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"THANKFUL TO PEOPLE FOR REPOSING FAITH IN SAD-BJP GOVERNMENT'S DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED POLICIES"-CM

·  SAYS WIN IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS SHOWS PEOPLE BELIEVE IN PUNJAB GOVERNMENT'S POLICIES

·  HAILS UNION RAILWAY BUDGET AS PEOPLE FRIENDLY, DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED

·  VISITS AILING AKALI LEADER AMARJIT SINGH BHATIA

·  ATTENDS WEDDING OF AJMER SINGH LAKHOWAL'S GRANDDAUGHTER

Ludhiana, February 27:

Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that he is thankful to the people of Punjab for reposing faith and commitment in Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janta Party's development oriented policies by voting for them in the recently held Municipal elections. The CM also hailed the Union Railway budget by terming it as a people friendly, development oriented and a visionary initiative towards strengthening the national transport system of the country.

The CM was speaking to media persons after visiting Senior Akali leader Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia at the Hero DMC Heart Institute, here. He had earlier visited the ailing leader on February 11. The CM also interacted with Mr Bhatia's family members and assured all possible help. Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia is undergoing treatment at Hero DMC Heart Institute, here, since January 28. The Punjab government is bearing all cost incurred on the treatment of Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia.

The CM said that this superb victory has filled us with even greater humility, responsibility towards the aspirations of the people and accountability to their commands. He said that these results should not be merely construed as a victory in civic polls but it actually reflects the resentment amongst the voters against the malicious campaign unleashed by the Congress to defame the hard working and resilient Punjabis.

While commenting on the railway budget, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal complemented the Union Railways Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu for presenting a far sighted Railway budget that aims at improving the amenities for the passengers, enhancing customer services and upgradation of the infra structure and laying thrust on governance and transparency in the Railways besides focusing on the Financial self sustainability of the ‘national carrier’.

He said that the decision of introducing ‘Perishable Cargo centers’ for the farmers at the important Railway stations was a revolutionary step aimed at facilitating the farmers. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the announcement on embarking Kisan Yatra, a special travel scheme to help farmers to learn about new farming and marketing techniques, would also go a long way in bailing out the farmers from current agrarian crisis.

He also lauded the decision to construct 970 ROB/RUBs and carry out safety-related works to phase out 3438 level crossings at a total Railway expense of Rs. 6,581 crore.

Later, the CM attended the wedding function of Punjab Mandi Board chairman Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal's granddaughter at a marriage palace on Pakhowal Road, here. He was accompanied by Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Agriculture Minister Mr Tota Singh, Irrigation Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Transport Minister Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, MLAs Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr S R Kler, besides several others.

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Punjab to set up Mai Bhago armed forces preparatory institute

Chandigarh, February 27:

The Punjab Government has decided to set up the Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Women at Mohali on the pattern of Maharaja Ranjit Singh armed forces preparatory institute.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said after the grand success of Maharaja Ranjit Singh armed forces preparatory institute, Mohali the government had decided to establish a special preparatory institute to train young girls to attain maximum job opportunities in the defense forces. He said the institute would be named in honour of the great Sikh warrior Mai Bhago to encourage young girls of the state to follow the example set by the legend.

The spokesman said the new institute, which would follow world standards, would be established on an 8 acre plot of land at Mohali. He further added that this institute would have state of art facilities including smart class rooms, air conditioned auditorium, Library, Swimming pool, play grounds, horse riding court and shooting range.

The spokesman said the institute would be fully residential so as to be able to impart training to students from across the State. A well qualified ex-lady army officer or wife of an army officer having experience in managing hostel facilities for women would be deployed as hostel administrator. 

He also disclosed the institute would be headed by a women director having army or administrative experience. He said the Punjab Government had already called for applications for the post and would prefer a capable administrator with jest for outdoor, adventure activities and high leadership qualities.

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RANIKE ADVISES PEOPLE NOT TO BE SCARED OF RUMOURS REGARDING SWINE FLU
 

Chandigarh, February 27:

                Punjab Dairy Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today appealed the
people of Punjab not to be scared of rumours being spread in the market about the swine flu. He said people should become active participants of awareness campaign being launched by Animal Husbandry
and Health Department about the symptoms and reasons of this disease.

                        In an advisory issued here Mr. Ranike informed that neither
eggs, milk, meat or the eatables made from these products nor pigs,
broilers and other animals spread this disease in human beings. He
said this was a seasonal flu, which spreads through H1N1 virus.
The Minister said this disease transmitted from one person
to another through air and climatic changes. He said the instructions
issued by Health Department should be followed in true spirit to avoid the spread of this disease.

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 CM VISITS NATIVE RESIDENCE OF IAS OFFICER MANJIT SINGH BRAR AT BAGHPURANA

CONDOLES SAD AND UNTIMELY DEMISE OF HIS SON

Baghapurana (Moga), February 27-

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal visited the native residence of Deputy Commissioner Fazilka Mr. Manjit Singh Brar, IAS here today to share condolences with the bereaved family on the sad and untimely demise of his son Sumer Singh in the prime of youth, who passed away at Chandigarh on Wednesday.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of Chief Minister's Office said that while consoling Mr. Brar's father Mr. Gurbachan Singh Brar (former Chairman of Market Committee), the Chief Minister shared his heart felt sympathies with the grieved family. He also prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give enormous strength to them to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.

            The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar in this hour of grief. Apart from others MLA Mr. Maheshinder Singh and Chairman District Planning Committee Moga Mr. Tirath Singh Mahla also shared their condolences with the bereaved family.   

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FIRST TIME IN COUNTRY: FIVE COURT CHALLANS AGAINST SELLING OF LOOSE CIGARETTES JAYANI    

•          Raids to continue in other districts too

 Chandigarh, February 27: Punjab has become the first state in the country by strictly acting upon the implementation of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2005 as the Tobacco Control Cell today served five court challans to shopkeepers who were indulging in practices of selling loose cigarettes/tobacco.

            Stating this here today Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that a team of Tobacco Control Cell conducted a raid in Hoshiarpur Sabzi Mandi, where it has been found that some shopkeepers were selling loose Cigarettes violating section 7 of COTPA. The team has served on the spot court challans to the violators. The raid was conducted on the directions issued by the Minister for effective implementation of ban imposed on sale of loose cigarettes/tobacco in the state. The Minister has also directed the Deputy Commissioner, Mrs. Anandita Mitra to carry forward the objective of state in this regard and be very strict in curbing tobacco menace in her district.

           The District Level Tobacco Control team headed by Dr. Munish Kumar conducted raid in Sabzi Mandi area of Rahimpur and challaned 5 shopkeepers. The team also seized loose cigarettes in opened/unsealed cigarette packs from them. COTPA was being strictly implemented in district, he said. He also said as per the provisions of act violators face punishment up to 1 year with a fine of Rs. 1000 or both. He said second or subsequent conviction will attract imprisonment of a term up to 2 years and with a fine up to Rs. 3000/- or both.

Meanwhile, Mrs.Mrs. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary Health said such raids will continue in future to enforce the ban on the sale of loose cigarettes / loose tobacco in Punjab. She further mentioned that the ban on loose cigarettes will curb the easy availability of single sticks of cigarettes to the children and youth which were cheaper to buy. This will increase the age of initiation and decrease prevalence of Tobacco usage. She also lauded the efforts of Distt. Tobacco Control Cell Hoshiarpur for this path breaking action which should be replicated in other districts too.

Complimenting the Punjab government for taking stringent measures to control tobacco menace in the state, Mrs. Mira Aghi, Ph.D. Behavioural Scientist and a Communication Expert said that the state government has evolved an otrganised and effective strategy and other states should also replicate the government agenda to tackle the tobacco control measures especially in checking the sale of loose cigarettes.

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 ORAL HEALTH CARE HIGHLIGHTED IN 12TH REORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR PCMS DENTAL DOCTORS

 ·      AS MANY AS 270 DENTAL DOCTORS ACROSS THE STATE ATTENDED THE WORKSHOP

 Chandigarh 27: Director Research and Medical Education, Dr. Manjit Mohi emphasized on highlighting the relevance of complete oral health care especially in children.

Presiding over  the 12th Reorientation training programme for the PCMS dental doctors was held here today, Dr. Mohi said that Dental caries was prevalent as high as 60-80% in Indian children. Apart from this, about 30% of children suffer from malaligned teeth and jaws. Lack of awareness about dental diseases has resulted in gross neglect of oral health. She said that the grass-root level health workers and doctors should have adequate knowledge about oral hygiene in order to check and prevent the dental problems right in the beginning.  She stressed the need to maintain the good oral Health.

She further stated that such workshops are very much required. The Punjab government would make all efforts to encourage doctors in upgrading their knowledge. Workshops should be held at regular intervals so that PCMS Doctors benefit from such workshops adding to their performances in the field especially in the rural areas, she added.  

Dr. R.S. Mann, President, Punjab Dental Council addressed the gathering. A total of 270 PCMS dental doctors attended this important workshop. Various lectures were delivered on latest technologies used in the field of dentistry. Salient features of this workshop was that 6 Doctors from amongst PCMS Dental Doctors delivered lectures on latest in Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, Peridontics and Endodontic. Dr. Andrea Hoda, Professor Gurvinder Gill, Dr. Johny Kang, Ms. Rachel and Mr. John Goodish Internationally acclaimed speakers delivered lectures and gave presentations on Pain Management and Women empowerment.

Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Director (Procurement)/Additional Director (Dental) briefed the Doctors about the various ongoing Programmes of the Health Department and thanked the PCMS Dental Doctors for attending the workshop and making it a success. 

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 PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION TO SET UP HELP DESK

Chandigarh February 27:  Punjab Right to Service Commission has set up the Help Desk with the telephone no. 0172-2792181 for providing information and rendering the services to General Public.

      Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the commission said that applicant can obtain the status or queries he rendered to the commission.He further said that Commission had disposed of 687 cases pertaining to “Attestation of Uncontested Mutation” during the Lok Adalat held at Ludhiana.More Lok Adalats would  also be held at Bhatinda, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

            He further said that as many as  1, 77, 66,096  applicants have availed the notified services during the period April to January,2015 which includes 18,16,650 applicants during the Month of January, 2015 only under Punjab Right to Service Commission.

He also said that on the basis of MIS reports received from various districts, the Commission took suo-moto notice in groups of cases where service was delayed beyond time lines without sufficient cause. With the intervention of the Commission, 9500 such cases have been disposed of up to January,2015. Apart from this, suo-moto action was initiated in 184 individual cases up to January,2015.

He also said that 40 officers/officials have been penalized who have failed to deliver the notified services without sufficient cause. Two applicants have also been compensated out of this penalty amount, he added.

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 PUNJAB BEGINS RECRUITMENT PROCESS OF DISTRICT WELFARE OFFICERS

- ONLINE APPLICATIONS CAN SUBMIT TILL MARCH 19

Chandigarh, 27 February:

          The Punjab Government has started recruitment process of 6 District Welfare Officers (DWO) for the accelerated implementation of welfare schemes of schedule castes and backward classes in a better and transparent manner.

          Divulging the details, a spokesman said that for 6 posts of DWO online applications have been invited by the Punjab Public Service Commission. He said that last date of submitting online application is March 19, 2015 and fees has to be deposited through bank challans till March 23, 2015. "For filling up the application forms desirous candidates can login to commission's website i.e www.ppsc.gov.in and detailed terms and conditions, education qualification, age, fee detail etc. can also be seen on the website" he

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PUNJAB CM ACCOMPANIED BY DEPUTY CM CALLS ON JAITLEY TO SEEK IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PENDING GRANTS WORTH RS.283 CRORE RECOMMENDED BY THE 13TH FINANCE COMMISSION

REQUESTS JAITLEY TO RELEASE THESE GRANTS BEFORE

MARCH 31, 2015

FLAGS UP ISSUE OF PUNJAB’S EXCLUSION FROM “DEBT STRESSED STATES” BY THE 14TH FINANCE COMMISSION

JAITLEY ASSURES OF TIMELY RELEASE OF PENDING GRANTS

 New Delhi/Chandigarh, February 26: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal along with the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today called on the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley in his office at New Delhi to seek his personal intervention for immediate release of pending grants to the tune of Rs.283 crore recommended by the 13th Finance Commission. 

Taking the part in the deliberations during the meeting with the Union Finance Minister both the leaders informed Mr. Jaitley that these grants duly recommended by 13th Finance Commission, were already overdue for release and would subsequently lapse after 31st March, 2015. The leaders also solicited Mr. Jaitley’s attention to the fact that Punjab along with West Bengal and Kerala were treated as fiscally stressed states 13th Finance Commission. They apprised Mr. Jaitley that the 13th Finance Commission had recommended to the Government to help these States come out of the fiscal stress. The state continued to incur Revenue Deficit ranging from 3.5% to 1.2% of the GSDP during 2004-05 to 2014-15 except in 2006-07 when it showed a Revenue Surplus due to grant received from the GoI against the waiver of the Special Term Loan incurred for payment for central forces deployed in the state during militancy period.

They further pointed out that the Debt to GSDP ratio of the state continued to be high at 32%. The state spends 23% of its Revenue Receipts on interest payments. The report submitted by the 14th Finance Commission failed to take due cognizance of these facts and has ignored the state’s requirement of Revenue Deficit grant, even as it has recommended Revenue Deficit grant for the other two states treated as fiscally stressed by 13th Finance Commission besides adding some other states to the list of recipients of the Revenue Deficit grant.

Both the leaders requested Mr. Jaitley to at least provide the State some relief by reimbursing Rs.2684 crore repaid by the State against principal and interest of the Special Term Loan provided by the GoI during period of militancy. The rest of this Special Term Loan has already been waived, they remarked.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also handed over a letter to Mr. Jaitley stipulating Department wise Grants recommended by 13th Finance Commission pending with GoI mentioned as under: 

Responding to the issues raised by Chief Minister and Deputy CM, Mr. Jaitley assured them that he would direct the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of these grants of Rs.283 crore without any further delay.

Prominent amongst other who were present in the meeting included Member Parliament Mr. Naresh Gujral, Principal Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan Mrs. Kalpana Mittal Baruah and Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan Mr. K. Siva Parsad.

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PUNJAB TO DEVELOP PLYWOOD INDUSTRIAL HUB AT HOSHIARPUR – SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

• State emerged as a preferred investment destination
• Amarjit singh jaggi assumes office as chairman PSIDC

Chandigarh, February 26

The Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that Punjab would develop a plywood industrial hub at Hoshiarpur in next 2 years as the area has a great potential in this sector.

Addressing the installation ceremony of Mr. Amarjeet Singh Jaggi as the chairman PSIDC (Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation), Mr. Badal said that Hoshiarpur has great potential for plywood industry as the area has geographical location best suited for plantation of trees like poplar and eucalyptus tree.

Mr. Badal said that SAD-BJP Government has given top priority to infrastructure development to attract investors besides creating investor friendly environment by adopting investors’ friendly industrial policy and setting up Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion. He said that the Reserve Bank of India has declared Punjab as the third most preferred investment after recognizing its infrastructure.

Mr. Badal said that Punjab would witness an industrial investment of Rs 70000 Cr. In the next two years. He described Mr. Jaggi as an honest and dedicated person and expressed hope that under his chairmanship PSIDC would achieve greater goals for industrial development of the state.

Earlier, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Minister for Industries welcoming the Punjab government’s decision to install Mr. Amarjeet Singh Jaggi as Chairman of PSIDC. He said that PDIDC has facilitated the establishment of 322 industrial units in the state besides playing important role in the establishment of various large scale industries in the state. He said that these 322 industrial units has provided employment opportunities to 75000 people in the state. He said that land and electricity were two main needs of industry and state government has fulfilled both needs through smooth land equisition policy and by making Punjab first power surplus state in the country.

Prominent amongst others, Mr. N. K. Sharma, CPS, Mr. Ashok Arora, President Indian National Lok Dal Haryana, Vice Chairman PSIDC Rajesh Aggarwal, Mr. D.P. Reddy, Principal Secretary Industry Department, Mr. Raminder Singh, MD PSIDC, Mr. Ajay Mahajan, Special Principal Secretary to Deputy CM and Mr. Sukhdeep Singh, Deputy Principal Secretary to Deputy CM were also present on the occasion.   

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CM TERMS UNION RAILWAY BUDGET AS PEOPLE FRIENDLY AND DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED

DECISION TO INVOLVE STATES IN MAKING RAILWAYS THE BACKBONE OF NATIONAL CONNECTIVITY WOULD USHER IN A NEW ERA OF COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM IN THE COUNTRY

COMPLEMENTS SURESH PRABHU FOR PRESENTING A FAR SIGHTED BUDGET

LAUDS DECISION TO SET UP ‘CARGO PERISHABLE CENTERS’ AND EMBARK KISAN YATRA FOR FARMERS

Chandigarh, February 26-

Hailing the Union Railway budget as a people friendly, development oriented and a visionary initiative towards strengthening the national transport system of the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the decision to involve states to make the Railways the backbone of national connectivity would usher in a new era of cooperative federalism in the country.

In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister complemented the Union Railways Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu for presenting a far sighted Railway budget that aims at improving the amenities for the passengers, enhancing customer services and upgradation of the infra structure and laying thrust on governance and transparency in the Railways besides focusing on the Financial self sustainability of the ‘national carrier’. He said that the decision of introducing ‘Perishable Cargo centers’ for the farmers at the important Railway stations was a revolutionary step aimed at facilitating the farmers. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the announcement on embarking Kisan Yatra, a special travel scheme to help farmers to learn about new farming and marketing techniques, would also go a long way in bailing out the farmers from current agrarian crisis. 

The Chief Minister said that the decision to upgrade 200 more Model stations across the country was another significant decision aimed at providing ultra modern facilities to the people. He said that the progressive decisions like augmentation in the carrying capacity of the passenger trains and effective  complaint redressal system would further pave way to deliver passenger centric services to the people. Mr. Badal said that for the first time in the history of the country thrust has been given on cleanliness, hygiene, comfort, accessibility, service quality and speed of trains.

The Chief Minister also welcomed the decision of the Railway Minister to give thrust on skill development and encourage self-employment by promoting products made by Self Help Groups, consisting mainly of women and youth. “This will open new vistas of employment for our youth” he added.

Welcoming the proposal to develop Satellite Railway terminals in major cities with the twin purpose of decongesting the city as well as providing service to passengers residing in suburbs, the Chief Minister said that most of the Railway terminals located in big cities were amidst highly congested areas and this step would help in ensuring planned and integrated development of cities. He also lauded the decision to construct 970 ROB/RUBs and carry out safety-related works to phase out 3438 level crossings at a total Railway expense of Rs. 6,581 crore.

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PUNJAB MILKFED PROCURES 498.29 LAC KG MILK IN JANUARY

 CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 26:

 Punjab State Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Limited (Milkfed) has procured 498.29 lac kg of Milk from 6369 societies of the State during the month of January, 2015

Stating this here today, a spokesman of Milkfed said that daily average milk procurement of the Milkfed was 1607.4 thousand kg in Punjab. The spokesman further said that Milkfed was also taking care of animals, especially milch animals. As many as 33689 sick animals were treated in Punjab through 561 First Aid Centres and  1616 Veterinary centers of Milkfed.

He said that cattle feed, mineral mixture and lick brick was sold by the Milkfed to the tune of 5290 metric tonnes, 13405 kilograms and 586 respectively to the milk producers. The Milkfed has also sold 96.5 metric tonnes of Ghee through Societies in the state, he added.

         He said that Punjab Government was committed to continue its efforts for the welfare of dairy farmers, so that they could get better remuneration of their milk, the spokesman added.

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CM THANKS PEOPLE FOR REPOSING UNFLINCHING FAITH AND COMMITMENT IN PROGRESSIVE AND RESULT ORIENTED POLICIES OF THE SAD-BJP ALLIANCE

TERMS THAT THIS SUPERB VICTORY HAS FILLED THEM WITH EVEN GREATER HUMILITY, RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO THEIR COMMANDS

PATS STATE ELECTION COMMISSION, CIVIL AND POLICE ADMINISTRATION FOR ENSURING FREE AND FAIR POLLS

Chandigarh, February 26-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today thanked the people of state for reposing unflinching faith and commitment in progressive and result oriented policies of the SAD-BJP alliance government by ensuring the thumping victory of alliance in the Municipal Corporation elections.

The Chief Minister said that with these results, the SAD-BJP government further dedicates itself to building a new Punjab, free from poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and social evils and put it on the high growth trajectory. Mr. Badal said that this superb victory has filled us with even greater humility, responsibility towards the aspirations of the people and accountability to their commands. He said that these results should not be merely construed as a victory in civic polls but it actually reflects the resentment amongst the voters against the malicious campaign unleashed by the Congress to defame the hard working and resilient Punjabis.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister once again thanked all the workers, leaders, office bearers and rank and file of SAD-BJP for working day and night to ensuring this thumping win for the ruling alliance in these polls.  He also expressed gratitude to the people for reposing faith in the ethos of democratic values by exercising their franchise freely. Mr. Badal also complimented the State Election Commission, civil and Police administration for ensuring free and fair polls. 

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Government advices farmers to treat against insects in wheat crop

 Chandigarh, February 26:

                     Government suggests to the farmers of state to treat carefully against several insects that hitting wheat crop. As with any crop, wheat has several insect pests that may reduce yields if not effectively controlled in the field. Wheat crop has been affected by insects like Aphids, Armyworms, Hessian fly, and Cereal Leaf Beetle.

                 Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Tota Singh said that prior steps should be taken to avoid the loss of wheat crop in the state .It has become a frequent question in wheat cultivation while experts has already given advices to avoid problem of small black insect.

            The usages of spray to accumulate the wheat crops should be familiarized with the farmers. The sprays containing chemicals like fungicide, propiconazole, cetazinasole.

These varieties should not be grown mainly in sub-mountain areas and it could be better to understanding proper timing of spray.

             An appeal to farmers to take appropriate steps to avoid upcoming risky hitch in wheat crops.

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Vacancy of Clerk to be filled on Seniority-cum-merit basis

     Departments instructed to send record of interested employees

Chandigarh, February 26:

                   The Punjab Government has notified a vacancy of clerk in the office of Legal Remembrancer and Secretary, Legal and Legislative Affairs Department. This vacancy is to be filled against the general from amongst the clerks serving in the other departments on seniority-cum-merit basis through transfer.

PUNJAB POLICE

PUNJAB POLICE SEIZES 50 KG HEROIN IN-TRANSIT TO INTERNATIONAL MARKET – THREE SMUGGLERS ARRESTED – TRANSIT LINES SNAPPED

Chandigarh, February 26:

                        After controlling the local availability of drugs as its first focus and neutralizing the internal distribution network, Punjab Police is now focusing on plugging supply lines from across the international border by effecting seizures of in-transit trans-border consignments sent by Pak drug lords within hours of crossing the international border and preventing them from reaching the national and international market.

                        Close on the heels of two major seizures of 25 kg heroin on February 18, 2015 from the area of BOP Gatti No. 3 in Fazilka sector, and, 08 kg heroin on January 24, 2015 from the area of BOP JR-68 in Ferozepur sector, Punjab Police has effected seizure of 50 kg heroin consignment, which is among the largest-ever seizures made in India. The 25 kg heroin consignment was sent by Lahore-based drug lord Imtiaz, the 08 kg heroin consignment was sent by another Lahore-based drug lord Hazi, and, the present seizure of 50 kg heroin consignment originated from Shehbaj @ Kala. All the 03 seizures were effected within 24 hours of the consignments having crossed the border.

                        A team of the Counter Intelligence/Amritsar working under the supervision of Sh. Ashwani Kumar, AIG/Counter Intelligence/Amritsar has effected this major breakthrough and arrested the following smugglers on 25-02-2015:-

(i)      Angrej Singh S/o Balwant Singh Caste Jat R/o Rattoke PS Khemkaran district Tarn Taran.

(ii)    Raj Singh S/o Jagir Singh Caste Jat R/o Gazal PS Khemkaran district Tarn Taran.

(iii)   Joginder Singh S/o Ajaib Singh Caste Jat R/o Gazal PS Khemkaran district  Tarn Taran

                        The seizures include 50 kg heroin, 250 gm opium and one pistol 30 bore. A case FIR No.02 dated 25-02-2015 u/s 18/21/25/29/61/85 NDPS Act, 25/54/59 Arms Act, police station State Special Operations Cell, Amritsar has been registered in this connection.

                        This intelligence-based operation was conducted by the operations team of Counter Intelligence/Amritsar headed by Inspector Gurinderpal Singh Nagra. Information was received that Pak-based drug lord Shehbaj Ahmed @ Kala was in touch with Indian smugglers, including Angrej Singh, Raj Singh and Joginder Singh by using Indian SIM card from across the international border. Joginder Singh had agricultural land across the barbed wire fencing adjoining to the zero-line, in the area of BOP Gazal  on the Indo-Pak border and had access across the barbed wire fencing for ostensible agricultural purposes.

                        A novel modus operandi was adopted by the Pakistan and India smugglers. Joginder Singh informed the Border Security Force (BSF) authorities that he wanted to cut a tree located in his land very close to the international border and then started cutting the tree and chopping it into wooden blocks. The wooden blocks cut by Joginder Singh were got replaced by Pakistan smugglers under  the cover of darkness, as his chunk of land is located across the barbed wire fencing and directly approachable from the Pakistan side. Joginder Singh retrieved the wooden blocks from his land to his house located in village Gazal.

                        The Counter Intelligence team has arrested Joginder Singh, Raj Singh and Angrej Singh and raids are being conducted to nab the further recipients of this major heroin consignment.

                        Investigations are ongoing.

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Final Result of Municipal Corporation

(26 February 2015)

DGP PRESS CONFERENCE

1.         Sh. Surat Singh has circulated a list of 82 persons (compiled by Sh. Jaspal Singh Manjpur) demanding their release

2.         The factual position regarding these 82 persons is: -

Under Trial – 25 persons – have not been awarded any sentence – they are under trial.

Every under-trial has a legal right to approach a court for bail. All under-trials (there are about 14000 under-trials in Punjab jails and not just these 25) are in ‘judicial custody’. Court procedures do not permit any interference.

Agitation for release of under-trials is difficult to explain.

3.         These 25 under-trials in the circulated list of 82 include Harminder Singh @ Mintoo (KLF Chief), Jagtar Singh Tara (KTF Chief), Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi and Ramandeep Singh @ Goldy who have been recently nabbed from Thailand and Malaysia. The list also includes Rattandeep Singh (BTKF Chief) recently arrested from Uttar Pradesh.

It is not possible to consider any demand for release of such elements.

4.         16 persons are those who have been awarded imprisonment lesser than life. Such convicts (whether these 16 or others similarly placed) are released, moment the sentence of any convict is over. The Jail Superintendent does it at his own level.

5.         Wrong/incomplete information has been provided in 6 cases – details are being ascertained.

6.         3 persons have been acquitted and 3 others have been released on bail. They are not in any prison.

It is difficult to comprehend inclusion of such persons in a list which is being circulated both in India and abroad.

7.         In the list, 8 persons have been designated as ‘Senior Citizens’. These 8 persons were recently convicted in the 1987 Ludhiana Bank Dacoity case. They have not completed their sentence.

                        They have not been awarded life imprisonment. Their sentences vary from 7 to 10 years imprisonment. Legal redressal of bail pending appeal is available to all persons who are old, sick etc.

8.         Death sentence – 1 – pertains to UT Chandigarh.

9.         Lifers – 20.

a)         8 cases pertain to UT, 4 to Rajasthan, 1 to Karnataka and 1 to Gujarat.

b)         Remaining 5 cases pertain to Punjab.

3 of these 5 persons have not completed their minimum required sentence to become eligible for consideration for premature release.

Remaining 2 have completed their minimum required sentence for consideration for premature release. However, their cases are similar to other 223 life convicts lodged in Punjab jail. After July 2014, when the Hon’ble Supreme Court restrained State Governments from exercising power of remission, no premature release of any lifer has been (or can be) done.

Both the persons mentioned in the list have been regularly availing parole as per rules.

It may be mentioned that premature release is also required to be considered as per various parameters. Not everyone falling in the consideration zone is prematurely released. Cases which are rejected are periodically reconsidered.

* * * * *

This is to give a factual position and clarity regarding the status of Convicts in Punjab jails.

1.         There is no convict whose sentence has been completed and who is still lodged in jail – moment the sentence of any convict is over, the Jail Superintendent immediately releases the convict at his own level – any detention after serving the period of sentence would be an illegal detention which cannot be done.

2.         ‘Imprisonment for life’ is imprisonment for the rest of life of any prisoner who has been awarded such a sentence. Legally, a person awarded life imprisonment is required to spend the rest of his biological life in prison.

3.         States have policies for ‘Pre-Mature Release (PMR)’ of life convicts in their jails. After spending a certain minimum amount in jail (which differs slightly from State to State) lifers become eligible for consideration for Pre-Mature Release. Their cases are considered by the competent authority and decided as per the parameters framed in the policy of the State.

4.         In the State of Punjab, depending upon the gravity of the offence of the convict (Male-Adult), they become eligible for consideration for Pre-Mature Release in broadly the following three

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL GRANT OF RS. I CRORE FOR EVERY STUBBLE FREE DISTRICT

 Chandigarh February 25: In a move to get rid of menace of straw burning in the state, government has announced an incentive for each district and village with a financial grant of Rs 1 crore and Rs 1 lakh respectively, which were free from the stubble burning across the state.

        Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that this decision has been taken to curb the practice of stubble burning, which was not only health hazardous but equally detrimental to the fertility of soil. He said that only resorting to punitive measures to end this curse would not yield it would bring desired results if the people were properly motivated to renounce this anti-environment and pollution causing phenomena.

He also said that it was also decided that the agriculture scientists, environment experts and farmers to join hands for curbing this unhealthy practice with multi dimensional problems affecting the human health besides creating ecological imbalance. At the same time he also asked the farmers not to join the mad race for sowing one crop after another just to reap maximum profits rather they should be enlightened enough about the disastrous effects of stubble burning, which had far more harmful.

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PROF.  BHANDARI HAILS HIKE IN STATES' SHARE IN CENTRAL TAXES

 Chandigarh, Feburary 25:  Vice Chairman of the Punjab State Planning Board  Prof. Rajinder Bhandari  today hailed the Center’s move of accepting the 14th Finance Commission's recommendations for a substantial hike in share of states in central taxes.

          In a Press Communiqué, he said that to strengthen the States for designing and implementing the schemes as per their requirements, Central Govt. under the dynamic leadership of Sh. Narender Modi, Prime Minister has recommended a record increase of 10% share of States in Central taxes. “In fact it is a very bold and visionary step by our Prime Minister which is bound to strengthen the federal structure of the country. All States, in which Punjab has been in the front, for the past few decades have been crying of insufficient and stringent resources at their disposal and have been desperately demanding greater share from the central kitty” he added.

He further said that this increase is actually about 30% of the grants that the States are presently getting. This will definitely go a long way in helping the States to complete the process of development that we have taken up in hand.  Prof. Bhandari said that the total pool based on the criteria like- Population demographic change, Area, Forest cover and Income distance.

“With the implementation of 14th Finance Commission's recommendations, the share of the state in devolution of central taxes would increase approximately from Rs.20000 crore to Rs.62000 crore in a period of five years. The Commission has also made a fundamental shift in the pattern of financing revenue expenditure to the states” he said. Prof. Bhandari hoped that Centre will continue this process of increasing fiscal support to the States for the national progress and prosperity and will look into the special needs and priorities of the various States.

