CM CALLS UP SPECIAL ENVOY OF GOI TO IRAQ

SEEKS SAFE AND PROMPT RELEASE OF PUNJABIS STUCK UP IN WAR TORN IRAQ

ANNOUNCES TO BEAR ENTIRE EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY PUNJABIS FOR IMMIGRATING TO IRAQ

MEA JOINT SECRETARY CALLS ON BADAL TO UPDATE HIM ON THE ISSUE

  New Delhi, June 26-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called up former Indian Ambassador to Iraq Mr. Suresh Reddy, who has been specially deputed by the Government of India (GoI) to oversee the rescue operations of Indians trapped in the strife torn country, to ensure safe and prompt return of the Punjabis to the state.

          The Chief Minister also urged Mr. Reddy to sort out the issues of those Punjabis who were willing to comeback but their employers were reluctant to relieve them due to certain reasons adding that the GoI must get any issue related to the employers settled through direct intervention of Labour department of the Iraqi National Government on priority. On the other hand, Mr. Badal categorically cleared that any Punjabi who was willing to return Punjab but hesitating to do so for the financial burden incurred by him/ his family on account of hefty loans/ advance money taken for their immigration to Iraq, should come back to their motherland as the state government would bear such entire expenditure incurred by them or their family. He said that it was the bounden duty of the state government to help the distressed Punjabis and their families in this hour of crisis by relieving them of such mental agony.   

Meanwhile, the Joint Secretary (Gulf and Haj) from Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Mridul Kumar called on the Chief Minister at Kapurthala House this morning to apprise him about the initiatives taken by the GoI for the safe and early evacuation of Indians especially the Punjabis stuck over in Iraqi civil war. Mr. Badal asked the Joint Secretary to also bail out the Punjabis trapped in the war zone there by facilitating them a safe return to their country. Apart from this he also asked Mr. Mridul Kumar to ensure the return of even those Punjabis settled in safe zone of Iraq but were now willing to come back here due to sense of uncertainty and fear.

Expressing satisfaction over the initiatives taken by the Ministry of External affairs to secure safe release of Punjabis from war torn Iraq, the Chief Minister conveyed his heart felt gratitude to the Union External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj for taking personal pains and keen interest in this regard. Mr. Badal said that he was keen to meet the Union External Affairs Minister today to update her on the latest developments but she was unavailable due to a foreign visit.   

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. 

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CENTRE GIVES APPROVAL FOR SETTING UP EXCLUSIVELY WOMEN ITIs IN THE STATE

MOVE AIMED AT ENSURING EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

MANEKA GANDHI CALLS ON CM AND ASSURES OF POSITIVE OUTCOME

URGES HIM TO SUBMIT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SETTING UP ONE STOP CRISIS CENTER IN ALL THE DISTRICTS ACROSS THE STATE

BADAL SEEKS UPWARD REVISION IN HONORARIUM OF ANGANWARI WORKERS/ HELPERS

ASKS FOR LIBERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SET UP ANGANWARI CENTERS

New Delhi, June 26-

          Acceding to the proposal mooted by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Union government today gave approval for setting up of ITIs exclusively for the women to ensure their empowerment by imparting technical education to them.

          This decision was taken by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development Mrs. Maneka Gandhi, who called on the Chief Minister here at Kapurthala house this morning.

          The Union Minister also assured Mr. Badal that the Centre was ready to fund any scheme/ program aimed at the overall development and welfare of the Women and child in the state. She urged the Chief Minister to send a detailed proposal to her Ministry for the establishment of a network of ITIs across the state for imparting technical and vocational training to women for enabling them to be gainfully employed. Mrs. Gandhi hoped that this unique initiative would go a long way in instilling a sense of confidence amongst the women to live a life with self respect and dignity besides enormously contributing in the national growth.

She also impressed upon the Chief Minister to submit a comprehensive proposal to the Ministry for sanctioning the scheme of setting up “One Stop Crisis centers” in each district across the state to ensure prompt assistance to the women/ girl afflicted with gender crime. The Union Minister apprised Mr. Badal that under the scheme the state government was required to hand over 250-300 square yards of land to establish these centers by erecting pre-fabricated structures, the entire cost of which would be borne by the Union Government.

During the deliberations with the Union Minister, Mr. Badal raised several demands seeking upward revision in honorarium of the Anganwari Workers and Helpers under ICDS scheme from Rs 5000 and Rs 2500 per month, which was highly unrealistic and unreasonable, to Rs 8000 and Rs 4000 per month respectively.  The Chief Minister also pleaded for the introduction of Contributory pension scheme with a minimum monthly contribution @ 10% honorarium to facilitate retirement of workers and helpers at the age of 60 years, as demanded by the Anganwari Unions.  He also sought liberal financial grant from the Government of India (GoI) for the construction of Anganwari centers in phased manner and asked for such grant @ Rs 4.50 lakh per building for the construction of 2000 centers during 2014-15. Mr. Badal informed the Union Minister that more than 25000 Anganwari centers were running in rented/ community/ panchayat buildings across the state.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue for reduction in maximum qualifying age besides doing away with the condition of minimum experience of Helper. He pointed out that under the prevalent instructions priority was given to a helper for appointment as Anganwari worker with a condition of having put in 10 years of service as a helper. Moreover the maximum age for recruitment of an Anganwari worker had also been substantially lowered to 35 years under the restructured ICDS scheme.       

Responding to the demands raised by the Chief Minister, Mrs. Gandhi appreciated the state government for doing exceptionally well in several schemes of Women and Child Development but still expected it to further excel in this regard. The Union Minister assured Mr. Badal that she would get all these demands thoroughly examined at her ministry’s level to ensure their early resolution. She promised Mr. Badal that paucity of funds would not be allowed to hamper the implementation of schemes and even said that the Ministry was ready to include pro-women and child development schemes of the state in its charter of such centrally sponsored schemes.        

             The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh. 

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GoI OKAYS INCLUSION OF PUNJAB UNDER PRIME MINISTER ADARSH GRAM YOJNA

MOVE TO BENEFIT 32% OF SC POPULATION IN THE STATE

PUNJAB BECOMES SIXTH STATE TO BE COVERED UNDER THE SCHEME

SPORTS INSTITUTE FOR DISABLED TO COME UP IN ZIRAKPUR AT A COST OF RS 150 CRORE

UNION MINISTER DEPUTES SPECIAL CENTRAL TEAM TO VISIT PUNJAB FOR EXAMINING VARIOUS PROPOSALS PUT FORTH BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT

New Delhi, June 26-

          Conceding the long pending legitimate demand of the state to benefit the millions of Schedule Castes (SC) brethren, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Thaawar Chand Gehlot today gave his nod to include Punjab under the “Prime Minister Adarsh Gram Yojna” scheme.         

This significant decision aimed at transforming the fortunes of SC population in the state, was taken by Mr. Gehlot in meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal who called on the former at his office in Shastri Bhawan this evening.

Expressing gratitude to the Union Minister, Mr. Badal said that he had been pleading to get this demand implemented since long as Punjab was the most deserving state with highest SC population (32%) in the country as per census 2011 and out of the total number of 12168 inhabited villages, 2800 villages (23.01%) have 50% or more SC population. The Chief Minister said that this scheme would go a long way in providing the basic infra structural facilities like pavement of streets and phirnis, solar street lights, hand pumps, toilets, water supply and sewerage. It may be recalled that till now five states with far less SC population than Punjab were reaping the benefits of this scheme. These states included Tamil Nadu with 14.4% SC population, Uttar Pradesh (10.07%), Bihar (6.4%), Rajasthan (6.1%) and Assam (4%).

The Union Minister also agreed to the proposal mooted by the state government to establish Sports Institute for Disabled in Zirakpur nearly at the cost of Rs 150 crore, for which the 10 acre land would be provided free of cost by the state government to the Government of India (GoI). In another significant decision, the Union Minister assured Mr. Badal to get the funding of the state government’s scheme of Rs 200 crore for setting up of 22 Rehabilitation Centers in all the districts, thoroughly examined in his Ministry within the ambit of stipulated guidelines of Central Sector scheme of Assistance for prevention of alcoholism and drugs. These Centers were aimed at checking the drug abuse, which was posing a major threat to our youth besides offering them an opportunity to lead a normal life after detoxification as part of their treatment with dignity.

The Chief Minister also urged Mr. Gehlot for seeking his personal intervention to get pending amount of Rs 10 crore released under the pre-matric scholarship scheme of SC students of class 9th and 10th. Likewise, he also sought a sum of Rs 14.61 crore as balance against the pre-matric scholarship to OBC students. Similarly Mr. Badal also impressed upon the Union Minister to immediately get released the backlog grant worth Rs 543. 19 crore for 2013-14 and 2014-15 under the Post Matric Scholarship scheme to the SC students so as to comply with the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The Union Minister assured Mr. Badal that he would soon hold a meeting of senior officers of the Ministry to get all the issues raised in today’s meeting settled once for all. He also asked the Joint Secretaries Ms. Ghazala Meenai, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar and Mr. Awanish K Awasthi to visit the state next week to take stock of the various proposals put forth by the state government and initiate concrete steps for their timely implementation.  

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretaries Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh besides Director Social Welfare Mr. Paramjeet Singh.  

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DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO APPOINT NODAL OFFICERS TO REPLY QUERIES AND PROPOSALS TABLED IN VIDHAN SABHA

CHANDIGARH JUNE 26:

          Punjab state government has instructed to all departments to appoint nodal officers to respond queries, and proposals tabled in the state legislative assembly.

            While disclosing this, a spokesperson of Punjab government said that state government had directed all departments to appoint nodal officers and they have been directed to furnish the details of the nodal officers including their designation, address and phone numbers in Room No. 118, 2nd Floor at Inquiry Office, legislature cell, CM Office, Civil Secretariat, Punjab. This information had to be sought before July 4, he added.

            He further said that the submitted information would help in maintaining better coordination to get the legislative work done in easy and effective manner.

            The spokesperson said that the duly approved ten copies of the call attention motion and other proposals relating legislative work pertaining to the department of Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other cabinet ministers must be submitted in both Punjabi (Asees font) and English, 10 days to prior to the scheduled date. These copies must be submitted in the form of hard as well as soft copies or can be e-mailed at gogna1958@gmail.com.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES ONE YEAR SERVICE EXTENSION TO 12 PPS 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 26:

The Punjab Government has notified one year extension in services of 12 PPS officers.      Finance Department also gave green signal for the extension with certain rules and regulations.  All officers were in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). 8 out of 12 PPS officers opted for the second extension (on completion of 59 years of their age) and remaining four have opted for extension first time before the date of their superannuation i.e. up till completion of 58 years of age.

According to a official spokesman, those who have granted extension included; Amrik Singh, PAP, Darshan Singh, Firozpur, 76/F.D.R, Jarnail Singh and Karnail Singh, PAP, Nirmala Devi, Gurdaspur, 813/P.R., Surat Lal, PAP, Sukhdev Singh, Gurdaspur and Lakhwinder Singh, PAP, 438/P.R.

Similarly, Rajinder Singh, Bhajan Singh, Jagdish Raj and Gurpal Singh, all from PAP also granted one year extension after completion of 58 years of age.

 

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PUNJAB EXTENDS LAST DATE FOR SEEKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PADAM AWARDS

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 26:

The Punjab Government has extended the last date for seeking recommendations for the ‘Padam Awards’ from departments till July 10, 2014, which was earlier June 22, 2014. These coveted awards would be announced at the National celebrations of the Republic Day on January 26, 2015 at New Delhi.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that the departments have been asked to forward the recommendations not later than July, 10 2014 to General Administration Department (Political Branch-1). He said that the recommendations thus received would further be forwarded to the Union Government for final selection. Spokesperson said that the cut-off date would be strictly adhered to as recommendations received after it, will not be considered.

The spokesperson further said that amongst the highest civilian awards of the country, the Padam Awards i.e. ‘Padam Vibushan’, ‘Padam Bhushan’ and ‘Padam Shri’ were instituted in 1954. These awards seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines such as Art, Literature & Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT EMPOWERS BDPOs TO MONITOR RURAL DOCTORS

·       SURPRISE CHECK AT LEAST ONCE WEEK

·       STRICT ACTIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO FOUND GUILTY

Chandigarh, June 26: Reiterating its commitment to provide better health facilities to rural people, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat  Sikandar Singh Maluka ordered BDPOs to monitor rural doctors at least once in week. He also said that any negligence towards duty would not be tolerated and those who found guilty will be treated according to law.

He also added that his department is committed to provide infrastructure for Dispensaries and Hospital in rural Punjab so that rural people don’t have to rush for city Hospitals. He further added that doctors should co-operate with department accomplish mission 'Healthy Punjab'.

He reveled that sixty percent of people live in rural areas so its responsibility of government to take care of their health and provide basic health facilities at grass root level. Punjab Government is regularly taking measures in this direction. 

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PUNJAB INSTRUCTS DRUG INSPECTORS TO KEEP STRICT VIGIL ON SALE OF BANNED DRUGS 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 26: 

The Punjab Health Department has restructured and strengthened drug de-addiction cell of the department besides rationalizing the human resource requirement of each district as per requirement at ground level. The Health Department has issued instructions to all Drug Inspector to intensify checking of drug retailers and chemists to check the sale of banned drugs.

Disclosing this here today Mrs. Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department said that Health Department is leaving no stone unturned in the ongoing Punjab Government’s campaign to eradicate drug menace from the society. She said that in this ongoing campaign government is providing all needed help to the drug users to get rid of this menace by providing them medical and psychological treatment at the drug de-addiction centres and on the other hand Health Department has launched a campaign to make such a system that no person would be able to get any sort of drugs/medicines from the Medical stores without the prescription of the competent authority.

Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare informed that drug inspectors have been instructed to regularly inspect medical stores to curb malpractices and send reports on daily basis to the head quarters.  

She added that the Government has also transferred some drug inspectors as per requirements is the district to strengthen the checking system to stop the sale of banned drugs.

As per transfer orders issued, Mr. Vinay Jindal have been posted at Patiala-1, Mr. Lajvinder Kumar at Ludhiana-3, Mr. Karamjeet Singh posted at Gurdaspur-2, Mr. Gurpinder Kaur Bhambr posted at Ludhiana-4, Mr. Janak Raj given additional charge of Pathankot, Mr. Gurpreet Singh Sodhi posted at district Fategarh Sahib & additional charge kharar (Mohali SAS Nagar-3) and Punjab Health system corporation, Kharar under Special Session Quality Control Cell, Mohali and Ramandeep Gupta have been given additional charge of  Fazillka additional charge.

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Paddy MSP: Punjab CM advocates Dr Saminthan formula of MSP equalling costs plus 50% profit : Paddy MSP must measure up to rise in input costs: CM cautions against flight of human capital from agriculture and its imapcton food security: Farmers equal victims of inflation left by the UPA : Badal

 Chandigarh, June 25-  The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh
Badal  today asked the Government of India to start the process of
review of criteria for  fixation of farm prices in the country to
ensure that agriculture ceased to be an un-remunerative profession and
farmers got adequate reward for their sacrifices for national food
security.

 Mr. Badal, who was commenting on the hike of Rs 50 per quintal for
paddy announced by the Union Government last evening, said that  the
new MSP  must measure up to the massive hike witnessed in the cost of
farm produce during the UPA regime.He advocated the implementation of
the recommendations  of the renowned farm economist Dr MS Swaminathan
on fixation of MSP of farm produce. . These recommendations, also
known as the Swaminathan Formula, favour 50% profit over the total
cost of production incurred by the farmer for any  crop. Both the BJP
and the SAD support this formula.

  Mr. Badal said that remunerative prices for farm produce were the
only way to ensure food security. The Chief Minister said that while
the farmer should get his full due for his hard work, the poor should
continue to be compensated through subsidized food for which Punjab
had set a pioneering example. He said the UPA government always forgot
that the farmers themselves formed a major chunk of the poor in the
country who needed relief and support. “The SAD-BJP in Punjab
understood this and acted accordingly.”

  Mr. Badal said that he also fully understood that the NDA government
had to grapple with the most difficult legacy of the UPA’s ten eyars
of fiscal mismanagement and neglect. “The constraints imposed on the
present Union Government by the poor fiscal legacy it has inherited
from the UPA government had resulted in the pathetic state of national
finances in which the country found itself now.  Drastic steps are
needed to revamp the economy. In this regard, special focus will have
to be brought on the farm sector, especially to address the severe
problems being faced by  marginal, small and medium farmers.     "We
will have to evolve new  fiscal strategies to  align the prices of
food grains in general and the MSP of paddy and wheat in particular
with market realities."
    The Chief Minister said that MSP of farm produce must be linked to
cost of inputs plus profit. “It is common knowledge that during the
UPA regime, the prices of costs of farm inputs like diesel,
pesticides, agri-machinery, implements, fertilizers and seeds were
allowed to rise unchecked, the MSP of farmers’ produce has lagged far
behind these. In addition, while farmers have to suffer the impact of
high prices of every other commodity as a result of general inflation
triggered by UPA policies, they are forced to sell their own produce
at un-remunerative  prices,” said Mr. Badal in a statement here this
afternoon.
    The Chief Minister also said that  in the years to come, "we will
have to re-prioritize fiscal planning to accord the highest importance
to agriculture, as not only was this the backbone of the national
economy but  between 60%  to 70% percent of the country’s  population
was still engaged in it. He said that the crisis in agriculture was
evident from the fact that while the share of agriculture in the
overall GDP of the country was declining, the number of people
dependent on agriculture still remained as high as before.
     This he said was despite the alarming phenomenon of  flight of
human capital from agriculture.  He emphasized that because farming
had become a totally un-remunerative profession, nearly two per cent
of farmers opt out of agriculture every year without being adjusted in
some other lucrative economic field. Their ‘silent dependence’ on
agriculture made the task of economic planners all the more difficult,
said the Chief Minister.

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SUKHBIR BADAL ASKS YOUTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ENGAGE TWO LAKH VOLUNTEERS TO STRENGTHEN WAR AGAINST DRUGS

(Yuva Bhawan to be ready by December this year at a cost of Rs. 24 crore)

(Sports kits to be distributed to all registered Youth clubs)

Chandigarh, June 24 – In a major move to engage the community in the fight against drugs, Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has directed the Youth Services department to engage two lakh volunteers to create awareness amongst the masses, especially students, about the perils of drugs addiction.

                        The student volunteers will also partner with NGOs as well as health and police officials who are already engaged in carrying out a massive drug de addiction programme across 141 community health centers in the State.

            An official spokesman here today said the Youth Welfare department had started the process of enlisting volunteers for this drive and urged the youth to respond enthusiastically to this initiative.

            The Spokesman said the Deputy chief minister had also directed the Youth Services department to take the help of existing youth clubs and encourage formation of new youth clubs so that this volunteer force could be spread out all over the State. These youth clubs will be strengthened further with the State government deciding to provide sports kits to all registered youth and sports clubs in the state during current financial year. The state had already distributed 6,940 multi-gyms and 23,553 sports kits worth Rs. 47 crore in last fiscal.

            The spokesman said the enrollment drive, which would continue till December this year, would also involve training student leaders so that they could effectively disseminate information about drug addiction as well as help in weaning away youth addicted to drugs.  

            The Youth Services department has also chalked out a programme to take this drive to Universities and Colleges across the State. It will hold seminars, youth festivals as well as youth meetings to create awareness about drugs. Specific camps will also be organized where needed to help in drug addicts to get rid of the habit. A separate monitoring cell is also being created in the Youth Services department to monitor the progress of the drive and suggest new measures to make it successful.

            Meanwhile the spokesman disclosed that presently there are 6200 registered youth/sports clubs in the State and that it had been decided to constitute 1800 more such clubs. These clubs regularly hold youth leadership training camps besides adventure and trekking expeditions and also inter State tours for nearly 10,000 youth every year.

Besides this, the spokesman said the construction of Yuva Bhawan at Sector 42, Chandigarh would be completed tillDecember 15 at a cost of Rs. 24 crore which would be useful for students coming from all parts of Punjab for various academic and youth activities. This establishment also includes a Centre for Youth Excellence, a seminar hall and an intensive training cell for students. EOM

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CM FOR MAKING BUDGETARY PROVISION TO PURCHASE LAND FOR THE CEMETERIES AND BURIAL GROUNDS FOR CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM BRETHREN

GIVES NOD FOR ALLOCATION OF 1695 SQUARE YARDS OF LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF "MASSIH BHAWAN" AT AMRITSAR

ANNOUNCES A GRANT OF RS 10 LAKH FOR THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS AT "MASSIH BHAWAN" GURDASPUR

 Chandigarh, June 24-

          As a goodwill gesture towards the welfare of Muslim and Christian brethren, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Finance Department to make regular budgetary provision in the state's annual budget for the purchase of land for the cemeteries and burial grounds.

          This decision was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the delegation of Minority Commission led by its Chairman Mr. Munawar Massih here at CMO this morning.

          Conceding another demand of the delegation, the Chief Minister also agreed to allot 1695 square yards of land for the construction of "Massih Bhawan" at Amritsar as the state government has already allotted Rs 25 lakh for this purpose. Likewise, Mr. Badal also ordered the Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur to hand over the possession of "Massih Bhawan" under construction to the society overseeing the project. The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the completion of construction works on the said project at the earliest. It may be recalled that Mr. Badal had already sanctioned Rs 10 lakh for the construction of this "Massih Bhawan".

