilities of Olympic and other international medals with availability of tremendous talent.

Presiding over the prize distribution ceremony of 10th Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters Shooting Competition in Shotgun events held at New Moti Bagh Gun club, Patiala, the Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, President PRSA said that we were committed to promote shooting in a big way to produce ace marksman to excel in international arena thereby brought laurels to the country and state. He informed that world class shooting ranges would be established at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Mohali and Bathinda, covering all the three regions Malwa, Majha and Doaba. He said basic shooting ranges would simultaneously be set up at all district headquarter to encourage more and more youngsters to take up sport of shooting as the performance of Indian shooters in International arena in recent past raised the hopes for Olympic medals.

Mr. Majithia said that after organizing Punjab State Inter-School Shooting Championship that too with Rs. 10 lac prize money, the PRSA  would now follow up with the hosting of the Punjab State Open Shooting championship soon. He revealed that Badal village shooting range has been set up at the cost of Rs. 1 crore and was considered best range of the country. Weapons and ammunition worth 60 lac were purchased for the Shooting range at village Badal. He further said that the Punjab government has established Shooting academy for girls at village Badal where the girls were being provided free lodging and boarding along with specialized training.

He said that besides reserving three percent sports quota in all government jobs, “A” class jobs have also been provided to shooters who had excelled in the sport. He said that sport budget had also been increased from Rs 12 crore to Rs 142 crore in 2013-14. He pointed out that Shooting was an important Olympic sport in India. India has won total 26 Olympic medals and 4 have come from Shooting including a Gold by Abhinav Bindra in the 2008 Olympics. He said that Punjab has also produced number of excellent shooters, who have performed very well not only at national but international level also. He listed the names of Abhinav Bindra, Manavjit Sandhu, Ronjan Sodhi, Mansher Singh, Amanpreet Singh, Avneet Kaur Sidhu, Harveen Sarao,  and Heena Sidhu.

Recalling the significant contribution of late Sajjan  Singh Sethi, who remained President of NRAI for 6 years, Mr. Majithia said that during his tenure the shooting sport made tremendous improvement. Many shooters were sent abroad for taking part in International competitions with the financial aid from the NRAI. This helped to improve their standard and they could win medals in International competitions. Besides this, one of his greatest contributions was the construction of the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, New Delhi which was the first range in the country built as per International standards, he added.

          Later on, Mr. Majithia along with Mr. Raninder Singh, President, Mr. Avtar Singh Sethi, Senior Vice-President and Mr. DVS Rao, Secretary General, NRSA honoured the winners with medals.

          Trap Shooting Results: In Senior Men category:  Asad Sultan, R. Rizvi and Zorawar Sandhu won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively. Similarly in Junior Men Category: Namanvir Singh Brar, Mohd. Sheesh and Suleman Arsh Ilahi won first three positions consecutively.

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District Public Relations Officer ‑ Sri Muktsar Sahib

TO MAKE AWARE THE YOUTH ABOUT THEIR HISTORY, GOVERNMENT IS ESTABLISHING MEMORIALS – BADAL

‑MORE MEMORIALS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE MEMORY OF HISTORICAL EVENTS AND FAMOUS PERSONS OF OUR HISTORY

‑MAINTENANCE OF PEACE AND COMMUNAL HARMONY IS A BIG ACHIEVEMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT

Roran Wali (Sri Muktsar Sahib) Oct 20:

      Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said that to make aware the youth about their proud-able history, state government has decided to build memorials in the memory of different historical events and famous persons who made the history of state so that our next generation can get inspiration from these to develop our Punjab as a secular and socialist state.

      While speaking in a religious Rain Subai Kirtan Darbar organized by Sant Baba Sukhdev Singh ji Dera Rummi Bhucho kalan, here last Night, chief Minister said that we should come forward to participate in the progress of our country by getting inspirations from our religious gurus. He called the people to respect all the religions and save the high human values in our life.

      Chief Minister said that it is a major achievement of SAD-BJP government that our government maintained peace and communal harmony in the state even  when in one side our border is shared with Pakistan while on our another neighboring state J&K is also a very unstable state. He said that our history is very proud-able and state government planned to develop monuments about our history. So for state government had already developed Virast-e-khalsa museum at Sri Anadpur Sahib in the memory of foundation of Khalsa Panth except the Museum of Chhota and Vadda Ghalughara and monument in the memory of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. While short while ago, foundation stone laid down to build a museum with the cost of Rs 115 crores at the Sri Ram Tirth in the memory of Valmiki ji.

