THAILAND BASED COMPANY TO INVEST RS. 571.2 CRORE IN PUNJAB

·       SIGNS MoU WITH THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT 

·       BADAL FOR RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF ALLIED FARMING IN THE STATE TO ENHANCE THE PROFITABILITY TO THE FARMING COMMUNITY 

·       THAI COMPANY CHIEF EXPRESSED GRATITUDE FOR STATE’S SWIFT ACTIONS

·       ENSURES TIMELY COMPLETION OF ALL PROJECTS 

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 15:-

Opening an account a day before the inauguration of the Progressive Punjab Agro-Summit the Punjab Government has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with a reputed Thailand based Company operating in India with the name M/s Charoen Pokphand (India) Pvt. Ltd. to invest Rs. 571.2 crore for establishing its five modern units in the field of Poultry and Pig Farming in the state.  

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that a delegation of Charoen Pokphand (Thailand) Company led by its Vice-Chairman Mr. Chaiyaporn Montha called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at his residence this afternoon and apprised Mr. Badal that their company has planed to invest Rs. 571.2 crore in Punjab. The company would establish its five units namely a Feed Mill (Rs. 120 crore), a Hatchery (Rs. 24 crore), a Breeding Farm (Rs. 102 crore), a Broiler Farm (Rs. 324 crore) and a Swine Farm (Rs. 1.2 crore) in the state, adding Mr. Montha informed that the CP Group was intend to commence commercial production by the year 2014 and complete the proposed investment by the year 2018. He also expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for the swift action in signing this MoU from the state government side and also assured Mr. Badal for the timely completion of all projects.

On the occasion on the behalf of the state government the Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. G. Vajralingam and President North India operations of the  M/s Charoen Pokphand (India) Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Tep Tepsatit signed the MoU and exchanged the documents in the presence of the Chief Minister.

Mr. Badal assured the delegation that their government would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the company for further boosting their operations in the state. He also asked them to initiate some project in the field of fishery particularly in the waterlogged areas of Punjab. Regarding the issue to import animals for setting up of a Swine processing unit in Punjab by the company, Mr. Badal said that it came under the jurisdiction of the Union Government. However, he offered that in this regard the state would write to the GoI in favor of the company whenever needed.  He said that SAD-BJP government was fully committed to boost the allied farming in the state to enhance the profitability to the farming community.

Prominent amongst those who were present on the occasion included the Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, CEO Punjab Investment Bureau Mr. Anirudh Tiwari and Director Animal Husbandry Dr. HS Sandha, besides the other members of the delegation Mr. Vitton Kittimong Kolsuk, Mr. Pichet Subin, Mr. Ekkarat Leksut and Consultant Dr. KS Arora.

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BADAL TO INAUGURATE PPAS TOMORROW

CHOUHAN, AKHILESH YADAV, RAMAN SINGH BESIDES SEVERAL OTHER EMINENT POLITICAL LEADERS TO ATTEND THE SUMMIT

AGRICULTURE MINISTER OF PAKISTAN BESIDES WORLD RENOWNED AGRI EXPERTS ALSO TO SHARE THE DAIS

NOTED PROGRESSIVE FARMERS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERTISE WITH THE FARMERS

Chandigarh, February 15-

The Country’s first ever forthcoming Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit (PPAS) in Mohali on February 16-19 would be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal tomorrow.

Disclosing this here today a spokespersons of the Chief Minister’s Office said that this historic summit would offer a healthy platform to transform the destiny of millions of millions farmers especially the small and marginal ones by evolving consensus to chalk out a pro-farmer action plan for the overall agriculture development in the country after marathon discussions with internationally acclaimed agri-experts economists, researchers and scientists besides eminent political leaders to safeguards the interests of the beleaguered peasantry which was passing through a deep crisis.

Apart from Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Cabinet Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Chattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Raman Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Akhliesh Yadav, Agriculture Ministers of Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, Indian National Lok Dal (INLD Leader Mr. Abhey Chautala, state BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, President, BJP, Rajasthan, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Mr. Chander Babu Naidu accompanied by two MPs of Telugu Desam Party would grace the occasion.

Amongst the international delegates Dr. Furrukh Javed, Agriculture Minister, Pakistan, Dr. Ijaz Munir, Secretary Agriculture Pakistan, Mr. Maratab Ali, Vice Chairman, Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Pakistan, Mr. Oliveira Amimo, Commercial Counsellor, High Commission of Mozambique, Mr. Vicente Paulo Chihale, High Commission of Mozambique, Mr. Alfred Wahl, Manitoba Food Development Centre and Professor of Polar Genetics, Canada would also attend the summit.

Country’s leading industrialists including Sh. Vivek Bharti, ED, PepsiCo India, Sh Rajinder Gupta, CMD, Trident and Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Sh Kamal Oswal, MD, Nahar Group, Sh AS Mittal, CMD, Sonalika, Sh Sharad Jaipuria, Head, PHDCCI, Sh Munish Gupta, Vice Chairman, PHDCCI and MD Kent RO and Sh Ajit Jain, Jain Irrigation would share dais.

Likewise the world famous Agriculture Scientist and Plant Breeder Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, Director General Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) New Delhi Dr. S. Ayyappan, Director General International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre USA Dr. Thomas Lumpkin, former VC Haryana Agriculture University (HAU) Dr JC Katyal and Chairman Punjab State Farmers Commission Dr GS Kalkat would throw light on various aspects of agriculture production, marketing, value-addition and scope of synergy between agriculture and agro-processing.

Eminent progressive farmers including Sh Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Chairman, Punjab Mandi Board Sh Avtar Singh Dhindsa, Sh Daljeet Singh Gill and Sh Kulwant Singh from Hoshiarpur would also share their experiences and expertise with the farmers on the occasion.

 

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VENUE OF KISAN SAMMLEAN SHIFTED FROM BABA BANDA SINGH WAR MEMORIAL TO NEW VEGETABLE AND FRUIT MARKET MOHALI

ALL OTHER EVENTS INCLUDING TECHNICAL SESSIONS AND EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT CHAPPARCHIRI AS PER SCHEDULE

CM VISITS WAR MEMORIAL AND NEW VEGETABLE & FRUIT MARKET TO TAKE STOCK OF THE SITUATION

Chandigarh, February 15-

Keeping in view inclement weather and heavy downpour in the city and adjoining areas from last 48 hours, the venue of ‘Kisan Sammellan’ of four day Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit from February 16-19, has been shifted from Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial in Chapparchiri (Mohali) to the New Vegetable and Fruit Market, Phase 11 (Sector 65-A) Mohali.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that a decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal after a detailed meeting with the senior officers of the state government while reviewing the arrangements of the mega event, this morning at his residence. Later in the afternoon, the Chief Minister along with the battery of senior officers visited the site of the function at Chapparchiri to review the situation on the spot as the venue of ‘Kisan Sammellan’ was badly submerged in rain water rendering its venue marshy. Afterwards Mr. Badal visited the newly constructed Vegetable and Fruit Market in Phase 11 to monitor the new venue of this prestigious event.  However all other events related to PPAS including inauguration of agro-tech exhibition by the Chief Minister on February 16 at 11:30 am and technical sessions on the following days would be held as per already stipulated scheduled at Chapparchiri, added the spokesperson.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Financial Commissioner Development Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Housing Mr. A Venuprasad, Additional Director General of Police (Security and Law & Order) Mr. Dinkar Gupta, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner TPS Sidhu and Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Inder Mohan Singh.  

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·        1.86 LAKH TRADERS TO GET BENEFIT OF RAHAT POLICY-SUKHBIR BADAL

·        MAJOR CITIES TO BE COVERED UNDER RAHAT SCHEME IN NEXT SIX MONTHS

·        BILLS OF GOVERNMENT TUBE WELLS IN KANDI AREA WAIVED OFF

·        KANDI CANAL TO BE COMPLETED IN A YEAR

·        DESCRIBES CAPTAIN A BIG LIAR

SBS NAGAR, FEBRUARY 15: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today launching "Rahat Scheme" for traders said this first of its own kind scheme in the country would provide direct relief to 1.86 traders in the state besides covering them under the ambit of insurance, mediclaim and natural calamities.

Addressing mammoth gathering of traders from Doaba region here at Dana Mandi, Mr. Badal said this historic relief scheme has been launched in 74 towns of category II and III, where traders and shopkeepers having Rahat Card could run their trades without keeping record books. He said they have to file self-declaration on a single page application for registration and no excise official would visit or inspect their premises for checking purposes. Adding further he said, "State government is focusing on accelerated business and trade growth by creating a congenial environment by eliminating Inspector regime besides providing hassle and tension free trade activities."

Handing over Rahat Certificates to the traders from each district of Doaba Region, Mr. Badal said under this scheme traders may opt for lump-sum tax ranges from Rs 0-25 lakh to 1.00 crore annual turnover.  He said that traders with having turnover upto Rs. 25 lakh would have to deposit Rs 5000 and from Rs. 25-50 lakh, Rs. 10000 would have to pay. Besides, from the range of Rs 50 lakh to 75 lakh, they would have to pay Rs. 15,000 and for one crore turnover it would be Rs 20,000. He also informed that the motto of the scheme was to remove the fear of inspectors from the traders mind and to simplify the procedures to deposit taxes.

Mr. Badal also informed that government would reciprocate the traders opting for Rahat Scheme with accidental insurance of Rs. 2 lakh, cashless treatment up to Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 5 lakh insurance cover in case of any natural calamity. He said this scheme would prove a boon for traders as they would get rid from maintaining account books, employ accountants, printing of stationary besides saving their plenty of precious time and energy.