          Responding to another demand for the formation of peace committees at district level across the state, the Chief Minister directed the Financial Commissioner Home to immediately initiate steps in this regard as the list of members to be nominated for these committees had already been given to ADGP Crime. Mr. Badal also assured the delegation to get their demand for the construction of toilets for Minority (Christian and Muslim) BPL card holders thoroughly examined.  

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion Cabinet Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash, Financial Commissioner Home Mr. Jagpal Singh, Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr. A Venuprasad, Chief Administrator GMADA Mr. AK Sinha, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma and ADGP Crime Mr. Jasminder Singh.

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CM LAUNCHES "104 NON-EMERGENCY HEALTH INFORMATION HELPLINE"

MOVE AIMED AT PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE

QUALIFIED PARAMEDICS SUPPORTED BY FULL-TIME QUALIFIED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST TO OFFER 24X7 SERVICES TO PEOPLE

BADAL CALLS THE HELPLINE AS AN ANONYMOUS CALLER TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE SERVICES OFFERED BY IT

 Chandigarh, June 24-

In a leap forward towards providing quality Healthcare services to the people just on a single call, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today launched the “104 Non-emergency Health Information Helpline” by personally calling on the number and enquiring about the services provided by the helpline.

Launching the helpline here at his office this morning, the Chief Minister expressed hope that it would act would act as a helpdesk for the people to avail the ultra modern Healthcare and diagnostic facilities across the state. He said that the primary objective of starting this helpline was to assist people, particularly living in rural and interior areas, in getting information on health problems and access to a qualified Doctor. Mr. Badal said that medical advice would be given to the caller by providing basic tips and first aid requirements through this helpline.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister sprang a surprise for the paramedical personnel operating at the Helpline by calling him as an unidentified person from the state. After knowing the details about the functioning of this helpline Mr. Badal told the operator about his credentials and congratulated him for the successful launch of this helpline. Expressing hope that this helpline would go a long way in imparting quality Healthcare and diagnostic services to the people, he asked the Health department to rope in the services of retired employees of the department along with the NGOs for this noble cause. "This 104-Helpline will provide an effective platform for prompt redressal of complaints, grievances of general public against any government medical institution, service or an individual" he added.  

Meanwhile, the officers of the Health department apprised the Chief Minister that requirements of the caller would be classified into critical, serious or stable and accordingly they would be advised to utilize the services of Emergency Response Services 108 or would be given details of the nearby medical facilities. It was also informed that qualified paramedics supported by full-time qualified medical practitioner and clinical psychologist would be stationed at the Helpline for offering services to the people.

It was also informed that counseling services of patients, especially the vulnerable i.e. the old, women, children and poor would also be given through this helpline. Apart from this, the services of counseling for alcohol, drugs, smoking and mental ailment like; anxiety, suicidal tendencies, chronic disease like cancer etc. would also be provided. Counseling would also be given for other services like family planning, adolescent reproductive, sexual health along with the counseling about stigmatized diseases such as HIV, AIDS and Leprosy.

Likewise, this helpline would also serve as an Information Directory Service like: Medical facilities, Hospitals, Pharmacies, Independent practitioners, Diagnostic services, Rehabilitation Centers and other healthcare facilities. Apart from this, information concerning to Women and Child Healthcare, Information of Alternate Medication (AYUSH), Nutrition and Hygiene information and Health alerts and warnings would also be provided. The Chief Minister was also apprised that the helpline would also function as a Call Centre for Mother Child Tracking System for maintaining and validating records of beneficiaries in MCTS Portal as well as to coordinate with beneficiaries for availing the due services on time and informing the beneficiaries regarding benefits available to them in other government schemes.

It was also informed that the 104 helpline would operate as a Resource Centre for ANMs, ASHAs, LHVs and other health workers to respond to their queries while they were working in remote and rural areas. Any complaints relating to PNDT (sex-determination), Food and Drugs, Birth and Death certificates, MTP, Non availability of services of any programme especially under Janani Sishu Surakasha Karyakaram (JSSK) and any other regulations being implemented by the Department could be registered on this 24x7 toll free helpline for the public. The helpline would be equipped to take queries and respond to the caller in any of the 3 languages i.e. Punjabi, Hindi and English. 

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretaries to the Chief Minister Mr. Gaggndip Singh Brar and Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of the Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Hussan Lal and Director Health Services Dr. Karmjeet Singh.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BEAR ENTIRE EXPENSES ON THE TREATMENT OF NOTED SUFI SINGER BARKAT SIDHU

BADAL INQUIRES ABOUT THE WELLBEING OF BARKAT SIDHU FROM DMCH DOCTORS

CHANDIGARH JUNE 24:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today directed the authorities of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) Ludhiana to provide free treatment to the noted Punjabi Sufi Singer Mr. Barkat Sidhu, who is critically ill due to Cancer and is undergoing treatment in DMCH.    

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that Mr. Badal after taking cognizance of the news reports in a section of press immediately called up the doctor attending on him this morning to inquire about his wellbeing. He also assured of all possible help and support to the icon of Sufi style of Singing in this hour of crisis, adding he said that the state govt. would bear the entire cost on his treatment. The Chief Minister also prayed to the Almighty for his speedy recovery.

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PUNJAB APPROVES FOUR PHASED MODERNIZATION PROGRAMME OF VILLAGES: MALUKA

·       Government to develop concept of model villages

·       Treatment of contaminated water

·       Renovation of ponds, parks to be laid down

·       Panchayats with good performance will be awarded

 Chandigarh June 24: The Punjab government today approved an ambitious four phased programme to modernize all the villages.

Disclosing this here today, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said,     “Punjab villages are to be developed as model villages and prominence is to provide basic services to village people”.

Giving the details of four phased programme, Mr. Maluka said that it would include renovation of ponds, treatment of contaminated water, up gradation of streets, installation of RO System for drinking water and laying down of parks in villages. In first stage renovation of ponds and treatment of contaminated water to be done so that dairy animals could get clean water for drinking. Fencing of ponds is also part of this plan, he added. In second stage, parks would be laid down in villages and in third stage installing of RO system and up gradation of streets would be done.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SEEKS APPLICATIONS FROM THE TEACHERS FOR STATE AWARD

·       AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED ON THE EVE OF TEACHERS’ DAY

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 24:

          The Punjab Government has sought applications from teachers for state awards to be conferred on awardees on Teachers day this year.

          According to an official spokesman, eligible teachers have been requested to submit their application to Directorate through concerned District Education officers after getting it checked from District selection committee till July 7, 2014.

          Disclosing the process for applying for award, the spokesman said that Profiles sent by the schools would be confirmed by the district level committee and also recommendation would be checked by the committee otherwise the profiles would not be accepted. He clarified that submissions of the original documents was not required. The profiles would only be forwarded by the District Level Officers to the Directorate. In this regards instruction issued to all Circle Education Officers and District Education Officers (Secondary and Elementary Education).

          He further said that no application would be accepted that had been directly submitted by teachers to Directorate. He said that the department would ask for original certificates whenever required.

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PUNJAB TO LAUNCH DRIVE TO CHECK THE SMOKE EMISSION OF VEHICLES

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 24: The Punjab government would launch a sustained drive to check the smoke emission of the vehicles to keep a check on air pollution.

          According to an official spokesman, with Vehicular population increasing day by day, smoke emission from Automobiles were causing pollution and also becoming hazardous to health.

He said that transport department has set up 421 pollution checking centres in the State of Punjab to check the emission of vehicles and to issue pollution under control certificates to motor vehicles of all types, so as to keep the environment free of pollutants released by diesel and petrol operated vehicles

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PUNJAB TO AMEND PUNJAB WELFARE OFFICERS RULES

·        GOVERNMENT INVITES SUGGESTIONS/OBJECTIONS FROM PUBLIC

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 24:

The Punjab Labour Department seeks to amend the Punjab Welfare Officers (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 1952; a notification in this regard has been issued. The Government invites suggestions/objections from the public for the Draft Rules amendment now to be referred to as Punjab Welfare Officers (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) (First Amendment) Rules, 2014. These would be received by the Chief Inspector of Factories, Punjab, S.C.O. No. 87-88, Sector 17-D, Chandigarh from any person before the expiry of a period of forty five days from the notice publication date 4th June, 2014.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that under this amendment rule 3-A would be substituted. This amendment has been proposed by the state government in pursuance with the sub-section (2) of section 49 read with section 112 of the Factories Act (1948) and is published as required by section 115 of the said Act. He said that Chief Welfare Officers will be entitled to a Pay Band of 15600-39100+Grade Pay-5400 and an Initial Pay of Rs.21000. While the Welfare Officer is entitled to a Pay Band of 10300-34800+Grade Pay of 5000 and an Initial Pay of Rs.18450.

Nothing in the said rules shall be deemed to prevent the grant of pay scales higher than those specified or affect the emoluments of the Chief Welfare Officers and Welfare Officers who are enjoying scales of pay higher than those specified above. These pay scales are also exclusive of dearness and other allowances payable at such rates from time to time, will be admissible to the Punjab Government Employees enjoying the same pay.

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PUNJAB APPOINTS PROF. BADUNGAR PSBCC CHAIRMAN

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 24

The Punjab Government has appointed Professor Kirpal Singh Badungar, former President Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Amritsar, as the Chairman of Punjab State Backward Classes Commission (PSBCC) Chandigarh with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman of the Punjab Government said that Prof, Badungar has taken charge of the office of Chairman and the terms and conditions of his tenure will be issued shortly.

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PUNJAB RELEASES RAKHI BUMPER- 2014

 Chandigarh, June 24:

             Punjab Government has launched Rakhi Bumper-2014. Disclosing this here today a Spokesperson said that bumper and monthly lotteries are getting big response from the people.

          Spokesperson said that 1st prizes for Rakhi Bumper 2014 is Rs 1 crore would be given out of sold tickets only.  2nd prize 100 of Rs 1 lakh each and 3rd prize 1000 of Rs 10,000 each.  4th prize 10000 of Rs. 1000 each would be given to the ticket buyers.  He said that the draw will be held on 19thAugust 2014.

The price of a single ticket of State Rakhi Bumper 2014 is Rs 100/. Spokesperson said that Punjab State Bumpers and Monthly lotteries are popular not only in the state but all over India due to its transparent system.  Spokesperson has appealed to the ticket buyers to verify the Punjab Government’s logo on the ticket before buying.

 

CM SETS UP PANEL FOR PROVIDING HYV SEEDS TO CANE FARMERS

MOVE AIMED AT INTENSIFYING CROP DIVERSIFICATION IN STATE

COMMITTEE TO WORK EXTENSIVELY FOR INCREASING AREA UNDER SUGARCANE CULTIVATION

DEDICATED FUND OF RS 1 CRORE FOR R&D IN CANE CULTIVATION ESTABLISHED

ANNOUNCES 50% SUBSIDY FOR THE PURCHASE OF CANE HARVESTERS

SUGAR MILLS OWNERS TO CONTRIBUTE 10 PAISE PER QUINTAL FOR FUNDING DRUG DE-ADDICTION INITIATIVES OF STATE GOVERNMENT

Chandigarh, June 23-

          In a move aimed at giving boost to crop diverfsication program in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod for constituting Sugarcane Research and Development (R&D) committee for providing High Yielding Varieties (HYV) of cane seeds to the farmers besides providing logistics and infra structural support to the cane growers.

          A decision regarding it was taken in a meeting of the Chief Minister with a delegation of the Sugar Mill Owners led by Chairman Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid, who called on him at his office this afternoon.

          Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister impressed upon the need for enhancing Sugarcane cultivation in the state by developing HYV of cane seeds besides introducing modern techniques of sugarcane cultivation in the state so that the cane cultivators could maximize their profits. Mr. Badal said that this committee under his Chairmanship with two representatives each of Sugar Mill owners, farmers, Punjab Government and the Agriculture experts would look into all the aspects for making the cane growing a remunerative profession in the state. Underlining the need for crop diverfsication, he said that switching over the less water intensive crops like Sugarcane and Maize would not only help in saving the only available precious natural resources of the state in terms of soil and water but would also help in bailing out the beleaguered peasantry of the state from the current agrarian crisis. 

          The Chief Minister also announced the setting up of a dedicated fund worth Rs 1 crore for carrying out R&D for cane cultivation in the state. He said that that 50% share in this fund would be contributed by the private Sugar mill owners whereas the remaining 50% would be given by the state government. Mr. Badal said that this fund would be utilized for roping in the services and expertise of eminent sugarcane experts, researchers and scientists who had proven track of rich experience in sugarcane production and sugar technology.

          In another significant decision, the Chief Minister also gave his nod to give 50% subsidy to sugar mill owners/ farmers for the purchase of cane harvesters in the state, so as to give boost to the usage of ultra modern techniques. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the state government was also in the process of providing premium quality insecticides and pesticides to the farmers, for which the negotiation with the leading companies was underway. Pertinently, the state government was already giving 50% subsidy for the purchase of implements used for sowing the crop in the state.   

          Dwelling on another issue the Chief Minister said that the state government would also upgrade the 68 Soil Laboratories across the state for imparting best facilities to the farmers. He said that these laboratories would be well equipped with the high end technology to facilitate the farmers from across the state. Mr. Badal also assured the delegation that the state government would set up an additional facility for such laboratories as per their requirement.

The Chief Minister also asked the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) to set a panel for redressal of grievances to ensure a level playing to both the cane growers and sugar mill owners as the stakeholders. He also asked the Agriculture department to initiate an awareness campaign to motivate the farmers to go for sugarcane farming in a big way as a part of state's major thrust on crop diverfsication.  

          On a demand of the delegation regarding the rationalizing the prices of Sugarcane, the Chief Minister said that the state government was already examining the report of a committee constituted by the Union government in this context. He said that the state government was committed for the overall welfare of the farmers and the sugar mill owners of the state. Regarding another demand of the sugar mill owners pertaining to the purchase tax, Mr. Badal said that the state government was also looking into this matter sympathetically. 

On the pursuance of the Chief Minister, the delegation agreed to enhance the existing cane cess from 50 paise per quintal to 60 paise per quintal and contributing the enhanced 10 paise per quintal for funding the ongoing state government's initiatives towards drug de-addiction and rehabilitation of the drug addicts in the state.  

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) Mr. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Registrar Cooperative Societies Mr. AS Miglani and Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu.

The delegation of Sugar Mill also included Rana Inder Partap Singh, Mr. Harish Pahwa, Rana Veer Partap Singh and others.    

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BADAL ASSURES OF AMICABLY RESOLVING ISSUES RAISED BY CONGRESS MLAS

CALLS UPON THEM TO PLAY A CONSTRUCTIVE ROLE FOR THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF STATE

CRITICISM FOR THE SAKE OF MERE CRITICISM WAS UNDESIRABLE BUT POSITIVE CRITICISM WAS ALWAYS WELCOMED - CM

CHANDIGARH JUNE 23:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today assured the delegation of Congress MLAs led by the leader of the opposition of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Sunil Jakhar that the state government would seriously take a call on all the issues raised by them after due deliberations with the concerned quarters for their early resolution. 

            Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal personally reached at the main gate outside his residence to receive the memorandum from Mr. Jakhar where he along with his colleagues were staging a Dharna in protest to their demands.  The Chief Minister assured that he would soon convene a detailed meeting with the concerned officers of the various departments in light of the memorandum submitted by them before taking a final decision. 

            Responding to the main demands raised by Mr. Jakhar regarding payment of cane arrears of Rs.183 crore to the farmers, rehabilitation of drug addicts presently lodged in jails, property tax and release of payments under various schemes to the SC beneficiaries, Mr. Badal impressed upon the leader of opposition in state assembly that these issues would be amicably resolved, hopefully to their satisfaction. 

            Seeking whole hearted cooperation and support from the Congress party and exhorting it to play a constructive role as opposition for effective resolution of these issues, Mr. Badal said that he always held the opposition in high esteem and expected them to play a pro-active role in the state's overall development.  The Chief Minister said that he always welcomed healthy criticism but criticism for the sake of just criticism was not only unwarranted but also deplorable, adding he said his doors of residence as well as office were ever open for them to meet him for the growth of the state and prosperity of its people. 

            The Chief Minister also apprised Mr. Jakhar that the genuine grouses of his party MLAs related to the development of their assembly segments would be sorted out in consultation with the concerned MLAs and he extended an open invitation to them to bring such issues to his notice so that they could be reasonably taken care of.  He also promised to get the issue of sub plan component for scheduled castes and payment of the pre and post matric scholarship to the SC students thoroughly examined so that the funds allocated for the welfare of weaker sections must reach to the eligible beneficiaries. 

Expressing remorse over the action of Congress MLAs to stage a sit in front of his residence, Mr. Badal said that he would have been more happy to offer them a cup of tea had they come inside his residence to discussed these issues in a better way.  Showing his inability to extend necessary courtesies at this moment, the Chief Minister extended an invitation to come some other day either in his office or residence to have lively discussion on these issues. 

Later talking to the media persons, Mr. Badal reiterated his government's zero tolerance towards the drug menace adding he said he would not spare any one from his party provided the Congress men or BJP who were making baseless allegations, must come with a tangible proof to substantiate their claims.  He categorically said that he could not take any action against someone without any proof. 

Referring to the issue of clearing the pending arrears of cane growers, Mr. Badal said that he would soon get the entire matter examined at highest level to ensure its prompt payment without any further delay. 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr.Gaggandip Singh Brar. 

Prominent amongst others who were part of the Congress MLAs delegation included PPCC President Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa.…

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ARUNVIR VASHISTA APPOINTED ADDITIONAL JUDGE

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

The Punjab Government has appointed Mr. Arunvir Vashista, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Jalandhar as Additional Judge, Designated Court, Kapurthala at Jalandhar.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that this appointment has been made in concurrence of the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court and in pursuance with the sub-section (3) of section 7, read with sub-section (4) and (5) of section 9, of the Terrorist Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, 1987 (Central Act 28 of 1987). He said that as per the notification, Mr. Vashista would replace Ms. Harpreet Kaur Randhawa, (since transferred) to exercise jurisdiction in the said designated Court.

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STATE STEERING COMMITTEE AMENDED

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

The Punjab Government has partially amended the State Steering Committee for the preparation of ‘State Level Strategy and Action Plan on Climate Change’, with the induction of Chief Secretary, Punjab or his nominee (not below the rank of Principal Secretary) as Chairman. It was disclosed by an official spokesperson of Department of Science, Technology & Environment.

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IPUNJAB DECLARES POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD ‘NODAL AGENCY’

·       POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD TO ACT AS SECRETARIAT FOR THE SEIAA & SEAC

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

The Punjab Government has declared the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) as ‘Nodal agency’ to act as a Secretariat for the ‘State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA)’ and ‘State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC)’. It was stated by an official spokesman of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment.

He said that the PPCB would provide all Secretarial, Financial and Logistic support including accommodation, transportation and such other facilities to the Committee(s) for performing all statutory functions. Besides this, sitting fee, travel allowances/dearness allowance to the Chairman and Members of the SEIAA and SEAC would also be paid by the Punjab Pollution Control Board as per rules. He further said that this decision has been taken in pursuance of the notification of Ministry of Environment and Forest, GoI.

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THANDAL SUSPENDS DSP OF CENTRAL JAIL GURDASPUR

·        TOOK ACTION ON THE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY REPORT OF IG JAIL

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Jail Minister, Punjab today suspended Balvir Singh Bisla, DSP (maintenance) deputed at Central Jail, Gurdaspur on charge of negligence and for entering into clash with jail staff.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state government said that after the reports of fight between the jail staff of central jail Gurdaspur hit the headlines, the Jail Minister immediately marked inquiry to the Mr. Jagjit Singh, Inspector General, jail. He said that in the inquiry report of Inspector General, Jail, Balvir Singh Bisla, DSP (maintenance), central jail, Gurdaspur has been found guilty of negligence from his duty and to provoke his subordinate staff to enter into physical clash with the DSP (security) Hasbans Lal. He said that the Jail Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal immediately passed order to suspend the guilty officer. 

On the other hand, Mr. Thandal issued strict advisory to the jail staff deputed across the state to discharge their duty with utmost care. He said that such kind of incidents would amount to tarnish the image of the Punjab government on one hand and increasing the moral of the jail inmates on the other hand. He said that anyone found guilty of negligence from his officially duty would be severely dealt with.

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RANIKE REITERATES COMMITMENT TO GIVE BIG PUSH TO ALLIED FARMING

HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 63 VETERINARY INSPECTORS

CHANDIGARH, JUNE, 23:

Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Punjab today reiterated the resolve of Punjab Government towards the expansion and strengthening of Allied Farming with a focus on increasing Net State Domestic Product vis-a-vis increasing rural self-employment.

Presiding over a function where he handed over appointment letters to newly selected 63 Veterinary Inspectors in Animal Husbandry Department, Mr. Ranike said that SAD-BJP government envisioned growth by promoting diversification beyond wheat-paddy cycle to bring out farmers from the debt trap besides strengthening their economy. He said it is imperative for farming community to take full advantage of the Allied sector options to achieve greater economic prosperity through cultivation of pulses, expansion of dairy related products and setting up of fish farms.

Congratulating the newly recruited inspectors, Mr. Ranike called upon them to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication in their respective fields. The Minister asked the Inspectors to join their duties immediately as they will get a month long training regarding field work including stock maintenance, Semen Banks and Polyclinics etc. so they are better equipped with practical experience.