      While remembering the big sacrifice made by Punjabis in the freedom fight of India, Mr. Badal said that a Jung-e-Azadi memorial will be developed at Kartarpur with the coat of Rs 200 crores in the memory of our freedom fighters. Similarly a memorial in the memory of Bhai Jaita ji and Moti Ram Mahra ji will also be made at Sri Anadpur Sahib and Fatahgargh Sahib respectively, he added. He further said that a total 10 such museums will be constructed in next future in the state and these monuments will inspire our next generations and work as a light houses for our youth.

Prominent who were present on the occasion included Jathedar Dayal Singh Kolianwali Member SGPC, Mr. Satinderjit Singh Manta, Mr Charnjit Singh Brar, Mr. Avtar Signh Vanwala.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES 11 NRI POLICE STATIONS IN THE STATE: IGP GURPREET DEO

·        CORRUPTION WON’T BE TOLERATED AT ANY LEVEL IN NRI POLICE WING

·        TO PROVIDE SPEEDY JUSTICE IN TRANSPARENT MANNER

·        27 POLICE DISTRICTS WOULD FALL UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF 11 NRI POLICE STATIONS

Chandigarh, October 20: Punjab Government has established 11 NRI Police Stations for speedy redressal of complaints regarding cases related to Non Resident Indians. Punjab Government has issued a notification according to which all police districts comes under the jurisdiction of these 11 NRI police stations.

                Disclosing this here today Inspector General of Police & Head NRI Police Wing, Punjab Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Deo said that earlier in 2008 Punjab Government set up 6 NRI Police Stations and now keeping in the view the demand of people this number has been increased to 11. She said that these Police Stations would directly function under the NRI Police Wing.

                IGP said that now the Government has set up an independent NRI Police wing which has been strengthened with more powers to solve cases of NRI’s. She assured that justice would be provided to the each complainant in a time bound manner. She said that NRI Police wing is connected online with all Police stations and Head Office and all the cases are closely monitored by the DIG/AIG Rank officers of the NRI Police Wing.

Mrs. Deo stressing on the transparent functioning of the NRI Police Wing said that corruption won’t be tolerated at any level. She added that the complainant would also have the access see the status of his file online from time to time.

                IGP Gurpreet Deo briefing about jurisdiction of new NRI Police Stations said that SAS Nagar & Patiala districts would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station SAS Nagar, Commissionerate Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Barnala and Sangrur districts would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Ludhiana, Commissionerate Jalandhar would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Jalandhar, Commissionerate Amritsar, Amritsar Rural Police  district and Tarn Taran Districts would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Amritsar, Moga, Bathinda, Mansa, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Faridkot & Ferozpur districts would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Moga, Jalandhar Rural Police district would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Jalandhar Rural, Ludhiana Rural Police District would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Ludhiana Rural, SBS Nagar & Rupnagar districts would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station SBS Nagar, Kapurthala district would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur district would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur & Pathankot and Batala Police district would fall under the jurisdiction of NRI Police Station Gurdaspur. 

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PUNJAB TO BOOST AGRO FORESTRY: CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT

·        FOREST DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE 1 CRORE 40 LAC FREE SAPLINGS TO FARMERS

·        OFFICERS INSTRUCTED TO SENSITIZE FARMERS ABOUT AGRO FORESTRY

Chandigarh, October, 20-

The Punjab government has all set to boost the Agro Forestry in the state among the peasantry to desist them from the cultivation of wheat and paddy by providing 1 crore 40 lac free saplings to farmers.

Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Forest and Wild Life Preservation Minister, Punjab while presiding over a meeting of the all District Forest Officers (DFOs) said that Punjab has a vast potential in the field of Agro-Forestry as the state has a large semi hilly area like Hoshiarpur and Rupnagar Districts. Under "Greening Punjab Mission" and crop diversification plan, Punjab Government would decrease the area under cultivation for traditional crops like Paddy and Wheat and the Forest Department would have to play a key role in this initiative, he added.

The Forest Minister said that the department would provide the free saplings of colonel Eucalyptus and Popular to the farmers. He directed the DFOs to sensitize the farmers to adopt the Agro Forestry as these plants grow at faster pace without any extra efforts and expenditure and provides substantial earnings for the farmers.

Mr. Bhagat has instructed the DFOs to launch an awareness campaign and organize seminars at village level to educate the farmers about the Green Mission. They should also be sensitized for saving of wild animals as the farmers generally tends to kill such animals to save their crops from being spoilt. The Minister has asked the department to provide the mobile numbers of forest guards and other officers among the farmers so that they could immediately inform them the onslaught of wild animals on their fields.