Mr. Badal also announced that after six months, this unique Rahat initiative of Punjab Government would be implement in all major cities falling under category I.  He added that about 80% traders could get benefit from this unique Rahat scheme.

Earlier addressing the gathering at Balachaur after inaugurating 66 KV grid station at Bhaddi at a cost of Rs. 5.5 crore, Deputy CM to provided a big relief to lakhs of farmers and announced to waive off electricity bills of all government tube wells installed in the Kandi areas. He also announced to exempt farmers from paying arrears of these tube well bills.

Reiterating his commitment to strengthen irrigation network in Kandi area, Mr. Badal also announced that the Kandi Canal would be completed in next 12 months. The Deputy CM also announced that Punjab Government would provide subsidy on barbed wires to Kandi area farmers for protection of their crops from wild animals. On the demand put by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Chaudhary Nand Lal, Deputy CM promised to construct new state-of-the-art hospital at Kathgarh.

On the occasion Mr. Rajpal Singh Chauhan and Mr. Santokh Singh both Senior Congress leaders and Mr. Kewal Krishan Bains, Senior BSP leaders today Joined Shiromani Akali Dal in the presence of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Meanwhile talking to media persons, Mr. Badal described Captain Amarinder Singh a big liar in Congress Party, who was misleading the people of Punjab by giving on baseless statements. Mr. Badal said Captain and Partap Singh Bajwa were just trying to befool the electorates by raking up frivolous issues but actually, they were fighting to control the reins of PPCC.

Answering a query regarding Mr. Narendra Modi, Mr. Badal said only decisive leader like Modi can save the country and electorates should differentiate between decisive Modi and divisive congress party being represented by a novice Mr. Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier Deputy CM also visited Swami Chetnanand, Bhuri Wale at his Dera at village Tapprian Khurd and announced to construct a 25bedded hospital within one year.

Prominent amongst those spoke on the occasion at Nawan Shahr included Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Forest Minister, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industries Minister, Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Mr.  Narotam Dev Ratti, chairman Punjab Traders Board. Prominent amongst those present included Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Tourism Minister, Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. Surinder Singh Bhule Rathan, Mr. Daljit Singh Cheema, all MLAs, Mr. Tikshan Sud, Bibi Jagir Kaur, both former Ministers, Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Chairman Mandi Board, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, former MP, Mr. Kiranbir Singh Kang, Dr. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi, Chairman District Planning Committee, Mrs. Satinder Kaur Kariha, constituency incharge, Mr. Jagteshwar Singh Majithia and Mr. Madan Lal Bagga, vice chairman Punjab Traders Board.

 

SUKHBIR BADAL KICKS OFF STATE LEVEL E-DISTRICT PROJECT

·         PUNJAB TO PROVIDE 47 CITIZEN CENTRIC SERVICES ONLINE

·         “LOK PAL ALONE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CURB CORRUPTION, BUT COMPUTERIZATION OF SYSTEM IS THE NEED OF HOUR” 

·         PEOPLE CAN TRACK THEIR FILES ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

·         4G SERVICE IN ALL VILLAGES WITHIN 6 MONTHS

 

Mansa, February 14-

With a view to provide paperless and hassle free governance in the state, Punjab today took a giant leap by kicking of state wide e-district projects from Mansa after successful implementation of this prestigious pilot project in Kapurthala and SBS Nagar districts.

This project was launched by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal across the state today at Mansa. Inaugurating the district e-office project at the cost of Rs. 41.70 crore, he announced that Punjab was all set to deliver citizen centric services online in the state within next 9 months with the cost of Rs 60.97 crore as Reliance would launch its 4G services in next 6 months.

Adding further, he said that Punjab Government has decided to provide all delivery of services online instead of inline. "Minimal interaction between public and officials will certainly help to curb the corruption and delivery of services will be fast with such online applications," he said. He also said that “corruption occurred when common man came in contact with government official and with the E-District project, there would be no interaction between them”.

Replying to a question about the Lok Pal to eliminate corruption, the Deputy Chief Minister said that “ Lok Pal alone would not be able to wipe out corruption, but we have to computerized the whole system”.

Describing this project as a milestone, Deputy CM emphasized that the main aim to initiate this project was to deliver good governance, maintain transparency, execute accountability and transform the present administrative work culture and ethics to serve the people better. It may be mentioned here that under the e-district project, citizens would be able to track the files and their status anywhere and anytime. He said that “it was my dream and I am happy that my mission and vision to be met in next 6 months”.

He said that 47 public services would be made live for delivery of certificates like caste, residence, rural area, birth, marriage certificates, arms licenses, agricultural licenses, ration card, pensions, government dues & recovery and revenue court cases. This project would be implemented in all the districts within a stipulated period of 9 months.

Under this project 1500 offices from all over the state would be inter-connected with Punjab Wide Area Network (PAWAN) and more than 8000 government employees would be imparted computer training. He informed that Punjab is the first state in the country to launch the highest number of citizen services under e-district project and Punjab has bagged the “Skoch Order of Merit" medal in India’s best 2013 projects.

The Deputy Chief Minister has also asked the Secretary, Governance Reforms Department, Mr. C. Raul to add more services under E-District Project like Right to Service act. Mr. Badal has also formally launched the project by handing over the Birth certificates to two newly born girls on the spot.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Special Principal Secretary to the Deputy CM Mr Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Director Governance Reforms Kavita Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mr Amit Dhaka.

 

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BADAL SLAMS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR VITIATING POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE OF THE STATE THROUGH THEIR BASELESS STATEMENTS

IN DEARTH OF ANY TANGIBLE ISSUE CONGRESS TRYING TO DISTURB COMMUNAL HARMONY IN STATE

CONGRESS HAS ALWAYS PURSUED THE POLICY OF ‘DIVIDE AND RULE’ FOR ITS VESTED POLITICAL INTERESTS

RISE OF AAP A ‘SHORT TERM PHENOMENA’

DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN MAJOR CITIES TO INITIATE SOON

Ferozepur, February 14-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that in dearth of any tangible issue against the SAD-BJP government, the state Congress leadership was trying to disturb the communal harmony in the state by vitiating the political atmosphere through their baseless statements.

Interacting with the media persons after laying down the foundation stone of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru Government College Mohkam Khan Wala and Astro Turf Complex in Shaheed Bhagat Singh stadium here today, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party has always adopted the policy of ‘Divide and Rule’ to fulfill its vested political interests. He said that Captain Amarinder Singh had never raised any issue during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the state. However, Mr. Badal said that now when the former Chief Minister had been shown the door by his party due to his illogical statements and politics of vendetta, Captain was misleading the people by issuing baseless statements. The Chief Minister said that he do not deem it fit to answer the issues raised by those persons who had betrayed the Shiromani Akali Dal to enjoy fruits of power by becoming a tool in the hands of the perpetrators of Operation Blue Star and Sikh Carnage of 1984.

          The Chief Minister said that contrary to the divisive policies of the Congress, the SAD-BJP combine through its constructive and development oriented policies have made the state an oasis of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood despite of the fact that many other states of the country were facing the problem of communal tension. He said that the Congress which has ruled the nation for a long spell has filled hatred in the political atmosphere of the state whereas the SAD-BJP alliance has followed the footsteps of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to put the state on high growth trajectory.

          Terming the rise of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as short term phenomena, the Chief Minister said that it would hardly have any impact on the state polity. He said that it was writing on the wall that the Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi would become the Prime Minister of the country after the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.

          Training his guns against the UPA government for meting out step motherly treatment against the state, the Chief Minister said that due to the industrial incentives given to the neighboring states, the Industrial growth of Punjab has suffered adversely. He said that discriminatory policies of the UPA have made an irreparable loss to the state.  

          Later on addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the construction work on important development projects across the state would be kicked off soon. He said that these development works have been allocated to big companies who would also maintain these projects for a period of 10 years. Mr. Badal said that the coming years would witness unprecedented development in all the sectors of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has laid special emphasis for the development of sports in the state to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in constructive manner. He said that Rs 200 crore have been spent on the renovation of 10 stadiums adding that a state-of-the art sports hostel was coming up at Jalandhar city. He said that 5000 multi gyms and 9000 sports kits have been distributed across the state at a cost of Rs 22.03 crore. Mr. Badal said that in order to encourage the sportspersons cash prizes worth Rs 9.81 crore have been distributed to the player earning laurels in sports at international level. Likewise he said that three percent quota has been reserved for the sportspersons in admissions to educational institutions and jobs.

The Chief Minister said that that their government has worked hard for ensuring welfare of every sections of the society and pro-poor policies like Shagun, Atta-Dal, Dr. Hargobind Khurana, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima and other schemes were a testimony to it. He further said that due to the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab was today leading the country in the fields of education and Health care.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, MLA Mr. Joginder Singh Jindu and former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Sukhpal Singh Nannu.  

 

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42 PROJECTS FOR PROVIDING 100% WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE IN 31 TOWNS TO BE INITIATED SOON---SUKHBIR BADAL

·       MASTER PLAN OF RS. 1200.98 CRORE APPROVED FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Chandigarh February 12: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved a comprehensive, broad and advanced Master Plan consisting of 42 projects of Water Supply, Sewerage, Roads and Multi Level Parking at Bathinda for 31 towns at an estimated cost of Rs 1200.98 Crore.

In a statement issued here today, Mr. Badal reiterated that the state of Punjab would witness a major transformation in the next three years with the overhauling of the civic amenities both in urban and rural areas across the state. He also said that the total urban revamp plan aimed at executing civic projects in a time-bound manner.