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CM WELCOMES GOI DECISION ON  STATES’ SHARE IN CENTRAL TAXES

FIRST STEP  TOWARDS FINANCIAL AUTONOMY TO STATES : BADAL

URGES GOI TO REVIEW LIST OF DEBT RIDDEN STATES

Chandigarh, February 25-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today welcomed the decision of the Government of India (GoI) to enhance the states’ share in the devolution of Central Taxes from 32% to 42% in wake of the recommendations of 14th Finance Commission but added that this would have substance only if the funds meant for stated under the present Centrally Sponsored Schemes were also transferred directly to states as untied funds.  

          In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that his party- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been a strong votary of greater financial autonomy to the states in true federal spirit.  Mr. Badal said that the BJP led NDA government has won a nationwide mandate in favor of commitment to federalize the Indian polity and to give a lion’s share to the states from its kitty of central taxes. He also stressed the need for provision of liberal  investments in the former of direct central grants to states that were actively engaged on restructuring their agricultural economy through diversification.  Agriculture allied activities such as dairying, fisheries, piggery, goatry, bee keeping etc must be given promotional incentives such as income tax exemption at par with agriculture. Similarly, MSP for alternative crops under the Swaminathan formula with assured marketing must be put in place on the pattern of wheat and paddy.

Describing the decision to raise states share in central taxes as a positive development, the Chief Minister said  that the amount of funds to devolve to the states would go up from  Rs 3.48 lakh crore in  2014-15  to Rs 5.26 lakh crore during the current fiscal. This would help in   putting the states on strong fiscal pedestal to enable them to carry out their development programs according to the  needs of the people. However, Mr Badal said that this was just the beginning and the momentum would need to be carried forward in the years to come with more steps to make the states truly autonomous in matters of policy planning and implementation for regional development as per specific needs of the people. "Along with this increase,  the states must know how the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) would now be transferred to states after the Planning Commission has been scrapped and replaced with “NITI AYOG".

The Chief Minister also urged the GoI to re-examine the Punjab’s case for inclusion in the list of debt ridden states as declared by the center. He said that everybody knew that Punjab fought the nation’s war for national unity and integrity from the early 1980s to mid 1990s. This had a disaster effect on the economy and development of the state. On its part,the state had exercised commendable fiscal discipline.  Mr. Badal  said that the 14th Finance Commission headed by Dr YV Reddy also appreciated state’s financial prudence and its never faulting on the repayment of its heavy debt.  

The Chief Minister impressed upon the Ministry of Finance, GoI to review the state’s financial position in this context and take a considerate view to include Punjab in the debt stressed states.    This step would not only help to consolidate its financial position but also boost the tempo of overall development, which was had to overcome these financial infirmities, Mr Badal added.  

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 SECOND PHASE OF PULSE POLIO CAMPAIGN HELD ACROSS REGION

·         34, 02,608 CHILDREN IMMUNIZED DURING THREE DAY

·         SECOND PHASE PULSE POLIO CAMPAIGN IN PUNJAB

·         DOOR TO DOOR FROM CAMPAIGN TO COVER LEFT OUT CHILDREN

Chandigarh February 25: The second phase of the pulse polio campaign launched across various districts in Punjab on Sunday. Infants in the age group of 0-5 years were covered under the three-day campaign.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the government said that as many as 34, 02,608 children were administered anti polio drops. It may be mentioned that polio has been completely wiped out from India. More than 15000 booths were established and 60,000 vaccinators participated in this gigantic task. He further said that 56, 10,701 houses were covered in the state. Besides this door to door campaign too was launched to cover the left out children in both rural and urban areas of Punjab, he added.

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INCLUDE PUNJAB IN NATION’S FLAGSHIP ‘DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME’: BADAL WRITES TO PM

• ENVISAGES RS.550 CRORE FOR FUNDING NETWORK OF 2174 UNIFIED CITIZEN SERVICE DELIVERY CENTRES IN THE STATE

Chandigarh, February 25: Seeking the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s direct intervention to include Punjab in the country’s flagship ‘Digital India Programme’, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged him to fund the state government’s ambitious programme for establishing 2174 Unified Citizen Service Delivery Centres at a cost of nearly Rs.550 crore under integrated approach towards e-Governance.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. Badal shared his view point with the former saying Punjab is emerging as one of the leaders in implementation of e-Governance initiatives in every sphere of governance in order to bring paradigm shift in citizen service delivery and Government functioning. The state has been a front-runner in implementing various Mission Mode Projects under National e-Governance Plan, i.e. e-District, State Service Delivery Gateway, State Wide Area Network and State Data Centre etc. 

In order to provide broadband connectivity to more than 12000 Gram Panchayats of the State under National Optical Fiber Network (NOFN) Project, State has already approved free Right of Way to implement the Project in the State at a faster pace, added the Chief Ministe

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GHAGGAR WOULD BE POLLUTION FREE BY DECEMBER 2015

  25 SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANTS IN 21 TOWNS NEAR GHAGGAR TO BE OPERATIONAL BY DECEMBER

·  RS 124 CRORE PLAN PUT ON FAST TRACK

·  PROJECT PUT ON FAST TRACK AS PER PROMISE OF PUNJAB CM TO HARYANA CM

·  CS REVIEWS PROGRESS OF STPS ON TOWNS NEAR GHAGGAR

·   

Chandigarh, February 25: Ghaggar is all set to be pollution free by the end of this year with the operationalisation of the 25 Sewerage Treatment Plants located in 21 towns in the vicinity of Ghaggar as per deliberations between Mr. Parkash Singh Badal Chief Minister Punjab and Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar Chief Minister Haryana in the first inter-state meeting in Punjab Bhawan recently.  

                Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal today reviewed the progress of this project especially Sewerage Treatment Plants located near Ghaggar in a video conferencing with al Deputy Commissioners and meeting with concerned departments. The Chief Secretary said that construction of STPs within one year was mission envisaged by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Prime Minister has also declared it as most preferred project under Swachh Bharat Mission. He said that covering the STP was prerequisite for cleaning the Ghaggar where sewage and other industrial wastes were being released by various civic authorities. He said that Chief Minister has already issued instructions to Pollution Control department to keep a check on industrial effluents and now it was imperative for all concerned Deputy Commissioners to ensure completion of Sewerage Treatment Plants within scheduled timelines. He said that separately UT Administration was being requested to check the inflow of the pollutants from the Sukhna Choe to river Ghaggar as the maximum source of pollution based on survey carried out by PPCB was this choe. It may be added that Sukhna choe carries the discharge from various colonies, villages in the vicinity of Chandigarh. He said that UT administration would be requested to implement the decisions taken in joint meeting of Punjab Governor with Punjab CM on December 9, 2014 at the earliest.

                Issuing instructions to Deputy Commissioners to clear impediments coming in the way of land acquisition especially at Sirhind, Nabha, Sangrur, Bassi Pathana and Sanaur, Mr. Kaushal sought action taken report within 10 days. It was informed in the meeting that out of 25 STPs in 21 towns in the vicinity of Ghaggar 8  at a cost of Rs. 124.50 crore were already functional covering 7 towns of Patiala, Banur, Samana, Bhikhi, Sardulgarh, Zirakpur and Mohali and remaining 17 STPs would be operational by December 2015. He also reviewed the progress of STPs under construction including Mandi Gobindgarh, Rajpura, Moonak and Patran and asked the sewerage board to ensure total quality control in execution of these projects.

                Asking Deputy Commissioners and Local Government Department to work in tandem, he asked Principal Secretary Local Bodies Department Mr. Ashok Gupta to submit weekly reports.

                Besides all Deputy Commissioners, representatives of local bodies department, sewerage board, urban development department, municipal corporations and other civic authorities were present in the meeting. 

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KOHAR ORDERS STRICT ACTION AGAINST SMOKERS AT BUS STANDS/BUSES

Chandigarh : February 25             

The Punjab Government has issued directions to all the District Transport Officers (D.T.O.’s) of the state to strictly enforce the COTPA Act which is primarily concerned with cigarette and other tobacco substances.

Issuing these directions here, Punjab Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar said that under the Food safety standards act, the Punjab Government has totally banned the use of gutka and other eatables which use nicotine/tobacco substances. Similar to this, under the Drug and cosmetic act, nicotine in chemical form for e.g. e-cigarettes have been banned too.

The minister instructed the transport department officials that hoardings and boards be placed in bus stands and buses and instructions regarding prohibition of smoking at public places be written on them

He asked the General Managers to strictly instruct the bus stand inchrges to increase vigil in their respective domains to punish the violators in accordance with the law.

The minister said that he will be personally conducting checks at the bus stands/buses and if anyone gets caught indulging in smoking then the onus will be on general manager and he will be proceeded against as per rules.

He also said that under the section 4 of COTPA Act smoking at public places has been totally prohibited and violation of this will result in a fine of Rs. 200. The minister asked the D.T.O.’s to ensure the compliance with the norms of  COTPA Act and send monthly report to the head office.

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·        Be Aware of fake recruitments on the name of Kisan Call Centre – Sandhu Appeals General Public

·        Bharti Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kisan Helpline Services and Kisan Seva Kendra are not related with Department of Agriclture, Punjab

Chandigarh February 25:

             Punjab  Government has issued an alert to public regarding fraud on the name of Kisan Call Centre and other fake Government Offices/Institutes. While disclosing this here today Dr. Mangal Singh Sandhu has conveyed his message that if someone received a call from any company/agency regarding offering job which demands money for security/laptop then immediately inform Chief Agriculture Officer of your district. Dr. Sandhu also emphasized that such issue may also be brought in notice of Administration and Police Department of an area.

             Dr. Sandhu suggested that before applying and to deposit money against any vacancy, everyone is required to personally seek advice and authenticate the details with respective Govt. Department.  

          Director Agriculture also intimated that for information applicant/person can contact Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Agriculture Development Officer, State headquarter S.A.S.Nagar( Mohali )at Mobile No. 9814086937.

          Dr. M.S. Sandhu also briefed that Govt. Departments never demand money on the name of Security/Laptop. He also pointed that in Punjab State Kisan Call Centre is run by IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Limited (IKSL) and Govt. of India has recognised IKSL to recruit manpower in Kisan Call Centre. No other Agency/Institute has authority to recruit manpower in Kisan Call Centre. Toll free help line No. is 1800-180-1551 during 6AM to 10 PM.

           Dr. Sandhu highlighted that so many complaints are being received regarding fake agencies/institutes are doing fraudulent practices by looting money from 10th or 12th standard educated candidates on the name of jobs in Kisan Call Centre and other bogus offices. Initially these suspicious agencies attracts unemployed youth by offering salary of rupees 15,000-20,000 and then they demand Rs. 15,000 as refundable advance money against security/laptop. Sometimes Rs.1000 are also demanded to send application form simply. These illegal organizations are frequently changing their names as Bharti Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kisan Helpline Services and Kisan Seva Kendra etc. and doing fraud with people. Some are also publishing their advertisements through newspapers /internet whereas others are doing these illegal activities through telephone and mobiles.

          Dr. M.S.Sandhu,Director Agriculture, Punjab humbly appealed public of State to remain awake regarding this type of fraud on the name of fake recruitments.

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GOVERNMENT FIXES THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF VICE-CHAIRPERSON OF PUNJAB STATE WOMEN COMMISSION

Chandigarh February 25:  The Punjab Government has fixed the terms & conditions of the services of vice-chairperson of the Punjab State Women Commission.

         Disclosing this here today by an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that there would be no fixed tenure of the appointment of vice-chairperson. He/She can be removed at any time or can also resign on his/her own. He also said that vice-chairperson would be paid an honorarium of Rs. 20,000 per month. He/she would not be provided a staff car but travel charges Rs. 6/- per km maximum of 2500 km per month would be paid.

    He said that use of residence telephone and mobile limit would be Rs. 1800/- per month and the mobile set will be purchased by him/her.

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 Chunni Lal Bhagat reiterates resolve to make Punjab abundant with greenery

 CHANDIGARH,February 25 :

 The Forest and Wildlife Minister,Punjab, Chunni lal Bhagat today reiterated the resolve of the Government of Punjab to make Punjab a state abundant with greenery. He said that the Govt. has taken a wonderful initiative in the form of 'Greener Punjab Mission’ which will try to bring the as much as possible area of the state under green cover.

 The Minister further elaborated that the state govt. is mulling taking the measures which will increase the area of state under forest from the present level of 7 percent to 15 percent.He also said that the govt under this mission has planned to plant scores of saplings each year throughout the state. The lifespan of the mission will be 8 years. He said that in the current financial year the department has earmarked an area of about 20,000 hectare in which saplings will be planted. He further stated that nurseries will also set up for cloned plants of Popular .

           The Minister while further elaborating said that during the current financial year the department has given a facelift to the forest beats falling within in the state so as to bring maximum area under their cover. He said that the department has surveyed many villages of the state to explore the possibility concerning free land holdings belonging to other departments and also village panchyats, so that this mission could be given further impetus. ‘To ensure the smooth working of the department.The Minister said that to protect the various areas in the state falling under green cover the state govt.has also recruited adequate number of forest guards.

 He said that during recent past the department has been successful in planting a large number of saplings which were produced in the 252 nurseries of the state.

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Departments asked to furnish reports of State Advisory Committee proceedings

Mandatory for all departments to   hold one meeting every quarter

Chandigarh, February 25:

The Punjab Government has asked all the departments furnish the detailed report of the proceedings of State Advisory Committees duly constituted.

Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the Parliamentary Affairs department said that the State government has constituted the State Advisory Committees for the year 2014-15. He said that it is mandatory to conduct one meeting in every 3 months. He also made it clear that as per rules, one meeting of advisory committees must also be convened during assembly session and one in between the time period between the 2 sessions.

The spokesperson also said that all the departments have been asked to take prior instructions from Chairman of State Advisory Committee for the purpose of finalizing the venue, date and time of the meeting and proceedings of the meeting must also be intimated to Principal Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs Departmen

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 BADAL CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE HEADED BY CS FOR REVIVAL PLAN OF CLOSED PTDC PROPERTIES

Chandigarh, February 23

           Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to constitute a committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary with Principal Secretary Finance and Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs & Tourism as its members to work out a viable revival plan of the closed properties run by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).

          This decision was taken by Mr. Badal while chairing the meeting of the Board of Trustees of Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) here at CMR this evening.

          The committee had been mandated to examine the feasibility of reviving these tourist projects in the changed scenario when Punjab was being looked at as a global tourist destination. The closed properties under the review included Champa Tourist Huts at Sri Anandpur Sahib, Amaltas Hotel at Ludhiana, Hotel Blue Bell at Phagwara, Silver Oak Tourist Complex & Filling Station at Malout, Kadamba Tourist Complex at Nangal, Filling Station at Hoshiarpur, Maulsari Aam Khas Bagh at Sirhind, Surajmukhi Tourist at Khanauri, Tourist Oasis at Ludhiana and Punjab Ashok Hotel at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

          Likewise, it was also decided to review the status of closed properties in respect of Gulmohar Tourist Complex (Holiday Home) Limited outside the state under the revival plan to be recommended by the newly constituted committee. These properties included Raj Sarai Holiday resort at Jaipur, Mount View Holiday resort at Dharmshala, Sapling Estate Holiday Resort at Mussoorie besides vacant land at Manali and Varca in Goa.

          Mr. Badal asked the Chief Secretary to submit the report of revival plan within two months and also sought detailed suggestions from the committee to put these closed properties to the best possible utilization for providing the ultra-modern boarding and lodging facilities to the tourists visiting Punjab from the country across the globe.

          Prominent among others who were present in the meeting included Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr Sohan Singh Thandal, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Principal Secretary Tourism and Cultural Affairs Mrs. Anjali Bhawra, Principal Secretary Housing & Urban Development and Forests Mr. Viswajeet Khanna, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta and Director Cultural Affairs

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BADAL ANNOUNCES TO DEDICATE UPCOMING WAR HEROES MEMORIAL-CUM-MUSEUM AT AMRITSAR ON AUGUST 15

       REVIEWS PROGRESS OF WAR MEMORIAL AT HIGH LEVEL MEETING

Chandigarh, February 23

       Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced that the prestigious Punjab State War Heroes Memorial-cum-Museum at Amritsar would be dedicated to the nation on August 15, 2015. This novel project is coming up in the holy city at a cost of Rs. 130 crore, to showcase the enormous contribution of brave Punjabis warriors and soldiers in safeguarding the integrity of our motherland.

        Presiding over a high level meeting to review the progress of the project with the senior officers of the various departments and agencies involved in the construction of this memorial here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Badal asked the Public Works Department to complete the civil work of this project positively within the stipulated time limit so that the state-of-the-art memorial could be inaugurated on the historic day of 69th Independence day.

       The Chief Minister informed in the meeting that he recently called on the Union Defence Minister Mr. Manohar Parikar to seek his support and cooperation for getting the rare artifacts, war equipments and memorabilia etc. to be exhibited in the upcoming Museum inside the War Memorial which would not only imbibe the spirit of nationalism and patriotism amongst our future generations but also showcase the splendid and gallantry deeds of our distinguished personnel of Armed forces. He also asked the Sainik Welfare Department to tie-up with the Department of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP) of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, GoI to procure the documentary films on the Indo-China war in 1962 and Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 besides Kargil operation in 1999 to be screened in the auditorium. Mr. Badal also asked the officers of the Sainik Department to keep close liaison with his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema for the day-to-day developments in the project so as to keep him regularly updated about the progress of project.    

       During the power-point presentation made by the representative of the firm entrusted with the task of conceptual, design and layout apprised the Chief Minister about the guiding principles focused on non-partisan & secular approach, historical perspective, detailed coverage from concept of martyrdom & advent of Miri-Piri philosophy and the several sacrifices of heroes from the region in the battles fought in Punjab.

       Prominent amongst who were present in the meeting included Technical Advisor to CM Lt. Gen (Retd.) BS Dhaliwal, Speical Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. S Karuna Raju, Director Sainik Welfare Brig. (Retd.) JS Arora, Director Cultural Affairs Mr. Navjotpal Randhawa, Joint Secretary (Finance) Usha Sehgal, Chief Architect Punjab Sapna, CE (PWD) GR Bains besides historians Dr. Jaspal Kaur (Punjabi University, Patiala) and Prof. BS Ghuam (Panjab University Chandigarh).  

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CM APPROVES RATES OF PLOTS IN UPCOMING ECO-CITY PHASE-2 SCHEME IN NEW CHANDIGARH

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 23

          The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today gave approval for fixing the reserved prices of the plots under Eco-city Phase -2 scheme to be launched by Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) in Mullanpur (new Chandigarh).

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mr. Badal approved the proposal put forth by GMADA thereby giving his nod for fixing Rs.21000, Rs.23000 and Rs.30000 per sq yard for the categories of plots ranging between 100-300 sq yard, 400-500 sq yard and 1000-2000 sq yard respectively.

Pertinently, to mention here that there are total 1323 plots of which 855 were reserved for oustee and remaining 468 were kept for open market. 

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BADAL GIVES NOD FOR SANCTIONING Rs. 98 LAC TO PFBIC

Chandigarh, February 23

          To give further impetus to the food processing sector under state government’s ambitious program of agriculture diversification, the Punjab government has sanctioned an amount of Rs. 98 lac from the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) for the upcoming Punjab Food-cum-Business Incubation Centre (PFBIC) at Bathinda.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the CMO said that the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the file by giving financial sanction of Rs. 98 lac for the centre.

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CM BATS FOR MASTER PLAN TO COMBAT THE FURRY OF FLOODS ACROSS THE STATE

        REVIEWS FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS AT HIGH LEVEL MEETINGS

Chandigarh, February 23

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal asked the Irrigation Department to prepare a master plan for carrying out flood protection works effectively in the state.

          Presiding over high-level meeting of Deputy Commissioners to monitor the progress of flood protection works here at Punjab Bhawan this morning, Mr. Badal said the master plan would not only help the state in spending funds judiciously on the flood protection works but also saving in crore of funds being spent on giving compensation to the flood victims whose crops and house property was extensively damaged due to furry of floods especially in the wake of execution of these works in a haphazard manner.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioners especially from flood prone districts viz. Ferozepur, Fazilka, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshar and Ropar raised the demand for financial resources to tackle the funds ensuing monsoon. It was decided to provide 13 high quality motor boats to various districts vulnerable to floods in the State. The Chief Minister also directed the DCs to ensure completion of flood protection works in close supervision with officers of drainage wing of Irrigation Department besides cleaning of drains and strengthening of Dhusi Bandhs well in advance before the onset of monsoon.

The Chief Minister also asked the Finance department to immediately release funds as estimated by the Irrigation department and as verified by the DCs of the districts on the basis of spot inspection. Mr. Badal also asked the Secretary Irrigation and Secretary Local Government to come-out with the joint proposal to clean the drains passing through the cities.

          The meeting was attended by Minister Irrigation Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vinni Mahajan, Financial Commissoner Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Secretary Irrigation Mr. KS Pannu, Secretary Science & Technology Mr. KAP Sinha, Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema and Mr. SK Raju besides all the Deputy Commissioners and engineers of Irrigation department related to flood protection.

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PUNJAB DECLARES HOLIDAY ON FEBRUARY 25 IN MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AREAS GOING FOR POLLS 

        HOLIDAY ALSO DECLARED UNDER NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT ACT 1881.

Chandigarh, February 23:

          The Punjab government today declared holiday on Wednesday, February 25,2015 in all government offices, Boards , corporations and education institutions located in 123 Municipal Council areas and Ward No. 2 of Nagar Panchayat Bariwala going for Municipal Elections on that date. This holiday has also been declared under Negotiable Instrument Act 1881.

An official spokesman today said that any government servant who was voter of above mentioned Municipal councils and was performing duty outside that area and seeks leave for excising his right of franchise, the concerned authorities after verifying documents can grant him special leave for 25th  February and that would not be deducted  from his leave record.

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MINIMUM SERVICE ELIGIBILITY FOR IAS FOR PARTIAL FUNDING OF FOREIGN STUDIES REDUCED

Chandigarh, February 23:

The Department of Personnel and Training, Government of India today amended its earlier instructions issued on 6th May 2011 regarding the partial funding component of Domestic Funding of Foreign Training (DFFT) Scheme and reduced the minimum service required for applying for partial funding by IAS officers from the existing 9 years to 7 years. This was disclosed by an official spokesperson of the government.

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Final Polling Percentage of Municipal Corporations Elections (February 22, 2015)

Total Avg Poll % of 6 Municipal Corporations: 68.90%

Total Avg Poll % of by election of 3 wards in 2 MCs: 54.54%

 Polling Percentage of Municipal Corporations Elections (February 22, 2015)

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ELECTION OF ONE WARD OF PATHANKOT POSTPONED DUE TO DEATH OF CANDIDATE

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 21:

The State Election Commission has announced to countermand the election of ward no 30 of Pathankot Municipal Corporation due to the death of a candidate.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of State Election Commission said that the candidate of BJP Mrs. Shashi Kala has died on late night of February 19. She was in the fray for Municipal Corporation election of ward no of 30 of Pathankot due on February 22. He said that now due to the death of the candidate the election of this ward has been countermanded.

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Election of 6 Municipal Corporations and bye election of 3 Wards of 2 Municipal Corporations

Date of Election: February 22, 2015

(Timing for Polling from 8 am to 5 pm)

Counting of Votes: February 26, 2015 (from 10 am)

Total Voters: 7 lakh 90 thousand (approx)

Total Police force deployed: 3987

Election Observers: 10 (IAS or PCS Officers)

Total Polling Stations: 309

Total Polling Booths: 753

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION

STATE ELECTION COMMISSION INCREASES POLLING TIME BY ONE HOUR

·       VOTERS COULD NOW CAST VOTE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM INSTEAD OF 4 PM

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 21

The State Election Commission (SEC) has increased the polling hours by one hour. Now the polling hours would be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. instead of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the SEC said the amendment in the timing of polling for the 6 Municipal Corporations & by-election of 3 wards of 2 Municipal Corporations Patiala & Jalandhar and 122 Municipal Councils/Nagar Panchayats elections & by-election of 1 ward of Nagar Panchayat Bariwala has been made to enable the voters to cast their votes easily. He said that many political parties and independent candidates were also demanding to increase the polling hours. He said that considering the demands from all these quarters the SEC has increased the polling hour by one hour. He said that the voters who enter into the gate of polling station till 5 p.m. would be allowed to cast vote whatever time it may take.

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DELEGATION FROM AFGHANISTAN APPRECIATES PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE CITIZEN CENTRIC SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

Ø VISITS MGSIPA FOR INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

Chandigarh February 21: A delegation from Afghanistan, comprising of 49 civil services officers and professors of public administration from the universities of Balkh, Heart, Kabul, Kandahar and  Nangahar visited Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh as part of an endeavor to strengthen public administration education in Afghanistan. The visit was co-ordinated by Dr Suzanne Griffin, Project Head, GiZ (Germany) and Dr C Sheela Reddy, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi.

                During an interactive session the scholars from Afghanistan appreciated Punjab Government’s landmark initiatives to provide all citizen centric services to common masses on a single click at their doorsteps. They understood in depths that how Punjab had become the first state in the country to successfully launch e-SARKAR to witness paperless governance. A detailed presentation was also made in this regard by Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. Rakesh Verma. He also explained the structure of government in India and gave an overview of the Punjab Governance Reforms Commission and implementation of its various recommendations for the benefits of citizens of the state. He elaborated on the various services being provided to citizens under the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011. He added that the government was committed to ensure that all services were delivered to the citizens in a given time-bound manner. Mr. Verma added that a citizen’s portal would be created soon where all citizens can avail different services provided by the government at one place without moving from one website to another. 

Mrs. Raji P Shrivastava, Director, MGSIPA while welcoming the delegates briefed them about the ongoing training and research activities of MGSIPA. Mrs. Gurpreet Sapra, Special Secretary, Department of Personnel, Government of Punjab explained the functioning of the civil service in Punjab.

 The delegates interacted with the officers of the Punjab Government on various issues such as, administrative reforms, population, family system, challenges faced while implementing e-Governance projects, change management, etc.

The civil servants from Afghanistan pointed out that they have just started administrative reforms and the young civil servants  of Afghanistan with their exposure and  learning from  across the world have been contributing to the growth and development of the country as was evident during the last 10 years. The delegates expressed a desire to know more about Punjabi dance and music and appreciated its universal appeal. They also wished to have further interactions with Punjab government and its academic institutions via Skype or video-conferencing on the subjects of e-governance and public service delivery. They felt that such inputs would enable them to lift the standards of these services in the interior parts of Afghanistan. 

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STATE ELECTION COMMISSION

SEC DEPUTES H.K. NAGPAL AS OBSERVER IN PLACE OF VINAY BUBLANI

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 20:

The State Election Commission (SEC) today issued revised orders regarding the deployment of observer in the state.

Disclosing this here today an Official spokesman of the SEC said that as per the revised order Mr. H.K. Nagpal has been made election observer in place of Mr. Vinay Bublani for Morinda, Chamkaur Sahib and Nurpur Bedi.

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CM SEEKS DIRECT INTERVENTION OF PARRIKAR TO START CONSTRUCTION OF THE UPCOMING SSC NORTH IN ROPAR

SOLIITS SUPPORT FROM DEFENCE MINISTRY FOR UPCOMING PUNJAB STATE WAR HEROES MEMORIAL CUM MUSEUM COMING UP AT AMRITSAR

ASKS DEFENCE MINISTRY TO DONATE DECOMMISSIONED COMBAT EQUIPMENT, WAR MEMORABILIA AND OTHER REGIMENTAL ARTIFACTS FOR DISPLAY IN THIS MUSEUM

PARRIKAR ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO STATE

New Delhi, February 20-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called on the Union Defence Mr. Manohar Parrikar  for seeking his direct intervention to early begin the construction on the upcoming Service Selection Center (SSC) North over 200 acres in Ropar.

          The Chief Minister called on Mr. Parrikar in his office at South block this afternoon.

          Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal also apprised the Union Minister about the prestigious Punjab State War Heroes Memorial cum Museum coming up in Amritsar at a cost of Rs 130 crore in recognition with the gallantry services of our Defence personnel while safeguarding our country from the external aggression and internal disturbances. He urged Mr. Parrikar  to direct all the serving Chiefs of the Armed Forces for donating decommissioned combat equipment, war memorabilia and other regimental artifacts for display in this museum.  Mr. Badal hoped that these rare artifacts and other Army equipments would certainly infuse the spirit of patriotism amongst the younger generations besides keeping our countrymen abreast with the lofty ideals and traditions of Indian Armed forces.

          Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Parrikar said that he would soon direct the Ministry of Defence to commence the construction work at SSC North in Ropar. He also assured Mr. Badal that he would soon take up the issue of donating regimental artifacts and war memorabilia to the Punjab State War Heroes Memorial cum Museum coming up in Amritsar and said, "       It will certainly be an opportunity of great pride and honor for the Defence services to make a humble contribution in this project to showcase the gallantry deeds of our brave soldiers".     

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Resident Commissioner Mrs. Kalpana Mittal Baruah and Resident Commissioner Mr. K Sivaprasad.

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          Center invites nominations from Punjab for Kabir Puraskar-2015

 Chandigarh, February 20: The Union government has invited nominations from Punjab government for Kabir Puraskar 2015 for those personalities, who worked for promotion of communal harmony and national integration.  

         In a communiqué to Punjab, it has been stated that the Center had instituted a national award designated as ‘Kabir Puraskar’ in three grades.

 Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that this award is given in 3 grades. Grade-1, Grade-2 and Grade-3. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 2,00,000, Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 50,000. The spokesperson further elaborated that as per the communication, the recommendation should be accompanied by a brief description of specific acts of physical/moral courage displayed by the nominee. It was also stated that the nominations should be sent by May 15, 2015 of only such personalities, who fulfill the criteria laid down for the award.  

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STATE ELECTION COMMISSION

SEC DECLARES FEBRUARY 22 & 25 'DRY DAY' IN RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 20

 The State Election Commission (SEC) today declared that it would be Dry Day in every constituency where the polling will take place on February 22 and February 25.

Disclosing this here today an Official spokesman of the State Election Commission said that the sale and purchase of liquor would be banned on the polling days. He said that the Municipal Corporation elections is due on February 22 whereas the polling to elect members for Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat would take place on February 25.

He further said February 26, on the day of counting of votes of Municipal Corporations, Dry Day also declared in the area of 3 square kilometer radius of counting station. He said that the liquor shops would remain close in the jurisdiction of the respective constituencies. “Anybody found violating the prohibition order would be booked as per law" he added.

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GOI TO DECLARE SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB- TALWANDI SABO- NANDED AS THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY PROJECT

CM IMPRESSES UPON GADKARI TO OPEN THIS NEW ROUTE FOR THE OVERALL ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IN THE CONCERNED STATES

FLAGS UP THE ISSUE OF SEEKING PERMISSION TO START NAVAL ACADEMY IN ROPAR

GADKARI ASSURES CM TO BEAR ENTIRE EXPENDITURE OF SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB- TALWANDI SABO- NANDED NATIONAL HIGHWAY

AGREES TO GRANT APPROVAL NAVAL ACADEMY AT ROPAR

New Delhi, February 20, 2015

          Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari today apprised the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal that the Government of India (GoI) would soon declare the historic route Sri Anandpur Sahib- Talwandi Sabo- Nanded as the National highway project.

           An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Gadkari to the Chief Minister, who called on the former in his office at Transport Bhawan this afternoon.   

           The Chief Minister during the deliberations on this project of paramount historic and religious significance as the tenth master of Sikhs Sri Guru Gobind Singh reached Takht Sri Nanded Sahib from Sri Anandpur Sahib via Talwandi Sabo. He apprised the Union Minister that the length of the entire route was 3080 kilometre, which passed through seven states viz. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Mr. Badal also told the Union Minister that out of the total 3080 kilometres 1305 kilometre existing route was already four lanned and the rest 1775 kilometres road was to be four lanned to enable the lakhs of devotees to pay obeisance at these historic Sikh shrines in a hassle free manner besides other several important religious places enroute. This new route would also open many vistas for the overall economic and commercial activity in the concerned states.