Principle Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. H.S. Gujral apprised the minister about the progress on the ongoing projects being undertaken by the department. Prominent amongst present in the meeting included Mr. M.P, Rai, MD Forest Corporation, Mr. Kuldeep Kumar and Mr, R. K. Loona, both Additional Principle Chief Conservators of Forests, Mr. R.K. Chaudhary, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Dhirender Singh, Chief Wildlife Warden, Punjab

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SPECIFICATIONS LAID DOWN BY UNION GOVERNMENT A HINDRANCE IN SMOOTH PADDY PROCUREMENT

GROUND REALITIES IGNORED WHILE FIXING OF CRITERIA OF PROCUREMENT

REITERATES COMMITMENT OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE SMOOTH AND PROMPT PADDY PROCUREMENT

WRITING ON THE WALL THAT NDA WOULD FORM GOVERNMENT AT CENTRE INAUGURATES SARAS FAIR- 2013

SANGRUR, OCTOBER 17-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the
specifications laid down by the Union Government were creating hindrance in the smooth procurement of paddy in the state.

          Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the inauguration of the SARAS fair here today, the Chief Minister said that the Union government fixes the criteria of purchasing the crop arbitrarily without ascertaining the ground realities in the states, which creates problems in the entire paddy procurement. Mr. Badal bemoaned that despite of being a state subject, Agriculture has been today totally taken by the centre and the state governments have virtually no role in it.

          The Chief Minister further said that on its part the state government has made elaborate arrangements to procure the harvest of the farmers in a hassle free and prompt manner. Mr. Badal said that it was the foremost duty of the state government to ensure a hassle free procurement of the farmer’s produce so as to facilitate them. He said that for this purpose the state government has set up 1795 purchase centers across the state to ensure smooth procurement of the paddy.

          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that it was writing on the wall that the BJP led NDA alliance would form the government at centre after the ensuing Lok Sabha polls. He said that all the opinion polls were a clearly indicating that the Congress led UPA government has lost ground due to its failure on all fronts. Mr. Badal further said that the countrymen were fed up from the blatant corruption, inflation, unemployment and poverty prevailing in the country due to the misrule of the Congress led UPA government and were eagerly waiting for the general elections to teach Congress party a lesson for its sinister activities.
          Earlier addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that SARAS festival was a healthy platform for the craftsman and artisans from across the country states to exhibit their rare talent through the handicrafts. He said that these handicrafts were the part of the rich legacy of the vibrant culture of our country and the need of the hour was to encourage this art by organizing more such fairs. However expressing concern over the vanishing handicrafts in the country, Mr. Badal said that the state government would make all efforts to preserve this depleting art in Punjab.

          Exhorting the youth to develop skills for any profession or trade for
getting self employed, the Chief Minister said that realizing well that it
was the need of the hour the state government was setting up specialized skill centers across the state to impart skill training to the youth. He said that basic thrust was being laid to impart technical training to the youth to cope up with the basic requirements of local industry.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra.

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARGAT DIVAS OF BHAGWAN VALMEKI JI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today felicitated the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of Pargat Divas of 'Karuma Sagar' Bhagwan Valmik ji and exhorted them to follow his teachings and ideology to carve out an ideal society regardless of caste, colour and creed.

In his message, Mr. Badal said that Bhagwan Valmeki Ji, the creator of first ever the great epic-'Ramayana' in Sanskrit was a great exponent of Indian culture & civilization. His masterpiece creation, 'Ramayana' is a great source of human values,culture and ethics for the entire. Bhagwan Valmeki ji propagated the message of love and ideal life based on morality to the society, said Mr. Badal.

Mr. Badal called upon the people to celebrate this sacred occasion collectively   rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour and creed to strengthen our brotherhood and amity.

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SUKHBIR FELICITATES PEOPLE ON MAHARISHI VALMIKI JAYANTI

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister today felicitated the people on the eve of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.

In a greeting message, Mr. Badal said that Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana had been a great source of inspiration even today. He said that Bhagwan Valmiki was the first writer to use Sanskrit for magnum opus. Mr. Badal said that Maharishi Valmiki was a great spiritual ambassador, who gave the message of social equality, emancipation, communal harmony and welfare of downtrodden and oppressed groups. He said that we all should follow the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki ji for maintaining communal harmony besides for the welfare of oppressed sections.