Giving detailed of the master plan Mr. Badal said that Sewerage treatment plants would be set up in Sangrur, Bassi Pathana, Sanaur, Khanna, Phagwara, Abohar, Majitha, Sirhind, Barnala, Jaiton, Faridkot, Kotkapura, Guru Harsahai, Goniana, Rampuraphul, Mansa, Sardulgarh, Bareta and Talwandi Sabo towns. He also said that the Punjab Government was committed to provide 100% water supply in all 150 towns. The towns to be covered under water supply program included Khanna, Rampura Phul, Maur Mandi, Mansa, Sardulgarh, Bareta, Budhlada and Bhikhi. Two RUBs at Basti Bawa Khel and Chandan Nagar in Jalandhar would also be constructed besides a multi-level car parking at Bathinda.

 

The list of the projects along with the estimated cost is enclosed:-

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Yogesh Goel Bereaved

MOTHER PASSES AWAY

·      CM, DEPUTY CM AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MINISTER CONDOLE THE DEMISE OF KRISHNA GOEL 

CHANDIGARH, February 12: The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia mourned the demise of Mrs. Krishna  Geol (80), Mother of Mr. Yogesh Geol former Chairman PPCB and MD PSIDC & PIDB who passed away here today after a brief illness. She is survived by two sons and a daughter.

Sharing their heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family, Punjab CM, Deputy CM and Public Relations Minister prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss.

The cremation was attended by people of all walks of life including the senior officers of the Punjab Government, PIDB & PSIDC. Bhog and Antim Ardas to pray for the eternal peace of the soul will be held on February 23 at Laxmi Narain Mandir Sector-6 Panchkula between 1:00PM to 2:00PM.

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CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF PUNJAB STATE WAR HEROES MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM

ASKS CENTRE TO CONFER ‘BHARAT RATNA’ UPON AIR MARSHAL ARJAN SINGH

ASSURES VETERANS TO TAKE UP THE MATTER OF ONE RANK ONE PENSION WITH GOI

ANNOUNCES BONANZA FOR ARMY PERSONNEL, EX-SERVICEMEN AND NCC CADETS

ABOLISHES PROPERTY TAX, SLASHES VAT ON CSD ITEMS, SPECIAL COURT TO BE SET UP AT JALANDHAR AND DEDICATED TOLL FREE NUMBER AT CHANDIGARH

DEPUTY CM LAUDS INITIATIVE OF CHIEF MINISTER TO CONSTRUCT THIS STATE-OF-THE ART MEMORIAL

PLEADS TO INCLUDE HEROIC DEEDS OF ARMED FORCES IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM

MAJITHIA THANKS CM FOR CONSTRUCTING THIS MEMORIAL IN THE HOLY CITY

GENERAL CHAUDHARY FOR BESTOWING NATIONAL STATUS TO THIS MEMORIAL

GENERAL JJ SINGH DESCRIBES PUNJAB AS A LAND OF WARRIORS, WINNERS AND MARTYRS

 Amritsar, February 12-

          Breaking away the tradition of conferring the highest civilian award ‘Bharat Ratna’ to the country’s eminent personalities, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon the Government of India (GoI) to bestow upon this coveted award to the legendary Marshal of the Air Force Mr. Arjan Singh, in recognition with his outstanding contribution towards safeguarding the unity and integrity of the nation. 

          Addressing a mammoth gathering after unveiling the foundation stone of Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum here, the Chief Minister vehemently pleaded that Mr. Arjun Singh deserved this highest honour because he was the lone survivor in the line of top most Army Officers Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Field Marshal KM Cariappa. He said that the outstanding services rendered by Mr. Arjan Singh in Air Force in various capacities made him eligible for ‘Bharat Ratna’ in the Defence Category, which was so far given to the noted civilians from different walks of life.

Championing the cause of millions of Serving Defence Personnel and Veterans, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to immediately concede the long pending demand of ‘One Rank One Pension’ so that they could lead a comfortable life after retirement. He also echoed for another genuine demand of recruitment of Punjabis in the Armed forces thereby asking the Union government to reverse its criteria of male population ratio in the selection process, so that the states like Punjab having just 2.5% of the country’s total population could secure jobs in the Defence Services keeping in view state’s rich legacy of gallantry in Indian Armed Forces since time immemorial.

Announcing a bonanza for the serving and ex-servicemen, the Chief Minister said that the state government would soon launch a special drive to fill the backlog of vacancies reserved for Ex-servicemen in various departments, boards and corporations. Mr. Badal also announced to double the amount of loan extended to war widows for construction of houses from existing Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh besides enhancing the war jagir from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 per month. He also announced to waive off the property tax on the house property owned by the serving Army personnel and Ex-servicemen.

Acceding to another demand of the Ex-Servicemen, the Chief Minister also announced to immediately slash the VAT charged on the CSD items from 6.5% to 4%./ In a major reprieve to the serving army personnel and veteran, he also announced to set up a special court at Jalandhar for quick dispensation of justice to them besides opening two Police Stations at Jalandhar and Amritsar to be directly supervised by an officer not below the rank of SP. Mr. Badal also announced to start a toll free number in the office of Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) at Chandigarh to enable the serving and veteran army personnel to get all their cases resolved related to revenue matters especially the eviction of houses.

Highly enthused with the superb performance and success of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Academy at Mohali, the Chief Minister also announced to establish another academy namely Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for girls to enable them to be selected in Armed Forces. He also said that the state government had already allotted 200 acres land to the GoI for setting up of Service Selection Centre (North) at Rupnagar for the recruitment of  officers in the Armed Forces. Apart from this a state-of-the art naval academy was also being set up at Rupnagar to train the youth for their recruitment in navy, where there was a lot of scope but the youth was not coming forth in this field due to non-availability of training infra structure and lack of knowledge. Cheering up the young cadets, the Chief Minister also announced to hike the refreshment charges of the NCC Cadets from Rs 6 to Rs 25 and diet charges during the camps from Rs 75 to Rs 95.

Hailing the enormous contribution Punjabi Defence Officers and Soldiers in safeguarding the borders of the country, the Chief Minister said that the construction of world class memorial cum museum over an area of seven acre on Amritsar-Attari Road was a tribute to their unprecedented valour and zeal to serve their motherland. He said that these soldiers have imbibed the spirit of self sacrifice from our great Gurus- Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji who fought relentlessly against the tyranny, oppression and injustice unleashed by the then Mughal Emperors and always championed the human rights for the welfare of mankind. Reiterating his firm commitment for the welfare of serving defence personnel and veterans, Mr. Badal said that the state government was ever ready to facilitate these ‘great sons of the soil’ who spent their lives by braving odds to ensure the entire countrymen asleep peacefully.

In his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal urged the Chief Minister to take up the matter of granting ‘One Rank One Pension’ with the Centre, which was pending since long. Lauding the Chief Minister for taking this unique initiative of constructing this memorial at a cost of Rs 100 crore, he said that such war memorials should be replicated in every other state to rekindle the dying spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst our youth. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal unequivocally said that only those nations survive, which remember and respect their martyrs for time to come.  

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the heroic deeds of defence officers and soldiers in safeguarding our motherland must be made a part of academic curriculum not only in the state board education but also in Central Board of School Education, with an objective to imbibe the spirit of patriotism amongst the youngsters. He recalled the outstanding services rendered by the Army during the peacetime especially in the relief and resettlement operations taken by it during flash floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

While purposing a vote of thanks, the Revenue, Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia said that the upcoming Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum at this holy city would offer an opportunity to nearly 1 lakh pilgrims who daily pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib to also salute their war heroes and martyrs. He said that with this memorial this holy city which was known for humanism and religious tolerance across the globe till now would also be a new address for paying glorious tribute to our revered army officers and soldiers for their unparalleled courage and bravery. It was all the more important and relevant in case of Punjab as it was world over known for its martyrs, added Mr. Majithia.    

Speaking on the occasion General (Retired) Shankar Roy Chaudhary highly appreciated the Chief Minister for taking a laudatory step for erecting this memorial to eulogize the rare deeds of Army soldiers and officers during various Military Operations. Without mincing any words General (Retd.) Roy said a great task which the centre could not undertook, the Punjab government has done it thereby cherishing the aspirations of millions of their brethren. Going a step further, he said this memorial deserved a national status and centre should come forward to declare it. 

In his address General (Retd.) JJ Singh saluted the martial spirit of Punjabis saying Punjab was not only a land of five rivers but it was sacred land of warriors, winners and martyrs. He said we should bow our head in reverence to the heroic deeds of brave Army Soldiers who even laid down their lives at the altar of their motherland. General (Retd.) Singh said that this rare memorial would give an impetus to perpetuate the rich legacy of Defence personnel right from the rank of soldier to General besides propelling a movement to set up such memorial at the national level. He called upon the youth to shun the tendency of going abroad in search of green pastures as our country has tremendous opportunities of gainful employment and they should serve here with dignity rather being humiliated there by doing menial jobs. General (Retd) Singh appealed the Army personnel to atleast adopt one poor and disadvantaged child to enable him to study thereby transforming his destiny and ultimately of the nation.  

On the occasion, the Chief Minister accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister also honoured the Marshal of Air Force Mr. Arjan Singh, who was the star attraction of the function, with the replica of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Besides Gen. Retd. SK Sinha, Gen. Retd. JJ Singh, Gen. Retd. Shankar Rai Chaudhary, Gen. Retd. Deepak Kapoor, Admiral Retd. VS Sekhawat and Madvendra Singh were felicitated with a shawl, a sword and a memento of memorial. 

Apart from this a number of serving and retired Army Officers besides war widows (Veer Naris) were also felicitated by the Chief Minister.