The Chief Minister also requested Mr. Gadkari to accord approval to the state government for starting a Naval academy at Ropar as there was a huge scope of job opportunities in the maritime sector.   

              Responding to the demands raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Gadkari assured him that his Ministry would soon issue a notification declaring this route as a national highway and the entire cost on the upgradation, realignment and construction of this prestigious national artery would be borne by the Centre. Reiterating his commitment to complete this project on top priority Mr. Gadkari told the Chief Minister that he would personally monitor the progress of this project on regular basis. He also asked the Chief Minister to immediately submit a comprehensive proposal for upcoming Naval Academy at Ropar so as to enable the DG Shipping for giving necessary clearances in this regard. Mr. Gadkari said that his Ministry would extend all sort of support and cooperation for this venture as it had a huge potential for giving job opportunities to our youth in the flagship sector of shipping globally.    

  The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Secretary PWD Mr. Anurag Aggarwal and Resident Commissioner Punjab Mr. K Sivaprasad.    

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CM CALLS ON GEHLOT

GOI ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO STATE GOVERNMENT FOR DRUG DE-ADDICTION AND REHABILITATION CENTERS IN THE STATE

MOVE AIMED AT ELIMINATING DRUG MENACE FROM STATE 

GoI OKAYS INCLUSION OF PUNJAB UNDER PRIME MINISTER ADARSH GRAM YOJNA

MOVE TO BENEFIT 32% OF SC POPULATION IN THE STATE

New Delhi, February 20, 2015

          In a significant decision aimed at wiping out the curse of drugs from the state, the Union government today agreed to extend fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for the construction of Drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers across the state.

          A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal with the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Thaawar Chand Gehlot, when the former called on the latter at his office in Shastri Bhawan this afternoon. Union Minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Vijay Sampla was also present in the meeting.

          Flagging up the issue of drug menace in the state, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Gehlot about the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government for the detoxification and rehabilitation of the drug addicts so that they could live a life with dignity and pride. Mr. Badal said that the state government was already in the process of setting up drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers across the state. Likewise, he said that this massive operation could not be accomplished without the support and cooperation of the union government.

          Acting swiftly Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment assured Mr. Badal that their Ministry would allocate liberal funds for meting out the running costs of such centers. He asked the Chief Minister to submit the detailed proposal to the Ministry in this regard. On the occasion, Union state Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mr. Vijay Sampla also informed that one such center would be inaugurated at Hoshiarpur in the near future.

In another significant decision, the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment also apprised Mr. Badal that he had given his consent to include Punjab under the “Prime Minister Adarsh Gram Yojna” scheme, which was aimed at transforming the fortunes of SC population in the state. Expressing gratitude to Mr. Gehlot, the Chief Minister 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. Mr. Badal 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 Chief Minister had earlier raised this issue with Mr. Gehlot apprising him that states with far less SC population than Punjab were reaping the benefits of this scheme but the state has been denied benefits under this scheme which was grave injustice with millions of SC brethren. Conceding to the demand raised by Mr. Badal, the Union Minister gave his consent to include state under this scheme. 

Taking up another issue the Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr. Gehlot to get the work of setting up Sports Institute for Disabled in Zirakpur expedited. He said that the state government has already provided 10 acre land free of cost to the Government of India (GoI) for this Institute coming up at a cost of nearly Rs 150 crore.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.          

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GoI TO COME UP WITH A MASTER PLAN FOR DEVELOPING STATE AS SKILL TRAINING HUB

·  RUDDY CALLS ON CM AT KAPURTHALA HOUSE

·  APPRISES HIM THAT THE PLAN TO BE READY WITHIN A FORTNIGHT

·  CM UNDERSCORES NEED FOR GIVING THRUST TO SKILL EDUCATION FOR ERADICATING MENACE OF UNEMPLOYMENT

·  SEEKS WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT AND COOPERATION FROM CENTRE

·  RUDDY LAUDS INITIATIVES TAKEN BY STATE GOVERNMENT FOR SKILL TRAINING

New Delhi, February 20-

Conceding the demand made by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Union Skill Development Minister Mr. Rajiv Pratap Ruddy today said that the Government of India (GoI) would prepare a master plan for emerging the state as hub of Skill training within a fortnight.

          The Union Minister, who called on the Chief Minister at Kapurthala house this morning, had detailed deliberations with the latter regarding the efforts being made by the GoI to promote skill training across the country.

          Expressing concern over the mounting unemployment in the state, the Chief Minister said that the only silver lining in this dark tunnel was imparting of Skill education to the youth so that they could be gainfully self employed. Soliciting the whole hearted support and cooperation from the Union government for this noble cause Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to formulate special plan for giving thrust to skill education in the state. He said that the state government has already set up Punjab Skill Development Mission under his Chairmanship which acts as an umbrella organization for implementation of the various Skill Development schemes in a big way.

The Chief Minister apprised Mr. Ruddy that schemes of five departments have been transferred to this mission and rest were in pipeline adding that the Mission has set a target of providing skill training to two lakh youth per year. He also asked the Union Minister to expedite the process of approving the proposal for setting up 43 ITIs and 250 skill development centers in the state. Likewise, Mr. Badal also underscored the need for speeding up the process of finalization and implementation of the uniform cost norms for Skill Development scheme of various Ministries.

The Chief Minister also informed Mr. Ruddy that Punjab was first state in the country to have signed Memorandum of Understanding with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for setting up Multi Skill Development Centers in the state adding that these centers would be set up across the state. Similarly Mr. Badal said that mandate has already been given to NSDC for selection of training partner in a center coming up at Ludhiana. However, he said that the matter needed to be expedited up.  

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Ruddy assured him that the Union government would formulate a policy for developing the state as a hub of Skill training within a fortnight. He said that the Ministry has already done the sectoral mapping of imparting skill development in the state besides identifying targets of providing this training in various sectors. The Union Minister said that the GoI was mulling to transform the ITIs across the country into Multi Skill Development Centers, so that the states could be benefitted from it. Lauding the state government’s initiative in the skill training sector, he said that Punjab has a tremendous potential in this sector.

Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Principal Secretary Technical Education Mr. MP Singh, Chairman NSDC Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Principal Secretary to Union Minister Mr. Kundan Kumar, Secretary Technical Education Mr. Rakesh Verma, Director Technical Traning Mr. B Purusartha, Secretary Environment Mr. KAP Sinha and Director Industries Mr. Raminder Singh.

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PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETTLES 58 CASES IN DISTRICT LEVEL PUBLIC MEETINGS

·       56 CASES FORWARDED TO HIGHER AUTHORITY

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 20:

The Punjab Education Department has been settled 58 cases at the spot in district level public meetings. 56 more cases were forwarded to higher authority for settlement. On the directions of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab the department recently had been organised public meetings in all district head quarters.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol, DPI (Secondary Education) said that the department had organised district level public meetings to resolve the grievances of general public and employees of education department at local level.  For smooth conduction of public meetings, education department had been appointed 22 observers for all districts.

Mr. Dhol said that 183 cases presented in all meetings across the state and 58 cases disposed of at the spot. He said that 56 cases forwarded were forwarded to the appropriate authority to take action and 11 cases were under processing.

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GOVT. DECLARES PAID HOLIDAY ON FEBRUARY 25  TO FACILITATE THE VOTERS

CHANDIGARH, February 20:

          To enable the workers working in factories and shops & commercial establishments situated in Punjab to exercise their democratic right in the general elections of 123 Municipal Counsels/Nagar Panchayats and bye-election of ward No.02 (general) of Nagar Panchayt,Bariwala,(Sri Muktsar Sahib) Labour Department Punjab has declared February 25, 2015 as weekly paid holiday in the state whereWednesday is not observed as a weekly off..

          Disclosing this here a spokesperson of the department said that it would be a paid holiday within the municipal limits of 123 municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and Nagar Panchayat Bariwala(Sri Mukatsar Sahib).

          According to a separate notification February 25would also be the weekly paid holiday for all factories, shops and commercial establishments where Wednesday is not observed as weekly off within the state in lieu of their normal weekly holiday

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Employees soon to have hi-tech entry in Secretariats

Proximity Attendance Recorders to be made operational

Chandigarh, February 20:

            The Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 and Punjab Civil Secretariat-2 are soon going to have a hi-tech transformation. A plan is afoot by the State Government to have Proximity Attendance Recorders in both the secretariats.

            Disclosing this, an official spokesperson said that an advisory has been sent to all the employees serving in Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 and Punjab Civil Secretariat-2 to collect their smart cards from Administrative Officer-1 Branch and those employees who haven’t yet filled the performa for smart cards, should do so at the earliest as the Proximity Attendance Recorders will be operational only after readying of smart identity cards.

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VACANCIES OF GATEKEEPERS TO BE FILLED AMONGST ‘MUKH SEWADARS’

INTERESTED EMPLOYEES TO APPLY WITHIN 30 DAYS

Chandigarh, February 20:

The Punjab Government has notified the vacancies of gatekeepers in the Punjab Civil Secretariat through selection. These vacancies will be filled from amongst the ‘Mukh Sewadars’ who are working in the secretariat and who have completed 2 years of service.

Stating this, an official spokesperson said that the employees desirous of applying for this post should send their applications to Secretariat Establishment-5 Branch with their Name, Father’s name, Seniority number according to 2013 seniority list, Whether ex-serviceman and Whether belongs to scheduled caste or backward caste. The spokesperson also informed that a communication in this regard has been sent to all heads of the department to bring it to the notice of the employees. The employees should send their applications within 30 days. 

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 DELEGATION FROM AFGHANISTAN APPRECIATES PUNJAB GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE CITIZEN CENTRIC SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF

 Ø VISITS MGSIPA FOR INTERACTIVE SESSIONS

 Chandigarh February 20: A delegation from Afghanistan, comprising of 49 civil services officers and professors of public administration from the universities of Balkh, Heart, Kabul, Kandahar and  Nangahar visited Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), Chandigarh as part of an endeavor to strengthen public administration education in Afghanistan. The visit was co-ordinated by Dr Suzanne Griffin, Project Head, GiZ (Germany) and Dr C Sheela Reddy, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi.

                During an interactive session the scholars from Afghanistan appreciated Punjab Government’s landmark initiatives to provide all citizen centric services to common masses on a single click at their doorsteps. They understood in depths that how Punjab had become the first state in the country to successfully launch e-SARKAR to witness paperless governance. A detailed presentation was also made in this regard by Secretary Governance Reforms Mr. Rakesh Verma. He also explained the structure of government in India and gave an overview of the Punjab Governance Reforms Commission and implementation of its various recommendations for the benefits of citizens of the state. He elaborated on the various services being provided to citizens under the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2011. He added that the government was committed to ensure that all services were delivered to the citizens in a given time-bound manner. Mr. Verma added that a citizen’s portal would be created soon where all citizens can avail different services provided by the government at one place without moving from one website to another. 

Mrs. Raji P Shrivastava, Director, MGSIPA while welcoming the delegates briefed them about the ongoing training and research activities of MGSIPA. Mrs. Gurpreet Sapra, Special Secretary, Department of Personnel, Government of Punjab explained the functioning of the civil service in Punjab.

 The delegates interacted with the officers of the Punjab Government on various issues such as, administrative reforms, population, family system, challenges faced while implementing e-Governance projects, change management, etc.

The civil servants from Afghanistan pointed out that they have just started administrative reforms and the young civil servants  of Afghanistan with their exposure and  learning from  across the world have been contributing to the growth and development of the country as was evident during the last 10 years. The delegates expressed a desire to know more about Punjabi dance and music and appreciated its universal appeal. They also wished to have further interactions with Punjab government and its academic institutions via Skype or video-conferencing on the subjects of e-governance and public service delivery. They felt that such inputs would enable them to lift the standards of these services in the interior parts of Afghanistan. 

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Punjab State won 27 Gold, 34 Silver and 32 Bronze medals in 35th National Games

·         Punjab improved its overall position from 9th to 5th

·         CM and Deputy CM congratulates the sports persons for bringing glory to state

Chandigarh, Feburary 16- The Punjab contingent performed exceedingly well and improved its Overall Position in the National Games from 9th to 5th position by bagging 27 Gold, 34 Silver and 32 Bronze medals (total 93) in the games.

Mr.  Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab and Mr.  Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dy. Chief Minister, Punjab congratulated the sportspersons who brought glory for the State.

The 35th National Games were held in Kerala from 31st January to 14 February, 2015. A strong contingent of 600 participants in 30 sports disciplines participated in the event. The Govt. of Punjab contributed Rs. 56.00 lacs to the Punjab Olympic Association to prepare teams for the National Games and ensure its participation.

 In the individual events, the State of Punjab won 1 Gold, 4 Silver and 1 Bronze in the event of Archery, 03 Gold, 03 Silver and 04 Bronze in Athletics, 01 Silver and 01 Bronze in Boxing, 04 Gold, 02 Silver and 01 Bronze in Cycling, 03 Gold, 04 Silver in Fencing, 02 Gold, 3 Silver and 02 Bronze in Gymnastic, 05 Gold, 04 Silver and 02 Bronze in Judo, 02 Gold, 02 Silver in Rowing, 07 Gold, 06 Silver and 02 Bronze in Shooting, 01 Bronze medal in Swimming, 01 Silver and 02 Bronze in Taekwondo, 02  Gold, 02 Silver and 06 Bronze medal in wrestling and 01 Silver medal in Yachting.

                In the team events Punjab were the Champions in Women Hockey, Runners-up in Handball Women and Football Boys.

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PUNJAB CABINET ALLOWS HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO APPOINT DIPLOMA HOLDER DOCTORS ON SUPER SPECIALTY POSTS THROUGH WALK-IN-INTERVIEW

·        PERMITS CREATION OF 48 NEW POSTS AND SANCTIONS UP GRADATION OF 25 POSTS IN HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT FSSA

·        INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING FIVE YEARS SPECIAL LEAVE FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT TO PB GOVT. EMPLOYEES WITHDRAWN

·        APPROVES SURYA WORLD UNIVERSITY AND AKAL UNIVERSITY

·        PSPCL AUTHORIZES TO TAKE STEPS FOR ENSURING COAL SUPPLY TO THERMAL PLANTS FROM PANEM

·        GIVES NOD TO APPOINT ‘BRANDING AND PR AGENCY’

Chandigarh, February 16

          Keeping in view the non-availability of requisite MD/MS degree holder specialist doctors, the Punjab Cabinet also gave permission to the Health & Family Welfare department to fill these posts of Radiologist, Anaesthesia, Gynaecologist, Psychiatry and Paediatrics from diploma holders’ doctors through walk-in-Interview.

          A decision to this effect was taken by the council of ministers in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal at Punjab Bhawan this evening.

          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of CMO said that this decision has been taken to overcome the prevailing scarcity of super speciality doctors on one hand and to provide the best health care facilities to the people on the other. This step would also enhance the efficiency in the delivery of health services in the government health Institutions across the state. It may be recalled at present 117 posts of super specialty doctors were vacant in Paediatrics, 25 in Gynaecology, 38 in Radiology, 57 in Anaesthesia and 29 in Psychiatry.

          In a bid to implement the Food Safety and Standard Act of India (FSSA)-2006, the Cabinet approved the creation of 48 new posts besides giving sanction for up gradation of 25 existing posts in the category of State Drug Controlling Authority, Food Safety Officers, Public Analyst, Government Analyst (Drugs), Deputy Public Analyst (Food), Junior Analyst, Drugs Control Officer (Drugs Inspector) and Food Safety Officer etc. in the Health & Family Welfare Department. It was mandatory for the state government to implement Drugs and Cosmetic Act to provide good quality of medicine, blood, cosmetics to consumers and prevent unauthorized sale of harmful products. The state health department has already set up the commissionerate of Food and Drugs to ensure the implementation of the said Act.

          In order to enhance efficiency and discipline, the Cabinet also gave approval to reduce the time limit for passing the departmental examination for IAS and PCS officers from two- and-a-half years to one-and-a-half years by amending sub rule (2) of rule 7 of the ‘Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994.

          To overcome the shortage of staff and bring far more efficiency in the administration, the Cabinet has approved to withdraw all instructions regarding five years special leave to Punjab Government employees for the purpose of self-employment.

          To ensure smooth functioning of the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB), the Cabinet gave ex-post facto approval to grant extension by five years to its Chairman Mr. Santa Singh Umaidpur and members namely Mr. Gurmeet Singh Daduwal, Mr. Jivan Dhawan and Mr. Darshan Lal Jethumajra.

            Under the Punjab Private Universities Policy-2010, the Cabinet also approved the setting up of two self-financed universities viz. Surya World University at Bapror in Patiala district and Akal University, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district to impart quality higher education.

          The Punjab Cabinet granted approval to the Information & Public Relations Department for appointing ‘Branding and PR Agency’ to prepare and execute an effective Brand Building for the Punjab Government.                The Cabinet also gave approval to amend The Punjab State Board of Technical and Industrial Training Act, 1992 through ordinance for omission of upper age limit of 62 years for the Chairman of Punjab State Technical Education and Industrial Board to attract  far more experienced and competent candidates on the said post.

          The Cabinet also accorded approval to the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) to take necessary steps to ensure coal supply from Panem to the thermal plants in the best interests of the state and its consumers.

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MAJITHIA INKS MoUs WORTH RS 13,500 CRORE FOR

SOLAR PROJECTS IN PUNJAB

(Punjab also signs mou for five bio ethanol plants)

(Majithia urges entrepreneurs to use State canals and 22,000 acre Ranjit Sagar reservoir to produce solar energy)

(Urges centre to come up with a revised tariff for bio mass power)

 New Delhi, February 16 - Punjab New and Renewable Energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia today inked memorandums of understanding (mous) worth Rs 13,500 crore for investment in solar projects with American, British and Italian companies besides setting up of five bio ethanol refineries in Punjab at the first Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet and Expo here.

Among the mous signed today included one for 500 MW ground based power plants with an investment of Rs. 4000 crore by 8-Minute Energy, California, 100 MW Solar power projects with an investment of Rs. 800 crore by Progetika-SRC, Italy, 300 MW canal based solar power plants with an investment of Rs. 2400 crore by Lightsource Renewable Development Ltd. United Kingdom, 200 MW Solar power projects with an investment of Rs. 1400 crore by PLG Energy Systems, Rs 4000 crore waste to energy project by OTB Energy, UK, Rs 900 crore Solar/Biomass complex by Spray Engineers, Mohali besides R&D/Training/Technological development collaboration between British Photovoltaic Association, UK and PEDA.

Mr Bikram Majithia also finalised a mou with CVC India Infrastructure, Italy for establishment of five bio-ethanol based refineries based on paddy straw, napier grass and cotton stalks. CVC officials said they intend to commence commercial production by December 2017 for the first bio-refinery at a cost of around Rs 1,200 crore.

Mr Majithia during interactions with investors today appreciated the commitment of Lightsource Renewable Development to come up with appropriate technology for a canal based solar project utilising the space available on canals from a width of fifty meters to five meters. He said there was a huge potential for canal based projects as the total canal length in the State ran up to 5,000 kilometers.

He also mooted a proposal to set up floating solar panels on 22,000 acres of reservoir of the Ranjit Sagar dam. He said this project alone could result in harnessing of 2000 mw of solar power. Lightsource officials said they had established a floating solar park in England and would undertake a study to replicate the same at Ranjit Sagar.

In order to encourage net metering, the minister also discussed with investors to establish pilot net metering projects to demonstrate to individual household owners the profitability of establishing rooftop solar panels.

The Renewable Energy minister who also participated in a session in which States showcased their efforts, while equating Punjab as the land of the five rivers, said solar power projects also needed to be divided into five categories of ground based, rooftop based, canal based, reservoir based and net metered projects.

He also stressed on the need to lay more stress on bio mass power. Stating that this potential had not been harnessed at all, the minister said in Punjab alone 20 million tonnes of agriculture residue was being burnt every year. Urging the policy makers to come up with a revised tariff for bio mass projects, Mr Majithia said this was important so that farmers could also earn an additional income. "Economies of scale will reduce the tariff rates progressively as has happened in the case of solar power", he added.

He also highlighted how a 7.5 mw rooftop solar project had been established in Punjab at Beas besides adding that that the capacity of the project would be increased to 35 mw in due course to make it the largest rooftop solar project in the world.

Others present on the occasion included Secretary Power Anirudh Tewari, PEDA CEO Dr Amarpal Singh and PEDA Director Director Balaur Singh. EOM

 -

 Punjab initiates anti corruption crusade in Excise Department

(Withdraws extended services of 3 ETOs)

(Reiterates its zero tolerance approach against corruption)

 Chandigarh, February 16 - Launching anti-corruption crusade in State governance system, the Punjab Government has withdrawn the extension in services given to three excise and taxation officers (ETOs) by scrapping their remaining one year service in context of negligence in duty, involvement in corrupt practices and doubtful integrity.

           Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said this exercise has been initiated by the excise and taxation department to witness transparency vis-a-vis elimination of corruption. Taking strict measures excise department has launched a helpline number 1800-258-2580 and email rahatscheme2014@gmail.com for public to file their complaints in this regard", he added.

Giving details he said three ETOs, whose extension in services have been revoked, are Sharminder Singh Sidhu, Satpal and Jarnail Ram were facing charges of dereliction in duty, involvement in corrupt practices and doubtful integrity. He said that under new policy of the State these officers had got extension of two years in services after completion of their service till 58 years and they have completed one year from the extended period. He said as per the preliminary investigations grave negligence had come during detailed inquires have been conducted by the department, so this decision has been taken.

The spokesman informed that ETO Satpal had failed to keep a check on the illegal activities of trading firms leading to tax evasion. He said Jarnail Ram had failed to check corrupt practices being run by other officials at his duty point at ICC Harsa-Mansar barrier, where he was incharge of all operations.

During investigation and examination of video recordings it has came to light that two sewadars deployed at the Harsa-Mansar barrier were taking illegal gratifications from vehicles. The accused have confessed before the investigation officer that they were extorting money at the behest of senior officer deployed at the barrier. He said under Punjab Civil Services Rules (punishment and appeals) action has been taken against the erring officers.

The spokesman said that grave negligence in duty shown by these officers has witnessed loss to public exchequer and the action under provisions of Punjab Civil Services has been taken against the erring officers. EOM

 -

 Sukhbir Badal greets people on Mahashivratri

 Chandigarh, February 16 – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, which literally translates to “great night of Shiva”, is a national festival largely celebrated to venerate Lord Shiva, an important deity in Hindu culture.

In his message of felicitations and good wishes, Mr Badal observed that this festival symbolizes the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony, which are the hallmark of our glorious pluralistic ethos. He said that all the religions teach to live in peace and to help each other especially the downtrodden and under privileged class of the society.

Wishing the people a happy Mahashivratri, the Deputy CM prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the State. He added that such festivals are essence of the culture of the state and encourage people of different communities to come close to each other. EOM

 -

GMADA ALLOTS 10 ACRES LAND TO FOUR LEADING HEALTH CARE INSTITUTES AT MEDICITY IN NEW CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh, February 16

        The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has allotted 10 acres of land in the upcoming Medicity in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) to the four key players in the field of medical research & health care.

        Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today cleared the proposal on the basis of recommendations of the scrutiny committee formed for the allotment of land in this prestigious Medicity project.

        The spokesperson further said that out of 10 acres of land, five acres have been allotted to Max Health Care Institute Ltd., three acres to Grewal Eye Institute Pvt. Ltd. and one acre each to Jindal IVF & Memorial Nursing Home and Chaitanya Hospital.

 -----------------

PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF MAHASHIVRATRI

   CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 16:

            Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the people of Punjab on the auspicious occasion of 'Mahashivratri'.

          In a message, Mr. Badal said that Lord Shiva is the Lord of mercy and compassion. Lord Shiva protects devotees from evil forces such as lust, greed, anger and grant boons, bestows grace and awakens wisdom in his devotees. Mr. Badal urged the people to celebrate 'Mahashivratri' festival with traditional fervour and gaiety as such festivals not only promote communal harmony, compassion and goodwill but also bring joy and prosperity.

          Mr. Badal also appealed the people to celebrate this auspicious occasion collectively by rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

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

Bhagat Chunni Lal, Madan Mohan Mittal greet people on the occasion of Mahashivratri

Chandigarh, February 16:

The Forest, Wildlife Protection and Labour Minister, Punjab, Bhagat Chunni Lal and Industries and Commerce, Technical Education and Industrial Training and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Punjab, Madan Mohan Mittal have greeted people of the state on the holy occasion of ‘Mahashivratri’ and said that such festivals epitomize the truly secular spirit of Punjab, which is a land of Saints, Social Reformers as well as great warriors. They also emphasized that people celebrating all the festivals together creates a spirit of social unity and bonhomie which in turn strengthen the nation.

The Chief Parliamentary Secretaries N.K. Sharma, Amarpal Singh Ajnala and Chaudhary Nand Lal also greeted people on this occasion. 

--

INTERACTION SESSION WITH SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

 Chandigarh, February 14:

On his visit to Chandigarh, Shri Sanjay Kothari, IAS, Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, interacted with the IAS officers with different seniority of Punjab Government at Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration Punjab (MGSIPAP). The session was also attended by Chairmen and members of the Punjab Governance Commission and Punjab Right to Service Commission.

Shri Sarvesh Kaushal, IAS, Chief Secretary, Punjab and Director General, MGSIPA welcomed Shri Sanjay Kothari and briefed the officers about the recent initiatives taken by the Punjab Government for making the administration more citizen-centric and responsive to needs of the people. He said that Right to Service Act, Right to Information Act and governance reforms are being effectively implemented in the state.

Dr Pramod Kumar, Chairman, Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, made a presentation on various aspects of Institutional framework for citizen-centric delivery of services in the state. He stressed upon engaged governance convergence with e-governance. Soon, e-district project will be rolled out with 47 services to the citizens.  Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma, Secretary, Governance Reforms made presentation on the various provisions of the Punjab Right to Services Act, 2011.

Mrs Raji P Shrivastava, IAS, Director briefly highlighted the activities of the Institute. She mentioned the Institute’s contribution in framing Punjab State Training Policy, which has been approved by the Government of Punjab. The policy emphasis on “Training for All”.

On this occasion, a book entitled, “Governance Unbound” authored by Shri R N Gupta, IAS (Retd) was released by Shri Sanjay Kothari.  The book seeks to explain a paradox of public governance: more may mean less.

The officers, while interacting with Shri Sanjay Kothari, offered several suggestions related to administration, governance, working in the field, shortage of staff,  etc. The officers felt the need to have a platform for more interactions amongst the officers to share their best practices. They also suggested for more training programmes. TheOfficers highlighted the positive impact of citizen services like “Dial 108” ambulances, Fard Kendras etc. which had made life easier for people from all walks of life.

Mr. Sanjay Kothari emphasized on the need to follow the rules, procedures and practices in true spirit and in a time-bound manner. He further added that there would be no constraint of funds from Government of India for improving the infrastructure development in offices where citizens visit for various services. He also advised the officers to serve the society in a befitting manner and implement the central government schemes in an effective and efficient manner. Mr. Kothari also emphasized that induction training programme should be mandatory for each cadre of emphases at the time of joining government service. Mr Kothari appreciated the Government of Punjab for implementing affidavit-free regime. 

----------

PUNJAB GOVT. BANS ON TRANSFERS IN LIGHT OF ELECTION

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 14:

The Punjab Government has effected complete ban on the transfers of the  officers/employees in view of the  General Election of 8 Municipal Corporations  and 123 MunicipalCouncils/Nagar Panchayats.

Disclosing this an official spokesman said that the Municipal Corporations election of  Phagwara, Pathankot, SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur,Moga& Bathinda and bye-election of ward No.49(General) of Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, ward No.08(BC) & 46 (General) of Municipal Corporation, Patiala are scheduled for February 22 . Similarly General Elections to elect members to 123 MunicipalCouncils/Nagar Panchayats and bye-elections to ward No.02 (General) of Nagar Panchayat, Bariwala, District Sri Muktsar Sahib are scheduled for February 25.

He said that in light the imposition of model of conduct the Punjab Government has banned the transfers/postings of the official/officials in the State. 

-

PROJECT TO STRENGTHEN COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OF PUNJAB LAUNCHED

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 14:

A novel project to strengthen and extend the facility of counselling & guidance to the students of class X to XII in all the schools of Punjab, was launched by Dr Daljeet Singh Cheema, Education Minister Govt. of Punjab at Mohali and Dr. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Chairperson Punjab School Education Board.

Under this project 22 designated councillors, one from each district of Punjab have been trained in modern evaluation system and guidance. Dr Cheema while inaugurating the project, congratulate the convener Mrs Shruti Shukla and said that the programme will empower the students in deciding their future.

While addressing the councillors Dr Cheema stated that the students particularly from rural areas do not get proper guidance regarding skill development and other allied educational programme being run in various educational institutes.

The recent training imparted to these councilors will go a big way in strengthen the system of education. He also said that these councillors will further train teacher in their respective districts in their regard. Dr Cheema while addressing the councillors expressed his satisfaction over the training imparted to these councillor and also said that the department will make it a regular feature.

Smt. Shruti Shukla commenting on the programme said that the training in addition to visit to important skill development institutions also included a 5 days residential workshop at MGSIPA in which experts from the field of counselling & Guidance were called to address the councillors.

-

Parliament and State legislatures not law making bodies alone-Atwal

Bats for good governance to be pro people and pro active

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 14:

             Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal,  Speaker Punjab Legislative Assembly  while speaking in  the Fifth India Region CPA Conference  held at Goa  on the subject "THE LEGISLATORS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIONAL ROLE :  NEED FOR UNINTERRUPTED FUNCTIONING OF LEGISLATURES" said that the Parliament and the State Legislatures today are not law-making bodies alone. They had become  multi-functional institutions performing a variety of roles. So, far as comprehensive identification of roles and functions of the Parliament and  State Legislatures is concerned, the cardinal roles and functions of the Parliament  and  State Legislatures may be described as; Political and financial control i.e. Executive Responsibility;  Surveillance of administration i.e. Administrative Accountability; Informational i.e. Right to Information; Representational, i.e. grievance ventilation; Educational and advisory; Conflict-resolution and national integrational; Law-making, developmental, and social engineering ; Leadership i.e. the Recruitment and Training; and  at the national level, the Constitutional i.e. amending the Constitution.

The people wanted progress in their life. They want more employment opportunities, infrastructural facilities like roads, healthcare and education, etc. and to provide  these facilities,  the Government had an important role to play. As the elected popular representative, it is the duty of every Member to reflect people's problems effectively in Legislative debates and, based on the problems of their respective constituencies, get the Government's policies to address them. In the same sense, Legislature is not an assembly of representatives from varied interests alone but it is a deliberative assembly of one State, one Nation . Dr. Atwal further said that the Executive was responsible to the Legislature, the Legislature and its Members were also answerable to the people. It was through the legislature that a Legislator establishesed  his  main communication channel and link between the people he  represents and the Government. During deliberations on the legislative proposals, Finance Bills, motions to discuss the government policies, Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, Budget, Resolutions, etc. Legislators were free to express themselves and to say what was good for the people and what modifications in the existing policies were required.  Due to the increasing incidents of in-disciplined and in-decorous conduct on the part of the Members of Legislative Bodies, the issue of “Discipline and Decorum in Parliament and State Legislatures" had duly been taken up and discussed in the various conferences of Presiding Officers, Chief Ministers, Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs,   Thus, in view of the situations presently prevailing in parliamentary institutions, it was the utmost demand of time that : The political parties should send candidates to Legislative Bodies having clean track-record;  Considering the complexity of the Business of Legislative Bodies, the political parties should Endeavour to prefer persons with qualities and basic levels of education ; Legislative Bodies should organize training for their Legislators on this subject; The Code of Conduct for Members of Legislatures should be enforced in and outside the House.