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PRINCIPAL SECRETARY SANJAY KUMAR INAUGURATS PUNJAB AGRO JUICE BAR AT MINI SECRETARIAT PUNJAB

Chandigarh, June 23:

Mr. Sanjay Kumar Principal Secretary General Administration Punjab inaugurated the newly opened Punjab Agro Juice bar at Mini Secretariat Punjab today. Speaking at the occasion Mr. Sanjay Kumar said that such Juice bar would opened at main civil secretariat Punjab soon.  He said that Punjab Agro is providing quality products at reasonable prices to the people. He said that Punjab Government has set more than 60 juice bars in various parts of the country which include states of Uttar Pardesh, Haryana, Gujrat, Punjab and UT Chandigarh etc.  

Mr. Sanjay Kumar said that Punjab government has taken this initiative to provide employment to unemployed Youth and ex-servicemen by setting up juice bars of Punjab Agro products. He said that these Juice Bars are being setup on commission basis where products made by Punjab agro such as ready to drink juices, Sauces, Pickles Jams etc at reasonable prices.

He further said that Punjab Agro products are healthy products which are passed after testing by the Punjab Agro.

Others prominent present on the occasion included district Manger Punjab Agro Mr Raman Arora, Undersecretary General Administration Mr. Ramesh kumar, ADO- 1 Mr. Rakesh Kumar and ADO- 2 Mahinder Pal Goyal.

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PUNJAB CONSTITUTES SPECIAL SESSIONS COURTS IN EACH DISTRICT

·        COURTS CONSTITUTES FOR TRIALS OF OFFENCES UNDER NATIONAL INVESTIGATION AGENCY, ACT 2008

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

The Punjab Government has constituted special sessions courts in each district for trial of offences under National Investigation Agency Act, 2008.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Home Affairs and Justice Department of the Punjab government said that courts of Sessions Judge and first Additional Sessions Judge have been constituted with the concurrence of the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court. He said that these courts, which have been constituted in each district heard the trials of such offenses as are specified under the schedule of National Investigation Agency, Act,2008 (Central Act No. 34 of 2008). These courts would hear only those cases, which falls under their respective jurisdiction.

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PUNJAB DECLARES “PARAKARAM PADAK” AWARD FOR INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS

FOR NON-GRIEVOUS INJURIES RS. 25, 000 AND GRIEVOUS

INJURIES RS. 50, 000 WOULD BE GRANTED

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

            The Punjab Government today declared “Parakaram Padak” awards for internal security operations. The notification has been issued in this regard.

            Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of Home Affairs & Justice Department, Punjab said that the Punjab Government would grant monetary benefit to the awardees of “Parakaram Padak” who received non-grievous injuries in any type of operation or counter insurgency operation or on internal security operations. They would be granted one time monetary benefit of Rs. 25000/- with “Parakaram Padak”. He said that those receiving grievous injury/injuries would be awarded Rs. 50000/-with “Parakaram Padak” to boost the morale of police officer/officials in general and police force in particular.

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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAM

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 23:

Punjab Irrigation Department has announced rotational Program for irrigation for the Kharif Season through canal water from 23-06-2014 to 30-06-2014. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab canal, Sidhwan Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala Feeder, respectively.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Irrigation Department said that Direct Distributaries of BML, in Group A, being in the first preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group B.

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

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

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PBIP CLEARS 52 PROJECTS WITH INVESTMENT OF RS. 5180 CRORE

 (As many as 47 projects with investment of Rs 22342 crore at advanced stage of approval)

Chandigarh, June 22 : The Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (PBIP) has cleared 52 projects with an investment of Rs. 5180 crore during the last few months.

A spokesman from Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal's office here said 47 more projects worth Rs. 22342 crore were at an advanced stage of approval. Besides this, 15 projects were at a preliminary stage of approval.

Meanwhile PBIP CEO Mr. Anirudh Tewari disclosed that the Bureau had received 74 applications for setting up of different projects. He said Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has already redressed two major issues put forth by the investors during the Investment Summit held last year. These include providing 24 hours power supply and speedy clearances for projects.

Elaborating the accelerated functioning of the PBIP, Mr Tewari informed that integration of 9 administrative departments like Pollution Control Board, Power, Revenue, Forest and Agricultural Department with the bureau had enabled the State to grant all clearances within 15 days. He informed that Punjab was the first State to approve all types of clearances to the entrepreneurs within two weeks. Adding further, he said that bureau would be able to approve the projects ahead of time after launching of its online portal very shortly.

            Giving details, Mr Tewari added that IT giant Infosys had started construction of  its campus in IT city at SAS Nagar whereas setting up of Feed Plant by Cargill India at Bathinda has also got momentum after Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal laid its foundation stone in February this year. He said that land have already been allotted to ITC for setting up Food Processing Unit worth Rs. 100 crore at Kapurthala. Besides, Mahindra & Mahindra and Amity Group have also signed an agreement to establish world class universities at Edu-City in New Chandigarh.

Mr Tewari informed that to provide high speed internet services in Punjab, especially in villages, Reliance Jio and Airtel would provide 4G services with Rs. 4000 crore, out of which Rs. 250 crore has also been invested by the Airtel for expansion of network in the initial stage. EOM

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DRUG ADDICTS COMING FOR TREATMENT ARE BEING PROVIDED FREE MEDICINES AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS

·        FREE MEDICINES PROVIDED AS PER THE GUIDELINES OF THE PGIMER CHANDIGARH

·        IF ANYONE CHARGES FOR PRESCRIBED FREE MEDICINES, REPORT TO THE SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE HEATH DEPARTMENT

Chandigarh, June 22:

Punjab government has made it clear that all patients attending the OPDs for de-addiction treatment at all Community Health Centres, Sub District hospitals and District hospitals are being provided free medicines during the special de-addiction campaign going on in the state.

Official Spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that as it has been mentioned in certain section of the media that the families of drug addict have to pay for no free treatment, It is clarified that no money is being charged for medicines for the treatment of the drug addicts.

Spokesperson said that the list of medicines to be provided free of cost are as per the guidelines and recommendations of the PGIMER Chandigarh, which is attached for your kind reference. It is further clarified that at no given time, instructions regarding waiver of fee for OPD slips or admission/indoor fee were passed by the authorities. It is also clarified that the indoor patient fee at the Drug De-addiction Centers is for the food and other facilities and all the medicines are free.

He further said that even then, if anyone finds any case of prescribed drugs being purchased by the patients or their families, they are requested to kindly bring into the notice of senior officials of the health department immediately.

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WARDS OF LABOURERS TO RIDE FREE CYCLES IN PUNJAB

·       SPECIAL DRIVE TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN FOR EDUCATION

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 22:

 The Punjab Government today kick started a special scheme to provide free cycles to the children of construction workers. Children of all those labourers who are registered with the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board would be eligible to avail this benefit. This scheme is different from the one launched by Social Security, Women and Child Development Department.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat, Labour Welfare Minister, Punjab said that this scheme covers only the registered labourers’ children, both boys and girls, who are studying from class 9th to 12th who have also been awarded scholarships from the Board. However, these cycles are a onetime benefit which can be availed only once throughout the four years of study.

He further said that the workers would only become beneficiaries if they have been registered labourers with the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for a minimum duration of one year and has been regularly paying the membership fees of the Board during the same.

Mr. Bhagat appealed to labourers across Punjab to register with the Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board to benefit from the multiple welfare schemes launched by the Punjab Government.

He added that the process of becoming a beneficiary of this scheme has been simplified and does not involve getting approval from Sub Division Level or Deputy Commissioner but just one from the Assistant Labour Commissioner.

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280 TUBEWELLS COSTING RS. 130 CRORE SET TO IRRIGATEKANDI AREAS BY MARCH;15

·       PROJECT TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 2015

Chandigarh, June 22:

       The installation process of 280 tube wells in Kandi Areas by Punjab government has been put on fast track and this ambitious project entailing financial outlay of Rs. 130.06 crore is all set to change the economic profile of backward Kandi area by March 2015. The completion of this project would rejuvenate the whole irrigation network of this backward area by providing better irrigation facilities to the farmers.  

        Disclosing this here today, Irrigation Minister, Punjab Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said that the Punjab Government have already issued approvals for 45 tube well connections whereas 183 tube wells have been drilled and 171 tube wells have been repaired till 31st May, 2014. He said that the Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation is providing enhanced irrigation facilities in various parts of the state.

        Mr. Dhillon revealed that corporation was already in process  of expediting the process of more than 1500 tube wells out of which 650 were installed in kandi areas and 850 were in non-kandi area. He added that tubewells were irrigating 1.90 lakh acres of land Rs. 1 per unit cost in the Kandi area and Rs. 1.60 in terms of electricity consumption.

        Mr. Dhillon further added that state government is committed to provide adequate irrigation facility to the farmers of the state and emphasized on the proper implementation of policies and schemes of the government.

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CENTRE SHOULD PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO MAKE CROP DIVERSIFICATION A SUCCESS IN PUNJAB: JATHEDAR TOTA SINGH

·        PUNJAB ASKS CENTRE TO START INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FOR EXPORT OF VEGETABLES & FRUITS

·        ALSO DEMANDS REVIVAL OF AMRITSAR - LONDON FLIGHT

·        PUNJAB TO SET UP PERMANENT CARGO AT AMRITSAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

·        MEGA FOOD PARK AT LADOWAL NEAR PHILLAUR TO BE SET UP WITH THE COST OF 130 CRORE

·        ABOHAR & HOSHIARPUR FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS WORKING AT FULL SWING

Chandigarh, June 22:

 Punjab Government to send a comprehensives plan to the central Government to start International flights from Punjab so that fruits and vegetables could be exported to other countries. Disclosing this here today Punjab Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh said that agriculture diversification could be successful in the state if farmers get good value for their produce. He said that centre should provide financial assistance for storage, marketing and transportation facilities of perishable crops to make crop diversification a success in the state.

Agriculture Minister said that international flight from Amritsar to London has been closed due to which export of vegetables has also suffered a lot. He has also asked the centre for revival of this flight which could be great support for export of vegetables.

Minister said that Punjab Government to submit a detailed report to the centre to attract farmers towards agriculture diversification which would include marketing strategy, storage facilities and transportation facilities for the diversified crops.

Minister talking about the exploitation of farmers by the private companies in the name of contract farming said that these companies backtrack when there is bumper crop production. He said that Punjab Government would make strict laws to check such frauds with the farmers.  

Minister said that proposal to establish permanent cargo at Amritsar International Airport has been sent to Airport Authority of India for providing land for the expansion of the existing temporary cargo into permanent cargo. He added that Punjab Government has also prepared a proposal for establishing ultra modern permanent cargo at International Airport, Chandigarh.

Jathedar Tota Singh said that Punjab Government has prepared a proposal for establishing the Mega Food Park at Ladowal near Phillaur which would soon be submitted to the Central Food Processing Ministry headed by Mrs Harsimrat kaur Badal. He said that total cost of this project would be 130 Crores out of which centre would contribute Rs 50 Crores.

Earlier in the day Mr. Kahan Singh Pannu MD Punjab Agro met Agriculture Minister and briefed him about the projects being carried out by the department to attract farmers for agriculture diversification. Mr. Pannu also briefed the Minister that Abohar & Hoshiarpur Food processing plants which were closed from last few years are now working at full swing.  He said that Minister has asked him to make specific plans for each diversified crop which could be implemented in the state. 

 

PUNJAB GOVT. EXTENDS LAST DATE FOR ADMISSION TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS TO JUNE 30

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 21-

          Punjab Govt has extended the last date for admission to ‘Senior Secondary Residencial Schools For Meritorious Students` from June 21 to June 30.

          A spokesperson of the Govt Said that all the students of Government Schools having 80 percent of above marks in matriculation of 2013-14 session are eligible for the admission and may contact their respective school principals for following the admisision procedure.

          These schools have been set up at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Jalandhar and Mohali and first session to commence from July 1, 2014.

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8 IPS OFFICERS TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 21:

The Punjab Government today transferred 8 IPSofficers with immediate effect.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Ishwar Singh, IPS has been transferred and posted as IGP-cum-Director, State Narcotic Control Bureau         (Camp at Jalandhar), in addition IGP, Training PPA Phillaur and in addition IGP, Internal Vigilance Cell, Pb., Chd, Mr. Jitendra Kumar Jain, IPS posted as IGP, Intelligence & Counter Intelligence, Bathinda and in addition IGP, Vigilance, Mr. Parveen Kumar Sinha, IPS posted as IGP-cum-Director SSG, PB., Chd., C M Security, Mr. Pramod Ban, IPS posted as Commissioner Police Ludhiana.       He further said thatMr. R.K. Jaiswal, IPS posted as DIG, Int-2 & in addition DIG, Ropar Range, Mr. Mohnish Chawla, IPS posted as DIG, Ferozepur Range (CDC), Mr. AS Chahal, IPS posted as DIG, Bathinda Range (CDC) and Mr. Yurinder Singh, IPS posted as DIG, Ludhiana Range (CDC).

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SUSHMA SWARAJ CALLS UP CM

INFORMS THAT ALL THE PUNJABIS TRAPPED IN IRAQ WERE SAFE

NO OBJECTION IF ANY LEADER ACCOMPANIES ME TO NEW DELHI FOR MEETING PM AND OTHER MINISTERS- BADAL

CONGRESS TRYING TO DIVIDE SIKHS BY CONSTITUTING SEPARATE BODY FOR MANAGING GURUDWARAS IN HARYANA

REITERATES FIRM COMMITMENT TO ERADICATE DRUGS FROM STATE

REQUISITE ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR SUPPLYING POWER DURING CURRENT PADDY SEASON

SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Raniwala (Lambi), June 21

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that all the Punjabis stuck in the strife torn Iraq were safe adding that the state government was constantly in touch with the Government of India (GoI) to ensure the safe and prompt return of these sons of the soil.  

Talking to the media persons during Sangat Darshan Program of the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the Union External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj had telephonically informed him today morning that all the Punjabis, who were struck in Iraq were totally safe. He said that the state government was keeping a close liaison with Centre government regarding the well being of these Punjabis. Mr. Badal said that this was a very serious issue due to which every Punjabi was concerned about their brethren trapped in Iraq. “Allthe people, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, social and Religious organizations and Panchayats across the state should pray before the Almighty God for the well-being and safe return of Punjabi youth, who were trapped in Iraq” he added.

Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance was very firm and both the parties were enjoying cordial relationship adding that no one should have any doubt regarding it. He said that as a head of the state, every Chief Minister could meet the Prime Minister and Union Ministers at any time, as the sole motive of these meetings was to ensure the welfare and development of the state. However, Mr. Badal said that he has no objection if any leader accompanies him to such meetings in New Delhi.  

Slamming the Congress government in Haryana for its proposal to constitute separate body for the management of Gurudwara affairs in the state, the Chief Minister said that this move was in accordance to age long policy of the Congress party to divide and rule. He said that by initiating this step Congress was again trying to divide the Sikh community, which would not be tolerated at any cost. Mr. Badal said that the SGPC was the supreme body of the Sikhs, which came into existence after countless sacrifices and none would be allowed to bifurcate it. “The countrymen have rejected the divisive policies of the Congress party but its leadership has not learnt any lesson from it” he added.

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to make Punjab a drug free state, the Chief Minister sought the proactive support of people for this noble cause. He said that the village Panchayats should also play a pivotal role in eradicating this menace from the state, so that a healthy and drug free Punjab could be constituted. Mr. Badal said that the state government has declared a war against drugs by setting up drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers across the state where the drug addicts were given treatment free of cost.

Replying to a query regarding power supply in the state, the Chief Minister said that requisite arrangements have been made to supply uninterrupted powers to the farmers during the ongoing paddy season. However, he further said that due to scorching heat if there was some major difference between the demand and supply of power then immediate arrangements would be made for coping up with the situation.

Earlier addressing the public gatherings during Sangat Darshan in Midda, Mohlaan, Ratta Tibba, Karam Patti, Raniwala, Kattian wali, Pakki Tibbi and Kabar wala villages, the Chief Minister thanked the people for supporting the SAD-BJP candidate in the recently concluded general elections. He also exhorted the people to plant a tree and ensure its proper upkeep.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman Punjab Agro Food grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Director SC BC Welfare Mr. Paramjeet Singh and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh.  

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MAJOR REPRIEVE TO THE DISTRESSED FAMILIES OF PUNJABIS TRAPPED IN IRAQI CIVIL WAR

BADAL DECIDES TO REIMBURSE ENTIRE EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY THEM ON MAKING PHONE CALLS

ASKS DCs TO EXTEND FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO THE TORMENTED FAMILIES IN THIS HOUR OF CRISIS

STATE GOVERNMENT KEEPING A CLOSE EYE OVER THE ENTIRE MATTER

ENSURE SAFE AND PROMPT RELEASE OF EVERY INDIAN FROM IRAQ WITHOUT INDULGING IN TECHNICAL LEGALITIES: CM URGES GoI

Chandigarh, June 21-

          In a major reprieve to the distressed families of the Punjabis stuck up in strife torn Iraq, the state government has decided to reimburse the entire expenses incurred by them on making phone calls to enquire about their well being in this hour of crisis.  

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that knowing well that frequent international calls being made by the panic stricken family members of trapped persons was a costly affair, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has decided that the state government would repay this entire expenditure incurred by them on making these calls. Mr. Badal has directed the state government officers/ officials to take the necessary steps to ensure that every single penny spent on this must be repaid to the distressed families immediately after they submit their valid claims regarding it to the concerned authorities.

          The Chief Minister has also decided that the state government would bear the entire expenditure of bringing the trapped persons back to their homely safely. He had also conveyed this matter to the Union External Affairs Ministry for ensuring the safe and prompt return of the Punjabis from Iraq to their motherland. Mr. Badal who was in constant touch with the Union External Affairs Ministry over this issue has also impressed upon the Government of India (GoI) to ensure that every Indian in general and Punjabi in particular must be safely evacuated from Iraq, regardless of possessing valid travel documents/ immigration papers.

Expressing satisfaction over the initiatives taken by the GoI on its part to ensure the return of Punjabis from Iraq, the Chief Minister hoped that these efforts would help in saving their precious lives. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also directed all the Deputy Commissioners to extend all possible help and cooperation to the tormented families in this moment of severe crisis so as to assuage their bruised feelings. Mr. Badal and the entire state government machinery was keeping a close tab over the entire matter to bail out to the Punjabis stuck up in Iraqi civil war, added the spokesperson.  

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CONTROL ROOM RECEIVES DETAILS OF MORE THAN 514 PUNJABIS STUCK IN IRAQ 

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 21:

            The Punjab Government today submitted a detailed report of more than 514 Punjabis stuck in strife torn Iraq to the External Affairs Ministry, GOI that has received in Punjab Civil Control Room.

            Disclosing this Jathedar Tota Singh Punjab, NRI Affairs Minister said that Punjabis in Iraq are safe but the Central Government should arrange their safe exit as soon as possible because conditions in Iraq are worsening day by day.

The NRI Affairs Minister Minister said that Punjabis who were contacted control room from Iraq informed that they are safe their but wanted to return to India therefore Government of India should speed up the efforts for safe evacuation of Punjabis form Iraq.

He said that till 6.00 pm today more than 514 families had rang up in the control room giving the details about their relatives. He said that some Punjabis from Iraq have also provided information about their whereabouts in Iraq which is being sent to the Union External Affairs Ministry. Minister said that control room numbers are regularly being flashed on the various TV channels and social media and Internet sites are also helpful in spreading the information of control room numbers.

The NRI Affairs Minister said that meanwhile, senior officials from the Punjab Government are coordinating with the External Affairs Ministry and Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is in regular touch with Mrs. Sushma Swaraj for safe return of Punjabis from Iraq.  

He said that total information collected by the control room included; 36 persons from Gurdaspur, 15 from SBS Nagar, 40 from Jalandhar, 35 from Patiala, 224 from Hoshiarpur, 35 from Kapurthala, 10 from Ludhiana, 7 from Barnala, 37 from Ropar, 5 from Pathankot, 13 from Fatehgarh Sahib, 39 from Amritsar, 3 from Bathinda, 1 from Moga, 8 from SAS Nagar, 3 from Tarn Taran, 2 from Faridkot and 1 from Sangrur district.

 

FIRST UNIT OF TALWANDI SABO THERMAL PLANT STARTS PRODUCTION IN FULL CAPACITY

POWERCOM fully geared up to meet the anticipated demand of 10,000 MW
TSPL contributing 660 MW of power to the national grid
POWERCOM to launch helpline for consumers on the pattern of 181

Chandigarh, June 20 : Punjab is set to be power cut free with the first unit of the 1980 MW Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL) becoming operational and adding 660 MW to the national grid. Besides this, POWERCOM has already tied up power from all available sources to meet the anticipated demand of 10,000 MW (2200 LUs) per day during the month of June and July 2014.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman  said earlier the first unit of the 700 MW super-critical (2x700 MW) Rajpura thermal power plant had also became operational on trial bases. Besides that the third power project- GVK’s Goindwal plant will be operational very shortly as the coal supply issue have been resolved.

 It may be mentioned here that TSPL will provide cheapest power to the state for years to come. This largest and green power plant in the state has added more than 12 million units of power yesterday itself.