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Prof. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Mr.  Amar Pal Singh Bonni and Mr. Inderbir Singh Bularia, Adviser to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr.Jangvir Singh, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Chief Editor Ajit Group of Newspapers Mr. Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Resident Editor Indian Express Mr.Vipin Pubby, Editor in Chief Daily Post Mr. Manish Tiwari, Former Ministers Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Nirmal Singh Kahlon and Captain Balbir Singh Baath,  Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Defence Welfare Mr. SR Ladhar, Director Information and Public Relations Mr. Ashwani Kumar and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Ravi Bhagat.

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RAKHRA DISBURSED RS. 18.76 CRORE FOR TOILET CONSTRUCTION

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 12:

            The Rural Development and Panchayat department has disbursed grant in aid worth Rs. 18.76 crore to villages for the construction of individual toilets for poor people. It was disclosed by Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat, Punjab here today.

            The Minister said that the grant in aid was provided to the all District Development and Panchayat Officers (DDPOs) through online accounts. He said that the funds were provided to the concerned Panchayats for the construction of Individual House Hold Toilets.

            Mr. Rakhra while divulging the detail of the amount disbursed to the all districts, said that Amritsar has been disbursed an amount of Rs.1.29 crore, Bathinda Rs.96.14 lakh, Barnala Rs.44.71 lakh, Faridkot Rs.43.49 lakh, Fatehgarh Sahib Rs.44.85 lakh, Ferozpur Rs.77.40 lakh, Fazilka Rs.82.23 lakh, Gurdaspur Rs.1.35 crore, Hoshiarpur Rs.1.35 crore, Jalandhar Rs.1.11 crore, Kapurthala Rs.57.71 lakh, Ludhiana Rs.1.54 crore, Mansa Rs.65.55 lakh, Moga Rs. 83 lakh, Sri Mukatsar Sahib Rs.70.16 lakh, SBS Nagar Rs.52.67 lakh, Patiala Rs.1.22 crore, Pathnkot Rs.42.45 lakh, Ropar Rs.54.95 lakh, Sangrur Rs.1.23 crore, SAS Nagar Mohali Rs.48.54 lakh and Tarn taran has been provided the finical assistance of Rs. 1.05 crore.

Mr. Rakhra reiterated the SAD-BJP Government has resolved to enact total facelift of all the villages by providing the citizen basic amentias coupled with ultra modern infrastructure.

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PUNJAB GOVT. SOFTENS RULES FOR PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES OF IMPROVEMENT TRUST AND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

·       EARNEST MONEY DECREASED FROM 10% TO 1%

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 12:

          The Punjab Government has given big relief to the general public for the purchase of properties belonging to Improvement trusts and Municipal Corporations by decreasing the earnest money required before the purchase from 10% to 1%. It was disclosed by Mr. Anil Joshi, Minister for Local Bodies, Punjab.

          Mr. Joshi said that the Punjab Government was receiving a lukewarm response from the public for the purchase of Properties of Improvement trusts and Municipal Corporations as the amount of earnest money required to be deposited was as high as 10%. He said that now the local bodies department has decided to lower the amount of earnest money from 10% to 1% on lines of PUDA, GMADA and GLADA.  

          The Minister further said that giving another respite to the general public a purchaser would have to deposit only 10% of the total amount instead of 25% at the time of compellation of auction. The Minister expressed hope that with these positive initiatives the Government would fetch good amount of revenue from the purchase of properties belonging to Improvement trusts and Municipal Corporations like Multiplex and Hotels.

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PUNJAB GETS ‘KRISHI KARAMAN AWARD’ IN RECORD AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION

·       CPS AGRICULTURE RECEIVED THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF PUNJAB GOVERNMENT

 

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 12:

            The ‘Krishi Karman Award 2012-13’ has been bestowed on Punjab for record wheat and paddy production. Mr. Gurbachan Singh Babbehali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Agriculture and Director Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu received the award from Mr. Pranab Mukhrji, President of India during the award distribution ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi.

            Further divulging the details, the spokesperson of the Agriculture Department said that Punjab has been the largest contributor of food grains in the central pool for the last five years. He said that in keeping with the highest production and contribution in the national food security, a cash award of Rs.25 lacs along with appreciation letter has been awarded to the state.

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THREE IAS AND 15 PCS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

Chandigarh February 12:-

            The Punjab government issued the transfer orders of three IAS and 15 PCS officers in the state with immediate effect.

            Disclosing this an official spokesman of the Punjab government said that Ms Isha IAS has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner (D) Ludhiana and in addition Commissioner-1 Municipal corporation Ludhiana and Smt. Surabhi Malik IAS has been posted as Assistant Commissioner (under training) Ludhiana.

            The services of Mr. Kamaldeep Singh Sanhga IAS has been placed at the disposal of the department of Co-operative Department for posting as MD Punjab State Co-operative Bank Ltd. Chandigarh.

            The spokesman further said that Mr. Baldev singh PCS has been posted as ADC (G) Ludhiana, Mr. Mohinder Pal  posted as ADC(G) Moga and in addition Commissioner Municipal Corporation Moga, Gurmeet Singh posted as Secretary Regional Transport Authority Jalandhar, Mr. Sandeep Rishi posted as DTO Sri Mukatsar Sahib and in addition CA Amritsar Development Authority, Amritsar, in addition ACA Amritsar Development Authority Amritsar, Neeru Katyal Gupta posted as LAC Ludhiana Improvement Trust Ludhiana, Daljit Kaur posted as DDULB Amritsar, Iqbal Singh Sandhu posted as SDM Phagwara in addition ADC (G) Phagwara, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Phagwara and Chairman Improvement Trust Phagwara, Mr. Tejinderpal Singh posted as ADM Amritsar-2, Mr. Mohinder Singh Kang posted as SDM Gurdaspur, Mr. Harjeet Singh Sandhu  has been posted as SDM Jaito and in addition SDM Kotkapura, Charandeep Singh posted as SDM Zira, Mr. Amit posted as Assistant Commissioner  (G) and in addition Estate Officer Bathinda Development Authority Bathinda, Udaydeep Singh posted as Extra Assistant Commissioner (UT) Fathegarh Sahib and Mr. Ajmer Singh (re-employed) has been posted as ADC (D) Moga and Mr. Karnail Singh posted as SDM Rupnagar

 

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PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB AGRICULTURE SUMMIT-2014

SEVERAL DELEGATES AND FARM SCIENTISTS FROM CANADA, PAKISTAN, UK, DENMARK, NETHERLANDS, AUSTRALIA AND USA TO DWELL ON VITAL ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURE & ALLIED FARMING

·       EMINENT AGRICULTURE EXPERTS INCLUDING DR. KHUSH, DR. AYYAPPAN, PROF. HAQUE, DR. RAMESH CHAND AND DR. PARODHA TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH FARMERS

·       NEARLY 55,000 FARMERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO ATTEND THE HISTORIC SUMMIT

·       TECHNICAL OUTCOME BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED HIGHLIGHTING THE VITAL INPUTS AND SUGGESTIONS GIVEN BY THE DELEGATES AND EXPERTS

·       MEGA AGRICULTURE SUMMIT TO EVOLVE CONSENSUS FOR PREPARATION OF ROADMAP FOR AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN COUNTRY

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CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 11:

        The Country’s first ever forthcoming Progressive Punjab Agriculture Summit (PPAS) in Mohali on February 16-19 would offer a healthy platform to transform the destiny of millions of millions farmers especially the small and marginal ones by evolving consensus to chalk out a pro-farmer action plan for the overall agriculture development in the country after marathon discussions with internationally acclaimed agri-experts economists, researchers and scientists to safeguards the interests of the beleaguered peasantry which was passing through a deep crisis.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that eminent agriculture experts and delegates from Canada, Pakistan, UK, Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, and United States would participate in the summit. The Saskatchewan (Canada) Minister of Agriculture Mr. Lyle Stewart, Agriculture Minister Pakistan Punjab Dr. Furrukh Javed, British Deputy High Commissioner North West India Mr. David Lelliott, Director Netherlands Agro, Food & Technology Centre (NAFC) Mr. Marijn Leijten, Australian First Secretary Mr. Chris King, Director General International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre USA Dr. Thomas Lumpkin would amongst the galaxy of delegates and agriculture experts invited from across the globe to participate in the summit. The Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister was being accompanied by a powerful delegation of 20 business men from Canada to attend the Summit.

The spokesperson further said that the world famous Agriculture Scientist and Plant Breeder Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush, Director General Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) New Delhi Dr. S. Ayyappan, Former Chairman Commission for Agriculture Costs & Prices (CACP) Prof. T Haque, Director National Centre for Agriculture Economics & Policy Research Dr. Ramesh Chand, Former Director General Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), New Delhi Dr. RS Parodha would throw light on various aspects of agriculture production, marketing, value-addition and scope of synergy between agriculture and agro-processing.

This agriculture summit was an outcome of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal’s sincere efforts and vision to bail out the distressed farmers from the agrarian crisis on one hand and boost their income by motivating them to go for allied farming and animal husbandry activities in a big way.

The Chief Minister has extended invitation to all the Chief Ministers, Agriculture Ministers and eminent political leaders of national repute cutting across the political lines to participate in this historic event to seriously dwell on the pathetic condition of our farming community in order to mitigate their sufferings thereby suggesting ways and means to supplement their income.

Pertinently to mention here that nearly 92 out of 138 million land holders were holding less than one acre in the country and their condition was pitiable; due to the prevailing agrarian crisis, they are neither farmers nor laborers.

Realizing the enormous contribution of the Punjab farmers in making our country self-reliant in food production, it was now the high time for the Government of India to pay back them as they have already sacrificed their natural resources for the sake of national food security. The poor lot of neglected farming community could only be ameliorated through pro-farmer policies and this summit would prove to a milestone for paving a way to evolve consensus to formulate a viable national agriculture policy. 