       Dr. Atwal Hoped  and said that the Session would definitely fetch out some valuable suggestions and propositions which, in all probability, would be able to define the roles of Legislators as true representatives of the people to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the legislatures which was the surest way  towards success of the nation.

While speaking on the subject  "Optimum Utilization of Parliamentary Process and Devices for Good Governance and matters of Public Importance to their Logical Conclusion", Atwal stressed upon  that Good Governance was  not enough, it had to be pro-people and pro-active. Achieving good governance required the existence of a strong, effective and efficient Parliament. This was because Parliament played a crucial role in evaluating, organizing and presenting the views and needs of the people and expressing their expectations in determining the national development agenda. The Parliament thus played an important role in nation-building.

 Dr Atwal further stated that Governor's Address, Budget Estimates, Demands-for-Grants, Supplementary Estimates, Question Hour, Zero Hour, Calling Attention Notices, Half-an-Hour Discussion,  Short Duration Discussions, Official and Non-Official Resolutions and various other motions including No Confidence Motion, Adjournment Motion, Substantive Motion and Amendments etc., were the devices meant to help the Legislators in achieving the objective of providing Good Governance. But his personal experience as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the past and presently as the Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, made him to feel regretful sometimes when precious time of the House being eaten up as a consequence of disturbances like shouting of slogans, unpleasant arguments and the use of force by the Members to intimidate the opponents. The non-serious attitude of Members towards the immensely valuable time during the deliberations was a matter of great concern and surely a great hindrance in providing good governance. One of the important steps for Good Governance was simplification of procedures and processes in the Government so as to make the entire system transparent and faster. Dr. Atwal humbly requested his Fellow Parliamentarians and Legislators, "To make missionary efforts and take revolutionary measures for optimally utilizing the parliamentary processes and devices for delivery of good governance so that the matters of public importance are put to their logical conclusion – for this is not a dream of any individual but because this is a dream of a Nation".

--=-=

NFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ORDERS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST 25 TEACHERS INVOLVED IN MASS COPYING

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 13:

Taking serious note of the report submitted by Punjab School Education Board after probing the reported case of mass copying during the annual examination of 10th and 12th in 2014, the Principal Secretary of the Education department Mr. C. Roul has ordered disciplinary action against the erring teachers.

            Disclosing this here today an Official spokesman of the Education Department said that 25 teachers have been indicted in probe and among these teachers one from Fazilka, 18 from Ferozepur and 6 teachers belongs to district Sangrur. He said that disciplinary action has also been ordered against 3 other teachers who were charged for the negligence during the evaluation of answer sheets.

The spokesman said that on the directions of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab instructions to all the CEOs, DEOs, Principal/Head Masters and other employees of the department has been issued to act strictly to curb the copying in the state. He said that any one found guilty in this unethically practice would be taken to task.

-----------

INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO INITIATE SERIES OF DISTRICT LEVEL PUBLIC MEETINGS FROM TODAY

·       DR. CHEEMA APPOINTS 22 OBSERVERS FOR SMOOTH AND CONSTRUCTIVE FLOW OF MEETING

Chandigarh, February 13:

Punjab Education Department is all set to hold district level public meeting in all 22 districts from tomorrow i.e. February 14, 2015 to resolve the grievances of general public and employees of education department.  

            Disclosing this here today Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that these meetings would be convened in the offices of District Education Officers (Secondary and Elementary Education) from 10 am to 2pm. He informed that instructions have been issued to DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol to ensure the necessary arrangements besides personally monitoring all meetings. He said consolidated reports would be submitted with the head office by the concerned officers.

            The Minister also informed that 22 observers have also been appointed for this purpose. He also asked employees, who have any grievances with the department, to meet the authorities concerned to get their issues redressed.

            Meanwhile, DPI (SE) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol informed that 22 observers have been appointed namely Mr. Shinder Singh for Amritsar, Mr. Sarbjit Singh Toor Barnala, Mr. Harbans Singh Sandhu Bathinda, Mr. Baljit Singh Brar Faridkot, Mr. Nanni Sharma Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr. Harbans Singh Ferozepur, Mr. Jaswant Singh Gurdaspur, Mr. Inderjit Singh Hoshiarpur, Mrs. Harbans Kaur Jalandhar, Mrs. Surinder Kaur Kapurthala, Mr. Sher Singh Ludhiana, Mr. Raghubir Singh Mansa, Mr. Bhagwant Singh Moga, Mrs. Narinder Kaur Muktsar, Mr. Amrish Kumar SBS Nagar, Mr. Kulbhushan Patiala, Mr. Jaswinder Singh Nayyar Ropar, Mr. Tota Singh Sangrur, Mrs. Sneh Lata SAS Nagar, Mr. Baljinder Singh Tarn Taran, Mr. Jagtar Singh Kulrian Pathankot and Mrs. Jyoti Chawla Fazilka.

-----------

CM BATS FOR PROVISION OF SEPARATE FUNDS FOR INSTALLING WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS IN THE RURAL AREAS IN COMING UNION BUDGET

CALLS ON UNION RURAL DEVELOPMENT MINISTER

FLAGS UP THE ISSUE OF PRESENCE OF HEAVY METALS IN 1921 HABITATIONS OF THE STATE

SEEKS RS.266.82 CRORE FOR RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM

BIRENDER SINGH ASSURES CM OF FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION FOR THIS ISSUE

DIRECTS TO SEND SPECIAL TEAMS IN WATER LOGGED, BET AND KANDI AREAS TO ASSESS THE GRAVITY OF SITUATION

New Delhi, February 13-

               Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon the Union Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh that the Ministry should provide separate funds for installing water purification systems in the rural areas in coming Union Budget 2015-16.

               The Chief Minister, who called on Chaudhary Birender Singh at his office this morning, apprised him that 1921 habitations in the state were affected with uranium and heavy metals in drinking water, which was a cause of major concern for the state. He said that this drinking water inflicted with heavy metals was creating a lot of health problems for the residents due to which serious attention and large public investments were required to tackle this grave problem. However, he said that National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) allocations for 2014-15 were Rs.81.84 Crore which was too inadequate in view of the gravity of this problem. Moreover, Mr. Badal said that NRDWP guidelines do not cover habitations affected with presence of uranium and heavy metals in the drinking water, due to which potable drinking water was a distant dream for these habitations.

               Flagging up the case of supplying clean and potable drinking water for these habitations, the Chief Minister said that the affected habitations urgently require 1829 water purification systems (RO systems) for which the Centre should generously help the state. He informed the Union Minister that the state government has already submitted a project worth Rs.266.82 crore to the Government of India (GoI) for its immediate consideration. Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to immediately sanction the funds for this project so that these habitations could be provided potable drinking water.

               Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Chaudhary Birender Singh directed the Ministry to immediately dispatch two special teams in water logged, bet and kandi areas to assess the gravity of situation and suggest immediate remedial measures. He also asked the Water Supply and Sanitation department to allot special funds for the schemes dedicated for urban and rural areas separately under the Swach Bharat Mission. The Union Minister assured Mr. Badal that he would get all these matters resolved shortly at his personal level with the concerned quarters.

               The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Additional Chief Secretary (Water Supply and Sanitation) Mr. Suresh Kumar and Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu.

----------

 CM SEEKS RS 275 CRORE SPECIAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE UPCOMING ICONIC HERITAGE AND TOURISM PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE

CALLS ON UNION MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE MINISTER DR. MAHESH SHARMA 

SHARMA LAUDS STATE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVES TO ACQUAINT THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS ABOUT THEIR GLORIOUS HISTORY

AGREES TO RELEASE RS 55 CRORE FOR VIRASAT-E-KHALSA AND WAR HEROES MEMORIAL

ANNOUNCES TO SELECT AMRITSAR UNDER PARSAD SCHEME FOR A GRANT OF RS 10 CRORE  

New Delhi, February 13-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union state Minister for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) Dr. Mahesh Sharma to grant Rs 275 crore as special financial assistance for the upcoming iconic heritage and tourism projects across the state.

The Chief Minister, who called on Dr Sharma at his office in Transport Bhawan this afternoon, envisaged special allocation of funds for its ongoing tourism and cultural heritage projects as the state had made remarkable progress in showcasing the glorious cultural heritage not only at national but at international level also. He said that this allocation would encourage the state in making more such endeavors. 

Apprising Dr. Sharma about the efforts being made by the state government to preserve and highlight the rich cultural heritage of the state, the Chief Minister said that the state government has constructed state of the art Virasat-e-Khalsa Memorial at Sri Ananpur Sahib, which was daily visited by nearly 10000 visitors. Mr. Badal apprised the Union Minister that the project cost of this Memorial has escalated to Rs 327 crore from original Rs 224 crore adding that the Union government had promised to give one third cost of the project i.e. Rs 75 crores to the state out of which Rs 25 crore was still pending. He said that in view of increase in the cost it must be enhanced to Rs 35 crore.

Likewise, he also apprised the Union Minister about the state-of-the-art Museum cum Panorama center coming up at Shri Valmiki Tirath in Amritsar, where Bhagwan Valmiki ji had created the great epic and masterpiece Ramayana.  Mr. Badal said that the total cost of this prestigious project was Rs 182 crore out of which Rs 70 crore has already been spent by the state government. He sought a onetime special grant worth Rs 70 crore from the Union government to accomplish this project of immense historical significance.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister also informed  Dr. Sharma that in order to showcase the supreme sacrifices made by the Punjabis in the national freedom struggle, the state government was coming up with Jang-e-Azaadi memorial at Kartapur near Jalandhar. He said that the total cost of this project was Rs 200 crore adding that the Union government must grant special assistance of Rs 100 crore to complete this project. 

Likewise, the Chief Minister also informed Dr. Sharma about the War Heroes Museum being constructed by the state government in Amritsar to highlight the sacrifices made by the Punjabis in Armed forces and showcase the gallantry spirit of Punjab. Seeking a special assistance of Rs 50 crore for this project coming up at a cost of Rs 100 crore, Mr. Badal apprised the Union Minister that the state government has already spent Rs 23 crore on this project.

Lauding the efforts being made by the state government to acquaint the younger generations about their glorious history, the Union Minister assured Mr. Badal of fulsome support and cooperation for developing Punjab as a major tourist destination across the globe. Highly impressed with the initiatives taken by the state government, Dr. Sharma agreed to release a grant of Rs 55 crore out of which Rs 30 crore would be spent on War Heroes Museum and Rs 25 crore for the Virasat-e-Khalsa Memorial. The Union Minister also assured Mr. Badal that he would strongly recommend the case for central grant to the upcoming Jang-e-Azaadi memorial and send the detailed project to the Finance Ministry for seeking special funds for its construction. Apart from this he also informed Mr. Badal that the Ministry has selected Amritsar out of 12 religious countries across the country for special grant of Rs 10 crore under its PARSAD scheme meant for augmentation and development of pilgrimage towns      

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains and Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu. 

-----------

Parliament and State legislatures not law making bodies alone-Atwal

Bats for good governance to be pro people and pro active

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 13:

             Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal,  Speaker Punjab Legislative Assembly  while speaking in  the Fifth India Region CPA Conference  held at Goa  on the subject "THE LEGISLATORS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIONAL ROLE :  NEED FOR UNINTERRUPTED FUNCTIONING OF LEGISLATURES" said that the Parliament and the State Legislatures today are not law-making bodies alone. They had become  multi-functional institutions performing a variety of roles. So, far as comprehensive identification of roles and functions of the Parliament and  State Legislatures is concerned, the cardinal roles and functions of the Parliament  and  State Legislatures may be described as; Political and financial control i.e. Executive Responsibility;  Surveillance of administration i.e. Administrative Accountability; Informational i.e. Right to Information; Representational, i.e. grievance ventilation; Educational and advisory; Conflict-resolution and national integrational; Law-making, developmental, and social engineering ; Leadership i.e. the Recruitment and Training; and  at the national level, the Constitutional i.e. amending the Constitution.

The people wanted progress in their life. They want more employment opportunities, infrastructural facilities like roads, healthcare and education, etc. and to provide  these facilities,  the Government had an important role to play. As the elected popular representative, it is the duty of every Member to reflect people's problems effectively in Legislative debates and, based on the problems of their respective constituencies, get the Government's policies to address them. In the same sense, Legislature is not an assembly of representatives from varied interests alone but it is a deliberative assembly of one State, one Nation . Dr. Atwal further said that the Executive was responsible to the Legislature, the Legislature and its Members were also answerable to the people. It was through the legislature that a Legislator establishesed  his  main communication channel and link between the people he  represents and the Government. During deliberations on the legislative proposals, Finance Bills, motions to discuss the government policies, Motion of Thanks on the Governor’s Address, Budget, Resolutions, etc. Legislators were free to express themselves and to say what was good for the people and what modifications in the existing policies were required.  Due to the increasing incidents of in-disciplined and in-decorous conduct on the part of the Members of Legislative Bodies, the issue of “Discipline and Decorum in Parliament and State Legislatures" had duly been taken up and discussed in the various conferences of Presiding Officers, Chief Ministers, Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs,   Thus, in view of the situations presently prevailing in parliamentary institutions, it was the utmost demand of time that : The political parties should send candidates to Legislative Bodies having clean track-record;  Considering the complexity of the Business of Legislative Bodies, the political parties should Endeavour to prefer persons with qualities and basic levels of education ; Legislative Bodies should organize training for their Legislators on this subject; The Code of Conduct for Members of Legislatures should be enforced in and outside the House.

       Dr. Atwal Hoped  and said that the Session would definitely fetch out some valuable suggestions and propositions which, in all probability, would be able to define the roles of Legislators as true representatives of the people to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the legislatures which was the surest way  towards success of the nation.

While speaking on the subject  "Optimum Utilization of Parliamentary Process and Devices for Good Governance and matters of Public Importance to their Logical Conclusion", Atwal stressed upon  that Good Governance was  not enough, it had to be pro-people and pro-active. Achieving good governance required the existence of a strong, effective and efficient Parliament. This was because Parliament played a crucial role in evaluating, organizing and presenting the views and needs of the people and expressing their expectations in determining the national development agenda. The Parliament thus played an important role in nation-building.

 Dr Atwal further stated that Governor's Address, Budget Estimates, Demands-for-Grants, Supplementary Estimates, Question Hour, Zero Hour, Calling Attention Notices, Half-an-Hour Discussion,  Short Duration Discussions, Official and Non-Official Resolutions and various other motions including No Confidence Motion, Adjournment Motion, Substantive Motion and Amendments etc., were the devices meant to help the Legislators in achieving the objective of providing Good Governance. But his personal experience as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the past and presently as the Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, made him to feel regretful sometimes when precious time of the House being eaten up as a consequence of disturbances like shouting of slogans, unpleasant arguments and the use of force by the Members to intimidate the opponents. The non-serious attitude of Members towards the immensely valuable time during the deliberations was a matter of great concern and surely a great hindrance in providing good governance. One of the important steps for Good Governance was simplification of procedures and processes in the Government so as to make the entire system transparent and faster. Dr. Atwal humbly requested his Fellow Parliamentarians and Legislators, "To make missionary efforts and take revolutionary measures for optimally utilizing the parliamentary processes and devices for delivery of good governance so that the matters of public importance are put to their logical conclusion – for this is not a dream of any individual but because this is a dream of a Nation".

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

 CM URGES JAITLEY TO PROVIDE FULL INTEREST RELIEF TO THE STATE ON SMALL SAVING LOANS OF RS. 703 CRORE AS RECOMMENDED BY 13TH FINANCE COMMISSION

SEEKS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF PENDING GRANTS WORTH RS. 362 CRORE RECOMMENDED BY THE 13TH FINANCE COMMISSION

BATS FOR SWAMINATHAN FORMULA FOR MSP OF CROPS

SEEKS REINTRODUCTION OF INCOME TAX EXEMPTION FOR STATE AND CENTRAL COOPERATIVE BANKS

ADVOCATES CAPITAL INFUSION OF RS 150 CRORE TO STATE COOPERATIVE BANKS FOR ACHIEVING CRAR

JAITLEY DIRECTS THE MINISTRY TO IMMEDIATELY RELEASE GRANTS OF 13TH FINANCE COMMISSION PENDING WITH IT SINCE LONG

PROMISES FULL SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO STATE GOVERNMENT

New Delhi, February 13-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley to provide full interest relief from 10.5% to 9% to the state on Small Saving Loans of Rs. 703 crore as recommended by 13th Finance Commission.

The Chief Minister, who called on Mr. Jaitley at his office this afternoon, also impressed upon him to immediately release pending grants worth Rs. 362 crore recommended by the 13th Finance Commission to the Punjab government. He also pleaded for the relief to be given to the three debt stressed states including Punjab as recommended by 13th Finance Commission and sought personal intervention of Mr. Jaitley while considering the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission. Mr. Badal also demanded release of the compensation worth Rs 867 crore already due to the state on account of CST reduction for the period 2010-2015. He also sought early release of initial grant of Rs 50 crore for Drug de-addiction activity announced by Mr. Jaitley, while replying to the debate on last budget.    

Raising pro-farmers issue with Mr. Jaitley, the Chief Minister advocated that Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agriculture crops should be fixed as per Dr. M S Swaminathan formula i.e. cost + 50% profit to benefit the farmers. He said that this was utmost important as it was a part BJP/NDA Manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Likewise, he said that instead of Crop diversification program thrust must be laid on Agriculture diversification by including alternative like Dairying, Fisheries, Poultry, Piggery, Goatry, Bee Keeping and other subsidiary occupations in the list for financial assistance by the government.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that like agriculture the allied farming activities like dairy, fisheries and other subsidiary activities should also be given exemption from payment of Income Tax. He also sought exemption from Payment of Central Excise on all Agricultural Implements including Combine Harvesters and their parts.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that small and Marginal farmers should be provided interest free short term crop loans whereas other farmers should be provided crop loans at 2%, and agriculture investment credit at 6% interest. Mr. Badal also said that a scheme should be announced in the coming budget for Crop insurance for farmers to protect them from vagaries of weather and climate change as agriculture was no longer a profitable venture.

Flagging up another issue, the Chief Minister sought the reintroduction of income tax exemption for State and Central Cooperative Banks which was withdrawn in 2007. He said that prior to April 1, 2007, profits of Cooperative Banks were exempted from income tax but in 2006, this facility was withdrawn. Mr. Badal said that Cooperative Banks were working on very thin margins and were mainly providing short-term agricultural loans (crop loans) to the farmers due to which Income tax was an additional hardship on them.

Likewise the Chief Minister urged Mr. Jaitley for capital infusion of Rs 150 crore to State Cooperative Banks so that they could achieve Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) 7% by March 31, 2015. He said that RBI has directed that Cooperative Banks should achieve CRAR of 7% by March 31, 2015 and 9% by March 31 2017. Mr. Badal said that if the cooperative banks do not achieve the required CRAR of 7% by March 31, 2015, the RBI may de-licence these banks and NABARD may stop refinance, which would have serious repercussions for the agricultural economy of the State.

The Chief Minister also envisaged support and cooperation from Union Finance Ministry for establishing Post Graduate Horticulture Research and Education Institute in the state to further give fillip to the state’s ambitious program of Agriculture Diversification. He posed a financial grant of Rs 76.50 crore for this purpose and urged Mr. Jaitley to make announcement for the said institute in the ensuing Union budget. 

 Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Jaitley directed the Ministry to immediately release grants of 13th Finance Commission pending with it since long. The Union Minister also assured Mr. Badal that he would get all the issues raised by him in the meeting thoroughly examined from the Ministry for their early resolution. 

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Principal Secretary Finance Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan.

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4 BOOKED FOR SELLING E-CIGARETTES IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh February 13:

Punjab probably became the first state in the country that has initiated criminal proceedings against those who are selling e-cigarettes (Electronic Nicotine Delivery System). It may be recalled that Punjab was the first state to declare e-cigarettes as illegal under The Drugs and Cosmetics act.

            Cracking the whip and sending a direct message across the state, district administration of three districts namely Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and SAS Nagar Mohali booked four vendors for selling e- cigarettes and Nicotine in chemical form for violating the directive of the government regarding e-cigarettes.

            Disclosing this here today, commissioner FDA and Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr. Hussan Lal, said that as many as 20 districts of the state have already been declared as tobacco smoke free in Punjab. Giving details, he said that cases were registered against two vendors in Ludhiana and one each in SAS Nagar Mohali and Hoshiarpur. The cases have been registered under various sections of Drugs and Cosmetics Act. as nicotine was tested positive in all these cases.

Mr. Ajay Singla, State Drug Controller, Punjab said that E-Cigarettes are Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) devices which contain Nicotine in chemical form which was highly lethal and addictive chemical. Under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Nicotine was allowed to be manufactured only as Nicotine Gums/Lozenges 2mg & 4mg. Every other product which contained Nicotine was illegal, he added.

Dr. Rakesh Gupta, State Programme Officer, State Tobacco Control Cell, Punjab added that Punjab was the only state where implementation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act/ Food Safety & Standard Act of India and COTPA was being monitored monthly at State level by Principal Secretary Health & Family Welfare and at District Level by Deputy Commissioners. Action taken by Punjab Government against E-Cigarettes has been lauded at International and National Levels, he added.

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CM SEEKS PGI FOR THE STATE CALLS ON UNION HEALTH MINISTER JP NADDA

SEEKS WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT OF CENTRE FOR ERADICATING CANCER FROM THE STATE

BATS FOR FIVE NEW ANM/ GNM COLLEGES FOR STATE

NADDA ASSURES CM FOR ESTABLISHING PGI IN THE STATE

PFA STANDARD OF MILK IN PUNJAB TO BE BROUGHT AT PAR WITH OTHER STATES

New Delhi, February 12-

In a bid to impart quality Healthcare services to the people, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Health Minister Mr. JP Nadda to sanction a Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences to the state.

The Chief Minister, who called on Mr. Nadda at his office this afternoon, apprised him that every state has been given a Post Graduate Institute of medical sciences but the state of Punjab has been left out despite having allotted 200 acres of prime land on National Highway number one in Kapurthala district for it. He said that in order to provide quality treatment and diagnostic facilities to the people one PGI should be given to the state.

Seeking the whole hearted support of Government of India (GoI) for eradicating the menace of cancer from the state, the Chief Minister impressed upon Mr. Nadda to sanction central assistance worth Rs 250 crore for the construction of state of the art Cancer treatment infrastructure at Bathinda, Amritsar, Patiala, Sangrur, Faridkot at a cost of Rs 500 crore. Thanking the Union government for approving State Cancer Institute, at Amritsar worth Rs. 120 crore, Mr. Badal asked the Union Minister to ensure its immediate implementation.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister apprised Mr. Nadda that the State Government has taken unprecedented initiatives in setting up Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centers across the state. He asked the Minister to immediately release initial grant of Rs. 50 Crore for Drug De-addiction activities announced by Finance Minister in the last Budget.

Flagging up the issue of increase in the number of MBBS seats in the State Medical Colleges, the Chief Minister urged Mr. Nadda to enhance number of seats in Amritsar Medical College from 150 to 200, from 100 to 150 in Faridkot Medical College and from 150 to 200 in Patiala Medical College. Likewise, Mr. Badal also sought enhancement of Post Graduate Seats in the state.

The Chief Minister also urged Mr. Nadda to expedite the release of balance funds for the construction of five ANM/ GNM schools sanctioned in 2011-12.  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. Similarly Mr. Badal also impressed upon the Minister to sanction five new schools for the state.

Raising another issue, the Chief Minister urged Mr. Nadda to relax the condition of 4% Milk fat in the state to bring it at par with prevalent 3.5% in other states. He informed the Union Minister that cross Bred cow milk's fat was not more than 3.5 % adding that the matter was pending with the Food Safety Standard Authority of India (FFSAI) under the Ministry and urged him to get this matter resolved at the earliest as it was adversely impacting the interests of Dairy farmers.

The Chief Minister also sought personal intervention of Mr. Nadda for giving regular pay scale to the NHM contractual Employees.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Nadda assured him that he would get the issue of setting up PGI on the allotted site by the state government resolved and all the necessary clearances would be given by the Ministry without any further delay. Referring to the issue of bringing the Milk standard prescribed for Punjab at par with other states, Mr. Nadda assured the Chief Minister that FFSAI was already on the track and would soon complete legal formalities to declare PFA standard of Milk 3.5% in the state thereby removing this disparity.  Mr. Nadda also assured the Chief Minister that all the pending issues related to his Ministry would be put on the fast track mode and he would personally monitor their progress on regular basis.  

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mrs. Vinnie Mahajan and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

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CM URGES PRABHU TO ACCORD TOP PRIORITY FOR DEVELOPING “DELHI-CHANDIGARH-AMRITSAR” HIGH SPEED RAIL CORRIDOR

SEEKS EXTENSION OF EASTERN AND WESTERN FREIGHT CORRIDOR UPTO ATTARI

REQUESTS UNION MINISTER TO HONOR ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE IN UNION RAIL BUDGET

SEEKS TWO NEW RAILWAY LINES FROM HOSHIARPUR TO DASUYA AND FROM MOGA TO KOTAKPURA

DEMANDS ADDITIONAL RAKES FOR THERMAL PLANTS OF PSPCL

PRABHU FOR STF TO MONITOR PROGRESS OF RAILWAY PROJECTS IN STATE

MOHALI AND AMRITSAR RAILWAY STATIONS TO BE MODERNIZED SHORTLY 

New Delhi, February 12-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon the Union Railways Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu to develop High Speed Rail Corridor “Delhi-Chandigarh-Amritsar” on priority.

The Chief Minister who called on Mr. Prabhu at his office in Rail Bhawan this evening said that it was a matter of great pride for the state that this project has already been included in the Vision-2020 document of Railways. He said that they have been informed that as per this document four out of the six identified corridors were to be developed with a High Speed Rail Connection. So keeping in view the immense contribution of Punjabis in overall development of the nation, this significance project must be allocated to the state, added Mr. Badal.

Deliberating on another issue, the Chief Minister urged Mr. Prabhu to give fresh date for laying foundation stone for logistics park at Ludhiana, Quila Raipur. Likewise, he also impressed upon the Union Minister to extend the Eastern Freight Corridor and the Western Freight Corridor planned upto Ludhiana further to Attari Integrated Check Post. Likewise, Mr. Badal requested the Railway Minister that his Ministry should bear the entire project cost including land cost of Ferozepur-Patti railway line sanctioned in the railway budget during year 2013 and the work should be taken up at the earliest.

Flagging up another issue the Chief Minister urged Mr. Pranhu to expedite the process of construction of a new line from Rama Mandi via Maur Mandi to Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Saabo keeping in view religious importance one of the five Takhts of Sikh panth as announced by the then Railway Minister in his Rail budget during 2013-2014. Likewise, he said that announcements in similar budget pertaining to electrification of Jakhal-Dhuri-Ludhiana line, surveys for new lines of Dhuri Byepass, Rajpura Byepass, Sri Anandpur Sahib- Chamkaur sahib-Ludhiana, surveys for doubling of Bathinda –Abhor-Sriganganagar, Ferozepur-Bathinda, Jakhal-Dhuri-Ludhiana and Rajpura-Bathinda via Dhuri railway tracks must also be given due consideration. Similarly Mr. Badal also requested the Union Minister to sanction doubling of Bathinda – Mansa rail route and expediting of double line on Bathinda-Jakhal section for the benefit of newly commissioned Talwandi Saabo thermal plant.

The Chief Minister also requested Mr. Prabhu for laying two new railway lines from Hoshiarpur to Dasuya and from Moga to Kotakpura. Similarly he also sought extension of trains from Mumbai and other southern destinations to Amritsar/Jammu adding that Railway stations of Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Bathinda, Mohali, Pathankot and Hoshiarpur must be upgraded and modernized.

Expressing gratitude to Mr. Prabhu for sanctioning 115 Limited Height Subways in Punjab, the Chief Minister apprised him that 123 additional locations have been identified for providing Limited Height Subways by a joint committee of Railways and PWD. He urged the Union Minister to include these 123 locations in the current phase of construction of RUBs. Mr. Badal also sought additional rakes for Thermal plants of Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) from eastern railways.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Prabhu assured him that he would get all these matters resolved in the coming days. He specifically asked the Chairman Railway Board to constitute a Special Task Force exclusively dedicated to resolve the pending Railways issues of Punjab on top priority. Mr. Prabhu also assured the Chief Minister that the upgradation and modernization of Mohali and Amritsar Railway stations would be taken up shortly and sought cooperation from state in this regard.     

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

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No Butcher houses allowed in Punjab : Government

Chandigarh, February 12-

The Punjab government today clarified that no slaughter houses (Butcher khanas)   would be set up in the state.  

Stating this, a spokesman of the Chief Minister’s Office said here today that the government fully respected the sentiments of the people in this regard and would do nothing that hurts their feelings. 

The statement comes in the wake of controversy surrounding a project near Sangrur. 

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CM SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF SMRITI IRANI TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS OF FINALIZING SITE OF SETTING UP IIM AT AMRITSAR

URGES THE UNION MINISTER TO LAY FOUNDATION STONE FOR STARTING UP WORK AT CENTRAL UNIVERSITY IN BATHINDA

SEEKS UPWARD REVISION IN COST OF BOOKS AND UNIFORMS FOR STUDENTS

DEMAND INCREASE IN RATES OF MID DAY MEAL TO THE STUDENTS

IRANI PROMISES TO GET SITE SELECTION DONE WITHIN A WEEK

CLASSES OF IIM TO BEGIN FROM CURRENT SESSION

LAUDS STATE GOVERNMENT FOR OPENING MERITORIOUS SCHOOLS

New Delhi, February 12-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon the Union Human Resources Development Minister Mrs. Smriti Irani to expedite the process of constituting a site selection committee for finalizing the site of setting up Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Amritsar.

          The Chief Minister, who called on Mrs. Irani at his office here at Shastri Bhawan this morning, apprised her that the state government has identified two sites for the approval of Ministry for setting up IIM in Amritsar. He said that one site was of 192 acres land at village Awan which was 40 kilometres from International Airport and other was in village Sheron Bagha that was 50 kilometres from Amritsar. Mr. Badal sought the personal intervention of the Union Minister for setting up a site selection committee so that work on the project could be started at the earliest after finalizing the site.

          The Chief Minister also urged Mrs. Irani to lay the foundation stone of construction of campus of the Central University at Bathinda. He apprised the Minister that the state government has already transferred the 500 acres of land at village Ghudda to Central government for the construction of this university. Mr. Badal said that right now this University was functioning from a temporary accommodation at Bathinda.

Under the grant in aid scheme to the meritorious schools, the Chief Minister requested Mrs. Irani for sharing 75% 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 running expenditure was Rs 50 crore. Mr. Badal also asked the Union Minister to pay a visit to these schools and implement this model in the entire country.

Likewise, the Chief Minister also urged Mrs. Irani to provide grant-in-aid of 75% of the recurring and non-recurring costs of the Adarsh/ Model schools in the state. He said that the state government had set up these 26 schools for imparting free quality education to the poor and intelligent students in the state.

The Chief Minister also asked Mrs. Irani to enhance the cost of providing free uniform to all the girls and SC and BPL boys of class first to eight from existing Rs 400 per child to Rs 1000 per child. Likewise, he also impressed upon the Union Minister to raise the rate of providing free books to all the students of class first to eight from existing Rs 150 per student for primary classes and Rs 250 per student for upper primary classes to Rs 211 and Rs 630 respectively.

The Chief Minister also demanded that the existing norms of providing mid day meal to student should also be revised and cooking cost of mid day meal for primary students must be raised to Rs 7 per child from existing Rs 3.56 per child for primary students and Rs 10 from existing Rs 5.38 per child for upper primary students. He also urged the Union Minister to raise the honorarium of Mid Day Meal cooks from existing Rs 1200 per month to Rs 3500 per month.   