The Deputy CM said that Maharishi Valmiki Ji shown us the path of social integrity and accord and we all should follow his teachings. He said that Maharishi Valmiki was a great and revolutionary messiah of downtrodden, and his unmatchable contribution for the welfare of deprived sections of the society would always be a remembered.

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‘RAM TIRATH’ WOULD SERVE AS LIGHT HOUSE TO STRENGTHEN THE BONDS OF COMMUNAL HARMONY AND PEACE: MAJITHIA

•          MAJITHIA THROWS LIGHT ON THE CONCEPT & DESIGN OF THIS WORLD-CLASS MEMORIAL

 CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would lay the foundation stone of Rs.115 crore state-of-the-art memorial at a state level function to be organized at Sri Ram Tirath Temple, (birth place of Lord Ram’s sons, Luv and Kush ), Amritsar on the Parkash Utsav of Bhagwan Valmiki ji on October 18. Lakhs of people across the globe would be expected to throng Ram Tirath to pay their obeisance to Bhagwan Valmiki ji.

Disclosing this here today the Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia further threw light on the concept and design of this world class memorial. He said that The Temple of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath (Ramtirath) has been conceived as a Central hall having dimension of (84’ x 84’ 84’) fanged by four portico's in all the directions and approached by elegant causeway attached with deoris (entrance portals)at both ends. He said that the design of this temple is based on the concept of 84, 00,000 births one has to go through before he attains the human live.

Further explaining the design of this memorial, Mr. Majithia said that the Central Shikhra's of this memorial would be of 84’ height, circular in nature and it would rest on octagonal drum having windows to allow light inside cell. He said that four small shikhras at the corners and a main central shikhra, are having kalasa at the top which is viewed as symbol of abundance, wisdom & immorality.  He said that this temple would stand in holy sarowar, which would be further connected to parikarma with 29’-8” wide bridge. In the interior there are two helical staircase leading to cantilevered (12’-6”) wide gallery to showcase Bhagvan Valmiki ji’s thoughts in Inscription and pictorial form.

 The Minister further said that apart from temple a pocket of 11 acres is being developed as exhibition and congregation complex with a Sangat Hall of the capacity of 5000 persons, a Museum and Panorama to highlight the life and history of Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, as well as major events of Ramayana. He said that there was a provision of multi-storeyed parking complex to accommodate 800 cars. Mr. Majithia said that an Admistrative Block, Sarai and Langar Hall would also be constructed in the temple complex.

            Mr. Majithia said that Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath (Ramtirath) complex has been designed by a team consisting of Prof SS Behl, Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal and Rawal Singh Aulakh of department of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

            Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that besides heads of prominent religious sects and eminent spiritual leaders of the country, people from all walks of lives, irrespective of their cast and creed would participate in this function.  He said that this world class memorial would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state. The Minister also appealed the masses 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.

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PUNJAB INVITES APPLICATIONS UNDER SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME 2013-14 FROM EX-SERVICEMEN AND THEIR WARDS

Chandigarh, October 17

          The Punjab Government has invited applications under Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme 2013-14 from Ex-servicemen and their wards.

          Disclosing this here today Defence Services Welfare Department Chief Parliamentary Secretary S. Virsa Singh Valtoha said that Children those have passed 10+2 or Diploma or Graduation with 60 percent marks and have admission in professional course could apply for this scholarship.

          S. Valtoha further said that Scholarship would be given Rs. 2250 per month to girls whereas Rs. 2000/- per month would be given to  boys. He further said that such concerned eligible wards of the ex-servicemen could submit their application in a prescribed performa through  their Defence Services Welfare office by November 30, 2013 positively.

          S. Valtoha said that performa for application and other instructions could be down loaded from department website www.desw.gov.in

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

SUCCESS STORIES SENT TO MAGSIPA BY7TH NOVEMBER, 2013.

 Chandigarh, October 17:  

          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 Mahatma Gandhi  Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh by 7th November, 2013.

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 PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDES EMPLOYMENT TO THE UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS OF THE STATE IN TEXTILE SECTOR

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17:

Punjab Government would provide employment to the unemployed youths of the state in Textile sector. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Employment Generation and Training Department, Punjab said that this training would be commenced on October 21, 2013 at Apral Training and Design Centre, Khuni Majra.

          Spokesman further said that this training would be given in the technical courses related to Smart Industrial Sewing Machine Operator (Basic and Advance), Smart Finishers and Packers, Smart Quality Checker and Smart Surface Ornamentation. He further said that 5th pass youth having age 18-35 years could get admission in these courses and strength would be 30-40 for each course.