The spokesman said  Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also Power Minister, had already directed all the chief engineers to provide un-interrupted and good quality power supply to all categories of consumers. He said Mr Badal has also directed PSPCL Chairman K D Choudhari to set up round the clock single dedicated helpline from next week on the lines of 181 to redress the grievances of consumers.

He also informed that, on the personal intervention of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, the Union Ministry of Power had also acceded to the State's request and issued a notification asking Coal India Ltd to sign Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA) to include the Unit-1 of Talwandi Sabo TPP and Unit-1 of Rajpura TPP for 2013-14 besides Talwandi Sabo TPP unit-2 & 3 and Rajpura TPP Unit-2 for 2014-15. Earlier, the Union Power Ministry had not included fuel linkage and signing of FSA for Talwandi Sabo Unit-2 & 3 and Rajpura unit-2 in the year 2014-15 and had pushed them to 2015-16.

The spokesman said this additional power production would prove to be a landmark achievement at this crucial stage especially in the wake of ever increasing demand of power during the predicted monsoon deficit summer and paddy season.

Adding further he said that PSPCL is fully geared up to provide regular and uninterrupted power supply to all categories of consumers during the paddy season. Regarding availability of Power, PSPCL has already tied up power from all available sources to meet the anticipated demand of 10,000 MW (2200 LUs) per day during the month of June and July 2014.

He informed that in addition to state owned thermal and hydel plants, which were generating to its full capacity, Corporation has tied up short term power to the tune of 1315 MW for the month of June and 1350 MW for the month of July, 2014. EOM

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CS orders vigilance inquiry into the role of agents in driving license formation

*Accountant of Suwidha centre charge sheeted

*Made surprise visits at offices in Ludhiana

Chandigarh/Ludhiana, 20 June (000)-The Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab Mr. Survesh  Kaushal has ordered a vigilance inquiry in to the role of agents in the issuance of Driving Licences at Suwidha Centre and District Transport Office, Ludhiana after finding many loopholes in the whole official process during a surprise check in morning today.

In the continuation of surprise checks at Civil secretariat, Chandigarh , Mr. Kaushal today visited Suwidha centre and District Transport Office in Morning at9.15 am, where it was found that agents were playing a role in the formation of driving licenses after taking huge money from masses. During the checking many agents left the scene after leaving more than 60 filled forms to make licenses. On the order of Chief Secretary all these forms have been seized, on which the CS has marked a vigilance inquiry. Mr. Kaushal has also issued a warning to the District Transport Officer, Mr. Anil Garg to put his house in order immediately or face the strict departmental and criminal action by the Punjab Government.

On the complaint of an applicant regarding the non availability of revenue stamps in suwidha centre, CS has ordered to issue charge sheet to accountant of the suwidha centre. Mr. Kausha has also asked the ADC (Development) to regularly monitor the functioning of Suwidha centre so the common man should not face any difficulty.
Later, Civil Surgeon office was also checked by the Chief Secretary where all official works running smoothly. Civil Surgeon has also briefed the Chief Secretary about the progress of drug de-addiction centers in Ludhiana district. Talking to media persons, Mr. Kaushal said that surprise checks would be done in other district also and all efforts would be made to provide citizen services to common man in a hassle free manner under the Right to Service act. Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat aggarwal and Director Governance Reforms Mrs. Kavita Singh were also present on the occasion.

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CONTROL ROOM RECEIVES DETAILS OF MORE THAN 200 PUNJABIS STUCK IN IRAQ

 ·        PUNJABIS IN IRAQ ALSO PROVIDING DETAILS TO THE CONTROL ROOM

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

                                       The Punjab Government today submitted a detailed report of more than 200 Punjabis stuck in strife torn Iraq to the External Affairs Ministry, GOI. Punjabis from Iraq also rang up today at control room established by the Punjab Government at Chandigarh and gave details about their locations. Disclosing this Jathedar Tota Singh Punjab NRI Affairs Minister said that Punjabis in Iraq are safe but the Central Government should arrange their safe exit as soon as possible because conditions in Iraq is worsening day by day.

Minister said that Punjabis who contacted control room from Iraq informed that they are safe their but want to return to India therefore Government of India should speed up the efforts for safe evacuation of Punjabis form Iraq.

He said that till 5.00 pm today more than 200 families had rang up in the control room giving the details about their relatives. He said that some Punjabis from Iraq have also provided information about their whereabouts in Iraq which is being sent to the Union External Affairs Ministry. Minister said that control room numbers are regularly being flashed on the various TV channels and social media and Internet sites are also helpful in spreading the information of control room numbers. He said that yesterday 78 people contacted control room to provide the information of their relatives and today till 5.00 pm more than 122 people sent the information about the people stuck in Iraq which include calls from Iraq also.

NRI Affairs Minister said that meanwhile, senior officials from the Punjab Government are coordinating with the External Affairs Ministry and Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal is in regular touch with Mrs. Sushma Swaraj for safe return of Punjabis from Iraq.  

He said that total information collected by the control room includes; 22 persons from Gurdaspur, 7 from SBS Nagar, 29 from Jalandhar, 6 from Patiala, 13 from Hoshiarpur, 28 from Kapurthala, 9 from Ludhiana, 3 from Barnala, 34 from Ropar, 5 from Pathankot, 12 from Fatehgarh Sahib, 23 from Amritsar, 1 from Bathinda, 1 from Moga, 5 from SAS Nagar, and 1 from Tarn Taran district.

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GoI MAKING ALL OUT EFFORTS TO BRING BACK THE ABDUCTED YOUTH FROM IRAQ – BADAL

CM ANNOUNCES TO DOUBLE THE CAPACITY OF ABOHAR JUICE PROCESSING UNIT

CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO JOIN STATE GOVERNMENT’S DRUG DE-ADDICTION MISSION

PUNJAB TO BE DEVELOPED AS FOOD PROCESSING MODEL IN THE COUNTRY - HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL

 FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY WOULD CONTROL INFLATION AND ENHANCE INCOME OF THE FARMERS – UNION MINISTER FOOD PROCESSING

 SARAWAN BODLA (SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB) JUNE 20:

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said that the NDA government at the Centre would make all out efforts at various diplomatic levels to ensure the safe home coming of the Punjabi youth abducted in Iraq. 

          Mr. Badal was addressing the media persons on the sidelines of a series of rallies organized in the Lambi assembly constituency to express gratitude to the people for electing Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal as their representative in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.  Mr. Badal said that he had met Union External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj along with the family members of the abducted youth in New Delhi on Thursday and Mrs. Sushma Swaraj had given assurance for the safe home coming of all the hostage Punjabi youths in Iraq by rebels. 

          On this occasion, Mr. Badal said that to boost the vegetable and fruit production in the state, the Punjab government had already established a Juice Processing Unit in Abohar and now after its successful operation decided to double its capacity.    He further said that it would enhance the profitability of vegetables and fruit growers of the state especially the Kinow growers in this area.   Replying to another query of a media person, Mr. Badal said that the state government had already initiated a project to tackle the menace of Water Logging in the south-west districts of the state.  With the completion of this project, the problem of water logging would be completely eradicated, claimed Mr. Badal

          Earlier, addressing the rally, the Chief Minister while felicitating the people of 35 villages for their fulsome support to the SAD Candidate during recently concluded parliamentary elections, said that he had special regards for this constituency.  He further said that he would continuously  keep on organizing Sangat Darshans in Lambi and across the state to sought out the grievances of the people and relentlessly keep on working for the overall development of the state.  On this occasion, he also urged the people to join hands with the state government in its anti-drug campaign to make Punjab a drug free state.  He also said that state government was fully committed to provide all types of help to the addicts for their detoxification treatment and rehabilitation. 

          On this occasion while talking to media persons, Union Food Processing Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that today the state of Gujarat has been emerged as a model state in the country but in next five years Punjab would be developed as a model state in the field food processing sector. She said a large quantity of food produced particularly vegetables and fruits had gone waste every year due to inadequate storage and food processing facilities, besides improper marketing arrangements. For the development of Food Processing sector a new policy would be introduced soon to make elaborate arrangements for the consumption of particular produce at the nearest points where it grows.  She further mentioned that in the milk production sector a comprehensive plan would also be chalked out on the pattern of Gujarat’s Amul model.   

          Criticizing the policies and programs of the previous Congress led UPA government, she said that they had not only left the coffer empty but also made the country a debt ridden. 

          Prominent those who were present on the occasion included Chairman Punjab Agro Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Deputy Commissioner Jaskiran Singh and SSP Kuldeep Singh Chahal. 

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24X7 COMPLAINT CENTERS SET UP BY PSPCL

·        DC’s TO MONITOR 8 HOUR POWER SUPPLY TO FARMERS

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20

          The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has set up 24X7 nodal complaint centers in each division for the convenience of consumers. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of Punjab Government said that consumers are requested to register electricity supply related complaints or obtain Power Supply related information from phone numbers of concerned Area/Sub Division.

          He further said that the State Government has ordered Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor whether farmers are receiving the allocated 8 hours power supply for paddy season. In case discrepancies are identified, they have to submit a report to the State Government. The Punjab Government is committed to ensure farmers receive uninterrupted power supply in this designated duration to facilitate maximization of crop production.

In case consumers face any difficulty in registration of complaint or their complaint is not attended to, they can contact Senior Executive Engineer of the concerned area. If any complaint is not registered/not attended to/relevant information regarding electric supply is not provided, consumers can contact central control room established at the Head Office, Patiala on 96461-21458, 96461-21459, 0175-2208509, 0175-2218801 or via email at pspcl.controlroom@gmail.com, In addition, he said that consumers of Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Bathinda cities can also register their complaints on 0161-5055510.

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INTERVIEW FOR FACULTY OF RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS STARTS FROM JUNE 21

·        CLASSES WILL START FROM JULY 1

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

          Punjab Government has declared interview schedule for qualified candidates for various posts of Principals and Lecturers to be appointed at 6 residential schools of state. The interviews would be conducted from June 21 to 24 in the office of DGSE (Director General of School Education) at Mohali. It was disclosed by an Official Spokesman of the Punjab Government in a press communiqué released here today.

          He said that Staff for 11th and 12th standard would be hired on contract basis. He added, “This initiative of state Government would provide quality education amenities to poor students who had scored more than 80% in their matriculation examination. These schools are located at 6 districts including Patiala, Bathinda, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Mohali. He further added that detailed information regarding the recruitment process can be accessed from the official websitewww.educationrecruitmentboard.com

          “Residential schools would have smart classrooms equipped with latest techniques of teaching and learning through e-content”, he said while revealing the basic structure of these schools. In addition, the admission process has been started and classes will begin from July 1, 2014.

          He further said that classes for Medical, Non Medical and Commerce streams would be commenced in these schools along with English Speaking and Personality Development Courses for the overall development of students in today’s competitive world. Hostel facilities will also be provided free of cost to students by the state government

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MALUKA SUSPENDS SDO SANGRUR FOR FINANCIAL IRREGULARITIES

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20

The Rural Development and Panchayat Minister of Punjab Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today ordered the suspension the Sub-Divisional officers Mr. Ranjit Singh posted at Sangrur who also holds the charge of Executive Engineer with immediate effect for alleged financial irregularities in the utilization of grants. His headquarter during suspension has been fixed at Chandigarh. 

Taking a serious note of complaints received against Mr,. Ranjit Singh, the Minister has also ordered an inquiry against Mr. Ranjit Singh by the 2 member inquiry committee comprising Senior Executive Engineers.

However, the Minister has also said that there would be zero tolerance for corrupt practices in the department and all officials should use the grants in an honest and transparent manner strictly according to the terms and conditions of the Punjab Government. 

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ALL PUNJAB VEHICLES TO HAVE HIGH SECURITY PLATES IN AUGUST, 2014

 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

 

The Punjab Government has put the task of installation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on old vehicles on high pace. Disclosing this here today State Transport Commissioner Mr. Prithi Chand  said that earlier the installation of High Security Registration Plates schedule was May, 2014 but a majority of people could not comply the orders.

          He further said that as per the schedule the dead line has now fixed on August 31, 2014. He said that in the pursuance of orders of the Hon'be Supreme Court any vehicle on road without High Security Registration Plates was illegal.

Mr. Prithi Chand appealed to the general public to ensure installation of plates on their vehicles failing which they have to face legal action in the form of  challans and  impound of vehicle.

          He further said that the receipt of the acknowledgment would be valid for 20 days only after that period the fee would be forfeited and owner would have to apply afresh.

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PATIALA ASSEMBLY SEAT DECLARED VACANT

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

            Patiala Assembly seat has been declared vacant by the Secretary of Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

            Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of Punjab State Assembly said that the seat is confirmed vacant as the incumbent MLA Capt. Amrinder Singh has resigned from this assembly seat no: -115 after winning the Parliamentry election from Amritsar constituency.

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DEPARTMENTAL EXAMINATION OF IAS/PCS OFFICERS FROM JUNE 25, 2014

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

The Punjab Government has announced the date sheet for the next departmental examination of IAS/PCS officer, who has joined service before January 1, 2014. The examination would commence from June 25 to 28, 2014 and would be held at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MAGSIPA), Sector-26, Chandigarh in two shifts i.e. from 9.00 am to 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

An official spokesperson of the Personnel Department said that as per the date sheet, on June 25, the exam of Criminal Law (1st paper) would be held in morning session and 2nd paper in the evening session, 3rd paper of Criminal Law (Including Jails) in morning session on June 26 and Civil Law and Hindi (Including oral test) in evening session on the same day. He said that on June 27, exam of Revenue Law 1st paper & Local Government Law and Civil Law would be held in morning and evening shifts, respectively and on June 28; exam of Revenue Law 2nd paper would be held in the morning shift and Financial Rules in the evening shift.

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 PUNJAB NOTIFIES REGIONAL AND TOWN PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD

·        EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ALSO FORMED TO EXPEDITE THE DISPOSAL OF CASES BEING REFERRED TO BOARD

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

The Punjab Government has notified the ‘Punjab Regional and Town Planning & Development Board’. This board will look after the issues relating to Master Plans/Regional Plans. Punjab Chief Minister would be the chairman of the board.

It was disclosed by an official spokesperson of Housing and Urban Development Department. He said as the board is loaded with onerous duties, therefore, in order to expedite the disposal of the cases being referred to the board and to ensure efficient discharge of functions, an ‘Executive Committee’ has also constituted, In which, Chief Secretary, Punjab has been inducted as Chairman, while Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Principal Secretary to CM, Secretary/Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Secretary/Principal Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayat, Secretary/Principal Secretary, Local Government, Secretary/Principal Secretary, Environment, Secretary/Principal Secretary, PWD (B&R), Secretary/Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Secretary/Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development would be the member of the committee. He said that Director, Town and Country Planning would be the Convener Member of the committee.

He further said that the Executive Committee has assigned the duty to grant approval to the Administrative Department for minor amendments of Master Plans/Regional Plans to be notified for the information of general public under 77 or 65 as the case may be and to grant approval to the Administrative Department for ‘major amendments of Master Plans/Regional Plans for publication in newspaper for inviting objections from general public under section 76 or 66 as the case may be. However, in both of the aforesaid situations, the cases shall be presented before the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Board for its ex-post facto approval. He said that the final power to approve amendments in Master Plan/Regional Plan would be that of the Board.

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PUNJAB STATE ELECTION COMMISSION ALLOTS ELECTION SYMBOLS FOR MC CANDIDATES

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

The Punjab State Election Commission has allotted the election symbols to the various political parties for the Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats and Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads election. Notification in this regard has been issued.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the State Election Commission said that this action has been taken in pursuance of Rule 33 of the Punjab Municipal Election Rules, 1994 and Rule 8 of Punjab Panchayat Election Rules, 1994. He said that now all previous notifications regarding publication of list of symbols to be used for Municipal and Panchayat elections would be deemed to have been superseded with effect from the date of issue of this notification.

He said that as per the new publication of symbol allotment, in the category of National Parties; symbol Elephant has been given to Bahujan Samaj Party, Lotus to Bhartiya Janta Party, Ears of Corn and Sickle to Communist Party of India, Hammer Sickle and Star to Communist Party of India (Marxist), Hand to Indian National Congress and symbol Clock has been given to Nationalist Congress Party.

He further said that in State Parties category; Scales symbols has been given to Shiromani Akali Dal, while 87 symbols have been assigned as free, which includes; Almirah, Air Conditioner, Auto-Rickshaw, Ballon, Basket containing Fruits, Bat, Batsman, Battery Torch, Belt, Black Board, Bottle, Bread, Brief Case, Brush, Bucket, Cake, Calculator, Camera, Candles, Carom Board, Carpet, Carrot, Cauliflower, Ceiling Fan, Chappals, Chess Board, Coat, Coconut, Cot, Cup & Saucer, Cutting Pliers, Dao, Diesel Pump, Dish Antenna, Dolli, Electric Pole, Envelop, Flute, Frock, Frying Pan, Funnel, Gas Cylinder, Gas Stove, Glass Tumbler, Grapes, Green Chilli, Harmonium, Hat, Helmet, Hockey and ball, Ice Cream, Iron, Kettle, Kite, Lady Purse, Letter Box, Mixer, Nail Cutter, Neck Tie, Pen Nib with Seven Rays, Pen Stand, Pencil Sharpener, Plate Stand, Pot, Pressure Cooker, Razor, Refrigerator, Ring, Saw, School Bag, Scissors, Sewing Machine, Shuttle, Slate, stethoscope, stool, Table, Table Lamp, Telephone, Television, Tent, Tooth Brush, Trumpet, Violin, Walking Stick, Whistle and Window.

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REDDY APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF PUNGRAIN

 

·         PUNJAB GOVERNMENT NOTIFIES APPOINTMENT

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 20:

The Punjab Government has appointed Mr. D.P. Reddy, IAS as a Director on the Board of Directors of Punjab State Grains Procurement Corporation Limited (PUNGRAIN) with immediate effect i.e. from the date of joining in place of Mr. Satish Chandra, IAS, since he has been transferred and ceased to be Director on the Board of Directors of PUNGRAIN. Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson said that notification in this regard has been issued.

 

CM SEEKS IIM AND WORLD CLASS CENTRAL UNIVERSITY FOR AMRITSAR

ASKS GOI TO SHARE 50% OF RECURRING AND NON RECURRING COSTS TO SCHEME FOR MERITORIOUS STUDENTS 
SMRITI IRANI ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION FOR RESOLVING ALL PENDING ISSUES ON TOP PRIORITY

New Delhi, June 19, 2014

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the personal intervention of Union Human Resource Development Minister Mrs. Smriti Zubin Irani to establish Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and World Class Central University at Amritsar for offering huge opportunities of higher education to the Punjabi youth for their gainful employment.

The Chief Minister, who called on Mrs. Irani at her office in Shastri Bhawan this evening, apprised her about the state’s spectacular performance especially in school education which too has been hugely lauded by Government of India (GoI). Under the grant in aid scheme to the meritorious schools, Mr. Badal requested the Union Minister for sharing 50% of the non recurring and recurring costs of the state run scheme to impart free education in 11th and 12th standard to the students who secured 80% or more marks in class 10th in the specially established six residential schools across the state. The total investment incurred on these schools was Rs 150 crore and the annual recurring expenditure would be Rs 45 crore.         

 The Chief Minister also impressed upon Mrs. Irani to relax the ‘distance condition’ to the extent of 3 KM instead of 5-7 KM subject to village population norm of 3000. He also demanded that the schools once covered under RMSA grant should be reconsidered for additional infra structure on need basis.   Mr. Badal also sought upward revision in various components of Sarv Sikhya Abhyan besides granting powers to the states to make need based changes viz. Primary school grant should be Rs 5000 to Rs 10000, upper Primary School Rs 7000 to Rs 14000 and Uniform grant from Rs 400 to Rs 800.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also pleaded for leaving the civil component of the plan under SSA and RMSA at the disposal of the state government. He also sought the upward revision of the norms under the mid day meal scheme from Rs 3.59 to Rs 5 per child for Primary student and from Rs 5 to Rs 7 for upper primary students. Mr. Badal mentioned that nearly 19 lakh children in Punjab were covered under this scheme and these norms must be suitably revised to meet the enhanced cooking costs.

Responding to the demands raised by the Chief Minister, Mrs. Irani said that she would get all the issues involved in today’s meeting thoroughly examined in a meeting of her Ministry’s Secretaries along with the officers of school/ higher education before taking a final decision on them.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Ministers Mr. Daljeet Singh Cheema and Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary School Education Mrs. Anjali Bhanwra and Principal Secretary Higher Education Dr. Roshan Sunkaria besides the Secretary School Education and Languages GoI Mr. R Bhattacharya. 

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CM SEEKS EXTENSION OF EASTERN FREIGHT CORRIDOR UPTO ATTARI

        MEETS UNION INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE MINISTER

        BRING ITEMS EXPORTED TO PAKISTAN THROUGH WAGAH-ATTARI LAND ROUTE AT PAR WITH THOSE EXPORTED THROUGH MUMBAI-KARACHI SEA ROUTE

        BATS FOR OPENING OF HUSSAINIWALA AND FAZILKA BORDERS

        SEEKS SPECIAL ECONOMIC PACKAGE FOR THE STATE

        SITHARAMAN ASSURES TO SET UP HEAVY INDUSTRIAL UNIT IN THE STATE

        GoI TO SEND TWO TEAMS FOR ASSESSING THE LOSS INCURRED BY STATE DUE TO INCENTIVES GIVEN TO HILL STATES

        TEAM ALSO TO STUDY PROPSECTS OF ESTABLISHING INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS AND EXTENDING THE FREIGHT CORRIDOR UPTO ATTARI

New Delhi, June 19-

In a bid to give major boost to the Industry and Commerce activity in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today sought the personal intervention of Commerce Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman for extending the Eastern Freight Corridor from Ludhiana to Amritsar (Attari Border).