Responding to the demands raised by the Chief Minister, Mrs. Irani said that Ministry has already finalized the site selection committee for IIM, which would finalise the site within a week after visiting both the proposed sites by the state government. She also apprised that the classes of the upcoming IIM at Amritsar would begin from the current session at the Punjab Institute of Technology as recommended by the state government. She highly appreciated the scheme of opening meritorious schools for the economically weak but bright students and assured Mr. Badal that she would soon take up the matter of giving grant to these special schools with the Ministry of Finance.  

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Principal Secretary Higher Education Dr. Roshan Sunkaria, Principal Secretary School Education Mr. C Roul and Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema.

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CM URGES UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER TO CONTINUE MSP REGIME FOR PROVIDING FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SECURITY TO THE COUNTRY

CALLS ON RADHA MOHAN SINGH AT NEW DELHI

BATS FOR FIXATION OF MSP AS PER SWAMINATHAN FORMULA

ADVOCATES CROP INSURANCE SCHEME FOR FARMERS

SEEKS INTEREST FREE SHORT TERM CROP LOANS TO SMALL AND MARGINAL FARMERS

DEMANDS HORTICULTURE UNIVERSITY TO BOOST AGRICULTURE DIVERSIFICATION

SEEKS FUNDS FOR SETTING UP CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF FRESH WATER AQUACULTURE, BHUBNESHWAR AT BATHINDA

RADHA MOHAN SINGH ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO STATE

AGREES TO PROPOSAL OF SETTING UP HORTICULTURE UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE

New Delhi, February 12-

Batting for fixation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops as per Swaminathan formula, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today impressed upon the Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Radha Mohan Singh to continue the MSP regime of procurement for providing food and nutritional security to the country.

The Chief Minister, who called on Mr. Radha Mohan Singh, at his office here at Krishi Bhawan pleaded that for revival of agriculture sector, which has now turned to be non profitable venture due to high input costs and low returns resulting in mounting farmers' debt and suicides, the continuation of procurement at MSP was the need of the hour. He categorically said that any change in this could lead to serious unrest amongst the farmers. Mr. Badal asked the Union Minister to make the necessary recommendations to the concerned quarters for continuing this system of price support mechanism to the farmers. 

Pleading the case of implementing Swaminathan’s formula (Cost + 50% profit), the Chief Minister said that it was one of the viable solution to stabilize the present crisis in agriculture economy of the country. Moreover, he said that it was also the major issue of NDA’s agenda. Mr. Badal also said that for the success of crop diversification program, the Union government must evolve a mechanism for procurement of alternative crops like Maize and Basmati by providing MSP like Paddy to them.

Seeking crop insurance scheme for the farmers to protect them from vagaries of nature and climate change, the Chief Minister said that it was the need of the hour as due to squeezing margins of profit agriculture was no longer a profitable venture now. He also urged the Union Minister to revise the norms for relief of damage to crops due to natural calamities thereby re-fixing compensation in case of complete crop loss to at least Rs 20,000 per acre instead of existing Rs 3600 per acre, which was too meagre and inadequate.  

Flagging up another issue, the Chief Minister advocated that crop diversification should be substituted with agriculture diversification and alternatives like Dairying, fishery, poultry, piggery, goatery, apiary and others must be included in agriculture diversification for financial assistance by the government adding that a scheme must be introduced for promotion of local breeds of cows like Sahiwal, Rathi, Gir, Tharparkar and others. Similarly, Mr. Badal urged the Union Minister to recommend a strong case to the Ministry of Finance for the exemption of Income tax on all these other activities like agriculture adding that Agriculture Implements including combine harvesters and their parts should also be exempted from payment of Central Excise.

The Chief Minister also said that recommendations must also be made to the Union Finance Ministry for providing interest free short term crop loans to small and marginal farmers whereas other farmers must be provided crop loans at two percent and agriculture investment credit at six percent rate of interest. Likewise, he said that the Union Finance Ministry must be urged to reintroduce Income Tax exemption scheme for state and Central Cooperative banks that was withdrawn in 2007. Similarly, Mr. Badal also sought recommendations to the Ministry of Finance for capital infusion of Rs 150 crore to State Cooperative Banks so that they could achieve CRAR 7% by March 31, 2015.

The Chief Minister also sought the expedite release of funds to the tune of Rs 21 crore to the ICAR for setting up Regional Centre of ICAR-Central Institute of Fresh Water Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar at Bathinda over 12 acres of land. Besides, he also demanded to set up a Horticulture university to boost the prospects of ongoing efforts under Agriculture Diversification.

Apart from these issues, the Chief Minister also raised another significant issue for the benefit of Dairy farmers to relax the condition of 4% Milk fat in the state at par with prevalent 3.5% in other states and urged the Union Minister to recommend state’s case in this behalf to the Ministry of Health, GoI to immediately sort this issue.   

Responding to the various issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Radha Mohan Singh assured him of all possible help and cooperation to the state government to bail out the farmers from current agrarian crisis. He agreed to the proposal for establishing Horticulture University in the state. Mr. Radha Mohan Singh asked the Chief Minister to submit a comprehensive plan in this regard at the earliest.

Likewise, the Union Minister also telephoned the Union Health Minister Mr. JP Nadda in the meeting thereby strongly recommending the state’s plea to bring down the Milk fat rate from 4% to 3.5% in Punjab for making it uniform with the other states. Mr. Radha Mohan Singh also asked the Chief Minister to submit a detailed proposal for seeking 100% grant under National Gokul scheme which was aimed at improving the local/ desi breeds of Cows. He also apprised the Chief Minister that the Ministry has already finalized the modalities for the National Crop Insurance scheme after due deliberations with all the stakeholders and would be announced shortly. Mr. Radha Mohan Singh further said that the ICAR would expedite the process of setting up of regional Centre of Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) to promote fishery in Punjab.

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CM SEEKS RS 5187.75 CRORE FROM CENTRE FOR OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES

CALLS ON UNION URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING MINISTER VENKAIAH NAIDU

DEMANDS INCLUSION OF 12 CITIES/ TOWNS OF STATE IN SMART CITY PROJECT

THANKS NAIDU FOR INCLUDING AMRITSAR IN HRIDAY

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

New Delhi, February 12-

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Union Urban Development and Housing Ministry to immediately release Rs 5187.75 crore to ensure 100% water supply, sewerage facilities besides providing a network of roads and street lighting in all the towns of the state.

The Chief Minister called on Union Urban Development and Housing Minister Mr. M Venkaiah Naidu at his residence this morning and demanded this amount to fund 30 towns for water supply, 79 for sewerage and 86 for installations of STPs besides upgradation and modernization of roads and streetlights. Mr. Badal apprised the Minister that that state government has been able to achieve target of 100% coverage of water supply in 94 towns, sewerage in 45 towns and STP in 38 towns.

Flagging up another issue, the Chief Minister asked Mr. Naidu to include 12 cities of the state including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Mohali, New Chandigarh, Zikrakpur, Dera Bassi, Kharar, Tarn Taran, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Patiala under the Smart City scheme. He said that two towns of the state viz. Ludhiana  and Amritsar were having more than 10 lakh population so they must be included in the scheme. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that Tarn Taran and Sri Muktsar Sahib two prominent religious towns of state should also be made a part of the scheme adding that as all the state capitals were being covered under the project but Chandigarh was a Union territory so the towns of Punjab like Mohali, New Chandigarh, Zikrakpur, Dera Bassi and Kharar adjoining the City beautiful should also be covered under it.

Expressing gratitude towards Mr. Naidu for selecting Amritsar under HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojna), the Chief Minister urged him to lay the foundation stone of scheme at Amritsar. He also thanked the Union Minister for sanctioning Rs 69.31 crore for this project.

The Chief Minister also impressed upon Mr. Naidu to release last installment of JNNURM sewerage project in Ludhiana as the state government has already submitted its 100% utilization certificates on March 28, 2014. He also sought the immediate release of funds for remaining six projects in UIG and UIDSSM component.

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 Chief Minister was accompanied by his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta.

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      More than 3 Lac SC Students to get Post Matric Scholarship - Rajesh Bagha

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 12:

           Under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme of Punjab Government, more than 3 lac students belonging to Scheduled Castes would get post matric scholarship .

          Disclosing this here today Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Chairman, Scheduled Castes Commission has asked the principles  of  schools and colleges to identify the meritorious  students belonging to SC for giving them the scholarships. He also said that unnecessarily harassment of the students belonging to the deprived sections would be checked and   strict action would be initiated against the erring . Mr. Bagha further said that the commission was  already taking up the cases of harassment of the  Scheduled Castes employees being exploited in various government offices. Mr. Bagha said that strict action would be taken against anybody who was found  harassing the Scheduled Castes employees.

          Mr. Bagha appealed to the dalit community to avail maximum benefit of the government schemes especially envisaged for them. He also said that any kind of further information regarding the government schemes could be sought from the office of the commission.

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JALLANDHAR AND HOSHIARPUR DTOS ORDERED TO SUBMIT APEX COURT COMPLIANT REPORT REGARDING SCHOOL BUSES

Ø STATE COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS PUNJAB TAKES SERIOUS NOTE OF SCHOOL BUSES FLOUTING SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES.

 Ø DTOs TO BE HELD PERSONALLY ACCOUNTABLE.

SUMMONED BEFORE COMMISSION WITH COMPLIANCE REPORTS

 Chandigarh February 12:  Taking strong exception to the school buses flouting the Supreme Court guidelines, the DTOs of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur have been ordered to submit Apex Court Compliant report regarding buses to the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab by February 18.

Presiding over a meeting of the officers of the Commission, Chairman State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab, Mr. Sukesh Kalia, expressed concern over the school buses carrying more students than permissible causing great threat to the lives of the children. Mr. Kalia said that it was the responsibility of the DTOs to ensure laid down safety norms of the school buses and keep a tab on the buses violating the guidelines. He said that the DTOs would be held responsible for any mishap of school buses. He has summoned the District Transport Officers of Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar and the authorities of K.V.M School Civil Lines Ludhiana to personally submit the compliance report regarding the school buses to the commission by February 18, 2015.

 Mr. Kalia also expressed concern over the violent approach and rash driving of the drivers of school buses and the uncivilized behaviour of the school teachers in the schools causing great physical and emotional harm to the children.

 The Chairman took  suo moto notice of such instances reported in the newspapers where children got hurt due to the negligence of the drivers, children suffering at the hands of the uncivilised school teachers  and simultaneously reported complaints of misbehaviour of one of the school teachers of K.V.M. School Civil Lines Ludhiana.

 Taking the entire incident very seriously, the Chairman said that the entire case of Ludhiana school was got examined by the Commission and later on the recommendation of the Principal Ms. Navita Puri the guilty teacher was suspended and the departmental inquiry was also initiated against him.A criminal case was also registered against him in the Police Station. The case was still pending in the Law Court, said Mr. Kalia. The Principal of the school was also directed to submit complete details of the complaints submitted by the school children and their parents with regard to in-discipline of the teachers along with the status and pendency of the complaints.

        The Chairman also directed the management and the Principal of Guru Gobind Public High School to submit complete record of the school buses by February 18. He has also asked the DTOs of Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar to submit the records of school bus plying in accordance with the guidelines of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Besides this the Chairman also directed the school administrations and management to ensure the safety of school children and engage the qualified good drivers fulfilling all the laid down norms of the Supreme Court.

        Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Secretary Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar IAS, Deputy Director Mr. Rajwinder Singh Gill and other officers of the commission.

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STATE TB OFFICER CONFERRED WITH DR. K.C.MOHANTY AWARD

Chandigarh February 12:

            Dr. Balbir Singh, State TB Officer, Punjab has been conferred with the prestigious Dr. K.C.Mohanty Award-2014 for the best performing state in TB.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the government said that Dr. Balbir Singh was presented this award at NATCON (National TB Conference) at Mumbai. The award carried with it a rolling shield, cash incentive of Rs 5000/- and a certificate of honor.

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Job fest on 26-27 February at Ramgarhia Polytechnic College Phagwara

Students from all over Punjab to attend

Chandigarh, February 12:

A job fest will be organized at Ramgarhia Polytechnic College, Phagwara on 26th  and 27th February.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson said that Director, Technical Education and Industrial Training has sent directives to the Principal’s of all the Government Polytechnic Colleges, Non–Governmental (Aided) and Private Polytechnic Colleges to send their T.P.O.’s along with the students to avail the employment opportunities which will be offered by over 25 companies.

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Punjab Police traps and nabs international heroin smuggler harbant singh in ferozepur

·        Seizure of 12 kg in-transit heroin meant for international market

Chandigarh, February 11:

                   Punjab Police has trapped and arrested international heroin smuggler Harbant Singh and effected seizure of 12 kg heroin today in district Ferozepur.

                   Specific information was received that top Pakistan drug lord Kalu Chaudhary @ Kalu Chairman is sending a heroin consignment across the international border in the Ferozepur sector for further transiting to the national and international market to “recipient” smuggler Harbant Singh s/o Gurmukh Singh r/o village Lakhara district Tarn Taran. A Case FIR No. 49 dated 10-02-2015 u/s 21/25 NDPS Act was registered in police station Sadar Ferozepur and an operation launched under the supervision of Sh. Hardial Singh Mann, SSP/Ferozepur.

                   Developing the operational leads, Punjab Police zeroed on BOP 192-5/6 in village Bareke in the Ferozepur sector from where the heroin consignment was to cross the international border by making use of the riverine nature of the border. Since the border is being guarded by the Border Security Force (BSF), liaison was established with the BSF authorities and an operation launched to seize the heroin consignment. During the search conducted in the area of BOP 192-5/6 in village Bareke, seizure of 12 kg heroin has been effected today. In a separate operation, Harbant Singh, who was to receive the heroin consignment has been arrested by the Punjab Police from Patti in district Tarn Taran, where a trap had been laid.

                   After controlling the local availability of drugs as its first focus and neutralising the internal distribution network, Punjab Police is now focusing on plugging supply lines from across the international border by effecting seizures of trans-border consignments sent by Pak-based drug lords which transit through the state to reach the international and national market.

                   Further investigations are ongoing.

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NOMINATION PROCESS FOR 8 MCs ENDS; 1853 NOMINATIONS FILED

·        PAPERS WOULD BE SCRUTINIZED ON FEBRUARY 12

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 11:

The nomination process for Municipal Corporation elections ended today and in total 1853 number of nominations was filed.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman of the State Election Commission said that today was the last day for the filing of nominations for the Municipal Corporation elections which is scheduled on February 22, 2015.

Divulging the detail he said that for the SAS Nagar Mohali 309 nominations were filed where as for Bathinda 287, for Hoshiarpur 236, for Moga 357, for Pathankot 363 and for Phagwara 280 nominations were received up till last day of nominations. He further said that in Patiala for bye election of 2 wards in total 17 nominations and for bye election of one ward of Jalandhar 4 nominations were filed.

He said that the scrutiny of the nomination papers would be held on February 12 and last day for withdrawal of papers is February 13, 2015.

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 Sukhbir felicitates Punjab Women hockey players for winning gold in National Games

 Punjab team drubs Haryana team by 3-1 in final

 Chandigarh, February 11: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today congratulated the Punjab Women Hockey team for winning a gold medal in the 35th National Games held at Kerala.

In a statement issued here Mr. Badal, , who is the president of Hockey Punjab and the Sports Minister, while congratulating the Punjab Women hockey coach and the players said that the game of hockey was synonymous to Punjab. The name of Punjab has emerged with flying colours at the National level.   

Mr. Badal lauded the spirit and game shown by Punjab players said the team has brought laurel for the state. He said Punjab women hockey team girls defeated Haryana girls in the final match by 3-1 goals and won a gold medal. The Deputy CM said that it was a moment of glory, as Punjab Women hockey players had won a gold medal for the first time in the history of National games. Also, it was for the first time that Punjab women hockey team had made it to the final match.

The Deputy CM said that the Punjab Men Hockey team had already proved their mettle at the National level. Mr. Badal said that last year, the Indian Hockey (men) team had won a gold medal in the Asian Games and as many as seven players in that team was from Punjab and now women hockey players have also shined at the national level. He said that every player and the coach required kudos for this impressive national level victory in hockey.

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TOTAL NO OF NOMINATIONS DETAIL OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS

(Cumulative figure after closing of nomination process)

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 PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETTLES 44 CASES IN PUBLIC MEETING

CHANDIGARH, February 11:

The Punjab Education Department conducted a Public meeting to settle all those cases pertaining to the employees of education department upon which Hon’ble Courts has announced its verdict.  Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Education Department said that in the public meeting 54 such cases were presented before the committee and out of it 44 cases were disposed off.

The meeting was conducted on the directions of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab. The public meeting was presided over by Mr. C. Roul, Principal Secretary and was attended by Mr. Gurdeep Singh, Special Secretary, Mr. Harbans Singh, OSD (Litigation), Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol, DPI (SS), Mrs. Darshan Kaur, DPI (EE) and Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Director, SCERT.

He said that pending cases were forwarded to the appropriate authority to take action in light of the decision of the Hon’ble Courts. He further said that apart from these 54 cases the grievances of another 38 employees were listened to sympathetically and the concerned authorities have been asked to take action for the redressal of grievances.

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AAP BENEFICIARY OF CONGRESS DECIMATION: SAD VOTE SHARE WENT UP

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 11:

The Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today that the SAD performance in the just concluded assembly elections in Delhi had shown an improvement over the previous elections, in terms of both vote-share and the  number of votes polled by the party's candidates.

  "The sole reason for this increase not being converted into seats
was the transfer of all Congress votes to the AAP, disturbing poll
arithmetic in other constituencies, including those contested by the
SAD, and giving AAP a huge jump at the expense  of the Congress, "said Mr. Badal in a statement here this afternoon.

Mr. Badal said that so complete was the Congress surrender to the AAP that more than 60 Congress candidates lost their security deposits,
clearly proving an en masse  shift of Congress votes to AAP.
 "The AAP is a beneficiary of the decimation of the Congress party
rather than the comparative showing of the BJP and the SAD, both of which had recorded increase in vote share. This is the one lesson that
must not be lost of in arriving at any conclusions on the Delhi poll results."     "But of course we do not mean to undermine the victory of the AAP. We extend whole-hearted congratulations and best wishes to the AAP and its architect Mr. Arvind Kejriwal for their  impressive showing. We accept the verdict of the people of Delhi in all humility.

The Chief Minister however said that "and he and his party were grateful to Delhi's voters that even in this wave, the SAD's core vote bank has stayed intact and has actually registered an improvement over our showing in the last elections, though for reasons of demographic arithmetics, this is not reflected in the number of seats won," said the CM. Likewise, said Mr. Badal, the overall vote share of BJP has also marginally increased from 33 percent to 34 percent.

The Chief Minister also thanked the leaders, office bearers, workers and rank and file of the party, including those from Punjab, for working tirelessly to carry the pro-people development oriented message of the party to the masses, which is reflected in the increase in our vote share.  “People’s verdict in democracy is always supreme and all of us respect it”.
    The Chief Minister said that the party's high command would meet soon to study the details and meaning of the verdict and consider ways to further improving the party's bonds with the people.

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ATWAL LEAVES FOR GOA

TO ATTEND FIFTH INDIA REGION CPA CONFERENCE

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 11;

             Dr. Charnjit Singh Atwal,  Speaker, Punjab Legislative Assembly and Senior Parliamentarian  of India,  left for Goa to attend Fifth India Region CPA Conference being held from 11th to 14th February, 2015. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of Punjab Vidhan Sabha said that  Dr. Atwal would deliver speeches on the subjects "Optimum Utilization of Parliamentary Process and Devices for Good Governance and matters of Public Importance to their Logical Conclusion", and " The Legislators and their Representational Role :Need for uninterrupted functioning of Legislatures". 

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BADAL CONSTITUTES SIT TO PROBE TARN TARAN INCIDENT

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today constituted a
Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising IG Border Range Mr. Ishwar Chander and Amritsar Commissioner of Police Mr. Jatinder Singh Aulakh to probe the Tarn Taran shoot out  incident.

The Chief Minister has directed the IG Border and SSP Tarn Taran to take all possible measures to avert the recurrence of any such and ensure that law and orders is maintained at all costs.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s
Office said that Mr. Badal  was in the constant touch with IG Border
and SSP Tarn Taran to keep himself updated on the  the case.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minster has reiterated his government's full
commitment to the maintenance of law and order and upholding the rule
of law in the state.

The Chief Minister also discussed the issue with the BJP state unit President Mr. Kamal Sharma. Separately, he has  has asked the SAD Secretary and Spokesperson  Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the case.

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Punjab and Germany to join hands to promote of organic farming

Punjab important part of India’s growth-Bleser

Chandigarh, February 11: Germany and Punjab today agreed in principal to join hands to give a fillip to organic farming in the State.

 It was agreed in a meeting of a delegation from Germany led by Mr. Peter Bleser, Parliamentary State Secretary (Vice Minister) Ministry of food and agriculture comprising of representatives of German ministry of food and agriculture, federal parliament and government agencies that called on Punjab Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh.

Jathedar Tota Singh impressed upon german minister that Punjab, The bread bowl of India has played a key role in making India self sufficient on food security front and now Punjab and Germany should join hands to promote organic farming in the state. It was agreed in the meeting that PAU would exchange technological know how with Agricultural universities of Germany and would jointly work to come out with new strains of pest resistant crops.

Then, Jathedar Tota Singh listing out the achievements of Punjab, said that the agricultural land in the state is only 1.5 percent of India and inspite of that the state has immensely contributed wheat to the national pool. He said that the state has 151 main yards while in rural areas there are 1700 purchase centres and 6 agencies procure wheat, paddy and rice at MSP. He said that the government is developing custom hiring method through village co-operatives to help farmers and also trying to reduce the use of pesticides to minimize damage to crops.

Further elaborating, the Minister said that the state government is actively promoting green manures and organic farming and also encouraging local manufacturers to produce machines. He disclosed that the state government is using ground water re-charging to stop depletion of ground water. He also conveyed that the government is encouraging farmers to adopt crop diversification techniques so that their income is enhanced. He said that the government is also providing subsidy to drip system.

Mr. Peter Bleser informed that farmers in Germany are trained at high level to equip them with latest know how of this field. He also informed that Germany has very advanced technology in seed and animal genetics. He also said that Punjab is a very important part of India’s growth story and both sides should have cultural and technological exchanges.

          On the occasion , the Vice Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Mr. Baldev Singh Dhillon made a presentation to the visiting delegation about Agriculture in Punjab and said that the green revolution ushered an era of prosperity which was supported by factors like- expansion in irrigated area, farm mechanization, agricultural credits from the Government. He said that Punjab is the largest contributor to the national buffer stock and is the topmost state in terms of productivity in wheat and paddy. He however also underlined some areas of concern like- Erosion of soil health and over use of agro-chemicals affecting crops.

During the meeting, Member of German parliament Ms. Mechthild Heil, representatives from German Government agencies, Industry and commerce and Commissioner, Agriculture, Punjab, Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Director, Agriculture, Punjab, Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director, Horticulture, Punjab, Gurkanwal Singh, Director, Seed Certification Authority, Punjab, Ranjit Singh, M.D. Punjab Agro Industries Corporation, K.S. Pannu, Chairman Farmers Commission, G.S. Kalkat, Additional Chief Secretary (Development), Suresh Kumar, M.D. Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, Arvinder Singh Bains and Additional Managing Director, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation Harshuhinderpal Singh were also present.

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AAP’s VICTORY IN DELHI NOT TO HAVE ANY IMPACT IN PUNJAB-BADAL

·        RESPECTS PEOPLE MANDATE IN DELHI

·        SAYS PARTY TO INTROSPECT AND RETHINK POLL STRATEGY

·        ATTENDS FUNCTION AT HOUSE OF BJP DISTRICT PRESIDENT PARVEEN BANSAL

·        VISITS & INQUIRES ABOUT HEALTH OF SENIOR AKALI LEADER AMARJIT SINGH BHATIA AT HERO DMC HEART INSTITUTE

Ludhiana, February 10:

Asserting that people’s mandate supreme and it must be respected in a democratic set up, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today however said that the AAP’s victory in Delhi assembly polls would not impact the prospects of Punjab politics in anyway.

Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of a private function at the residence of District BJP President Mr. Parveen Bansal here today, the Chief Minister said that despite the fact that AAP managed to form government in Delhi in 2013 as well but everyone knew well what happened later. Mr. Badal further said that the AAP’s victory was confined to only to national capital and subsequently these political developments would not have impending repercussions on the Punjab politics. Mr. Badal said that the Shiromani Akali Dal would make introspection of all the factors responsible for its defeat in Delhi at party’s platform.

On a query related to whether the AAP would be contesting the 2017 Assembly elections in Punjab, the Chief Minister categorically said that in our Indian democratic system, all political parties have the right and were at liberty to contest these elections adding that AAP had also earlier contested the 2014 General elections across the country. He said that the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janta Party alliance has always worked for the welfare and overall development of the state and that was why people of Punjab have always supported them.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, SAD district president Mr Madan Lal Bagga, besides several others.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited Hero DMC Heart Institute to inquire about the health of his close confidant and senior Akali leader Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia, who was hospitalized here since January 28. He also interacted with Mr. Bhatia's family members and assured all possible help. 

SEC ISSUES NOTIFICATION FOR 123 MUNICIPAL COUNCILS/ NAGAR PANCHAYATS

·        NOMINATIONS STARTS AND MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT ENFORCED IN THE JURISDICTION OF CONCERNED AREAS FROM TODAY

·        POLLING AND COUNTING OF VOTES WOULD BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 25

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 10:

State Election Commission today issued notification regarding elections of the 123 Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and one ward in Nagar Panchayat of Bariwala in district Sri Muktsar Sahib.

Disclosing this here today Mr. S.S. Brar, State Election Commissioner said that the nominations has also started from today with the issuance of notification for the elections. He said that the Code of Conduct shall come into force immediately from today.  The Code of Conduct will operate in all area that fall within the jurisdiction of these 123 Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and the Nagar Panchayat where a bye poll is to be held and will end on 27th February, 2015.

The nominations will be received from 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM from today, last date for filing nominations shall be February 13, date of scrutiny shall be February 14 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 16. The polling shall be conducted on February 25 and the counting of votes will be taken up soon thereafter at the polling booth itself.

Mr. Brar stated that the 123 Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and one ward in Nagar Panchayat of Bariwala district Sri Muktsar Sahib comprising a total electorate of 28, 50,000 approximately. This total electorate will vote in 2062 wards, in approximately over 3500.

The State Election Commissioner stated that all required election materials have been dispatched to the districts.  The EVMs are currently under inspection for being declared election worthy.  The DGP, Punjab has been requested to ensure proper and adequate security for the electoral process.

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES MONTHLY PENSION TO GURDASPUR EYE CAMP VICTIMS

Chandigarh February 10: The Punjab government has issued notification to grant monthly pension to the tune of Rs. 2000/- per month to the victims who lost their vision during the Eye Camps held recently at Amritsar and Gurdaspur.

        Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the government said that a notification has also been issued in this regard. As many as 35 cases have been identified who have completely lost their vision and would be given monthly pension of Rs. 2000. He also said that to implement the order, the government has also given one time relaxation in the rules of granting special pensions in the Social Security Department.

        It may be recalled that in December a Mathura based NGO had organized an eye camp in Gurdaspur without taking the health department and the district administration in confidence. The cataract surgery in the eye camp was performed under severe unhygienic condition whereupon eyes of patients were found permanently damaged, he added.  

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PATHANKOT DECLARED TOBACCO SMOKE FREE DISTRICT

Chandigarh February 10: The Punjab government has formally declared district Pathankot as the tobacco smoke free district. It would be the 20th district of the state to have been declared as tobacco smoke free district.

        This was disclosed by the Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani while releasing the Compliance Study Report prepared by School of Public Health PGI Chandigarh during the Civil Surgeons’ Conference here today.

        Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the awareness about the Anti-tobacco law was very high in the state and compliance to COTPA on the basis of PGI study was between 82% to 97% in the state. He also said that the government has asked the deputy commissioners to ensure strict compliance of the government directive to strictly implement the COTPA 2003 Act in the state. Instructions have been issued to the district health officers to accelerate the surveillance in every nook and corner of the district to nab the offenders, he added.

        Speaking on the occasion Ms.Vini Mahajan Principal Secretary health Punjab said that the compliance studies by PGI is being undertaken and whole of Punjab will be declared as Tobacco Smoke Free by the end of this financial year.

Dr. Karanjit Singh, DHS Punjab said that notifications have been issued by the government to control tobacco epidemic. He said that complete ban was put on flavored/scented Tobacco where as the e-cigarettes has been declared as illegal. He also said that Punjab has become the first state in the country to ban the sale of loose cigarettes which account for 70 per cent of all tobacco sales on a pan-India basis.

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DHINDSA PRESIDES STATE LEVEL BANKERS COMMITTEE'S MEETING;

APPRECIATES THE ROLE OF SLBC IN FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF STATE

-        504 NEW BRANCHES OF BANKS HAVE BEEN OPENED FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2014; NO BLOCK IN PUNJAB IS UNBANKED

-        TOTAL DEPOSITS OF BANKS INCREASED BY  32099 CRORES SHOWING A GROWTH OF 14.45% FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBER

Chandigarh, February 10:        

             Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister Punjab today presided over the 131st meeting of State Level Bankers Committee, Punjab (SLBC) and appreciated the role of SLBC in financial administration of Punjab.

            While addressing, Mr. Dhindsa said that banking institutes play a useful role in the overall development of state. He said that development of the state depends on the efficiency of banking sector.  He appreciated the banks for their active support for implementation of the Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana .

            While delivering his Keynote address Mr. Gauri Shanker, MD & CEO, Punjab National Bank & Chairman SLBC meeting appraised the house of important initiatives taken by RBI and Department of Financial Services, MOF, Govt. of India during intervening period between last and present meetings of SLBC which impacted the State economy in general and banking sector in particular.

           He said that in order to cover 5476724 households in the State under Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a door to door survey was conducted by the Banks with the help of State Government.  "With the active support and guidance of the Punjab Government, State has been declared as saturated on December 8, 2014. To cover the entire households and to create awareness among the public for PMJDY Scheme, the banks in the State of Punjab organized 40481 camps and 2945090 accounts were opened covering the entire households in the State" he added.   

            While reviewing the performance of banks under various key parameters in the State of Punjab for the period from January to December 2014, Mr. Gauri Shanker informed that, Commercial Banks and RRBs have opened 504 new Branches since January 2014, thus raising the total number of branches to 5623 as on 31.12.2014. No Block of Punjab is unbanked, he said.  The Banks in Punjab have installed 151 ATMs during quarter ending December 2014 taking their tally to 7280 as on 31.12.2014. 

            The total deposits in Punjab have increased by 32099 crore from 222081 crore to 254180 crore thereby showing an increase of 14.45% during the review period.  He said that Agriculture advances have increased from 43235 crore as on December 2013 to 49303 crore as on December 2014 recording a growth of 14.03%.

            Earlier, while welcoming the participants, Mr. Harpal Singh, Field General Manager & Convener SLBC Punjab, assured the State Government of pro-active support from the banking system to accelerate the economy of the State on a faster pace.

            Mr. Jaspal Singh, Secretary Expenditure, Punjab, Mr. V.K. Meena, Secretary Animal Husbandry, dairy development & Fishries, Mr. Parveen Kumar Thind, Director, Institutional Finance & Banking, Punjab, Mr. Gulab Singh, Deputy Secretary, Department of Financial Services, New Delhi, Shri Naresh Gupta, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Dr. Rakesh Gupta, General Manager, PNB, HO, New Delhi, Senior Officers of the State Government and Controlling Heads of the various Banks operating in the state of Punjab also attended the meeting.