          He said that fee of these courses would Rs.3,300/- per course and  25 percent fee would be exempted for SC/ST and Women candidates. He said that this fee would be reimbursed to qualified candidates after the completion of course.

          He further said that 40 percent placement would be made by Apral Training and Design Centre (ATDC)  and this placement would be minimum for Rs.3000/- pm.

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PUNJAB HEALTH SYSTEM TO BE FURTHER STREAMLINED: DR. NAVJOT KAUR SIDHU

·         DRESS CODE FOR DOCTORS & NURSES COMPULSORY, ALL GENUINE PROBLEMS OF DOCTORS WOULD BE SOLVED ON PRIORITY

·         SMO’S & CIVIL SURGEONS RESPONSIBLE FOR SMOOTH FUNCTIONING OF HOSPITALS

·         DOCTORS SHOULD STOP TAKING COMMISSIONS FROM MEDICINES, TESTS & ULTRA SOUNDS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17: Punjab Government is making sincere efforts to further strengthen the infrastructure of Health System in the state also to provide better health services to the people on low cost.

Disclosing this here today Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu CPS said that Punjab Health department is committed to provide health services to the people in a transparent manner. She said that in the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal & Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani all efforts are being made to provide quality health services to the people especially to the poor in the rural areas.

She said that Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani has assigned her duty to check all the hospitals in the state. Issuing a warning to the government doctors doing private practice she said that they should put an end to this and government doctors should prescribe free medicines available at hospital drug stores on priority. She further said that commissions in tests and ultra sounds etc should be stopped immediately and if anybody found guilty would not be spared.

She added that all hospitals would be inspected alongwith the concerned MLA rising above the politics and all problems would be solved.

Dr. Sidhu said that dress code is mandatory for doctors and nurses and designation name badges should be ensured on dresses. She also said that list of all free medicines being supplied should be put on the notice board and duty chart of doctors also.

Dr. Sidhu said that she would be present at office in Punjab civil Sectriate on every Wednesday & Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm. She also said that Halth Minister Mr. Jayani has made it clear that CMO’s and SMO’s would be responsible for smooth functioning of hospitals and corruption won’t be tolerated at any level. She further said that our main motive is to provide good health care to the people in transparent way and not to harass anyone.

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RANIKE GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASH UTSAV OF MAHARISHI VALMIK JI

CHANDIGARH OCTOBER 17:

Punjab Scheudle Casts and Backward Classes Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of ParkashUtsav of Maharishi Valmik ji.

.In a message, Mr. Ranike said that Maharishi Valmik ji was a great exponent and harbinger of Indian culture & civilization, the creator of first ever epic the holy 'RAMAYANA' which is a fountainhead of human culture, moral values & ethics, reservoir of wisdom besides storehouse of all eternal human values. 

He exhorted the people to follow his teachings and ideology to carve out an ideal society regardless of caste, colour and creed Maharishi Valmik ji . Minister called upon the people to celebrate this sacred occasion collectively rising above the parochial consideration of casteism thereby paving a way for altruism in human life as preached by Maharishi Valmik ji.

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FEROZEPUR LEADS IN PADDY PROCUREMENT

·       2202726 TONNES PADDY PROCURED IN PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17: The Government agencies and private millers procured more than 2202726 tonnes of Paddy till last evening.

Out of total procurement of 2202726 tonnes of paddy in all the procurement centers of Punjab, the Government agencies procured 1927617tonnes of paddy (87.5%) till date whereas private traders procured 275109 tonnes (12.5%) of paddy. Till October 16, PUNGRAIN had procured 557246 tonnes (28.9%) whereas MARKFED procured 447609 tonnes (23.2%). PUNSUP procured 453171 tonnes (23.5%), PSWC procured 167420 tonnes (8.7%) whereas PAFC was able to procure 184084 tonnes (9.5 %) of paddy. The Central Government agency FCI had been able to procure 118087 tonnes (6.1%). 

            The spokesperson added that District Ferozepur with 405290 tonnes of procurement was leading in procurement operations whereas District Tarn Taran with 244176 tonnes of procurement was at second slot and district Sri Mukatsar Sahib 217210 tonnes of procurement ranked at third position.   

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LOCAL BODIES MINISTER SUSPENDS MUNICIPAL TOWN PLANNER ON THE CHARGE OF CORRUPTION

·       DEPUTES INQUIRY OFFICERS IN TWO OTHER CASES, SEEKS REPORT WITHIN 15 DAYS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17:

The Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today suspended Amritsar Municipal Town Planner Des Raj on the charges of corruption. While disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister, Punjab said that Mr. A.K. Kansal, Chief Vigilance Officer has been deputed as an inquiry officer for in depth investigation.