        Nearly 50,000 farmers alone from Punjab and 5000 farmers from other states viz. West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, J&K would participate in this mega agri-summit being held at legendary Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial at Chappar Chirri in Mohali over an area of 130 acres..

On the occasion, the Punjab Government has decided to honor three famers from each district of Punjab and three farmers from each state of the country with a cash award of Rs. 51,000, in recognition for their outstanding contribution in the field of Agriculture and allied farming. Likewise, 50 experts and scientists in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry would also be honored for their exemplary services in the field of research & development of Agriculture.

A Coffee table book highlighting the Punjab’s contribution in making our country self-reliant in food production and ushering in green and white revolution is being published on this historic occasion. A technical outcome book would also be brought out after the summit based on the vital inputs and recommendations given by the delegates and experts during the summit to prepare a comprehensive blue-print for the overall agriculture development in the country with a thrust to improve the economy of the farmers.

As many as 11 technical sessions on various topics/themes on Punjab agriculture challenges and way forward, bio-technology in agriculture, potato seed production, rearing of small ruminants, commercial dairy farming, agriculture marketing and risk management, bee-keeping, investment in food & agri processing besides panel discussion on farmers economy with focus on role of Punjab in Indian agriculture economy, handling and marketing of food grains, farmers indebtedness and future of farming etc. would be held. 

        An exhibition displaying latest crop production technologies, modern agriculture inputs and latest farm equipments, machinery and implements besides agro-processing opportunities would be organized over an area of 35 acres and nearly 400 stalls exhibiting live demonstration of drip irrigation, net houses, live stock, and machinery would be put up. Representatives of 13 National Institutions including Indian Council of Agriculture Research New Delhi, Director of Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fishery New Delhi,  National Horticulture Board, National Seeds Corporation, New Delhi, Coconut Development Board Kerala, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. New Delhi, Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine & Storage, Faridabad,  National Horticulture Mission, New Delhi,  National Committee on Plasticulture Applications in Horticulture New Delhi, State Farm Corporation of India New Delhi,  Small Farmers' Agri Business Consortium (SFAC) New Delhi,  National Dairy Development Board, Gujarat and National Cooperative Development Corporation, New Delhi.

Several leading industrial houses in Agri Business like Aditya Birla Group, Tata Chemicals, Mahindra & Mahindra Agri Business, Godrej Agrovet, Dabur India Ltd., ITC, Nestle, Coca Cola, PepsiCo India, DSCL (Shriram Fertilizers & Chemicals), New Holland Fiat India Ltd., Syngenta India, Wimco Limited, E.I. DuPont India Pvt. Ltd., Cargill India Pvt. Ltd., John Deere India Ltd. and Rallis India would also actively participate in the summit by putting up their stalls in the exhibition.

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PUNJAB CONGRESS LEADERS ARE STOOGES OF RAHUL GANDHI, FIGHTING THEMSELVES FOR OWN CAPTAINCY-SUKHBIR BADAL

·        SHUN INTERNAL RIVALRY TO CRUSH CONGRESS FOR FOREVER

·        ELECT DHINDSA TO FORM NDA GOVERNMENT AT CENTER

 MALERKOTLA/ SANGRUR February 11-

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal drubbing the state congress today alleged that Punjab congress infighting led to the frivolous outbursts against the Shiromani Akali Dal and projecting themselves before Rahul Gandhi as his stooges to regain captaincy of party. He also accused the UPA led congress that the party in power since sixty years in Delhi have looted the country and its valuable assets.

He was addressing the media after dedicating the first of its kind ring transmission grid at village Bhalwan near district headquarters Sangrur. Deputy CM also said that UPA led congress regime at helm has ruined the country and its minister were heavily indulged in corrupt practices. He also asked the electorates to defeat the corruption-laden congress to save the country and for the sake of its fellow citizens.

Answering a query on the allegations of congress leaders on Chief Minister Punjab, he categorically said that the congress was hell bent to destroy the highest temporal seat Sri Harmandir Sahib and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and detained all the senior Akali leaders including Mr Parkash Singh Badal under various draconian laws. He alleged that congress has no agenda to put forth before the electorates and indulging in dirty politics.

On announcements of SAD candidates for coming general elections Deputy CM jokingly told the reporters in the presence of Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa that the respective candidates already know about their candidature and are in the fray but clarified that the party would announce its candidates after the declaration of poll dates by the election commission. He asserted that SAD would fight the Lok Sabha polls on the development plank and congress would face punishing defeat for its misdeeds.

The SAD president Mr Badal also appealed to the people to shun rivalry within party ranks and join their hands to give a crushing defeat to the anti-Punjab and anti-people congress party in the state and to rule the state forever. He asserted that Akali Dal could never face any loss in the elections if all party workers unitedly put forth their efforts for the sake of party to elect its candidates. He also appealed to the electorates to elect Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa for the overall development of district Sangrur.

Talking about the role of AAP in Punjab, Mr Badal said "AAP is not a factor in the state politics and will met the same fate as of PPP". Replying a question about the resignation threats of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Mr Badal said that he was finding tough to run the state administration and eager to run away from taking responsibility.

Calling upon the people of Punjab to vote by keeping in view the performance of the SAD-BJP Government, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the single point agenda of the congress was to loot the country and its resources. He declared that ensuing Lok Sabha elections were “election of hope” for 125 crore people of the country who were reeling under the inflation, corruption, unemployment due to the directionless policies and leadership crisis of the UPA led congress government.
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SUKHBIR DEDICATES THE FIRST RING TRANSMISSION STATION OF THE COUNTRY COSTING RS 1700 CRORE

·        New Transmission grid station would facilitate power export

·        Agricultural Summit would be a milestone in the crop diversification plan

·        No need to maintain the record for traders from February 13

 

BHALWAN (SANGRUR) FEBRUARY 11-

Punjab, today took a giant leap in strengthening the  power transmission and distribution system after becoming the first power surplus state across the nation, when Punjab Deputy Chief  Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today dedicated the first Ring Transmission grid station of the country to the people of Punjab worth Rs 1700 crore.

After inaugurating and laying the foundation stones at the cost of Rs 1802.43 crore projects in district Sangrur, Deputy Chief Minister said that after  making the Punjab power surplus state, now the state Government has set the mission  to strengthen and upgrade the power transmission and distribution (T & D) system for uninterrupted power supply besides exporting it to the adjoining states and neighbouring countries like Pakistan.

He disclosed that the power generated by the newly commissioned thermal plants would be inter-connected to this first ring transmission system by the 1620 KM high capacity power lines. Deputy CM further said that Punjab was all set to enhance the power distribution capacity to 7,000 MW from 5,400 MW as more than Rs 2,000 crore was spent in this regard. To facilitate export of power to Pakistan, all power grids in the state have been inter-connected including all power plants and this Ring Grid would paly a vital role in transmission of power. This grid would also be help full in achieving the target to reduce the T & D losses to 15% by the year 2015-16.

Terming it as a big push for the agriculture and industry sector in the state, Mr Badal said that this ring grid would enable the state to grant more than 75,000 tube-well connections in next months. He also announced that applicants who have applied before the year 2007, would be issued tube-well connection within 10 days and farmers having 2.5 acre land could get on the spot connections.

Mr Badal has also said that coming agricultural summit at Mohali, would prove to be milestone in the history of the country as it would establish new roads to the crop diversification plan in Punjab besides providing technical assistance to the farmers.

Promising a paperless business in the state, Deputy Chief Minister announced that from February 13, there would be no need to maintain record registers for traders as all services would be provided online. He also announced that in all assembly constituencies Punjab government would spend Rs 100 crore each in next 2 years.

The Deputy Chief Minister today has initiated development works of worth Rs 1802.43 crore in district Sangrur, which included modernisation of Kanganwal distributory system near Malerkotla, modernisation of power sub-station at power colony Malerkotla, remodelling of Rohira distributory, rehabilitation and relining of Mahorana distributory at Amargarh, upgradation of  Sohian power sub-stations at village Sohian and Sunam city.

Meanwhile Rajya Sabha Member Skhdev Singh Dhindsa has thanked the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal for the unprecedented initiatives taken by them for the overall development of Sangrur district. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Chif Parliamentary Secretaries Farzana Alam and Parkash Chand Garg, Iqbal Singh Jhundan MLA, Gurbahchan Singh Bacchi Director Admn and Anurag Aggarwal CMD PSPCL.

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HOLIDAY FOR EX SERVICEMEN ON 12TH FEB ANNOUNCED

Chandigarh,11 feb:

          The Punjab Government has announced  holiday on 12 February for all ex-servicemen working in the state.

           Disclosing this today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the Punjab Government has taken the decision of announcing 12 February as a holiday to assure the presence of ex servicemen at the inauguration of World War Heroes Memorial and Museum in Amritsar. In lieu of the same only the ex-servicemen (military/widows and refugees) working in all the government offices , boards/corporations and educational institutes have been granted a holiday.

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SCHOOL TIMINGS TO BE changed FroM February 17, 2014 -MALUKA

 

Chandigarh, February 11:

 Keeping in view the changed weather conditions in the northern region, the Punjab Government has decided to change the timings of all the Government Primary, Middle, High, Senior Secondary and Government Aided Schools from February 17, 2014.

Disclosing this here today Education Minister Punjab S. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that the timing of the elementary schools would be 9:00AM to 3:00 pm while the timing for the middle, high & Senior Secondary Schools would be 9.00 to 3.20 pm.

