Connecting
over 25 millions NRIs worldwide |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
 |
- - - 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 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.
-----------
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.
-------- 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. - 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. --------------- 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.
-- 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 - GENERATE YOUR OWN POWER, SAVE ON YOUR ELCTRICITY BILL - - JOSHI ANNOUNCES BIG RELIEF TO ALLOTTEES FAILED TO DEPOSIT INSTALLMENTS FOR PROPERTIES · ALLOTTEES CAN DEPOSIT LUMP-SUM AMOUNT BEFORE TILL MARCH 31ST CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30: Punjab Local Bodies Minister Mr. Anil Joshi today extended big relief to allottees, who have failed to deposit installments towards the cost of their properties fallen in the ambit of Improvement Trusts. The minister has also awarded two months time to these allottees and now they can deposit the entire remaining amount along interest restoration charges till March 31st. Mr. Joshi said it would be a major reprieve for those allottees, whose properties have been attached by the department since they could get their properties restored by paying the rest amounts with the due interest restoration charges in lump-sum manner. He said now those allottees, who could not have deposited the due amounts despite receiving notice from department, could apply for restoration of their properties. He said instruction have been issued in this regard to all offices of Improvement Trusts. The minister informed that this decision has been taken on the basis of large number of appeals for restoration of properties. He said that government has decided to provide a chance to the allottees, who had failed to continue their installments. Mr. Joshi also informed that department has also launched a awareness drive in this regard so that maximum allottees could take full advantage to this initiative of government well in time. He also said those allottees, who will not deposit their installments, concerned improvement trusts would be able to take action as per law. ---------- PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SECRETARIAT CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30: The ninth Session of Fourteenth Punjab Vidhan Sabha, which was adjourned sine-die at the conclusion of its sitting held on the 24 December, 2014, has been prorogued by an Order of the Governor of Punjab, dated the 28 January, 2015. - RESURGENT PUNJAB SET FOR ECONOMIC LEAP AS NABARD UNVEILS RS. 1. 41 LAKH CRORE CREDIT PLAN FOR THE STATE · CS COMPLIMENTS NABARD FOR SUPPLEMENTING STATE’S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA · ASKS NABARD TO FOCUS ON PRIORITY SECTOR LENDING
· 8215 PROJECTS AT A COST OF RS. 9769 CRORE SANCTIONED Chandigarh January 30: Chief Secretary Punjab Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal today unveiled Rs. 1.41 lakh crore credit plan of NABARD for the state and said that this credit plan reflects the resurgent economy of of Punjab that was leaping towards accelerated growth due to focus on infrastructure and agriculture sector during last seven years. Unveiling the credit plan and presiding over a seminar on accelerating the pace of capital foundation in agriculture and allied sectors here today, Mr. Kaushal said that NABARD in association with government and banking sectors has supplemented the state’s developmental activities in farm and non-farm sectors. He appreciated the role played by NABARD in addressing the credit needs and various developmental interventions especially in rural areas. He also appreciated the bankers for achieving the targets set in earlier years. Mr. Kaushal sought cooperation of financial institutions in liberal financing to rural youth so that the issue of migration from rural to urban areas was addressed. He also appreciated the role played by the financial institutions for covering all the households under PMJDY. Unveiling the State Focus Paper projecting a credit plan of Rs. 141284 Crore prepared by NABARD, Mr. Kaushal said that it reflects the aggregate potential available under various sectors/subsectors. He also said that inaddition, imperative need to create appropriate infrastructure, critical infrastructure requirements for each sub-sector have also been indicated in the focus paper, which would be separately examined by the State Government. The Chief Secretary also launched a model scheme on playhouse and banking plan on dairy sector for five districts namely Ludhiana, SBS Nagar, Jallandhar, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar to give impetus to agriculture term loan financing by banks. He also said that rural infrastructure was the foundation and growth engine for facilitating various economic activities and NABARD since inception of Rural Infrastructure Development Fund has supported 8215 projects at a cost of Rs. 9769 crore and RIDF assistance of Rs. 6662 crore to the state government. RIDF has not only supported a variety of infrastructure projects but also strengthened the social infrastructure in rural Punjab, said Mr. Kaushal. Mr. Naresh Gupta CGM Punjab RO Chandigarh while presenting the highlights of the State Focus Paper for 2015-16 mentioned that in line with the objective of sustaining 4 % agriculture growth during the 12th Five Year Plan. He also put forth the sector specific issues to realize the credit potential. It was indicated by NABARD officials that in order to direct the credit flow to various sectors potential of these sectors has been assessed which would in turn help the banks to plan their credit off take during 2015-16. Projections for some important sub-sectors are Rs. 3525 Crore for dairy development, Rs. 1733 Crore for storage/ market yards, Rs. 2892 crore for farm mechanization, Rs. 1490 crore for poultry, Rs. 353 crore for plantation and horticulture etc. Various speakers presenting their papers during the seminar expressed concern over the Agriculture sector facing stagnation in production and productivity, monoculture of wheat and paddy cycle which forms 81% of gross cropped are, declining water table, deteriorating soil health due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in Punjab. It was also mentioned that these issues could be addressed with concerted efforts of the government, banks, grass root level functionaries and the farming community. Strategies to encourage diversification of crops , checking depletion of ground water, aggregation of farmers as farmer clubs and producer organization, formation and bank linkage of self help groups mostly of women, formation and credit linkage of Joint Liability Groups which include landless farmers, implementations of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna to facilitate financial inclusion etc. were framed. These efforts, it was felt, would provide an enabling environment to boost rural economy especially with regard to agriculture and allied sector. Prominent amongst others who were present included Mr. V. K. Meena Secretary Animal Husbandry, A. Venuprasad, Secretary Rural Development, Mr. K. S. Pannu, Secretary Irrigation, Mr. Naresh Gupta CGM NABARD, CGM RBI Ms. Anjali Mishra and representatives of Banks and Financial institutions. ------------ DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE BATHINDA - EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES SHOULD START COURSES IN FOOD PROCESSING IN SYNC WITH THE DEMAND OF THIS SECTOR, UNION MINISTER BADAL - PUNJAB’S SAVE THE DAUGHTERS CAMPAIGN UNDER NANHI CHHAAN HAS FOUND RESONANCE IN CENTER’S BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO CAMPAIGN - NDA GOVT AGGRESSIVELY PROMOTING WORKING ON BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO, UNION MINISTER BADAL - THERE SHOULD BE UNIFORM POLICY ON DRUGS IN COUNTRY, UNION MINISTER BADAL Bathinda, Jan 30 The Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal today called upon the educational institutes to introduce courses in food processing in sync with the burgeoning demand and opportunities in this industry. While inaugurating third international fest of Baba Farid Group of Institutes, Mrs Badal said that her ministry is setting up food processing training-cum-business incubation center at PAU Regional Center in Bathinda, which would train farmers to add value to their food products. “There is a wide horizon of opportunities in this sector and educational institutes can immensely contribute by offering courses in this context,” she said. Addressing gathering at the institute she said that the Punjab government’s Save the Daughters Campaign has found resonance in center government’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. “The Punjab government’s campaign in saving the girl child has one a long way in improving state’s sex ratio and today the center government too has followed it in the form of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign,” she said. Commending the efforts of Punjab government in improving education in state, she added that Punjab has leaped from 14th position in India to third in the last seven years. The state government recruited 65000 teachers and invested crores in creating infrastructure to raise the standard of education. She added that the initiative of opening six meritorious schools in state for the needy and intelligent students has given a new lease of life to the children from poor families. The state now boasts of nine new universities, 17 new colleges, IIT, proposed IIM and an education city coming up in 1000 acres of land in Chandigarh. Answering a media query on the issue of drugs in state, the Union Minister said that need of hour was to formulate a uniform drug policy which was equally applicable in state. She said that the narcotics were neither grown nor manufactured in Punjab and instead the state had become innocent victim of wrong allegations. Speaking against the social evil of female feticide she said that the daughters have every right to take birth, have the right nutrition, study and progress ahead in society. She advocated providing the best of opportunities to our daughters so that they could move ahead in life. She said like the womb, the mother earth too needs to be protected and all of us should take onus of taking care of at least one tree every year. Prominent among others present included Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Mantar Singh Brar, Manish Kumar OSD to the Union Minister, Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg, SSP Mr Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti, media advisor to deputy CM Mr Harjinder Sidhu, managing director Baba Farid Group of Institutes Mr Gurmeet Singh Dhaliwal, BJP president Mr Gurvinder Singh Bhagta, SDM Bathinda Mr Damanjit Singh Maan, DDPO Mr Rajinder Batra, SAD press secretary Dr Om Prakash Sharma and others. --------------- - CM DESCRIBES ‘SOCIALISM AND SECULARISM’ AS UNDERLYING SPIRIT OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION ANY DEVIATION FROM THESE TWO BASIC TENETS WAS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF COUNTRY RATHER THAN WORRYING ABOUT STATE GOVERNMENT CAPTAIN MUST SET HIS HOUSE IN OTHER SLAMS CONGRESS FOR RUINING BACKBONE OF STATE’S ECONOMY WILL TAKE UP THE ISSUE OF RELEASING RS 400 CRORE WITH CENTRE BATS FOR MSP ON MAIZE TO PROMOTE CROP DIVERSIFICATION SANGAT DARSHAN IN PHAGWARA Mehta (Kapurthala), January 30- Describing the twin principles of ‘Socialism and Secularism’ as the underlying spirit of Indian Constitution, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that any deviation from these two basic tenets of constitution would be against the interest of the country. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan in Phagwara assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that India being a land of diversities was endowed with people hailing from various religions, castes, creeds and linguistic background. He said that in the backdrop of this very fact the forefathers of our Constitution had laid special thrust on the concepts of socialism and secularism in our constitution adding that it was an integral part of our polity so there was hardly need for even debating on this issue. Citing the example of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Mr. Badal said that even the great monarchs like him had made the principle of secularism an essential part of his governance. “No country can survive without these doctrines as they firmly hold its social fabric together” he added. Taking a jibe on the statement of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh regarding fiscal emergency in the state, the Chief Minister said that rather than worrying about the issues of governance the Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar must try to set the house of their party in order. He said that before issuing such baseless statements Captain and state Congress Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa must try to ensure discipline in their party by nailing the prevailing infighting. Mr. Badal also called upon the entire opposition to play a constructive role by co-operating the government in making Punjab a frontrunner state in the country. “Healthy criticism by opposition is always welcome but criticism for the sake of criticism is undesirable and unwarranted” he added. The Chief Minister said that the step motherly treatment by Congress coupled with its regressive policies have broken the backbone of Punjab’s economy. He reiterated that the Congress has always adopted an anti-Punjab stance against the state due to which the development of the state has suffered a lot. Mr. Badal said that Punjab’s economy has been adversely affected due to the partition of the country and prolonged militancy but it got the fatal blow when the Congress granted incentives to the neighboring states, which led to the mass exodus of the industry of the state to these hilly states. Taking the Congress party to cudgels, the Chief Minister said that it has a notorious past of adopting an anti-Punjab stance due to which the state has suffered a lot. Mr. Badal said that the Congress party has deliberately denied the Punjabi speaking areas and Chandigarh to state adding that Punjab was probably the only state in the country which has been hitherto deprived of its capital. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that he would soon meet the Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley for seeking the release of pending Rs 400 crore sanctioned by the 13th Finance Commission. He said that the funds sanctioned by constitutional body like Finance Commission should be given to the state adding that he would soon take up this issue with the Union government. Terming that diversification of agriculture was the need of hour, the Chief Minister said that it was must for bailing out the farmers of the state from current agrarian crisis. Mr. Badal said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had made the country self reliant in food production by exploiting its only available natural resources in term of water and fertility of soil. However, he said that now when agriculture was no longer a profitable venture the farmers of the state must be encouraged to grow more remunerative and less water guzzling crops like Maize by providing MSP on them. The Chief Minister covered 45 villages in today’s Sangat Darshan held at Mauli, Mehta, Nangal Majha and Ranipur. Acceding to the demand made by the local residents Mr. Badal announced that the District Transport Officer (DTO) Kapurthala would sit in Phagwara for two days in a week to facilitate the general public in getting their day-to-day work done. Likewise, he also asked the district administration to explore the feasibility of constructing multi-level parking in the city for easing out the traffic in it. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash, Chairman Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid, Chairman Market Committee Phagwara Jathedar Sarwan Singh Kular, Deputy Inspector General of Police Kunwar Vijay Pratap, his Special Principal Secretary Dr S Karunaraju and Deputy Commissioner Mr. DS Mangat. -------------- (Construction of 9 highways to commence in December)
Kurali (SAS Nagar), January 30, 2015 Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that SAD-BJP combine would register massive victory in the coming local bodies election on the development agenda in the state. He also announced that the construction of 4/6 lane roads connecting all major cities would be initiated from December this. While inaugurating the Kurali-Siswan road constructed at a cost of Rs. 75 crore here today, Mr. Badal said SAD-BJP alliance is not a political alliance but a natural alliance and both parties would fight municipal election together. Replying to a question about the expected date of announcement of municipal elections, he said that Punjab government has suggested the probable dates to state election commission and it is prerogative of election commission to decide and announce the schedule. He stressed that state machinery has been fully geared up for free and fair elections in the state. Drubbing the congress party he said that state congress is no more a challenge to the SAD-BJP combine as people of Punjab have rejected this party in all previous electoral battles due to their directionless and anti-Punjab stance. He said that congress leaders have nothing to offer to the people of State and have no agenda on development and other issues as they were fighting with each other for PPCC "captaincy". Deputy Chief Minister stressed that necessary infrastructure was the only alternative to attract the investors in Punjab to accelerate the development in a land locked state. He said that it was for first time in the history of Punjab that such a large amount to be spent to strengthen road network as after formation of NDA government, things have been changed rapidly in favour of Punjab which was deprived from its rights by the UPA government due to its anti-Punjab stance. He said that after achieving the status of first power surplus state of the country SAD-BJP government has set the target to connect all major cities with 4-6 lanes in next 2 years. Adding further he said that recently Union Minister for Roads and Highway Mr. Nitin Gadkari has announced road projects worth Rs. 18000 crore. Listing the approved roads he said 4 laning of Amritsar-Bathinda highway costing Rs. 3800 crore, Jalandhar to Moga at a cost of Rs. 1500 crore, Moga-Barnala with Rs. 500 crore, Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur upto Himachal Pradesh Border with Rs. 1000 crore, Chandigarh-Ludhiana with Rs. 2000 crore, Kurali-Kharar with Rs. 300 crore, Rupnagar-Phawara with Rs. 1000 crore, Ladowal bypass with Rs. 315 crore, Amritsar-Attari with Rs. 250 crore and Samrala–Ludhiana with Rs. 1000 crore have been approved and construction on all these projects would be initiated by December this. It may be mentioned here that this newly constructed road would facilitate the people traveling from Doaba and Majha region to capital AND Himachal Pradesh besides accelerating the growth of New Chandigarh. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Mr Ujagar Singh Badali district President Sharomani Akali Dal, DIG Roopnagar range R.K. Jaiswal, SSP Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and ADC general Punamdeep Kaur. ------ WILL NEVER LET CONGRESS SUCCEED IN ITS DIVISIVE AGENDA AGAINST PUNJAB-BADAL · SAYS SORTING OUT PEOPLE’s PLAINTS IN SANGAT DARSHAN FOREMOST DUTY Dhuri (Sangrur), January 29: Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called Punjabis to give befitting and effective reply to Congress Party for its ongoing divisive and anti-Punjab agenda. Attempts of Congress to stall the development projects of Punjab would not be tolerated and state's development would be accelerated further, stated by Chief Minister while resolving public plaints on concluding day of Sangat Darshan program here on Thursday. On the issue of former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal's proposed move to Election Commission against the Sangat Darshans, Mr. Badal said that neither the congress leaders have anything to do with the development of the state nor they were aware of law of the land. He said sorting out public grievances in by reaching their doorsteps was his foremost duty and he was committed to all round development of the state besides providing ensuring delivery of basic amenities as ground level to uplift the living standard of common masses. He said whenever the SAD-BJP combine took reins of state they tried their best to witness healthy and active participation of common masses in the development of state. Mr. Badal said they have never made those promises, which were outside the ambit of possibilities. He said it is the fact that Sangat Darshan programs have exclusively recognised and left a separate identity to redress grievances. Commenting upon Congress Party’s opposition to Sangat Darshan, Mr. Badal said our opponents advocated policies of divisiveness and sectarian interests besides mocking our social and pro-people agenda. He said understanding anti Punjab and development stance of Congress the people of Punjab had shown the door to it in previous assembly polls. He said now the congress party was facing a severe infighting but the SAD-BJP is fully committed to take state to the new heights of success. Answering a query regarding not inviting local MP Mr. Bhagwant Mann in Sangat Darshan program in Benra village, Mr. Badal said he never invited anyone to such program but he, himself, visited villages of Punjab to address public issues. He said during Sangat Darshan anyone can come with their issues and Panchayats could get financial assistance for development purposes. Answering a question regarding Delhi Polls, the Chief Minister said SAD-BJP was contesting the elections in alliance and the alliance would definitely witness unprecedented victory as the wave was in favour of SAD-BJP. He said Delhi residents trust in the working of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as well as the functioning of NDA government at center. He said the national capital would also take phenomenal development strides after formation of SAD-BJP government. When asked about the canvassing being initiated by former MP and BJP leader Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu, Mr. Badal said former is like my son and he can canvass for SAD-BJP candidates anywhere in Delhi. Mr. Badal also informed that Punjab has started strengthening, widening and revamping of drains and rivulets in entire state. He said under this scheme Rs. 35.12 crore would be expended on 37 villages of Dhuri constituency for this purpose. He said in this program 90 percent share would be given by government while the remaining to be deposited by peasantries. Prominent amongst those present in the sangat darshan included Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Constituency incharge Mr. Gobind Singh Longowal, former minister Mr. Gobind Singh Kanjhla, Mr. Rajinder Singh Kanjhla, Mr. Amanveer Singh Cherry, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Bhalwan, Member SGPC, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind, DIG Patiala Mr. Shiv Kumar Verma, SSP Mr. Mandeep Singh Sidhu and senior officers of various departments. -------------------- PUNJAB TO SET UP ASIA’s FIRST EVER BIO-ETHANOL REFINERY · MAJITHIA CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE MEETING · Beta Renewables, Novozymes and CVC Infrastructure , Global technology leaders Plan to set up five Bio-refineries worth 1 Billion USD in Punjab New Delhi/Chandigarh, January 29: Punjab today took a major stride to become Bio-Ethanol producing /refining hub of South East Asia. Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, New and Renewable Energy Minister, Punjab today was presented a conceptual plan to set up Asia’s first ever Rs. 950 crore 2nd Generation Bio-ethanol producing refinery leading to setting up of 5 more such refineries with 1Billion USD investment. Taking the development agenda and the use of Clean & Green energy to fast forward mode, Punjab would ink a MoU for setting up of Bio-Ethanol refinery with Beta Renewables , Novozymes and CVC India Infrastructure Private Limited. This will go a long way in tackling the major problem of paddy straw burning, which is resulting in irreparable loss to the fertility of land on one side and to the environmental on the other. Making a detailed presentation to Mr. Majithia here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. K. Krishan Chairman CVC India proposed that initially one Bio-refinery project with design capacity of 60,000 tons of Cellulosic ethanol per year (75 million litres per year) would be set up in the state with 3 lac tones of paddy straw as feedstock. He said that the proposed plant would also generate co-products of Biogas, Pellets and compost through processing bio-refinery effluents and pellets through processing surplus lignin, residue of bio-refinery and lignin further could be used for a captive co-generation plant. This would be followed by 5 more projects with an investment of 1 Billion USD. He further said that the state produces 15 million tones of paddy straw and its maximum usage for such bio-ethanol refineries could result in avoiding major environmental problem of burning of paddy straw. Dr Naveen Sharma, Project Director Bio fuels of World Agro Forestry Centre added that the proposed plant can also use Napier grass as feedstock and other crops grown in high saline and water logged areas. This would help in a big way to achieve diversification targets of the State Government. The farmers with option of these crops would be able to get revenue year around with less use of water. Mr. G.S. Krishnan, Regional President of Novozymes pointed out that the other benefits of such projects to state farmer includes additional income for supply of paddy straw, availability of bio-compost generated from the plant as bio- fertiliser, high level of direct/Indirect investment i.e. $ 150 million per 60,000 tons/annum plant, large number of direct/indirect jobs, energy security through replacement of petrol/diesel produced from imported crude oil besides Bio-CNG replacing LPG and vehicular fuels. Opportunity for Rural entrepreneurs to set up feed stock ( Paddy Straw) management and supply units. Mr. Majithia informed the representatives of Beta Renewable, Novozymes and CVC Infrastructure Private Limited that the State government was fully committed to get rid of the major problem of paddy straw burning and regularly exploring the eco-friendly technologies. He said that PEDA has been instrumental in facilitating setting up of Biomass based power plants of 62.5 MW capacity in the state. These second generation Bio-ethanol projects would play a significant role in dealing with the challenge of paddy straw burning as 3 lac tones of paddy straw could be used in a single plant. He was hopeful that once investors see a successfully running project there would be lot of investment in such projects. Keeping in viewavailability of 15 Million tones of feed stock and the hardworking nature of Punjabis the state is poised to become a major hub in Asia for producing Bio-Ethanol and related products. Mr. Majithia also asked the representatives to sensitise the Bio- Chemical and Aromatic compounds industry to plan setting up units in Punjab as they will have the High quality Bio-Ethanol required by them. Mr S. Narayanan GM of Chemtex,principal share holders in Beta Renewables assured the Minister that theywould create awareness and facilitate growth of Bio Chemical industry in Punjab. The project shall be able to provide additional income of Rs 2000/- per acre to farmers for rice straw and direct/indirect employment to more than 2000 persons in the state. He said that the State government’s preference for green and clean energy could be gauged from the fact that solar power capacity has all set to be increased 24 times by March 2015 from 9 MW just two years ago to 220 MW with new investment to the tune of Rs.1600 crore. He further said that our government has launched a unique Net Metering policy under which one lakh buildings to be covered by year 2022 resulting in 200MW of solar power generation. He pointed out that as an acknowledgement to the State government’s initiatives on renewable energy front, the Union New & Renewable Energy Ministry has sanctioned of 1000 MW Ultra Mega Solar PV Power Project for the State of Punjab. The Minister gave an assurance to the visiting representatives about facilitating land on long term lease basis for setting up of this project and other land pieces required for setting up of 50 biomass collection/storage depots at different locations in the catchment area besides reserving of a command area for the project for biomass paddy straw sourcing. He further said that PEDA will not only facilitate the setting up of these projects but will also liaison with GOI to get support for the 1st Bio-Refinery as a technology demonstration project. PAU, Agriculture Department and Punjab Pollution Control Board would work closely to study the impact of these projects and also identify and promote alternate crops in the catchment area of the projects for year around supply of feed stock. The Minister asked the company representatives to visit the state and shortlist the land parcel for setting up the project and start technical survey and investigation. Mr.Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary, Punjab said that the proposed project shall be a win-win proposition for both the state and its farmers and appreciated the bio-ethanol technology project, which is first of its kind in the country. It was decided in the meeting to sign the MOU with the companies and they were requested to submit the DPR. The meeting was also attended by Sh. Anurag Aggarwal, MD,PIDB, Sh.KAP Sinha, Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment , Sh. A.K.Dhussa, Advisor, MNRE,GOI, Dr. Amarpal Singh, Chief Executive, PEDA ,Chairman, PPCB, Director, Agriculture, ED, PSCST, DEAN, PAU and senior officers of PEDA. PUNJAB OFFERS DIRECT GRAIN SUPPLY TO KERALA · BOTH STATES CHALK OUT COLLECTIVE STRATEGY TO SUPPLEMENT EACH OTHERS FOOD REQUIREMENT · KERALA APPRECIATES PUNJAB’S NOVEL INITIATIVE OF ATTA-DAAL SCHEME · TO REPLICATE PUNJAB’S ONLINE PAYMENT PORTAL AND PDS MODEL IN KERALA · PUNJAB TO SEND DELEGATION TO KERALA TO WORKOUT MODALITIES Chandigarh, January 29: The Punjab Government today offered direct grain supply including wheat and rice according to the specifications of Kerala government, keeping Food Corporation of India out of loop. A delegation of Kerala Government led by its Food Minister Mr. Anoop Jacob had a detailed meeting with the delegation of Punjab Government led by Punjab Food Minister Mr. Adaish Pratap Singh Kairon to identify the areas where both states can work together and to work out a compatible solution to meet each other’s food requirements. Mr. Kairon gave a detailed presentation explaining the Asia’s big procurement operation conducted by the state that was contributing more than 210 lakh metric tonne food grain to the central kitty feeding a population of 35 crore and meeting 44 percent food requirement of the country. He also explained the online payment portal to provide payments directly in the accounts of farmers within 72 hours of procurement from the mandis and during current paddy procurement season over 1800 crore payments were made to the farmers through online portal ensuring total transparency in the system. He said the experiment of 40kg packs introduced by Punjab had been a great success and has been appreciated by Food Corporation of India. Offering to provide direct grain supply to Kerala, Mr. Kairon said that Punjab can directly supply rice and wheat to the southernmost state of the country as per the specific requirements of Kerala keeping FCI out of loop. Mr. Anoop Jacob said that Kerala would like to seek grains from Punjab in 40kg packs. A delegation of Punjab Government would soon visit Kerala to work out modalities of the system. Appreciating the new PDS system introduced by Punjab in which 6 months or lump sum quota is provided directly to the beneficiaries keeping out the intermediately, he said that Kerala would like to replicate this model while implementing Food Security Act in the state. He also lauded Punjab to become a leading state in adopting Food Security Act. The Kerala minister also lauded Punjab for introducing novel Atta-Dal scheme that is providing subsidized food to more than 30 lakh families per month. Briefing the delegation Principal Secretary Food and Supplies Mr. G. Vajralingam said that Punjab was the first state to have opted implementation of National Food Security Act in the country. He also said that Punjab had procured 115 to 125 lakh M tonne of Paddy during the recent Paddy procurement in all the 1800 different locations set up for this purpose. The entire system of purchase and procurement was computerized He also said that the state government had already got a fresh survey conducted in December 2013 by the deputy commissioners for the beneficiaries to be covered under NFSA. The other members of Kerala delegation included MLAs Ludy Luiz, R Selvaraj, V. M. Ummer Master and senior officers from state Mr. Surendran Nair, Mr. D. Krishnan Kutty, Mr. Nanda Kumer R, Ms. Sabi Kutty Skeria and Mr. Pradeep. - PRESIDENT’S POLICE MEDAL TO DIG RAJINDER SINGH FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 29: It is matter of great pride for the state of Punjab that Mr. Rajinder Singh, DIG, Vigilance (Crime Wing) has been awarded the President’s Police Medal. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that Mr. Rajinder Singh was chosen for the prestigious award for the meritorious service he rendered. Announcement in this regard has been made in New Delhi on the eve of Republic Day. ---------- ANTI COPYING CAMPAIGN REACHES BATHINDA, SIXTH ZONAL FUNCTION ON JANUARY 30 CHANDIGARH, JANURAY 29: The brain child of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister ‘anti copying campaign’ which is a joint venture of Punjab School Education Board and Punjab School Education department has reached at its sixth stage in Bathinda. The department would launch this campaign in Bathinda in an effective manner by organising a zonel level function on January 30. The programme in which Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder is the Chief Guest would be organised at Aidesh University, Bathinda. Chairperson of Punjab School Education Board Dr. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal would preside over a function, Disclosing this here today Convenor of Anti Cheating Campaign Mrs. Shruti Shukla said that in this programme of Bathinda zone Principals and students from the districts of Bathinda, Mansa and Sri Mukatsar Sahib would participate. She said that approximately 1200 Principals, Head Masters and Students from each districts are participating in this programme. During this programme students who have won positions in mini marathon, essay writing, declamation contest and poem recitation competitions at the Tehsil level, would be felicitated. - · PAKISTAN’S TOURISM CORPORATION MD CALLS ON PUNJAB TOURISM MINISTER CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 29: “There is ample scope of tourism promotion in India and Pakistan. Both the countries share common culture, Religious and Historical background. Varied range of monuments situated in both the countries which are of Religious and Historical importance can become intermingling places for the visitors of these two neighboring countries.” This vision was shared by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Tourism Minister, Punjab with Mr. Choudhary Kabir Ahmed, Managing Director of Pakistan’s Tourism Corporation who called on Mr. Thandal some days ago. During the deliberations both the sides agreed to work in this direction by chalking out specific tourism policy. Mr. Thandal assured the visiting delegation to extend full support, security and other facilities to the Pakistan’s tourists visiting the Indian Punjab for Religious pilgrimage. Mr. Thandal appraised the Pakistani delegation that the state of Punjab has been incurring Rs. 1.50 crore on the renovation of the Hotels, which are the halt points of the ‘Delhi-Lahore Bus’ in Punjab. He said that these hotels are located in Kartarpur and Sirhind. Tourism Minister Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal expressed hope that both the countries would henceforth join hands for the maintaining peace, stability in the region by bringing their folks closer. Mr. Thandal presented a memento to Mr. Choudhary Kabir Ahmed as a token of love.Among others Mr. Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa, Director; Tourism was also present at this occasion. -- TWO DAY TRAINING PROGAMME FOR DEOs AND BPEOs STARTS AT MOHALI · BETTER ADMINISTRATION IS KEY TO BRING PUNJAB AT THE TOP OF EDUCATION INDEX IN COUNTRY: C ROUL MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 28: Emphasizing the need of the capacity building of the administrative offices of the education department the Principal Secretary School Education Mr. C. Roul has inaugurated the two day state level conference for all District Education Officers and Block Primary Educations Officers of the state. This conference is being held with the joint collaboration of National University of Educational Planning and Planning Administration (NUEPA) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Authority of Punjab School Education Department at auditorium of Punjab School Education Board at Mohali. Delivering the keynote address Mr. Roul has accepted the fact the there is dire need of training and capacity building of the administrative officers of the education department. He said that though the education index of the state is gradually gaining the height as compare to the other states of the country but at the same time one cannot be oblivious of the present challenges be faced by the education system. He stressed that these challenges could only be addressed in befitting manner by better administration. He also presented the fact that in Punjab school infrastructure and teaching faculty is of par excellence as compare to private sector and other states of the county but the state is lacking better school administration at District and Block levels. He said that sense of accountability is also lacking in school administration. He said that all these bottle necks could easily be plugged with these kinds of training programe for the DEOs and BPEOs. Prof. B.K.Panda of NUEPA threw light on the composition, working and goals of NUEPA. Mrs. Pankaj Sharma, Director, SCERT delivered the vote of thanks. Prominent among others who were present in the inaugural session included Director General School Education Mr. Pardeep Kumar Aggarwal, D.P.I. (SE) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol, D.P.I. (EE) Mrs. Darshan Kaur and Assistant Professor of NUEPA Dr. Mona Sedwal. ------------- HEALTH DEPARTMENT FULLY GEARED UP TO TACKLE SWINE FLU CASES--- JAYANI SAYS NO NEED TO PANIC January 28: Health and Family Welfare Minister reiterated and reassured the people of Punjab that there was no need to panic on swine flu as the government hospitals were fully geared up to deal with any kind of eventuality. In a statement issued here today the Minister said that at present there were 16 suspected cases out of which five ( 1 Ropar, 2 Ludhiana and 2 Amritsar) were found positive. The Minister said that the Rapid Response Teams in all the district headquarters were all equipped to tackle the cases. He also said that 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 also said that these were isolated cases and the state government has taken all precautionary measures to control the HINI influenza in the state. Mr. Jayani also said that all the government hospitals were prepared with well equipped isolation wards where the patient has to be kept once found positive with the influenza. The Minister also said that the district health officers have been given all the required material for sample collection of nasal as well as throat swabs. All the samples would be collected by the trained laboratory technicians, he said. ------------ Subsidised sand and gravel to be available at Roopnagar dump · Mining at 9 quarries on war level · Mandi Board releases helpline numbers Chandigarh, January 28: With a view to provide sand and gravel at reasonable rates to common people, the Punjab has started mining operations at 9 quarries in full swing besides starting dump in Roopnagar district near Rallon village. People can load sand at a cost of Rs. 700 per cubic feet from Monday to Saturday between 8 am to 6 pm from this dump. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal had issued directions in this regard in a review meeting to take stock of mining operations and to provide sand and gravel on affordable rates throughout the state. He said consumers could take receipt from concerned market committee of their respective areas for loading the sand and gravel. He said consumers could also register their plaints in getting receipts, if any, directly to the officers designated at the dump at 98880-24825. Besides this, people could also contact District Mandi Officer at 01881-220669 and Secretary Market Committee Roopnagar at 01881-222237. The spokesman informed that besides Roopnagar dump, 9 more quarries have become fully operational including Adraman (Moga), Bassia (Moga), Sanghera (Moga), Pawat (Ludhiana), Gujjarwal Bet (Ludhiana), Koom Kalan (Ludhiana), Burj Tehal Dass (SBS Nagar), Digana Khurd (Hoshiarpur) and Jhungian Mahan Singh (Jalandhar). He said consumers desirous of getting subsidised sand can get the receipt of Rs. 800 for loading per 100 cusec sand. He said a helpline number for further information has also been started 1800-137-2244. Giving details of mining operations, the spokesman said Union Environment and Forest Ministry has approved 11 quarries while approval of 29 more quarries was in pipeline. He said with the approval of these quarries, Punjab would have 40 quarries, which would be fully operational in the coming month. He said that it would not only eliminate the paucity of construction material but too provide material on affordable rates. It is also pertinent to mention here that to plug illegal mining in all districts 4 police officers have been deployed in each district while a SP and 3 DSPs have already been deputed at Chandigarh to keep a check on such illegal exercises. EOM - 2- MINUTE SILENCE TO BE OBSERVED ON JANUARY 30 IN MEMORY OF MARTYRS