PR.NO-15/152

STATE ELECTION COMMISION PUNJAB

FOR 303 WARDS OF 8 MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS TOTAL 228 NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED TILL DATE

·        FEBRUARY 11 IS THE LAST DATE FOR FILLING OF NOMINATIONS FOR CORPORATION ELECTIONS

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 10:

For the elections of 6 Municipal Corporations and bye elections of 3 wards of Patiala and Jalandhar total 228 nominations have been filled till today.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesman of the State Election Commission said that the total wards for which election is scheduled on February 22, 2015 are 303 and till today 228 nominations have been filled. He said that tomorrow i.e. February 11, 2015 is the last date for the filling of nominations.

            Divulging the detail he said that for SAS Nagar Mohali, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur, Moga, Pathankot and Phagwara Municipal Corporations there are 50 wards in each MC and the nominations filled are 28, 44, 10, 51, 57 and 36 respectively. He said that in Patiala bye election of 2 wards and bye election of 1 ward in Jalandhar polling will be filled and till today no nomination has been filled in Patiala where as 2 nominations have been filled in Jalandhar.

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FRANCE TO PLAY MAJOR ROLE IN PUNJAB’S RENEWABLE ENERGY MISSION

·       MAJITHIA OFFERS EVERY POSSIBLE SUPPORT TO FRENCH COMPANIES FOR SOLAR AND BIOMASS PROJECTS

·       FRANCE MINISTER EVINCES KEEN INTEREST IN BECOMING PARTNER IN PUNJAB’S SOLAR AND BIOMASS POWER INITIATIVES

Chandigarh, February 7: Punjab is all set to make rapid strides in achieving "Mission 2500 mw" renewable power generation with France pledging to become a partner in solar and biomass power sector in the State providing world class technologies along with investment by major French renewable energy companies.

Speaking at a special function organized at New Delhi yesterday late evening to inaugurate Punjab Solar Park , a 21 MW Solar Power Project set up by Solairdirect Energy India Ltd with an investment of Rs. 151 crore in villageMuradwala Dal Singh in Fazilka district by Mrs. Segolene Royal, Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, France, Punjab Non Conventional Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia revealed that the Punjab government had set an ambitious target to generate 2500 MW power from renewable sources with special emphasis on Solar and Biomass based power projects. He said that the State had achieved rapid strides on solar as well as biomass fronts as it was set to generate 250 MW solar powers by March this year. He said 62.5 MW Biomass power projects were already generating power and biomass projects of 155 MW were in various stages of completion. 

Mr Majithia informed that Punjab had always led the country on every opportunity. He said the State was also in line to set up Asia’s first ever Bio-ethanol refinery and 5 similar projects having joint investment potential of 1 Billion USD. He said the world's largest cow dung based Bio-CNG plant of 10,000 cu.mtr. capacity was being set-up at Haebowal bio-methanation plant, Ludhiana and it would be commissioned by the end of next month. Two more plants were being set up in Ludhiana and Jalandhar and would be operational by end of this year, he disclosed. 

The Minister disclosed that he personally monitored each project and number of renewable energy projects had started generating power before their scheduled completion time. He said 21 MW solar power project of a French company Solairdirect Energy India Ltd was just a beginning and many more such projects would follow soon. He said an investment of Rs. 151 Crore by a world renowned French company, that too on the Punjab border; itself spoke of the facilitation extended by the Punjab government. 

The Minister said the state had identified a potential of 600 MW Solar Roof top power and bids have been invited on the basis of reverse tariff for 100 MW projects. He said that World’s largest single Rooftop Solar PV plant of capacity 7.52   MW had been set-up at Beas, Amritsar and its capacity was being increased to 35 MW. He said the under the State's Net-metering policy, 200MW projects would be set-up on 1 Lac homes in the next 3 years.  

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Segolene Royal, Minister for Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, France appreciated the initiatives of Punjab government and promised to provide latest technologies along with investment by French companies. She said France had 13.5 % share in world’s total renewable power generation and set a target to increase it to 23 % by 2020. She said not only solar, France will guide Punjab in harnessing Biomass potential as It was an agricultural state with availability of huge agri residue. She also promised to visit Punjab for foundation stone laying ceremony of French Company Solairdirect Energy India Pvt. Ltd’s next renewable venture in the state.

Mr. Gaurav Sood, MD, Solairdirect Energy India Pvt. Ltd said that their company was very impressed with proactive approach and facilitation being done by State government and PEDA in implementing their 21 MW solar power project in village Muradwala Dal Singh in Fazilka district and has also made a bid for 54 MW in 2nd phase. 

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                  Shri Shivinder Singh Brar, State Election Commissioner Punjab stated that elections to the 123 Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and one ward in Nagar Panchayat of Bariwala in district Sri Muktsar Sahib will be held on 25.02.2015 and the counting of votes shall be taken up immediately thereafter at the polling booth itself.

                  The Commission Notification with regard to the elections to the Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats and one Nagar Panchayat where a bye election will be issued on 10.02.2015 and the Code of Conduct shall come into force immediately from 10.02.2015.  The Code of Conduct will operate from 10.02.2015 in all area that fall within the jurisdiction of these 123 Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and the Nagar Panchayat where a bye poll is to be held and will end on 27th February, 2015.   

                  The nominations will be received from 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM from the 10th of February, 2015, last date for filing nominations shall be 13.02.2015, date of scrutiny shall be 14.02.2015 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is 16.02.2015, the poll, if necessary, shall be conducted on 25.02.2015 and the counting of votes will be taken up soon thereafter at the polling booth itself. 

                  Shri Brar stated that the 123 Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats and one ward in Nagar Panchayat of Bariwala district Sri Muktsar Sahib comprising a total electorate of 28,50,000 approximately. This total electorate will vote in 2062 wards, in approximately over 3500.

                  The State Election Commissioner stated that all required election materials have been dispatched to the districts.  The EVMs are currently under inspection for being declared election worthy.  The DGP, Punjab has been requested to ensure proper and adequate security for the electoral process.  The State Election Commission have set up registers to record every complaint received which when received will be properly diarised and maintained in Commission record, a photocopy of which would be sent to the quarter concerned for report.  All complaints would be fully followed up.  Shri Brar stated that the Commission wishes to inform all contestants that the elections shall be free, fair and very impartial. 

                  Shri Brar stated that it was a matter of satisfaction for the Commission that for the general elections to Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads held in the months of May and July, 2013 not even a single writ petition had been moved to the Punjab & Haryana High Court as opposed to several thousands which had been filed against elections conducted in the previous years. The Commission is hopeful that the same situation shall prevail in these elections as well.

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 ATWAL ATTENDS 77TH CONFERENCE OF PRESIDING OFFICERS IN LUCKNOW

·   Lays stress on right education and women empowerment

Chandigarh, February 7:

    The Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly Dr.Charanjit Singh Atwal took part in deliberations in the 77th Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies held in Lucknow.  

 Stating this, an official spokesperson said that while speaking on the subject "Role Of Parliament In Development ", Dr. Atwal said that  parliamentarians play vital role not only in the legislative process but also in the holistic development of the nation through effective control of all the organs of government. The crying need for the people is development, particularly in the spheres of basic health, education, skill development and employment.  We could only progress when we had the required knowledge and for knowledge - education is the first requisite ,he added. 

         Laying stress upon the need of Right  Education instead of Right to Education, Dr Atwal said that Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education and its importance is undeniable.  During this stage students are taught to think critically, to strive to attain high standards, to meet the challenges posed by technological advancements and to develop citizenship and basic values. The spokesperson further informed that emphasizing on Women's empowerment, Dr. Atwal said that women’s empowerment and economic development were closely related. 

     On the Subject    "Paperless Parliament", Dr. Atwal said that in recent years, India had emerged as a major player in  Information Technology.  At present India was a leading exporter of computer software in the world

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Schedule for RIMC Entrance Test for Jan 2016 Term announced

Chandigarh, February 07:

               The entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College ( RIMC ), Dehradun for January, 2016 term would be conducted here at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan (Sector-15) on 1st(Monday)& 2nd (Tuesday) June, 2015.

             Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab informed that only boys were eligible to apply for the admission. Candidates appearing for the test should not be born earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2004 . They should either be studying in Class VII or passed Class VII from any recognized school at the time of admission to the RIMC. Selected candidates will be given admission in Class-VIII. The written part of the examination would consist of three papers namely, English, Mathematics & General Knowledge and the viva-voce test would be held for only those candidates who qualify in the written exam and the date for the viva voce test has been fixed as on October 06, 2015.

             He informed that the copies of application forms, prospectus and set of old question papers could be obtained from the Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun on payment of Rs.430/- for registered post or Rs.480/- for speed post for General candidates and Rs.385/- for registered post or Rs.435/-  for speed post for SC/ST candidates through demand draft in favour of Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun payable at SBI Tel Bhavan (Code No.01576) Dehradun alongwith three passport size photographs of the candidate. Besides this, the candidate should furnish a certificate of age in duplicate from municipal birth register.

          He further said that the applications in duplicate duly completed must reach here at Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab before 31 March, 2015. Application received after 31-03-2015 will not be entertained.

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SAD-BJP ALLIANCE FULLY GEARED UP FOR ENSUING CIVIC POLLS- CM

BOTH THE PARTIES WOULD CONTEST THE POLLS TOGETHER AND ON THEIR OWN SYMBOLS

EXISTING SEAT ARRANGEMENT TO CONTINUE

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WOULD SWEEP THE DELHI POLLS

SANGAT DARSHAN IN DHURI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT

Sangrur, February 6,2014

          Terming that the SAD-BJP alliance was fully geared up for the ensuing elections for Municipal Corporations and Councils in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that both the alliance partners would successfully contest these elections together.

          Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the Sangat Darshan in Dhuri assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister, while describing the SAD-BJP alliance as firm and everlasting, said that they were fully ready to contest these polls together. He said that both the alliance partners would fight these elections on their own party symbols and there would be no change in the seat sharing arrangement. “We will contest these elections for Municipal Corporations and Councils on the existing seat arrangement” added Mr. Badal.

          Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance would sweep the polls for Delhi assembly. He said that there was a strong undercurrent in the favor of the alliance in Delhi and both the parties would get the mandate of people to serve them.

Highlighting the importance of Sangat Darshan program while addressing the public gatherings in village Ruldu Singh Wala, Rajindrapuri, Babbanpur, Bhalamgarh, Jaatimajra, Dugni, Dhuri, Ranike, Moolowal, Alaal, Rangian Sultanpur, Dhandiwal, Kumbadwal and Baalian, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that this flagship program of the state government has always been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He said that the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and administration. Mr. Badal further said that besides acting as a catalyst for redressing the grievances of people, the Sangat Darshan programs were also helpful for the state government to adjudge the working of officers of the various departments.

          Exhorting the farmers to adopt allied farming sector in the state, the Chief Minister said that it was having a huge potential in the state. He said that in order to emerge out of the current agrarian crisis, the Punjabi farmers must take the initiative of opting for the allied farming activities like Dairy farming, piggery, apiary, goatery and others. Mr. Badal said that this would help in bailing out the farmers from the crisis by supplementing their income.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, former Ministers Jathedar Gobind Singh Kanjla, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind. 
 

           Shri Shivinder Singh Brar, State Election Commissioner, stated that elections to the six Municipal Corporations, 3 bye-elections in 3 wards of two Municipal Corporations of Jalandhar, Patiala will be held on 22.02.2015.

                        Shri Brar further stated that the elections to Municipal Corporations of Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Phagwara, Moga, SAS Nagar and Bathinda and in addition to bye-elections to Ward No.49 (General) of Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, Ward No.8 (BC) and 46(General) of Municipal Corporation, Patiala will be held on 22nd February, 2015.  The six Corporations constitute 300 wards, 849 booths, with a total electorate of 7,91,765 voters approximately.  Elaborating the State Election Commissioner stated that the Municipal Corporations have a total of 300 wards of which 145 are General, 77 General Women, 41 Scheduled Caste,  25 Scheduled Caste (Women) and 12 Backward Class. 

                        The Commission Notification in this regard will be issued on 07.02.2015 and the Model Code of Conduct will come into effect from 07.02.2015 in the areas that fall within the jurisdiction of the respective Municipal Corporations and the three wards of the two Municipal Corporations where bye-elections are to be held. 

                        The last date for making nominations for Municipal Corporations and bye elections of different wards shall be 11.02.2015, date of scrutiny shall be 12.02.2015, date of withdrawal of candidates is 13.02.2015.  The poll, if necessary, shall be conducted on 22.02.2015.  The counting of votes of the Municipal Corporations and the three wards of different urban local bodies will take place at 10.00 AM on 26.02.2015. 

                        The State Election Commissioner stated that all required election materials have been dispatched to the districts.  The EVMs are currently under inspection for being declared election worthy.  The DGP, Punjab has been requested to ensure proper and adequate security for the electoral process.  The State Election Commission have set up registers to record every complaint received which when received will be properly diarised and maintained in Commission record, a photocopy of which would be sent to the quarter concerned for report.  All complaints would be fully followed up.  Shri Brar stated that the Commission wishes to inform all contestants that the elections shall be free, fair and very impartial. 

                        Shri Brar stated that it was a matter of satisfaction for the Commission that for the general elections to Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads held in the months of May and July, 2013 not even  a single writ petition had been moved to the Punjab & Haryana High Court as opposed to several thousands which had been filed against elections conducted in the previous years. The Commission is hopeful that the same situation shall prevail in these elections as well.

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    Punjab Bhawan to remain closed from 21st till 23RD February

                     Pest control exercise to take place

Chandigarh, February 6:

The Punjab Government has issued directions to all the department heads, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Sub- Divisional Magistrates that on account of pest control campaign in Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi , the premises will remain closed and no reservation will be made in A-block and B-block.

An official spokesperson said this.  

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 PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER ATTENDS 77TH CONFERENCE OF PRESIDING OFFICERS IN LUCKNOW

·         Lays stress on right education and women empowerment

Chandigarh, February 6:

    The Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly Dr.Charanjit Singh Atwal took part in deliberations in the 77th Conference of Presiding Officers of Legislative Bodies held in Lucknow.  

 Stating this, an official spokesperson said that while speaking on the subject "Role Of Parliament In Development ", Dr. Atwal said that  parliamentarians play vital role not only in the legislative process but also in the holistic development of the nation through effective control of all the organs of government. The crying need for the people is development, particularly in the spheres of basic health, education, skill development and employment.  We could only progress when we had the required knowledge and for knowledge - education is the first requisite ,he added. 

         Laying stress upon the need of Right  Education instead of Right to Education, Dr Atwal said that Primary education is the first stage of compulsory education and its importance is undeniable.  During this stage students are taught to think critically, to strive to attain high standards, to meet the challenges posed by technological advancements and to develop citizenship and basic values. The spokesperson further informed that emphasizing on Women's empowerment, Dr. Atwal said that women’s empowerment and economic development were closely related. 

     On the Subject    "Paperless Parliament", Dr. Atwal said that in recent years, India had emerged as a major player in  Information Technology.  At present India was a leading exporter of computer software in the world

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 PUNJAB GOVERNMENT FILES SUIT IN APEX COURT FOR CONSTITUTION OF  A TRIBUNAL TO RE-DETERMINE AND REALLOCATE RAVI-BEAS WATERS, IN VIEW OF REDUCED AVAILABILITY

SEEKS SC ADJUDICATION ON WHETHER HARYANA AND RAJASTHAN ARE RIPARIAN STATES OR NOT

BATS FOR FRESH ADJUDICATION OF WATER ALLOCATIONS BASED ON WELL RECOGNIZED RIPARIAN PRINCIPLES

CHANDIGARH FEBRUARY 06:

On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the State government has moved the Supreme Court of India under Article 131 of the Constitution, seeking that the Union government be directed to constitute an appropriate Tribunal under Section 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 and refer to it the disputes raised by the State of Punjab in its earlier complaint with the Government of India under Section 3 of the said Act for adjudication. Apart from this, Punjab also sought "adjudication of the question whether Haryana and Rajasthan are riparian States or not."

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the Punjab government has pleaded that it had in its complaint to the Union government filed long time back raised a water dispute for constitution of an appropriate Tribunal for reallocation of the Ravi Beas Waters, due to the change in the circumstances which pertains to drastic reduction in the availability of Ravi-Beas waters from 17.17 MAF to 14.37 MAF based on 1981-2002 flow series.  The water has got further reduced to 13.38 MAF based on the latest flow series 1981-2013, alarming reduction in ground water level of Punjab, adverse hydrological & environmental impact on Punjab on account of huge diversion of water to Yamuna basin areas, availability of additional water of 4.65 MAF to Haryana as provided in the Yamuna agreement in May12, 1994 amongst Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.   

Another reason given in the complaint is that as per ground water estimation of Punjab made by Central Ground water Board, 110 development blocks out of 138 have been over exploited, on account of necessity of Irrigation due to inadequate availability of surface waters.

In the suit a direction has been sought to the Govt. of India to fulfill its obligation to constitute a Tribunal as requested by Punjab.

The state government has pleaded that a time limit of one year has been fixed under the Interstate Water Dispute Act for constitution of a Tribunal after a complaint is filed, but more than 10 years have elapsed but Govt. of India has not taken any action in the matter. Punjab had been following up its complaint vigorously with Union of India in writing since long. The Chief Minister has also been personally taking up this issue with the Government of India from time to time.       

The State of Punjab was left with no other alternative except to approach the Apex Court for a direction to Govt. of India to constitute a Tribunal for reallocation of water.

The state government had also showcased that Punjab area have a preferential right to use the Ravi-Beas water, which was a deficit basin adding that Yamuna basin of Haryana has lost its claim over the waters of Ravi-Beas after the conclusion of Yamuna Agreement dated May 12, 1994 and further proposed link of Sharda Yamuna. The supply of Beas water to Yamuna basin areas of Haryana has threatened water usage of Punjab particularly in the Districts of Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Moga and part of Sangrur, Mansa and Bathinda. These areas were allocated water legally before the reorganization of the State and the people have continued to use water leading to the development of legitimate expectations over the last five decades, based on principle of riparian rights.  It was therefore essential to appreciate that parts of the districts of Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar and Bathinda were totally dependent on surface (Canal) Water, since the ground water was brackish or saline and thus unfit for irrigation.

The state government has also pleaded that it is a well recognized principle that all water allocations were subject to review after a period of 20 - 25 years.  Therefore, fresh adjudication of water allocations was required based on the scientific study and due to changed circumstances. 

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VIGILANCE NABS HEAD CONSTABLE IN GRAFT CASE

Chandigarh, February 6:

The vigilance Bureau today nabbed a Head Constable red handed accepting bribe of Rs. 5000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Head Constable Hem Raj posted at police station Behram, District SBS Nagar was nabbed on the complaint of Jatinder Kumar S/o Ratan Lal. In his compliant to the Vigilance Bureau the complainant alleged that Head Constable Hem Raj was demanding a bribe of Rs. 5000 for evading his arrest by ignoring an arrest warrant issued by the Hon’ble court.

Acting on the tip of the complainant a team of Vigilance Bureau laid a trap and nabbed the accused red handed while accepting the bribe of Rs. 5000.

No-PR/15\146

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Selection trails for admission in sports School Ghudda announced

(Football players to be selected for martial art academy)

 Chandigarh, February 6:

The Director, Sports school Ghudda in Sri Muktsar Sahib district today announced selection trails schedule to admit budding players for academic session 2015-16.  Selected players under age category of 14, 17 (boys & girls) and under-19 (girls) will be provided training, food, training, medical facilities and sports equipments.

An official spokesman today said physical fitness test and game test would be conducted at sports school Ghudda between February 16 and 18. He further informed that trails for under-14 would be held on February 16 whereas under-19 on February 17 and under-17 onFebruary 18.

Giving details he said selection trails would be held for games that included Volleyball, Weightlifting, Athletics, Hockey, Shooting, Swimming, Wrestling, Boxing, Football, Kabbadi and Basketball. Selected candidates would also have to undergo medical test.

He further said that Punjab Government aims to ensure maximum participation of Punjabi players in the Indian contingent for Rio Olympic in 2016 and would provide better facilities to selected players under speed fund scheme in 10 sports academies in the state.

He said that all eligible candidates should reach sports school at 9 AM sharp alongwith required educational certificates, sports achievement certificates and Punjab residence proof on scheduled dates.

Spokesman also added that under speed fund scheme trails for football would also be held at Martial art and sports academy, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district. EOM

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT DIRECTS TO INCLUDE ALL FACTS REGARDING PROPERTY BEING REGISTERED BELOW 2 KANALS

Chandigarh, February 6: Punjab government today issued strict instructions to all Registrars/Sub Registrars and Joint Sub Registrars of all the districts to ensure inclusion of all facts regarding property being registered while registering the properties below 2 Kanals (1210 Sq. yards).

According to an official spokesman, it has come to the notice of government that despite repeated instructions people were getting their properties registered by concealing or mis-stating the facts regarding property. It has been also noticed that certain properties have been registered in violation of Punjab Apartment & Property Regulation Act, 1995. Therefore, it has been made mandatory to take an undertaking to this effect from the applicants.

Issuing a check list to all Registration authorities, the spokesman said that it would be mandatory for all authorities to check that whether plot/building was inside or outside municipal limits,  whether plot/building approved by PUDA or Local Government or not, if approved then CLU, approval and notification number. If the property is not approved, whether applied to PUDA for NoC or regularization? Whether the plan of the building has been approved by competent authority or not ? Besides this, they have been directed to send the information regarding registration of properties up to 2 kanal (1210 sq. yards) through email to PUDA/Local Bodies department.

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HIGH COURT INCREASES SENIOR SCALE STENOGRAPHERS POSTS FROM 26 TO 40  

- CANDIDATES CAN SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TILL FEBRUARY10 FOR STEP-1

Chandigarh, February 6:

            The Punjab & Haryana High Court has increased senior scale stenographers posts from 26 to 40. Eligible candidates can submit online applications for step-1 till February 10, 2015.

            Divulging the details, a spokesman said that Punjab & Haryana High Court has invited online applications vide advertisement no. RB/SG/10/2014 dated 18-10-2014 for filling up of 26 vacant posts of senior scale stenographers on the establishment of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. He said that now posts have increased from 26 to 40 and fresh online applications for the said posts are invited.

            He further said that the applicants who have already applied against advertisement dated 18-10-2014 need not apply afresh. He said that last date for completing of step-1 is 10-2-15 and step-2, 13-2-15. Last date for sending applications through proper channel with NOC is 19-2-2015. "The term, conditions and procedure for fresh online application would remain same as prescribed in the advertisement dated 18-10-2014 and candidates can apply online through website www.recruitmenthighcourtchd.com" he added.

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PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT MBBS/BDS ENTRANCE TEST ON MAY 10: JOSHI

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 6

The Punjab government would conduct entrance test for admission in MBBS and BDS courses on May 10, 2015. Disclosing this here today Mr. Anil Joshi, Medical Education and Research Minister said that instructions in this regard have been issued to the officers to complete the necessary arrangements in time.

The minister said that these instructions have been issued in a high level meeting in which in which Secretary Mr. Husan Lal, DRME Dr. Gurdeep Singh Kalian, Vice Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences Dr, Raj Bahadur and Principals of Medical and Dental Colleges were present.

Mr. Joshi directed the secretary of department to allow the Baba Farid University, Medical and Dental Colleges to use their user chargers to upgrade their financial position. He informed that the department has raised their demand before the Medical Council of India (MCI) to increase the MBBS seats of Medical Colleges of Amritsar and Patiala and MCI would soon take a call on it.

The minister expressed hope that the state government would get Rs.42 crore under Prime Minister Health Security Scheme and the state government would give Rs. 18 crore as matching grant. These funds would be used for the up gradation of infrastructure in Colleges and better health services.

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Workshop on prevention and control of HIV

Organized by National Aids Control Society

Civil and police officers of Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh attend

 Chandigarh, 6 Feb. 2015:

       National AIDS Control Organisation here today held a workshop on Enhancing Partnership between Law Enforcement Agencies and Civil Societies organisation for HIV prevention and control. The workshop was attended by above 80 representatives including Officers of National AIDS Control Organisation, Govt of India, Department of Home Affairs, Law Enforcement agencies including Narcotics Control Bureau & Police, Civil Society Organisations and State AIDS Control Societies of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

        Mr. Navreet Singh Kang, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India said that the HIV prevalence among injecting drug users in Punjab is as high as 21.10% which is higher than the National prevalence among IDUs. Similarly Chandigarh (7.20%) has also reported slightly higher than national average. He stated that the harm reduction services for IDUs which advocates for Needle and Syringe Exchange Programme (NSP) and Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) are being implemented by the respective State AIDS Control Societies (SACS) in these states and the same needs to be strengthened and expanded so that every drug user can be reached. For this, it is very important that State AIDS Control Societies and law enforcement agencies work in close collaboration so that maximum people can be reached and be benefitted from the harm reduction strategy.

          Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Govt. of Punjablauded the role of health department in containing the HIV epidemic in the State. He said that the role of police forces should not be restricted to the punitive aspect only, but it should also play an active role in the rehabilitation of the drug users. While addressing the senior police personnel from Punjab, Chandigarh and Haryana he stated that Govt. will initiate district level sensitisation meetings to take the process forward.

          Mr. Hussan Lal, Secretary Health & Medical Education cum Project Director, Punjab State AIDS Control Society spoke regarding various initiatives being taken by Punjab state to curtail the transmission of HIV, especially in the injecting drugs users. He also spoke regarding the various steps being taken by Punjab State AIDS Control Society in checking the spread of disease including stepping up awareness generation. He gave aState presentation highlighting the programs being implemented in the state and issues related to law enforcement agencies while implementing harm reduction intervention among injecting drug users.

          Mr.Kaushtab Sharma, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, highlighted thatNarcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Act 2014 allows for “management” of drug dependence, thereby legitimizing opioid substitution, maintenance and other harm reduction services. There was a consensus among the participants thatpolice personnel working at beat level need to make joint field visit to intervention site with NGOs providing HIV prevention services to injecting drug users to understand the field issues. Community representative and NGO functionaries working with IDUs also shared their experience on ground vis-à-vis interface with law enforcement agencies at the grass route level.

      Mr.K.B.Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary Home (Jails), Punjab, Mr.R.P.Meena, ADGP (Prisons), Punjab, Mr.R.P.Singh, Additional Director General of Police (Welfare, Punjab) Mr.K.K.Mishra, ADGP (Haryana), Dr.SumanManjri, Inspector General Police (Haryana) and Dr.V.K Gagneja, Director Health Services, Chandigarh were present for the workshop. Dr. Neeraj Dhingra, Deputy Director General, NACO presented the HIV status including issues related to drug use HIV. Dr Vandana Gupta, Project Director SACS UT-Chandigarh and Dr Manpreet Chatwal, Additional Project Director, SACS, Punjab also spoke on the occasion.

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Punjab does away with NOC for registration of plot deeds in unauthorized colonies and commercial developments

(People can submit self declarations to get their properties registered)  

Chandigarh, February 5 - The Punjab government has in a major people friendly decision today decided to do away with the requirement to procure No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Housing and Urban Development department or municipal authorities for registration of plot deeds in unauthorised residential and commercial developments in the State.

Plot and building owners in unauthorised developments can now submit a self declaration averring they have submitted the necessary fee to regularise their property following which the sale deed of the same can be registered. This new system has been notified.

A decision to this effect was taken by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal after the issue of long delays being experienced by the people to procure NOCs was brought to his notice by Revenue minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

According to the present practice people wanting to sell their plot or building in an unauthorised colony have to approach PUDA in case it is outside city limits or the necessary Corporation or Committee in urban limits and procure an NOC stating they have submitted the required fee to regularise their property. This NOC, which lists the amount paid by them including a receipt, is then submitted to the registration authority in case sale of the property has to be affected.

An official spokesman said Revenue minister Bikram Majithia briefed the Deputy CM that complaints were being received from the public that the procedure to acquire a NOC was cumbersome and often led to harassment of the applicants when they visited government offices. "People are finding it difficult to acquire this document quickly because of the sheer volume of applicants", he added.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Sukhbir Badal said he believed in simplifying things and that the decision to do away with NOCs was part of the government's larger policy to make governance people centric. "I see no reason in not trusting our citizens and that is why we are going in for self declarations", he said.

Disclosing this here an official spokesman said that with a view to prevent sale of sites located in unapproved locations to unsuspecting buyers, the Housing Department had earlier introduced a policy to issue NOCs regarding registration of property sale deeds. “The objective was to reduce litigation that could arise as a result of development and sale of plots in colonies that do not have requisite permission under the PAPRA, PRTPA and other relevant laws” he said.

Giving details he further said that a large number of unauthorized developments had been regularized under this policy and required documentation and certificates in this regard were being issued by the competent authorities.

The spokesman said in order to check unauthorized developments it had also been decided to register deeds for transfer of any right or title in land measuring less than 0.25 standard acres (1,210 sq yards or 2 kanals pukhta) containing complete details of site/plot/building including its location within or outside municipal limits. The transferee would also mention approval granted by PUDA/local authority if any and the application pending with PUDA / locaI authority for approval / regularization. Besides this, the transferee would also mention the building plan or its approval during registration of deeds.

He said that State government has directed all sub-registrars to submit weekly reports regarding sale deeds to all deputy commissioners and Housing Department. EOM

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ECI TO LINK ELECTORAL IDS WITH AADHAR CARDS

Chandigarh February 5:  The Chief Electoral Officer Mr. V.K.Singh in a statement issued here today said that as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, the EPIC in Punjab would be linked to the Aadhar Cards.

         In a statement issued here today C E O Mr. V.K.Singh said that the Commission has already initiated a pilot project of linking the voters’ cards with aadhar cards and was in progress in Vidhan Sabha constituencies of Chamkaur Sahib and SAS Nagar Mohali. Software to facilitate the voters has also been released today by the Election Commission. The voters could get their aadhar card s regfistered with the Chief Electoral officer from February 6 to March 7, 2015.

         Aadhar Card numbers could also be registered on the website www.ceopunjab.nic.in or send SMS on 7738299899 in the format CEOJB (Space) AD (Space)EPIC Number(Space)AADHAR Number 0r on toll free no.1950.

         The CEO Punjab appealed to the voters of Chamkaur Sahib and SAS Nagar Mohali to get them enrolled in voters’ list with the AAdhar Cards.

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BACKFINCO SETS ASIDE RS. 43 CRORE TO PROVIDE LOANS TO 4700 BENEFICIARIES

Chandigarh, February 5:

            The Punjab State Backward Classes Land Development and Finance Corporation has set aside Rs. 43 crores to provide credit facility to 4700 young beneficiaries in the state to start their self-employment ventures.

           According to an official spokesman, as per the proposed plan under NBCFDC Scheme (The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation) 2200 beneficiaries would get loans to the tune of Rs. 20 crore and same amount would be disbursed to 2200 beneficiaries under NMDFC (The National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation). He said under direct loan scheme as many as 300 beneficiaries would get loans to the tune of Rs. 3 crore for setting up their own ventures.

           The spokesman said that the corporation has been providing loans to Backward Classes and economically weaker sections from its share capital with annual interest rate of 0 to 7 percent under direct loan scheme. He said that under this scheme from March 1, 2012 to October 31, 2014 loans to the tune of Rs. 119.70 lakh have been disbursed to 120 beneficiaries. He said besides this under term loan scheme of NBCFDC, Saksham Scheme, Shilap Sampada Scheme, Education Loan Scheme, New Swarnima Scheme, Micro Financing Scheme, Mahila Samridhi Yojana and Krishi Sampada Scheme loans to the tune of Rs. 1180.84 lakh have been disbursed to 1093 beneficiaries of backward classes between March 1, 2012 and October 31, 2014.