        The Minister further said that earlier the timing of elementary schools were am to 10:00 pm to 3:00 pm and timing of Senior Secondary schools were 9:45 am to 3.45 pm.

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665 VACANCIES CREATED IN MEDICAL COLLEGES: ANIL JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 11:

The Punjab Medical Education and Research Department has created 665 new vacancies of faculty and para medical staff to further strengthen the Medical infrastructure and service delivery system in the Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals. Besides this instructions have also been issued to convene the meeting of departmental promotion committee under the present rule and regulations. It was disclosed by Punjab Medical Education and Research Minister Mr. Anil Joshi here today.

          Mr. Joshi further said that 326 seats for senior residents would also be filled. Further discussing the steps taken by Punjab government for the development of basic medical education in Punjab he said that a sum of Rs. 29 crore has been released for the up gradation of Government Medical College and Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. He further said that an amount of Rs. 150 crore has been released by Union ministry of health and family welfare for the up gradation of Government Medical College, Patiala.

          Mr. Joshi also said that efforts are on to fill the remaining vacant medical seats and also expressed hope of increase in MBBS seats from 150 to 250 in Government Medical colleges of Amritsar and Patiala.
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6 YEARS IMPRISONMENT IN EMBEZZLEMENT CASE 

·    1 YEAR IMPRISONMENT IN ANOTHER BRIBERY CASE

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 11:

            Hon’ble Court of Mr. Parminder Pal Singh, Additional Sessions Judge, Mohali has convicted Junior Assistant of Punjab State Ware Housing Corporation (PSWHC) in embezzlement case and sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment besides imposing Rs.60,000 fine.

            Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that the Hon’ble court has convicted accused Subash Chander, Junior Assistant, PSWHC, Qadian, District Gurdaspur resident of Akash Avenue, Amritsar in 2005 case at Police Station, Vigilance Bureau FS-I, Punjab, Chandigarh under section 409 of IPC for 6 years imprisonment and Rs.60,000 fine and if fine is not paid then additional imprisonment extended for 9 more months. Similarly under section 13 (1) (d) 4 years imprisonment and Rs.40,000 fine and if fine not paid then 6 months additional imprisonment extended by 6 months. This case was registered since the accused had caused loss to the state exchequer amounting to Rs.1,73,81,994 by misappropriating bags full of wheat and empty bags.

            Similarly, in another case, Hon’ble court of Mrs. Navjot Sohal, Additional Sessions Judge, Amritsar has awarded sentence of 1 year imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs.5,000 on Niranjan Singh s/o Buta Singh resident of Akalgarh Dhapaiya, district Amritsar in a bribery case.

 

CM ASKS PUDA TO FOCUS ON COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

AUTHORITY TO AMEND RELEVANT PROVISIONS TO BRING DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL SECTOR WITHIN ITS AMBIT

BADAL FOR EARLY START OF DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN THE RECENTLY REGULARIZED ILLEGAL COLONIES

SUKHBIR ASKS HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SYNERGIZE EFFORTS TO BOOST BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS

40 SCHEMES FOR PROVIDING 100% WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE IN 32 TOWNS TO BE KICKED OFF SOON

Chandigarh, February 7-

            In a bid to ensure holistic growth of rural areas in a planned manner, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) to amend the relevant provisions of the act to pave a way for making investments on the infrastructure development works in the villages.

            A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in the joint meeting of the various development authorities viz. PUDA, GMADA, GLADA, JDA, BDA and PDA here at his residence, this evening.

            Taking part in the deliberations the Chief Minister, accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, said that the development of villages in a comprehensive manner was the need of hour and these authorities could play a proactive role in refurbishing the requisite infra structure in the rural areas. Highly appreciating the proposal, the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Housing and Urban Development asked its Secretary to bring agenda to this effect in the next Cabinet meeting for approval, so that a bill related to this amendment could be brought in the ensuing budget session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. 

The Chief Minister further asked Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to ensure that the development works in all the unauthorized colonies which had been recently regularized must be started at once without any further delay so that the development works of roads, street-lighting, water supply and sewerage could be completed expeditiously to provide these basic civic amenities to the residents. Acting swiftly on the advice of Mr. Badal, the Deputy Chief Minister asked the Departments of Local Government and Housing & Urban Development to jointly work out a mechanism for completing the entire work at the earliest. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also apprised the Chief Minister that an ambitious plan comprising 40 schemes of 100% coverage in 32 towns with drinking water supply and sewerage system would be implemented in a time bound manner. The Deputy Chief Minister also asked Housing and Local Government department to synergize their efforts to boost balanced development in both rural and urban areas.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Rakesh Singh, Secretary Housing Mr. A Venuprasad, Secretary PWD Mr. PS Aujla, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, CA PUDA Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta besides the CAs of GLADA, GMADA, JDA, PDA and others.

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 JUDGE PERFORMANCE OF SAD-BJP BEFORE TAKING POLITICAL DECISION IN LOK SABHA POLLS-SUKHBIR BADAL

·       IT GIANT INFOSYS TO KICK OFF CONSTRUCTION OF ITS CENTER AT IT PARK MOHALI FROMFEBRUARY 20

·       EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS BECOME PAPERLESS, 100 PERCENT PUBLIC SERVICES BE PROVIDED ONLINE

·       MANDI GOBINDGARH WILL NOT SUFFER POWER CUTS THIS SEASON

·       ANNOUNCE TO CONDUCT AN ENQUIRY INTO  HOSHIARPUR INSIDENT

·       100 PERCENT VAT BACKLOG BE REFUNDED BY MARCH 31ST

 

MANDI GOBINDGARH, FEBRUARY 7: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today urged the people of Punjab to judge last 7 years performance of SAD-BJP government before taking any political decision in coming Lok Sabha polls since country was in dire need of a strong decisive leader like Mr. Narendra Modi instead of divisive Congress.

          Announcing that the IT software giant Infosys is going to kick off construction of its IT Center on 50 acres of land from February 20th, the Deputy CM informed that this center would provide more than 25000 jobs to our youth while the one of the biggest hotel and food processing company ITC is also landing in the state with huge investments so time has come to differentiate between development, performance and time bound fulfillment of promises by SAD-BJP before casting votes in Lok Sabha polls. 

          Mr. Badal was here to preside over a function organized by Steel Chamber of Commerce and Industries to its extend gratitude for being taken revolutionary decisions and bringing reforms in VAT regime as well as Excise and Taxation Department, where he announced that Mandi Gobindgarh will not have to suffer from power cuts in this season as the Punjab has become power surplus state. He said it has also been decided to ban access of excise inspectors in 71 B and C category towns, which will be started from February 13. He said after this day no inspector can go to any trader, factory and other industrial or commercial sites without getting written permissions of Excise and Taxation Commissioner.

          Announcing self-assessment for the traders, Mr. Badal said now the traders and shopkeepers will not have to keep the record books as the government has implemented the policy under which the traders having 25 lakh annual turnover will have to pay Rs. 5000 once. He said the traders falling between Rs. 25 lakh to 50 lakh and Rs. 50 lakh to 75 lakh will have to pay Rs. 10000 and 15000 respectively while the traders and shopkeepers with the annual sale up to Rs. 1 crore to be deposited Rs. 20000. He said that in lieu of this lump-sum tax amount the Government will provide them to every year cashless treatment up to Rs. 50000, Rs. 2 lakh life and accidental insurance and Rs. 5 lakh insurance in case of damage of property due to fire breakout.  

          Reiterating his commitment to provide all public services online to people by making all departments paperless, Mr. Badal said the Excise and Taxation Department has become complete ‘Paperless’ department and all the departments of Punjab will get the same status within two years. He said he was taking this as a mission and this would be achieved fixed time frame of two years.

 

Focusing on expansion and setting up of new industrial units, Mr. Badal Punjab has provided big relief to the Iron and Steel Industry of Mandi Gobindgarh by reducing the VAT on Steel Iron from 4.95 to 2.75, on scrap 4.95 to 1 percent after having detailed discussion with the industrialists and traders.  

Mr. Badal also announced the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme to redress the long pending cases of industrial units. He said under this scheme the pendency of cases would be eliminated and industrialists will have to pay just 1.5 precent interests on their pending taxes. The Scheme will be remain operational till March 31.

Meanwhile answering media queries Mr. Badal described the Hoshiarpur incident, where Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare was taking a meeting of doctors and there was a reportedly a causality in emergency ‘very unfortunate’ and said Punjab government will conduct an enquiry in this regard. On VAT refund there was a pendency of Rs. 450 crore till January 1st, out of which Rs. 125 crore has been paid while the remaining amounts will also be disbursed soon.

Earlier President of Steel Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mr. Bharat Bhushan Jindal, Mr. Amarjit Goyal, former Chairman chamber of steel furnace association of India, Mr. Vinod Vashisht, President all India Steel Reroller Association, Iron Scrap Traders Association’s general secretary Mr. Bhagwan Dass and Induction Furnace Industry’s Association President Mr. Mahinder Gupta honoured Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal for his cooperation and vision for Mandi Gobindgarh industry besides initiatives taken by him.

Prominent amongst present on the occasion Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, CPS, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra, General Secretary SAD, Mr. Jagdeep Singh Cheema, District President SAD, Mr. Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, Former MLA, Mr. Didar Singh Bhatti, Ex MLA and Dr. Harbans Lal former Minister.

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No official to stay on a particular seat for more than 3 years-    Anil Joshi

50 new posts of Building Inspectors for the state, For Jalandhar alone 53 posts of Sanitary Supervisors/Inspectors sanctioned

Chandigarh, February 7:

Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Govt. Minister has issued instructions to the department that his prime motive was to provide a corruption free, efficient and transparent administration and service to the people, and to attain this objective no official will be allowed to be posted on a particular seat for more than 3 years.