Chandigarh January 28: The Punjab government has issued directions to all the offices located in Punjab Civil Secretariat to observe 2- minute silence on January 30 at 11 am in memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives in the freedom struggle. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the government said that all the financial commissioners, principal secretaries, secretaries, special secretaries, joint secretaries, heads of the departments, offices of Ministers, parliamentary secretaries have been asked to ensure participation of all the employees and officers in their respective offices. He said that on hearing the signal at 11 am everybody would stand up and pay their tributes to the martyrs remembering their supreme sacrifices. - PUNJAB CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO REVIEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF KANDI AREA Chandigarh, January 28: The Punjab Government has constituted a high level committee to review development projects and schemes of Kandi area. Notification in this regard has been issued. Divulging detail a spokesman said that 8 member committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Punjab. He said that committee would monitor the ongoing projects and would take up call on the representations given by MPs/Ministers/MLAs. "Financial Commissioner development, Principal Secretary water supply and sanitation, Financial Commissioner animal husbandry, Principal Secretary Finance, Financial Commissioner forest, Secretary Irrigation would be the members and Secretary planning has been appointed as member secretary of the committee" he added. The spokesman further said that this committee would hold a meeting once in a month and proceedings of the meeting would be sent to Chief Minister of Punjab for further information. - Punjab extends deadline for regularization of illegal colonies and plots till April 27 Chandigarh, January 28 –Punjab government has extended the deadline for regularization of illegal colonies, residential plots and commercial buildings for 3 months more and announced that no further extension will be granted beyond this date. A decision to this effect was taken on Monday in a meeting headed by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. After a detailed discussion on the demand from general public and witnessing the good response to the regularization policy, Deputy CM decided to extend last date for submission of applications under this policy from January 27 to April 27. It has been also decided in the meeting that neither any competent authority would accept any application after April 27 nor any extension in the last date for submission of applications would be granted by the government. Mr. Badal also directed Director State Town and Country Planner to issue advisory for promoters, plot and building holders that they must avail this last opportunity by submitting applications to competent authorities for regularization of their properties in next three months. -------------------- CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB CM BLAMES CONGRESS FOR THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTED BY THE NATION TODAY HOLDS WRONG POLICIES OF CONGRESS RESPONSIBLE FOR SOCIAL MALADIES LIKE UNEMPLOYMENT, DRUG ADDICTION, ILLITERACY AND OTHERS CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE EFFORT TO MAKE INDIA A ‘CONGRESS FREE’ COUNTRY ASSAILS CONGRESS FOR METING OUT STEP MOTHERLY TREATMENT WITH PUNJAB INAUGURATES NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SUB DIVISION CUM TEHSIL COMPLEX OF DHURI SANGAT DARSHAN IN DHURI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Dhuri, January 28- Squarely blaming the Congress party for all the problems confronted by the country today, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the social maladies like unemployment, drug addiction, illiteracy and others were a result of directionless and wrong policies of the successive Congress governments at the centre. Addressing the gatherings during the Sangat Darshan program of the Dhuri assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that Congress party was the root cause of all the troubles faced by the country in present scenario adding that due to the anti-people policies of the Congress India was facing major problems on the social and economic front. Mr. Badal bemoaned that Punjabis had made more than 80% sacrifices for emancipating the country from the yoke of British Imperialism but the successive Congress government at the centre never recognized them. The Chief Minister called for a collective effort to make India a ‘Congress free’ nation by wiping it out from every nook and corner of the country. He said that it was the high time that the Congress party should be taught a lesson for its misdeeds. Reminding the people about the step motherly treatment meted out with the state, Mr. Badal said that due to the anti-Punjab stance of the Congress the peasantry of state was reeling under a whopping debt. “The hard working and resilient farmers of the state who had made country self reliant in food production were facing a severe agrarian crisis due to wrong policies of the Congress” he added. Interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that state government has banned the screening of movie Messenger of God because its release could have led to serious law and order problem in the state. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to main peace and amity, he said that the state government was duty bound to install the hard peace of the state at every cost. On another query, the Chief Minister said that SAD-BJP alliance was everlasting and both the parties were contesting the Delhi assembly polls jointly. Mr. Badal also said that the Sangat Darshan program of Dhuri assembly segment must not be construed as a political move because he had planned it much before the resignation of Congress MLA from this segment. Earlier reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to ensure the all-round development of the state, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Sub Division cum Tehsil Complex of Dhuri. He also asked the Deputy Commissioner to make all out efforts for shifting all the government offices in this complex so that people could be facilitated by providing all the services at a single place. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held Sangat Darshan in Benra, Manawal and Dhura villages besides the wards of Dhuri city to give a fillip to their development. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Babu Parkash Chand Garg, former Minister Mr. Gobind Singh Longowal, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind. - Two PPS Officers Transferred Chandigarh, January 28: The Punjab government has transferred twoPPS officer with immediate effect. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that Mr. Rajeshwer Singh Sidhu has been posted as S.P Phagwara and Mr. Rachpal Singh has been transferred and posted as Superintendet/Central Jail, Faridkot
--- Sukhbir Badal urges Punjabis to differentiate between real facts and wrong perceptions (Calls Punjabis not to let anyone tarnish the image of state) (Envisions Punjab as No.1 state having 4G connectivity, 4/6 lane road network, Power Surplus) Amritsar, January 27: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave a clarion call to Punjabis not to let anyone tarnish the image of the State. "We are number one and will remain number one", he said while urging Punjabis to unite and face and vilification campaign launched by vested interest jointly. Addressing intellectuals, opinion makers and teaching fraternity at the Guru Nanak Dev University here, he urged them to differentiate between real facts and wrong perceptions being spread to defame Punjab and Punjabis. Presenting the real facts regarding Punjab's growth in various sectors in a 1:45 hour long power point presentation which was punctuated by applause at various junctures, Mr. Badal said he had decided to act when industrialists from other States asked him whether they would be able to get workmen as there was a perception that most of the youth were drug addicts. "I thought enough is enough. I must present the true picture to Punjabis and that is why I am standing before you now", he added. Deputy CM said on the issue of drugs, despite record seizure of narcotics by Punjab Police some people were trying to politicise the issue. He said Punjab was only a transit route while the sources of narcotics was across the border. He said Punjab was fighting the nation's war against drugs but instead of appreciating the efforts of Punjab, political rivals were politicising the issue, which was unacceptable. Mr. Badal after starting his presentation went on to demolish various myths about Punjab one by one. Through various slides he informed that far from being ever bankrupt, Punjab had witnessed record development and growth in every area. He said it was a fact that Punjab's governance reforms had been appreciated by the Union government as well as various state governments. 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. The Deputy CM also revealed how the state revenue had grown over the years from Rs 3,072 crore in 2002 - 03 to Rs 16,000 crore in 2013-14. He said Punjab, which was number four nationally as far as its own tax revenue was concerned, had witnessed a 9 per cent increase in revenue performance against the national average of 7.62 per cent. Mr Badal also disclosed that the State's GDP had increased from Rs 82,000 crore to Rs 3.75 lakh crore and that its debt to GDP ratio had also improved to 32.7 per cent against the national average of 68.5 per cent. The Deputy CM also pointed out that Punjab has been discriminated against as far as devolution of taxes was concerned. He said only 1.35 per cent share in central taxes whereas a State like Uttar Pradesh received 19.7 per cent. He said this was happening despite the fact that Punjab was second nationally as far as development index was concerned. He also disclosed that government employees in Punjab were the highest paid in the country. He said this had affected the State's finances but that Punjab had generated revenue to meet the challenge. "I believe in accelerating economy by creating infrastructure to fuel growth", he added. Mr. Badal also announced 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. He said from this year Punjab would become enable to sell power to other states too. Stating that Punjab has highest road density of 133km per 100 sq km, Deputy CM said Punjab would become the first state in the country in coming two years having 4/6 lane road connectivity to all major towns and cities at a cost of Rs. 20000 crore. He said Union Road Transport Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari has announced to initiate these road projects within few months having concrete roads besides 7 ROBs. Mr. Badal said all villages, educational institutes, hospitals, government offices to have 4Gconnectivity by the end of this year. The Deputy CM said that Capital of any state contribute a lot in the financial kitty of the state. Quoting the example of Hyderabad, Mr. Badal said that both Andhra Pradesh and Telengana were at loggerheads to take control of Hyderabad city due to this very factor. He said Chandigarh being a union territory and capital of two states, Punjab suffered here too. Mr. Badal also announced that all Punjab Government offices to be made online under e-district project by the end of this year. He said 2174 Sewa Kendras were being opened in the state to facilitate public with 226 citizen centric services by July this. He said no citizen would have to visit any government office for public services. He said Punjab is the first state to have digital land records and now people from anywhere in the world could check their land records on a single click. He said state has already launched e-stamping and e-registration of property would also be launched by the end of this year. Mr. Badal also informed the gathering that state would have two international airports as SAS Nagar international airport would be operational by June this. He said Punjab would become the first state in the country having two international and three domestic airports. He said to ensure 100 percent cleanliness Punjab would have 8 clusters of solid waste management project under Swach Bharat Abhiyan. To provide Sand and Gravel at reasonable rates, Mr. Badal informed that Punjab government would operate the mines and ensure erratic supply of sand and bajri at no-profit, no loss basis. He said Punjab Mandi Board has been assigned to ensure the proper supply highlighting the rates at selling points. ---- Development of Amritsar a Mission: While presenting the outlay designed to make Holy City one of the most beautiful city in the country, Mr. Badal said he has taken the development of this city as a 'mission'. He said he has initiated monthly review meetings of ongoing development projects of Amritsar. He said that this Holy City would have world class heritage entry gate, which was under construction. He said besides this the façade from Hall Gate to Darbar Sahib would be originally designed according to its historic look at a cost of Rs. 50 crore. He said Golden Temple Plaza to have audio/video world class museum with antique traditional belongings of Sikh history. He said Gobindgarh Fort would also be developed as world class tourist spot and more than 60 percent of its work has been completed. Announcing that Amritsar would witness the operations of Turkish Bus Rapid Transit System by the end of this year, Mr. Badal said the construction of bus stations have been started. He said this would decrease the congestions from the busy areas of the city. Mr. Badal also assured the gathering that by the end of this year the Holy City would witness a drastic changes, transformation and unprecedented facelift. Prominent amongst other who present on the occasion Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha, Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Punjab Governance Reforms Commission, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Vice Chairman Punjab Planning Board, Dr. Ajaib Singh, Vice Chancellor GNDU, Dr. B.S. Dhillon, Vice Chancellor PAU, Dr. Raj Bahadur, Vice Chancellor, Baba Farid University of Medical Sciences. EOM --- CM HOLDS SANGAT DARSHAN IN DHURI SEGMENT BADAL SLAMS POLITICAL OPPORTUNISTS FOR MISLEADING PEOPLE DUE TO THEIR VESTED INTERESTS AND PERSONAL AMBITIONS · ASKS PEOPLE TO CHOOSE THEIR POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES WITH UTMOST CAUTION AND CARE Dhuri, January 27 Making a frontal attack on the political leaders who were befooling people with sole agenda of opportunism and vested interests just to nurture their own ambitions, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appealed the people to beware of their nefarious designs. He impressed upon them to elect the political representatives with utmost caution, wisdom and rationale, who were ever loyal, committed and sincere for the development of their assembly constituencies and welfare of its people. Addressing the general public in different villages during the second leg of Sangat Darshan program in Dhuri Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister cautioned the people not to exercise their franchise just swayed by the emotions without any solid base of reasoning. Such decisions not only retarded the pace of development works but also pushed the entire region in the state of utter backwardness. He reminded the people of this region for taking a similar decision during last Lok Sabha elections which pushed the area by 20 years back. He impressed upon the people to express their solidarity with only those time tested leaders who ensured development and welfare of the people rather electing the opportunists who deserted them mid-way. He however said only those leaders who were committed for the overall development of the region and the prosperity of the people should be elected so that the pace of development could not be hampered. He further said that the people were immensely benefited with the logical decisions but have to pay heavy price for the irrational decisions just taken in the wake of spur of the moment without analyzing the positives and negatives. Highlighting the importance of Sangat Darshan program, Mr. Badal said that this was an effective platform to resolve the issues and grievances of the people through their participation. The Chief Minister urged the farmers to come out from the rut of traditional farming and adopt crop diversification to get far more remunerative prices. He also motivated them to supplement their income by taking up fish farming and dairying. Talking to the media persons at village Katron, the Chief Minister said the state government has chalked out a multi-pronged strategy for the eradication of cancer. All out efforts were being made to ensure the best treatment and diagnostic facilities to the patients inflicted with cancer adding he said cancer care centers with the latest medical equipment and infrastructure have been set up at Ludhiana, Amritsar, Bathinda and Sangrur. He said that the work on the upcoming PGI Satellite Centre at Ghabda (Sangrur) was being executed on war footing and this state-of-the-art Centre would prove to be a boon for the patients in the Malwa belt. Answering another query regarding the supply of drugs in the state, Mr. Badal categorically said that above 80 percent of drugs were being smuggled from Afganistan while sizeable chunk of drugs and Psychotropic substances like opium, poppy husk were peddled from Rajasthan, Kashmir and even Pakistan. He added neither there was any drugs manufacturing factory nor these were produced in the state rather Punjab has made heavy seizures of these drugs. Mr. Badal advocated that the neighboring states should completely ban the sale of these drugs and the International borders should also be sealed. He said Punjab has already waged a battle against the drugs and it would continue till this menace was completely vanished. Asked to comment on the attacks on Punjabi farmers in Gujarat, the Chief Minister said that he has already sought the entire information in this regard and effective steps would be taken only after this. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced that construction of ultra-modern Bus Stand would be started soon. The Chief Minister held Sangat Darshan programs at village Kheru, Daulatput, Mallu Mazra, Bamal, Ghanaur Khurd, Ghanaur Kalan, Katron, Rurgarh, Ispur, Farwahi, Kaleran, Changli and Jahangir and disbursed grants for the various development works. The Chief Minister was accompanied by the MLA Mr. iqbal Singh Jhunda, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind, DIG Patiala Range Mr. Shiv Kumar Verma, SSP Sangrur Mr. Mandeep Singh Sidhu besides senior civil and police officers of district administration were also present during the Sangat Darshan.
-------- PUNJAB FIRST STATE TO HARNESS BIOGAS CNG-MAJITHIA · TO SET UP ONE PILOT PROJECT IN EVERY DISTRICT IN 2015 · SEEKS PROPOSALS FROM INVESTORS TO EXPLOIT GREEN ENERGY PROJECTS Chandigarh, January 27: Punjab is all set to lead the nation to become first state in the country to harness Biogas CNG and has firmed up a plan to set up one pilot plant in each district this year Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, New & Renewable Energy Minister, Punjab, the brain behind this green energy push , giving details of the project said that he has conceived this project to harness Biogas CNG potential of the state by offering to set up such projects in the state on Built, Operate and Own (BOO) basis. The installation of such projects will convert cattle dung/agricultural residue to energy for the production of Bio-gas which is further purified and filled in cylinders as Bio-CNG. He said that continuing with its commitment to make Punjab clean and environmental friendly state three such projects have already been installed having capacity of 600 cubic meter, 1000 cubic meter and 5000 cubic meter biogas per day. These projects are working successfully and have created demonstration effect. He informed that proposals for such projects have been sought from the investors/developers along with documents including DPR and the last date of submission of prescribed application form was fixed 16th February, 2015. Describing Biogas CNG projects as the future of the eco-friendly nation, Mr. Majithia said that the Punjab was moving towards the next level by fixing a target of setting up of at least one Biogas CNG project in every district of the state. Such Projects would not only create business opportunities for the investors but also generate income for the farmers by selling the cattle dung which was used as raw material for generation of energy through Biogas, he added. He said that the most crucial benefit of Biogas CNG project was that it would generate better quality manure by adding immensely towards the environmental protection. By reducing the emissions of gases, these projects will ensure a better health for the people of the nation. Besides this, Biogas CNG projects will act as a boom for the investors as investment will be recovered within four years. The development of such projects will create direct/indirect employment opportunities in rural area thus, helps in eradicating the unemployment in the state and generating new business opportunities for investors which will turn into a profitable venture. “When waste is utilized in optimized way, cleanliness is spread thus, adding impact towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by providing Clean Gas, Green Gas to the nation”, said Majithia. The success of Biogas CNG projects has been possible due to facilitation provided by PEDA and the financial assistance in the form of capital subsidy. For example, the estimated cost of installing a project of capacity 1000 cubic meter is 1.70 Crores which shall be eligible for 10 percent subsidy of 16.66 lacs. ------ PUNJAB NOMINATES CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF MARKET COMMITTEE MOGA Chandigarh, January 27: The Punjab Government has nominated the Chairman, Vice Chairman and seventeen members of market committee Moga district. According to Agriculture Minister, Punjab Jathedar Tota Singh Mr. Tarsem Singh Ratia as Chairman and Mr. Nihal Singh has been nominated as vice chairman of the said committee. The Minister further said that the members of the said committee included Mr. Ravdip Singh Sangha,Angrej Singh Samra, Rupinder Singh, Angrej Singh, Jinder Singh, Nirmal Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Hudait Mohammad, Veerpal Kaur, Tarsem Singh Ratia, Nihal Singh, Naresh Goyal, Baljinder Singh Gill, Harbans Singh, Charanjit Singh, Baldev Singh, besides the concerned BDPO (Govt. representative) have been nominated the members of the committee. - RANIKE CALLS UPON FARMERS TO OPT FOR DAIRY UNITS - INTERVIEW OF DAIRY TRAINING COURSE ON JANUARY 30 Chandigarh, January 27: Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, Fish Farming and Dairy Development Minister called upon farmers to opt for commercial dairy units to supplement their income. In a Press communiqué, Mr. Ranike said that in the present economic scenario where farming was fast becoming unviable economic venture, it was imperative for farmers to go for diversification in dairy sector to sustain themselves. He said that dairy development department has designed a six week Dairy Entrepreneurship Training course for farmers to impart modern training in Dairy sector. He said that the interview would be conducted for training course on January 30, 2015 at all the concerned centres by Dairy Development Board. The course commencing on February 9, 2015. Divulging the details, Mr. Inderjit Singh, Director Dairy Development said that the centres where training would be provided, namely Dairy Training and Extension Center Bija (Ludhiana), Chattamli (Ropar), Verka (Amritsar), Gill (Moga), Sardulgarh (Mansa) and Abul Khurana (Sri Mukatsar Sahib) would impart training to the selected candidates. He said that farmers can get the scientific and modern training at these six centres. “Besides, giving information on different techniques of dairy farm management, the candidates would be imparted training in artificial insemination, pregnancy diagnosis and milk handling etc” he said. Interested candidates can contact at District offices or concerned Dairy Training and Extension Centres for further information and detail. --- District Public Relations Office, S.A.S Nagar Cm unfurls National Tri-Color on 66th Republic Day BADAL FOR WAGING A DECISIVE BATTLE AGAINST SOCIAL EVILS · ASKS ALL POLITICAL PARTIES, NGOs AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS TO JOIN CRUSADE AGAINST DRUG MENACE · BATS FOR TRUE FEDERAL STRUCTURE ON THIS HISTORIC DAY · RECALLS ENORMOUS CONTRIBUTION OF PUNJABIS IN SAFEGUARDING THE BORDERS AND MAKING OUR COUNTRY SELF-RELIANT IN FOOD PRODUCTION · VISITS MAI BHAGO PREPARATORY INSTITUTE FOR ARMED FORCES AND MERITORIOUS SCHOOL SAS NAGAR , JANUARY 26 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today appealed all the political parties, NGOs, voluntary and social organizations to launch a crusade against the social evils especially the drug menace thereby rising above the petty considerations of party affiliations and trivial interests to emerge Punjab as the leading state in the country. Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national tri-color on the 66th Republic Day here at State Level function in Government College, the Chief Minister said that the decisive battle against these social maladies such as drug addiction, female foeticide, environmental pollution, unemployment, illiteracy and economic disparity should be fought till its logical end. Pleading for a true federal structure, the Chief Minister asked the countrymen to make a firm resolve on this historic day to make our country secular, republic, democratic and federal to the core so that we could cherish the aspirations of our founding fathers of Indian Constitution. Appreciating the vision of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister mentioned that for the first time a sincere attempt has been made to demonstrate 'Inclusive Development' in true spirit by eliciting the views of Chief Ministers of all the states in formulating the policies and programs in a wide spectrum by scrapping the earlier Planning Commission of India (PCI) and now replacing the same with National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog where the Chief Ministers would have far more effective representation and say in projecting the problems and issues related to their respective states and viz-a-viz their resolution to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders. Recalling the enormous contribution of Punjabis’ in the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister cited that above 80% people who were either martyred, exiled or imprisoned for life term belonged to Punjab adding he said our brave Punjabi soldiers have always safeguarded the integrity of country from the external aggression and internal disturbances besides the hard working and resilient Punjabi farmers made the country self-reliant in food production despite having just 2.5% of country’s total area. The Chief Minister said that Punjabis were all the more proud for this sacred land from where the pivotal movements of freedom struggle like Kuka, Pagri Sambhal, Ghadar, Gurdwara Reform, Babbar Akali and others were spearheaded. On the occasion, the Chief Minister took salute from an impressive parade comprising the contingents of PAP, Police Band, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides led by DSPs Mr. Akashdeep Singh and Mrs. Rupinder Kaur Rama. The Chief Minister also gave away tricycles to the physically challenged and sewing machines to the poor and needy women. A colorful variety program by the school children besides a mass PT show by the tiny tots regaled the audience. A series of Tableaux depicting the overall development of the state especially the district administration was also the star of attraction. On the occasion, the Chief Minister honored 16 eminent personalities in recognition with their outstanding contribution in the different fields by the Punjab Government and District Administration.Mr. Badal also honored the freedom fighters and their next of kin on the occasion. He also conferred ‘Mukh Mantri Rakhshak Padaks’ on the seven police personnel towards their outstanding dedication for duty. The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Member Parliament Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, his Advisor on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary to CM Mr. SK Sandhu, DGP Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini, Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. S Karuna Raju, IGP Mr. Parmjit Singh Gill, Deputy Commissioner Mr. TPS Sidhu and SSP Mr. GS Bhullar. Later, the Chief Minister also visited the upcoming Mai Bhago Preparatory Armed Forces Institute for Girls at Mohali and reviewed its progress with the senior officers of the district administration. He also visited the Meritorious School here at Sector 70 to monitor the pace of development and also interacted with the students. ------------------------- Anti-Punjab forces trying to defame Punjabis by dubbing as drug addicts-Sukhbir Badal
· Says Punjab not a den of drugs · Calls parents and public to become active participants in war against drugs · Urges Center to sanction a special package for revamping of Rajbahas’ · Punjab to be first state having 4G connectivity · Hoists tricolor in Guru Gobind Singh Stadium Jalandhar Jalandhar, January 26: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today slammed anti-Punjab forces for deliberately dubbing Punjab and Punjabis as drug addicts just to gain political mileage. He said Punjab is not a den of drugs and the state was fighting nation’s war against drugs, which would be taken to its logical end soon. After hoisting tricolour here in Guru Gobind Singh Stadium to mark 66th Republic Day, Mr. Badal said some forces were out to play politics on the issue of drugs by resorting to false propaganda for their selfish political interests. He said this was harming the hard-earned image of brave Punjab and Punjabis. The real facts reflect the sincerity and seriousness of Punjab government. He said we all should proud to be Punjabis and also gave clarion call to parents, social, religious organizations and common masses to join hands with Punjab government which has waged war against drugs. He said with the active participation of Punjabis this war would become a social movement. Congratulating the people of Punjab as the state has become a power surplus, Mr. Badal said the dream envisioned by SAD-BJP government in 2007 has been converted into reality. He said Punjab is also going to become the first state in the country having 4G- connectivity in urban as well as rural areas of Punjab. He said by December this 4G connectivity would become operational at a cost of Rs. 3000 crore. Mr. Badal informed that all the major cities would be connected with 4/6 lane road network in coming two years. He said Center has approved road projects worth Rs. 18000 crore, which has been announced recently by Union Road Transport and Shipping Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari during his visit to Punjab. He said all these projects would witness physical work in full swing in coming months. He said Punjab was also taking giant leap in air connectivity since the SAS Nagar international airport is all set to become fully operational by June with international flights. Exhorting parents to encourage their wards to take up sports, Mr. Badal, who is also Sports Minister, said the government has fixed a target for maximum participation of Punjabi sports persons in Indian squad for Rio Olympic in 2016. He said Punjab Institute of Sports has been setup at SAS Nagar to realize the dream of Punjab government, where budding sports stars would be provided world class training, infrastructure, diet and other facilities. Reiterating resolve of state to revamp irrigation system especially Rajbahas’ to facilitate farmers, Mr. Badal said Punjab has submitted a detailed plan to Union government in this regard. He said Punjab has sought a ‘Special Package’ for this purpose and assured that irrigation channels of Punjab would witness massive transformation in next two years. Announcing that all offices at district level and headquarters would be computerized and interlinked with fiber network, Mr. Badal said within next 6 months these operations would be completed. He said Punjab was being launched Sewa Kendra project under which 3500 kendras would be opened in rural and urban areas out of which 2104 have already been sanctioned by Punjab cabinet. He said each ward in urban area would have Sewa Kendra while in villages there would be a Sewa Kendra after three villages to provide 249-citizen centric services under one roof. Lauding the role of Punjabis in various movement of Nation, Mr. Badal said Punjabis have maximum contribution in all struggles including independence. He said we are enjoying the fruits of liberty due to peerless contribution of Punjabis in all movements. Mr. Badal also honoured two freedom fighters namely Mr. Jawahar Lal and Mr. Dev Brat Sharma. The Deputy CM also distributed sewing machines and tricycles to needy women and physically challenged. He took a salute from various contingents including BSF, PAP, Punjab Police, Home Guards, NCC led by Parade commander DSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh. Mr. Badal also announced Rs. 2 lakh grant for Deaf and Dumb School of Red Cross Society. He also announced holiday in Jalandhar Schools on January 27. He also honoured 22 personalities for their distinguished services in various fields. Prominent amongst those attended the function Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Manoranjan Kalia, both former Ministers, MLA Mr. Pargat Singh, Mr. R.S. Attri, District and Sessions Judge, Mayor Sunil Jyoti and senior civil and police officers. ----------------
DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, TARN TARAN -- LALKAR RALLY WOULD SERVE NO PURPOSE EXCEPT POLITICIZING GRAVE ISSUE OF DRUGS- CM RATHER THAN POLITICIZING THE DRUGS ISSUE ALL THE POLITICAL PARTIES, NGOS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC MUST JOIN HANDS TO ELIMINATE THIS MENACE FROM THE STATE SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WOULD SWEEP UPCOMING DELHI POLLS KIRAN BEDI HAS PROVED HER METTLE IN EVERY FIELD LOVE AND SUPPORT OF PUNJABIS WAS THE BIGGEST AWARD FOR HIM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE HARD EARNED PEACE OF THE STATE LAUNCH IDIPIA PORTAL IN LUDHIANA Ludhiana, January 24, 2015 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that rather than politicizing the drugs issue in the state by organizing political rallies all the political parties, NGOs and the general public must join hands to eliminate this menace from the state. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of inauguration IDIPIA.com- an educational web portal here at Government College for Women, the Chief Minister said that Lalkar Rally held by the Congress on the issue of drugs would serve no purpose as it was just the politicization of this grave issue. He said that it was the high time that all the political parties, NGOs, general public should support the state government for eradicating the curse of drugs from the state. Mr. Badal said that instead of political motive such rallies were of no use as it would not help the state in any manner. When asked to comment on the prospects of the SAD-BJP alliance in the upcoming Delhi polls, the Chief Minister said that the alliance would sweep these polls as there was a strong undercurrent in its favor. He said that the candidates of the alliance were get overwhelming response from the wise voters of Delhi who were keen to elect the alliance government for ushering in an era of all-round development. Mr. Badal further said that he would soon visit Delhi for campaign in the favor of the alliance candidates. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that issue of nominating any person as its Chief Ministerial candidate was the sole prerogative of any political party. However, he said that Mrs. Kiran Bedi had already proved her mettle in every field be it be Police service or social welfare. “Mrs. Bedi has a proven track record of a committed Police Officer, an able administrator, a true philanthropist and above all a great humanitarian” added Mr. Badal. On a query regarding the media reports pertaining to decision of Union government to honor him with Padma award, the Chief Minister said that the unstinted love and support bestowed upon him by the people of the state was the biggest award for him. Mr. Badal said that due to the love and affection of the people of Punjab he has been elected as the Chief Minister of the state for record fifth term besides being the Union Minister for Agriculture for once adding that this award of people was bigger than any other award. The Chief Minister further said that the state government was committed to maintain proper law and order situation in the state. He said that few incidents of violence or law and order problem were happening in almost every part of the globe and they must not be construed as a major problem. Mr. Badal said that the state government was committed for preserving the hard earned peace of the state at any cost. Earlier addressing the gathering after launching IDIPIA portal, the Chief Minister termed it as a revolutionary step aimed at transforming the entire education system of the state. He said that this portal would enable the students to choose better career opportunities after matriculation thereby acting as a lighthouse for them. Mr. Badal also asked the developer of IDIPIA portal Dr. Harpreet Singh Dua to adopt the meritorious schools of the state government for guiding the students to select the course of their choice after matriculation exam. Exhorting the corporate sector to play a proactive role in the development of education and health sector in the state, the Chief Minister said that they must contribute for further developing both these core sectors of immense significance. He said that the industrialists must come forward generously to uplift the standard of both these sectors in the larger public interest. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Vice Chairman of state Planning Commission Prof. Rajinder Bhandari, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S Karunaraju, Vice Chancellor of Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar University Lucknow Prof. RC Sobti, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University Mr. Ashok Mittal and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat Aggarwal. - CM EXHORTS PEOPLE TO ELECT TRUE PUBLIC SERVANTS RATHER THAN ‘ENTERTAINERS’ FOR ENSURING PROGRESS OF THE STATE CALLS UPON PEOPLE TO NOT GET SWAYED AWAY BY HOLLOW SLOGANS ASSAILS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR MISLEADING THE WEAKER SECTIONS OF SOCIETY SANGAT DARSHAN IN DHURI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Mirheri (Sangrur), January 24- Exhorting the people to not get swayed away by the hollow slogans of the opposition parties, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that they must elect only true public servants rather than ‘entertainers’ for ensuring better progress of state and prosperity of its people. Addressing the gathering during the second day of Sangat Darshan program in Dhuri assembly segment, the Chief Minister slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for misleading the people by showing them green pastures. He said that it was a well known fact that the elected MPs of AAP have miserably failed to deliver anything to the people. Mr. Badal said that anyone could entertain the people by catchy slogans but only the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was committed to serve the people and safeguard the interests of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat. Assailing the Congress party for misleading the poor and downtrodden sections of the society in order to fulfill its vested political interests, the Chief Minister said that instead of formulating the policies for the development of the weaker sections of society the Congress, which has ruled the country for several decades, has always deceived them by depriving their legitimate rights. He said that it was the age-long policy of the Congress to deny basic facilities to weaker sections of the society and hoodwinked them through false slogans. Mr Badal said that the net result of all these anti-poor policies of the Congress party was that this strata of society was today confronting a number of problems. However, the Chief Minister said that whenever the people of Punjab have bestowed upon the responsibility of serving the state to them, the SAD-BJP alliance government has accorded top priority to ensure the welfare of weaker sections of the society. He said that the pro-poor schemes like Shagun, Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya Scheme and others have been launched by his government, for safeguarding the interests of the poorest of poor in the society. Mr. Badal further said that his government would continue to make endeavors for safeguarding the interests of these underprivileged sections of the society, who have played a key role in the overall development of the country in general and Punjab in particular. The Chief Minister further said that state Congress leaders were unnecessarily creating a hue and cry over the Sangat Darshans in the state. He said that 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, which normally hindered the process of progress. 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. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held Sangat Darshan in village Mirkheri, Harchandpur, Daula, Baraajwal, Dhandra and Bangawali to give a fillip to the development of these villages. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, MLA Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, former Ministers Mr. Gobind Singh Longowal and Mr. Rajinder Singh Kanjla, his Special Principal Secretary Dr. S Karunaraju and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind. ------- Education Department puts a stop to teachers going unnecessarily on duty Orders maintaining Movement Register for important works Chandigarh, January 24: The Education Department, Government of Punjab, has ordered the maintaining of ‘Movement Register’ in order to put a stop to the practice of teachers going unnecessarily on duty and ensure their presence in schools. Disclosing this, DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh Dhol said that regular checks are being conducted in the schools as per the instructions of Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema. He divulged that during the checking of schools it was found that while teachers were ‘on duty’, there was no record about this in the schools and most of the time details were mentioned in the interim register which was tempered with later on. He further said that this matter was brought to the notice of Dr. Cheema and Principal Secretary Mr. C. Roul as a consequence of which the department has instructed all the schools, District Education Offices to keep movement register in every school and office whose number of pages will be attested by concerned D.E.O. The number of pages will be checked by the attesting official before start maintaining the register. Giving more information, Mr. Dhol 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. In case of a Headmaster or a Principal proceeding on important work, permission will have to be taken on phone from concerned D.E.O. Similarly, the Head Teachers or C.H.T. and teachers of primary schools shall have to take permission from concerned B.P.E.O. He also informed that 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. --- Sukhbir Badal directs DCs to establish e-sewa kendra in stipulated time (Construction of 1500 e-sewa kendras were in full swing) (2174 sewa kendras to be made operational by July 2015) Chandigarh January 23 - The life of Punjabis all set to become more comfortable with setting up of network of new 2174 e-Sewa Kendras in rural as well as urban areas by July 2015 as they could avail all 249 citizen centric services at their doorsteps. Disclosing this, a spokesman of Punjab Government said construction work on more than 1500 e-sewa kendras in villages and municipal wards in urban areas were in full swing. Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds Governance Reforms portfolio, has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to identify plots for construction of remaining new kiosks at the earliest and send consolidated monthly progress reports to governance reforms department. He said Punjab State e-Governance Society have been entrusted to accomplish and administer this prestigious project in the state. After implementation of this service delivery mechanism across the state as envisioned by the Deputy CM, Punjab will be the first state in the country to provide all government to citizen (G2C) centric services online. "This online provisioning of citizen centric services would certainly minimize public contacts with various offices, eliminate corruption, and enhance efficiency of administration and delivery of services", he said. It is mentionable that Punjab leads in the country having status of e-Sarkar in implementing e-governance initiatives to provide government to government (G2G) interaction online. Under G2G project state had already implemented Integrated Workflow and Document Management System (IWDMS) and Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) in its all offices at state headquarters. Giving details of proposed 2174 e-sewa kendras to be set up in rural as well as urban areas, the spokesman informed that 1750 centres would be established in rural areas and 424 in urban areas to provide 249 public services effectively and efficiently. Sewa Kendras in rural areas would cater to cluster of three-four villages. "This system will provide citizen centric services connected with various departments in an integrated manner across the counter under one roof", he informed. He further said e-sewa kendras besides collecting water and electricity bills would provide single window service for all citizen services including birth and death certificates, application of new power/water/sewerage connections, payment of property tax, request for various forms, license for Rickshaw, Rehri, Mule cart, slaughter house, Atta Chakki, Issuance of NoC for commercial power, sanction of building plans, issuance of public certificates, issuance of NOC for fire safety, sweeping and lifting of garbage, request for spray and fogging, penalty for stray cattle etc. EOM ------------------- Slew of measures approved for workers welfare To get 2 lakh as assistance in case of total disability Chandigarh, January 23: A series of meetings were held under the aegis of the Labour Minister, Punjab, Bhagat Chunni Lal in which a number of issues concerning Punjab Labour Welfare Board and Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board were taken up and approved after thoughtful deliberations. According to a Government spokesperson, awarding of tenders in newspapers for the computerization of the work of Punjab Labour Welfare Board was approved. Also okayed was a proposal to educate people about the welfare schemes of the board. In another measure sure to benefit the registered workers’ children, a sum of Rs. 5000 annually was approved for classes 9th till 12th, 15000 for graduation and post-graduation, 15000 also for ITI/Polytechnics/Other technical studies and 30000 for engineering/medical courses. Further elaborating, the spokesperson said that approval was given to give a registered beneficiary worker will get Rs. 21000 per annum for daughter’s marriage and if the beneficiary is female worker herself then she will get the assistance. In case of a beneficiary worker having total disability, he/she will be eligible for Rs. 2 lakh assistance and same amount per person in family and per disease for the treatment of hazardous diseases. This was also brought before all present that PUDA had given a green signal to the modern welfare centre to be constructed in Mohali by the Punjab Police Housing Corporation and tender has been awarded. After this, another meeting was held concerning Punjab Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. In this meeting, the issue of giving bicycles to the children, studying from 9th till 12th standard, of registered workers was deliberated and it was decided to form a 3 member committee which will visit the plants of HERO and ATLAS companies and submit a final report after consultation with the heads of these. According to the spokesperson, during the meeting the matter of starting 'Punjab Sarv Sehat Bima Yojna' (PSSBY) in a proper way was debated upon between the officials of Labour Department and Punjab Health Systems Corporation. Also, Technical Education and Industrial Training Department made a presentation regarding upgrading the skills of registered construction workers and providing vocational education to their children. For this purpose Bhaskar Foundation New Delhi, Sushil Bahuudeshi Shiksha Sanstha Nagpur, ILFS New Delhi, Labour net Bangaluru and G & G Skills Developers Panchkula will make the efforts to train the workers at Mohali, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ropar, Amritsar and Bathinda. Divulging more information, the spokesperson said that for the purpose of constructing labour sheds and night shelters, 14 sites have been allotted to Punjab Police Housing Corporation, 10 to Local Bodies and 2 to Public Works Department. During the meeting it was brought to the fore that LIC in its modified parameters has asked another sum of Rs. 125.75 crore to be deposited in the pension fund whereas a sum of Rs. 75 crore has already been deposited in the fund earlier. So, it was decided to deposit Rs.35 crore for the time being. This will benefit 25000 workers and total 110000 workers will be issued pension membership certificates. It was also agreed in principle to allow the registered workers the facility of getting their houses repaired once every 3 years but since the matter has been sent to the Government for its nod, implementation will be as per the decision. The spokesperson also said that tilldate 41271 registered workers have been given a total of Rs. 2345.51 Lakh under different welfare schemes. During the meetings, Labour Commissioner Mr. Harbhupinder Singh Nanda, Assistant Labour Commissioner Mr. Harish Nayyar and Secretary, Technical Education and Industrial Training Department, Mr. R.K. Verma were also present. ----------- CM SLAMS CONGRESS LEADERSHIP FOR THRUSTING ANOTHER BY-ELECTION ON THE STATE Samundgarh (Sangrur), January 23- Assailing the Congress leadership for thrusting another Addressing the public gathering during the Sangat Darshan Training his guns against the Congress leadership for ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED Chandigarh, January 23: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind
CM GIVES WARM SEND OFF TO PATIL OUTGOING GOVERNOR RECALLS HIS CHERISHED MEMORIES DURING HIS STINT Chandigarh, January 22- The outgoing Punjab Governor Mr. Shivraj V Patil today said that he would ever remain indebted to Punjab and its people for the support, cooperation, love and affection showered upon him during his stint as the constitutional head of the state. In his farewell address while demitting the gubernatorial office after the completion of his term, the former Governor recalled the unstinted cooperation extended to him by the people, officers, Ministers and leaders of the various political parties and above all the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal. In an emotionally surcharged speech Mr. Patil said that he was overwhelmed by the several pleasant memories while discharging his duties as the Governor of Punjab and administrator of the Union territory of Chandigarh, which would ever remain his treasure. Mr. Patil said that his formidable strength was the smooth cooperation and support given by the people while rendering services to this coveted office efficaciously to the satisfaction of general public. The former Governor said that this approach also helped him to take decisions absolutely in a free, impartial and unbiased manner probably, which was the hallmark of the administration of any constitutional office. Striking a nostalgic note the outgoing Governor said, “My mind is filled with countless memories which I am unable to express in words but these will ever remain afresh on my mind and act as a source of inspiration for me”. Earlier the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal felicitated Mr. Patil on the occasion and wished him a pleasant, prosperous and healthy life ahead. Later, the outgoing Governor accompanied by Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini took a salute from the contingent of Punjab Police band. Prominent amongst other who were present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Babu Parkash Chand Garg, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretaries Mr. Suresh Kumar and Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. Apart from this senior functionaries of civil and Police administration of Punjab and Chandigarh also attended the farewell function. - DEPUTY CM ORDERS TRANSFER OF KAPURTHALA SSP Chandigarh, January 22: Taking a serious view of the security lapses leading to the killing of a person (Sukha Kahlwan) while in police custody, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dy. Chief Minister, Punjab has ordered the transfer of Smt. Dhanpreet Kaur, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala and Sh. Gursewak Singh, Superintendent of Police, Phagwara with immediate effect. Sh. Ashish Chaudhary, IPS has been posted as the new Senior Superintendent of Police, Kapurthala and Sh. Rajeshwar Singh Sidhu has been posted as the Superintendent of Police, Phagwara. Sh. Paramjit Singh Gill, the Inspector General of Police, Zone-I, Patiala examined the lapses on the part of police party escorting Sukha Kahlwan, as it had failed to resist the assailants. 02 ASIs who were incharge of the police escort party have been dismissed from service and 04 police officials who were members of the police party have been suspended and departmental enquiry for major penalty of dismissal has been instituted against them. The Inspector General of Police, Zone-II, Jalandhar is personally supervising the investigation of the case. He is being assisted by the Commissioner of Police, Jalandhar. The main assailants have been identified and police parties dispatched to nab them. Initial investigation shows it to be a case of an attack on Sukha Kahlwan (deceased) by members of a rival gang. The main assailants have old police record and had absconded while out on bail/parole. Further investigations are in progress. - Gadkari announces Rs. 18000 crore road projects for Punjab ü Satluj and Beas rivers included in the water highways by the union government ü Sukhbir Badal terms it as a historic day & says Punjab to be the first state having all major cities connected with 4-6 lanes in 2 years ü Lays the foundation stone of 7 road projects worth Rs. 3342 crore ü Rs. 900 crore to be spent on revamping of “Rajbahas”
Bathinda/Chandigarh, January 22- Punjab today took a giant leap towards development when Union Minister of Road, Transport and Shipping Mr. Nitin Gadkari along with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal announced to initiate 800 KM road projects worth Rs. 18000 crore which would make Punjab the first state in the country to have connectivity of all major cities with 4-6 lane roads in next two years. Besides this, in a unique step to launch water transportation at par with the European countries, he also declared to include Satluj and Beas rivers in the proposed water highways project along with 99 other rives of the country. On the request of Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Gadkari also sanctioned 5 ROBs at various places in Malwa region. Despite the inclement weather due to heavy rain in Malwa region lakhs of people attended the foundation laying ceremony of seven projects of four laning of national highway from Bathinda to Chandigarh with the cost of Rs. 3342 crore to connect the Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, Mr. Gadkari said that 4 laning of Amritsar-Bathinda highway costing Rs. 3800 crore, Jalandhar to Moga at a cost of Rs. 1500 crore, Moga-Barnala with Rs. 500 crore, Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur upto Himachal Pradesh Border with Rs. 1000 crore, Chandigarh-Ludhiana with Rs. 2000 crore, Kurali-Kharar with Rs. 300 crore, Rupnagar-Phawara with Rs. 1000 crore, Ladowal bypass with Rs. 315 crore, Amritsar-Attari with Rs. 250 crore and Samrala–Ludhiana with Rs. 1000 crore. All these projects would be initiated by December 2015. Putting the stamp on the Development agenda of Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Mr. Gadkari said that “to do anything we need only political will power and I am quite impressed with the vision of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal”. He said roads bring prosperity and NDA Government has given it top priority. He said that Shiromanai Akali Dal was the oldest ally of BJP and he has approved all the projects demanded by the Punjab Government. On the request of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal to sanction ROBs at 5 major places at Kotkapura-Faridkot, Faridkot-Mudki, Dabwali-Bajakhana-Barnala, Amritsar-TaranTaran, Mr. Gadkari has sanctioned these projects on the spot. Taking about the potential in Punjab for the development of Water Highways for transportation like foreign countries, Mr, Gadkai said that Satluj and Beas rives of Punjab have been included in the list to be declared as water highways along with the 99 more highways across the nation. He said that these water roads would be approved in the next parliament session. Calling it a historic day for Punjab Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that things has been changed for Punjab after the formation of NDA Government as during last 5 year UPA Government has not given single project to the Punjab. He said that “during the meeting with the Union Minister three months ago he has asked for all these projects and in this short span of time all kind of clearances has been given by the NDA Government. He also announced that on “Vaisakhi” many other projects would also be started by Mr. Gadkari. Thanking the gathering Mr. Badal said that “you have again proved that Punjabis want development which was the core agenda of SAD-BJP Government”. He said that at one hand in heavy rain people have gathered in lakhs but on second hand congress has postponed his rally by making rain as excuse. Mr. Badal has also announced a project of Rs. 900 crore for the total revamping of “Rajbahas” in Bathinda, Mansa and Barnala districts, which would be completed in next one year. Earlier Mr. Gadkari and Mr. Badal has laid the foundation stone of 7 major road projects with the cost of Rs. 3342 crore comprises 4 laning of 7 major life line roads of Punjab that are also connecting the state with Haryana and Rajasthan. It mainly includes Sangrur to Dogal Kalan 29 km long road worth Rs 546.43 crore to be completed in 18 months, Dogal kalan to Punjab and Haryana border 27 km long road worth Rs 605.35 crore to be completed in 24 months. Besides these roads construction of Sangrur bypass to Dhanaula by pass 13.18 km stretch worth Rs. 319.80 crore would be completed in 18 months. To facilitate the commuters travelling to Chandigarh from Malwa region 19.28 km long Patiala by-pass would be constructed at the cost of Rs 279.68 km in 18 months. The 4 laning of 41.44Km long Patiala- Sangrur road would be completed in 18 months with the cost of Rs 486.75 crore. In continuation of the above said project of Sangrur- Tapa project would be also be constructed in 18 months with the cost of 483.38 crore having total length of 46.04 km. Besides this 41.35 km Tapa-Bathinda road would be completed in 24 months by spending Rs 620.28 crore. These all major projects also include 15 flyovers and service roads would be constructed along with these roads. Addressing the audience Union Minister for state Mr. Vijay Sampla said SAD-BJP has strong ties and union government would provide all help to the Punjab government. MP Rajya Sabha Balwinder Singh Bhunder, PWD Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Rural Development Minister Sikandar Singh Maluka and state BJP president Kamal Sharma also addressed the gathering. Prominent amongst present included Dyal Singh Koreanwali, CPS Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Talwandi Sabo Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu and Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg.
PUNJAB RIGHT TO SERVICE COMMISSION TO HOLD LOK ADALATS IN FOUR DISTRICTS Chandigarh, January 22. Punjab Right to service commission has planned to hold Lok Adalats at Bathinda, Ludhiana, Muktsar and Jalandhar in the state. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Commission said that the Lok Adalat at Ludhiana would be held on January 30 where as the Lok Adalat in Bathinda has been scheduled for February 5. He also said that earlier such Lok Adalat was held at Mansa in November 2014 where 337 cases pertaining to “demarcation of land” were resolved. Again in December 2014, a Lok Adalat under the Chairmanship of Chief Commissioner was held at Nawanshehar district headquarters where 506 cases pertaining to the notified service “Certified copies of Birth/Death Certificates” were resolved. He further said that as many as 1, 58, 30,816 applicants in Punjab have availed the notified services during the period April to December,2014 which includes 20,64,828 applicants during the Month of December, 2014 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, 8944 such cases have been disposed of up to December, 2014. Apart from this, suo-moto action was initiated in 174 individual cases up to December, 2014. 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. No-PR-15/79 ----------- HEALTH DEPARTMENT GEARS UP TO TACKLE SWINE FLU OUTBREAK Ø DIRECTIONS ISSUED AFTER SWINE FLU DEATH IN AMRITSAR Ø JAYANI DIRECTS HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SET UP SCREENING AND ISOLATION CENTRES IN ALL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS Ø ASKS TO ENSURE ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AMBULANCES Ø GUIDELINES ISSUED FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ON H1N1 Chandigarh, January 22: The Punjab government has geared up health machinery to prevent its further spread of Swine Flue by taking precautionary measures following detection of one swine flu case in Amritsar where a 55 year old woman died the other day. Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani in an emergent meeting of the health officers here today said that all the government hospitals have been directed to set up separate screening area to screen outdoor patients andalso set up well equipped isolation wards to admit those requiring indoor treatment. The state government had already sent guidelines to medical colleges and hospitals and district medical officers regarding the swine flu and instructed to remain prepared. Accordingly all the health care institutions in the state are prepared to handle any such incident and they have been provided with ample swine flu medicines and masks, said the minister. Mr. Jayani also said that although there was one positive case of H1N1 influenza that died due to swine flu, there were 11 suspected cases of swine flu in Punjab who were being investigated further. The mock exercises generating awareness amongst public have also been conducted in the state, he said. The Minister further said that all identified hospitalshave been directed to be ready with advanced life support ambulance. The ambulance staff should follow standard precautions while handling the patient and airborne precautions if aerosol generating procedures are done.Triple layer surgical masks should be available and wornduring transport As far as possible the movements should be restricted. He has also asked the authorities to disinfect the ambulance after shifting patient. The Minister said that detailed guidelines have also been sent to all the educational institutions in Punjab under which the heads of the institutions have been asked to monitor the health status of such students/staff that might have come in contact with a suspected case of Influenza H1N1 to see whether they develop flu like symptoms. In case they do so, they should be allowed to stay home, says the guidelines. The hostel mess contractors have also been directed to ensure that the care providers wear face mask and wash hands regularly. It might not be advisable to send the boarders back to home, as it would spread infection further, as per the latest guidelines. According to a medical specialist, Swine flu is an air-borne infection which usually shows up in the winter season, but may afflict people at other times too. Travelers should be cautious. If a patient has the infection for a week, then his lungs become very stiff and it may even lead to multi-organ failure, said a medical practitioner. ----------------
(Funds to be utilized for welfare schemes, de-addiction & maintenance of culture & heritage)
Chandigarh January 22 - With a view to utilize the revenue collected from sale of liquor in the state, the Punjab Government has constituted Punjab Development Fund Board under the chairmanship of Excise and Taxation Minister. The Board would utilize dedicated funds for the purpose of different welfare schemes, creation of community assets of durable nature, de-addiction and maintenance and development of culture & heritage in the state. Disclosing this spokesman of the Punjab Government said that the state Excise & Taxation Department collects substantial revenue from the sale of liquor to utilize this revenue for the purpose of some social welfare schemes. He also said under the excise policy out of fee received from the sale of applications for allotment of liquor vends, 25% amount would be dedicated to this fund. As per the notification issued by the state government, Excise and Taxation Minister would be the Chairman of the board. Chief Parliamentary Secretary excise and taxation, Chief Secretary, Financial Commissioner Taxation, Principal Secretary Finance and excise and taxation commissioner would be its members. --------------------- PROF. KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI SWORN IN AS 34TH GOVERNOR OF PUNJAB
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 22: Prof. Kaptan Singh Solani, Governor of Haryana today sworn in as Governor of Punjab in addition to his own duties. The Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Mr. Chief Justice Shiavax Jal Vazifdar, administered the oath of office to Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki at Punjab Raj Bhavan. Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki took the oath in Hindi. He signed the oath form that was counter signed by the Chief Justice. Later, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki signed separate charge reports, both as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory, Chandigarh. Earlier, the Governor designate arrived at the special pandal of Punjab Raj Bhavan in a ceremonial procession. He was accompanied by the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Chief Secretary of Punjab, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal after seeking permission to start the ceremony, read out the warrants of appointment of Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki as the Governor of Punjab. Later, the ceremony was declared closed by the Chief Secretary. After the ceremony, the Governor in a procession proceeded towards the saluting base. The Governor ascended the Saluting Base and took the Salute from the full contingent of PAP. The Punjab Police Band played the National Anthem. Later, the Governor inspected the Guard of Honour. Immediately after the swearing in ceremony, the Governor was congratulated by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, Member Parliament Kiron Kher, Judges from Punjab and Haryana High Court, Adviser to the Administrator Mr. Vijay Kumar Dev and other dignitaries from Punjab and Haryana were also present in the function. --------------- GOVERNOR OF PUNJAB
1. G.M. TRIVEDI 15.08.47-10.03.53 2. C.P.N. SINGH 11.03.53-14.09.58 3. N.V. GADGIL 15.09.58-30.09.62 4. PATTOM A THANU PILLAI 01.10.62-03.05.64 5. HAFIZ MOHD. IBRAHIM 04.05.64-31.08.65 6. UJJAL SINGH 01.09.65-26.06.66 7. DHARAM VIR 27.06.66-31.05.67 8. MEHAR SINGH 01.06.67-15.10.67 9. D.C. PAVATE 16.10.67-20.05.73 10.M.M. CHAUDHURY 21.05.73-31.08.77 11.R.S. NARULA 01.09.77-23.09.77 12.JAISUKH LAL HATHI 24.09.77-25.08.81 13.AMINUDDIN AHMAD KHAN 26.08.81-20.04.82 14.DR. M. CHANNA RERDDY 21.04.82-06.02.83 15.S.S. SANDHAWALIA 07.02.83-09.10.83 16.ANANT PRASAD SHARMA 21.02.83-09.10.83 17.BHAIRAB DATT PANDE 10.10.83-02.07.84 18.K.T. SATARWALA 03.07.84-14.03.85 19.ARJUN SINGH 14.03.85-14.11.85 20.HOKESHE SEMA 14.11.85-25.11.85 21.S.D. SHARMA 26.11.85-02.04.86 22.S.S. RAY 02.04.86-08.12.89 23.N.N.MUKARJI 08.12.89-14.06.90 24.VARINDER VERMA 14.06.90-17.12.90 25.GEN. O.P. MALHOTRA 18.12.90-07.08.91 26.SURENDRA NATH 07.08.91-09.07.94 27.S.P. KURDUKAR 10.07.94-18.09.94 28.LT. GEN. BKN CHHIBBER 18.09.94-27.11.99 29.LT. GEN. JFR JACOB 27.10.99-08.05.03 30.JUSTICE O.P. VERMA 08.05.03-03.11.04 31.DR.A.R.KIDWAI 03.11.04-16.11.04 32.GEN. S.F. RODRIGUES 16.11.04-22.01.10 33.SHIVRAJ V. PATIL 22.01.10-22.01.15 34. KAPTAN SINGH SOLANKI 22.01.15 -
INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, PUNJAB RANIKE CALLS WEAKER SECTIONS TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF WELFARE SCHEMES · RELEASES RS. 59.26 CRORE UNDER SHAGUN SCHEME FOR 39507 BENEFICIARIES · REVIEWS STATUS OF WELFARE SCHEMES IN STATE LEVEL MEETING WITH DWOs
Chandigarh, January 22: Punjab Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today released the brochure of welfare department highlighting various schemes were being run by state for the welfare and betterment of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and Minorities in the state. Releasing the brochure, Mr. Ranike said this would be helpful for scheduled castes, backward classes as well as minority students, beneficiaries of shagun scheme, scholarships for de-notified tribes, Babu Jagjiwan Ram Scholarship scheme, free industrial and vocational training for SC youth, free stenography classes for eligible students, to get the financial aid under Safety of Civil Rights Act and Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989. He said it would also provide detailed information to students desirous of getting coaching for IAS, PCS and other competitive exams at Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Career. He said the eligible candidates from SC/BC communities would also get necessary information to avail various types of loans for setting up their own ventures. Addressing the gathering Mr. Ranike said all District Welfare Officers have been directed to dispense this information at ground level so that maximum eligible people could avail the benefits of welfare initiatives being taken by Punjab Government. He said the department had also launched its website few months back www.welfarepunjab.gov.in for getting instant information about welfare schemes. Answering a query regarding Shgaun Scheme, Mr. Ranike said Punjab had released Rs. 59.26 crore to 39507 beneficiaries till date for the year 2014-15. He said Rs. 550 has been set aside to provide scholarship benefits to 3,05,923 SC Students, who had applied at online portal launched by state, under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme. Meanwhile secretary welfare Mrs. Seema Jain and Director Mr. Paramjit Singh informed the minister that 15,43,000 SC Students of classes between I and X have got free books at a cost of Rs. 43 crore in the ongoing session 2014-15. They said the department has fixed a target to provide pre-matric scholarships to 529166 eligible minority students to the tune of Rs. 141.38 crore in current academic year.
- DEPUTY CM REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF MULTI CRORE HIGHWAY PROJECT DY CM INVITES PEOPLE TO BE PART OF THE UNPRECEDENTED DEVELOPMENT WORK IN STATE Bathinda, Jan 21 - SANGAT DARSHANS ARE NOT ASSOCIATED TO POLITICS, DEVELOPMENT IS THE SOLE AIM OF GOVERNMENT – BADAL
· SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WILL ATTAIN MAJOR VICTORY IN DELHI POLLS – CM
· PUNJAB GOVT NOT RELATED TO ED OFFICER’S TRANSFER
· CM HOLDS SANGAT DARSHAN IN DHURI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT, · DISBURSES MORE THAN RS 2 CR FOR DEVELOPMENT Dhuri, January 21 The Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal said that the sangat darshan being conducted in Dhuri assembly constituency is not associated to politics rather the state government’s sole aim has ever been to usher in development and prosperity. Addressing people from different villages of the Dhuri assembly segment on the first day of sangat darshan program, the CM said that it has been decided to hold a sangat darshan program in one assembly segment each of Majha and Doaba, while sangat darshan programs would be held in two assembly constituencies of Malwa every month and under this pattern, the sangat darshan was being organized in Dhuri. He said that the sangat darshan program was not related to the impending elections in constituency after its MLA has submitted resignation. Terming sangat darshan programs far from political hue, he said that he has always accorded top priority to sangat darshan program as it was the best way to redress the people’s grievances at a single platform on one head besides ensuring unbridled development in a democratic set up thereby bridging the communication gap between government and the masses. Answering a media query on Delhi assembly elections, Mr Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance would contest the elections with complete coordination and unity. He said that the alliance would mark a big victory and the coalition government would be set up in Delhi. On being asked about stay granted to ED officer Niranjan Singh on his transfer, Mr Badal said that he was not related to the subject as it was a matter of center government and state government was not at all concerned with it. He added that the government was working on project of lining of the canals by spending Rs 33 cr. that would be implemented soon. The Chief Minister conducted sangat darshan and announced grants worth crores to the villages of Bhasaur, Banbhouri, Belewal Darogewal, Eesra, Loharmajra, Eesi, Theri Jattan and Dandogal. Prominent among others present with him included Akali Dal Secretary General Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Punjab Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, MLA Mr. Iqbal Singh Jhunda, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Arshdeep Singh Thind, DIG Patiala range Mr. Shiv Kumar Verma, SSP Mr. Mandeep Singh Sidhu and others.