The Chief Minister, who called on Mrs. Sitharaman here at her office this afternoon, underlined the need for extending the Eastern Freight Corridor from Son Nagar (West Bengal) to Ludhiana further upto Attari via Amritsar, as it would enormously propel the trade and commerce activity in the state. He said with the extension in this corridor, new vistas of trade and commerce would be opened for the residents of this border state, which would contribute in the overall development of the state and prosperity of its people.

Raising another issue, the Chief Minister urged Mrs. Sitharaman that the items traded through Attari - Wagah International Border should be increased to bring them at par with number of items being traded between Karachi - Mumbai. He said that export was restricted to only 137 items from India to Pakistan through land route via Wagah-Attari border, on the contrary about 6000 items were being exported from Mumbai to Karachi. Urging the Union Minister to allow level playing field for exports of all the items which were permitted from Mumbai via Attari too, Mr. Badal said that this step would boost the potential of bilateral trade between both the countries.

Expressing reservations over the adoption of primitive system of checking the goods, being traded from Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, the Chief Minister said that this system needs to be replaced with the trader convenient approach. He urged the Union Minister that instead of following this system of unloading the containers to check the goods, the Government of India (GoI) must install large scanners at the ICP to save the time and energy of the traders.

Batting for opening of trade through Hussainiwala and Fazilka borders, the Chief Minister apprised Mrs. Sitharaman that it would herald a new era of prosperity for the people of this landlocked border state besides promoting peace, brotherhood and people to people contact in the region and opening new avenues of trade with the Central Asia and Pakistan.

Making a case for Special Industrial Package for the state, the Chief Minister said that the state must be given Industrial Concessions at par with those granted to Himachal Pradesh (HP) and J&K. He apprised the Union Minister that due to these concessions around 274 industrial units from state has migrated to other states. Mr. Badal said that a Central Public Sector Manufacturing unit or some Heavy industry should be established in Punjab in order to compensate it for the huge loss incurred due to such incentives to other states.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mrs. Sitharaman assured him that she would get all these issues examined by her ministry for their prompt resolution. She also assured the Chief Minister that the Union government would soon explore the possibility of setting up a Heavy Industrial unit in the state to give boost to its economic development. The Union Minister also apprised Mr. Badal that the state has a lot of potential in hand tools, sports, hosiery, food processing and other sectors due to which all out efforts should be made for promoting these sectors by constituting industrial clusters for these sectors adding that the Union Government would extend fulsome support and cooperation to them for this cause.

On the request of Chief Minister, Mrs. Seetharaman agreed to send two teams of senior officers from here Ministry to assess the setting up of Industrial clusters, ascertain the loss Punjab Industry and Trade suffered due to incentives given to the adjoin states besides examining the possibility of extending Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor to Attari border 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu.  

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GoI GIVES GO AHEAD FOR STARTING INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM CHANDIGARH

        THREE PRIVATE AIRLINES TO OPERATE THESE FLIGHTS TO DUBAI AND BANGKOK

        DOMESTIC FLIGHTS FROM CIVIL TERMINAL BATHINDA TO TAKE OFF SOON

        BADAL FOR RESUMING DOMESTIC FLIGHTS FROM PATHANKOT AND SAHNEWAL

        OPEN CIVIL TERMINALS AT HALWARA AND ADAMPUR

        SEEKS RESTORATION OF CLOSED AME PATIALA

New Delhi, June 19-

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation today gave its nod to soon start international flights from Chandigarh to Dubai and Bangkok thereby catering to the heavy rush from the region.

This decision was taken by the Union Civil Aviation Mr. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati during a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who called on him at his office here in Rajiv Gandhi this afternoon.

During the deliberations, the Chief Minister thanked Mr. Raju for giving clearance for the commencement of international flights from Chandigarh. The Union Minister apprised Mr. Badal that Indigo, Spice Jet and UAE Airlines have been given permission to operate these international flights from Chandigarh to Dubai and Bangkok, in the near future and hoped that it would cater to the major rush from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Haryana, who had now to board these flights from Delhi thereby saving their lot of time, money and energy.

In another move aimed at providing air connectivity to the south western districts of the state, the Union Civil Aviation Minister also agreed to start Domestic flights from Civil Terminal Bathinda after seeking final clearance from the Ministry of Defence. The Chief Minister apprised him that the construction work of the Civil Terminal at Bathinda had been completed about an year back. However, he said that the Terminal has not been yet inaugurated due to which the purpose of constructing it remains unfulfilled. Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to inaugurate the Air terminal at the earliest besides starting Domestic flights at the earliest. “In the beginning Delhi-Amritsar flight can be given a halt at Bathinda” he added.

Flagging up another issue Mr. Badal also sought intervention of the Union Minister to impress upon the Ministry of Defence for opening civil air terminals at Air force stations Adampur in Jalandhar and Halwara in Ludhiana to facilitate the people to have air connectivity to these important industrial towns to boost trade and commerce activity in the region. Likewise, the Chief Minister also urged Mr. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati to resume the domestic flights from Civil Air Terminal at Pathankot and Sahnewal. He said that domestic flights were operational at Pathankot and Sahnewal upto about two years back and few months ago respectively. However Mr. Badal said that with the stoppage of these flights passengers were facing a lot of problems. “With the resumption of these domestic flights air connectivity of the state will get a huge boost” added Mr. Badal.

Raising another issue the Chief Minister urged Mr. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati to impress upon the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review its policy of making it mandatory for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Training Institutes to have non Airworthy pressurized aircraft fitted with Jet Engines to demonstrate practical working of systems. He said that this policy has resulted in the closure of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering College at Patiala, which was successfully running since long with 30 students passing out every year. Mr. Badal said that reopening of this College was utmost important because there was tremendous scope in aircraft industry nowadays.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister on positive nod, Mr. Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati assured him that he would soon get the entire case examined by his ministry so that a final decision could be taken in this behalf.   

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu. 

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CM LEADS DELEGATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS OF 40 PUNJABIS ABDUCTED IN IRAQ TO SUSHMA SWARAJ

        GoI COMMITTED FOR ENSURING SAFE RELEASE OF KIDNAPPED YOUTH- SUSHMA ASSURES DELEGATION

        I WAS PASSING THROUGH SEVERE MENTAL AGONY AND SPENDING SLEEPLESS NIGHTS DUE TO THIS UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT- SWARAJ

        ALL THE YOUTH ARE SAFE AS PER EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY’S REPORT

        BADAL EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO THE UNION EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER FOR HER CONCERTED EFFORTS

        EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER THE SWIFT ACTION TAKEN BY THE GoI

        MAJITHIA PLAYS PIVOTAL ROLE IN BRINGING ALL THE FAMILIES ON A SINGLE PLATFORM

  New Delhi, June 19-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today led a delegation of 18 family members of the 40 Punjabis abducted in Iraq, which met the Union External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, to immediately secure their safe return to their motherland.

          The Chief Minister accompanied by the MPs of Shiromani Akali Dal besides the office bearers of the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, today called on Mrs. Swaraj in her office here at Jawahar Bhawan this evening.

          Interacting with the distressed families of the kidnapped Punjabis in Iraq, Mrs. Swaraj said that she was deeply aggrieved and pained on this sad and unfortunate episode, which has not only tormented the psyche of the next of the kin of these victims but also shattered the entire nation. She further said, “None of Indian should be hurt and the Union Government is duty bound to ensure the safe return of these sons of the soil”.

          The Union Minister appealed the family members to exercise restraint in this hour of crisis and pray to Almighty for the safety of their kith and kin in abroad. Mrs. Swaraj said that she was confident that nothing unfortunate would happen with these Punjabis and she could vouch by the voice of her conscious that all of them would return back home happily. She said that her Ministry was making all out efforts to secure the safe and prompt return of the abducted Punjabis to India from Iraq by using all the diplomatic channels.

The Union Minister said that her Joint Secretary Mr. Anil Wadhwa was working day in and night out to keep close liaison with the hapless victims through the officials of Indian embassy in Iraq. She mentioned that even a former Ambassador who served in Iraq for several years and was well conversed with the topography of that country has been dispatched to Iraq this morning to hasten the rescue operations. In an emotional appeal Mrs. Swaraj said, “You have 40 brothers or relatives there but I have 120 brothers and sisters who have been stuck up in Iraq due to civil war for which I was also passing through severe crisis and spending sleepless nights”.

          The Union Minister assured the families that the Government of India (GoI) has got confirmation of the safety and security of the 40 Punjabis and hoped that the moment peace and tranquility returned in the strife torn country they would soon be back to their motherland. She said that the Ministry has issued clear cut directions to the Indian Embassy in Iraq to arrange free air ticket to the victims for their return to India after their release. Mrs. Swaraj said that the Ministry had even issued directive to the Indian Embassy in Iraq to issue duplicate passports, in case it was required for their immigration to India.

Expressing gratitude to Mrs. Swaraj, the Chief Minister on behalf of these families said that he was personally obliged to her as she was taking personal pain and keeping a close tab on the entire situation to secure the release of Punjabis, who have been abducted in Iraq. Mr. Badal said that highly peeved over this incident due to the constant agony faced by these families he, along with Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, had personally raised this matter with the Union Minister on Wednesday evening by meeting the Union Minister at her residence. Highly appreciating the efforts made by the Union government for ensuring the safe release of all these Punjabis, he hoped that these would fructify in saving their precious lives.

Realizing the concern and mental agony faced by these families, the Chief Minister said that he was sure that Almighty would answer their prayers by sending back their loved ones safely to their families. Mr. Badal said that though there was hardly anything in the hands of the state government in the matters pertaining to the foreign affairs but he was extremely satisfied with the initiatives taken by the GoI on its part to secure the release of kidnapped youth.

Pertinently, the Punjab Revenue and Information &Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia was instrumental in bringing these 18 families, six of which belonged to his assembly segment Majithia, from Jalandhar, Amritsar and Hoshiarpur to New Delhi and offer them an opportunity to have one to one interaction with the Union Minister under the leadership of the Chief Minister in order to clear misconceptions and apprehensions from their minds with regard to the safety of their kin.

The family members who were part of the delegation included Gurpinder Kaur, Daljeet Singh, Sahib Singh, Balkaran Singh, Kashmir Singh, Sardara Singh,  Harbhajan Singh, Harbhajan Kaur, Tarsem Singh, Mohinder Kaur, Jeeto, Seema, Ranjit Kaur, Dharam Kaur, Sukhwinder Kaur, Rakesh Kumar, Surinder kaur and Charanjeet Singh.

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Sukhbir Badal instructs State police to collaborate with panchayats to identify drug addicts

(Fine tunes distribution of seven essential medicines, which will be stocked in three major warehouses)

Chandigarh, June 19: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab has further fine tuned the war against drugs by issuing new directives to police department to collaborate with village panchayats and elected representatives in urban belts to identify drug addicts.

Presiding over a meeting on this issue yesterday evening, the Deputy CM said the government was determined to rehabilitate drug addicts and that the village panchayats could play a vital role in this venture. He asked DGP Sumedh Singh Saini to order district police officers to tie with village panchayats to identify drug addicts so that they could be rehabilitated in a phased manner.

Mr Saini assured the Deputy CM that senior police officers had already undertaken village tours and were seized of the sociological side of the issue. “We will partner with village panchayats to de addict and even rehabilitate youth who have taken to drugs”, he added.

Asking Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, who is heading empowered committee, to purchase the requisite medicines, the Deputy CM emphasized that there should be no paucity of major medicines and plenty of stock should be available at 141 Community Health Centers. He also said doctors should be remain present at these CHCs to avert obstacles in de-addiction program.

Meanwhile taking stock of progress, Mr. Badal was apprised by the heath officers that there were 141 operational de-addiction centers and a proposal of setting up 22 rehabilitation centers was in progress. He said that these centers would be functional soon after completion of identification process equipped with trained counselors and expert staff. It has also been informed that 192 trained doctors have been deputed at all 141 CHCs to provide treatment and medication to addicts. Mr. Badal also directed health authorities to admit the serious addicts with debilitated conditions in government as well as private hospitals accordingly.

The Deputy CM also informed that the major medicines would be stocked in warehouses at Kharar, Bathinda and Verka, from where the supply to be made to all 141 CHCs. He also said that patients whose condition is seriously deteriorated can avail state sponsored hospitalization in any of the 600 beds available for this purpose.

Mr Badal also directed that there both the civil and police administration should send daily reports on the progress done in their respective areas to the State level team of ADGP Law and Order Dinkar Gupta and Health Secretary Vinni Mahajan. EOM

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GoI TO SET UP AIIMS NEAR JALANDHAR

        MOVE AIMED AT IMPARTING QUALITY HEALTHCARE SERVICES TO PEOPLE

        HARSHVARDHAN ASSURES CM OF FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION

        CENTRE TO FACILITATE THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN SETTING UP ADVANCE DRUG DE-ADDICTION CENTERS

        BADAL URGES UNION MINISTER TO INCLUDE SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS IN THE AMBIT OF STATE ILLNESS SCHEME

        CM SEEKS EARLY SANCTION FOR SETTING UP OF 11 NEW TRAUMA CENTERS IN THE STATE

        UNION MINISTER ASSURES BADAL OF EARLY RESOLUTION OF ALL THE ISSUES RAISED BY HIM

        GoI RESTORES FUNDING TO STATE FOR OPERATIONALIZING 108 AMBULANCE SCHEME

New Delhi, June 19-

          In fulfillment of state government’s commitment to provide the best Healthcare and diagnostic facilities to the people across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today secured All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Doaba region somewhere near Jalandhar.

          A decision regarding it was taken by the Union Health Minister Dr. Harshvardhan during a meeting with the Chief Minister, who called on the former at his office at Nirman Bhawan this morning.

          Taking part in deliberations the Chief Minister, while underscoring the need for setting up in AIIMS in the state, said that it was the need of the hour to impart quality Healthcare services to the people of Punjab. Batting for establishing this prestigious hospital in the centre of the state, Mr. Badal said that it would provide an easy access to patients from across the state to avail quality treatment at the shortest possible time. He said that on its part the state government would provide 200 acres of land free of cost to the Government of India (GoI) for setting up this project.

          Assuring fulsome support and cooperation to the Chief Minister, Dr. Harshvardhan said that the centre would set up this state-of-the art medical institute in the state. He said that once the proposal regarding the allotment of land was finalized by the state government then the GoI would immediately initiate steps to bring the project on the ground.

          Raising another issue, the Chief Minister urged Dr. Harshavardhan to expedite the release of funds worth Rs 120 crore already sanctioned by the GoI for setting up State Cancer Institute at Government Medical College, Amritsar. Likewise, Mr. Badal also sought the intervention of the Union Minister to take up the case for increasing the seats of MBBS and PG seats in the state medical colleges with the Medical Council Of India, to overcome the shortage of Doctors in the state.

Flagging up the issue of drug menace in the state, the Chief Minister sought the support of Union Health Ministry in tackling this grave problem engulfing the youth of Punjab. He impressed upon the Union Minister to set up Advance Drug de-addiction centers in the state with adequate manpower, logistics and infra structural back up for detoxification and rehabilitation of the drug addicts. Mr. Badal sought financial grant of Rs 200 crore to cope up with the crisis arisen out of drug menace. 

Highlighting another significant issue, the Chief Minister apprised Dr. Harshavardhan that Government Ayurvedic College Patiala was one of the oldest and premier institute of the region but admissions were not allowed in it from last three years despite of the fact that the state government has made the requisite arrangements for adequate infra structure and faculty in it. He sought the Union Minister’s personal intervention for requisite permission to reopen this institute besides allowing admissions of new batch. This initiative would certainly help to hasten research and education in Ayurvedic system of medicine, he added.

During the meeting the Chief Minister also raised the issue of bringing the pay of the contractual employees of National Rural Health Mission at par with the regular government employees. Likewise, he said that the present allocation of Rs 5 crore for construction of building and hostel for ANM/ GNM schools was too inadequate and thus it should be revised to Rs 7. 5 crore per school. Mr. Badal also urged the Union Minister to expedite the process of sanctioning 11 new trauma centers across the state, in wake of the surge in road accidents in Punjab.

The Chief Minister also asked Dr. Harshvardhan to include the small and marginal farmers of the state in the centrally sponsored scheme of State Illness Fund, under which Rs 1.5 lakh was currently given to BPL patients for treatment of around three terminal diseases, keeping in view their poor economic position due to negligible returns on the farming in the current scenario. He said that this pro-poor initiative would go a long way in providing quality healthcare facilities to a major chunk of unprivileged society. Mr. Badal also highlighted the issue of resuming the share of GoI for the operationalization of 108 Ambulance service in the state, which was abruptly stopped by the UPA government.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Dr. Harshvardhan assured him that he would get all these matters resolved in the coming days. The Union Minister also assured Mr. Badal that centre would facilitate the state government in setting up Advance drug de-addiction centers in Punjab. Likewise, he also directed the officers of Union Health Ministry to immediately restore the financial support of 20% given to the state under NHRM for operationlising108 Ambulance service in the state.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan and Managing Director Punjab Health Services Corporation (PHSC) Mr. Hussan Lal.

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HEALTH MINISTER JAYANI RAIDS CIVIL HOSPITAL JALANDHAR, TRANSFERS DOCTOR & NURSE FOR NEGLIGENCE IN DUTY\ 

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, June 19:

Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani today accompanied by Special Secretary Health Mr. Vikas Garg, Director Health Dr. karanjit Singh & S.E PHSC Dr. HS Chahal conducted a surprise checking at civil hospital & ESI Hospital, Jalandhar.  

During this surprise visit Mr. Jayani along with other senior visited the wards and interacted with the patients and persons accompanying the patients and took feedback from them about the treatment being provided to them in the Government hospital. He specially asked the patients about the behaviour of the doctors and supporting staff with them.

Minister issued transfer orders of night duty doctor Dr. Surinder Pal from Jalandhar to Mansa for negligence in duty and also issued transfer orders of Staff Nurse Meena Kumari for asking the patients to bring medicines from private store despite of medicines available at drug store of the hospital. He also ordered a inquiry against pharmacist posted at Ashudi Centre Bhupinder Singh for charging more for medicines than the prescribed rates. Minister also issued a warning to Medical Superdient posted at civil hospital Jalandhar for not providing basic facilities and not maintaining cleanliness in the hospital wards and compound and said that he would again visit the hospital next month.

He once again warned the officials that no compromise would be tolerated with the health of the common people in government hospitals and non performers would be punished. He said that he is keeping a vigil on the activities of all the hospitals and facilities being provided to the patients through his personal sources also. He said that this surprise raid is also conducted on the personal feed from such people who complained to him.

Minister also instructed the the hospital officials that Death & Birth should be issued through Suvidha Centres instead of Hospitals and anyone involved in fraudulent activities would not be spared. He said that Jalandhar Hospital is being made a Model Hospital and strength of this 430 bed hospital is being increased with the addition of 100more beds.

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CENTRE GIVES NOD TO DEVELOP AMRITSAR AS A “SMART CITY”

VENKIAH NAIDU ASSURES CM

MOVE TO GIVE FILLIP TO OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HOLY CITY

PUNJAB TO GET CLEARANCE FOR PENDING URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS SOON

NAIDU ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO CM FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE

New Delhi, June 19-

            In a move aimed at giving fillip to the overall development of the holy city of Amritsar, the Union government today agreed to develop this sacred town as a ‘Smart City’ under its ambitious program to refurbish the country’s major cities on modern lines.

            A decision to this effect was taken by the Union Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Minister Mr. M Venkiah Naidu in a meeting with the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, who called on the former at his office in Nirman Bhawan here this morning.

            During the deliberations the Chief Minister impressed upon Mr. Naidu to include the sacred city of Amritsar in ‘Smart City’ project for ensuring its holistic development adding that due focus should also be laid on the comprehensive development of the satellite towns of this city. Mr. Badal said that as a large number of devotees visit this sacred city daily to pay their obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib and Durgiana Mandir besides offering their tributes to martyrs at Jallainwala Bagh memorial so it was the need of the hour to develop this city on modern lines to ensure ultra modern facilities to this historic city on the concept of “Smart cities”. “Cities like Varanasi and Amritsar preserve our ancient heritage and glorious cultural legacy so thrust must be laid on developing these cities to showcase them as world class tourist destinations besides offering modern facilities and civic amenities to the local residents” he added.

            Acceding to the demand made by the Chief Minister, Mr. Naidu gave his consent to included Amritsar in the upcoming scheme of “Smart cities” so as to give further boost to its overall development. He assured Mr. Badal that Amritsar was a revered city for the entire humanity and NDA government would leave no stone unturned to develop it on modern lines by including it in the “Smart Cities” scheme. Mr. Naidu asked the Chief Minister in the meantime, till this scheme sof mart cities was finalized get the requisite basic preparations done at their level so that they could later on be incorporated in the final plan.