While reviewing the working of his department, he has further issued instructions that all works above Rs. 2 lac will be given a wide publicity and for these e-tendering will be there so that most competitive rates for the execution of the development works. He has cautioned the officials not to split up the works to favour any particular contractor and avoid the process of tendering.

Testing of all works has been made mandatory and a Quality Control Compendium has been issued to all ULBs in the state to ensure works as per laid out specifications. A SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) has been introduced in the department for better working.

Mr. Joshi has appealed to all the officials/officers of the department to work for the welfare of the general public and win their confidence/trust. Maximum number of officials have been given promotions as per the DPC of the department in the recent 3-4 months of his tenure and that a huge number of new posts have been got created in the local bodies and water supply and sewerage board. In view of the increased urbanisation 50 new posts of Building Inspectors have bee sanctioned. 53 new posts of Sanitary Supervisor/Inspectors have been sanctioned for Jalandhar alone for providing the residents better civic facilities. Some posts of Leading Firemen and Pump Operators have also been created in the ULBs as per their requirements.

For effective and better management of operations, work has been divided amongst the Chief Engineers across the state.

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PUNJAB ALL SET TO LAUNCH NEW ATTA-DAL SCHEME- DS GREWAL

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT WOULD HAVE NO BEARING ON THIS ONGOING SCHEME

IDENTIFICATION EXERCISE FOR ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES NEAR COMPLETION

Chandigarh, February 7-

Punjab was all set to launch the new Atta-Dal scheme for providing food/nutritional security to its residents especially belonging to the economically weaker sections and the state government has already allocated Rs 400 crore for its implementation in the current fiscal.

Disclosing this here today, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Mr. DS Grewal said that this flagship scheme of the state government has been in place since August 2007 and was running smoothly. Since it was an ongoing scheme, the model code of conduct for the ensuing Parliamentary elections would have no bearing on it at all, said Mr. Grewal.

The Secretary further said that the scheme entailed providing food grains as well as Dal to the eligible beneficiaries thereby ensuring a complete meal for them whereas majority of schemes being run by the other states were merely providing grains. Dwelling on the new Atta Dal scheme, Mr. Grewal pointed out that it was being implemented in two phases. Phase I would include all the existing blue card beneficiaries as well as all BPL and AAY families based on survey of 2002. These beneficiaries would get their allocations w.e.f. from December, 2013 onwards, while the phase II beneficiaries, which were currently being identified by the respective Deputy Commissioners across the state would get their entitlement from Feb 1, 2014 onwards. The identification exercise was near completion, he added.

In its endeavor to fine tune this existing scheme, the packaging of food grains was on the anvil, which would ensure portability of food grains for consumers besides plugging the leakages and diversion, he added.

 

BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD APOLOGIZE AND REVEAL ALL DETAILS ABOUT ATTACK ON GOLDEN TEMPLE-SUKHBIR BADAL

·       FIGHT AGAINST PERPETRATORS OF ’84 SIKH RIOTS WILL CONTINUE TILL THE DELIVERY OF JUSTICE

·       BADAL RUBBISHES POSSIBILITY OF THIRD FRONT AT CENTER-COUNTRY CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT NDA

·       HARSIMRAT SAYS ADJOURNMENT MOTION TO BE MOVED IN BOTH HOUSES BY SAD MPs

·       SEEKS HIGH LEVEL PROBE IN THE WHOLE INCIDENT

VARHE/AKKANWALI (MANSA), FEBRUAY 6: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today describing the advisory sought by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from British Government in 1984 for attack on Golden Temple ‘very unfortunate’ and said British Government should not only tender an apology on the issue but too reveal all the details of communique between both the governments.

          Expressing shock over the revelations of conversations between British and the then Indira Gandhi government, Mr. Badal said Congress Government in connivance with its foreign counterparts conducted attack on the highly sacred shrine of Sikhs in 1984, which exposed its intentions and deliberations towards Punjab. He said Congress at Center always stand by its attitude of animosity against Punjab, for which the people of Punjab would not spare it at any cost.

          When asked that should British Government tender any apology over communiques between duo governments, Deputy CM said not only apology but revelations of all details and facts should also be made public. He said it was well-planned exercise of Congress Government and the disclosure of more details could bring the truth behind this gravest operation against Sikhs.

          Reiterating commitment of Shiromani Akali Dal to get justice for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Mr. Badal said the SAD would fight continuously until the delivery of justice despite the hurdles being created by Congress government at Center. He said “we will continue our fight against the culprits and accused responsible for the massacre of Sikhs in 1984 till our last breath.”

Answering an query regarding possibilities of formation of third front at Center, Mr. Badal rubbishing all possibilities of such coalition at center said there would be no political survival of country without NDA and it is certain that NDA under Narendra Modi leadership would form the next government at Center. Extending humble appeal to the electorates to purge the Congress led UPA government in interests of country saying that ‘India cannot survive without NDA’ as Congress has been day and night busy in looting country’s assets for the last 10 years.

          Earlier addressing massive public rallies and Sangat Darshan programs at Varhe and Akkanwali villages here Mr. Badal said time has come to get countrymen free from ‘worst disease of our political system-Congress Party’, which has given nothing but the scams, corruption, inflation, unemployment and poverty following its traditional ‘divide and rule’ policy. He exhorted electorates to get the flag of NDA unfurled in Delhi only once then they would observe phenomenal development all around. "We cannot witness progress, prosperity, growth and development without conquering Delhi by drubbing Congress in coming Lok Sabha polls", he asserted.

          Meanwhile, Bathinda Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today sought high level probe in the entire issue of getting advisory from British Government by the then Indira Gandhi Government before launching attack on top Sikh shrine. She said that the revelations of communique bared the anti-Punjab and anti-Sikh face of Congress.

          Mrs. Badal said the SAD Member Parliaments would move ‘Adjournment Motion’ on Thursday i.e. February 7 at both houses of parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, against the attitude adopted by Congress against Punjab besides raking up the demand of high level probe into the entire issue.

          Earlier Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal presided over Sangat Darshan programs at various villages including Varhe, Akkanwali, Maghanian, Dharampura, Khudal Kalan, Bahadurpur, Dariyapur Kalan, Budhlada where Panchayats of total 27 villages participated and get their issues resolve on the spot. Mr. Badal also distributed set of heavy utensils for public usage in villages and Sports Kits in villages.

          Mr. Badal also dedicated Sub Divisional Complex at Budhlada to the public constructed at the cost of Rs. 4 crore besides laying foundation stone of Government Degree College, Bahadurpur-Bareta at the cost of Rs. 15 crore. Mr. Badal also laid the foundation stone of world class PUDA Colony to be constructed at the cost of Rs. 55 crore. Mr. Badal also laid the foundation stone of covering Sewage Nullah at Budhlada at the cost of Rs.42 lakh besides inaugurating Baba Mota Singh Memorial Gate at village Dharampura.

          Prominent amongst present on the occasion included Mr. Chitin Singh Samao, Budhlada MLA, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, Chairman PUNCEED, Mr. Mangat Rai Bansal, District Planning Board Chairman, Mr. Harbant Singh Datewas, former MLA and SAD District Unit President, Zila Parishand Chairman Sukhdev Singh Chainewala, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Banawali, District YAD President and Mr. Dilraj Singh Bhundar, Incharge Sardulgarh constituency.

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PUNJAB CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER INAUGURATES ELECTION SERVICES AT GRAM SUWIDHA KENDRAS

·        Services initiated at 20 CSCs in SAS Nagar under pilot project

·        Facility to apply online for new and duplicate voter care, addition, deletion and modification

·        This facility would prohibit the practice of forgery: CEO

 

SAS NAGAR/CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 6:

            Newly appointed Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab Mr. V.K. Singh, IAS today inaugurated delivery of election related services at Gram Suwidha Kendra of Village Tiurh fo district SAS Nagar.

            While interacting with the media, Mr. V.K. Singh, Punjab said that this service has been initiated in 20 Common Service Centers as a pilot project in Kharar, Dera Bassi and Majri blocks of SAS Nagar. He said that this is unique facility, which would enable the voters to get the new and duplicate Electronic Photo Identity Card, any addition, deletion and modification in the electoral roles and transposition. The whole process would be online free from any difficulty and in transparent manner. Mr. V.K. Singh said that after the successful completion of this pilot project, the services would be extended to other districts of the state. He categorically said that this process would completely discontinue the practice of forgery.

            He said that this initiative was taken by Mr. Raminder Singh, IAS, Additional CEO, Punjab, who was officiating CEO and during October 2013, he also visited some Gram Suwidha Kendras to assess their readiness for launch of election related services. He added that these services included; registration of new voters (Form 6), deletion (Form 7), modification (Form 8), transposition (Form 8-A) and Electoral Photo Identify Card (EPIC) to rural citizens.

            Mr. V.K. Singh informer that more than 2112 Gram Suwidha Kendras have been successfully established under Common Service Centre Mission Mode Project of National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) in the State of Punjab. He said that these Kendras were providing various Government-to-Citizen (G2C) and Business-to-Citizen (B2C) services to rural citizens.

            CEO, Punjab said that at present, many G2C services such as AADHAAR Card, Banking services under Financial Inclusion Scheme, National Pension System, PAN Card, Skill Development Courses under STAR Scheme and various B2C services such as mobile recharges, postpaid bill payments, DishTV recharges, ticketing, utility bill payments & insurance services were being provided. He further said that in near future, more than 40 G2C services under e-District Mission Mode Project and around 30 B2C services under State Service Delivery Gateway (SSDG) mission mode project under NeGP are about to be initiated through Gram Suwidha Kendras.