----------- Chandigarh, January 21: The State Level Screening Committee of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal and 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. The Committee also approved the setting up of 2 modern fish markets in the State: one each at Amritsar and Bathinda as a part of the project of setting up of 5 modern fish markets 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. The Committee also reviewed the submission of utilization certificates under the Crop Diversification Programme for the year 2014-15 amounting to Rs.250 crores. In the current year, utilization certificates of Rs.156.13 crores which includes Rs.43.35 crore under the crop diversification development scheme have been submitted to the Government of India under RKVY. The Chief Secretary directed the Department of Soil Conservation to expedite the process of reclamation of about 5250 hectares of water logged area of Malout block of Sri Muktsar Sahib district. The Committee also approved creation of additional infrastructure for Rs.24.70 crores project being implemented by Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) for enhancing livestock production through need based research, extension and development activities. The University was also sanctioned 24 hours power supply through hotline to carry out the un-interrupted research in livestock development. The proposal of the University for strengthening the library facilities for making available latest research publications online for research in enhancing livestock productivity was approved and additional expenses of Rs.17.50 lac were also approved. As another measure to strengthen the University, a proposal to construct both disease diagnostic Centre and Multidisciplinary Small Animal Veterinary Hospital in respect of infrastructure and equipment to carry out wide range of tests in clinical pathology and radio-diagnosis was also approved, for which a budget of Rs.7.00 crore was approved. The meeting was attended by Shri Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary(Development); Shri Viswajeet Khanna, Financial Commissioner Forests; Shri Jaspal Singh, Secretary Finance(Expenditure); Shri K.S. Pannu, Secretary Irrigation and other officials of departments concerned. ----------------- MASSIVE CAMPAIGN TO CHECK IODINE DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN LAUNCHED---JAYANI Ø ALL DISTRICTS TO BE COVERED UNDER NATIONAL IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS CONTROL PROGRAMME Ø JAYANI ASKS FOOD INSPECTORS TO CHECK SALE OF NON-IODIZED SALT Ø CIVIL SURGEONS TO ORGANISE SENSITIZATION CAMPS REGARDING IMPORTANCE OF IODIZED SALT IN MAXIMUM RURAL AND URBAN POPULATION Chandigarh January 20: The Punjab government has launched a massive campaign to identify iodine deficient children under National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) and established Iodine Deficiency Disorder Cell (IDD) and IDD laboratories in Punjab in order to check Iodine deficiency in children and also in expectant mothers. Disclosing this here today, Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani said that all the districts would be covered under NIDDCP in a phased manner. Total 17 districts were surveyed under the ongoing programme. During 2013-14, IDD survey in 4 districts namely Mansa, Barnala, Moga and Ferozepur including Fazilka had been conducted. Extensive laboratory tests were being conducted on children as well as pregnant women to diagnose iodine deficiency in children. The Minister also said that as many as 12219 urine samples of the children between the age group of 6-12 years were collected by state health authorities and 19815 salt samples were also tested by the state IDD labs in Punjab. The results of the urine samples have been sent to the districts and recommended further treatment where iodine deficiency was diagnosed in children. Mr. Jayani has also asked all the food inspectors to strictly check the sale of non-iodized edible salt that is already banned by the union government. He has directed them to focus their campaign to rural; as well as urban areas including slums, hutment areas and areas where migrant and gypsy population were residing. Directing the Civil Surgeons to organize sensitization camps in colonies to educate the people regarding the importance of iodine, Mr. Jayani also asked to distribute literature regarding this to the expectant mothers. They were also told to involve AMNs and Health Visitors in this educative campaign. The Minister further said that Iodine was an essential micro nutrient which was required for normal human growth and development. He said that the target group was the children between the age group of 6-12 years. Besides this the expectant mothers would also be tested for iodine deficiency during as it often led to decreased availability of iodine to the fetus. The deficiency could be fatal and lead to permanent damage to intellectual growth in later years, said Mr. Jayani. Mr. Jayani also said that the daily use of iodized salt could prevent mental and physical retardation, cretinism (congenital condition caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone), still births and brain damage. He said it helped children live healthy and productive lives. The Minister asked the district health officers to constantly monitor the tests being conducted in the hi-tech established laboratories and share the investigations with the officers concerned so that adequate steps be taken at higher level to check the iodine deficiency and further treatment could be initiated. - CHAIRMAN STATE COMMISSION FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD RIGHTS PUNJAB SUKESH KALIA URGES GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE SCHOOL BUS FARES WITH THE REDUCTION OF PETROL/DIESEL PRICES Ø ASKS MEDICAL OFFICERS TO TAKE AMPLE ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES TO AVERT ANY UNTOWARD INCIDENT IN GOVERNMENT MEDICAL INSTITUTES Chandigarh January 21: State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Punjab, Mr. Sukesh Kalia Chairman today urged the Punjab government to ensure reduction in private school bus fares with the decrease of petrol and diesel prices. Addressing a meeting of the board members, Mr. Kalia expressed pleasure over the time to time reduction in petrol and diesel prices by Government of India; he said that the benefit of the reduced petrol diesel prices should reach the parents of the children who were commuting in the school buses. He suggested that bus fares should be in accordance with the deflation of petrol and diesel prices. Mr. Kalia expressed concern over the inadequate medical specialists and infrastructure in the government hospitals causing irreparable losses and suggested that the government hospitals be equipped with adequate medical and para medical staff. During the meeting, Mr. Sukesh Kalia summoned the Civil Surgeon and SMO Ludhiana to take stock of the latest updates in the recently occurred unfortunate incident in the newly set up mother and child care hospital in Ludhiana where 6 newly born infants died due to inadequate staff and insufficient infrastructure and funds. After explaining the entire incident in detail both Civil Surgeon and SMO briefed Mr. Kalia about the strict administrative action taken against the medical officers and other para medical staff found guilty of negligence during the high level enquiry conducted in the incident. The Chairman also asked them to take ample administrative measures so that this kind of unfortunate situation could be averted in future. Mr. Kalia also assured the health officers that their genuine grievances and hardships would be considered at the higher level and resolved. Referring to the lack of funds for the newly set up Mother and Child Institutes in the state, Mr. Kalia said that he would personally take up this issue with the Chief Minister and brief him in writing that how the general public was being harassed due to the financial crunch. ----- MALUKA TO HOIST NATIONAL FLAG AT RUPNAGAR
Chandigarh January 21: According to a spokesperson of the Punjab government, Governor Haryana Mr. Kaptan Singh Solanki, who is also holding charge of Punjab would unfurl the National Flag at Karnal and not in Rupnagar as per the earlier notification. According to a partial modification in the notification issued earlier, Rural Development and Panchayats Minister , Mr. Sikandar Singh Malluka would hoist the National Flag at Rupnagar instead of Fatehgarh Sahib. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Food and Civil Supplies would unfurl the flag at Fatehgarh Sahib instead of Sunam. - NATIONAL SC COMMISSION LAUDS PUNJAB FOR SAANJH KENDRAS AND 181 POLICE HELPLINE · COMMISSION TO SEND RECOMMENDATION FOR REPLICATION OF SAME ACROSS THE COUNTRY · REVIEWS VARIOUS SCHEMES AND ISSUES PERTAINING TO SCS IN PUNJAB · ASSURES BAGHA FOR SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WORK WITH STATE COMMISSION
Chandigarh, January 20: Chairman National SC Commission Mr. P.L Punia today lauded the initiatives of Punjab taken in the field of Governance Reforms especially of SAANJH KENDRAS and 181 Police Helpline for the facilitation of common masses curtailing their harassment in public offices. Mr. Punia along with members of National SC Commission was here to review the issues and schemes for the welfare of SC communities in the state. After having detailed information about the concept of SAANJH KENDRAS and 181 police helpline the Commission said it will examine the features of these projects in detail and then will sent a communiqué to Centre for replicating the same in other states. He said these reforms were the major achievements of Punjab, which should be followed by others for transparent administration and effective governance.
Reviewing the issues pertaining to SC Communities in Punjab here at UT Guest House, Mr. Punia said the Commission visited Punjab earlier in 2011 and today they were here to take stock of SC Schemes. The Commission also sought the information of various schemes being provided to SC Communities including reservation, recruitment, promotion, backlog, literacy rate, status of BPL families and education. Mr. Punia also issued necessary directions to civil and police officers in this regard. Chairman accompanied by Vice Chairman of National Commission Mr. Raj Kumar Verka, Mr. Raju Parmar, Mr. Ishwar Singh and Mrs. K.M. Kamlama all members of commission and Secretary Dr. Vinod Aggarwal also appreciated the functioning of State SC Commission for tirelessly working for the cause of SCs in the state. He also assured State SC Commission Chairman Mr. Rajesh Bagha that National Commission will extend all cooperation and assistance to state commission. He said they will also work shoulder to shoulder for implementation of centrally sponsored welfare schemes for SCs.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh and senior officers including Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Mr. Vikas Partap, Mr. Husan Lal, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, Mrs. Seema Jain, Mr. Vikas Garg, Mr. Pardeep Aggarwal, ADGP Crime Mr. V.K. Bhawra, Mr. Paramjit Singh, Mr. V.K. Meena, Mr. Sukhjit Pal Singh and member SC Commission Punjab Mr. Parkash Singh Gardhiwala etc. - PUNJAB LAUNCHES HISTORIC PEOPLE FRIENDLY INITIATIVE TO END MALPRACTICES IN REGISTRATIONS (New e stamping project inaugurated by Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia) SAS Nagar/Chandigarh, January 20 – The Punjab government today launched a historic people friendly initiative to remove malpractices in registrations with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia inaugurating a unique e stamping project conceived to end people harassment and also make revenue transactions safe and secure. The initiative, which was conceived and custom built for the requirements of Punjab under the guidance of Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, will also bring in efficiency and transparency in the working of the Revenue department which will now be able to do online reconciliation of its transactions on a daily basis. Speaking on the occasion after launching the e-stamping project, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, congratulated the Revenue department for the people friendly step and said the government would introduce e registration in the next six months to compliment this measure. "E registration coupled with e stamping will result in complete computerisation of the Revenue department", he said. Mr Badal also announced that by July this year all government to government (G2G) interaction and government to citizen (G2C) services will be provided online and Punjab will be the first State to do this", He also disclosed that besides computerisation of district offices, the State would establish Sewa Kendras in all rural and urban areas. "These Sewa Kendras will provide 249 citizen centric services within a given time frame and remove corruption automatically. Moreover citizens can even get all services by going online and need not go to anyone after July", he added. “This is above all a pro people initiative”, said Mr. Majithia while briefing an august gathering about the e stamping project. He said the project had been conceived to make it easy for the common man to buy or sell property. “You will now be able to deposit the stamp paper fee at thousands of branches of various banks near your place of work or residence”. He said besides this people would now be able to deposit the exact fee in stark contrast to being forced to buy stamps of more denomination than needed due to lack of availability and creation of artificial scarcity. Further explaining the positive transformation which had taken place in the Revenue department with the launch of this initiative, Mr Majithia said “now there will be no lines for procuring stamp papers or any middlemen. The common man can deposit the stamp fee through a wire transfer, a draft or even a cheque”. He also explained that this facility would now be available without any extra cost. “In fact the public will get some relief as they will no longer have to pay commission charges to the bank responsible for issuing stamp papers, as was happening till now”. The new initiative has many advantages to its credit. The Revenue minister highlighted how the scope of cheating had been completely removed with the introduction of the new system. He said each stamp paper had a unique ID which was generated for that stamp paper only and could be verified online also. He said it also had various safety features including UV, ultra violet, micro film and thermal fixtures besides an encrypted 2 D bar code. He said the new paper was also a permanent record. “This means if it is lost or misplaced, you can apply for a duplicate which is not possible under the present system”. He also highlighted how the stamp papers, which were earlier available through one bank, would now be available through all 22 recognized banks and thousands of their branches in the State. He said the facility, which was now available with the banks, would eventually be extended to all the 1900 licensed stamp vendors also. The number of stamp vendors will also be trebled in due course. “This means you will be able to deposit fee to procure the new stamps 24 X 7 as the vendors will be available to collect the fee at any time”, he added. Mr. Karan A. Singh , Financial Commissioner Revenue disclosed that the new system was expected to be a major plus for the Revenue department also. He said that the department has acquired a secure electronic system to stamp documents besides electronic payment of stamp duty which will end leakage of government revenue. The department can now not only do online verification of the transactions but can also trace the audit trail of all payments. Similarly it can do online reconciliation of all transactions on a daily basis, something which had been pending for years together. The department can also verify different kinds of transactions and also do district wise reconciliation. This will allow it to use the services of its reconciliation department for other work, he added. Mr A S Bains, Special Secretary, Revenue disclosed e stamping had been initiated as a pilot project in five districts of Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Bathinda. He said it would now cover all districts by March 31 this year. Others present on the occasion included Mr. Mahesinder Singh Grewal, Advisor to Chief Minister, Punjab, Mr. NK Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Mr. Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu, Deputy Commissioner. -------- Punia visits Punjab Vidhan Sabha, meets Atwal Chandigarh, January 20: Chairman National Commission for Scheduled Castes Mr. P.L. accompanied by Vice Chairman Mr. Raj Kumar Verka, Mr. Raju Parmar and Mr. Ishwar Singh today visited Punjab Vidhan Sabha and met Speaker Dr. Charanjit Singh Atwal. Emphasised the need to ensure proper implementation of welfare schemes for SCs in Punjab, Mr. Punia discussed the status of various schemes with Dr. Atwal. He said these schemes should be implemented at grass root level in true spirit. Dr. Atwal also welcomed and thanked Mr. Punia and other members of delegation for visiting Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Speaker also honoured Mr. Punia and members of delegation. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion Chairman Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Mr. Rajesh Bagha, Member Mr. Parkash Singh Gardhiwala, MLAs Mr. Tarlochan Singh Soond, Dr. Ajaib Singh Bhatti and Mr. Harpreet Singh. ----
EVERY HOUSEHOLD BE EQUIPPED WITH DRINKING WATER AND TOILET FACILITY BY JUNE 2016: RAKHRA · WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION MINISTER INAUGURATES ADVANCED WATER TESTING LABORATORIES MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 20: Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra today announced that Punjab Government is committed to provide drinking water and toilet facility to every household in the state and 100 per cent target would be completed by June 2016. While inaugurating the Regional Advanced Water Testing Laboratory at Water Works Complex, Mohali, Mr. Rakhra said that this laboratory would play a pivotal role to provide potable drinking water to rural population. He said installation of reverse osmosis was not the complete solution to get potable water but sometimes these also destroys key contents present in the water and this laboratory would provide all the solutions for pure drinking water. Mr. Rakhra said it was the first lab of the north region, which would also cater the needs of neighbouring states to detect the heavy metals in water. He said this lab has been set up by the Department of Water Supply and Sanitation for the analysis of Uranium and Heavy Metals in the drinking water. The Minister informed that this laboratory has been equipped with two main equipments namely Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) & Ion Chromatograph at an approximate cost of Rs. 2.00 crore. He said these equipments were so sensitive that they could give a reading accurate up to the level of 1000th part of one milligram besides detecting uranium and heavy metals like aluminium, Arsenic, Lead, Chromium and Cadmium in water. He said that Ion Chromatograph would test parameters like Fluoride, Chloride, Bromide, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphate, Sodium, Potassium etc in water. Mr. Rakhra informed that Bhabha Atomic Research Center Mumbai had started the presence of uranium in water in 2010. He said with the reports of presence of Uranium in the ground water of Punjab it was decided to get all the ground water based schemes tested for the presence of Uranium. He said to become self-dependent on this front the testing of Uranium in water, the state had decided to set up its own advanced laboratory. During the Inauguration function, Sh. N.K. Sharma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Sh. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Sh. Ujaagar Singh Badali, Zila President and Constituency In-charge Akali Dal Kharar, Bibi Amanjot Kaur Ramuwalia, Chairperson District Planning Board, SAS Nagar and Bibi Paramjit Kaur Badali, Chairperson Zila Parishad, SAS Nagar, Er. R.L. Kauldhar, Chief Engineer (Central-cum-Coordination) DWSS, Er. A.K. Soni (South)-cum-Programme Director, DWSS, Er. D.S. Cheema, Chief Engineer (North), DWSS, Er. S.R. Aggarwal, Chief Technical Coordinator and Er. Veenakshi Sharma, CCDU, DWSS were present. ------------- Bhagat Chuni Lal instructs to speed up campaign to check child labour Pats department for ensuring highest conviction in the country Union Labour Ministry sanctions National Child Labour Projects for Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar Special Schools opened in three districts to educate freed child labour Chandigarh, January 20: Punjab Labour Minister Bhagat Chuni Lal today gave a clarion call to speed up campaign against the menace of Child Labour in the state and widen the ambit of campaign by involving general public and NGOs in this revolution. Presiding over the state level monitoring committee to review the progress of National Child Labour Projects in which Deputy Commissioners from all the districts, NGOs and labour leaders from all over the state participated. Mr. Bhagat said that we should not be complacent by launching anti-child labour drives only during campaigns twice a year but make it a sustained and continued process to keep a check on erring employers. He said that Child Labour was not a simple problem because in this issues of poverty, unemployment, limited resources of family, increasing migration to the cities, big families and narrow thinking have to be taken in totality while tackling the problem of child labour. He said that the responsibility of department does not end with rescuing the child labour and prosecuting the erring employers but it starts with that as ensuring proper rehabilitation of rescued child labour would permanently ensured that the child labour would not be sucked back in the old vicious system. Appreciating the concept of Special Schools to be constructed in Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Amritsar covered under National Child Labour Project, Mr. Bhagat said that it was matter of great satisfaction that the schools in three districts were providing world class education to 5338 rescued children and more than Rs. 4 crores have been spent on these schools. He said that it was also matter of great appreciation that every child was getting Rs. 150 stipend that was being directly transferred in the bank accounts of children and they were being providing mid-day meal, free education and free medical facilities. Issuing strict instructions to keep a track record of all rescued children, Mr. Bhagat instructed education department to ensure that there was minimum dropout of rescued children and education department should ensure that they should complete their education up to +2 level and children should be given vocational education to enable them to stand on their own feet. He said that out of 2000 children on rolls in these schools 1849 were getting vocational education of their choice trade. Patting the department for ensuring prosecution and conviction of erring employers, the Minister said that conviction of 1833 employers out of 2599 prosecutions was highest in the country and department should further plug legal loopholes to make this offence deterrent.
Besides Mr. Bhagat, Principal Secretary Labour Mr. Vishwajit Khanna, Labour Commissioner Mr. H.S. Nanda, Deputy Commissioners of all the districts, all department heads, members of NGOs, labour organisation participated in this marathon meeting and debated on issues relating to rehabilitation of child labour. ---------- BAN ON SCREENING MSG IN LARGER INTEREST OF LAW AND ORDER SITUATION-CM - SEAT SHARING ARRANGEMENT IN DELHI POLLS PREROGATIVE OF SAD PRESIDENT - NO ROLE IN SACKING OF JATHEDAR BALWANT SINGH NANDGARH - CM CONDUCTS SPECIAL VISIT TO MONITOR PROGRESS OF ONGOING PROJECTS Bathinda, Jan 20 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today categorically said that decision of state government to ban the screening MSG was taken in the larger public interest to ensure law and order situation in Punjab and at the same time he also made it clear that the ban was not permanent in nature rather it could be reviewed as the situation gradually normalizes. Addressing media persons on the sidelines of his special visit to monitor progress of ongoing School for Meritorious Students on Badal Road and other projects in and around the Bathinda, the Chief Minister said, “We are not against any particular sect but at the same time we were equally duty bound to maintain the law and order across the state,” he said. Replying to another query regarding the seat sharing arrangement in the ensuing Delhi Assembly polls the Chief Minister said that the party president Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal was in the national capital to negotiate with the national leadership of BJP for allocation of seats to the Shiromani Akali Dal and hoped this issue would be amicably finalized to the satisfaction of both the alliance partners. Mr. Badal, however, maintained that he as Chief Minister was not anyway associated with this issue and rather it was the sole prerogative of the SAD. Answering a question about sacking of Jathedar Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Balwant Singh Nandgarh, the Chief Minister out rightly said that he was not even remotely connected with this issue as the appointment and removal of any Jathedar of Takht was exclusively within the domain of Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). Asked to comment on the transfer of Jalandhar ED officer Mr Niranjan Singh, Mr. Badal unequivocally stated that he was not involved in the transfer of the said official in anyway rather it has been a routine matter of transfers purely on administrative grounds as claimed by the top brass of ED headquarters. Answering another question related to the ensuing elections to the local bodies across the state, the Chief Minister firmly stated that there was no question of postponing these elections albeit it was obligatory on the part of state government to hold these elections on the schedule as per the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Earlier the Chief Minister visited the development projects including Punjabi University College, Sports School and 2 Pb R & V Sqdn NCC unit at Ghudda to make on the spot assessment of the progress of these projects. He sought vital inputs from all the officials and employees concerned and the difficulties encountered by them in accomplishing these prestigious projects. He asked the Deputy Commissioner Bathinda to regularly monitor the ongoing progress to ensure their functioning efficaciously. The Chief Minister hoped that all these four projects would rejuvenate our youth with far more energy and vigor to become ideal citizens of the society. Adding he said that the Sports School Ghudda would soon emerge as front runner sports school in the country to motivate the school children for excelling in the field of sports. He said that the main objective of opening this school was to create a nursery of young sports persons as he was a firm believer that unbounded talent must be tapped when they are young. Prominent among others accompanying him included the Special Principal Secretary to CM Mr. KJS Cheema, CPS Mr. Sarup Chand Singla, and former Mayor Baljit Singh Beerbehman, Deputy Commissioner Bathinda Dr. Basant Garg, DIG Mr. Amar Singh Chahal, SSP Mr Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti and others. ----------------------------
CHIEF MINISTER’S OFFICE, PUNJAB DRUGS MENACE IN THE STATE HARDLY AN ISSUE IN DELHI POLLS- CM · ASSAILS OPPOSITION FOR UNLEASHING MALICIOUS PROPAGANDA TO DEFAME PUNJABIS · SAD FULLY GEARED UP FOR CONTESTING DELHI POLLS · SEAT ARRANGEMENT WITH BJP TO BE FINALIZED SOON · EXHORTS VILLAGERS TO SINK THEIR DIFFERENCES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGES · SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Kheowali (Sri Muktsar sahib), January 20- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that drug menace was hardly any issue in the coming Delhi Assembly polls despite the malicious propaganda unleashed by the opposition to defame the Punjabis and tarnish state’s image. Terming that drugs menace in the state was hardly any issue in the ensuing Delhi polls, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was infact the malicious propaganda unleashed by the opposition to defame the Punjabis. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the Sangat Darshan program of the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state government has taken unprecedented steps to check the supply of drugs from across the border and for making Punjab a drug free state. He said that drug problem in the state was neither an issue in Punjab nor in Delhi but it was being blown out of proportion by the opposition under a deep rooted conspiracy to tarnish the image of hard working Punjabis. Asked to comment on the strategy of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for contesting the Delhi polls, the Chief Minister said that SAD President and Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal was camping in Delhi to formulate the plan for contesting these polls. He said that the party would be contesting these polls as per the program given by the party leadership. Mr. Badal further said that the entire rank and file of the party was fully prepared for contesting the ensuing elections and he would also campaign in Delhi as per the duty assigned by the party. On a query regarding the seat arrangement between SAD-BJP alliance in these polls, the Chief Minister reiterated that it was hardly any issue and the top brass of both the parties would finalize it soon. Mr. Badal said that decision of BJP to contest elections under leadership of Mrs. Kiran Bedi was the prerogative of the party. Earlier addressing the gatherings during Sangat Darshan in village Lohara, Ghumiara, Chak Middu Singh Wala, Vanwaala and Khoewali, the Chief Minister exhorted the villagers to unite for the cause of development of their respective villages. Mr. Badal said that the people should sink their differences and rise above the parochial considerations to contribute towards the progress and prosperity of their villages in general and the state in particular. He assured fulsome support and cooperation to the villagers for this noble cause. The Chief Minister further said that the state government was committed to provide basic civic amenities in all the villages across the state. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the state government would leave no stone unturned for ensuring all-round development of the state and prosperity of its people. He said that the SAD-BJP government was taking due care towards ensuring the well being of the disadvantaged sections of the society for which a number of welfare schemes like Atta-Dal, Mai Bhago Istri Vidya, Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojna and others have been launched. Highlighting the significance of the Sangat Darshan program, the Chief Minister said that it was the solution of all the problems of the people under a single roof. Mr. Badal said that Sangat Darshan was the flagship program of the SAD-BJP government and its sole aim was to mitigate the woes of people by direct interface with the administrative machinery. He further said that Punjab was the only state in the country to take this unique initiative for facilitating the general public. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema, Chairman Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, OSD to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Avtar Singh Vanwalla, Director Punjab Tube Well Corporation Mr. Harmesh Singh Khuddian, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran
- MSG BANNED ON ADVISORY OF UNION GOVERNMENT- CM · APPREHENDS SERIOUS LAW AND ORDER PROBLEM IN THE STATE FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF MSG · ‘GAUSHALAS’ TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN EVERY DISTRICT FOR TACKLING THE MENACE OF STRAY ANIMALS · ASSAILS OPPOSITION FOR FLARING UP ED ISSUE TO SCORE BROWNIE POINTS IN MEDIA · EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OF RECENTLY CONCLUDED NRI SANGAT DARSHAN · SAD-BJP ALLIANCE TO FINALIZE SEAT SHARING ARRANGEMENT FOR DELHI SOON · VOWS TO ERADICATE WATER LOGGING FROM STATE · SANGAT DARSHAN IN LAMBI ASSEMBLY SEGMENT Kakhanwali (Sri Muktsar Sahib), January 19- Apprehending serious law and order problem in the state following the release of MSG Movie, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that the screening of this movie has been banned on the advisory of the Government of India (GoI). Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the Sangat Darshan program of Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the reports of intelligence agencies of both the State and Centre governments had clearly said that the release of this movie could have led to serious repercussions in terms of law and order problem in the state. Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to maintain peace and amity, he said that it was their onerous duty to sustain the hard earned peace in Punjab at every cost. “We have received advisory from the Central government to ban this movie and thus the state government acted accordingly in the larger public interest” added Mr. Badal. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that in order to tackle the menace of stray animals in the state, the Punjab government would construct big ‘Gaushalas’ in every district of the state. He said that the state government was taking land on lease for constructing these ‘Gaushalas’ so as to overcome the problem of stray animals. Mr. Badal said that once the land was finalized for these ‘Gaushalas’ the civil work on them would kick off soon. Coming down heavily on the opposition for blaming the ruling alliance for transfer of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers from the state, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that this decision has been taken by the Union government on administrative grounds. He said that for the sake of scoring brownie points in the media, the opposition parties were flaring up this issue out of proportion. Rubbishing the reports regarding any sort of Urea shortage in the state, the Chief Minister categorically said that the state had received far more supplies of urea as compared to the corresponding period of last year. Mr. Badal said that there was hardly any scarcity of urea in the state adding that regular monitoring was being done by the state Agriculture Department to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulty in this regard. On another query, the Chief Minister, while expressing satisfaction over the recently concluded NRI Sangat Darshans, said that the sole aim of these Sangat Darshan was to mitigate the woes of Punjabi Diaspora settled abroad rather than drawing huge crowds. He said that Sangat Darshan had been very successful exercise as it has helped the state government to ensure prompt redressal of the public complaints. Commenting on seat sharing arrangement between SAD-BJP alliance for upcoming Delhi polls, the Chief Minister said that seat sharing arrangement was hardly any issue for the SAD-BJP alliance adding that both the alliance partners would soon finalize it. Mr. Badal said that the top brass of both the parties would soon deliberate upon this issue and finalize the seat sharing arrangement. Earlier addressing the gatherings during Sangat Darshan in village Aadniyaan, Sehna Khera, Sikhwala, Fatuhi khera, Kakhanwali, Panjawa, Khuddian Gulab Singh, Khuddian Maha Singh and Lambi, the Chief Minister vowed to eradicate the menace of water logging from the state. He said that the state government would make all out efforts to save the people from the scourge of this natural disaster. Mr. Badal exhorted the people to extend fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for this cause. Training his guns against the Congress party, the Chief Minister said that the successive Congress governments at the centre had pursued the policy of excessive centralization of powers due to which the states have suffered a lot. He said that despite of its enormous contribution in making the country self reliant in food production, Punjab had ever remained at receiving ends during the tenure of successive Congress governments at the centre. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr KJS Cheema, Chairman Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Chairman Puncofed Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, OSDs to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Satinderjit Singh Manta and Mr. Avtar Singh Vanwalla, Director Punjab Tube Well Corporation Mr. Harmesh Singh Khuddian, Member Punjab Women Commission Bibi Veerpal Kaur Tarmala, Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Amar Singh Chahal and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh. -----------
ADGP/INTELLIGENCE HARDEEP SINGH DHILLON BEREAVED, FATHER PASSES AWAY · CREMATION TODAY AT 5.00 PM AT SECTOR-25 CREMATION GROUND Chandigarh, January 19: Mr. Ripudaman Singh Dhillon (93), Senior Advocate, Punjab & Haryana High Court father of Mr. Hardeep Singh Dhillon, Additional DGP/Intelligence today passed away. He is survived by his wife, one son and a daughter. The cremation will be held at today at 5.00 pm here at Cremation ground, Sector 25. -------- NATIONAL SC COMMISSION MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF PEOPLE, STAFF ASSOCIATIONS OF PUNJAB