           The spokesman further informed that under vocation training program of NBCFDC and NMDFC 576 candidates had been got training at various institutes of the state. He said the needy girls belonging to Backward Classes could avail the facility of education loan @ 3.5 percent annual interest. He said candidates could also get loans up to Rs. 50,000 @ 5 percent interest rate under NMDFC scheme.

           It is also pertinent to mention here that under Direct Loan Scheme Backfinco has been providing loans for dairy farming, poultry, bee keeping, carpenter/furniture/flour mill, hardware store, building material, iron workshop, clothes, readymade garments shop, cycle sale and repair, books/stationary shop, Photostat machine, tailoring, photography and videography @ 6 percent interest rates. He said NBCFDC and NMDFC schemes people, desirous of general store (karyana/cattle/poultry feed) and electronics/electrical sale and repair, can get Rs. 2.5 lakh and for hardware store (sanitary and building material) people can get loans up to Rs. 3 lakh, for courier agency, general insurance business the beneficiaries can avail the loan facility up to Rs. 1 lakh with annual interest rate of 6

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PPSC AND PUNJAB & HARYANA HIGH COURT TO CONDUCT PCS (JB) EXAM JOINTLY FOR 118 POSTS 

- CANDIDATES CAN SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TILL 25 FEBRUARY

Chandigarh, February 5:

            The Punjab Public Service Commission has invited OMR Application Form along with relevant documents from eligible Candidates for the Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Examination 2014-2015 till February 25, 2015.  Total posts of Civil Judge (Junior Division) Cum Judicial Magistrate are 118 and examination would be conducted in three stages namely; Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Viva Voce.

            Divulging the details, a spokesman said that selection process would be conducted jointly by the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and High Court of Punjab & Haryana.  He said that candidates must possess as on 25-02-2015 a Degree of Bachelor of Laws of any University incorporated by Law in India and Punjabi upto Matric or its equivalent Standard. 

            "Candidate should not be below 21 years and above 37 year of age on the last date of submission of OMR Application Form" he added.  He further said that the applicants can see the detailed information on Commission's Website www.ppsc.gov.in.

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ORDERS ISSUED FOR MAINTAIN PROPER DECORUM WHILE SINGING NATIONAL ANTHEM

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 5:

The Protocol department of Punjab Government today issued detailed guidelines for playing or singing National Anthem on various occasions.

                According to an official spokesman, these instructions have been issued to ensure singing or playing correct version of the anthem and the occasion on which these are to be played or sung and about the need for paying respect to the anthem by observers of proper decorum of such occasions. The Spokesman said that full version of National Anthem, ‘Jan Gana Mana’ composed by late poet Rabindranath Tagore has to be played on the occasions of civil and military investurers, on the occasion of national salute (Rashtriya Salute-Salami Shashtar) to President/Governor/Lt. Governors within their respective states/Union Territories. The full version of the National Anthem is also to be played during parades, on arrival of President at formal state functions, other functions organised by Government or mass functions or on departure from such functions. It is also to be played immediately before and after President addresses the nation over All India Radio. The full version is also to be played on arrival of Governors/Lt. Governors at formal state functions and departures from such functions. It would be also played when National Flag is brought in parade or regimental colours are presented or for hoisting of colours in the Navy.

                Giving the details about short version of Anthem, the Spokesman said that short version would be played when drinking toasts in the messes or on other occasion for which special orders have been issued by Government of India. Normally, the anthem shall not be played for Prime Minister though there may be special occasions when it may be played.

                Detailed instructions have also been issued for mass singing of national anthem on the occasion of unfurling of national flag and other occasions. The spokesman said that in all schools the day’s work may begin with community singing of national anthem. Instructions have also been issued for playing of foreign anthem.

                The spokesman said that whenever National Anthem is sung or played, the audience shall stand to attention. However, when in the course of news reel or documentary, the anthem is played as a part of film, it is not expected of audience to stand as standing is bound to interrupt exhibition of film and would create disorder and confusion rather than add to dignity of the anthem. As in the case of flying of national flag, it has been left to the good sense of the people not to indulge in discriminate singing or playing of national anthem. Orders have been issued to strictly comply to the orders of Apex Court in this regard.

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MEDICAL OFFICER DISMISSED FROM SERVICE

Chandigarh February 5:  The Punjab government has dismissed Dr. Manpreet Kaur Sandhu, Medical Officer    from service under the Punjab civil services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970 on the charges of unauthorized prolonged absence from work.

            Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the government said that Dr. Sandhu was continuously found absent from duty since August 5, 2008 without any intimation. She was also found guilty of not abiding the service rules besides exhibiting insolence and disobedience towards the authority.

            The spokesperson also said that an inquiry was initiated against the erring doctor which was investigated by Mr. G. S. Aggarwal IAS (Retd.). The ex-parte decision was taken against her because she failed to present herself during the hearings despite repeated reminders.

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D.S.GREWAL APPOINTED CHAIRMAN PUNGRAIN

Chandigarh February 5: The Punjab government has appointed Mr. D. S. Grewal IAS (Retd.) as the Chairman Punjab State Grains Procurement Corporation Ltd. (PUNGRAIN).

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the government said that terms and conditions would be notified later.

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    Punjab Government grants extension  

Chandigarh, February 5 :

The Punjab Government has granted extension of 1 year to Harjit Singh Grewal as Chairman of the Punjab Khadi and Village Industries Board, Chandigarh until 14 December 2015.

Stating this, an official spokesperson said that an extension of 1 year has also been granted to Shakti Kumar Sharma as Chairman of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation Limited until 20th December 2015.

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 Seats revised in diploma level courses

Chandigarh, February 5:

The Punjab Government has revised the number of seats in the diploma level courses in the colleges affiliated with the Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training.

Stating this, a spokesperson of the Government said that the revision in the intake is for the academic session 2014-15. According to the spokesperson, the intake in electrical and mechanical engineering streams in Sant Baba Prem Singh Memorial Government Polytechnic College, Begowal was 12 in 2nd shift while there was no intake in 1st shift previously. But now, the intake in 1st shift has been increased to 12 while there is no intake in 2nd shift.

In Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Government Polytechnic College, Ranwan in the streams of Mechanical Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering there was intake of 12 in 2nd shift while there was no intake in 1st shift  previously. But now, the intake in 1st shift has been increased to 12 while there is no intake in 2nd shift.

Further elaborating, the spokesperson said that in Shaheed Nand Singh Government Polytechnic College, Bareta in the disciplines of Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering there was intake of 12 in 2nd shift while there was no intake in 1st shift previously. But now, the intake in 1stshift has been increased to 12 while there is no intake in 2nd shift.

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TRIALS FOR NATIONAL CIRCLE STYLE KABBADI HELD ON 7th  AND 8th FEBRUARY –MALUKA

Chandigarh, February 5:  The trials of team of the state to represent in national circle style kabbadi tournament to be held at Islamabad(Pakistan)for girls and boys will be held on 7 and 8 Februaryrespectively in Bhagta Bhaika (Bathinda) .

             Disclosing this, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, Punjab, and President of Punjab Kabbadi Association, Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka said that selection trial of girls  would be held on February 7 and that of boys on  February 8  from 9 am to 5 pm at Senior Secondary School , Bhagta Bhaika . He instructed the players to report on time as per schedule.

         He said that players for National team will selected on the basis of these trials and the team will participate in a tournament to be held at Islamabad (Pakistan).

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REPORT SOUGHT ON INQUIRES, PENDING FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS

 Chandigarh, February 5:

The Punjab government has sought report from all the departments on such cases for which departmental inquiry has been marked and the reports are pending since more than 6 months.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Personnel Department said that departments have also been directed to explain the reasons responsible for the delay of inquiry of such case.  He said that detailed written instructions in this regard have been issued to all the departmental heads, Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries. He said that report of only those departmental inquiry cases have been sought upon which inquiry has not been completed for more than last 6 months. He said that after this report is received from all the departments, revised instructions with amended time line for the inquiry of such cases would be issued.

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WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE BOARD TOOK OVER SEWERAGE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF 37 CITIES

·       REVENUE COLLECTION AND CONNECTIONS SAW A STEEP RISE IN LAST FOUR MONTHS

·       ANIL JOSHI DIRECTS BOARD TO TAKE HOLD OF SEWERAGE OPERATION IN REST OF CITIES TILL MARCH 31, 2015

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 5:

 After the landmark decision of Punjab government to hand over the sewerage operations and maintenance of water supply to the sewerage board, the board has till date took over the operations in more than 37 cities. In the past 4 months the revenue collection in these cities has increased to the tune of Rs. 82 lakh at the same time water connections have also saw a steep rise. It was disclosed by Mr. Anil Joshi, Local Bodies Minister in a press communiqué here today.

Mr. Joshi said that Punjab Government with a view to provide safe potable drinking water and better sewerage facility to the cities of the state has decided to hand over the sewerage operation and its maintenance of all the cities of the state expect 11 big cities (6 cities with Municipal Corporation and 5 Municipal Councils) to the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board. He said that in the rest of these big cities this operation would be undertaken by the Water Supply and Sanitation Department. The Minister further said that CEO of the Water Supply and Sewerage Board has been directed to complete all the basic formalities for taking the charge of rest of cites. He said that water supply and sewerage operations/ maintenance of all the rest of cities would be took over by the Water Supply and Sewerage Board till March 31, 2015.

Local Bodies Minister said that handing over the operations to Water Supply and Sewerage Board has resulted in efficient service delivery and increase in revenue collection. He said the revenue receipt of these 37 cities in the last four months has increased from Rs. 149.07 lakh to Rs. 231.41 lakh whereas water supply connections has increased from 1,71,420 to 1,72,471 and Sewerage connections increased from 1,03,671 to 1,04,628.

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PLAN APPROVED TO MAKE SISWAN A HUB OF ECO TOURISM

• ECO-HUTS, NATURE TRAIL, KIDS PLAY CORNER, BIRD WATCHING, WATER SPORTS, CAFETERIA TO BE THE HIGHLIGHTS
• PIDB, GMADA, IRRIGATION, FOREST DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB HERITAGE AND TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD TO JOIN HANDS

Chandigarh, February 5 :

The Punjab Government has approved a innovative plan to make Siswan and surrounding forest areas located on foothills of Shivalik range on the outskirts of Chandigarh as a hub of Eco-tourism.

Disclosing this, an official spokesperson that this project  to be set up on PPP mode is envisaged on the multiple sites in the forest area measuring 12.5 acre including 6.5 kilometre trek from irrigation guest house at the Siswan dam to the Mirzapur forest rest house. Further elaborating, the spokesperson said that the project envisages the creation of Cafeteria, Water Sports, Eco-Huts, Nature Trail/Trek and also recreational and entertainment activities such as- Kids play corner, Bird Watching, Rappelling (Climbing Skill).

 He said that the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board and GMADA, through Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), the nodal agency of the state government to develop infrastructural projects on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode, has devised a comprehensive plan to develop an eco-tourism project at Siswan in Mohali.

Divulging more information, the spokesperson said that after green signal from the Ministry of Environment and Forests for undertaking the project, the developing of dam bund along with irrigation rest house and the nature trek will be carried out by Department of Irrigation and Department of Forest, Government of Punjab.

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VIGILANCE NABS SUB INSPECTOR RED HANDED ACCEPTING BRIBE

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 5:

                                   Vigilance Bureau has nabbed a Sub Inspector red handed while accepting bring of Rs. 5000.

                                   Disclsoing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Sub Inspector, Mewa Singh posted at sadar police station, Sunam, district Sangrur was nabbed on the complaint of Darbara Singh S/o Late Mehar Singh of Village Namada, district Patiala. The complainant alleged that a case was pending against him and his son. He alleged that Sub Inspector Mewa Singh was demanding bribe of Rs. 5000 for helping him in this case by filing early challan in this case.

Acting on the tip off giving by the complainant a team of Vigilance Bureau headed by DSP, Preetipal Singh laid a trap and apprehended the Sub Inspector red handed with the bribe money.

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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ISSUES SET OF GUIDELINES TO STREAMLINE SCHOOL ACADEMICS

       TEACHERS WOULD NOT BE DEPUTED AT ANY OTHER OFFICES FOR CLERICAL WORK

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 4:

The Education Department of Punjab today issued directions to all the Circle Education Officers (CEOs), District Education Officers (DEOs) and School Heads to refrain from deputing any teacher on clerical work at DEO, DPI, DGSE, SCERT etc.

Disclosing this here today DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol said that these set of guidelines were issued on the instructions of Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema. Divulging further detail he said that after the periodic checking of the schools major loopholes in the working of school administration has come to the fore. He said that after getting the first hand information now schools have been directed not to relieve teachers for any other clerical work at any education offices. Similarly the school administration has been asked to grant casual leaves to the teachers reasonably considering the examination period.

Further schools have been directed to strictly follow the time table and timing of morning assembly and recess must not be changed at their own. Although most of the schools are having proper infrastructure like rooms and benches for the students but it has been found the teachers at their own will make the students outside in the adverse weather condition. He said that in this regard school management have been directed to restrict such practices of teachers.

 He said that schools have also been prohibited not to disclose information regarding vacant post of teachers and employees in a particular school. He said that mostly teachers get this kind of information from that particular school where they wanted to be transferred. This kind of information can only be generated by the office of DEO.

He further said that teachers have also been restricted to leave the school marking on duty’ in the attendance register. He said that now in case of very urgent works shall have to take permission of his/her senior officer and will give with his consent the full details regarding the work or tour in the movement register. Schools have also been instructed to maintain registers regarding adjustment periods and such registers will maintain the record of another teacher being adjusted in place of teacher on leave.

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CM ENVISIONS STATE AS THE ‘INDUSTRIAL HUB’ OF THE COUNTRY

HOPES THAT WITH ALL OUT EFFORTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT PUNJAB WOULD OVERCOME SETBACKS GIVEN BY CONGRESS GOVERNMENTS AT CENTRE

RESULTS OF DELHI POLLS WOULD FALSIFY ALL THE OPINION POLLS IN FAVOR OF AAP

PUNJAB WAS NOT HAVING SINGLE DROP OF EXCESS WATER FOR ANY STATE

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM AMRITSAR AIRPORT TO CONTINUE

INAUGURATES STATE OF THE ART UNIT OF SFN AT BASMA

Basma (SAS Nagar), February 4-

          Envisioning the state as the ‘Industrial Hub’ of the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that with the stupendous efforts of SAD-BJP alliance government, the state would soon overcome the setbacks given by the successive Congress governments at the centre.

          Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the state of the art unit of Sigma- Feudenberg-NOK (SFN) Oil seals here today, the Chief Minister said that the setbacks like partition of the country and prolonged militancy in the state had derailed the industrial development of Punjab. However, he said that the backbone of the state’s economy was broken by the incentives given by the Congress government at centre to the neighboring hilly states. Mr. Badal said that this disastrous move of the Union government headed by the Congress resulted in the mass exodus of the industry from the state.

          The Chief Minister further said that ever since assuming power in year 2007 the SAD-BJP alliance government has accorded top priority to the industrial development of the state. He said that realizing well that Power was catalyst of industrial growth all out efforts were made for augmentation of existing power generation in the state as a result of which Punjab was today a power surplus state. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that industrial friendly policies of the state government coupled with peaceful environment had emerged Punjab as one of the most preferred investments destinations of the country, a fact that has been even vetted by the World Bank and Reserve Bank of India.

          The Chief Minister said that in pursuance of its agenda to develop state as a industrial hub the SAD-BJP government has taken several path breaking initiatives including VAT retention for upcoming industrial units for 10 years. Likewise, he said that in a big relief to the traders and small entrepreneurs, the state government has recently exempted them from filing sales tax returns. Mr. Badal said that as a result of all these policies big industrials tycoons like ITC, Cargill, SFN, Sonalika and others were coming up with big ticket industrial projects

          Congratulating the owners of SFN for setting up their second unit in the state, the Chief Minister said that this joint venture of industrial giants of India, Japan and Germany would give much needed fillip to the industrial progress of the state. He said that besides give boost to industrial development this project would also give employment to the local youth. Mr. Badal also hailed the SFN for giving 50% jobs in their unit to women.

          Later on interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the function, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance would sweep the upcoming polls for the Delhi assembly. He categorically said that there was a strong undercurrent in the favor of the alliance in Delhi polls and the results of these elections would be contrary to the opinion polls by media in favor of Aam Aadmi Party. Mr. Badal said that like the opinion polls of 2012 Punjab assembly polls these surveys of the media would also prove wrong and the SAD-BJP alliance would get thumping majority in the ensuing Delhi elections. “People hold the key to success in any election and in Delhi people’s verdict is clearly in the favor of SAD-BJP alliance” he added.

          Replying to a query regarding the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the Chief Minister said that Punjab was not having even a single drop of excess water for any other state. Mr. Badal said that the issue of river water sharing must be resolved through globally accepted Riparian principle and no other formula was acceptable to the state. He bemoaned that the Congress government at centre have meted out step motherly treatment with the state by denying its legitimate share in river water sharing. “Grave injustice was done with Punjab by denying its share of river water in accordance to the Riparian Law” added Mr. Badal.

          On another query, the Chief Minister categorically said that International flights would continue from Guru Ramdass International Airport at Amritsar at very cost. He said that these flights had immensely benefitted the NRI brethren of the state by providing them a direct connectivity to their motherland. So, Mr. Badal said that there was no question of discontinuation of these flights from holy city.   

          On the occasion Chairman of Sigma Mr. Jagdip Singh and President SFN Mr. Kabir Singh felicitated the Chief Minister.

          The Chief Minister was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Cabinet Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Deputy Commissioner Mr. TPS Sidhu.

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Punjab to provide free training to budding players in 10 sports academies

 (Sports department announces selection trails for admission)

 (Players to get Rs. 5500 per month for food and Rs. 10,000 for sports kit)

 Chandigarh, February 4 – With a view to achieve dominance in sports Punjab has chalked out a plan to provide free training, food, medical and transport facilities to budding players by admitting them in sports academies under speed fund scheme.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of sports department said that Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds sports portfolio, has set the target for maximum participation of players from Punjab State in the Indian contingent for Olympic Games scheduled to be held at Rio in 2016 and asked the sports department to provide training to players free of cost by admitting them for session 2015-16 in sports academies. "To achieve this goal State government has also set up the Punjab Institute of Sports with eleven directorates to emphasize on eleven sports disciplines," he said.

He further informed that sports department has announced a schedule for selection trails for eligible players who have attained any position in sub-junior and junior category state competitions or national events. He said the selected players would be provided Rs. 5500 per month for training, food, physical and physiological training, medical and transport facilities. Besides a sports kit worth Rs. 10,000 would also be provided to facilitate them during their participation in national and international events.

Elaborating further the spokesman said selection trails would be held for Hockey (men and women) players at Olympian Surjeet Singh Hockey stadium Burlton Park Jalandhar on February 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14, trails for Football (men) to be organized at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar on February 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18, for Athletics at Sports School Jalandhar on February 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21 and Shooting trails at village Badal in Sri Mukatsar Sahib on February 17 and 18 where as trails for Boxing would be held at Polo Ground Patiala on February 23 and 24.

He said that all eligible candidates could contact concerned district sports officer on fixed dates at 8 am for registration purposes. He informed that selected candidates would be imparted training in 10 sports academies set up at Olympion Surjeet Singh Hockey stadium Jalandhar, Football academy Mahilpur in Hoshiarpur, Hockey academy (women) at village Badal, dashmesh martial art and sports academy Sri Anandpur Sahib, sports school Jalandhar (men), sports wing govt. senior secondary school Kairon in Tarantaran district, Malwa khalsa college  senior secondary school Ludhiana, sports wing coaching centre Rurkan Kalan in Jalandhar, sport wing coaching centre at SAS Nagar and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hockey academy Amritsar. EOM

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JOSHI HAILS DECISION OF UNION GOVERNMENT TO INCLUDE TARAN TARN IN HERITAGE CITY PROJECT

        THANKS MODI, JAITLEY AND NAIDU FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT

Chandigarh, February 4:

Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today welcomed the decision of Union Government to include Taran Tarn in the ambit of Heritage Cities and said the voice of this border district had been heart after a very long time at the centre as Union Urban Development Minister Mr. Venkaiah Naidu announced to develop this city as heritage city.

            Welcoming the decision, Mr. Joshi said Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley and Mr. Naidu for this historic decision. He said it was the second gift to the people of Punjab since in the Union Budget Amritsar had been included in Heritage Yojna program of Centre. He said this district has been facing severe problems and disturbances due to its closeness to Indo-Pak borders but the decision of Centre has awarded the due respect deserved by it.

            Mr. Joshi said the steps were being taken by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi would highlight holy city Amritsar and heritage city Taran Tarn on international heritage map. He said this would also bring an unprecedented and immense development of these cities, which would further give a fillip to this border belt of nation. He said Taran Tarn had been never considered in such prestigious programs but now NDA government has come forward to recognise it evaluating its heritage and historic background.

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PUNJAB INTENSIFIES ITS EFFORTS TO CONTROL SWINE FLU

     JAYANI ISSUES FRESH GUIDELINES FOR CIVIL SURGEONS

     REITERATES NOT TO PANIC, SITUATION UNDER CONTROL

Chandigarh February 4: Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani has directed the civil surgeons across the state to work in total coordination with private hospitals of their respective districts. He has asked them to sensitize the doctors in private hospitals through the Indian Medical Association to immediately report all suspected cases to their respective Civil Surgeons.

Mr. Jayani in a statement issued here today reiterated that there was no need to panic as the state government hospitals were fully equipped to handle the cases of swine flu. The health department has also constituted Rapid Response Teams in all the district headquarters to identify the suspected cases of swine flu. The civil surgeons have also been directed to give preference to the proper screening of the suspected cases so that the treatment, if required could be started in time. He directed the civil surgeons to hold regular meetings with the authorities of private hospitals highlighting the facilities being extended by the state health department.

Taking stock of the isolation wards set up in each government hospital, the Minister said that these wards have been fully equipped where the patient has to be kept once found positive with the influenza. He said that all the medicines and test kits have been made available. The Minister also asked the civil surgeons to personally monitor the supply of required material for sample collection of nasal as well as throat swabs. All the samples would be collected by the trained laboratory technicians, and tested free in the government laboratories, he said. The Minister also said that all the government hospitals and also the private institutions the diagnostic facilities as well as the drug tamilflu is being provided free of cost to the swine flu positive patients. Meanwhile, the Minister said that there were 17 positive cases of swine flu in Punjab and 4 deaths have been reported so far.

 Referring to the recent swine flu death of a woman at a Private hospital in Patiala, the Minister said that the Civil Surgeon Patiala Dr. H.S. Bali also confirmed that the patient who had come from Maharashtra to attend a wedding was a diabetic, hypertensive and also suffering from hypothyroidism. All these ailments lower the resistance in human beings, added Dr. Bali.

PUNJAB NOTIFIES NON OFFICIAL DIRECTORS OF PDDB

Chandigarh, February 4:

            The Punjab Government has notified 6 non official directors of the Punjab Dairy Development Board (PDDB) under section 3 of Punjab Dairy Development Board Act, 2000 as amended on 20th April 2004.

            An official spokesman said that Managing Director, Milkfed, Punjab nominated as Director on the behalf of representatives of milk plants. Similarly, M/s Nestle India Ltd., Moga on the behalf of private sector, Mr. Swaran Singh Haripura of Amritsar and Mr. Partap Singh of village Chabba, Amritsar has been nominated Directors on the behalf of representatives of dhodi union and representatives of consumer association respectively.

            He further said that Mr. Narinder Singh of VPO Khadoor Sahib and Mr. Sukharpreet Singh Rode of village Kothe Gurupura, Moga have been nominated on the behalf of representatives of milk producers. He said that their term would be for one year.  

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PUNJAB NOTIFIES 14 ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AS ADDITIONAL PUBLIC PROSECUTORS

 Chandigarh, February 4:  

                        The Punjab Government has notified 14 Assistant District Attorneys as Additional Public Prosecutor and notification in this regard has been issued.

                   Giving details in this regard an official spokesman said that Punjab has appointed 14 Assistant District Attorneys (ADA) as Additional Public Prosecutors (APP) under sub section (3) of section 24 of Code of Criminal Procedure 1973 (Central Act 2 of 1974). He said ADAs, who have been appointed as APP included Mr. Tejinder Singh Bal, Mr. Manoj Kumar, Mr. Bhupinder Kumar Sharma, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Mr. Surinder Kumar Sachdeva, Mr. Navneet Kumar Gupta, Mr. Ritu Jain, Mrs. Jagjit Kaur Walia, Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Mr. Lalit Mohan, Mr. Nanu Ram, Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Mr. Arvind Markan and Mr. Charanjit Singh.  

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 Schedule for RIMC Entrance Test for Jan 2016 Term announced

Chandigarh, February 04:

               The entrance examination for admission to the Rashtriya Indian Military College ( RIMC ), Dehradun for January, 2016 term would be conducted here at Lala Lajpat Rai Bhawan (Sector-15) on 1st(Monday)& 2nd (Tuesday) June, 2015.

             Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab informed that only boys were eligible to apply for the admission. Candidates appearing for the test should not be born earlier than 2nd January, 2003 and not later than 1st July, 2004 . They should either be studying in Class VII or passed Class VII from any recognized school at the time of admission to the RIMC. Selected candidates will be given admission in Class-VIII. The written part of the examination would consist of three papers namely, English, Mathematics & General Knowledge and the viva-voce test would be held for only those candidates who qualify in the written exam and the date for the viva voce test has been fixed as on October 06, 2015.

             He informed that the copies of application forms, prospectus and set of old question papers could be obtained from the Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun on payment of Rs.430/- for registered post or Rs.480/- for speed post for General candidates and Rs.385/- for registered post or Rs.435/-  for speed post for SC/ST candidates through demand draft in favour of Commandant, RIMC, Dehradun payable at SBI Tel Bhavan (Code No.01576) Dehradun alongwith three passport size photographs of the candidate. Besides this, the candidate should furnish a certificate of age in duplicate from municipal birth register.

          He further said that the applications in duplicate duly completed must reach here at Directorate Sainik Welfare, Punjab before 31 March, 2015. Application received after 31-03-2015 will not be entertained.

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 Girl students from Maluka government school visit Punjab Vidhan Sabha

 Chandigarh, February 4: As many as 55 girl students of Class X from Government Girls Senior Secondary School village Maluka, Bathinda today visited Punjab Vidhan Sabha  and other tourist spots of Chandigarh to know the historic, political, architectural significance as well as Rock Garden and other tourist spots at Chandigarh. The students enjoyed the visit and said it was their memorable tour. 

The educational tour was arranged by Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka . He accompanied the students during their visit to Punjab Vidhan Sabha besides educating them the various features of assembly. The teachers accompanied by the tour included Mrs. Neelam Rani, Dev Jeet Kaur, Saroj Bala, Kumari Parveen and Bikramjit Singh.

Promotion of Five PCS officers as IAS notified

Chandigarh, February 4:

            The Ministry of Personal, Public Grievances & Pensions, Government of India today notified the promotion of Five PCS officers including              Mr. Pardeep Kumar, Mr. Kuldeep Singh Vaidh, Mr. Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Mr. Rajiv Prashar and Mr. Vinay Bublani to Indian Administrative Service (IAS) against vacancies. The notification in this regard issued today.

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4 OFFICERS GET JUNIOR ADMINISTRATIVE GRADE

 Chandigarh, February 4:

The Punjab Government today appointed four IAS officers of 2006 batch namely Dr. Abhinav , Mr. Pradeep Kumar Agarwal,  Mr. Amit Dhaka, Mr. Ravi Bhagat in the Junior Administrative Grade(JAG) of  Rs.15,600-39,100+ Grade Pay Rs.7600(non-functional) , of the Indian Administrative Services with effect from 1st January 2015. A notification in this regard has been issued.   

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 FIVE IAS OFFICERS GET SENIOR TIME SCALE

Chandigarh, February 4 :

The Punjab Government today promoted Mrs.Shruti, Mrs. Apneet Riyait,Sh.M.K.Arvind Kumar, Mr. B Srinivasan,Mr. Kumar Saurabh Raj, all IAS officers of 2011 batch in to the Senior Time Scale Rs.15,600- 39,100+ 6600 Grade Pay, of the Indian Administrative Services with effect from 1st January,2015.

A notification in this regard was issued today.

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SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTER KEY TO CHURN OUT INDUSTRY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS - CM

CM LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT BABA FARID GROUP OF INSTITUTES

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PRE LABOUR AND POST NATAL ROOMS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH ALL REQUIRED INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT----VINI MAHAJAN

 Ø DIRECTS HEALTH OFFICERS TO HAVE COMPLETE COORDINATION BETWEEN SUB-CENTRE AND HIGHER HEALTH INSTITUTIONS

Ø MEDICAL OFFICERS TO ENSURE REGULAR SUPPLY OF MEDICINES

  Chandigarh February3:

 Labour room compounds in all the health institutions must be fully equipped and functional toilets should be available in all the pre-labour, labour and post-natal rooms in the hospitals. These directions were given by Ms. Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary (Health & Finance), Punjab during the meeting of the State Executive Committee of State Health Mission held under her chairpersonship. Sh Hussan Lal, Secretary Medical Education & Mission Director, National Health Mission, Punjab were also present.

Ms. Vini Mahajan directed that a gap-analysis of all the 100 strengthened institutions must be conducted on priority and a proposal to strengthen the labour rooms be prepared on its basis. She further directed to strengthen the linkage between sub-centre and higher health institutions i.e. Community Health Centers, Sub-Divisional Hospitals, District Hospitals and Tertiary Health Institutions, while adding that the patients diagnosed at higher facilities should be able get medicines and drugs from the nearby Primary Health Centres. Medical Officers of the PHC’s should ensure the regular supplies of medicines and themselves monitor the health concerns of the patients in their areas.

Ms. Vini Mahajan also asked to display adequate health awareness material regarding benefits under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and free treatment of girl-child in all the Anganwadi Centres. She asked the officers from Department of Social Security Women & Child Development to ensure that posters etc are appropriately displayed at all Anganwadi Centres. She also asked the Director General of School Education to devise a strategy with the objective to strengthen the Immunization programme in private schools. She said that Directorate of Health & Family Welfare will supply the protocols of immunization and Education Department shall issue the instruction for the immunization in private schools. In case of logistic service requirements schools can contact the concerned Block SMO of Civil Surgeon.

While discussing the progress under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Pilot project in Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr), Sh Hussan Lal informed that Household screening of 5 diseases (Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Epilepsy and COPD) in the 5 villages has already been done and patients are getting medicines at nearby PHCs. For the other villages screening will begin this week. The drugs available in the Essential Drugs List (EDL) are being provided to the patients and EDL is being revised on the basis of fresh requirements under UHC. Ms Vini Mahajan asked the officers to further speed up the pace of implementation of UHC project and put in-place the requisite infrastructure and equipment and make sure that it is properly utilized.

Among others the meeting was attended by Dr Karanjit Singh, Director Health Services; Dr Jatinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare and representatives from the departments of Social Security & WCD, Education, Local Government, Water Supply & Sanitation.

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PUNJAB IMPOSES COMPLETE BAN ON TOBACCO AND OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS AROUND EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS—JAYANI

Chandigarh February 3: Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani has directed the deputy commissioners of all the districts to ensure forceful implementation of the government directive to impose complete ban on sale of tobacco, single stick cigarette and other tobacco products near the educational and religious institutions under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA 2003) in Punjab.

          In a statement issued here today, Mr. Jayani said that a notification in this regard has also been issued. The officers concerned have been especially asked to keep a close vigil near educational institutions, colleges and coaching institutes, schools and ensure complete ban on sale of single stick cigarettes and all kinds of tobacco products within 100 yards of these institutions. Anybody violating the directive would be dealt with strictly, he added.