Mr. Joshi said that this officer has been suspended on the complaint of demanding bribe for supplying NOC of the registry of the houses The Minister said that he has also received another complaint against Devinder Singh Toor, EO and the inquiry for this case has also been marked to Mr. A.K. Kansal and report has been sought within 15 days.

The Minister further said that he had also received complaints regarding sub standard quality of construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant, at Mansa. The Minister said that Mr. V.K. Bhatt and Mr. Amardeep Singh Dhaliwal, Chief Engineers have been deputed as inquiry officers in this case. Mr. Joshi has sought report personally within 15 days.

The Minister reiterated that corruption and indiscipline would not be tolerated at any cost and the guilty officers and employees would be not spaced at any cost.

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SPEAKER AND CABINET MINISTERS GREETS PEOPLE ON THE PARKASHUTSAV OF BHAGWAN VALMIKI JI CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 17:

Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Babbu, Deputy Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr.Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr. Adaish Partap Singh Kairon, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra (all Cabinet Ministers), Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Mrs. Mohinder Kaur Josh, Mr. Som Parkash and Mr. Nand Lal (all Chief Parliamentary Secretaries) today greeted the people of Punjab on the Parkash Utsav of Bhagwan Valmiki ji and emphasized the need to follow his teachings for creating an ideal society.

In a joint message, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Ministers and CPSs said that Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, the creator of first ever epic the holy ‘RAMAYANA’ is a perfect model of our Indian culture & civilization. He said that Bhagwan Valmiki ji was a great saint who propagated the message of universal brotherhood and high values.

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 MENTION “ZIMMEWAR BANO, VOTER BANO” ON DEPARTMENT'S LETTER HEADS

Chandigarh October 17:  Mr. Raminder Singh Chief Electoral Officer Punjab today said that as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India all departments  would have to mention “Zimmewar Bano, voter bano” ( be responsible, be voter) on their respective department letter heads.

        In a statement issued here today, he said that this step was initiated aiming at encouraging the citizens to register themselves as voters under Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP). Besides that if any department has a system to approach the public through SMS then this slogan could also be included in the message.

       Meanwhile, Mr. B Purshartha, Additional Chief Electoral Officer (SWEEP) also appealed the Public Sector Undertaking Field Officers in the state to aware the youths eighteen years or above to register their names as voters in meetings, seminars, function, campus, competitions etc. to be organised in their respective jurisdictions.

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ZERO TOLERANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING-MITTAL

·        SUSPENDS GENERAL MANAGER CUM MINING OFFICER PATHANKOT

·        PUNJAB CONTEMPLATES TO MAKE A SPECIAL TASK FORCE

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER, 17:

Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industries and Commerce Minister, Punjab has said that the services of Mr. Dharampal Bhagat, General Manager cum Mining Officer of Pathankot district, has placed under suspension on the charge of negligence in duty and categorically said that ‘zero tolerance’ would be adopted against illegal mining in the state and such miners would be dealt sternly.

The Minister said that Punjab Government was contemplating to make a Special Task Force to keep a check on illegal mining. He said that the STF would visit illegal mining sites, if any, along with the General Manager cum Mining Officers of respective districts with a view to check on illegal mining. He said that more vehicles were being provided to field officers to minutely check the mining activities.

Presiding over a high level meeting of General Managers cum Mining Officers of all districts, the Minister accompanied by Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industries, asked the officers to take strict action against practices of illegal mining. He said that only legal operation of the quarries should remain in process and illegal miners should be booked under under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 along with section 379 of the Indian Penal Code.

Mr. Mittal directed to take immediate effective measures to check illegal mining and stabilize the prices of sand and gravel in Punjab. He has called upon the officers to initiate a crusade against unlawful mining in the state. Mr. Mittal asked them to ensure smooth and hassle free sand mining and availability of sand and gravel in Punjab. The Minister said that no crusher in the State of Punjab could run without getting registered under the mining policy.

He said that the crusher owners who failed to produce the valid documents regarding the source of material lying with them would be dealt under the provisions contained in section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and rule 76 of the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules, 2013 along with booked under section 379 of IPC. The Minister also appealed the people of Punjab to approach Mining Officers, if having any information regarding illegal mining in the state.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Industries, Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary Industries, Mr. Vikas Partap, Director cum Secretary Industries and senior officers of Industries Department.