Chandigarh, January 19: A delegation of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes today began its Punjab visit by holding a meeting with the representatives of people and staff associations. The commission is on a three day visit to the state to review the ongoing welfare schemes of the central government. Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Mr. Raj Kumar Verka, Members Raju Parmar and Ishwar Singh listened to the viewpoint of the representatives of the people of Punjab and staff associations regarding service matter, roster point, feedback, grievances and suggestions. During the meeting, MLAs of Punjab and higher officials of central and state government were also present. During the course of the meeting, necessary instructions were also issued after thorough deliberations concerning the matters, grievances, suggestions presented before the delegation. In the meeting, Secretary, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, Dr. Vinod Aggarwal, Director, M.R. Bali, Director, Welfare Department, Punjab, Mr. Paramjit Singh, Joint Director, Mr. Sukhjitpal Singh and other senior officials were also present. - CM ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF MAJOR POLICIES CONCERNING WELFARE OF NRIs IN THE STATE DECISION TAKEN AFTER SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED FROM NRIs DURING THREE SANGAT DARSHANS ACROSS THE STATE MOVE AIMED AT FACILITATING SONS OF THE SOIL VOWS TO LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED FOR WELL BEING OF PUNJABI DIASPORA SETTLED ABROAD DESCRIBES NRIs AS AMBASSADORS OF PUNJAB, PUNJABI AND PUNJABIAT IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES HOLDS THIRD SANGAT DARSHAN EXCLUSIVELY FOR NRIs Ludhiana, January 18- Acting on the suggestions received from NRIs during three Sangat Darshans across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced review of the state government’s major policies concerning the well being of NRIs. Addressing the gathering during third and concluding Sangat Darshan exclusively for NRIs here today, the Chief Minister said that these Sangat Darshans have proved to be a boon both for the state government and NRIs as they have enabled the former to have an in-depth understanding of the policies related to the latter. Describing the NRIs as ambassadors of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat in foreign countries, he said that they were both an asset as well as pride of the entire Punjabi community so it was the bounden duty of the state government to ensure their welfare. “The interactions with NRIs during these three days have enabled me to completely understand the problems faced by them and we will make all out efforts for rectifying the mechanism, wherever needed, to address their grievances”, added Mr. Badal. Announcing the review of major policies concerning the NRI brethren, the Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the NRIs in early resolution of the problems related to Police department, the state government was contemplating to give the powers regarding enquiry of cases against them to the local Senior Superintendent of Police (SSPs). He said that in order to prevent any undue harassment of NRIs by fake Police complaints at present any complaint against them was investigated at the level of the Inspector General (IG) of NRI cell. However, Mr. Badal during these Sangat Darshans many NRIs have advocated that this investigation must be conducted at level of SSP of the concerned district, for saving time and energy of NRIs, so the state government would explore the feasibility of this matter. Likewise, the Chief Minister said that going by the pendency of the Revenue Courts, the work of these also needs to be streamlined for which the state government would take the necessary steps. He said that NRI brethren have to wait for long to get their cases resolved in these courts so the state government would take adequate steps to expedite the process of clearing these cases. Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister also announced that in order to ensure better participation of the NRI brethren to develop the state, the Punjab government would remove the shortcomings in the matching grant scheme so that the Punjabi Diaspora settled abroad could be more actively involved in the development of their native village/ town. He said that NRIs were keen to be a partner for the development of their villages so the state government would take every step to facilitate them. Mr. Badal said that soon a mechanism would be evolved for making this scheme more practical to suit the NRIs. The Chief Minister also announced that the process for evacuation of the properties of NRIs in the state would also be made hassle free so that they do not face any sort of problem. He reiterated the commitment of the state government to ensure the welfare of the Punjabi Diaspora adding that every step would be taken to ensure their well being. Expressing concern over the pendency of cases in dedicated Civil court for NRIs in Jalandhar, the Chief Minister said that he would flag up this issue before the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court. He said that a large number of NRIs have raised this issue during the Sangat Darshans as they have to face a lot of problem due to the pending cases in this court. Mr. Badal said that he would urge the Chief Justice for finding some viable solution for this problem faced by the NRIs. The Chief Minister further said that these Sangat Darshans have helped in having a deeper understanding of the problems faced by the NRIs through mutual discussion. He said that more such efforts would be made to have a closer view of matters related to NRIs for their early resolution. Mr. Badal also called upon the NRIs to give their suggestions for improving the functioning of the government to the NRI Affairs department for better functioning of the state government towards their welfare. The Chief Minister also listed the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government for ensuring the welfare of NRI brethren. Earlier Minister for NRI affairs Jathedar Tota Singh, while welcoming the Chief Minister, hailed his vision for holding these Sangat Darshans for ensuring the well being of NRI brethren. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, MLAs Mr. SR Kler, Mr. Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mr. Manpreet Singh Ayali and Mr. Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Jangveer Singh, MLA Edmonton (Canada) Mr. Peter Sandhu, Chairman Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board Jathedar Santa Singh Umedpuri, Chairman District Planning Committee Jathedar Hira Singh Gabria, former MP Mr. Amrik Singh Aliwal, former Ministers Mr. Jagdish Singh Garcha and Mr. Isher Singh Meharban, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs department Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr S Karunaraju, IG (NRI Cell) Ms. Gurpreet Deo, Commissioner Patiala Disvion Mr. AS Pannu and Deputy Commissioners of Ludhiana, Sangrur, Patiala, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, SAS Nagar (Mohali) and Rupnagar. --------- PUNJAB PROVIDES RS. 21 CRORE LOANS UNDER VARIOUS SCHEMES OF SCHEDULED CASTES CORPORATION-RANIKE Chandigarh, January 18: The Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation has provided loans to 2176 Scheduled Castes beneficiaries to the tune of Rs. 21.11 crore along subsidies of over Rs. 1 crore till 2012. Disclosing this here today Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike said under various schemes the corporation has been providing loans with subsidies to Scheduled Castes, physically challenged persons to enable them self-employed on minimal interest rates from 0 to 8 percent. He informed that the corporation has provided Rs. 21.11 crore to eligible candidates till 2012 and loans to the tune of Rs. 12.92 crore have been provided to 943 beneficiaries from 2012 to 31 December 2014 with requisite subsidies. Similarly, in association with National SC Land Development and Finance Corporation loans to the tune of Rs. 50.53 lakh to 43 beneficiaries have been provided. Reiterating the resolve of Punjab Government to uplift the status of weaker sections by enabling them self-employed, Mr. Ranike said Punjab in association with National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation given loans to 89 beneficiaries to the tune of Rs. 80.20 lakh, loans to the tune of Rs. 2 crore have been provided to 101 beneficiaries in association with National Handicapped. He said loans to the tune of Rs. 48.7 crore have been disbursed to the accounts of 1000 beneficiaries through various banks. The Minister said the corporation has been providing loans under various schemes including for opening of grocery shops, dairy farms, piggery farms, cloth shops, scrap shops, shoe making and handlooms etc. He also gave a call to desirous candidates from SC community to avail full advantage of welfare schemes of welfare department as well as SC Corporation. ---------- NATIONAL SC COMMISSION THREE DAY PUNJAB VISIT BEGINS TODAY - PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES AND EMPLOYEES UNIONS WOULD PRESENT THEIR CASE BEFORE COMMISSION - WOULD HOLD MEETING WITH WELFARE MINISTER AND OTHER HIGHER OFFICIALS Chandigarh, January 18: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes would review the implementation of welfare schemes in the state of Punjab from January 19 to 21 at UT Guest House Chandigarh. Disclosing this here today Mrs. Seema Jain Secretary Welfare Department said that National Commission would also hold separate meetings with the Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Welfare Minister, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. She said that National Commission would meet the public representatives on January 19 from 3 pm to 4 pm at the same venue. Whereas the employees unions and government employees could meet the visiting delegation from 4 pm onwards on the same date. Divulging the details, Mrs. Jain said that on January 20 the commission would hold high level meeting with Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and other senior officers of the Punjab Government. She said that anyone from the public can meet the National Commission on the issue of implantation of National as well as State sponsored SC welfare schemes on January 19. She further said that the visiting delegation of National Commission for SC would comprise of Dr. P.L. Puniya Chairman, Vice Chairman Mr.Raj Kumar Verka ,Mr.Raju Parmar Member, Ishwar Singh Member Mrs. P.M. Kamlama and other senior officers of the commission. ------------- EDUCATION MINISTER ROLLS OUT A PLAN TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES RELATED TO PRIMARY EDUCATION IN A DIFFERENT MANNER · FIXES DISTRICT LEVEL MEETING WITH BPEOs, CHTs & HTs · STARTS FROM MOHALI SAS NAGAR (MOHALI), JANUARY 18: In an endeavour to provide quality education in primary sector and to reach out at the grass–root level to assess the problems, grievances of primary teachers and have a suggestive feedback, Education Minister of Punjab Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema yesterday late evening had a one to one interaction with approximately 300 BPEO’s (Block Primary Education Officers), CHT’s (Centre Head Teachers) and HT’s (Head Teachers) of Mohali District at PSEB auditorium SikhyaBhavan Phase 8 Mohali. The programme started with a welcome note by DPI (EE) Mrs Darshan Kaur. It was followed byan interactive session, where the representative group shared their issues related to arduous syllabus, demand for furniture, promotions, proper grounds to conduct sports activities, lack of clerical staff, extra -works, SSA grants and other administrative issues. The four hour long marathon programme gave a clairvoyance of the working conditions of Primary schools in the District. Emphasis was laid on early childhood care & education imparted by Anganwardis. The faculty members felt that nursery classes and kindergarten classes are the foundations for imparting education. Preferential importance is given to private schools by parents because our Govt. schools do not cater to this group. Education minister assured the audience that he would take up this issue with the concerned department. Speaking on the issue of difficult syllabus, Education Minister desired that any one from amongst the invitees should voluntarily take the responsibility of jotting down the points of the syllabi which needs to be addressed. Only then can a joint meeting be arranged with the academic council of PSEB and SCERT to find a passable solution. Dr. Cheema asked the higher officials to do the promotions of concerned cadre within the committed stipulated time and report. On the issue of maintenance of appropriate sports grounds in primary schools, Education Minister gave an assurance that necessary instructions will be floated on website and the details (size) and designs of particular sports grounds would be made available to all primary schools in near future. ASER 2014, report was also discussed in the meeting. Assemblage of faculty members differed on the report of ASER 2014.They were of the view that since ASER captured the statistics of Govt. and Private schools limited to a small sample, the results cannot be generalised. Education Minister gave directions to DPI (EE) to make a committee from amongst the audience and get 20 schools randomly surveyed by the committee on the same parameters as defined by ASER to get a valid report. An issue of children residing in brick kilns not attending the school was also raised. Dr. Cheema asked DEO(SE), Mohali to identify the brick kilns in the district and the feeder schools so as to capture the out of school children and provide them Education under RTE 2009. Detailed presentations on activities under PREVESH project were also taken up. Activity based learning, creative learning model, minimal level of competencies, baseline testing, mid-term testing and end-line testing was also discussed. Students of Govt. Elementary school phase 3B1 also recited poems. Dr Gurjeet Singh DEO (EE) highlighted on the administrative work under his purview. No pendency on cases related to ACP, retirement benefits, medical claims and audit paras were recorded. All activities under SSA scheme like free text books, uniforms, maintenance grant, repair grant, civil works, teacher training were also discussed. Dr Cheema advised the teachers to earnestly work for these children to strengthen their foundation. DPI (SE) Mr Balbir Singh Dhol also shared his viewpoints on quality perspective. A vote of thanks was given by DEO (SE). Prominent amongst those present were Director SCERT Mrs Pankaj Sharma, Deputy State Project Director Dr Ginni Duggal, Deputy Director Niranjan Singh and DEO (SE) Mr. Mewa Singh Sidhu. ---------- RAKHRA TO INAUGURATE NORTH INDIA’S FIRST REGIONAL ADVANCED WATER TESTING LABORATORY IN MOHALI · FIRST LAB IN NORTH TO CHECK URANIUM, HEAVY METALS AND OTHER HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN DRINKING WATER CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 19: Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra would inaugurate North India’s first Regional Advanced Water Testing Laboratory at Mohali tomorrow. Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the government said that this laboratory was the first of its kind to be set up in Punjab. It would be established at a cost of Rs. 4 crores with the help of Government of India and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. He also said that all the technical assistance would be given by the scientists of the Bhabha Institute. The spokesman also said that the setting up of the highly advanced laboratory would check and treat the uranium and other harmful chemicals in drinking water. Adding further he said that it was a matter of concern that as many as 10 districts of Punjab were affected with water containing uranium where as 5 districts were also infected with the harmful chemicals. He also said that earlier the water samples was being sent to Mumbai for testing purposes but now with the setting up of the water testing lab in Mohali not only Punjab but all the neighboring states would take advantage of water testing facilities. - Provide information about drug peddlers and win cash awards-Sukhbir Badal (Punjab Police helpline ‘dial 181’ now available on WhatsApp also) (Users can upload photos, videos or audio clips to inform the police) Chandigarh, January 17 – With a view to eradicate the menace of drugs in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal exhorted the people to provide authentic information to police about drug peddlers and drug addicts on police helpline 181 or on mobile number 7696-181-181 having WhatsApp facility so that strict action could be initiated by the police. During a review meeting on functioning of helpline 181 here today Mr Badal asked the Police officers to take instant action to nab the offenders on the public information. Mr Badal said the war against drugs could be won with the active help of people and they should come forward fearlessly against the sale, consumption and use of narcotics in the State. He stressed that information provided by the public would be kept confidential and Rs 10,000 cash award to be provided on authentic reporting about the drug peddlers and drug addicts. Adding new feather to the cap of unprecedented success of 181 police helpline to maintain law and order, Deputy CM said that Police has launched a mobile number 7696-181-181 enabled with WhatsApp application, which will facilitate general public not only to register their plaints and could also upload anti-social activities as well photographs, videos, documents etc. This facility has been launched by the Punjab police to get instant and authentic information by using social media effectively so that drug traffickers and criminals could be restrained without any delay. He said this provision was aimed at to empower general public to share information with police force by uploading documents, photos, videos or audio clips regarding any anti-social activities besides providing feedback on working of police. He informed that "dial 181 Punjab Police Helpline" is both a helpline as well as state wide grievance redressal platform which provides round-the-clock assistance to women, children, senior citizens, NRIs and other citizens who needs quick police response, support and assistance. It also provides a free and easy way to share police-related concerns and grievances, follow-up on complaints made to different police units and offices. Besides, people could provide feedback about conduct of police officials deployed in the field. He said this Police helpline is multi-channel platform which could be accessed through multiple communication channels - Phone (181), Whatsapp/SMS (7696-181-181), Fax (0172-6626181), email (help@181pph.com) and web portal (www.181pph.com). It is mentioned here that since the launch of Police helpline on August 22, 2013, as many as 4,94,817 calls were received from citizens of Punjab and NRIs out of which 2,62,853 calls were related to police inquiries and suggestions whereas 1,09,832 calls were made to provide feedback and follow-up. Appreciating this unique move of Punjab Government, people from all walks of life have registered their suggestions and feedback to make this app more effective. Charanjit Kaur of Sri Fatehgarh Sahib has welcomed this initiative and said this WhatsApp facility was a golden gift to the people with the start of year 2015. Another quote sent by a person demanded strict action against violation of cigarettes and other tobacco products act especially around educational institutes and public places to make Punjab tobacco free. Another message sent by a person has described this app most appropriate in this era of IT. He said this initiative would prove helpful to connect youth with the Punjab Police besides providing necessary information to curb crime by contributing for the cause of society. RTI Activists from Jalandhar Ajay Sehgal said this would provide further momentum to the ongoing law and order activities as well as for collective fight against crime. Another quote also commended this endeavour saying police patrolling should be intensified in front of women colleges to check eve teasing. EOM -------- Punjab to set up sports stadiums at Block level-Sukhbir Singh Badal Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to lay foundation stone of 4 laning of Bathinda-Chandigarh road on January 22 Bathinda, January 17 -Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced that Punjab Government would construct sports stadiums at Block level with Rs. 1.5 crore each in next one year to ensure maximum participation from Punjab in Indian contingent at the Rio Olympic in 2016. He also announced that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will lay down foundation stone for 4 laning of Bathinda-Chandigarh highway costing Rs. 3300 crore on January 22. - PUNJAB GOVERNMENT STOPS SCREENING OF MSG FILM IN THE STATE Chandigarh January 17 – The Punjab Government today decided to stop with immediate effect the screening of the film “MSG” in Punjab “in view of reports of tensions surrounding its release in some other parts of the country.” The decision has been taken in the larger and crucial interest of preserving peace and social harmony in the state and safeguarding the age-old emotional bonds among people professing different faiths in the state. It comes into force with immediate effect and shall apply to all forms of (public and private) exhibition and viewing of the film in the state, including in the cinema houses. The government’s decision today comes in the wake of reports of strong reactions and protests which even a promotional trailor of the movie has evoked in several parts of the country leading to ‘a serious spill over of the threat of violence in Punjab’ and also the advisories issued by Central agencies to take necessary steps to prevent any breach of peace/untoward incident/adverse fall out and other law and order problem. “The screening of the film is likely to evoke strong emotional reactions leading to public display of conflicting emotions. The government cannot allow the chain of actions and reactions to pose a threat to peace and social harmony of the state. The Government is bounden by a sacred duty to pre-empt and prevent any such eventuality and to ensure that the hard earned atmosphere of peace and social harmony in the state is preserved at all costs.”
- 3 IAS AND 3 PCS OFFICER TRANSFERRED CHANDIGARH, January 16: The Punjab Government has issued posting and transferred order of 3 IAS and 3 PCS officers. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that as per the orders Mr. Gapal Krishan Singh. lAS besides his present assignments has been given additional charge of Chief Administrator, Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority, Ludhiana, Mr. Ghanshyam Thori, IAS posted as Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana and in addition ADC, Jagraon and Ms Apneet Riyait, IAS posted as ADC (General) Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and in addition ADC (Development) Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. The spokesperson further said that Smt. Neeru Katyal Gupta, PCS has been posted as ADC (General) Ludhiana, Mr. Paramjit Singh-I, PCS posted as ADC (General) Kapurthala and Mr. Rajdeep Singh Brar, PCS has been posted as Estate Officer, Jalandhar, Development Authority, Jalandhar and in addition S DM, Kapurthala. - NATIONAL SC COMMISSION TO REVIEW THE IMPLEMENTATION WELFARE SCHEMES IN PUNJAB FROM JANUARY19
Chandigarh, January 16: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes would review the implementation of welfare schemes in the state of Punjab from January 19 to 21 at UT Guest House Chandigarh. Disclosing this here today Mrs. Seema Jain Secretary Welfare Department said that National Commission would also hold separate meetings with the Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Welfare Minister, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police. She said that National Commission would meet the public representatives on January 19 from 3 pm to 4 pm at the same venue. Whereas the employees unions and government employees could meet the visiting delegation from 4 pm onwards on the same date. Divulging the detail Mrs. Jain said that on January 20 the commission would hold high level meeting with Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike and other senior officers of the Punjab Government. She said that anyone from the public can meet the National Commission on the issue of implantation of National as well as State sponsored SC welfare schemes. She further said that the visiting delegation of National Commission for SC would comprise of Dr. P.L. Puniya Chairman, Vice Chairman Mr.Raj Kumar Verka ,Mr.Raju Parmar Member, Ishwar Singh Member Mrs. P.M. Kamlama and other senior officers of the commission. ------------- Chandigarh January 16: Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjeet Kumar Jayani today said that about 37.69 lakh children across the state would be administered polio drops during the three day National Pulse Polio Campaign to be launched in Punjab from January 18 to 20. The Minister also said that during the massive Pulse Polio Campaign as many as 15000 booths have been established and 30,000 house to house teams have been constituted to make this campaign a success in Punjab. He also said that more than 70,000 vaccinators have been put on duty under direct supervision of the 3000 supervisors. To ensure perfection during the campaign, the Minister said that about 14 senior officers from the Health department have also been deputed to keep an overall eye on the campaign. Mr. Jayani further said that WHO had already declared India as Polio Free Country in its report in 2013. India has achieved the targets fixed for the eradication of Polio and has been successfully initiating the National Pulse Polio Campaign in tune with the guidelines of World Health Organisation. Expressing concern over the constant rise in Polio cases in neighbouring country like Pakistan, Mr. Jayani said that Punjab government in order to prevent the transmission of Polio Virus, has made it mandatory to administer anti-polio drops to the persons entering India from Pakistan. Director Family Welfare Dr. Jatinder Kaur revealed that the state government was taking adequate steps to cover the maximum of migrants in Punjab under the Pulse Polio Campaign. Besides these regular National Pulse Polio drives, the state government also organise special campaigns for the target population like migrant labour, slum dwellers, labour in under construction buildings, railway stations, bus stands as these places were more vulnerable to infections, she added. - Punjab Government instructs to strengthen Grievances Redressal Mechanism Services to be delivered at 4 levels Chandigarh, January16: The Punjab Government has decided to strengthen the ‘Grievances Redressal Mechanism’ of the Technical Education and Industrial Training Department. Stating this, an official spokesperson said that instructions in this regard have been given to the Registrar, PTU, Jalandhar, Secretary, Punjab State Technical Education and Industrial Training Board, Chandigarh and all the Principals of engineering and polytechnic colleges. The spokesperson also said that all stakeholders’ e.g.-Students, Staff, Colleges and General Public have been asked to be involved and steps taken to provide services to all concerned. He informed that this mechanism shall be delivering the services at the levels of Directorate of Technical Education, Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab Technical University and Schools & Colleges. Giving further details, the spokesperson said that each of these levels will appoint a ‘Public Grievances Officer’ responsible for keeping a separate register concerning the record of the complaints. A complaint shall contain the Date of receipt of complaint, Name, Address, Contact Number of the complainant, Whether acknowledgement given at the time of receipt, Subject of grievance, Office to which it pertains, Brief Description and Date of acknowledgement redressal. The spokesperson also said that for the Directorate of Technical Education, Additional Director will be the Nodal Officer and Secretary, Technical Education will be the appellate authority. Principals of concerned institutions shall discharge the duties of Nodal Officers For Polytechnics and Engineering colleges while Director, Technical Education or Additional Director nominated by the Director, shall be the appellate authority. Secretary of the board shall be the Nodal Officer for Punjab State Board of Technical Education and Industrial Training and Chairman of the board will be the appellate authority. For Punjab Technical University, Registrar has been bestowed upon responsibility of the Nodal Officer while appellate authority shall be the Vice-Chancellor. According to the spokesperson, each complaint shall be received and delivered to the designated PUBLIC GREIVANCE OFFICER (PGO) by post, by hand, fax and e-mail. Upon receiving the complaint, the PGO will confirm that whether the submitted complaint is in anyway concerned with the activities of the above 4 levels. If that is so, then the PGO shall deal with it and acknowledge the receipt in writing within 2 days of receiving it. ---------------------------
· MOVE AIMED AT CEMENTING THE BOND OF YOUNGER GENERATIONS OF NRIS WITH THE MOTHERLAND OF THEIR FOREFATHERS · LISTS INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR WELL BEING OF NRIs · HOLDS SECOND SANGAT DARSHAN EXCLUSIVELY FOR NRIs AT JALANDHAR Jalandhar, January 16- In a move aimed at further cementing the bond of NRI brethren with their motherland, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today exhorted the Punjabi Diaspora to establish NRI schools across the state for connecting their future generations with their roots and glorious legacy of the state. Addressing the massive gathering here during the second NRI Sangat Darshan here today, the Chief Minister said that through their sheer hard work and dedication the Punjabi NRIs had proved their mettle across the globe. However, he said that unfortunately the younger generations of the Punjabi Diaspora were somewhat detached from the land of their forefathers due to which the need of the hour was to reverse this trend by making all out efforts in this direction. Mr. Badal said that this goal could be achieved only if the NRIs take the initiative of opening NRI schools across the state. The Chief Minister said that these schools should be built exclusively for the NRI students and should be run by the management comprising of NRIs. He said that the standard of these schools should be at par with the schools being run in the foreign countries so that the NRI kids could be imparted hi-end school education. “The NRI students must study in these schools for atleast five years, so that they could be acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of their parental land” added Mr. Badal. Listing the initiatives taken by the state government to facilitate the NRI brethren in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government has decided to set up separate NRI cell in every district across the state for facilitating them in getting their routine administrative works done smoothly. He said that the Deputy Commissioners of every district would be asked to provide a separate room for this cell in the respective District Administrative Complexes (DACs) so that the NRPs could be able to get their work done in a prompt and hassle free manner. Likewise, the Chief Minister said that he has asked the Home Secretary of the state to review the list of NRI Proclaimed Offenders (POs) so that no injustice was done to NRIs, who were not involved in any crime. Mr. Badal further said that the Revenue department has started a statewide campaign for the division of property falling in Joint accounts of the family adding that the department has been asked to complete this task by March end as the NRIs were facing a lot of problems in such matters. The Chief Minister further said that Punjab Urban Rent Control Act has been implemented to secure NRI property. Likewise, he said that to save Punjabi youth from migration related frauds and harassment, the Prevention of Human Trafficking/Smuggling Act has been enacted. Mr. Badal further said that to ensure speedy disposal of NRIs cases in respect of Revenue, the powers of Assistant Collectors of the First Grade have been conferred upon all the District Revenue Officers of the State of Punjab in their respective districts to decide their cases. Likewise, he said that Special Civil Court for NRIs has been made functional at Jalandhar adding that network of NRI Police stations have been set up in the state along with a special NRI cell under the IGP rank officer. The Chief Minister further said that to facilitate the Punjabis settled abroad 38 NRI Numberdars have been appointed in the state. Likewise, he said that Punjab Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2012 has been enacted and even Naib Tehsildars have been authorized to register marriage. Mr. Badal said that in order to safeguard the interest of NRIs the state government has set up NRI Commission in Punjab. Similarly, the Chief Minister said that 10% reservation in Industrial/ Residential plots have been made by the state government to enable the NRIs in purchasing property in the state. In the same manner he said that a scheme for village development through joint investment by NRI and Government has already been initiated. Mr. Badal further said that for the first time NRI Journalists have been given Accreditation facility and also benefits of Free Accidental Insurance cover. Meanwhile the Sangat Darshan for NRIs got an overwhelming response from the Punjabi Diaspora as the venue of this event was packed with the NRIs hailing from Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar districts. The Chief Minister personally interacted with the NRIs during the Sangat Darshan in the presence of the top brass of the state government and passed on necessary directions to the officers/ officials for the immediate resolution of their issues. Mr. Badal remained at the venue for the entire day to patient hearing to the grievances of hundreds of NRIs. Highlighting the importance of this Sangat Darshan program, 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, which normally hindered the process of progress. 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. Earlier welcoming the Chief Minister and other dignitaries during this Sangat Darshan, NRI Affairs Minister Punjab Jathedar Tota Singh said that these Sangat Darshans would go a long way in mitigating the woes of the NRP brethren. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal and Chunni Lal Bhagat, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. KD Bhandari and Mr. Pawan Tinu, MLAs Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Mr. Pargat Singh and Mr. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, Chairman District Planning Committee Jalandhar Mr. GS Channi, Chairman District Planning Committee Kapurthala and former MLA Mr. Sarabjit Singh Makkar, Chairman Markfed Mr. Jarnail Singh Wahid, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Jagpal Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Principal Secretary NRI Affairs Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Commissioner Jalandhar Division Mr. R Venkatratnam and Deputy Commissioners of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Amritsar. -------- CM NOMINATES NEW CHAIRMEN OF HARIKE, PATTI AND NAUSHERA PANNUA MARKET COMMITTEES Chandigarh, January 16- The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen of Market Committee Harike, Patti and Naushera Pannua in Tarn Taran district. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect last evening and the formal orders regarding the nomination of these Chairmen would be issued shortly. As per the orders Mr. Manohar Lal Mr. Gurdeep Singh and Parmjit Singh have been nominated as the Chairmen of Market Committees Harike, Patti and Naushera Pannua respectively. -
Chandigarh, January 16- The Punjab Government granted extension in the term of Chairman District Planning Committee (DPC) Fazilka Mr. Prem Kumar Valecha and Chairperson Mrs. Amanjot Kaur Ramoowalia of DPC Mohali for another one year. Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of CMO said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect last evening and formal order in this behalf would be issued shortly. It may be recalled that Mr. Valecha’s and Mrs. Ramoowalia’s term as Chairpersons of DPCs had expired on December 25, 2014 and January 14, 2015 respectively. --------- PUNJAB COMES TO THE AID OF SENIOR CITIZENS · EMPOWERS DISTRICT MAGISTRATE TO GET THE PROPERTY OF SENIOR CITIZENS VACATED FROM UNAUTHORISED OCCUPATION OF SON/DAUGHTER/LEGAL HEIRS Chandigarh, January 16: The Punjab Government has come to the aid of senior citizens, who want to get their property/residential buildings vacated from unauthorized occupation of their sons/daughters/legal heirs by exercising powers under ‘The Punjab Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Rules-2012’. According to an official spokesman the action plan enforced by the Punjab has laid down the procedure for eviction of property of senior citizens/parents. Complaints received as per the provisions of maintenance of parents and senior citizen act-2007 regarding life and property of senior citizens by different departments/agencies would be forwarded to district magistrate of concerned district for further action. The District Magistrate would immediately forward such complaints/applications to concerned Sub Divisional Magistrate for verification of title of the property and facts of the case through revenue department/tehsildars within 15 days of receipt of complaint/application. The Spokesman said that the SDM would submit report to District Magistrate within 21 days from the receipt of complaint/application. He said that if the district magistrate is of opinion that any son or daughter or legal heir of the senior citizens/parents were in unauthorized occupation of any property as defined in the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizen Act-2007 and they should be evicted, then the district magistrate would issue show cause notice in writing to the concerned persons that why an order of eviction should not be issued against them/him/her. After receiving reply if DM is satisfied that property/premises are in unauthorized occupation, the DM or any authorized officer would make an order of eviction for reasons to be recorded therein that property shall be vacated on such date, not later than 45 days from the date of receipt of such order. The DM may also associate NGO/volunteer organization/social worker for welfare of senior citizens for enforcement of order. If a person refuses or fails to comply with order of eviction within stipulated days the DM or any officer authorized by him may evict that person from the premises and take possession. The DM would also have powers to enforce eviction orders with police help. The DM would further handover the property in question to concerned senior citizens/parents. All DMs have been issued directions to submit monthly report of such cases to headquarter. -----
--- STATE LEVEL REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION AT RUPNAGAR Chandigarh, January 15, 12015 The State level Republic Day Celebration would be held at Rupnagar where the Governor of Punjab Mr. Shiv Raj Patil would unfurl the national flag and take the solute on January 26th. S. Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister Punjab would unfurl the flag at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali). S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab would unfurl the flag at Jalandhar where as Mr. Charnjit Singh Atwal, Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha would unfurl the flag at Patiala. Stating this her today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said that all the Cabinet Minister namely Mr. Chuni Lal Bhagat at Gurdaspur, S. Ajit Singh Kohar at Faridkot, Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike at Kapurthala, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal at SBS Nagar, Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa at Ludhiana, S. Sohan Singh Thandal at Hoshiarpur, Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon at Bathinda, Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani at Fazilka, Jathedar Tota Singh at Ferozepur, Mr.Bikram Singh Majithia at Tarn Taran, Mr. Sikandar Singh Malooka at Fatehgarh Sahib, Mr Anil Joshi at Amritsar, Mr Surjit Singh Rakhra at Sangrur, Mr Sharnjit Singh Dhillon at Barnala, Dr. Daljeet singh Cheema at Moga and Sh. Dinesh Singh Deputy Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha at Dharkalan would unfurl the national flag at Dharkalan. In Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Choudhary Nand Lal at Balachaur, Sant Balbir Singh Ghunas at Mansa, Mr Des Raj Dhugga at Mukerian, S. Mantar Singh Brar at Sri Mukatsar Sahib, Mr Harmeet Singh Sandhu at Baba Bakala, Smt Mohinder Kaur Josh at Pathankot, Mr. Avinash Chandar at Philour, Mr K. D.Bhandari at Nakodar, Mr. Inderbir Singh Bollaria at Batala, Mr Amarpal Singh Ajnala at Ajnala, Mr Gurbachan Singh Babbehali at Dera Baba Nanak, Mr Virsa Singh Valtoha at Sri Khadoor Sahib, Mr N.K Sharma at Derabassi, Fatima Nasira Khatoon at Malerkotla, Mrs Navjot Kaur Sidhu at Dasuya, Mr Parkash Chand Garg at Sunam, Mr Pawan Kumar Tinu at Nangal, Mr Sarup Chand Singla at Talwandi Sabo, and Mr Som Parkash would unfurl the flag at Phagwara. - DON'T DENIGRATE PUNJABIS BY DUBBING THEM AS DRUG ADDICTS-SUKHBIR BADAL APPEALS TO POLITICAL PARTIES
· LAUNCHES PUBLIC POLICY CONCLAVE SERIES TO SENSITISE INTELLECTUALS AND MASSES REGARDING 'PERCEPTION AND REALITY' ON DRUGS · ANNOUNCES RS. 10,000 FOR ANY CREDIBLE INFORMATION ON 181 REGARDING DRUG PUSHERS Patiala, January 15: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today took the war against drugs to the people’s court by launching a public conclave series to sensitize opinion makers about the results delivered by the Punjab government on this front as well as unmasking the conspiracy of vested interests who want to make political capital by dubbing the State as bankrupt and Punjabis as drug addicts. In a 92 minute presentation which was punctuated with both logic as well as emotion, the Deputy Chief Minister in his interaction with intellectuals appealed to political parties to rise above petty interests and stop denigrating the image of Punjab and Punjabis. The Deputy CM, who also took questions from the audience after the presentation, said the idea of the conclave arose in his mind after multi national companies desirous of investing in the State, started querying about the extent of drug addiction in Punjab. “I then realized that repeated wrong perceptions created by some ill informed political leaders had been twisted by the media and Punjab was being projected as a State facing a serious crisis of drug addiction”. Describing Punjab as a State which had performed well on all economic indicators, Mr Badal said Punjab's GDP had doubled from Rs. 5000 crore to Rs. 10000 crore in five years and Punjab's share in the national GDP had witnessed a substantial increase to 3.23 percent despite forming only 2.4 percent population of the country. Similarly, he said the State's revenue receipts had doubled to Rs.75,000 crore. Demolishing the perception of Punjab as a debt ridden State, he said the fact that Punjab had brought down debt GSDP ratio from 44.8 percent 32 percent with exceptional revenue generation and improvement of debt situation, Punjab was ranked 6th in the country. He said that resurgence in state's economy was despite the fact that salary and pension expenditure in Punjab had registered a fourfold increase from Rs. 5750 crore to 20750 crore from 2002 to 2013. "Punjab's employees are highest paid in the country and now employees of other states instead of asking for central pay scales have started demanding Punjab Pay Scales." Regretting injustice with Punjab as far as devolution of central taxes were concerned, Mr. Badal said that it was matter of great concern that Punjab's share in devolution of central taxes has been reduced from 2.45 percent in 1970 to 1.32 percent at present. He said that inefficiently performing states like Uttar Pradesh got devolution of funds to the tune of Rs. 83620 crore whereas Punjab got only Rs. 9270 crore in 2012-13. "We must stop encouraging inefficient and non-performing states and punishing best governed and performing states like Punjab" said Mr. Badal. Unveiling the development agenda Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP Government focused on power, road infrastructure and air connectivity. He said power generation had virtually doubled from 6200mw in 2007 to 10532 mw in 2014 with a capital investment of Rs. 30000 crore. He said in next two years 12 major roads including Shambhu-Jalandhar, Jalandhar-Pathankot, Jalandhar-Amritsar, Amritsar-Pathankot, Amritsar-Zira-Ganganagar, Ludhiana-Talwandi, Hoshiarpur-Jind, Kharar-Ludhiana, Kurali-Kirtapur Sahib, Zirakpur-Patiala, Zirakpur-Bathinda would be six laned. Describing Punjab as a driving force on Governance Reforms front, Mr. Badal said Punjab was the first State in the country which abolished affidavits and the Union Government under the able leadership of Mr. Modi followed its example and implemented this decision in the entire country. Similarly, other states were now replicating the SAANJH experiment in their states. He said now 2174 SEWA Kendras including 1750 rural sewa kendras and 424 urban kendras would provide 226 services under one roof by July this year. Showcasing Punjab as next investment destination of country Mr. Badal said encashing the opportunity 129 MNCs have already starting setting up their projects with total capital outlay of Rs. 65000 crore. Resolving to fulfill his vow to free Punjab from the scourge of drug addiction, Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that national political leaders with half-baked knowledge have branded Punjabi youth as drug addicts. Taking offence to the statement of Rahul Gandhi dubbing 70 percent youth of Punjab as drug addicts, Mr. Badal said the study quoted by the Congress leader referred to 70 per cent of youth being drug addicts out of a 1,000 drug addicts taken up as part of the study. The Deputy CM said by wrongly quoting this study Rahul Gandhi had denigrated the martial race of Punjabis and Punjabis would never forgive him. He said the time has come that public should confront all these leaders, who were projecting Punjabis as addicts and damaging the image of the State throughout the world. He said that we should be proud to be part of the martial race which had protected the frontiers of the country for last 67 years and no leader had any right to damage the reputation of Punjabis. Reiterating 'zero tolerance' against drug trafficking, Mr. Badal made it clear that nobody at whatsoever position if found involved in drug trade would not be spared by the Punjab Government. "We would not allow anyone to ruin the lives of our youth." Resolving to carry forward the nations fight against narcotic mafia, Mr. Badal said that he was proud that Punjab has registered maximum numbers of FIR (14654) with 80.5 conviction rate whereas states like Goa, where drug problem was acute only 50 FIRs were registered in 2013. He said that Punjab being the border state had to suffer because it was being used as a transit route. “We will however take this fight to its logical conclusion to save the youth of our country. We have decided to fight the nation’s war and no amount of politicization on this issue will weaken our resolve”. Exhorting the people to join in this collective war against drugs, Mr. Badal said any complainant giving credible information about drug pushers at 181 would be awarded Rs. 10000 and his identity would remain anonymous. Mr. Badal said that he has already ordered dope test of new recruits in the government service. Announcing a statewide survey to scientifically monitor the extent of drug problem in the state, Mr. Badal said that Indian Council for Medical Research New Delhi has already sanctioned a survey for the state that would take more than 2 years and state government has already sanctioned Rs. 2 crore for the survey. Mr. Badal also said that school education department has been asked to include one chapter on ill-effects of drugs in the school curriculum so that young children could be weaned away from drugs. Similarly, school education department would give separate marks for sports participation to encourage youth to channelise their energy in sports. The Deputy CM also asked the Chief Secretary to organise series of conclave in the educational institutions so that heads of institutions could be sensitised about reality and wrong perception and they could percolate the message to our youth. Prominent amongst those who were present and spoke on the occasion Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Higher Education Minister, Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary, Dr. Parmod Kumar, Chairman Governance Reforms Commission, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Advisor Health to Chief Minister, Dr. Yogesh Chawla, Director PGI, Dr. Jaspal Singh, Vice Chancellor Punjabi University and others. --------- SAD-BJP ALLIANCE TO FINALIZE SEAT SHARING ARRANGEMENT FOR DELHI POLLS SOON- CM · TERMS THAT ALLIANCE WAS NOT CONFINED TO SEAT OR POWER SHARING ARRANGEMENT · REFUTES CLAIMS OF HIMACHAL GOVERNMENT REGARDING SUPPLY OF DRUGS FROM PUNJAB · BATS FOR CUTTING SUPPLY LINE OF DRUGS FROM ACROSS THE BORDER · ASSAILS OPPOSITION FOR TARNISHING THE IMAGE OF PUNJABIS AS DRUG PEDDLERS AND BANKRUPT Bondli (Ludhiana), January 15- Terming that seat sharing arrangement was hardly any issue for the SAD-BJP alliance, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that both the alliance partners would soon finalize it for the upcoming polls for Delhi assembly. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Malwa College here today, the Chief Minister said that the alliance between both the partners was not only confined to seat and power sharing but it was meant for ensuring overall development of the country on one hand and promotion of brotherhood and communal harmony on the other. He said that the SAD-BJP alliance was in the interest of the nation and should not be merely construed as an arrangement of sharing power. Mr. Badal said that the top brass of both the parties would soon deliberate upon this issue and finalize the seat sharing arrangement. Refuting the claims of Himachal Pradesh government regarding supply of drugs from Punjab, the Chief Minister said that not even a single gram of drug was produced in the state, so there was hardly any possibility of its transportation to other states. However, Mr. Badal said that in case the government of Himachal Pradesh has any suspicion regarding it both the states could form joint patrolling agencies to curb this menace. On the announcement of Himachal Pradesh government to install scanners on its border along with Punjab, he said that they were free to take any such step. The Chief Minister further said that the need of the hour was to cut the supply line of drugs being smuggled from across the border so that this menace could be completely eradicated from the state. Describing BSF personnel as brave sons of country protecting our borders, Mr. Badal said that they must keep a strict vigil to check inflow of drugs from across the border. He reiterated that the protest of SAD was never against any central agency but the sole aim of it was to enhance security at borders. Expressing grave concern over menace of unemployment in the state, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab government was fully sensitized towards this problem and the only solution to tackle it was to impart skill training in different fields to enable them to earn their livelihood. He said that the state government aims to impart skill training to youth under various skill development programs in order to cater the needs of the local industry. Mr. Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for Punjabis that Punjab has became the first ever state to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in the Healthcare sector adding that this MoU with NSDC’s arm Healthcare Sector Skill Council would open new vistas of employability for the Punjabi youth. Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government has already filed an application in the Supreme Court for seeking permission to consider and decide applications of the life convicts seeking remissions and pre mature release. Earlier addressing the students and faculty members of the college, the Chief Minister slammed the opposition for tarnishing the image of Punjab by branding its hard working and resilient sons as drug addicts. He bemoaned that just for the sake of their vested political interests these political leaders were describing the youth of state as drug addicts and the state government as bankrupt. Mr. Badal said that due to the concerted efforts of the alliance government Punjab would be soon a drug Free State. The Chief Minister further said that Punjab has been blessed with bounty of talented and hard working youth, who have rendered valuable services towards the country. He said that need of hour was to provide opportunities to these youth so that their unbounded energy could be channelized in a constructive manner for which all out efforts were being made by the state government. Earlier President of College Management Committee Mr. Balbir Singh Rajjewal welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries to the college. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Chairman of Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board Jathedar Santa Singh Umedpuri, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Harish Rai Dhanda, SGPC Member Jathedar Sarbhans Singh Maanki, former Chairman of Municipal Council Samrala Giani Mohinder Singh, his Special Principal Secretary Dr S Karunaraju and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajat Aggarwal. --------------- BADAL TELEPHONICALLY CONGRATULATES CADET GURVANSH SINGH GOSAL’s FATHER · DESCRIBES IT AS RARE FEAT AS GURVANSH HAS MADE EVERY PUNJABI PROUD Chandigarh, January 15 Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal congratulated Mr. Parmjit Singh, the father of Cadet Gurvansh Singh Gosal from Morinda (Rupnagar) who has made every Punjabi proud thereby bagging the second position in the All India Merit list for NDA 133 Course amongst nearly four lac aspirants across the country, who appeared in this prestigious entrance exam conducted by UPSC in April, 2014. In a congratulatory message over telephone to his father, the Chief Minister lauded the superb performance of Gurvansh Singh Gosal, who by the dint of his hard work and perseverance made it amongst the top slot of NDA’s merit list. Mr. Badal said it was a momentous occasion for all the Punjabis that Cadet Gurvansh Singh Gosal undertook training at the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute, Mohali, which was exclusively established by the state government to impart training to the youth aspiring to join NDA. The Chief Minister also said that Cadet Gosal would be soon honored in a befitting manner for this rare feat. ----------- DEPARTMENTS TOLD TO DIGITIZE APRs OF GROUP A & B OFFICERS TILL JANUARY 31 · MOVEABLE & IMMOVEABLE PROPERTY RETURNS OF ALL IAS & PCS OFFICERS ARE BEING UPLOADED ON WEBSITE
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 15: The Punjab Government has issued fresh instructions to all the departments to accelerate the process of digitization of APRs of all Group A and B officers and complete this task by January 31, 2015. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that this exercise has been initiated in compliance of the directions of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister,Punjab who is also the Minister incharge of Governance Reforms to provide corruption free governance and maintaining high standards of integrity in public service . He said that in the first phase, Annual Property Returns moveable and immoveable assets (APRs) of all government Group A and B including IAS/PCS officers are being uploaded on the state government website since November, 2014. Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations and other entities of the State would also be covered. The APRs being uploaded can be accessed on the Punjab Government’s websitePunjab.gov.in. For the Scanning & Digitization exercise, heavy duty scanners have been installed in the Punjab Civil Secretariat I & II. The directorate Governance Reforms is the execution agency for this purpose. He said that the decision to upload Annual Property Returns of all Group A and B officers on the official website of the state government was taken last year in a high level meeting chaired by Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal Chief Secretary, Punjab. He said that at present digitization of APRs of 30292 Group A and B officers has already been done. - MAJOR REPRIEVE TO DAIRY FARMERS OF THE STATE CM GIVES NOD FOR INTRODUCING OTS SCHEME FOR DAIRY LOANS EXTENDED BY CCBs Chandigarh, January 15 In a bid to provide major relief to the Dairy farmers who have not been able to repay the loans advanced from Central Cooperative Banks (CCBs) for reasons and circumstances beyond their control, the Punjab Government has decided to introduce One Time settlement (OTS) scheme- 2015 to provide them an opportunity to liquidate their over dues. Acceding to the request of the Dairy entrepreneurs to introduce OTS to bail them out from the financial distress owing to pending loans advanced to them by the various Central Cooperative Banks across the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal gave a go ahead to this pro-dairy farmer initiative to give further fillip to the Dairying as an integral part of state’s ambitious diversification program. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the objective of the OTS for Dairy farmers was to provide major reprieve to the borrowers who had taken Dairy loans from Central Cooperative Banks and were unable to repay their dues due to certain compelling circumstances on one hand and to enable them to clear their dues as per terms specified in the scheme on the other. The said scheme would cover all Dairy loans which have become NPAs (Non Performing Assets) as on or before March 31, 2010. The scheme would also encompass the cases where suites have been filed and also the cases where decrees have been obtained. After the settlement was reached CCBs may take appropriate steps for closure of such cases in respective courts. However, the scheme would not cover cases of fraud, malfeasance and wilful defaulters. Elaborating the eligibility criteria the spokesperson further stipulated that the borrowers of CCBs who have taken Dairy loans and whose accounts have become NPA as on before March 31, 2010 would be eligible for relief under this scheme. Thye would be eligible for relief even if arbitration references have been filed, awards have been obtained and execution proceedings have been initiated. Divulging the details of concession under settlement formula/ relief the spokesperson said that where the amount of loan advanced was more than Rs 50000, simple rate of interest @ 10% per annum would be charged from the date of asset becoming NPA in the books of the bank. Likewise, where the amount of loan advanced was upto Rs 50,000 simple interest @ 8% would be charged from the date of asset becoming NPA in the books of the bank. Provided that the total interest charged should not exceed the principal loan amount advanced to him. However, there would be no concession regarding payment of principal amount. At least 25% of the settlement amount would be paid upfront and the balance amount could be paid in 30 days or in installments. In case the balance amount was paid in a period of 30 days then no interest should be charged on it upto 30 days from the date of settlement. In case the balance amount was paid within 30 days of settlement, the balance amount of 75% should be paid in lump sum or in instalments within a maximum period of one year together with interest settled under the scheme. However, in case the balance 75% amount was not paid within the stipulated period, the settlement would stand cancelled and all legal proceedings initiated for recovery of loan would stand restored. The borrower settling the dues under the scheme would be eligible for fresh loan only after the settled amount was fully paid. A screening committee comprising Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies as its Chairman and Managing Director of CCB as its member besides District Manager of CCB and Senior Auditor (Audit) Cooperative Societies as its member convenor and member respectively has been authorised to screen the beneficiaries for settlement of loans as per the guidelines of the scheme. The screening committee would consider each case referred to it and if found fit it would approve and send its recommendations to the Revisional authority who would be the Joint Registrar, Cooperative societies concerned. In case his application for settlement of loan was rejected by the committee, the applicant could further approach the concerned Joint Registrar Cooperative societies of the Division against such rejection who would decide the case on merit. --------------------- PUNJAB LAUNCHES SPECIAL DRIVE FOR PARTITION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND · DIRECTS REVENUE OFFICIALS TO ENSURE PARTITION OF LAND BY THE END OF MARCH IN CASES PENDING FOR ONE YEAR Chandigarh, January 15: On the instructions of Chief Minister, Punjab, Revenue department has launched a special drive to complete the process of partition of agricultural land in all those cases which are pending for one year or more besides expediting the process in new cases. Under this drive the field officers have been directed to ensure the process of completion partition in such cases by the end of March. Disclosing this here today, Mr. Karan A. Singh, Financial Commissioner Revenue said that while reviewing the progress of cases of partition, it was noticed that disposal of such cases took a long time. He said that though the process of partition was lengthy but it was also imperative to expedite such cases. He said that Deputy Commissioners have been directed for monthly review of pending cases and for further directing Assistant Collectors-1 to hear such cases every week. Meanwhile, detailed instructions have been issued to field officers regarding early disposal of partition cases. They have been categorically told there should not be any deviation in prescribed procedure for partition. In case of any objection raised by any stake holder on mode of partition, the Assistant Collector-1 may sort out it by inspecting on the site and the mode of partition should be confirmed after considering all objections. It was also directed that all maps should be prepared within two weeks after the order of AC-1 and the concerned Patwari/Kanungo should remain present on next hearing so that objections, if any, be removed on the spot to finalize maps. The Financial Commissioner Revenue has hold divisional level meetings with Revenue Officers to review the progress of the department and the main emphasis was to ensure efficient service delivery by the department.
- IAS OFFICERS TO CONTINUE TO FILE ANNUAL IMMOVABLE PROPERTY RETURNS UNDER EXISTING RULES CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 14: The Punjab Government today clarified that all the IAS officers would continue to file their Annual Property Returns under the existing provision of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968. This clarification has been issued in In Pursuance of the instructions of Government of India. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Department of Personnel said that IAS officers uptil now had been filing Annual immovable Property Returns under the provision of Rule 16 of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968. He said that in the meantime GoI has notified the Public Servants (Furnishing of Information and Annual Return of Assets and Liabilities and the Limits of Exemption of Assets in Filing Returns) Rules, 2014 in exercise of power conferred by the section 59 read with section 44 and 45 of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. He said that after this notification of GoI several queries from the various quarter had been received as to whether IAS officers also needed to file Immovable Property Returns under the provisions of Rule 16 of AIS (Conduct) Rules 1968 since they are now required to file information and annual returns under the provision of Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The spokesperson further said that in this regard after receiving instruction from the Department of Personnel and Training, GoI, this clarification has been generated by the Punjab Government. It has also been clarified that the last date for filing of Annual Immovable Property Return for the year 2014, under the existing provisions of AIS (Conduct) Rules 1968, is January 31, 2015. - FIVE CONDUCTORS OF PUNJAB ROADWAYS SUSPENDED FOR FORGERY CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 14: The Punjab Government has suspended five conductors of Punjab Roadways Hoshiarpur depot on charge of forgery. Disclosing this here today S. Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director Transport Department, Punjab said that Sarvsh Sukhwinder Singh, Ashwani Kumar, Denish Pal, Jasmanjot Singh and Ajay Kumar (All Punjab Roadways Hoshiarpur Depot. Conductor) were working in the Ticket Box Branch and Computer Branch. A complaint was received regarding missing of ticket boxes. He said that after the inquiry of the matter all these conductors were found guilty of forgery. Taking serious notice the department has put all these conductor under suspension with immediate effect. - CONGRESS WAS ‘DAY DREAMING’ OF COMING BACK TO POWER BY SPREADING CANARDS REGARDING FISSURES IN SAD-BJP ALLIANCE- CM TERMS ALLIANCE AS IMPECCABLE AND EVERLASTING ALLIANCE HAS THWARTED EVERY MOVE OF THE CONGRESS PARTY TO DIVIDE THE PEOPLE OF RELIGIOUS LINES HOPES THAT NDA GOVERNMENT WOULD RESOLVE LONG STANDING SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS ISSUES OF PUNJAB ANNOUNCES TO TAKE UP THE MATTER OF UPGRADATION OF SRI GURU GOBIND SINGH MARG PHASE II WITH CMs OF HARYANA, RAJASTHAN, DELHI, UTTAR PRADESH, MADHYA PRADESH AND MAHARASHTRA BATS FOR LOW COST MARRIAGES DEPUTY CM ANNOUNCES TO OBSERVE 2015 AS YEAR AGAINST SOCIAL MALADIES ASKS ENTIRE RANK AND FILE OF THE SAD TO GEAR UP FOR ERADICATING THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS LIKE DRUGS, FEMALE FOETICIDE, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND OTHERS ASSAILS RAHUL GANDHI FOR BRANDING PUNJABIS AS DRUG ADDICTS ‘OLD GUARDS’ OF CONGRESS (CAPTAIN AND BAJWA) WOULD HANG UP THEIR BOOTS AS SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WOULD SERVE THE STATE FOR 25 YEARS POLITICAL CONFERENCE AT MAGHI Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 14- Reiterating that the SAD-BJP alliance in the state was impeccable and everlasting, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that Congress was ‘day dreaming’ of coming back to power in the state by spreading canards regarding fissures in them. Addressing the gathering during the political conference on the occasion of Maghi here today, the Chief Minister, while pointing towards the leadership of both the alliance partners sharing the stage, said that the alliance was firm as it has been time and again cemented with the bonding of love and mutual affection. He said that the rumors regarding the strained relationship of the both the alliance partners was just a figment of imagination of the frustrated leadership of the Congress party, which was dying to attain power in the state. Mr. Badal said that the SAD-BJP alliance was a unique phenomenon in the Indian democratic system which has stood the test of time by passing every litmus test. Terming communal harmony and brotherhood in the state as the biggest achievement of SAD-BJP alliance government, the Chief Minister said that the alliance government has thwarted every move of the Congress party to divide the people of religious lines. Mr. Badal further said that the alliance was need of the hour to further curb the nefarious designs of the Congress party for disturbing the hard earned peace of the state. “Everyone knows that Punjab faced the trauma of black days of Terrorism because of the political conspiracies hatched by the Congress” he added. The Chief Minister further said that with the formation of the NDA Government at the centre the hope of resolution of long standing social, economic, political and religious issues of Punjab has revived. Mr. Badal said that the state government would soon take up these issues with Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He said that the NDA government has already sanctioned big tickets projects like the one for eradicating water logging from the state and relining of canals to the state adding that the remaining issues would also be solved by the Modi Government. “Our government at centre was committed for overall development of the country and Mr. Modi will help the state government to give further impetus to the overall development of the state” added Mr. Badal. Quipping at the proposed rally by the Congress party on January 22, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party was trying to score brownie points in the media by resorting to such political tantrums. He dared the Congress leadership that if they were so much concerned about the sensitive issue of drugs then they should make the people aware about it by going in every village. However, Mr. Badal said that rather than solving this issue the Congress was trying get political mileage out of this matter. The Chief Minister also announced that he would soon take up the matter of upgradation of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Marg phase II from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) to Sri Hazur Sahib with the respective Chief Ministers of the states as it symbolizes the spirit of national unity, integrity and pride for which the Sikh Gurus and their followers made supreme sacrifices. Mr. Badal said that he would personally meet Chief Ministers of all Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra through which this historic road passes and urge them to expedite the work on this project. Soliciting the whole hearted support of Government of India (GoI) for checking the flow of drugs in the state, the Chief Minister said that the need of the hour was to wage a joint war against this curse. He said that the curse of drugs was the biggest problem faced by the country in general and state in particular adding that the only solution for checking this menace was to totally cut down the supply line of drugs both from within the country and from abroad. Mr. Badal also listed the steps taken by the state government for curbing the problems of drug and cancer in the state. Batting for less expenditure on marriages in the state, the Chief Minister said that these occasions must not be used for showing off the wealth to others by making huge expenses on them. He also called upon the entire cadre of the SAD-BJP alliance to channelize their energy for making the people aware about the menace of drugs, female foeticide, environmental pollution and others in the state. Mr. Badal said that the Lok Lehar of Shiromani Akali Dal was must for the well being of every strata of society. Earlier in his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, while announcing that 2015 would be observed as year against social maladies, asked the entire rank and file of the SAD to gear up for eradicating the social problems like Drugs, female foeticide, environmental pollution and others engulfing the state. He said that the SAD would restart the assembly wise ‘Langar Sewa’, earlier organized by his mother late Mrs. Surinder Kaur Badal, at Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar. Likewise, Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also announced that SAD would also organize assembly wise Kirtan Darbars across the state as a part of its ‘social construction’ program. Training his guns against the Congress Vice President Mr. Rahul Gandhi, the Deputy Chief Minister assailed him for branding Punjabis as drug addicts. He said that Congress has always tried to defame the hard working and resilient Punjabis by describing them as terrorists in the past and drug addicts now. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that it was shameful on the part of state Congress leaders that they do not resist such moves on part of their high command to tarnish the image Punjab and Punjabis. Taking a jibe on the ongoing war between state Congress Chief Mr. Partap Singh Bajwa and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, the Deputy Chief Minister said that these leaders have proved that they could not manage their house than how would manage the affairs of the state. He announced that the SAD-BJP would serve the state and its people for the next 25 years adding that till then both these ‘old guards’ of Congress would hang up their boots. “All these Congress leaders are mere puppets in the hands of Gandhi family and have hardly any concern for the state” added Mr. Badal. In his address state BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma while describing the state as sword arm of the country stressed on the need for having a healthy and strong Punjab as it would directly mean a ‘strong India’. Mr. Sharma hailed the historic initiatives taken by the Modi Government at the centre to ensure the overall development of the country and prosperity of its people. He also stressed on the need for synergizing the efforts of Centre and state government for the welfare of state. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal was given a rousing welcome by hundreds of Youth Akali workers, led by Youth Akali Dal’s Malwa Zone President Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, who escorted him to the venue of conference in a cavalcade of motor bikes. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Janmeja Singh Sekhon and Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr. Sarup Chand Singla and Mr. Mantar Singh Brar, Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya and former Union Minister Mr. Balwant Singh Ramoowalia, MLAs Bibi Jagir Kaur, Mr. Deep Malhotra, Mr. Darshan Singh Kotafatta and Mr. Prem Mittal, Advisor to Chief Minister on National Affairs and Media Mr. Harcharan Bains, Media Advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Harjinder Singh Sidhu, Chairman Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Koilianwali, President Youth Akali Dal Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, senior Akali leader Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, Chairman District Planning Committee Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi Dhillon, Chairman Mr. Tajinder Singh Middukhera and Mr. Satinderjit Singh Manta. - VILLAGE HEALTH SANITATION NUTRITION COMMITTEES TO BE STRENGTHENED---JAYANI Ø FREE HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FOR MOTHER AND CHILD Ø CONCERNED SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICERS TO REVIEW THE FUNCTIONING OF VILLAGE HEALTH SANITATION NUTRITION COMMITTEES CHANDIGARH, January 14: In order to strengthen the existing rural health infrastructure in Punjab, the state government would further strengthen the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees giving more powers and wider operational areas to these bodies. The concerned SMOs or Medical Officers have been asked to periodically review the functioning of these committees so that the rural masses to get the maximum benefit of health facilities. Revealing this here today Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab, Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that prominent personalities, NGOs and elected Panchayat representatives of each village would be involved to ensure the effective implementation of the rural health education and care, sanitation and nutritional plans envisaged especially for rural habitation. To ensure active participation of each and every section of the society, he said that the committees would also have a woman panchayat member belonging to the scheduled castes as the chairperson, ASHA worker would be the Secretary, ANM, Anganwari worker and retired army personnel or academician would be the members. The committee would mainly ensure transmission and implementation of the government schemes and plans formulated for the rural areas of the state. The Minister also said that the state government has allocated untied fund of Rs. 10,000 annually for the maintenance health and hygiene in the villages besides holding health camps and addressing other emergent needs. Mr. Jayani said that meeting once in a month was mandatory so that constant monitoring of the health facilities could be ensured at grass root levels. The Minister further said that the committees would also generate awareness amongst the women to fight back any violence against them. Referring to the services being offered to the mother and infants in Punjab, the Minister said that Punjab government was extending complete health care to expectant mother and child free of cost . The minister further said that the Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees would also be responsible for helping the government in devising the Annual Health Plan, organising the monthly health programmes, Bhagat Puran Singh Health Insurance Scheme, child care under RBSK, mother care under (JSSK) Janani Shishu Surkaya Karyakram, (JSY) Janani Surkya Yojna, Mata Kaushlaya health Scheme etc. The state government was also giving complete health cover to the students of government schools and government approved schools against the major identified 30 diseases till the age of 18 years in all the empanelled hospitals The registered children in Anganwari Centres in the villages’ would also be covered under this scheme said Mr. Jayani. - PUNJAB GOVT. TO CONSTRUCT EIGHT PRTC BUS STANDS AT THE COST OF Rs.36.25 CRORE IN THE STATE-KOHAR CHANDIGARH, January 14:
Punjab Government would construct eight PRTC Bus Stands at the cost of Rs.36.25 crore in the state in the next three years. Disclosing this here today Punjab Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar said that the construction work of Bassi Pathana and Amloh Bus stands of PRTC has been completed at the cost of Rs. 4.00 crore and Rs.2.67 crore respectively. The Minister said that proposed Bus Stand would be constructed at Sirhind, Bhawanigarh, Bajakhana, Samana, Sunam, Malerkotla, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ahmedgarh whereas the works of Rama Mandi and Faridkot Bus Stands were on advanced stage of completion at the cost of Rs.2.00 crore and Rs.5.00 crore respectively. In order to improve efficiency and bring in transparency in the working of PRTC, the Minister said that the process to introduce the Integrated Depot Management System (MIS) has been initiated for which a detailed project report for seeking grant-in-aid from Government of India has been prepared by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune. With the implementation of this system PRTC was expected to save 15 to 20% in its administrative cost as well as reduction in the expenditure on the maintenance of the fleet and it is also expected that it will bring improvement in PRTC, resulting in expected increase in revenue by atleast 10% and decrease in the expenditure by way monitoring by atleast 8% to 10%. He said that the total revenue of PRTC during the year of 2013-14 was 367.12 Crores, and in the year 2012-13 was 340.83 Crores against 319.47 crores in the year 2011-12. He further said that free concessional travelling provided to the various categories was to the tune of 83.89 Crores during the year 2013-14 whereas during the year 2012-13 was Rs. 72.93 crores and during year 2011-12 was Rs. 60.15 crores . - PUNJAB SHINES IN 60TH NATIONAL SCHOOL GAMES · EDUCATION MINISTER DR. CHEEMA SHOWERED HIGH PRAISE ON PLAYERS AND COACHES · PUNJAB BAGS 4 GOLD, 7 SILVER AND 10 BRONZE MEDALS IN DIFFERENT 9 SPORTS EVENTS DURING LAST WEEK CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 14: As per the track record in National School Games, Punjab has again put up a good show in ongoing 60th National School Games, which is being held in the various parts of the countries. Punjab has bagged 4 Gold, 7 Silver and 10 Bronze medals in the 9 sports events held during the past one week. While greeting the winning Players their Coaches and Parents for this splendid achievement, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister said that this achievement is the result of consistent hard work the players had put in. He said that the Education Department has been giving priority to the sports from the primary level by providing every kind of infrastructure and technical assistance to the players. Divulging the detail of the Medals won by the Punjab team during last few days Dr. Cheema said that Punjab Football team bagged the Gold Medal in the U-19 Football tournament held at Indore. In Karate event Punjab team snatched 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. He said that Punjab bagged overall second position in the country in the 3 team events in New Delhi Cluster by winning 4 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. --------- 9 OFFICERS CAUGHT RED HANDED IN GRAFT CASES DURING DECEMBER · VIGILANCE FILES 5 CHALLANS IN DIFFERENT CASES · HON’BLE COURTS PRONOUNCED SENTENCE IN 6 ANOTHER BRIBERY CASES CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 14: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau, in its anti corruption campaign during the month of December 2014 has been successful in nabbing 9 officers red handed while receiving the bribe whereas vigilance inquiry in 5 different cases has also been completed and subsequently the challans have been filed. Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that during the month of December, 2014, the vigilance Bureau has intensified its campaign and nine officers/officials were caught red handed accepting bribe. He said that all these officers were booked under Prevention of Corruption Act-1988. He said that two criminal cases were also registered against the corrupt employees. He said that the Vigilance Bureau has also initiated fresh vigilance inquiries in 8 different cases The spokesman further said that during the hearing of another cases filed by Vigilance Bureau, the Hon’ble courts have pronounced sentenced to 6 persons in bribery cases. ------ DR CHEEMA REVIEWS THE PROGRESS OF DEPARTMENT WITH D.E.Os · IMPLEMENT ANTI-COPYING CAMPAIGN EFFECTIVELY · INVITES SUGGESTIONS FOR UP GRADATION OF SYLLABUS MOHALI/CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 13: Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister Punjab today held a high level meeting with the district education officers (secondary and elementary education) to review the working of the department and to chalk out annual plan on the basis of infrastructural needs and other priorities of the education department in the next session. The meeting which was conducted at Sikhya bhawan at mohali , the minister issued strict instructions for the officers to implement the anti–copying campaign effectively .he also directed them to prepare the data base of their respective districts vis- a–vis number of students and infrastructural needs. Education minister directed the DEOs to nominate one subject expert for each subject in the district to examine the syllabus books. DEOs were told to send at least ten suggestions after the examination of the syllabus books so that amendment could be made in the syllabus from the coming session. In the first phase syllabus books of fifth and tenth standard could be examined. Dr cheema also exorted the DEOs to strengthen the career guidance counselling cell. “Database of mobile numbers of the parents of all students of 5th and 10th standard should also be prepared so that they could be intimated about the new professional courses through SMS” advised Dr. Cheema. Dr. Cheema also instructed the District Education Officers (D.E.O.) to regularly conduct the checks of schools at district level so that better academic atmosphere prevails at schools. He also asked the D.E.O.s to sort out the problems of students, parents and teachers at district level so that they don,t have to make rounds of head office. He also instructed that in this regard, a day in the week should be fixed to listen to the grievances of the public. Keeping in view forthcoming annual examinations, Dr. Cheema said that a campaign to totally eradicate the menace of copying has been initiated and the role of district level officials assumes great importance to make it a grand success. He laid stress on making the students more and more aware about the ill effects of copying. He gave instructions to the D.E.O.s to make adequate provisions for clean drinking water in the schools falling in the district and if there is any problem in this regard then temporary arrangements should be made and a master plan be prepared for permanent arrangements. The meeting was attended by the principal secretary Mr. C. Roul , DGSE Mr. Pardeep Aggarwal, DPI Secondary Mr. Balbir Singh, DPI Elementary Mrs. Darshan Kaur, Additional State Project Director JP Singh and Deputy State Project Director Dr. Ginni Duggal.
Dharamkot market committee constituted Chandigarh January 13: The Punjab Government has constituted a sixteen members market committee , Dharamkot (Moga ) under the Punjab Agricultural Produce Market Act. Stating this, an official spokesperson said that Mr. Gurnam singh Virk of village Kahnevalla has been nominated as Chairman and Mr. Gurnam Singh Jindra of village Ijsjattvalla as Vice Chairman of the market committee. He further said that Mr. Prabhkaran Singh , Mr Rupinder Singh, Mr Hari Singh ,Mr Angrej Singh , Mr Gurdev Singh , Mr Shindarpal Singh , Madam Tarsen Kaur, Mr Gurnam Singh Virk , Mr Baltej Singh , Mr Gurmehar Singh , Mr Ranjit Singh , Mr Chamkur Singh , Mr Davinder Singh have been inducted as members under Producers Category. He also informed that Block Development and Panchayat Officer would be the government representative of this Committee. - CADET TRAINED BY GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE SECURES SECOND POSITION IN INDIA CADET GURVANSH SINGH GOSAL BRINGS LAURELS TO THE STATE Chandigarh, January 13: The efforts being made by Punjab Government to train students for getting commissioned in Armed Forces has stated showing their results with one of its candidates trained by Government run's Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Mohali stunned everybody by securing second position in all India merit National Defence Academy exams. Cadet Gurvansh Singh Gosal has brought laurel by securing second position in the All India Merit list for NDA 133 Course to be commenced in this month. Over 4 lakh boys from across the country appeared in the UPSC entrance exam for NDA conducted in April 2014. Gurvansh has placed second in the overall merit list and will be joining the National Defence Academy shortly for a three years course. He is aspiring to join the Indian Army as an officer after doing a further one year of training at the Indian Military Academy. It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab government’s Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Mohali was paving way for commissioning of state cadets through National Defence Academy. The institute was imparting modern training to young cadets resultantly two batches of cadets have passed out from the institute. Thirty one cadets so far have joined National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy. The spokesman said that the results achieved by the institute were among the best in the country. The third batch of 42 cadets had appeared in the NDA entrance exam conducted in September 2014 out of which 29 cadets have cleared. He said that successful cadets will join NDA in Jul this year. Enthused by the performance of AFPI, the government of Punjab have decided to open another institute for training of girls for joining the armed forces as officers. Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute for Girls will be functional by Jul this year. This institute will take 25 girls every year. Girls will be eligible to join after completing their Class 12. Duration of training will be three years. - Punjab Handicapped Union calls off strike after assurance from senior officers for recruitment drive for backlog quota Chandigarh, January 13 The Punjab Government today agreed to fill the vacant posts of disabled persons against the prescribed quota in the Local Government Department to clear the backlog in the three Corporations of Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's office said that a decision to this effect has been taken in a meeting with a delegation of Handicapped Welfare Union led by its state President Mr. Mangal Singh Gill at the level of Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Secretary Local Government Mr. Ashok Gupta. Mr. Sandhu sympathetically listened to the grievances of the union and amicably resolved the matter to their satisfaction. On the assurance from the senior officer, the association immediately announced to call off their ongoing strike and expressed gratitude to the state government for acceptance of their long pending demand. It may be recalled here that the Members of the Handicapped Welfare Union were on indefinite Hunger strike outside the Local Government Department's office here for the last 20 days to initiate recruitment process to fill 274 vacant posts reserved under Handicapped category persons at Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana Corporations. - WAXING, GRADING UNITS FOR KINNOWS ALL SET TO BE COMMISSIONED Chandigarh January 13: The Agro Industries Corporation is all set to commission Mechanical Grading, Waxing units for Waxing and Grading of Kinnow fruit at a cost of 8.23 Crores by replacing earlier plants setup 20 years ago to improve the packaging and marketing of kinnows in other states and countries . Disclosing this here today Jathedar Tota Singh, Agriculture Minister, Punjab said that with a view to improve the marketing of Kinnow in the five units in Citrus Estates at Badal (Muktsar), Tahliwalan Jattan (Fazilka), Chhauni Kalan, Kangmai (Hoshiarpur) and Alamgarh (Fazilka) have already been commissioned. He said that with the commissioning of Two more units at Balluana (Fazilka) and Jahan Khelan (Hoshiarpur) shortly, Kinnow growers would be able to market their produce in distant domestic as well as export markets because of increased shelf life and cosmetic appearance of the waxed and graded fruit. He said that Punjab fruit growers were able to capture New markets within the country like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkatta, Varanasi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Thiruvanantapuram etc. with the mechanical grading, waxing facility set up by PAIC.