            Flagging up another issue, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Naidu that the Ministry has sanctioned 19 projects for the state worth Rs 1720 crore out of which for three projects the state has already got first installment of Rs 85 crore out of the total Rs 682 crore. However he said that the grant for remaining 16 projects amounting to Rs 1037 crore was still pending with the Ministry, due to which the development projects in the state have badly hit. Seeking the prompt intervention of the Union Minister, Mr. Badal asked him to get these funds released expeditiously.

            The Chief Minister also apprised Mr. Naidu that the State Level Sanctioning Committee had given its nod to 33 projects worth Rs 743 crore for Water Supply and Sewerage for small and medium Towns under the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).  However, he said that the clearances for these projects were pending with the Ministry. Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to expedite the process of appraisal by the Technical Appraisal Agency and release the funds for this project, henceforth.

Responding to the various issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Naidu assured him that the Union government would extend all sort of help to the state government for ensuring the comprehensive development of the cities and towns of Punjab. The Union Minister also said that he would soon convene a meeting of the officers of his Ministry and evolve a strategy to resolve the issues raised by Mr. Badal. He also apprised the Chief Minister that the state has a lot of potential to get benefit from the National Urban Livelihood Mission, a scheme for opening skill centers to train the urban youth for gainful self employment adding that Punjab must reap the benefits of this scheme.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Anil Joshi and his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu.    

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THANDAL CONDUCTS SURPRISE CHECKING AT GOVERNMENT PRINTING PRESS, MOHALI

• TOOK SERIOUS NOTE OF HEAPS OF PRINTING MATERIAL STOCKED IN THE PRESS PREMISES SINCE LONG
• DIRECTS OFFICERS TO PUT UP PROPOSALS FOR INSTALLATION OF NEW MACHINERY AND TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE PRESS
• ONE OFFICER FOUND ABSENT

CHANDIGARH/MOHALI, JUNE 19:

Punjab Jail, Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Printing & Stationary Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal today conducted surprise checking at Government Printing Press, Mohali to assess the activities and working of the press. During checking, one officer was found absent.

The Minister accompanied by senior officers of the department reached at the printing press at 10 am. He was surprised to see that heaps of printed material in the form of booklets, pamphlets, government gazettes and published technical information, which was stocked in the press premises since long. He was apprised by the officers that different government departments had placed orders for the printing but they had not lifted the material from the press as yet. The minister instructed the officers to ask all the respective department in writing to lift their belongings at the earliest. He also sought the compliance report in this regard.

Mr. Thandal had a round of the area of the printing press, where printing machines have been installed. He found that most of the printing machines were obsolete and technically unsupportive. He directed the officers to furnish a detailed report within a week, on the possibilities of installation of new machinery in the printing press to increase the capacity and working of the press.

He categorically instructed the officers and employees of the printing press to be punctual and to work with full dedication and diligence. He said that such kind of surprise checking would be continued in future also and strict action would be taken against the erring.

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VIGILANCE NABS ASI ACCEPTING BRIBE OF RS.10,000

 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19:

The Vigilance Bureau, Punjab (VB) has caught an ASIred-handed with the bribe money of Rs.10,000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB said that the complainant Mr. Kulwant Singh of Village Bhalwan, Tehsil Dhuri (Sangrur) has alleged that ASI Sherwinder Singh, In-charge, Police Post, Bhalwan was demanding bribe of Rs.10,000 for getting a case settled with his brother-in-law through mutual compromise.

Acting on the tip of complainant, a trap was laid by the team of Vigilance Bureau, Sangrur by DSP Mr. Pritipal Singh and Sherwinder Singh was arrested red handed, while accepting bribe of Rs.10,000 from the complainant. He said that after the recovery of bribe money, a case under section 7 and 13 (2) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered against the accused at Vigilance Police Station, Patiala.

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PUNJAB LAUNCHES DRIVE TO CHECK MISUSE OF ELECTRIC EQUIPMENTS IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES

 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19:

The Punjab government today issued instructions to all the heads of departments to make sure that there was no misuse of electric equipments in the offices of the state including in Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 and 2.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the General Administration Department said that it has been noticed that electricity equipments like Air Conditioners, Computers, Tube lights, Bulbs and Fans remains switched on in the offices of Ministers/Officers and another offices without their presence of staff in the offices. Now, according to the instructions all branch Superintendent/Officers in-charge would have to ensure that these are switch off immediately as the ministers/officers/staff had left the office. Besides that they would also have to ensure that no equipment should remains switch on after the office time.

The spokesman further made it clear that lights could be used in office corridors during night for security reasons. He said that in the case of failure to implement these orders in true spirit and manner, the concerned officer/employee would have to face strict disciplinary action.

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ANIL VIJ GIVEN CHARGE OF SECRETARY PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19:

            Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal has given the temporary Charge of Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha to Mr. Anil Vij.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of Vidhan Sabha said that as Mr. Ved Parkash proceeding on leave, therefore Mr. Vij has been given temporary charge of Secretary, Punjab Vidhan Sabha from June 17, 2014.

 

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ZERO TOLERANCE AGAINST RAGGING

INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED TO ALL COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES: RAKHRA

        COMPULSORY ANTI RAGGING AFFIDAVIT TO BE SUBMITTED BY STUDENTS AND PARENTS

        HELP DESK AND HELPLINE NUMBER FOR STUDENTS AGAINST RAGGING

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19:

          The Punjab Government today issued detailed instructions to all Colleges and Universities and professional college in the state to check the menace of ragging with iron hand and reiterated its resolve of zero tolerance towards ragging.

          In a communiqué, Punjab Higher Education Minister Mr. Surjit Sngh Rakhra asked Secretary, Higher Education to communicate to all educational institutions that for any incident of ragging in any college or university, the institutional head would be held accountable. He said that the Punjab Government is taking this sensitive matter very seriously and is committed to provide better educational environment to students. The Higher Education Minister directed administration of colleges or universities to make it compulsory for students and their parents to submit anti ragging affidavit during the course of admission. Those who found guilty will be penalized as per guidelines drawn by UGC.

         Mr. Rakhra also ordered the concerned institutions to start a separate anti-ragging helpline number and help desk for the convenience of students. Such helpline number must be highlighted on notice board of all departments. He appealed students to desist from ragging their juniors and instead become their friend, philosopher and counselor, welcoming them in college life with open arms.

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PUNJAB AMENDS CIVIL SECRETARIAT ENTRY PASS ISSUANCE POLICY

FIELD OFFICIALS WOULD ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SMART ENTRY PASSES

Chandigarh, June 19:

The Punjab Government has amended the Civil Secretariat entry pass issuance Policy. A notification in this regard has been issued.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab government said that all officials/employees/retirees working at the Punjab Civil Secretariat would be issued updated Smart Identity Cards. Besides that officials/employees of Punjab government stationed in the field  would also be eligible for Smart Entry Passes. Category “A” officials would be issued Red Identity Cards, includes Chief Minister/Deputy Chief Minister/ Ministers/ CPS/Chief Secretary/ Financial Commissioner/ Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries and other officials of the same rank including Special Secretaries/ Additional Secretaries/ Joint Secretaries (IAS/PCS) and Heads of the Department (IAS/PCS). He also said that their equal ranked officials like Deputy Secretaries/ Under Secretaries/ Personal Secretaries/ Superintendents and those posted within the Civil Secretariat including DCFA, ACFA and Section Officers would be eligible for same card.

Blue Identity Cards would be issued to category “B” and “C” official, having  Personal Assistants/Senior Scale Stenos/Senior Assistants and Junior Assistants/Clerics/Junior Scale Stenos, Steno Typists/Restorer Attendants respectively, While Category “D” employees working at Punjab Civil Secretariat including Peons and other Group 4 Employees would be issued a Pink Identity Card.

       Spokesman further stated that Category “A” officers would be issued Red Entry Passes, this category includes all District Head Officers including Deputy Commissioners/ Additional Deputy Commissioners/ SSP/ DDPO/ DDRD/ DPRO/ DIG/ Civil Surgeons/ IPS/ DSF/Chief Agricultural Officer/ District Attorney etc. as well as members of Zila Parishad and Block Samiti, Former Ministers/IPS/IFS etc.

       He said that Blue Entry Pass would be issued to employees of Category “B” working at Punjab Civil Secretariat which includes Department of Hospitality, DIPR, UT Secretariat Maintenance Chandigarh, Punjab Cooperative Bank/Post Office/Dispensary. Green Entry Passes would be issued to employees remaining from these categories including Departments/Boards/Corporations/Universities and relatives of Ministers, Category “C” as well as “D” employees of Department of Hospitality, DIPR, UT Secretariat Maintenance Chandigarh and Punjab Cooperative Bank/Post Office/Dispensary.

Accredited members from Media based at Chandigarh would be issued Golden Entry Passes. Punjab Civil Secretariat Category “A” retirees would be issued Red Pensioner Identity Cards and Red Pensioner Entry Passes. Civil Secretariat Category “B”/ “C”/ “D” retirees would be issued Blue Pensioner Entry Passes.

He further added that Punjab Civil Secretariat Category “A” regular officers’ dependents would be issued Red Dependent Cards. Civil Secretariat Category “B” and “C” regular officers’ dependents would be issued Blue Dependent Cards and Category “D” regular employees’ dependents would be issued Pink Dependent Cards. Remaining retiree officers and officials’ dependents would be issued Purple Pensioner Dependent Cards.

       He also said that workers who were outsourced/contract/daily wagers, employees of TCS, contract employees of NIC and non-official persons would be issued White Temporary Passes.

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PUNJABIS STRUCK IN IRAQ-STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN TO COLLECT INFO SHOWS POSITIVE RESPONSE

 

        24x7 control room at Chandigarh receives information from more than 50 families

 

 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19:

The state wide campaign launched by the Punjab Government to seek details from the families regarding Punjabis struck in strife torn Iraq, showed a tremendous response with more than 50 families approaching 24x7 Punjab Civil Control Room giving the details of the relatives in Iraq.

According to an official spokesman, up to 3.00 pm more than 50 families had rang up in the control room giving the details about their relatives. He said that the moment control room numbers were flashed on the TV channels, the two telephone lines of the civil control room flooded with calls from anxious relatives.

The spokesman said that meanwhile all Deputy Commissioners, simultaneously being informed about information of Punjabis from their respective district struck in Iraq and Deputy Commissioners, through their officers, are approaching all such families assuring them full support of Punjab Government in this difficult hour.

The Punjab Government is, meanwhile, sharing all details with Government of India and Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe evacuation of Punjabis from troubled Iraq. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal and NRI Affairs Minister Jathedar Tota Singh were in constant touch with Ministry of External Affairs for coordinating safe retrieval of Punjabis from Iraq.

Jathedar Tota Singh NRI Affairs Minister Punjab said that Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal is personally camping in Delhi and in constant touch with the Prime Minister Office and External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj to make arrangements for safe return of Punjabis from Iraq.

The Minister appealed to the people to give the full details to control room about the Punjabis including name, his telephone number in Iraq, firm/company in which he was working and location where he is stuck. He said that the information can be provided at 0172-2740397 and at 0172-2740035 besides at fax number 0172-2740936. The spokesman said that relatives should also provide their telephone numbers so that Punjab Government could inform them regarding the safety and well being at Iraq.

Minister has also appealed to the media and common people to publicize the control room numbers of the Punjab Government through social media and internet; you tube etc so that Punjabis stuck in Iraq could contact Punjab Government for their safe exit. He said that as internet services are still working in Iraq therefore Punjabis stuck there should also use this medium to contact Punjab government.

List of Punjabis collected by Punjab Control room is in attachment.

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PWD MINISTER SEKHON IS ON PERSONAL FOREIGN TOUR FROM JUNE 13 TO 30

 

       OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN REFUTES MEDIA REPORTS OF ABSENCE

 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 19:

Punjab PWD Minister Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon is on personal foreign visit to USA and Canada from June 13 to 30, 2014, with the prior approval of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and Union Ministry of External Affairs. Strongly refuting the media reports of his absence, it was disclosed by an official spokesperson of the PWD department.

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Information & Public Relations Department, Punjab

 

Maluka orders audit of grants given to 450 Panchayats

Chandigarh, June 19:

            The Punjab Government has ordered to audit the utilization of grants given to 450 village Panchayats during last financial year 2013-14.

            Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka today said that the department has received some complaints in the implementation of MNREGA and it was decided to conduct the audit of Panchayats accounts of 450 villages which received more grants compared to other villages.

            He said that department has formed special teams which would start functioning from tomorrow and would submit their report with in a month. Besides that Mr. Maluka also said that department has cleared the file to award grants to 400 Panchayats elected unanimously in 2008 Panchayats Elections. He also said that these grants would be released soon.

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PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIS, CHANDIGARH

BLOCK-A, ROOM NO.6, PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT-2, SEC-9, CHANDIGARH.

Email: nricommpb@gmail.com

 

Complaint No. 800 by Suo-motu

 

            This is in response to the news-item published in various newspapers titled “no trace of 40 Indians abducted in Iraq”, “panic grip families in Punjab” as more than 15 people are from the Doaba region of Punjab. 40 Indians working in a construction company called Tariq Noor al-Huda near the Iraqi town of Mosul have reportedly been abducted. More than 15 of them are stated to belong to the districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Moga in Punjab. The Hon’ble Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal has directed the Deputy Commissioners to keep close liaison with families of the abducted Punjabis. He has also requested the Union External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj to seek her intervention for the release of Punjabis abducted in Iraq as there is hardly anything in the hands of the State Government in the matters pertaining to foreign affairs. He has also laid stress that the Union Minister should exploit all the diplomatic channels for bringing back Indians from Iraq. He has also told that State is ready to bear all expenses for the safe return of Punjabis kidnapped in Iraq. The Punjab Government has also set up a control room with helpline numbers for the assistance of the distraught families. Solidarity has also been conveyed by the Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue Minister S. Bikram Singh Majithia. S. Tota Singh Minister for NRI Affairs Punjab has also requested the Ministry of External Affairs to use its good offices in Baghdad. Smt. Sushma Swaraj Minister of External Affairs is also constantly monitoring the situation and she has also spoken to the families of some of those abducted.  A senior diplomat and former Ambassador to Iraq Sh. Suresh Reddy has been sent to the violence-hit nation to coordinate relief and rescue operations.

            The bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the Republic of India have traditionally been friendly and collaborative. The ties between India and Iraq disrupted during the Iran-Iraq War. However, bilateral relations normalized after the establishment of a democratic Government in Iraq. So much

 

                                                                        -2-                               Comp No.800

so in June, 2013, the then Foreign Minister of India visited Iraq regarding “security” and “business” issues. In the present event referred to above the word

“security” assumes great importance. The security of the individual is the duty of the State. This is paramount. The fundamental components of Human Security and security of people against threats to personal safety and life can be put at risk by external aggression, but also by factors within a country. The “Goal of intervention for Human Protection” to protect victims of atrocities inside the State is either by way of “Humanitarian Intervention” or otherwise. In the present scenario, it transpires that Ministry of External Affairs has already taken the initiative. A senior diplomat and former Ambassador to Iraq Sh. Suresh Reddy has already been deputed to the violence-hit nation to coordinate relief and rescue operations. The State Government, that is the State of Punjab, is also very actively in touch with the Central Ministry and has also announced to bear all expenses for the safe return of Punjabis kidnapped in Iraq.

            This Commission has been set up for the welfare and safeguarding the interests of the NRIs. The responsibility is shouldered on us also to coordinate and pursue such relief/rescue operations that have already been undertaken. In the backdrop of these facts the intervention of this Commission is also very necessary. We take suo-motu cognizance provided under Clause (C) of Section (2) of the Punjab State Commission for NRIs Act.2011. Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs immediately on receipt of this order may apprise the latest details of the rescue operations and any results thereof to this Commission.

            Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary (Home)/DGP Punjab to coordinate with the District Authorities to contact the families of those kidnapped in Iraq and then to apprise them of the latest developments.  We recommend to the Punjab Government to assign/depute a senior officer for such coordination with the Central Ministries to get latest inputs to be apprised to the aggrieved families back home.

            UN Security Council (UNSC) on many occasions have already highlighted the suffering of the innocent civilians in Iraq. UNSC has also encouraged the Iraqi

                                                                        -3-                               Comp No.800

Government to meet the security needs of the entire population. The Security Council’s primary responsibility is to strive for international peace and security. Once the Security Council has determined that there is a threat to international peace and security, it enjoys a wide margin of discretion in choosing the appropriate course of action. It is high time that the UN Security Council (UNSC) should also intervene in this matter and take appropriate steps.

            We expect the report/ interim report from the Central Ministries within the next 10 days. A copy of this order may be sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Organization by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations.

            List on the 30th of June 2014.

            A copy of this order be also sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Chief Secretary Government of Punjab, Principal Secretary (Home) and DGP Punjab for information and necessary action.

 

SUKHBIR BADAL LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE DE-ADDICTION AND REHABILITATION DRIVE

·  141 COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS TO PROVIDE FREE OF COST MEDICAL ASSISTANCE TO ADDICTS

·  CREATES POLICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE WINGS TO INTENSIFY WAR AGAINST DRUGS

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18: Punjab Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced a comprehensive de-addiction and rehabilitation plan for drug addicts to complement and take the ongoing war against drug smugglers to its logical conclusion.

            Addressing a press conference here, the Deputy CM announced that the drug de addiction and rehabilitation programme would start from tomorrow across the State.

            Under this programme, drug addicts will be provided medicines free of cost at 141 community health centers across the State. Once they are de-addicted, they will also be offered indoor rehabilitation facilities with 600 beds being created for this purpose in Government Medical Colleges as well as private hospitals.

            The Deputy CM announced that the entire programme was being taken up as a war campaign and that the civil and police administration was being involved. “We have appointed ADGP Law and Order Dinkar Gupta and Health Secretary Vinni Mahajan as the nodal officers from the police and civil administration to head this campaign. They will be assisted by Narcotics Control Board head Ishwar Singh as well as senior civil and police officers who will be posted at each district headquarter to monitor the campaign.

            Mr. Badal said as per the action plan, free medicines would be provided to the drug addicts at the community health centers by a team of trained doctors. He said as the patients would be arriving as OPD patients at the community centers arrangements would be made by the police administration to get them to the centres and leave them back to their villages on a daily basis till they were certified to have been deaddicted. He also suggested Punjab Police could engage private doctors and involve chapters of IMAs and NGOs, if needed.

            Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, who was present at the press conference, to keep a close check on the drive besides ensuring availability of medicines and presence of health staff at all CHCs.  

            The Deputy CM also informed that there was a proposal for establishment of 220 Rehab centers, which would cover all the districts. The Deputy CM also informed that a Special Monitoring Cell of 11 IAS and IPS officers has also been formed to monitor the drive.

            Mr. Badal said that they have introduced Punjab State Narcotics Control Bureau headed by Inspector General of Police Mr. Ishwar Singh. He also appealed the people of Punjab to help the state government by informing about such activities on 181 helpline. He said the people can also give tip off at telephone no 181, SMS at 76961-81181, FAX 0172-6626181, email sncbpunjab@gmail.com , facebookwww.facbook.com/pages/State-Narcotics-Control-Bureau-Punjab-India.

            Mr. Badal also informed that Punjab Government was in a constant discussion with Punjab and Haryana High Court to set up a Special Court for the cases pertaining to drugs peddling. He said the government would also confiscate the property of those persons involved in such practices.

            On a query regarding exercise of putting the drug peddlers behind the bars, Mr. Badal informed that more than 27000 drug peddlers have been sent behind bars and there were 145 kingpins, who had been caught and put behind bars. He said that no one would be spared, whosoever he may be, if found to be involved in this trade.

            Mr. Badal also informed they have also formed an Internal Vigilance Cell under the supervision of IG Ishwar Singh.

            On the issue of drug seizure Mr. Badal said in 2011 there was a huge recovery of 61 lakh psychotropic substances including capsules and other medicines. He said in 2012 this number had increased to 1.14 crore and in 2013 it was 3.65 crore.

            When asked about the suspension of police officers involved in drug trades and shielded drug peddlers, Mr. Badal said 24 police officials had been dismissed from service and that a DSP had been placed under suspension for being involved with drug smugglers.

IRAQ ISSUE

            The Deputy CM informed the media persons that the Punjab Government was constantly in touch with the Union Government and Ministry of External Affairs on the issue of 40 to 50 Punjabis held hostage at Iraq by Islamic fundamentalists. He said today morning Union External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj rang him up and informed that needful directions have been issued to the Indian High Commission in Iraq. He said Mrs. Swaraj has also assured that the Indian authorities would ensure the safety and security of all Punjabis made hostages and work to ensure their safe return to India. EOM

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SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL ASSURES FARMERS TO EVOLVE A POLICY PAY TUBEWELL INSTALLATION COSTS IN INSTALLMENTS

· Deputy CM instructs visitors not to approach for getting favour in jobs

Chandigarh, June 18- In a move aimed at providing relief to the peasantry in Punjab, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today assured a delegation of small farmers that the State government would frame a policy for payment of tubewell installation costs in installments to Powercom.

Mr. Badal was interacting with a number of smNall farmers from different parts of the State during his unique on the spot grievances addressal program at the party office here. The farmers requested the Deputy CM to make provisions for marginal tillers to pay the tubewell installation costs in installments. They also thanked the Punjab government for adopting a policy to provide tubewell connections to maximum number of farmers.