            Further mentioning, Mr. V.K. Singh said that such initiatives add more value in the vision of Election Commission of India (ECI) by providing election related services in an integrated, hassle-free and time-bound manner. He appealed the public to join hand with the government for the successful implementation of this venture and strike direct coordination with the government ignoring middlemen.

            Prominent amongst other, who were present on the occasion included; Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh, SDM, Kharar, Mr. Rajesh Seth, Head of Operation, CSC/SPV, Mr. Arwinder Pal Singh, State Coordinator, CSC/SPV, Mr. Bhupinder Pal Singh, Assistant Manager, UIDAI, Mr. Surinder Pal Singh, VLE, Gram Suvidha Kendra, Tiurh.

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RAHUL NOT AWARE OF BASICS OF AGRICULTURE AND VILLAGE LIFE- BADAL

CM TERMS NEHRU-GANDHI SCION AS A COMPLETE MISFIT FOR THE POST OF PM

ONLY A VISIONARY, STRONG, EXPERIENCED AND DECISIVE LEADER LIKE MODI COULD LEAD THE NATION IN THIS CRUCIAL HOUR

SLAMS CENTRE FOR ITS DISCRIMINATORY POSTURE TOWARDS PUNJAB

REITERATES DEMAND OF ROYALTY ON FOOD GRAINS AND WATER OF THE STATE

BATS FOR HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL FOR HER EXEMPLARY PUBLIC SERVICE

THIRD FRONT WOULD HARDLY HAVE ANY IMPACT IN ENSUING GENERAL ELECTIONS

SANGAT DARSHAN IN BATHINDA RURAL ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Rai Ke Kalan (Bathinda), February 6-

          Terming that the national Vice President of the Congress party Mr. Rahul Gandhi was not even aware of the basics of Agriculture and village life of the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that a person like him was a complete misfit for the post of Prime Minister of nation.

          Addressing the gatherings during the Sangat Darshan program of Bathinda Rural assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that a country where nearly 60% of population resides in the villages could not be run by a person who was not acquainted to the problems faced by the people residing in them. Citing an example, he said that how could a Doctor treat the patients if he was not aware of their problem. Mr. Badal said that the young scion of Nehru Gandhi family was not only an inexperienced  leader and politically naive but he was ignorant about the basic topography of the nation, due to which it would be disastrous for the country if he was selected for the coveted post of Prime Minister of the nation.      

Batting strongly for making Mr. Narendra Modi the Prime Minister of India, the Chief Minister said that only a visionary, strong and experienced leader like him could take the country ahead on the path of prosperity and inclusive growth. He said that in today’s crucial scenario when the social maladies like unemployment, corruption, poverty, starvation and others were ruling the roost in the country, Mr. Modi was the only ray of hope for the countrymen to march forward for making India a prosperous and progressive nation. Mr. Badal bemoaned that it was unfortunate that despite of more than 65 years of Independence the country has not been able to shed the tag of underdeveloped nation due to the ill conceived policies of the successive Congress led Governments at the centre. Impressing upon the people to elect the Gujarat Chief Minister for the coveted post of Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said that the time has come when the country must elect a decisive leadership so that an era of unprecedented development could be witnessed in the nation.

Coming down heavily of the Congress party for meting out step motherly treatment to the state, the Chief Minister said that instead of rewarding the hard working and resilient Punjabis for their immense contribution in making the country self reliant in food production and safeguarding its borders, the successive Congress governments had adopted a discriminatory posture towards the state. He said that none of the Punjabi could ever forget that the Congress had denied the state of its capital, legitimate share in river waters, Punjabi speaking areas besides irrelevantly meddling in its social, political, economic and even religious affairs. Mr. Badal said that due to the wrong policies of the Union government the farmers of the state, who had played a pro-active role in making our country self reliant in food production, were reeling under a whopping debt of Rs 32000 crore. Likewise, he said that mass exodus of industry was taking place due to denial of economic package to this border state on the pattern of those given to the neighboring hilly states.

Reiterating that Union government must give ‘Royalty on water and food grains’ to the state on the pattern of the same given to other states for supplying coal and other minerals in the country, the Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had over exploited the only available natural resources of the state in terms of water and fertility of the soil to make the country self reliant in food production. However, he lamented that this immense contribution of the state’s farmers’ has never been recognized by the country adding that it was the high time that the nation must repay the peasantry of the state by giving them royalty on water and food grains supplied to the country.

The Chief Minister further said that due to the stupendous efforts of the state government Punjab was leading the country in almost every field. He said that besides promoting the ethos of communal harmony, peace and prosperity, the state government has laid special focus on the overall development of the state and prosperity of its people. Mr. Badal said that a result of the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab was today leading the country in fields of Health care and Education.  

The Chief Minister said that the state government was fully committed to ensure the welfare of all strata of the society for which path breaking initiatives in form of pro-poor welfare schemes like Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya, Shagun, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima, Dr. Hargobind Khurana Scholarship scheme and others have been taken by them. He said that special focus was being laid on diversification of agriculture so as to safeguard the future of the farmers by supplementing their income. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that in order to curtail the heavy expenditure meted out on farming the Agriculture implements were being given to the farmers through Agro Service Centers on custom hiring basis, for which the state government was giving 50% subsidy to these centers.

Exhorting the people to ensure their fulsome support and cooperation to the Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal in the coming general elections, the Chief Minister said that due to the persistent efforts of Mrs. Badal, the Bathinda Lok Sabha segment has witnessed massive development in last few years. He said that Mrs. Badal has nurtured the Lok Sabha with full commitment so as to ensure the welfare of the residents of this region. Mr. Badal also lauded the MP for her meticulous planning to solve the issues pertaining to this part of the state.

Later on talking to the media persons at village Faridkot Kotli, the Chief Minister said that the recently constituted third front comprising of 11 political parties would hardly have any impact in the coming general elections. He said that at present a strong ‘Modi wave’ was blowing across the nation to constitute the NDA government at the centre and such fronts would not be able to make any perceptible change in it. Mr. Badal said that these parties might be able to keep their committed votes intact but a large number of other voters would vote for Mr. Modi.

Meanwhile welcoming a large number of Congress workers into the SAD fold in villages Rai Ke Kalan and Faridkot Kotli, the Chief Minister said that these workers would be given due respect in the Akali Dal.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Deputy Commissioner Mr. KK Yadav, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. GS Bhullar and Additional Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Sonali Giri. 

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 PUNJAB TO ORGANIZE NRI DISPUTES REDRESSAL SAMELLAN ON FEBRUARY 10: IGP GURPREET DEO

·        OPEN INTERACTIVE SESSION IN NRI CASES

 ·        COUNSELING WOULD BE PROVIDED IN MATRIMONIAL PROBLEMS

 handigarh, February 6:

Punjab Government has decided to organize NRI Disputes Redressal Samellan on 10th Feb 2014, at Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur from 9:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Disclosing this here today IGP NRI Police Gurpreet Kaur Deo said that this sammelan is being organized to redress grievances of NRI’s on the spot.

IGP Gurpreet Deo said that Punjab Government has established 15 NRI Police stations for speedy disposal of complaints of NRI’s. To organize such a sammelan is another imitative of the Punjab Government to create a direct communication between senior officers and the NRI Complainants so that there complaints could be disposed of in a transparent and timely manner.

IGP NRI Police said that that in this NRI Disputes Redressal Samellan there would be an open interactive session by IGP/NRI & Women Wing and senior officers of the NRI & Women Wing in NRI cases.

 

She further said that Women facing matrimonial problems with NRI spouses shall be provided advice and counseling during one day sammelan. ‘Complainants in pending NRI cases shall be provided an update regarding current status of their case pending with the NRI Wing’, said Deo.

IGP Gurpreet Deo has also directed all the concerned Police officer to bring all details and current status of NRI complaints. She has appealed to the NRI people that they should be part of this sammelan and benefit from this new imitative.

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The 4 girls develops “Aryans Android App” to make campus paper free

TECHNICAL MINISTER APPLAUDS ARYANS KASHMIRI GIRLS

  CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 6:

         The 4 Kashmiri girls of Aryans College of Engineering who developed “Aryans Android App” were felicitated by Sh. Madan Mohan Mittal, Technical Education Minister, Punjab today in Chandigarh. Dr. Anshu Kataria, Chairman, Aryans Group of Colleges was also present on the occasion.

             Sh. Mittal congratulated these girls- Rumaisa, Zeenat, Sadiya and Yusra for their achievement and applauded their efforts of this initiative. Sh. Mittal said that through this innovative development, these girls have added glory to the name of not only their own state- J&K but also to their College and Punjab where they are studying.

            Sh. Mittal said that Government will do every possible effort to make Punjab as destination of Education not only for the students of Punjab but also for the students of other states of India and other Countries too. He added that efforts will be done to provide suitable environment for academics, sports, cultural and other curricular activities to the students studying in various colleges of Punjab.

             Pleased with the blessings of the Hon’ble Minister, the girls said that they are very happy being appreciated by Hon’ble Minister himself. While interacting with Sh. Mittal, the girls told that being at Aryans, they never feel like they are away from their homes. They get a very comfortable and learning environment in their College Campus and outside campus in Punjab which itself motivated them for such an innovation.

             It is to be mentioned that these 4 girls recently developed an Android App with the help of their faculty members and technical experts within a period of 1 month. The idea for this innovation generated from the problem of non receiving of the College messages when they are at home due to ban on SMS in J&K. This App where on one hand will solve their problem of non-receiving of messages. On other hand, will help the College to become paper free campus.