- CM ENVISIONS PUNJAB AS FRONTRUNNER STATE IN WHITE AND BLUE REVOLUTION EXHORTS FARMERS TO ADOPT ALLIED FARMING ACTIVITIES FOR SUPPLEMENTING THEIR INCOME LISTS INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR PROMOTING ALLIED FARMING SECTOR ANNOUNCES TO HONOR LEADING PROGRESSIVE DAIRY FARMER AT STATE LEVEL REPUBLIC DAY FUNCTION FOR HIS RARE FEAT LIVESTOCK EXPO HAS CARVED A NICHE FOR ITSELF IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARENA- SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL ASKS ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT TO LAUNCH WEBSITE AND PUBLISH DIRECTORY REGARDING THIS EXPO CONCLUDING DAY OF LIVESTOCK EXPO AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AT SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 12- Recalling the immense contribution of the Punjabi farmers in transforming India from a food deficit to food surplus country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today envisioned that due to the hard work and dedication of farmers the state would soon emerge as frontrunner in ‘White and Blue’ revolution also. Addressing the gathering on the concluding day of Livestock Expo and National Championship here today, the Chief Minister said that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had scripted a new chapter in the history of nation by making it self-reliant in food production through the ‘Green Revolution’ in 1960s. However, he said that in this great service of the nation the farmers of the state had even sacrificed the only available natural resources of the state in term of fertile soil and water. But, Mr. Badal bemoaned that today with the squeezing margins of profit agriculture was no longer a profitable preposition due to which farmers were facing a lot of problem for their basic subsistence. In such a dismal scenario, the Chief Minister said that the only silver lining for the farmers was the allied farming sector, which 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. “This will bail out the farmers from the crisis by supplementing their income” added Mr. Badal. Listing the initiatives taken by the state to promote allied farming sector under its flagship program of crop diversification, the Chief Minister said that the farmers have given positive response to this program by evincing keen interest in Livestock sector. He also said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for them that Punjab has emerged as number one state in pisciculture amongst the non-coastal states of the country. Mr. Badal said that to further promote Fishery in the state he had recently visited China along with a delegation of the progressive fish farmers to get acquainted about their expertise in the fishing sector adding that to encourage the farmers for adopting fish farming the state government was giving 100% subsidy for setting up fish farms in water logged areas and 50% subsidy in other parts of the state. Likewise, the Chief Minister said that to popularize Dairy farming in the state 50% subsidy was being given to the women dairy farmers. Mr. Badal called upon the farmers to adopt apiary, piggery and goatery as there was tremendous scope in these sectors. He said that the state government has set up boards for encouraging the farmers towards these sectors. Expressing gratitude to the farmers of nine states who have came all the way to attend 64 championships in the expo, the Chief Minister announced that from the next year this event would be organized at much bigger scale. He said that this would enable the farmers to update themselves about the emerging technologies in the field of agriculture and livestock sector. Meanwhile, Mr. Badal announced to honor Mr. Daljit Singh Sadarpura, the proud owner of HF cow which has created national record by giving 61.800 kilograms of milk, in the state level Republic Day function. In his address the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that as due to the stupendous efforts of the state government mother game of Punjabis-Kabaddi has carved a niche for itself in the international sports arena in the same manner this expo has also attracted the farmers from both within the country and abroad. He said that the fact that farmers from nine states have participated in this mega event speak volumes of success of this expo. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also suggested the Cabinet Minster Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike to launch a website having important information regarding the prize winners of this expo so that the farmers could be immensely benefitted from it. He also said that a directory must be published about these farmers. On the occasion Deputy Chief Minister also distributed prizes to the winners. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Chairman Punjab Agro Foodgrains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, President Youth Akali Dal Malwa Zone Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Chairman PUNCOFED Mr. Kulwinder Singh Bhai Ka Kera, former MLAs Mr. Sant Singh Brar and Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh Mrar, Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh. TOTA SINGH AND MALUKA GREET PEOPLE ON LOHRI
Chandigarh January 12 : Agriculture and NRI affairs Minister Punjab S. Tota Singh and Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Punjab S. Sikander Singh Maluka greeted people on the occasion of Lohri . In a message they said that this festival is a tribute to the bounties of nature and mark the change in weather moving towards spring. They prayed for the well-being and happiness of the people, prosperity, peace and development in the state as well as in the country. - Israeli Agriculture Minister and Deputy PM of Poland hold special meeting with Harsimrat Badal • Israel to establish 28 centres of excellence and cooperation in 10 states 2 in Punjab • Poland offers to Provide best, cheapest and simple solutions for food processing for small farmers • Badal desires a Task Force or Joint Working Group with Poland
Gandhinagar/Chandigarh, January 12: Israeli Agriculture Minister Mr. Yair Shamir and Deputy Prime Minister of Poland Mr. JanuszPiechocinski today met Union Food Processing Industries Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal and expressed their interests to expand the ambit of cooperation between two countries on food processing front. In a special meeting with Union Food Processing Minister on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015, Mr. Yair Shamir stressed on the strengths of Israel in the field of agri-technology, protected cultivation, orchard management, micro irrigation and post harvest management. He also informed about the Israeli drip irrigation systems which are now widely used in India. The Israeli Minister told about the establishment of 28 centres of excellence and cooperation in agriculture in 10 states including 2 in Punjab. Mr. Shamir also informed Mrs. Badal that Isarel was contemplating to expand its wings in Dairy farming by setting up excellence centres in India as India has great potential in this field. He said they will soon chalk out a program in this regard. Mrs. Badal emphasized on the need to set up a Joint Working Group with Israel on agriculture and food processing as well as to learn about the crop diversification techniques which could be used effectively in India. While visiting the stalls set up by Israel to showcase their advanced technology for drip irrigation, water conservation and post harvest management Mrs. Badal said with the cooperation from Israel India could register unprecedented growth in agriculture especially in food processing field. Meanwhile Mr. JanuszPiechocinski Deputy Prime Minister of Poland accompanied by a 15 member delegation expressed the desire to support Indian Food Processing Industry. He emphasized that currently the balance of trades in favour of India and that Poland has done tremendous progress in the field of agriculture and food processing. Mr. Piechocinski informed that Poland has best agricultural universities, have best experience in agri consultancy, have strong public program to support agriculture and can provide best, cheapest and simple solutions for food processing for small farmers. He also reiterated that Poland is very strong in their technology for meat processing and dairying. He gave an invitation to Mrs. Badal to visit Poland and also send a group of small farmers or entrepreneurs who can see how well they are doing processing of cereals, fruits and meat as well as dairying After detailed discussions Mrs. Badal informed the Polish delegation about the initiatives taken by India in last few months to focus on reduction in wastage and encouragement of food processing. She informed Polish delegates that Indian food processing industry was growing annually at almost 9% and holds great promises an employment generator and therefore on the need to reduce wastage by encouraging food processing thereby uplifting the farmer and reducing inflation. She also told that the Food Map which has been made specifically for aiding investors in food processing to know where fruits and vegetables were available in India so that investors could plan setting up of processing facilities accordingly. A copy of the Food Map was also given to the delegation. She also desired setting up of a Task Force or Joint Working Group with Poland so that appropriate technology could be used by India in food processing and both sides benefit from each other strength. Meanwhile Mrs. Badal also visited Mundra Port to see modern and efficient port works for facilitating import and export. She also took a stock of arrangements for faster and efficient clearances and cargo handling of perishable goods besides the transportation measur --------- PUNJAB TO CONSERVE GOBINDGARH FORT AS PRESERVED HISTORICAL MONUMENT: THANDAL CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 12: The Punjab government today set in motion the process of conserving the Fort Gobindgarh at Amritsar as preserved monument of historical importance by issuing a notification under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964. Disclosing this here today Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Tourism Minister said that Fort Gobindgarh was previously known as Bhangian Da Kila. He said that this Fort has been a mute witness to many historic events associated with the Sikh warrior King Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Gobindgarh Fort that was built by the army of Gujjar Singh of Bhangi Misl has been through the turmoil of Anglo-Sikh wars due to its strategic location. The Minister said that it was imperative for SAD-BJP government to preserve the unique architectural masterpiece in its original form and guidance of international experts has been sought in this mission of national importance. Throwing lights on the architectural design of this Fort Mr. Thandal said that Gobindgarh Fort was constructed with brick and lime on a square pattern with a parameter of 1500 square meter with two strong gates, four large bastions and well-defined rampart. The magnificent main entrance is called Nalwa Gate. There were 25 cannons used to be stationed on the ramparts. The Tourism Minister said that keeping in mind the historical importance of this Fort in the Sikh history the Punjab Government has now decided to preserve the Fort Gobindgarh under “the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964” Mr. Thandal further said that any person who have any proximity/inclination with this Fort and who has any objection in declaring this Fort as historical monument could file their objections with the tourism department within two months. He said that after completing this formality the Punjab Government would issue the final notification for declaring the Fort Gobindgarh as Preserved Historical Monument. - Bhagat Chunni Lal , Madan Mohan Mittal greet people on occasion of Lohri Chandigarh, January12: The Forest, Wildlife Protection and Labour Minister, Punjab, Bhagat Chunni Lal and Industry, Commerce and Technical Education Minister Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal have greeted the people of the state on the occasion of lohri and said that the festival of lohri is a true symbol of the composite culture of Punjab and he would like to take this occasion to exhort people to keep up the moral and social values. They also said that the bonfire lit on this momentous occasion signifies the burning of negativity. He also said that festivals like these act as a binding force for the society. Chief Parliamentary Secretaries N.K. Sharma, Amarpal Singh Ajnala and Choudhary Nand Lal also greeted people on this occasion. - Punjab Government issues instructions to give preference to domestically manufactured electronic products Chandigarh, January12: The Punjab Government has issued instructions to all the Financial Commissioners, Principal Secretaries, Administrative Secretaries and Heads of the department to give preference to domestically manufactured electronic products in government procurement. Disclosing this, a Government spokesperson said that these instructions are issued in accordance with the policy of the Government of India, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Deity). The spokesperson also said that quarterly reports concerning preference given to domestically manufactured electronic products in government procurement relating to funds received from Government of India, should be sent to Government of India and first quarterly report be sent by 20-1-2015. ------------- PUNJAB ALL SET FOR HOLDING SECOND AND THIRD PHASE OF NRI SANGAT DARSHAN-TOTA SINGH
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 12:The Punjab government is all set to hold second and third phases of NRI Sangat Darshans at Jalandhar and Ludhiana after successful culmination of Sangat Darshan at Moga in last week of December. Disclosing this here today Mr. Tota Singh NRI Affairs Minister said that Punjab is all set to host NRI Sangat Darshan in Jalandhar and Ludhiana on January 16 and 18 respectively. In the NRI Sangat Darshan at Jalandhar NRIs from Districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Tarntaran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot while NRIs from districts Ludhiana, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (NawanShahar), Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Ropar and Ajitgarh (Mohali) would put forth their grievances in the Ludhiana sangat darshan. He said that the main aim of these Sangat Darshans is to make direct interface with the NRI's to solve their problems on the spot in the presence of the government top brass. In order to ensure on the spot solution of the problems faced by these NRI's, the top brass of police and civil administration will be deployed at the venue of the functions, which is Whistling Woods Resort on Ferozepur Road, Ludhiana and Imperial Manor, Hoshiarpur Road, Jalandhar. - NEW MEMBER OF GRIEVANCE PANEL CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 12: The Punjab government has accorded its approval to include Mr. Yohanan s/o Mr. Matthew, resident of Aman colony, Bhatti road, Sirhind, District Fatehgarh Sahib in the Christian category, to be included in District Grievance Committee of Fetahgarh Sahib correcting in earlier mentioned name under this category. This was disclosed by an official spokesperson. ------- 3 YEARS IMPRISONMENT TO SENIOR ASSISTANT IN FORGERY CASE
CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 12: Hon’ble Court of Mr. Dilbagh Singh Johal, Additional Sessions Judge, Mohali has convicted senior Assistant of Secondary Education Department in forgery case and sentenced him for 3 years of imprisonment besides imposing Rs.12,000 fine. Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that the Hon’ble court has convicted accused Mahinder Singh, Senior Assistant, posted at Director, Secondary Education office and resident of Gulmohar Complex, Desu Majra, Kharar, and District Mohali in the case of forgery and misusing his office. Keeping his senior officers in dark accused Mohinder Singh had fraudulently issued Adjustment Orders for his son Gurpreet Singh and placed him on the job of SLA. The spokesperson said that while the proceeding of the court case Mahinder Singh was found guilty by the court and he was sentenced for 3 years in jail and fine of Rs. 12,000. Gurpreet Singh was also sentenced for 3 years in jail and fine of Rs. 8,000
--- TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IN FOGGY WEATHER-KOHAR CHANDIGARH JANUARY 11: Punjab Transport Minister S. Ajit Singh Kohar made a fervent appeal to the public not to break any traffic rules and follow road rules while driving during foggy weather. They must be aware of hand signals and drive with caution while giving other commuters a clear path. Under no circumstances must they speed or wrongfully overtake other vehicles in such weather. If the public takes precaution themselves, then there will be less road accidents. The Minister said that due to foggy weather when the visibility is low the number of road accidents increases which can be prevented by taking simple measures. Mr. Kohar has asked all district transport officers to ensure that vehicles such as tractor-trolleys, rickshaws, cycles etc. that have no lights must be made to have reflectors so that they may be visible to others on the road. Such commuters are at a very high risk of fatality and incidents involving vehicles with no lights are very high during this time of the year. Such accidents could be prevented with the help of enforcing mandatory reflectors on these vehicles. Mr. Kohar has further asked the Public Works Department to put up signage, informational hoardings and milestones for the safety of the public. He has asked the officers concerned to ensure that wherever there is any road repair/construction going on, warning signages must be placed. Also, for bridges that do not have any railings, especially in rural areas and along canal banks, an iron or concrete fencing must be built on priority. He said that in case of any emergency, the government has beenprovided 24-hour ambulances that can be made use of by the public. - India to be ‘Global leader’ in Food Processing by 2020-Harsimrat Badal (Focuses on controlling wastage to low food inflation during address at Vibrant Gujarat Summit)
Gandhinagar/Chandigarh, January 11: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said with the possibilities available in the area of Food Processing, India would become ‘global leader’ by 2020. While speaking at Vibrant Gujarat Summit here, Mrs. Badal said India has potential, environment and availability of requisite resources to lead the world on food processing front and the time has come to realize this dream of nation. She focused the need to bring down food wastage besides ensuring safe, nutritional and affordable high quality food to aam aadmi, which will definitely become a catalyst in curbing ‘food inflation’. Mrs. Badal revealed the facts that how food processing industry was taking new strides and growing rapidly at almost 9 percent compared to 3.3 percent for agriculture and 6.6 for manufacturing employs, which has engaged around 60 percent of population directly or indirectly. She said statistics shows that food processing was contributing 13 percent of Indian exports despite processing only 10 percent of total produce. She said it was extremely critical to grow more from less so that we should enhance the food processing not only to control food wastage but also to provide safe, nutritional and affordable high quality food for general masses. Describing food processing sector a major contributor to give new shape to India’s growth story, Mrs. Badal apprised the participants that every single percent increase in processing could generate additional employment for lakhs of people directly and indirectly. She said this sector could generate employment, curtail inflation, uplift farmers, reduce wastage and provides food and nutritional security, which should be given priority by our peasantry and food industries. She said food processing industry have a detailed plan to set up mega and mini food parks across the country since the ministry has taken several initiatives to encourage industry in different states. She said the excise duty on food processing and packaging machinery has been reduced from 10 percent to 6 percent, financial assistance being through NABARD for units in food parks, food map for surplus raw material availability, investors’ portal and simplified application procedure. The Union Minister also said that the agri land was reducing in the country vis-à-vis increasing population so we must work on ‘grow more, from less, to feed more’. She said with the endless availabilities and possibilities in growing food processing, we could witness less food inflation. She said her ministry was working hard to increase the current processing in fruits and vegetables from 2 percent to 10 percent in coming years as India has the potential to do the same by uplifting farmers, bringing down inflation. More than 100 countries participated in the summit. Partner countries were Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, UK and USA. Prominent speakers were Ban Ki Moon Secretary General UN, John Kerry US secretary of state, Tshering Tobgay PM of Bhutan, Yair Shamir Agriculture Minister Israel, Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, Ajay Banga of Master Card, Kumaramangalam Birla of Birla group and representatives of all partner countries. - Sports Cell of Education Department to launch awareness move against drugs · Hockey icon Pargat Singh holds session for edu-sports reforms · Dr. Cheema focuses sports activities for students to create healthy society
Chandigarh, January 11: The Education Department today organized a special statewide meeting with Assistant Education Officers (Sports) to launch an exclusive anti-drug awareness campaign amongst students in general and sportsmen in particular by dispensing education against harmful effects of drugs. Presiding over the meeting Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema directed all AEO sports to intensify the steps being taken to make aware the students about adverse effects of drugs by encouraging them towards sports. Olympian and Hockey Icon MLA Pargat Singh was the special attraction of the meeting here at Sikhea Bhawan, Mohali, who chaired the special session against the negative impacts of drugs. He assured to extend fulsome cooperation, support and assistance from sports fraternity of state to make aware students and sportspersons about the drugs and their negative effects. He asked all District Education and Sports Officers to divide the sports in three categories namely Simple, Specialist and Super Specialist besides launching a campaign to motivate students for simple sports at initial level. He said Sports officers should form district level committees with the active participation of former Olympians, International sportspersons so that adequate steps could be taken. Focusinig on sports reforms in education, Mr. Pargat Singh gave a clarion call to Physical Education Teachers to come forward to save the budding future of the nation. He said Sports activities could change the fate of the nation by channelizing the energy of our budding sportsmen. He asked Sports Officers of education department to take sports at primary level to infuse sports spirit amongst students of elementary schools. He said sports activities could play a pivotal role to purge the menace of drugs from society. He said DPE and PTIs of government schools should run the sports centers in their own respective schools and this exercise will prepare 4 lakh budding sports students. He said China had adopted this policy and now it has become super sports power. Meanwhile addressing the session Dr. Cheema said every child should be engaged in sports activities from the primary level so that healthy society could be formed. Deputy Director (sports) Mr. Sarbjit Singh Toor thanked to Olympian Pargat Singh for extending cooperation and guidance to education department. Mr. Raghbir Singh, Dr. Gian Singh and Assistant Education Officers (Sports) were also present in the meeting.
- BIG REPRIEVE TO FARMERS OF THE STATE CM GIVES NOD FOR INTRODUCING OTS SCHEME FOR LOANS EXTENDED TO THEM BY PADB THIS PRO-FARMER SCHEME TO BE APPLICABLE FOR ALL LOANS ADVANCED BY THE PADBs THAT HAVE BECOME OVERDUE AS ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 2014 Chandigarh, January 11- In a bid to provide big relief to the farmers who have not been able to repay the loans advanced from Primary Cooperative Agricultural Development Banks (PADBs) for reasons and circumstances beyond their control, the Punjab Government has decided to introduce One Time settlement (OTS) scheme- 2015 to provide them an opportunity to liquidate their over dues. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that this OTS was aimed at providing relief to those farmers, who have been defaulter to PADBs, by providing them anopportunity to clear their dues as per specified in the scheme on one hand and facilitating the banks in recycling of funds realised from non performing assets on the other. This scheme would also help the banks in reducing overhead expenses of recovery of overdue amount so that energy/ time utilised in efforts for recovery of these loans may be gainfully deployed in some other development activity. This pro-farmer scheme would be applicable for all loans advanced by the PADBs in the state, which have become overdue as on or before June 30, 2014. The spokesperson further said that the scheme would also cover cases where suites have been filed and also the cases where decrees have been obtained. After the settlement was reached PADBs may take appropriate steps for closure of such cases in respective courts. However, the scheme would not cover cases of fraud, malfeasance and wilful defaulters. In case the borrower does not honour the settlement, it would treated as null and void and in such cases banks would be at liberty to recover the amount, as if no settlement has been made. These settlement amounts would be calculated by charging simple interest @ 9% per annum on the default principal amount due, provided that the total interest charged should not exceed the principal loan amount. However, there would be no concession regarding payment of principal amount. Likewise, no additional recovery would be made from such borrowers who have already paid double the principal amount or more than double the principal amount. 25% of the settlement amount should be paid on the date of settlement and the balance of 75% would be payable within a maximum period of one year in two instalments from the date of settlement. In case the balance amount was paid within 30 days of settlement, then no interest for a period of upto 30 days would be charged on the amount paid within 30 days from the date of settlement. However, in case the balance 75% amount was not paid within the stipulated period, the settlement would stand cancelled and all legal proceedings initiated for recovery of loan would stand restored. The borrower settling the dues under the scheme would be eligible for fresh loan only after the settled amount was fully paid. A screening committee under Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies of the PADB with Assistant General Manager of District, Manager PADB and Inspector Audit PADB has been authorised to screen the beneficiaries for settlement of loans as per the guidelines of the scheme. The screening committee would consider each case referred to it and if found fit it would approve and send its recommendations to the Revisional authority who would be the Deputy Registrar, cooperative societies concerned. In case his application for settlement of loan was rejected by the committee, the applicant could further approach the concerned Joint Registrar Cooperative societies of the Division against such rejection who would decide the case on merit. Special staff deputed from PSCADB would conduct a random checking of atleast 20% of the settled cases. Losses to be incurred under the scheme on account of relief to be given to the farmers would be met out of the Bad and Doubtful fund by the PSCADB and PADBs in ratio of 60% and 40% respectively. ------------------ PUNJAB TO TRAIN GIRL CADETS FOR ARMED FORCES CAREER SEPARATE INSTITUTE TO BE OPERATIONAL AT MOHALI BY JULY THIS YEAR -- MAJ. GEN. BS GREWAL Chandigarh; January 11: Girls of border state Punjab are all set to realize their dream of joining armed forces as their male counterparts as the Punjab Government is all set up a separate institute for them on the pattern of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute to train them for or joining armed forces. This state of art ultramodern complex set up on a piece of 8 acre in sector 66 SAS Nagar Mohali is all set be operational by July this year and admission process would start in the month of May this year. Maj. Gen. BS Grewal, VSM (retired), Director Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute giving information about this said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was impressed by the performance of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute and wanted that girls of Punjab should get an equal opportunity to join the forces and sanctioned for setting up this institute. Describing it a major initiative towards gender equality, Major General Grewal said that Punjab would be the first state in the country that would have separate training facility for the girl cadets. This institute will train girls at the college level over a period of three years as the lady cadets pursue their graduation studies simultaneously. Further he explained that during the 2 year course at the +1 and +2 level, focused training would be imparted by experts including retired service officers and erstwhile Group Testing Officers and Psychologists to prepare cadets for the NDA Entrance Examination and Services Selection Board. A lot of emphasis would be laid in the training on personality development, soft skills and communications and leadership training. The institute would provide basic military training to the girls with emphasis on honing both mental and physical abilities. The institute located in approx. 8 acres, the campus would have a state-of-the-art training facility with a hostel, cadet’s mess, ante room, gymnasium, indoor shooting range, office accommodation, library cum cyber cafe, class rooms and an auditorium. Additional infrastructure such as a swimming pool, squash court and stables for horses would be set up in the second phase. Well laid out sports fields for hockey, football, volleyball, basketball, lawn tennis and a jogging track are also be developed for the girls cadets. -
CM ASKS OFFICERS TO ENHANCE SUPPLY OF UREA TO COOPERATIVE SECTOR MOVE AIMED AT FACILITATING THE FARMING COMMUNITY STATE OVERCOMES SHORTAGE OF UREA FIR AGAINST HOARDERS OF UREA IN LUDHIANA LICENSES OF FOUR SUSPENDED IN JALANDHAR, THREE IN LUDHIANA Chandigarh, January 10, 2015 In a pro-farmer decision aimed at facilitating the agriculturists to get unabated and hassle free supply of urea in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal has asked the officers to enhance the supply of urea to cooperative societies for distributing it amongst the farmers. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the Chief Minister has asked the officers to ensure maximum supply to the farmers through the cooperative sector so that the farmers could not be exploited by the private traders through the malpractices of hoarding. He asked the department to ensure that 80% of urea from Indian Potash Limited was allotted to Cooperative sector whereas remaining 20% was given to the private traders. Likewise, Mr. Badal had asked the officers to ensure that 70% of Urea supplied from National Fertilizers Limited was supplied to cooperative sector and 30% to the private ones. In the same manner it has been asked to ensure that 100% urea supplied from Krishak Bharti Cooperative was supplied through cooperative sector to ensure that farmers do not face any sort of problem in getting urea. Concerted efforts on part of Chief Minister have already resulted in enhancement of allocation of urea in Punjab. The state has already received 9.58 lakh tonnes of Urea by January 8, 2015 as compared to the corresponding period of last year in which, the state had received 8.24 lakh tonnes. Now there was no shortage of urea in the state for which constant monitoring was being done by the state Agriculture Department to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulty in this regard. Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister the state government has taken several initiatives to overcome the scarcity of the Urea in the state. Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Mr. Suresh Kumar convened a meeting of the officers related to the supply of urea in the state on January 9 to ensure hassle free supply of urea to the farmers through cooperative societies. It was informed in the meeting that supplies of Urea have been increased to Marked and PACS from 50% to 70% and extensive checking of private urea suppliers was being done by the state government. Tightening noose around the hoarders of Urea, the state government has registered FIR for hoarding of Urea in Ludhiana. Likewise, four licenses have been suspended in Jalandhar and three in Ludhiana. - EDUCATION MINISTER ORDERS INQUIRY, SEEKS REPORT WITHIN 15 DAYS · DEO (ELEMENTRY) APPOINTED AS INQUIRY OFFICER CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 10: Taking strong reaction on media reports of checking of girl students by lady teachers Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema has ordered inquiry in this case. Disclosing this here today in a press communiqué Dr. Cheema said that District Education Officer (Elementary), Gurdaspur appointed Inquiry officers and seeks complete report within 15 days. He also directed DPI (Secondary Education) Mr. Balbir Singh to personally look after this case. Dr. Cheema said that strict action would be taken if any teacher is found guilty. He also issued instructions to all government schools in general that he would not tolerate any such incident in the future. - SEEKS PERMISSION TO CONSIDER AND DECIDE APPLICATIONS OF THE LIFE CONVICTS SEEKING REMISSIONS AND PRE MATURE RELEASE Chandigarh, January 10- On the directions of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the state government has filed an application in the Supreme Court of India for seeking permission to consider and decide applications of the life convicts seeking remissions and pre mature release in the interests of the justice. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s office said that the state government has filed the said application through its counsel Jagjit Singh Chabbra on January 8, it has been submitted before the court that the Governor of Punjab has been exercising the powers granted by Article 161 of the Constitution of India. The sovereign power to grant pardon or clemency was independent from the powers available with the state of Punjab under section 432 and 433 of the Code of criminal procedure. The Hon’ble Governor and the state of Punjab has been exercising the powers in accordance with the Indian Constitution and provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, while granting remission where convicts were undergoing life imprisonment. However the counsel submitted that in light of the orders passed by the Apex Court dated July 9, 2014, the state governments have been restrained from exercising the power of remission to the life convicts. There were various cases where the life convicts have become eligible for the remission in light of the law and rules framed there under in compliance with the orders of the court. The state of Punjab has not considered the cases of remission or forwarded it to the Governor. The counsel further pleaded that the concerned case was pending before the court for hearing since July 2014 and applications of convicts for prayer for remission and premature release were not being considered by the state of Punjab as directed by the court. Under these circumstances, the counsel pleaded that the court may be pleased to allow the state of Punjab to consider and decide innumerable applications of the life convicts seeking prayer for remission and premature release in the interest of justice. Keeping in view the above mentioned facts, the counsel pleaded that the present application may be kindly accepted and allowed and the applicant may be permitted to consider and decide applications of the life convicts seeking remission and premature release. - LAKHS OF DEVOTEES, RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PERSONALITIES PAY HOMAGE TO SANT BABA AJIT SINGH JI HANSALI WALE · CM LAUDS SECULAR CREDENTIALS OF BABA AJIT SINGH · BABA JI’s LIFE AND IDEOLOGY WOULD BE A LIGHT HOUSE FOR THE MANKIND · PLEDGES TO EXTEND FULL SUPPORT TO BABA’s SUCCESSOR BABA PARMJIT SINGH Fatehgarh Sahib, January 10 Lakhs of devotees, religious, social and political personalities today thronged here at Diwan Todar Mal Hall to pay their homage to the great religious leader Sant Baba Ajit Singh ji Hansali Wale on his Bhog and Antim Ardas. Paying glowing tributes to Sant Baba Ajit Singh ji Hansali Wale, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal described him as a great spiritual ambassador who contributed enormously in strengthening the social fabric through demonstrating the ethos of secularism, communal harmony, peace, religious tolerance and brotherhood. Baba ji’s secular credentials were a testimony to his benevolence and respect for all the religions as he donated generously for the construction of Churches and Mosques besides Gaushalas. Baba ji was a true Sikh who spread the message of Sikhism in the every nook and corner of not only in the state, country but even across the globe, where he was highly revered by his devotees. Sant Baba Ajit Singh ji Hansali Wale was a great visionary who established several educational and health institutions as he fully realized the importance of these core sectors for the welfare of mankind. He said Baba ji’s life and ideology would be a light house for the mankind as he was a great soul and firm believer of transforming sayings into actions. The Chief Minister said that the real tribute to this great religious leader would be to shun the social evils in order to carve out a harmonious society rising above the parochial considerations of caste, color, creed and religion for which Sant Baba Ajit Singh ji ever preached the message of great Sikh Gurus for the well being (Chardi Kala) of the mankind. The Chief Minister also lauded the contribution of Baba ji in further propagating the legacy of free community kitchen (Guru ka Langar) initiated by our great Sikh Gurus. He was a great philanthropist who liberally donated to several social, voluntary and NGOs for the social cause and organized several Langars for the people to provide succor in the odd times of natural calamities in the entire country. Felicitating Baba Parmjit Singh ji who has been chosen as successor by the Sangat to further spread the legacy of Sant Baba Ajit ji Hansali Wale, Mr. Badal exhorted the people to extend full cooperation and support to Baba Parmjit Singh ji to enable him to take the mission of his mentor forward for the wellbeing of the humanity by spreading the message of Sikhism. Mr. Badal offered to extend all support and cooperation to Baba Parmjit Singh ji for the accomplishing the ongoing projects for the welfare of the mankind initiated by the Sant Baba Ajit Singh Hansali Wale. On the occasion, Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa President Sant Samaj and Head Damdami Taksal performed the Antim Ardas. Later, the President of Guru Hargobind Sahib Education and Charitable Trust Ranjit Singh Libra thanks the people for joining in the Antim Ardas of Sant Baba Ajit Singh Hansali Wale. Prominent amongst other who also spoke on the occasion included Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Mr. Charanjit Singh Atwal, President SGPC Jathedar Avtar Singh, Member Parliament Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, Former Chief Minister Mrs. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, MLA Patiala Mrs. Perneet Kaur. Besides Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, several leaders from different political parties and religious and social organizations. ------------- Pay slip demanded from employed parents under Post Matric Scholarship scheme Chandigarh, January 10: The Technical Education and Industrial Training Department (Technical Education Wing), Punjab, has issued instructions to all the Principals of the institutions attached with the department/Sanctioning Authorities to make sure that Pay Slip from students belonging to the employed families is submitted at the time of applying for scholarships under Post Matric Scholarship schemes for SC/OBC. According to a spokesperson of the Government, this has been done as per directions of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes Department which has asked all the departments to make sure that sanctioning authorities nominated by the respective departments get pay slips from students of employed families before sanctioning scholarship cases. -- CM ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL GRANT OF RS 1 LAKH AND RS 1 CRORE FOR EVERY STUBBLE BURNING FREE VILLAGE AND DISTRICT MOVE AIMED AT DOING AWAY WITH THIS UNHEALTHY PRACTICE URGES GOI TO COME OUT WITH A FARMER FRIENDLY SCHEME TO EFFECTIVELY COPE UP WITH THE MENACE OF STUBBLE BURNING LAVASA LAUDS THE EFFORTS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOR CREATING AWARENESS AMONGST THE FARMERS ABOUT THE ADVERSE IMPACT OF STRAW BURNING CS LISTS PATH BREAKING INITIATIVES TAKEN BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT IN THIS REGARD Chandigarh, January 8- In a move to get rid of menace of straw burning in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today announced to incentivize each village and district with a financial grant of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1 crore, which were free from the stubble burning across the state. Addressing the gathering on the inauguration of workshop jointly organized by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change, Government of India (GoI), Central Pollution Control Board and Punjab Pollution Control Board here today, the Chief Minister said that this decision has been consciously taken to curb the practice of stubble burning, which was not only health hazardous but equally detrimental to the fertility of soil. Mr. Badal further said that he fully realized that merely resorting to punitive measures to end this curse would not yield any positive results unless the people were properly motivated to give up this anti-environment and pollution causing phenomena. The Chief Minister called upon the Centre, state governments, agriculture scientists, environment experts and farmers to join hands for putting this unhealthy practice with multi dimensional problems affecting the human health besides creating ecological imbalance. At the same time he also called upon the farmers not to go for a 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 implications thereby putting the very existence of human life in peril. Mr. Badal further said that of the farmers were all keen to grow crops in quick succession they should be properly trained to make use of the latest agriculture implements and machinery which would not only enable them to get the straw mixed into the soil thereby enhancing the fertility of soil besides not resulting in killing of soil friendly insects. The Chief Minister called upon the GoI to come out with a farmer friendly scheme to effectively cope up with the menace of stubble burning by giving liberal incentives on such farm equipments and machinery adding he said that the state government was already giving subsidy on the purchase of such farm machinery to the farmers to encourage them to stay away from the menace of straw burning. Striking a positive note to create mass awareness about the ill-effects of stubble burning, Mr. Badal confidently said that the day was not far off when Punjab would lead the entire country in getting the state free of straw burning as it had already created a niche by accomplishing several feats in agriculture advancement like ushering in green revolution in mid 60s thereby transforming our country from food deficit to food surplus nation. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GoI, Mr. Ashok Lavasa lauded the initiatives of the state government for creating awareness amongst the farmers about the adverse impact of stubble burning on the very survival of the mankind. He also assured the Chief Minister of extending all possible help and assistance to the state in its endeavor to make Punjab a ‘stubble burning free’ state. Sharing his views, state Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal said that the path breaking initiatives taken by the state government under the stewardship of Chief Minister in this behalf were extremely praise worthy. He said that Punjab had already taken a lead in making judicious use of its biomass by using it as a feed in bio-mass based power projects, fuel in form of briquettes in the brick kilns, inputs for paper making and others. Mr. Kaushal also apprised that the Union government has sanctioned Rs 6 crore for the installation of Ethanol based Power Generation Project at Hoshiarpur. In his opening remark Additional Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forest, GoI and Climate Change and Chairman Central Pollution Control Board Mr. Sushil Kumar said that this workshop would go a long way in sensitizing all the stakeholders about the gravity of stubble burning and urged all the eminent environmentalists to take a call on this issue in the larger public interest. Meanwhile Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Mr. Suresh Kumar, Secretary Science Technology and Environment Mr. KAP Sinha, Prof. and Head Soil Sciences PAU Ludhiana Dr. HS Thind, Secretary Punjab State Farmers’ Commission Dr. Balwinder Singh Sidhu and progressive farmer Mr. Vikram Ahuja also shared their inputs during the technical sessions on the different aspects of stubble burning in order to evolve a consensus for formulating a viable policy in this behalf. Prominent amongst others who attended the workshop include Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. GS Babbehali, Secretary Rural Development Mr. A Venuprasad, Secretary Power Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, and Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board Mr. Manpreet Singh Chattwal. --------------- INDORA ASSUMES CHARGE AS MEMBER PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES
Chandigarh, January 8:
Recently appointed Member of Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Mr. Karanveer Singh Indora today assumed charge of office here at Punjab Civil Secretariat. Mr. Indora took the charge of office in the presence of Chairman Punjab State Commission for Scheduled Castes Mr. Rajesh Bagha. After assuming the charge, Mr. Indora said that they would carry forward the programmes and policies of the Punjab government to safeguard the interests of Scheduled castes in the state. He said his priority would be to channelize his energy in the area of Education as Chairman Mr. Bagha was extensively working for the education of SC students. He said they would also collectively take up the issues pertaining to SC community in the state. Mr. Raj Bahadur Singh Deputy Director, SC Commission and relatives and friends of Mr Indora were also present on the Occassion. -
· WHEAT CROP OF NON-RECOMMENDED SEEDS HAS BEEN AFFECTED · CLIMATE CHANGE ALSO TRIGGERING YELLOW RUST · EXPERT TREATMENT ADVISED TO AVOID YELLOW RUST
Chandigarh, January 8: The Punjab Government has cautioned the farmers of state against the attack of yellow rust on wheat crop as sudden climatic changes could trigger this especially in wheat crop of non-recommended seeds that could have been affected by stripe rust and yellow rust .The disease appears in the form of yellow stripes on wheat cause of cold temperature with intermittent rains. Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Tota Singh said that expert treatment is necessary to avoid yellow rust of wheat crop in the state .He said that he has got reports last year that it began from December and January and had affected the yield of wheat in district Rupnagar, Hushiarpur, Gurdaspur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. He said that It has become a common issue in wheat cultivation while experts has already given various suggestions to avoid problem of yellow rust before sowing the crop of rabbi season. He further said that this disease has effect yield losses up to 70% of wheat cultivation..The need of hour to stop using the some seed varieties, there was a impact of yellow rust. These varieties should not be grown mainly in sub-mountain areas and it could be better to understanding proper timing of spray 200 ML propiconazole per acre. Divulging more information he said sometimes deficiency of sulphur, zinc, nitrogen in wheat crop affects the yield whereas farmers doubtfully sprayed pesticides which increase the expenses of farming. If farmer has found any type of yellow leafs in their crops then they should have excavate the plant from crop with the sample of soil and go to the experts for testing and as per advised by experts, they should spray the crops properly..