More than 1000 people across the state today met the Deputy Chief Minister in the Sangat Darshan to redress their grievances and issues. Mr. Badal listened to their grievances very patiently and instructed the concerned officials to resolve their problems immediately. Most people registered their grievances against police, revenue, panchayats and civil cases. Few people also approached the Deputy CM to complain against encroachment of their land by influential people while some forwarded applications for jobs on compassionate grounds.

Mr. Badal on his party appealed the visitors that they should not come to him for seeking favour in getting government job as the Punjab government was committed to provide jobs on merit basis only. Terming the Sangat darshan program as a fruitful exercise, Mr Badal said that people were highly benefited from this move as they were able to get their pending issues resolved immediately.

A team of senior officers comprising Mr Jangveer Singh Media Advisor to Deputy CM, Mr. P.S. Aujla Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr Sanjiv Kalra IG Security, Mr Ajay Mahajan, Mr Manvesh Singh Sidhu and Mr Rahul Tiwari (all special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM) were also present on this occasion to help the people in getting done their problems solved. EOM

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MOHINDER SINGH APPOINTED AS OMBUDSMAN (LOK PAL) ELECTRICITY

Chandigarh June 18: 

The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has appointed Sh. Mohinder Singh as Ombudsman (Lok Pal Electricity). Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of       Electricity said  that Sh. Mohinder Singh was  1984 batch of Indian Audit & Accounts Services( IA&AS)  and retired as Principal Accountant General (A&F) Haryana on May 31st, 2014. According to the Spokesman Mr Singh has more than seven years experience in Power Sector.

          He further said that Smt. Romila Dubey, IAS, .Chairperson PSERC, today administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Mohinder Singh in the office of the Commission 

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JOSHI ANNOUNCES BONANZA FOR CINEMA OWNERS AND BUILDERS

·        GIVES APPROVAL TO THE RULES AMENDED FOR PRESCRIBED FLOOR AREA RATIO OF CINEMA SITE

·        BUILDERS WOULD HAVE TO PAY ONE TIME 15 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CHARGE FOR AVAILING BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES

·        1 % OF THE AMOUNT COLLECTED FROM PROPERTY TAX AND 0.5 % OF THE PAYMENT OF CIVIL WORKS BE RESERVED AS MC WELFARE FUND

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18:

The Punjab Government today gave its nod to the amended building bylaws formulated to regulate the construction of cinemas, floor area ratio (FAR) as per the area of approved cinema site and width of the road.

Disclosing this here today, the Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi said that these rules would be applicable for any approved cinema hall, under the Punjab Cinema Act 1952, converting to multiplex situated in the municipal boundary. He said that in cities, whose master plan has been notified, these rules would be applicable on those cinema halls, which have been as it is adjusted/accommodated in the notified master plan.

Mr. Joshi further said that considering the economic slowdown, the department has decided to ease its tax charges policy from the builders/developers. He said that now onwards, the department to charge the builders/developers on the charge collection pattern of Housing and Urban Development Department. He further said that the builders would have to pay one time 15 per cent amount of the total charge for availing basic infrastructure facilities and the outstanding amount could be paid in 10 easy instalments with interest. He said that now the builders can mortgage/hypothecate their buildings besides bank guarantee to pay these charges in instalments. He said that to check the illegal construction, the powers of Municipal Commissioner, which has earlier been given to Assistant Town Planner, has now been shifted to Building Inspector (Technical).

The Minister further said that for the welfare of the employees of municipal councils, the department has decided to create a MC welfare fund and 1 per cent amount of the property tax would be reserved for this purpose and 0.5 per cent of the payment of civil works (except O&M) would also be deducted for this fund. Mr. Joshi said that the department has also approved to create a separate Municipal Employees Welfare Fund for the welfare of class-4 employees and sewer man of urban civic bodies.

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PUNJAB APPEALS CENTRE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PUNJABIS IN IRAQ

  CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18-

 Jathedar Tota Singh, NRI Affairs Minister, Punjab today appealed to the Central Government to take all possible measures to ensure safety of Punjabi’s, who are working in Iraq, keeping in view the civil war like situation there.

In a press statement issued here today, Jathedar Tota Singh requested the Ministry of External Affairs to use its good office with Baghdad and the other neighbouring countries in that region to secure the safe passage and exit of Punjabis from Iraq.

He said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal have personally called Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, Union External Affairs Minister to take all the necessary steps to ensure the safe exit of Punjabis from Iraq. He further said that with the present internal war like situation in Iraq poses a threat to the lives of Punjabi’s working there. He added that External Affairs Minister Mrs. Sushma Swaraj has assured Punjab Government that it was keeping a close watch on the situation in Iraq and all timely efforts would be made to evacuate Punjabis from Iraq.

Jathedar Tota Singh said that the state government is committed to provide all possible support and help to its citizens in Iraq for ensuring their safe return. The state government is constantly in touch with the Central Government and Centre has also assured the safe return of all Indian Citizens from Iraq.

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PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO PREPARE DATA BASE OF STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD: JATHEDAR TOTA SINGH

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18:

The Punjab Government today gave final touch to the blue print to compile data base of students of Punjab studying abroad on study visa.

Jathedar Tota Singh, NRI Affairs Minister Punjab giving nod to the blue print said that a fool proof mechanism would be developed to collect data of all students on study visa in all countries. He said that this novel initiative has been taken to ensure safety of the students and to check their exploitation by  travel agents, so called students counselors and to provide them guidance regarding fake institute running abroad. He instructed the senior officials of the department to collect all details of students studying in various countries so that these students could be provided help in any kind of crises situation.

Jathedar Tota Singh said that online NRI grievance redressal system should be strengthened and complaints should be disposed of in time bound manner on fast track in a transparent way. He also stressed on the need to popularize the website of the department amongst the NRIs so that they could be brought to one platform and one channel should be adopted to redress their complaints so that accountability could be fixed. Minister said that he would monthly review the status of all NRI complaints and no complaints should be kept pending at any level otherwise the concerned officers would be held responsible.

Minister asked the officials to keep a tight check on agents doing frauds with innocent people. He also said that Additional Deputy Commissioners have been made nodal officers for redressing NRI matters at district level and they should be made accountable for disposing of NRI complaints in a time bound manner.

Jathedar Tota Singh said that he would soon meet Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal to chalk out a strategy to hold Parvasi Punjab Divas in different zones such as Majha, Malwa & Doaba. He also said that more emphasis would be laid on the participation of common NRI’s in the sammelan to redress their problems at one platform without any delay.

Earlier in the meeting Mr. B. Purshartha Commissioner NRI Affairs Department briefed the Minister about the new initiatives being taken by the NRI Department to facilitate the NRI’s. He said that Punjab Government has launched a Privilege card for NRI’s which they could apply online and avail various facilities such as discounts and reservation in various fields. He also appealed to the NRI fraternity to get registered with the Punjab Government to avail such offers. He said that   Punjab government has brought a law that now NRI's can get their multiple properties vacated from tenants, 10% Reservation for NRIs in allocation of Residential and Industrial Plots in Punjab, NRls can now avail security from PESCO while on visit to Punjab, To prevent fraud in marriages Punjab Government has enacted Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act 2012, To prevent exploitation by fraudulent immigration consultants and travel agents Punjab Government has enacted "Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012", and Punjab Government has put a check on registration of unwanted FIRs against NRIs by making it mandatory for SHOs to first get approval from the concerned DSP.

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RELAXATION IN TEACHER TRANSFERS POLICY IN KANDI, BET, WATERLOGGED AND BORDER AREAS: DR.CHEEMA  

·       COMMITTEE FORMED TO EXPLORE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL DROP OUT RATIO

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 18:

       In a bid to streamline the transfer process, the Punjab government has decided to accord certain relaxation to the teachers who would intend to get posting in Kandi, Bet Area, Waterlogged region and Boarder District. It was disclosed by Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab in a press communiqué released here today.

       Dr. Cheema said that teachers who wanted to get transferred in areas having problem like water loggings, Kandhi, Bet and border areas would now get relaxation of not staying at least 3 years at one station. He said that this policy decision has been taken considering the demand of people living in these difficult areas of the state where staff shortage is more than 50%. He said that anybody who wants to shift to these schools voluntarily will allowed the relaxation in the condition stay of three years minimum. He added that Punjab Government is keen to improve standards of education in these areas of the state.

       The Education Minister further informed that keeping in view the alarming drop out of students in government schools of three districts Bathinda, Mansa and Sri Muktsar Sahib, the department has ordered concerned DEOs of the districts to conduct detailed study to find out the reason for such high drop out ratio. The committee has also been directed to suggest measures to be taken to improve the drop out ratio. It is pertinent to mention here that school drop out ratio in these three districts Bathinda, Mansa and Sri Muktsar Sahib is 8.59%, 8.57% and 9.75% respectively, far more than the average of state i.e. 5%.

       Dr. Cheema asked the committee consisting D.E.O’s (elementary and secondary education) to figure out the causes in a detailed report within one month. Apart from finding the reasons Education Minister asked committee to come out with recommendations to encourage students to join government schools. He concluded that SAD–BJP government is committed to improve elementary education and provide better infrastructure in governments of state.


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INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SHOOTS UP TO RS.1, 93 LAKH CRORE: MITTAL

·        REGISTERS RECORD INCREASE OF RS.53 THOUSAND CRORE

       Chandigarh, June 18:

The industrial production in Punjab shot up to record Rs. 1 lakh 93 thousand Crore in the financial year 2013-2014, against 1 lakh 40 thousand crore during last year, registering unprecedented increase of Rs. 53 thousand Crore against previous financial year.

Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Industry and Commerce Minister, Punjab  today said that small scale industrial units have produced the goods worth Rs. 68 thousand   crore, against  Rs. 62971 crore of previous year. On the other hand large/medium scale industrial units have witnessed giant leap by producing goods worth of Rs. 1 lakh 25 thousand in the 2013-14, which were only 77556.91 crore during last year registering a whopping increase of 47443.09 crore in a single year.

Giving the full credit to the hardworking of industrialists and business friendly policies of SAD-BJP Government, the Minister said that the improvement in the electricity supply to the Industrial Units has also made a big difference in this regard.     

It may be mentioned here that small and large/medium industry have done a great job in production of  sports goods, handicraft, machine tools, auto tools, engineering and electronics products, drugs, eatable goods, clothes, and spare parts. Presently more than 160460 industrial units including small, large/medium scale units were operating in the state and providing employment to more than 13 lakh 90 thousand people.

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BADAL GIVES NOD TO SLASH CESS ON THE CADA FUND

FROM 0.25% TO 0.10%

RICE MILLERS & EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION AGREES TO RUN 25 BEDDED DRUG DE-ADDICTION CENTER AT AMRITSAR

CHANDIGARH JUNE 18:

            Conceding the major demand of the Punjab Rice Millers’ and Exporters’ Association, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to slash the cess levied on the purchase of basmati from 0.25% to 0.10% on account of dedicated fund for cancer and drug de-addiction treatment (CADA fund) with minimum annual contribution of Rs.50 crore. 

            A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the delegation of the Rice Millers and Exporters Association led by its President Mr. Arvinder Pal Singh here at CMO this morning. 

            Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for accepting their long pending demand, the delegation assured Mr. Badal that in case during a particular season the total amount of cess levied on the purchase of basmati fell short of Rs.50 crore, then the deficit would be voluntarily borne by the association as per their commitment.

Responding to another demand to wave the condition of 200 meter of mix land use along both sides of the Amritsar-Tarn Taran road, the Chief Minister asked the Punjab Urban Development Authority to get this issue sympathetically examined before taking a final decision so that the investment in the rice Sheller industry should not hampered. 

On the pursuance of the Chief Minister, the delegation agreed to run a 25 bedded drug de-addiction center by their association in the building allotted by the State government in Amritsar. They also agreed to bear the entire cost of medicine, logistics besides hiring manpower including the requisite doctors and psychiatrists as per the norms prescribed by the Health department. 

            Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting including Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu besides Special Principal Secretaries to CM Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KJS Cheema.   

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CM ASKS HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO ORGANIZE SPECIAL BLOCK LEVEL MEDICAL CAMPS FOR DETOXIFICATION OF DRUG ADDICTS

MOVE AIMED AT REHABILITATING THE DRUG ADDICTS TO ENABLE THEM TO LEAD LIFE WITH DIGNITY

15 IAS AND 13 SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS TO JOINTLY MONITOR THESE CAMPS

BADAL FOR RUNNING THESE SPECIAL CAMPS ON A CAMPAIGN BASIS WITH MISSIONARY ZEAL

Chandigarh, June 18-

          In a leap forward towards ensuring the rehabilitation of the drug addicts in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has deployed 15 IAS and 13 senior police officers to jointly monitor the overall functioning of special medical camps organized at block level to detoxify the drug addicts across the state on one hand and initiate efforts for rehabilitation on the other.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level meeting of the senior officers of Health and Police department at his residence on Wednesday late evening.

          Taking part in the deliberations, the Chief Minister, while underscoring the need for carrying out detoxification of the drug addicts on a war footing, said that this daunting task could be accomplished only if block level special medical camps were organized in the Community Health Centers under the supervision of medical experts. He said that with the Police tightening noose around the drug peddlers in the state, the demand of treatment for the drug de-addiction has witnessed a rapid surge, due to which the need of the hour was to impart de-addiction facilities to the drug addicts at their nearest places. Mr. Badal asked the Principal Secretary Health to ensure that block level special medical camps were organized across the state in which the drug addicts must be imparted quality medical facilities to wean them away from the menace of drugs.

          The Chief Minister further said that the services of Civil and Police Administration under the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) respectively along with the Civil Surgeon and senior medical officers should also be roped in for such camps to ensure prompt deliverance of facilities to the patients coming to such camps. Mr. Badal said that the 15 IAS and 13 senior Police officers, who have been allotted one/ two districts each, would oversee the entire arrangements in the medical camps within their jurisdiction adding that they would coordinate with the Principal Secretary Health to plug any loophole in the system to ensure best treatment to the drug addicts. Likewise, he also asked the Principal Secretary Health to establish a control room in Chandigarh to ensure the quick supply of medicines to such camps besides ensuring the other logistic support to them.

          The Chief Minister was apprised during the meeting that the Special Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr. Vikas Garg has been appointed the Nodal officer at Chandigarh to coordinate for the drug de-addiction operations across the state. Likewise, it was also informed that a control room comprising of the Medical experts has also been constituted to ensure the regular drug supply and logistic support to these camps.  Principal Secretary Health also apprised the Chief Minister that three warehouses with abundant supply of medicines have been set up in the state to ensure uninterrupted supply to these camps.

The Chief Minister underscored the need to run these special camps on a campaign basis with firm commitment, dedication and missionary zeal to get the desired results. Mr. Badal also asked the Principal Secretary Health to immediately put up a comprehensive proposal for the appointment of Psychiatrists as per the requirement so that the mass de-addiction program could be implemented in the right earnest.   

Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Director General of Police Mr. Sumedh Saini, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KJS Cheema, Additional DGP Mr. Hardeep Singh Dhillon, Managing Director Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Husaan Lal and Inspector General Police (Narcotic Cell) Mr. Ishwar Singh and Head of the Psychiatry Department PGIMER Dr. Ajit Awasthi. 

Meanwhile as per the directions of the Chief Minister IAS officer Mr. KS Pannu would monitor the functioning of block level Special Medical camps in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts, Mr. SR Ladhar in Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts, Mr. JM Balamurugan in Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala districts, Dr. Roshan Sunkaria in Mansa and Barnala districts, Mr. A.Venu Prasad in Ropar and Fatehgarh Sahib districts and Mr. KJS Cheema in Bathinda and Muktsar Sahib districts. Likewise, Mr. R.Venkat Ratnam, Mr. Dipinder Singh, Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma, Mr. AS Pannu, Mr. RK Chaudhari, Mr. VK Sharma, Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu and Dr. Arvinder Singh would oversee the operations in Jalandhar, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Moga and Faridkot districts respectively.

Likewise, senior Police officer Mr. Arunpal Singh would supervise operations in Amritsar and Tarn Taran district, Mr. Naresh Kumar Arora in Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Batala, Mr. Lok Nath Angra in Jalandhar district, Mr. Naunihal Singh in Hoshiarpur, Nawanshaher and Kapurthala districts, Mrs. Shashi Prabha Dwivedi in Ropar and Mohali districts, Mr. Parmajit Singh Grewal in Patiala district, Mr. SK Singh in Sangrur and Barnala districts, Mr. AK Pandey in Fatehgarh Sahib and Khanna, Mr. BK Uppal in Ludhiana district, Mr. Surinder Parmar in Moga district, Mr. Khubi Ram in Ferozepur and Fazilka districts, Mr Rakesh Chander in Faridkot and Muktsar districts and Mr. RPS Brar in Bathinda and Mansa districts. 

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CM TO DEDICATE UPCOMING PUNJAB STATE WAR HEROES MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM TO THE NATION ON AUGUST 15, 2015

REVIEWS CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THIS STATE-OF-THE ART MEMORIAL

WAR MEMORIAL TO ACT AS A LIGHTHOUSE TO INSPIRE THE YOUNGSTERS FOR SERVING THE NATION

CS TO HEAD STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE PROJECT

Chandigarh, June 18-

In a befitting tribute to the gallantry services rendered by the Army Heroes in the pre and post independent era, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal would dedicate the upcoming Punjab State War Heroes Memorial and Museum to the nation on August 15, 2015.

A decision to it was taken by the Chief Minister, while presiding over a high level meeting to review the ongoing construction work on this state-of-the art memorial cum museum to come over an area of seven acre on Amritsar-Attari Road, here at Chief Minister's Office.

Taking part in deliberations, the Chief Minister underlined the need for perpetuating the legacy of supreme sacrifices made by the great soldiers and warriors of the state so as to encourage the youth to join the Armed forces. He said that the work on this war memorial cum museum should be expedited to ensure that it was completed by August 15, 2015, so that it could become a source of inspiration for the future generations and hoped that this prestigious memorial would act as a lighthouse to inspire the youngsters for serving the nation thereby displaying the ethos of Punjabi's valour and patriotism. Mr. Badal categorically said that this magnificent memorial would be a befitting tribute to commemorate the remarkable contribution made by the Punjabi soldiers and officers to defend the sovereignty of the country during the wars against nation adding that there was no dearth of funds for this ambitious project coming up at a cost of Rs 100 crore.  

The Chief Minister said that this war memorial cum museum must be equipped with ultra modern techniques so that the visitors must get a mesmerizing affect during his visit to the place. Hailing the enormous contribution of Punjabi Defence Officers and Soldiers in safeguarding the borders of the country, he said that the construction of world class memorial cum museum was a real tribute to their unprecedented courage and zeal to serve their motherland. Mr. Badal 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. "This museum will emerge as engineering marvel spruced with rare architecture, landscaping and high end technology as a befitting tribute to the war heroes" he added. 

Meanwhile, in order to streamline the work for construction of this prestigious project, the Chief Minister also constituted a steering committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal with Principal Secretary Finance, Secretary Defence Services Welfare, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema and Chief Architect as its members. This committee would regularly monitor the pace of work on this ongoing project. Likewise, the Concept Committee of the project would study all the historical aspects to be displayed in the museum.

Batting for evolving a foolproof mechanism for the Operation and Maintenance of the Memorial, the Chief Minister said that integrated Maintenance of this ambitious project after its completion must be ensured. He said that a statutory body or society constituted to manage the affairs of this project must be entrusted this job prior to the completion of civil works of this project.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Technical Advisor to Chief Minister Lt. General (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary Home Mr. Jagpal Singh, Secretary Defence Services Welfare Mr. SR Ladhar, Financial Commissioner Forest and Wildlife Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Secretary Finance Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs Raji P Srivastva, Chief Architect Ms. Sapna, Brigadier (Retd.) GJ Singh and Lieutenant General RS Sujlana (Retd.). 

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6 NIGERIAN ‘END RECIPIENTS’ OF HEROIN CONSIGNMENTS FROM PAKISTAN ARRESTED IN NEW DELHI

V LINKS WITH TOP SMUGGLERS- INTERNATIONAL AND INTER-STATE DRUG DISTRIBUTION NETWORK EXPOSED

Chandigarh, June18:

 Punjab Police has achieved a major break through today in its drive against drug trafficking with the arrest of 6 Delhi-based Nigerian ‘end recipients’ of heroin consignments transiting through Punjab by a joint party of the State Special Operations Cell, district Mohali and district Patiala. Sh. Rajinder Singh Sohal, DSP from district Mohali, Sh. Gurdev Singh, DSP from district Patiala, Inspector Harvinderpal Singh and Inspector Balbir Singh of the SSOC, besides other police officials led the police teams in a systematically conducted intelligence-based operation supervised by Sh.Gaurav Yadav, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Counter Intelligence, Punjab who camped in New Delhi for two days to supervise the operations.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of Punjab Police informed that the arrested Nigerian ‘end recipients’ have disclosed their names as Sydney Obinna, Uzochekwu Clement, Alogsis Ezechinelu, Mike, Victor and Peter. They were residing in a rented accommodation in Uttam Nagar, New Delhi from where they have been arrested on June 18, 2014 by the Punjab Police. The information provided by them was being verified and the concerned foreign embassy was being dully intimated about the arrests.