          The Minister also said that the district level monitoring committees have also been constituted by the Health department which would inspect the areas under their jurisdiction and check whether any such small khokha or shop was functional near educational and religious institutions. They have been asked to instantaneously report to the senior authorities so that the shops could be closed immediately closed and strict action be taken against the owners not complying with the government directive.

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PUNJAB PROMOTES FOUR SUPERINTENDENTS AS UNDER SECRETARY  

CHANDIGARH, FEBURARY 2:

          The Punjab government today promoted four superintendents grade-1 as under secretary.  Divulging the details, a spokesman said that Mr. Gurnam Singh, Mr. Rakesh Bhatia, Mr. Hans Raj and Mr. Harbhajan Singh has been promoted as under secretary in pay band of 15600-39100 + 6600 grade pay. The probation period of the promoted officers would be one year.  

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Punjab adopts major initiatives to check theft of energy, transmission and distribution losses

(Measures results in lowering peak demand by 1000 MW and saving of 1200 MUs annually)

(Urban areas to have underground power cable network)

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Chandigarh, February 2 – With a view to conserve energy Punjab State has adopted various technical measures and innovative initiatives that resulted in dropping of considerable peak demand by about 1000 MW and savings of 1200 MUs annually besides ensuring cutting down transmission and distribution (T & D) losses and checking theft of energy. Punjab would also be the first state in the country to have all urban areas with underground power cables network in order to have a wire free roads and uninterrupted power supply with a investment of rupees 2000 crore.

          Giving the details, an official spokesman said that on the directions of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds the power portfolio, to create best power infrastructure in the state Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has implemented major initiatives to control theft of energy and scaling down T & D losses that included shifting of low voltage distribution system to high voltage distribution system, replacement of ordinary lamps with CFLs, addition of capacitors, shifting of meters outside consumers premises, up-gradation and strengthening of distribution system, automated meter reading (AMR) facilities etc. He said that such measures have resulted in dropping of peak demand by about 1000 MW and saving of 1200 MUs annually.

He said the best performing Power Distribution Utility award to Punjab was a slap on the face of those ridiculing the dream of SAD-BJP to make Punjab a power surplus state. 

He further added that T & D system of major towns in Punjab was being up-graded and strengthened in a phased manner. Giving details he informed that Punjab would be the first state in the country to have all urban areas with underground power cables network in order to have a wire free roads and uninterrupted power supply within next two years. He further added that there was 8.55 percent increase in 66 KV grids and sub-stations, 21.22 percent increase in capacity of 66KV sub-stations, 23.51 percent increase in the number of distribution transformers, 3.79 percent increase in the length of distribution lines and 2.69 percent reduction in T & D losses against 4.9 percent increase in consumers and 4.34 percent increase in tubewell connections.

He said that for lowering T & D losses in the state an amount Rs. 30 crore for the year 2014-15, 33 crore for 2015-16 and Rs. 37 crore have been earmarked for year 2016-17 to upgrade transmission lines. Besides this, Rs. 469 crore would be spent during current fiscal for 33 KV and 66 KV transmission lines, grid upgradation and constructions whereas Rs. 515 crore and Rs. 568 crore have been earmarked for the same purpose in the next two years.

Highlighting the initiative of PSPCL for improving the quality of power supply besides reducing losses, spokesman said that all 12428 villages of the state have been provided with quality supply on urban pattern. Besides, all Deras and Dhanis have also been provided with facility of urban pattern supply and rural water works have also been connected with it. EOM

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PUNJAB CM GREETS PEOPLE ON 638th PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU RAVI DASS JI

 CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 02:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today extended his warm greetings to the people of the State on 638th Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji - a great spiritual preacher and messiah of the under privileged sections of the society.

In a message, the Chief Minister said that Guru Ravidass ji propagated the ideology of love, compassion, mutual tolerance, universal brotherhood and humanity through his philosophy and strived hard to bring social equality thereby eradicating the evil of casteism from the society. “His significant contribution towards carving out a classless society would be ever remembered by one and all”, said Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further mentioned that Sri Guru Ravidass ji preached the values of humanism through his teachings which were still relevant in the present materialistic world.

Mr. Badal also appealed the people to celebrate the 'Parkash Utsav' of Guru Ravidass Ji in unison by rising above the petty considerations of caste, colour and creed.

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PUNJAB TRANSFERS THREE IPS AND 1 PPS OFFICER

- ALSO TRANSFERS 3 PCS OFFICERS

CHANDIGARH, FEBURARY 2:

          The Punjab government today issued transfer/posting orders of Three IPS, One PPS and Three PCS officers with immediate effect.

          According to an official spokesman, Mr. Shive Kumar Verma, IPS has been posted as DIG/Admin., CPO, Pb., Chandigarh, Mr. Mohnish Chawla, IPS as DIG/Bathinda Range, Bathinda, Mr. Bikram Pal Singh, IPS as AIG/Personnel, CPO, Pb., Chd. Similarly, Mr. Rajinder Singh, PPS has been posted as DCP Jalandhar.

          In PCS officers, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sood has been posted as ADC, Khanna and in addition Land Acquisition Collector, Improvement Trust, Ludhiana and in addition SDM Khanna. Similarly, Mr. Sakatar Singh as Assistant Commissioner (General) Bathinda and Mr. Narinder Singh-1 as SDM Rampura Phul.

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-------SUKHBIR GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH UTSAV OF GURU RAVIDAS JI

Chandigarh, February 2: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today greeted the people on the occasion of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravidas ji.

Congratulating the people the Deputy Chief Minister said that Guru Ravidas ji embodied the spirit of humility and human dignity. He said that the message of Guru Ravidas ji have been a source of knowledge and wisdom for whole society. His life and teachings would always inspire us to create a humane and just society, where every individual is given due dignity, regardless of his or her caste, creed, religion or gender, he added.

Mr. Sukbir Singh Badal said that his message of love, compassion and equality would continue to inspire us to serve humanity with dedication and devotion in times to come.

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MAJITHIA GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH UTSAV OF GURU RAVIDAS JI

Chandigarh, February 2: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia has greeted the people of state on the eve of Parkash Utsav of Guru Ravidas Ji.

In his message, Mr. Majithia said that Guru Ravidas ji dedicated his life to spread the values of equality, universal brotherhood, and tolerance. His message of universal brotherhood and tolerance is very relevant today.

Mr. Majithia underlined the need to re-affirm our commitment to the noble values and ideals that were so dear to Guru Ravidas ji. 

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PUNJAB MILKFED PROCURES 453.93 LAC KG MILK IN DECEMBER

 CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 2:

 Punjab State Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Limited (Milkfed) has procured 453.93 lac kg of Milk from 6359 societies of the State during the month of December, 2014.

Stating this here today, a spokesman of Milkfed said that daily average milk procurement of the Milkfed was 1464.3 thousand kg in Punjab. The spokesman further said that Milkfed was also taking care of animals, especially milch animals. As many as 48285 sick animals were treated in Punjab through 561 First Aid Centres and  1763 Veterinary centers of Milkfed.

He said that cattle feed, mineral mixture, lick brick and fodder seed was sold by the Milkfed to the tune of 5630 metric tonnes, 15996 kilograms, 264 and 35 kilograms respectively to the milk producers. The Milkfed has also sold 119.0 metric tonnes of Ghee through Societies in the state, he added.

         He said that Punjab Government was committed to continue its efforts for the welfare of dairy farmers, so that they could get better remuneration of their milk, the spokesman added.

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 PUNJAB TO IMPLEMENT INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN ALL THE DEPOTS OF PUNJAB ROADWAYS AT THE COST OF RS.25.92 CRORE

CHANDIGARH, February 2:

Punjab Government would implement Integrated Management System in all the depots of Punjab Roadways at the cost of Rs.25.92 crore.

Disclosing this Punjab Transport Minister S. Ajit Singh Kohar said that purchase of 1800 Electronic Ticketing Machines and Global Positioning System would also be provided in the buses. S. Kohar said that Electronic Ticketing Machines have been implemented in all the buses of Punjab Roadways/ PUNBUS. 580 Electronic Ticketing Machines were purchased with the cost of Rs.37 lakhs during the year 2013-14 and 300 such machines have been purchased with the cost of Rs.19 lakhs during the current year.

He said that Department has decided to renovate/ upgrade workshops of the Punjab Roadways. The buildings of the workshops will be renovated with the cost of Rs.1.81 crores and tool & machinery will be purchased with the cost of Rs.4.00 crores to upgrade the workshops.

He further said that to provide comfortable and reliable bus service to the general public, 173 ordinary and 25 HVAC buses were purchased by the PUNBUS during the year 2012-13. 112 ordinary buses and 2 volvo buses have been inducted in the fleet of PUNBUS during the current year 2014-15. The matter is under process to purchase more 305 ordinary and 10 super integral coach AC buses with the cost of Rs.75 crores. By inducting new buses in the fleet of the department, the very old/condemned buses of Punjab Roadways have been grounded. At present the fleet strength of Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS is 1682 buses, out of which there are 1524 ordinary buses, 135 HVAC buses and 23 super integral coach AC buses.

With a view to eliminate private service provider firms and to provide employment opportunities to the youths, 1250 conductors, 1250 drivers and 200 workshop staff is being recruited on contract in the PUNBUS. The selection will be made on the basis of Merit, Experience and practical test/interview

He said that Free/ concessional travelling facilities have been provided to the tune of Rs.109.17 crores during the year 2012-13, Rs.68.98 crores during the year 2013-14 and such facilities will be provided to the tune of Rs.90.00 crores during the year 2014-15, added the Minister.

He further said that a proposal to construct Bus Stand at Roop Nagar on Build, Operate and Transfer basis and a target to achieve total income of Rs.229 crores by the Punjab Roadways and 410 crores by PUNBUS during the year 2014-15. He said that an increase of 23% in income up to October,2014 as compared with income upto October,2013.

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Punjab all set to establish five modern fish market in the state

Chandigarh February 2:

          The Punjab government would set up 2 modern fish markets in Amritsar and Bathinda district of Punjab, as a part of the project of setting up of 5 modern fish markets in the State to promote the agriculture crop diversification in the state. The project will be set up with a total outlay of Rs.17.82 crore. This project will promote fisheries and development of hygienic storage and handling of fish in the State.

          Disclosing this here today Director, Agriculture Punjab Mr. Managal Singh said that the State Level Screening Committee of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) has already approved a proposal for Additional Coverage of 600 acre for setting up the Demonstration and Training Project for Fish Culture in Salt Affected/Water Logged Waste Lands in the districts of Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka. Under the project the assistance of Rs.40,000 per acre will be provided to the farmers for purchase of fish seed and feed, besides Rs.10,000 for purchase of nets.

          He asked Soil Conservation department to expedite the process of reclamation of about 5250 hectares of water logged area of Malout block of Sri Muktsar Sahib District.

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SPECIAL SCHOOLS DOING WONDERS TO REHABILITATE RESCUED CHILD LABOUR

Chandigarh, February 2: The novel experiment of Punjab Labour department to provide vocational education to rescued child labour in 127 special  schools in three districts is proving a great success. The union government has appreciated the Punjab’s experiment and replicating the same in other states suffering from the menace of child labour.

Disclosing this, an official spokesperson informed that this special school is one of various measures taken by the Punjab Government to tackle the menace of child labour effectively and ensuring proper rehabilitation of rescued children. He said that  a state level monitoring committee has been constituted to keep a hawk’s eye to ensure the implementation of National Child Labour Project in the state.

The spokesperson further elaborated that special schools are being run in Amritsar, Ludhiana and Jalandhar under the National Child Labour Project so that they are properly rehabilitated in the society. According to the spokesperson, 40 schools are being run in Amritsar, 40 in Ludhiana and 27 in Jalandhar. In each of the special schools 50 students are admitted in the age group of 9-14 years.

Divulging more information, the spokesperson said that the students enrolled in these schools are also provided with the facility of mid-day meals by the Sarv Sikhya Abhiyan authority which also provides them with the books. Special emphasis is laid on equipping the students the students with latest technical and vocational skills as per the requirements of the present hi-tech age so that after passing out they can compete with other sections of the society.

He said that every child gets a monthly stipend of Rs. 150. The students are also provided with the uniforms. Each school has 2 teaching volunteers, 1 vocational education teacher, 1 clerk and 1 clerk. Regular medical check-up camps are also conducted at regular intervals in these schools.

He informed that the Labour Department has taken many initiatives to put a stop to this problem and as a result conviction rate of erring employers has been on the high.

The spokesperson also conveyed that the help of media is also taken to make people aware about menace of child labour.

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UPCOMING STATE FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE SET TO GIVE A FILLIP TO AGRO FORESTRY

 TO FOCUS ON RESEARCH TO INCREASE GREEN COVER

 Chandigarh, February 2: The upcoming Rs. 23.29 crore Forest Complex being set up at Ladowal, District Ludhiana is all set to give a boost to research and Agro Forestry to achieve the target of increasing forest cover to 15% by the year 2020.

Disclosing  this here today a spokesman of Forest Department said that state government has given its nod to set up state of art forest research institute at Ladowal, second in the northern region to have a thorough research on Agro Forestry species of tress suitable for climatic zone of Punjab. The research would also focus on fast growing pest resistance trees that could help the state in achieving its target by the seheduled date. The spokesmen said that focus of Forest Department was to encourage the farmers of the state to diversify in the Agro Forestry by making it viable and profitable venture and this institute has been given mandate to identify such plants for the Agro Forestry.

Besides giving  fillip to agro forestry the institue will focus on intensively promoting the quality of trees, market research and also research regarding the uses of wood, which would ultimately benefit the farmers of the state.

The spokesperson further said that the technical design of the building has been prepared in consultation with the Chief Architect, Punjab, and Director, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun and PWD Department have also prepared technical estimates regarding the building. He also informed that construction of the building will cost approximately Rs. 23.29 tothe state exchequer. The construction of the building of the institute will be funded by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB). He said that Chief Minister is taking a keen interest in the project and also that construction is on in full swing and has been completed to the level of around 50 percent.

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MALUKA, TOTA SINGH AND RANIKE GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU RAVI DASS JI

    Chandigarh, Feb 2:  

             The Punjab Rural Development Minister S. Sikander Singh Maluka, Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Tota Singh and Welfare Minister S. Gulzar Singh Ranike while extending their greetings on the eve of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Ravi Dass called upon the people to strive hard to create a casteless and classless society as envisioned by Sri Guru Ravi Dass, a great spiritual ambassador and exponent of Bhakti Movement.

       Extending their greetings they said that Guru Ravi Dass occupies a place of pride in the galaxy of holy men, who lived and preached in India and spread a message of peace, goodwill and oneness of mankind. They said that the real tribute to the saint would be to carry forward his legacy to the present and future generation.

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  Bathinda, Feb 1, 2015

           Skill development centers are keys to churn out industry trained professionals so that the fresh college pass outs can get best of the employment opportunities, said the Chief Minister Punjab Mr Parkash Singh Badal while presiding over global summit on industry-academic interface held at Baba Farid Group of Institutes.

           Appreciating the efforts of Baba Farid Group for not only uplifting standard of education but also helping to provide skilled manpower giving fillip to industrial growth in Punjab, Mr Badal said that industry and academy are complementary to each other as industry provides resources for the sustenance of academic institutions where as academia provides the brains and the brawn to run industries. The common goal of both industry and academia is sustainable development, he said.

 He added that in line with National Skill Development Policy, Punjab has set up an empowered State Skill Development Mission to bring synergy, scale and effective oversight in implementation of various skill development initiatives in the state such as the one coming up at BFGI.

 The state government will be setting up more than 2500 skill development centres in state in association with private sector with a target of imparting skill training to one lakh youth annually. These centers will be set up over a period of next 5 years, each of them covering about 4-5 villages.

           Later answering a media query on Delhi assembly elections he said that Delhi was the capital of country and a capital is always a showpiece for the world to see. He added that the SAD-BJP was keenly contesting these elections and having a government in Delhi in sync with the center would ensure its all around development.

          Earlier he laid foundation stone of the skill development center coming up at the BFGI.  Prominent among others accompanying him included DIG Mr Amar Singh Chahal, Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg, SSP Mr Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti, ADC (development) MR Varinder Kumar Sharma, DDPO Mr Rajinder Batra, chairman Central Cooperative Bank Muktsar Mr Tejinder Singh Middukhera, managing director Baba Farid Group of Institutes Mr Gurmeet Singh Dhaliwal and others.

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CM SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF MODI FOR CONSTITUTING SIT TO PROBE ALL THE CASES RELATED TO PRE-PLANNED 1984 SIKH GENOCIDE

WRITES TO PM FOR TAKING AN IMMEDIATE CALL ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF MATHUR PANEL

SEEKS REOPENING OF SEVERAL HIGH PROFILE CASES OF SIKH CARNAGE

THIS MOVE ON PART OF GoI WOULD ASSUAGE THE BRUISED PSYCHE OF SIKH COMMUNITY

Chandigarh, February 1-

Seeking direct and personal intervention of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for constituting Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe in all the cases related to pre-planned 1984 Sikh genocide, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Government of India (GoI) to take an immediate call on the recommendations of Justice (Retd.) GP Mathur Panel constituted by the Centre to reinvestigate several important cases related to anti-Sikh violence that broke out after the assassination of then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi.

In a letter to Mr. Modi, the Chief Minister apprised him that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been struggling at constant to get justice for the victims of 1984 genocide in Delhi and other parts of the country. He said that on the demand of SAD, the Justice (Retd) GP Mathur panel had been constituted in December, 2014 by the NDA Government to examine the possibility of constitution of a SIT for reinvestigating of the1984 genocide.

The Chief Minister said that now the former SC Judge in his 45-page report, has suggested setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the purpose and also has favoured reinvestigation of many vital cases where crucial evidence was overlooked adding that there were several such cases that were closed by the Delhi police and never sent to the court for trial. Even two high profile cases involving Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler too needed to be reinvestigated, added Mr. Badal.

The Chief Minister further said that this sensitive issue had so far been under wraps by the previous successive Congress governments at the Centre but now the recommendations of Justice (Retd.) Mathur panel were being viewed as a ray of hope for the hapless victims of 1984 genocide who had been eluded justice till date in their long ordeal for seeking justice spanning little over three decades. He urged the Prime Minister to give appropriate instructions to the Ministry of Home Affairs for initiating immediate action to set up SIT without any further delay for probing the entire cases thoroughly related to well organized carnage against Sikhs in the national capital and other parts of the country. “By doing so, the Government of India (GoI) will not merely assuage the bruised psyche of Sikh community but it will also be largely seen as a light at the end of the tunnel for the victims” added Mr. Badal.

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INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB

GENERATE YOUR OWN POWER, SAVE ON YOUR ELCTRICITY BILL

MAJITHIA URGES PEOPLE TO ADOPT NET METERING, LAUNCHES DEDICATED WEBSITE

·       EXHORTS PEOPLE TO GIFT CLEAN &GREEN ENERGY TO CHILDREN BY USING SOLAR POWER

·       GOLDEN OPERTUNITY TO INSTALL 1KW TO 1000KW CAPACITY SOLAR ROOF TOP NET METERING UNITS

Chandigarh, February 1: Generating your own power from sun has become a reality for Punjabis with “Solar Roof Top Net Metering”. Promoting their efforts to the next level,Punjab Energy Development Agency has launched fully-featured websites:: solarpunjab.com­­­­­­­­­­­­­­  and   netmeteringpunjab.com  designed in a user-friendly manner to enable the masses to know the importance of Solar  Roof Top Net Metering and need for its adoption in their life at their own comfort zone.

S. Bikram Singh Majithia, New & Renewable Energy Minister, Punjab, dedicating the websites to the public described it as a one-stop shop for people to install Solar Roof Top units through Net- Metering effortlessly with the unique feature of online processing. He said that the main reason of launching the websites was to provide quick and reliable information on Roof Top Solar and make the application process easy and accessible from home.

Emphasising the need for promoting Clean & Green energy in a big way, Mr. Majithia said that it was the duty of present generation to protect the enviournment by reducing the use of fossil fuels and leave a legacy of maximum usage of renewable energy for coming generations.

The Minister further said that Roof Top Net Metering will take the use of solar energy to the next level by covering one lakh buildings in next three years adding around 200MW of power. “Government is facilitating people with the benefit of 30% subsidy, if, they adopt net metering by 31st March 2015”, he added. He urged owners of Schools, Industry, Commercial establishments, Institutions, Hotels, Malls, Real estate developers etc and above all the individual house owners to grab this opertunity.

He further said that it would cut down power bill and save money as well as electricity. The bill will be issued after the adjustment of power generated and power used. The unique facility of Banking surplus power with PSPCL and then using it when needed can result in reduction of one's electricity bill by up to 85%., he added.

The project is the part of PEDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the use of New and Renewable sources of Energy the subsidy will be available on 1st cum 1st serve basis. Projects ranging from 1KW to 1000KW capacity can be installed under this programme.

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PUNJAB SETS TO EMPOWER SELF HELP GROUPS-MALUKA

 Chandigarh, February 01: 

          The Punjab Government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to empower the self help groups to generate self-employment opportunities for BPL families.

Disclosing this here today Rural Development & Panchayat Minister, Punjab Mr.Sikandar Singh Maluka said that in the first phase the rural development department would launch a drive to generate awareness amongst the people about the platform of self –help group .He said that for this purpose NGO’s , Social workers ,youngster are being involved to educate the people  regarding new opportunity of self employment . He said that the State Rural livelihood Mission Society has been finalized that would go into the details of  the necessities  of BPL families at grass root level and provide them  credit, financial services to get permanent source of income.

Divulging more information He said that under this program central and state government have already released funds in the ratio of 75:25 to empowered self-help groups registered with the state government.

Under State Rural livelihood Mission Society following NRLM to provide facilities for self-help groups, a  Pilot project has been started in 12 blocks of five districts-Gurdaspur, Tarntaran, Ferozpur, Patiala and Sangrur and now this project would be extended in whole state.

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ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON    ANNOUNCED

CHANDIGARH, FEBRUARY 01:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the rabi Season through Canal water from 02-02-2015 to 09-02-2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Bist Doab, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch, Abohar Branch and Patiala feeder  respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' being in the channels of first preference will run to their indent and  balance water supplies available will be utilized in Ghaggar Branch and its off taking channels i.e Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B'  respectively.

The spokesman further said that all the direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in group 'A'  being in the First preference will run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilised in Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries/Minors in  Group 'B'.

The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e.  Lahore Branch, with its distributaries being in the channels of first preference would run to their indent and balance water supplies available would be utilized in Main Branch Lower, Kasur Branch Lower, Sabraon Branch, with their distributaries respectively.

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Sukhbir Badal announces bonanza for 1.86 lac traders, no assessment for turnover less than Rs. 1 crore

(e-Trip on industry abolished)

(Extends ‘Rahat scheme’ for all urban areas)

(Announces helpline 1800-258-2580 for traders)

 Zirakpur, January 30-Adopting major industry and traders’ friendly measures, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today abolished the e-trip system besides exempting 1.86 lac dealers from VAT assessment having turnover less than Rs. 1 crore by excise department. He also announced to implement "RAHAT scheme" for all urban areas and launched helpline number 1800-258-2580 for business community to register their grievances and suggestions.

Writing a new chapter of relationship between Punjab Government and business community during a meeting with traders here, Mr. Badal announced to abolish existing e-transportation of information within Punjab (e-Trip) for Iron & Steel, Yarn, Vegetable Oils, Mustard Oil, Cotton and Paper Board industry besides launched new self assessment policy for about 80 % dealers of total dealer base.

Announcing abolishment of e-trip, Deputy CM said that from today onwards there would be no e-trip applicable in the state. He said it was the long pending demand of industrialists and traders as they were resisting the existing VAT collection system of Excise and Taxation Department against tax-evasion. To resolve such issues he informed that Punjab government has held detailed meetings and discussions with representatives of industry and trade fraternity through its 6 member co-ordination committee and decided to abolish e-transportation of information within Punjab (e-Trip) system by fixing rate of tax to 3.5 percent plus 10 percent surcharge. Under this liberalised policy announced by Mr Badal items under e-trip including yarn, vegetable, sarson, cotton and paper board have been exempted from the existing e-trip system.

As per new tax assessment policy, no case with turnover less than Rs. 1 crore would be taken up for assessment thereby benefitting 1.86 lac dealers constituting about 80% of the total dealer base. This decision is of much importance for traders as their assessments of last 4 years are due and with this decision they have been given freedom from assessments for all these 4 years. "In case assessment of any such dealer is taken up by any official, the dealer may complain at helpline" said Mr Badal.

Deputy Chief Minister also announced that criteria for selection of cases would be decided by the Government and to be put on the website of Department. He further added that list of cases selected for assessment would also be put on the website and if any ETO takes up any case outside the list published on the website, concerned dealer may complain at helpline.

Announcing a big relief to the small re-rolling mills, the Deputy CM said that the iron industry would have to pay VAT under lump-sum scheme based on electricity consumption with 50 paisa per unit of electricity consumed. Abolishing e-Trip for the industry, the re-rolling millers have to pay tax only 2% at the stage of import or first purchase instead of advance tax of 2.5%.

Meanwhile, Mr. Badal also announced new tax slab and extended RAHAT scheme for shopkeepers of Class-I and Corporation towns which was earlier applicable to only to Class-II and Class-III towns. He informed that under this scheme traders would not have to maintain account books, stock registers, purchase invoices or bills, ledgers and goods receipts (bilities) and these measures would completely end ‘Inspector Raj’.

Announcing new tax slab for traders, Deputy Chief Minister said there would be no tax increase for next three years and after that there would be marginal increase of 5 percent. As per new tax slab, traders with less than 5 lac turnover have to pay Rs 50 per annum, Rs 1000 for turnover from Rs 5 Lac to Rs. 10 Lac, Rs. 5000 for turnover from Rs 10 Lac to Rs. 25 Lac, Rs. 10000 for turnover from Rs 25 Lac to Rs. 50 Lac, Rs. 15000 for turnover from Rs 50 Lac to Rs. 75 Lac and Rs. 20000 for turnover from Rs 75 Lac to Rs. 1 crore.

Launching social security scheme for business community Deputy Chief Minister also announced free insurance by Government for dealers with turnover up to Rs. 1 crore. Under this policy three types of insurance covers would be provided including accidental death and disability insurance of Rs. 2.00 lac, health insurance of Rs. 50,000 and fire insurance of Rs. 5.00 lac.

Receiving charter of demands from various quarters of industry and trade, Mr. Badal gave a call to all industrialists to come forward with their respective issues pertaining to Punjab Government. He said SAD-BJP government was committed to resolve all such issues to create industry-friendly environment. He said in this regard a high powered committee comprising 6 members have been formed including Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Sarup Chand Singla and Mr. N.K. Sharma, Punjab Traders Board Chairman Mr. Narotam Dev Ratti and Vice Chairman Mr. Madan Lal Bagga, SAD traders wing president Mr. Satish Dhanda and Mr. Gurcharan Singh Channi from Doaba zone. He said by the end of February all such issues would be discussed and necessary actions would be taken.

Among others present on the occasion included Financial Commissioner Taxation D.P. Reddy, former MLA Ujjagar Singh Badali, ETC Anurag Verma, Deputy Commissioner Tejinderpal Singh Sidhu and District BJP unit president Sukhwinder Goldi. EOM

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GENERATE YOUR OWN POWER, SAVE ON YOUR ELCTRICITY BILL
MAJITHIA URGES PEOPLE TO ADOPT NET METERING, LAUNCHES DEDICATED WEBSITE
·       EXHORTS PEOPLE TO GIFT CLEAN &GREEN ENERGY TO CHILDREN BY USING SOLAR POWER
·       GOLDEN OPERTUNITY TO INSTALL 1KW TO 1000KW CAPACITY SOLAR ROOF TOP NET METERING UNITS
Chandigarh, February 1: Generating your own power from sun has become a reality for Punjabis with “Solar Roof Top Net Metering”. Promoting their efforts to the next level,Punjab Energy Development Agency has launched fully-featured websites:: solarpunjab.com­­­­­­­­­­­­­­  and   netmeteringpunjab.com  designed in a user-friendly manner to enable the masses to know the importance of Solar  Roof Top Net Metering and need for its adoption in their life at their own comfort zone. 
S. Bikram Singh Majithia, New & Renewable Energy Minister, Punjab, dedicating the websites to the public described it as a one-stop shop for people to install Solar Roof Top units through Net- Metering effortlessly with the unique feature of online processing. He said that the main reason of launching the websites was to provide quick and reliable information on Roof Top Solar and make the application process easy and accessible from home.
Emphasising the need for promoting Clean & Green energy in a big way, Mr. Majithia said that it was the duty of present generation to protect the enviournment by reducing the use of fossil fuels and leave a legacy of maximum usage of renewable energy for coming generations.
The Minister further said that Roof Top Net Metering will take the use of solar energy to the next level by covering one lakh buildings in next three years adding around 200MW of power. “Government is facilitating people with the benefit of 30% subsidy, if, they adopt net metering by 31st March 2015”, he added. He urged owners of Schools, Industry, Commercial establishments, Institutions, Hotels, Malls, Real estate developers etc and above all the individual house owners to grab this opertunity.
He further said that it would cut down power bill and save money as well as electricity. The bill will be issued after the adjustment of power generated and power used. The unique facility of Banking surplus power with PSPCL and then using it when needed can result in reduction of one's electricity bill by up to 85%., he added.
The project is the part of PEDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the use of New and Renewable sources of Energy the subsidy will be available on 1st cum 1st serve basis. Projects ranging from 1KW to 1000KW capacity can be installed under this programme.
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CM SEEKS PERSONAL INTERVENTION OF MODI FOR CONSTITUTING SIT TO PROBE ALL THE CASES RELATED TO PRE-PLANNED 1984 SIKH GENOCIDE
WRITES TO PM FOR TAKING AN IMMEDIATE CALL ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF MATHUR PANEL
SEEKS REOPENING OF SEVERAL HIGH PROFILE CASES OF SIKH CARNAGE
THIS MOVE ON PART OF GoI WOULD ASSUAGE THE BRUISED PSYCHE OF SIKH COMMUNITY
Chandigarh, February 1-
Seeking direct and personal intervention of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for constituting Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe in all the cases related to pre-planned 1984 Sikh genocide, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today urged the Government of India (GoI) to take an immediate call on the recommendations of Justice (Retd.) GP Mathur Panel constituted by the Centre to reinvestigate several important cases related to anti-Sikh violence that broke out after the assassination of then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
In a letter to Mr. Modi, the Chief Minister apprised him that the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has been struggling at constant to get justice for the victims of 1984 genocide in Delhi and other parts of the country. He said that on the demand of SAD, the Justice (Retd) GP Mathur panel had been constituted in December, 2014 by the NDA Government to examine the possibility of constitution of a SIT for reinvestigating of the1984 genocide.
The Chief Minister said that now the former SC Judge in his 45-page report, has suggested setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for the purpose and also has favoured reinvestigation of many vital cases where crucial evidence was overlooked adding that there were several such cases that were closed by the Delhi police and never sent to the court for trial. Even two high profile cases involving Congress leaders Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler too needed to be reinvestigated, added Mr. Badal.
The Chief Minister further said that this sensitive issue had so far been under wraps by the previous successive Congress governments at the Centre but now the recommendations of Justice (Retd.) Mathur panel were being viewed as a ray of hope for the hapless victims of 1984 genocide who had been eluded justice till date in their long ordeal for seeking justice spanning little over three decades. He urged the Prime Minister to give appropriate instructions to the Ministry of Home Affairs for initiating immediate action to set up SIT without any further delay for probing the entire cases thoroughly related to well organized carnage against Sikhs in the national capital and other parts of the country. “By doing so, the Government of India (GoI) will not merely assuage the bruised psyche of Sikh community but it will also be largely seen as a light at the end of the tunnel for the victims” added Mr. Badal.

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