The spokesman said that investigations have revealed that the Delhi-based Nigerian ‘end recipients’   were in contact with Pakistan-based heroin smugglers Abid Ali, Ch. Sajabad and Bhola. Abid Ali and Sajabad had recently sent a consignment of 22 kg heroin which was seized by the SSOC in April 2014. Bhola’s courier Mohd. Ishfaq @ Malangi, a Pak national has been arrested by the Punjab Police and was currently lodged in the Amritsar jail in connection with seizure of 6 kg heroin, huge quantity of FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes) and a MP-5 weapon.

He further said that investigations have further revealed that the arrested Nigerians ‘end-recipients’ were the kingpins of an international and inter-state drug distribution network with linkages and contacts in Nigeria, Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, Canada, the United States (US), and, the Indian states of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh  and Gujarat. The functioning of a multi-laired international and inter-state drug distribution network controlled by the Delhi-based ‘end-recipients’ has been unveiled. These ‘end-recipients’ were obtaining heroin consignments from Pakistan through Punjab and J&K borders, and after transit through Punjab, the drugs were being received in New Delhi for pumping into the drug distribution network.

He said that the arrested persons were being brought to Amritsar for production before the concerned court to obtain their police remand in order to question them thoroughly, establish the linkages revealed, and, effect more arrests and seizures. Further investigations are ongoing.

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 ALLOTMENT OF HOUSE NUMBERS TO PERSONS RESIDING IN'LAL DORA' IS ON THE CARDS: RANIKE

·        LEGAL COMMITTEE BE CONSTITUTED TO GIVE LEGAL OPINION ON THIS ISSUE

Chandigarh 18 June:-

                   In a bid  to provide easy loan facility to the poor residing in 'Lal Doara' (village premises) without any ownership record, the Punjab Government in principle has decided to launch a state-wide drive in coordination with various departments.

                   Presiding over a high level meeting with the department officers, Punjab Welfare Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike said that  Punjab Government would allot the numbers to the houses falls in 'Lal Doara' (village premises) after conducting a survey.

                   The Minister said that if any poor person lodged in the jail due to civil and criminal case, the number allotted to his house would help him/her to get the bail. He said that                   the poor people would also get the ownership of their houses, which will help them a lot. Village common land (Shamlat land) which comes under the Red Line, whose survey has not been conducted that common land will be safe from illegal possession.

The minister further said that to look into the legal issue involved in the allotment of House number, a Legal Expert Committee would be constituted. This committee would suggest the way and means to deal with such contentious issue.

                   He also said that after the death of the head of a family it is very difficult for the next generation to transfer the property on their name that is why numbers are allotted to the houses who come under line. This will also help in to get the Residential certificates, schedule casts and other backward classes certificates.

                   Smt. Seema Jain, Secretary, Wefare; Director, Welfare; Sh. S.S.Khaira, Special Secretary, Revenue and Deputy Director, Rural Development and Panchayats were present in the meeting.

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SECRETARY CONDUCTS SURPRISE RAID IN DAIRY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

·        ONLY ONE EMPLOYEE FOUND ABSENT

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE :18

As per the directions of the  Animal Husbandry Minister, Punjab Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today Secretary Dairy Development Mr. V.K. Meena conducted surprise raid in the office of the Dairy Development Punjab Head Office. During checking, out of total 55 employees 7 were on leave whereas Mr Amritpal Singh, Dairy field Assistant was found absent

  He said that the complaints regarding the absence of the officers/employees were pouring in, which necessitated the today’s surprise raid in the office. He said that the department would not tolerate any kind of laxity in the official work and punctuality and accountability of officers and employees would be strictly ensured.

Mr. Meena further issued strict advisory for the employees of the department to be present in the office from 9 am to 5 pm and discharge their duty with full dedication. He said that the surprise checking would also be continued in future

 

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO LAUNCH 24X7 TOLL FREE NUMBER: DR. DALJIT CHEEMA

·       A REVIEW COMMITTEE BE CONSTITUTED FOR EARLY DISPOSAL OF COURT CASES

·       OFFICERS TO ENSURE 100 % IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES

MOHALI, JUNE 17:

          The Punjab Government in order to ensure public participation in the decision making mechanism of education department has decided to launch a toll free number and web portal, which would be active 24x7. It was disclosed by Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister while presiding over a state level meeting of the department at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Mohali today.

          He said that the government has taken this initiative to gauge the public feedback regarding the policies and activity of the education department. He said that the government would formulate its policies in accordance with the public demand. He said that this toll free number has been conceived in line with the toll free no already run by the police department He said that the department has decided to launch a new web portal for the Panchayats, where these public representative upload their queries, suggestion and complaints.

          The minister further said that directions to all the department officials have been issued to have close coordination with the welfare department and to ensure the implementation of scholarship schemes at the grass root level. He said that directions have also been issued to collect the feedback of the implementation of welfare schemes from the beneficiaries.

          Dr. Cheema said that to ensure the timely disposal of the court cases a review committee has been constituted. He said that this committee would be useful for saving the precious time, energy and money and would ensure the welfare of the employees. The minister further said that the department would give priority to the academic activities and would promote quality research work. He asked the officials to give due importance to practical work while teaching subject like Math, Science.

          Prominent among other who were present in the meeting included Mr. Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary, Mr. Rahul Bhandari, Secretary, Mr. Gurdeep Singh, Special Secrtary, Dr. Kamal Garg, DPI (Secondary Education), Mrs. Darshan Kaur, D.P.I (Elementary Education), Mr. Sadu Singh Randhawa, Director (administration), Pankaj Sharma, Director, SCERT, all Deputy Directors, CEOs and DEOs.

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NK SHARMA ALLOTTED DEPARTMENT OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION

Chandigarh, June 17

The Punjab government today allotted the department of Investment promotion to the Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. NK Sharma, in addition to his already existing portfolios of Industry and Commerce.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the state government said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the file regarding the allocation of Investment Promotion to Mr. NK Sharma, who would be working in close coordination with the Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal who holds this department.

Formal orders in this behalf would be issued later, added the spokesperson.

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SECOND PHASE OF VIRASAT-E-KHALSA BE COMPLETED WITHIN A YEAR: THANDAL

 ·        TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS RS.51 CRORE AND FIRST INSTALLMENT WORTH RS.17 CRORE RELEASED

·        WORK ON BHAI JAITA JI MEMORIAL AT SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB BE COMMENCED SOON

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 17:

The second phase of the world famous Virasat-e-Khalsa would be completed within a year. Work on this project has already been started and the first installment worth Rs.17 crore has already been released.

Disclosing this here today, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Minister for Jail, Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Printing & Stationary, Punjab said that the project cost is Rs.51 crore. He said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has taken personal interest in this coveted project and he himself approved the first installment of Rs.17 crore for this project.

In a press communiqué, Mr. Thandal said that the Punjab Government is observing the centenary celebrations of the completion of 350 years of the foundation of Sri Anandpur Sahib City. He said that these celebrations would start on June 19, 2014 and would continue up till one year. He further said that the second phase of Virasat-e-Khalsa would be completed with the closing of year long centenary celebrations in the year 2015.

Mr. Thandal said that under this project, 17 new galleries would be constructed, wherein the rich historical, religious and cultural heritage of Punjab, would be depicted in a befitting manner.

The Minister further said that the work on the construction of Bhai Jaita Ji Memorial at Sri Anandpur Sahib has also started. He said this memorial would be constructed upon an area of 5 acre. He said that the land for the memorial has already been demarcated. “As soon as the concept for this memorial is ready, the construction work of this memorial would be commenced”, added Mr. Thandal. Tourism Minister said that the series of memorials constructed by the SAD-BJP government in its last term have been maintained with state of the art technology.

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POORLY CONSTRUCTED ROADS-VIGILANCE BUREAU COLLECTS SAMPLES

 CHANDIGARH, JUNE 17:

            Punjab Vigilance Bureau has today collected the samples of materials of two roads leading from Phagwara-Dosanjh, Mukandpur road (11.35 kilometer section of Dosanjh-Mukandpur) and stretch of road from village Nagar-Apra-Mukandpur that got broken immediately after construction. These roads were constructed under the Pardhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) respectively six and four months ago.

            The spokesperson of the Bureau said that first stretch of the road was laid down with the cost of Rs.345.85 lacs by Jalandhar Cantonment wing of Punjab Works Department and was completed in December last year. As per the agreement, work for this road was started from November 21, 2012 and was being completed by May 25, 2013 but within one month of its up-gradation, this road was broken from different places. He said that the second stretch of village Nagar-Apra-Mukandpur road was completed four months ago and this road was also broken from different places. He further said that the joint checking of these roads was conducted by Technical team of Vigilance Bureau, Chandigarh and officers of the PWD, Mohali under the leadership of Jalandhar VB wing DSP Mr. Bhupinder Singh. This team collected samples from various locations, which would be sent to the laboratories for examination. He said that the relevant record was also been taken into custody. The spokesperson further said that after the examination report, action would be taken against the erring.

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            PUNJAB ALL SET TO AMEND RELEVANT SECTIONS OF IPC FOR PROVIDING STRINGENT PUNISHMENT FOR SALE OF ADULTERATED MILK – CM

TERMS SALE OF SPURIOUS MILK AND ITS PRODUCTS AS A SOCIAL CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY

PERPETRATORS OF SUCH HEINOUS CRIME WOULD NOT BE SPARED AT ANY COST

CHANDIGARH JUNE 17:

In a bid to check the menace of milk adulteration in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the state government would soon amend the relevant sections of IPC to provide stringent punishment for the adulterators involved in the sale of synthetic milk and its products across the state. 

Showing deep concern over the growing tendency of sale of adulterated synthetic milk and its products in the state, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s firm commitment to check this heinous crime by making provisions for stringent punishment to the adulterators, who were openly playing havoc with the innocent lives of millions consumers.

 Interacting with the delegation of Halwai Association, which called on the Chief Minister at CMO this morning, Mr. Badal, however assured the delegation that before making any amendment in this regard on the directions of Apex Court,  the view point of the association would be given due consideration. 

Terming adulteration as in human act, the Chief Minister impressed upon the association to help the state in checking the sale of spurious milk and its products because the sale of such products was not only a serious threat to the humanity but was also unpardonable offence.  He said that the perpetrators of this grave crime should be punished severely and hoped that the relevant amendments in the law would act as a deterrent to check this barbaric crime in future.    

Meanwhile, referring to the initiatives taken by the state government to check drug menace in the state, the Chief Minister solicited the support of private sector in this regard.  He asked the Chancellor of Lovely University Mr. Ashok Mittal to set up 10 bedded drug de-addiction center in the vicinity of Jalandhar.  Responding to it Mr. Mittal assured the Chief Minister that he would soon set up such center at Jalandhar. 

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chie Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Home Mr. Jagpal Singh and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. 

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-MADAN LAL BAGGA APPOINTED AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF TRADERS BOARD PUNJAB

 

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 17: The Punjab Government today appointed Ludhiana based Mr. Madan Lal Bagga, renowned trader of Punjab as Vice Chairman of Traders Board, Punjab. 

Disclosing this here an official spokesperson said that Mr. Bagga had been appointed the vice chairman of Punjab State Trader’s Board as he has vast experience in trading and knows the problems along with their relevant solutions being faced by the traders community in the state.  He said that Mr. Bagga will act as bridge between traders and bureaucracy to amicably resolve the grievances of traders.

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DEPUTY CM ASKS EXCISE OFFICIALS TO TOUR ‘MANDIS’ TO TAKE FEEDBACK FROM TRADERS ON WAYS AND MEANS TO SIMPLIFY TAX COLLECTION

(Gives mandate for rationalising the tax structure in discussion with traders)

(Also calls for mapping of marriage palaces in the State and charging them lump sum license fee based on their turnover)

 Chandigarh, June 16 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today asked the Excise and Taxation Commissioner to tour various mandis in the State to take feedback from traders about ways and means to rationalise and simplify tax collection.

 Presiding over a meeting of senior officials of the Excise and taxation and finance department at his office here, the Deputy CM asked the Excise Commissioner to take feedback on the apprehensions of traders before framing a policy which would simplify tax collection. He said the new policy framework should be ready by July 1.

Spelling out the mandate to the tax officials, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said he was in favour of reducing taxes. “We must rationalise the tax structure so that traders do not shy away from paying tax”, he said adding the collection system should also be such that tax payment should be hassle free and involve minimum paper work.

There was also a suggestion that up to a certain limit, traders should be asked to pay only a certain renewal fee which would end the need to keep any books. He said different categories of tax payers could be created to regulate tax collection and that the traders could even be issued stickers on behalf of the department which they could affix on their premises.

Discussing the issue of rationalising license fee of marriage palaces, the Deputy CM asked the Excise department to make a list of both licensed as well as illegal marriage palaces running in the State. He said besides conducting the mapping exercise by July 1 the excise department should also create data of top 50 marriage palaces in the State.

Mr Badal said he visualised a system whereby all marriage palaces could be grouped separately according to their turnover following which a lump sum could be charged as license fee. “We can also issue a unique identity number to each marriage palace to make it easy for them to interact with the department”, Mr Badal added.

Among others, financial commissioner (taxation) D P Reddy, excise and taxation commissioner Anurag Verma and special principal secretary Ajay Mahajan also attended the meeting. EOM

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50 BEDDED DRUG DE-ADDICTION CENTERS TO BE SOON OPERATIONAL AT JALANDHAR AND BATHINDA

50 BEDDED DRUG DE-ADDICTION CENTER AT PATIALA AND BABA FARID UNIVERSITY TO BE CONSTRUCTED SOON 

CM PRESIDES OVER THE MEETING OF CADA

22 SPECIAL REHABILITATION CENTERS TO COME ACROSS THE STATE

SEPARATE CANCER BLOCK TO COME AT FARIDKOT CIVIL HOSPITAL

24 TEN BEDDED DRUG DE-ADDICTIONS CENTERS CONSTRUCTED BY PHSC: THREE MORE IN PIPELINE  

Chandigarh, June 17-

          In a bid to enable the drug addicts to lead a normal life with self respect and dignity, two 50 bedded drug de-addiction centers at Jalandhar and Bathinda, well equipped with the state-of-art facilities, would be made operational by December 31, 2014 for the detoxification of drug addicts.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over a meeting of the Punjab State Cancer and Drug Addiction (CADA) Treatment Infra Structure Board here today at Chief Minister’s Office.

It was also decided in the meeting that another two 50 bedded Drug de-addiction center at Patiala and Baba Farid University campus would be constructed soon to provide the drug de-addiction treatment to the more drug addicts. Likewise, in order to rehabilitate the drug addicts to lead a normal life, the state government in addition to the existing Drug de-addiction centre’s (DDC) network having the capacity of 600 beds, would also set up 22 special rehabilitation centers, each one in every district, where the patients would be admitted after proper detoxification in the DDCs. Underscoring the need for strengthening the infra structure in the hospitals to give relief to the drug addicts across the state, the Chief Minister also asked the Health department to chalk out a strategy for identifying the regularly vacant beds in government Hospitals so that they could be aptly utilized for drug addiction centers by restructuring them. 

The Chief Minister also asked the Health department to work out a strategy to provide medicines to the eight DDCs run in the various jails at Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot and Ferozepur, through the Health department instead of the present practice of direct purchase by Jail authorities.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) Mr. Hussan Lal apprised the Chief Minister that 10 bedded drug de-addiction centers have been constructed by the PHSC with a total outlay of Rs 27 crore at Phagwara, Jagroan, Batala, Balachaur, Dasuya, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Rajpura, Barnala, Abohar, Patti, Malerkotla, Khanna, Narot Jaimal Singh, Hoshiarpur, Saila Khurd, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Barnala, Sangrur, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka and Ropar. Out of these 18 drug de-addiction centers were fully functional and the remaining six would be made operational soon. Likewise, three more drug de-addiction centers would be constructed soon at Nurmahal, Samrala and Badal at a cost of Rs 3 crore.

Emphasizing the need to strengthen Cancer treatment Hospital network for eradication of Cancer, Mr. Badal approved Rs 30.50 crore for Cancer Treatment Block in Faridkot Medical College besides Rs 15 crore as its annual maintenance charges for the upcoming Cancer treatment center at Bathinda being constructed at a cost of Rs 40 crore, in addition to the already existing strong network of the Cancer treatment in the state. It was also informed in the meeting that for the TMC Cancer Radiation Therapy centre at Sangrur Civil hospital, the entire infra structure was being provided by the state government whereas all the equipments would be installed by the TMC. It was also decided in the meeting that a separate Cancer block would be set in the Faridkot hospital at a cost of Rs 30.50 crore.

The Chief Minister also asked the authorities to launch a vigorous mass awareness campaign to sensitize the youth in order to wean them away from drug addiction by engaging the services of experts and eminent psychiatrists to educate the drug addicts about the ill effects of drug addiction. During the deliberations Professor & Head psychiatry Department PGIMER Dr. Ajit Awasthi gave a power point presentation to the Chief Minister apprising him about the effective steps being taken by the state government to tackle the menace of Drug addiction in the state. After the presentation, the Chief Minister laid stress on the need to recruit more Physiatrists as well as the psycho therapy counsellors and psycho social workers for effective rehabilitation plan of the drug addicts. For the strengthening of Human Resource in this sector, the Chief Minister asked the Health and Medical Education departments to start new courses besides providing training to the existing staff for the success of this mission.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Anil Joshi, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal and Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health and Finance Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan, Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KJS Cheema, MDPHSC Mr. Hussan Lal besides eminent medical luminaries Dr. KK Talwar, Dr. MK Mahajan and Dr Ajit Awasthi. 

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CM CONDUCTS SURPRISE CHECK IN OFFICES OF MINISTERS AND OFFICERS

MOVE AIMED AT ENSURING PUNCTUALITY IN THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES

FOUND EIGHT MINISTERS AND A SENIOR BUREAUCRAT AND ABSENT FROM THEIR OFFICES

Chandigarh, June 17-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today made a surprise check in the offices of Cabinet Ministers and senior officers at third and sixth floor of the Punjab Civil Secretariat at sharp 09:05 am and found eight Ministers and a senior bureaucrat absent from their offices.

               Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that this move was aimed at ensuring decorum and discipline in the government offices besides fulfilling the commitment of the state government for prompt deliverance of citizen centric services and redressal of public grievances. The Cabinet Ministers who were not found present in their offices during the surprise check of Chief Minister included Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Irrigation Minister Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon, Local Government Minister Mr. Anil Joshi, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon, Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Forest Minister Mr. Chunni Lal Bhagat, Industries Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal and Revenue Minister and Information & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia besides Principal Secretary General Administration Mr. Sanjay Kumar was also found absent from his office. While the four Cabinet Ministers including Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Transport Minister Jathedar Ajit Singh Kohar, Tourism and Jails Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal and Water Supply & Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra were present in their offices.

Meanwhile, Mr. Badal requested the Ministers to ensure their presence in the offices to discharge their official work diligently besides redressing the grievances of the people, who come all the way to meet them for getting their work done from the far flung areas of the state.  Likewise, he also reiterated that officers/ officials should also remain available in their offices from 9 am to 5 pm for the convenience of general public in order to instill a sense of confidence and belongingness in the state administration.      

The Chief Minister also impressed upon the people’s representatives and bureaucracy to discharge their duties with utmost dedication, honesty and professional commitment in the larger public interest. Likewise, the Chief Minister also exhorted them to maintain punctuality in their offices to serve the masses with utmost zeal and sincerity.

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FOCUS ON ENFORCEMENT OF LABOUR LAWS- BHAGAT

· ORDERS RAIDS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE OF MINIMUM WAGES ACT

CHANDIGARH, JUNE 17:

The Punjab government has issued instructions to ensure compliance of all labour laws and has finalized a coordinated plan to check the exploitation of workers in various industrial outfits and in service industry.

Labour Minister Mr.        Chunni Lal Bhagat today issued strict instructions to the field staff for compliance of all labour laws in its letter and spirit. Addressing the issues raised in a memorandum of Public Works Department’s Field and Works Union delegation, Mr. Bhagat said that it was imperative for the field officers to identify the erring employers and to take strict measures to check labour law violations.

Emphasizing on implementation of Minimum Wages Act, Mr. Bhagat said that he has received many complaints regarding non-receipt of minimum wages by workers. He said that SAD-BJP government was fully committed for the welfare of labour laws and it was the duty of labour department to ensure strict implementation of Minimum Wages Act. He said that laxity would not be tolerated and will lead to strong disciplinary action against erring officials as well as owners of the factories.

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FIRST MAJOR SUCCESS HAS AMBEDKAR INSTITUTE STUDENT CLEARS CIVIL SERVICES EXAM

Chandigarh June17:

The Ambedkar Institute of Careers and Courses, Mohali, and institute opened by Punjab government to provide free coaching to Scheduled Caste and Backward Caste students in competitive exams clocked first major success with its student Ritu Gera of SAS Nagar, Mohali clearing the Civil Services Exam 2013-14 in her first attempt. Ritu belonging to Scheduled Caste category scored 1087 all India rank.

                   Congratulating Ritu Gera, Punjab Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Minister S Gulzar  singh Ranike said that the success of Ritu in the top most competitive exams of India has realized the dream of Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister Punjab who envisioned this institute to provide free coaching, free hostel facility and financial assistance to the economically weaker students belonging to SC, BC and Minority community for various courses like Civil Services, Punjab Civil Services, Bank P.O., PMET etc. He said that Chief Minister when informed about the rare success of student of Ambedkar Institute was thrilled to hear that and has felicitated Ritu Gera.