-------------- DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB LIVESTOCK FAIRS HELPFUL IN BUOYING PUNJAB’S ECONOMY, RANIKE 7TH NATIONAL LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP BEGINS AT SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB 64 COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD IN NEXT FIVE DAYS SIX SEMINARS TO BE CONDUCTED IN THREE DAYS FOR THE FIRST TIME INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES PUT UP EXHIBITION WITH PHD CHAMBER
Sri Muktsar Sahib, Jan 8 To encourage animal husbandry business in Punjab the 7th National Livestock Championship has begun in the grounds of Guru Gobind Singh Stadium at Government College here today. The five-day fair would witness participation from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujrat, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh etc wherein more than 6000 people dealing in animal husbandry are participating with full enthusiasm. Rs 1.25 cr worth prizes would be distributed during championship to the winners. Speaking at the event the Animal Husbandry Minister Mr Gulzar Singh Ranike said that the Chief Minister Punjab Mr Parkash Singh Badal started the livestock championships seven years ago to usher in diversification in agriculture sector and offer farmers agriculture allied business like dairy farming. Starting from district level, the event has attained national cult and carved a niche for itself. He added that such fairs proved very helpful in buoying the economy of a state. During the next five days milking championships of buffaloes, cows and goats would be held. Also various contests of horses, buffaloes, cows, goats, sheep, dogs, turkeys, cocks etc. Mr Ranike said for the first time in collaboration with PHD Chamber, around 150 international and national companies are putting up their exhibition stalls giving pivotal information regarding animal husbandry. The event would also see papers being presented on animal’s health, pig rearing, goat rearing, dairy farming, fishery, diet and fodder and food processing. The Animal Husbandry Minister said that with the help of rural development and panchayat department Rs4.20 cr is being spent on holding this event. To encourage pig and goat rearing in state, the pig and goat development board is being set up. The Punjab’s dairy farmers are producing 9675 thousand tonnes of milk annually making Punjab one of the pioneer states in milk production. To save animals from foot and mouth disease in the year 2014-15 140 lac vaccines were administered free of cost. Mr Ranike said that filling in the technical posts, the state government recruited around 300 veterinary doctors and around 400 veterinary inspectors. Also in order to meet with the future demands of professionals, the state government is setting up new veterinary college at a cost of Rs 69.60 cr. Besides this eight modern animal markets have been established in state and Rs 2 cr has been set up for every market. He added that eight dairy training centers are being run in the state wherein 6000 students get trained in dairy farming. Every year the government holds more than 700 milk production awareness camps. Presiding over the function, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary, animal husbandry department, Mr Desraj Dhugga said that the government is offering many subsidies to encourage dairy farming and animal husbandry in the state. The female farmers are offered 50 percent subsidy for setting up dairy farming ventures. MLA Mr Harpreet Singh, jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali chairman Punjab Agro, Mr Manjit Singh Barkand senior Akali leader and chairman Mr Tejinder Singh Middukhera also addressed the gathering. Earlier the finance commissioner Mr Mandeep Singh Sandhu and secretary Mr V K Meena welcomed the dignitaries and participants at the event. Prominent among others present at the event included Mr Kanwarjit Singh Rozy Barkandi Malwa zone president youth Akali Dal, Mr Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhllon chairman district planning board, Mr Sant Singh Brar senior leader, Jathedar Navtej Singh Kaoni senior leader, Deputy Commissioner Mr Jaskiran Singh, additional deputy commissioner Captain Karnail Singh, director animal husbandry department Mr H S Sandhwa, director daily development Mr Inderjit Singh and director fishery department Mr V K Sood and others. Cultural program was also presented at the event. ------------------ · PUNJAB & CENTRE GOVERNMENT TO SPEND RS 929 CRORE FOR THIS PROJECT · 561 VILLAGES OF BATHINDA, MANSA, SANGRUR & BARNALA DISTRICTS TO BENEFIT · 5,000 KILOMETERS OF IRRIGATION CHANNELS TO BE BRICK-LINED
- SAD TO FLAG UP ISSUE OF RELEASE OF SIKH PRISONERS WITH JAITLEY AND RAJNATH SINGH- CM VOWS TO VEHEMENTLY PLEAD THE CASE OF THESE PRISONERS BEFORE THE UNION GOVERNMENT SAD-BJP ALLIANCE FIRM AND CORDIAL STATE GOVERNMENT FOCUSING ON SKILL TRAINING TO THE YOUTH FOR ERADICATING MENACE OF UNEMPLOYMENT BLAMES SUCCESSIVE CONGRESS GOVERNMENT AT CENTRE FOR RUINING THE ECONOMY OF STATE ENVISIONS DASHMESH ACADEMY AS LEADING RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL OF THE COUNTRY Sri Anandpur Sahib, January 7- Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that a deputation of the senior Akali leaders would soon call on the Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh and Union Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley for flagging up the issue of release of Sikh prisoners languishing in various jails across the country, even after completion of their punishment. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of annual function of the Dashmesh Academy here today, the Chief Minister said that Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) would vehemently plead the case of these Sikh prisoners before the Union government for securing their release. Mr. Badal said that he had already took up this matter with the respective state governments and the centre for releasing these prisoners adding that the final call on this issue was to come from the Union government. When asked to comment on media reports regarding the rejection of these cases by the Union government, he said that the state government has not yet received any communiqué over this matter from the Centre. The Chief Minister further said that the SAD-BJP alliance was everlasting and both the parties should not be seen as different from each other. He said that the tried and tested alliance between both the parties was a unique phenomenon of the Indian democratic system, which has passed every litmus test in last few years. Mr. Badal said that the SAD- BJP alliance has always stood the test of time adding that the relationship between both the alliance partners was very strong, impeccable and cordial because it has been time and again cemented with mutual affection and understanding. Expressing grave concern over menace of unemployment in the state, the Chief Minister said that the state government was fully sensitized towards this problem and the only solution to tackle it was to impart skill training in different fields to enable them to earn their livelihood. He said that the state government has embarked a special scheme to train youth under various skill development programs in order to cater the needs of the local industry. “Skilled manpower will give much needed fillip to the economic growth of the state thereby acting as a catalyst for all round development of the state and prosperity of its people” Mr. Badal added. Squarely blaming the successive Congress governments at the centre for ruining the state’s economy, the Chief Minister said that the step motherly treatment by Congress coupled with its regressive policies have broken the backbone of Punjab’s economy. He said that the Congress has always adopted an anti-Punjab stance due to which the development of the state has suffered a lot. Mr. Badal said that Punjab’s economy has been adversely affected due to the partition of the country and prolonged militancy but it got the fatal blow when the Congress granted incentives to the neighboring states, which led to the mass exodus of the industry of the state to these hilly states. Earlier addressing the gathering after felicitating the meritorious students on the annual day of the academy, the Chief Minister vowed to make it top class institute at par with Doon and Sanawar school adding that the day was not far when this prestigious Academy would soon come up as one of the leading residential public schools in the country. Mr Badal said since its inception way back in 1978, when its foundation stone was laid by the then President of India Mr N. Sanjeeva Reddy, this state of the art academy was his dream project adding that he was still passionately involved in it to bring it at the zenith. The Chief Minister also congratulated the students of academy for excelling in varied fields of sports, academics and extra-curricular activities. Mr. Badal further said that due to the stupendous efforts of the state government, Punjab was today leading the country in the field of education. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Cabinet Ministers Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra and Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema, Rajya Sabha MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, SGPC Member Mr. Amarjeet Singh Chawla, Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Mr Ajoy Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Tanu Kashyap, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Varinderpal Singh, Director of Academy Major General (Retd.) JS Ghuman, Principal Colonel (Retd.) Amarjeet Singh and Secretary of the trust Air Marshall (Retd.) MM Singh. ----------- HIKE IN UNIFORM RATE OF DRIVERS ON THE CARDS: THANDAL · PRINTING AND STATIONERY DEPARTMENT SOUGHT CONSOLIDATED REPORT FROM ALL DEPARTMENTS WITHIN FORTNIGHT CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 7: The Punjab Government has been contemplating the hike in the uniform rate of the drivers, working under different departments except commercial drivers of Punjab Roadways. Disclosing this here, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Minister for Printing and Stationery Department said that all the departments have been asked to send the consolidated report of the drivers, working in their respective departments. He said that the various drivers’ unions have been requesting the Punjab Government to increase the rates of the uniforms. He said that during the meeting with the delegation of the drivers’ unions, the state government had assured them to consider the hike sympathetically. He said that in this backdrop, all the departments have been asked to furnish the consolidated report, including the strength of the drivers. Mr. Thandal said that the report must also indicate the financial liability and other aspects. The Minister further said that in the face of this demand, the departments have again been told to send the final consolidated report on prescribed performa within fortnight. He said that after the receipt of the reports, this case would further be forwarded to the Finance Department for further necessary action. - CONSTANT MONITORING OF DISTRIBUTION OF UREA ORDERED Chandigarh Jan 7: On the directions of the Deputy Chief Minister S. Sukhbir Singh Badal and Agriculture Minister Jathedar S. Tota Singh, Dr Mangal Singh Sandhu, Director Agriculture, Punjab has issued directive to all the Chief Agriculture Officers to keep strict vigil on the sale and distribution of Urea fertilizer by the dealers and cooperative societies. He has also directed the officials of Agriculture Department to take strict action under law against the dealers/persons who are involved in the unauthorized storage of fertilizer for purpose of black marketing of this fertilizer. He clarified that if any official is found involved in malpractices and is not performing his duties in the interest of the state and the farming community, strict action against him will be initiated. Department of Agriculture is receiving complaints against dealers and cooperative societies. After the issuance of directions from the Director of Agriculture, Punjab all the officer initiated action in the matter and Chief Agriculture Officer, Moga along with his subordinate officers took charge of distribution of Urea and has supervised distribution of 1000 MT urea in the market especially to the farmers who were finding difficulty in procuring urea for their Rabi crop. All the farmers were given 7 bags each on control rate and these farmers were mainly small and marginal farmers. These farmers were neither getting fertilizer through cooperative societies nor through private dealers. Likewise, Chief Agriculture Officer, Ludhiana seized 1350 bags from an unauthorized store in the Durga Rice and General mills and a case has been registered against the culprits. All the other officers are also monitoring sale of fertilizer in their respective districts and position of urea is now easing out. Director of Agriculture, Punjab further informed the press that state of Punjab has received about 9.75 lakh MT of urea this year against 8.24 Lakh MT previous year during the Rabi season. He also requested the farmers to help his department by keeping vigil and intimate his officers regarding any unauthorized activity concerning sale of Urea so that strict action may be taken against the dealers. He also advised the farmers to use fertilizer judiciously as per recommendations of Punjab Agricultural University as this would not only increase yield but would also result in less incidence of pest and diseases thereby reducing the cost of cultivation. He again reiterated that farmers should not purchase excessive urea for future use as this will create temporary shortage and provide opportunity to the perpetrators for black marketing of fertilizer. Govt. of India supplies fertilizer to the states on their monthly consumption patterns. ------------- PUNJAB MILKFED PROCURES 380.57 LAC KG MILK IN NOVEMBER CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 07: Punjab State Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Limited (Milkfed) has procured 380.57 lac kg of Milk from 6371 societies of the State during the month of November, 2014. Stating this here today, a spokesman of Milkfed said that daily average milk procurement of the Milkfed was 1268.6 thousand kg in Punjab. The spokesman further said that Milkfed was also taking care of animals, especially milch animals. As many as 64475 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 5414 metric tonnes, 4673 kilograms, 275 and 8886 kilograms respectively to the milk producers. The Milkfed has also sold 80.7 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. - ROTATIONAL IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FOR RABI SEASON ANNOUNCED Chandigarh, January 07: The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the current Rabi Season through Canal water from 09-01-2015 to 16-01-2015. The channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala feeder, Abohar Branch, Sidhwan Branch, Bathinda Branch and Bist Doab Canal respectively. Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the irrigation department said that Ghaggar link and its off taking channels i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group 'B' being in the first preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available will be utilized in direct distributaries of Bhakra Main Line in group 'A' respectively. The spokesman further said that Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and distributaries in Group "B" being in the First preference will run to their indent. Balance water supplies available would be utilised in direct distributaries of Group 'A'. The spokesman also said that the channels off taking from upper Bari Doab Canal i.e. Main Branch Lower with its distributaries being in the first Preference would run to their indent .Balance water supplies water available would be utilised in Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch, Kasur Branch Lower with their distributaries respectively. ---------- ● COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE EFFORTS IN ADOPTION OF TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE POST-HARVEST LOSSES ● A BIG RELIEF FOR PUNJAB FARMERS ● FARMERS SHOULD ADOPT NEW POST HARVEST TECHNIQUES Chandigarh, January 7: The Punjab Government today constituted a high level committee under the chairmanship of Financial Commissioner Development, Mr Suresh Kumar to coordinate efforts in development and adoption of techniques and technologies to reduce post- harvest losses of crops and encourage value addition both at farm and industrial level .It may be added that Rice and Wheat are the major crops of Punjab and both occupy about 2.65 million hectares area under cultivation. Due to unscientific post harvest tehchnology being adopted by farmers the farm economy was taking a big hit during last few year and Chief Minister Punjab has directed Agriculture department to make coordinated efforts to reduce post harvest loses. Disclosing this here today official spokesman of the Punjab government said that the committee would function to consider and review post harvest techniques and technologies developed by Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology for adoption and commercial application. It will also integrate techniques and technologies of management of post- harvest losses and value addition development by Central institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agriculture University and Guru Angand Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, to ensure transfer of these technologies to farmers and industries for their commercial application in post –harvest management of crops and value addition to formulate , implement and manage skill development programme in post –harvest management technologies. He also informed that committee would also encourage development of agro and food processing clusters with cold chain infrastructure and ensuring integration of production , marketing and processing and committee would also encourage scientific ware housing of agriculture land and horticulture produce with a view to achieve the stated objective of reduction in post-harvest losses.The panel would carry out any other activity to achieve the objectives of effective implementation/adoption of post- harvest technologies to reduce losses and value addition to the crops. He said that the Vice chancellors of PAU And GADVASU, Director Central Post- harvest Engineering and Technology Institute ,Joint Director Central Agricultural Department, MD Food processing industries corporation and Joint Direct of Agriculture Department of Punjab also would be the members of this committee. -------- JUSTICE RAKESH KUMAR GARG TAKES OVER CHAIRMAN PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIs Chandigarh January 6: Mr. Justice Rakesh Kumar Garg (Retd.) has been appointed as the Chairman of the Punjab state Commission for NRIs for a period of three years. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the government said that Justice Garg has also taken over his new assignment. ------------- EDUCATION MINISTER ROLLS OUT PLAN TO UPGRADE CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING CELL · MEETS DISTRICTS CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLORS OF STATE · FINALISES WEEKLONG TRAINING PROGRAM ALONG WEEKLONG TOUR PROGRAM FOR PRESTIGIOUS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES · PUNJAB TO PROVIDE COURSES SCHEDULES TO STUDENTS THROUGH SMSS Mohali/Chandigarh, January 6: Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema today rolled out a plan to upgrade career guidance and counselling cells at district level besides making these institutions modern and hi-tech. While presiding over a state level meeting of career guidance and counsellor gathered here from across the state, Dr. Cheema asserted that these counselling cells could play a pivotal role by making careers of students brighter. He said it was call of the hour to adopt modern ways of counselling instead of traditional methods of career counselling. He directed senior officers of education department to organise a special weeklong training program for career guidance and counselling cells for all 22 districts before the end of January. Dr. Cheema said department would engage the services of experts of various fields, career counsellors, prominent representatives of universities, who would deliver speeches regarding professional courses, education in modern context so students could make them employable or become self-employed. He said the sole purpose of this program was to prepare students for admissions in new courses according to their interests and capabilities. Dr. Cheema also asked the officers to arrange 7 days tour program for career counsellors with a view to impart practical training under which they will visit universities of state, education and research institutes, academies, top business and industrial houses etc. He said this tour program would include especially PAU, GNDU, PTU, Punjabi University Patiala, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces and Preparatory Institute, IISER, ISB, Baba Farid University of Medical and Health Sciences, Neta Ji Subash Chander National Institute of Sports, Law University. Mrs. Tejinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Chairperson Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) assured the Minister that the PSEB would manage all the arrangements of tour programme of District career guidance and counsellor. Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Principal Secretary Mr. C. Roul, DGSE Mr. Pardeep Aggarwal, DPI (Secondary) Mr. Kamal Garg, DPI (Elementary) Mrs. Darshan Kaur, Director SCERT Mrs. Pankaj Sharma, Additional State Project Director Mrs. Ginni Duggal and Mr. JP Singh. - CM REVIEWS ARRANGEMENTS OF LIVESTOCK EXPO-2015 TO BE HELD AT SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB FROM JANUARY 8-12 ENVISIONS THAT LIVESTOCK SECTOR COULD TRANSFORMING THE DESTINY OF MILLIONS OF FARMERS Chandigarh, January 6 With an aim to promote allied farming activity in the state, the Punjab Government was all set to organize five-day livestock Expo-2015 at Sri Muktsar Sahib from January 8-12, 2015 Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that theExpo has been planned in such a manner where apart from exhibition, seminars and technical sessions on various aspects of Livestock, special focus would be laid on the emerging technologies and strategies in the field to keep the farming community abreast with the modern Animal Husbandry practices and technological advancements through detailed deliberations by the experts, technocrats and progressive farmers. Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal reviewed all the arrangements of this mega event during a high level meeting with the senior officers of Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries held here at CMO. It was informed in the meeting that this year the state government was organizing first Live Stock Expo-2015, instead of organizing traditional Livestock Mela, at a much larger scale with the active participation of PHD Chamber of Commerce. As many as 130 companies dealing with live stock would take part in this Expo to exhibit their activities and rare skill in this field. The Chief Minister directed the Animal Husbandry Department to make elaborate arrangements of shelters and sheds besides fodder for the animals with a view to accommodate expectedly large number of animal participation this time. Mr. Badal stressed on the need to ensure comfortable stay of the farmers besides transportation facilities to them so that they could attend the Expo in a hassle free manner. The Chief Minister also asked the department to invite the leading world class Livestock equipment/machinery manufacturing companies to display their products in the exhibition so that the farmers could be immensely benefited. He was confident that the forthcoming Expo would prove to be a milestone in evolving a blue print to put our agriculture diversification plans on a hi-tech track besides transforming the destiny of our millions of farmers especially the small and marginal ones by turning their fortunes. --------- CM AND SURESH PRABHU TO JOINTLY LAY FOUNDATION OF MMLH ON JANUARY 20 RS 500 CRORE MMLH TO GIVE BOOST TO ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION MMLH TO BE EQUIPPED WITH FACILITIES OF CONTAINER HANDLING YARD, BULK HANDLING YARD, RAIL SIDE WAREHOUSING, MULTI USER WAREHOUSING, TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED WAREHOUSING, TRUCK TERMINUS AND OTHERS BADAL TO FLAG UP THE ISSUE OF CONSTRUCTION OF ONE MORE MMLH AT KHASA NEAR AMRITSAR WITH UNION RAILWAYS MINISTER Chandigarh, January 6- In a leap forward towards giving much needed impetus to the economic activity in the region especially the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal and Union Minister for Railways Mr. Suresh Prabhu would jointly lay the foundation stone of Multi Modal Logistics Hub (MMLH) at Kila Raipur in Ludhiana on January 20th. A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level meeting of the officers of the state government and the Railways Ministry here at his office. The Chief Minister, while highlighting the significance of this prestigious project said that in wake of the extension of Eastern Freight Corridor from Dankuni upto Amritsar and Western Freight Corridor from JNPT Navi Mumbai to Khurja (Uttar Pradesh), Punjab was on the threshold of ushering in an era of unprecedented economic development. He said that in such a scenario MMLH to be constructed at a cost of Rs 500 crore in Kila Raipur would prove to be a game changer for the industry of the state. Mr. Badal said that being near to Ludhiana this MMLH would provide direct linkage to the Eastern Freight Corridor adding that Ludhiana-Dhuri-Jakhal feeder line would join it with the Western Corridor at Rewari thereby immensely benefitting the industry of the state by prompt, easy and cheap transport of raw material and finished goods through the Railways. Highlighting the benefits of this prestigious project, the Chief Minister said that it was all the more important because in future as per Foreign Trade Act, 1992, only MMLH could handle Export- Import (EXIM) Cargo. Mr. Badal said that this MMLH would be enabled with the facility for Reefer Containers for Domestic and International Cargo. Likewise, he said that it would have silo storage for One Lakh Metric Ton grains adding that Domestic Terminal would have storage facility on the Railhead for Steel, Fertilizer, Cement and others that would cut down logistics cost drastically. “This MMLH will be equipped with the ultra modern facilities like container handling yard, bulk handling yard, Rail side Warehousing, Multi user Warehousing, Temperature controlled Warehousing, Truck terminus and others, which will boost the trade and commerce in the region” added Mr. Badal. The Chief Minister further said that at present EXIM traffic of Punjab was 4 Lac Containers and domestic traffic from Punjab was about 25000 Containers. He said that after the completion of first phase of this project by March 2016 it would capture EXIM traffic generated in the area and the projected traffic would be 7.5 Lac Containers i.e. 45% of the total traffic by 2035. Mr. Badal said that the Double Decker carriage to be initiated from this MMLH would ensure 33% reduction in Inland Transportation Cost. The Chief Minister further said that besides giving fillip to the trade and commerce this project would provide direct employment to about 500 organized Labour. Likewise, he said that indirect employment would be provided to about 2000 transporters, 1500 private labour and 500 third party Surveyors. Mr. Badal also asked the officers of state government to analyze the feasibility of setting up an industrial estate around the MMLH. The Chief Minister also said that he would soon take up the issue of constructing another such MMLH with the Union Railways Ministry at Khasa near Amritsar as there was a tremendous scope of trade and commerce once the Indo-Pak borders were opened for trade. He asked the officers to explore the viability of getting about 100 acres of land required for this project. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, CEO Punjab Investment Board Mr. Anirudh Tiwari, Director Industries Mr. Raminder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Mr. Rajat Aggarwal, MD CONWARE Mr. AS Bains and MD CONCOR Mr. Anil Gupta. ----------- PUNJAB GOVERNMENT NOMINATEs NEW MEMBERS OF GURDWARA COMMITTEES Chandigarh 06 January The Punjab Government has nominated the members of the different committees of the five Gurdwaras under powers conferred by sub section 3 of section 88 of Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925 . Stating this, a Government Spokesperson said that in respect of Gurudwara Sahib Patshahi Dasmi, village KamalPur, Tehsil Sunam, District Sangrur; S. Jagwinder Singh, S. Manjeet Singh, S. Sucha Singh, S. Jarnail Singh and S. Yog Singh (Ramdasia Sikh) have been nominated as members whereas Gurdwara Sahib Patshahi Naumi and Dasmi ,village Hasanpur (Kabulpur), Tehsil Rajpura, District Patiala Committee; S. Karam Singh ,S. Swarn Singh , S. Jatinderpal Singh ,S. Mani Singh, S. Gurcharan Singh have been nominated as members. He further said that in respect of Gurdwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib,Village Takhra, Tehsil Samrala, District Ludhiana, S. Ajmer Singh ,S. Jagdev Singh ,S. Karnail Singh, S. Kulwant Singh ,S. Bheem Singh nominated as members. The spokesperson further said that Gurdwara Sahib , Panchayati Dharamshala Village Dhugga Kalan Tehsil Dasuya District Hoshiarpur committee; S. Balwant Singh ,S. Harbhajan Singh,S. Balvir Singh ,S. Surjit Singh, S. Balbir Singh and Gurdwara Sahib Mata Gangaji, Village Narli, Tehsil Patti, District Amritsar committe; S. Lakha Singh, S. Avtar Singh, S. Jaswinder Singh, S. Gurmit Singh, S. Surjan Singh have been nominated as members of the committees. - VIGILANCE NABS ASI RED HANDED ACCEPTING BRIBE CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: Vigilance Bureau has nabbed an ASI red handed while accepting bring of Rs. 8000. Disclsoing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that ASI, Balwinder Singh posted at city police station, Rajpura, district Patiala was nabbed on the complaint of Vinod Chowdhary S/o Bhagwan Dass Chowdhary. The complainant alleged that he was facing a court case and the challan of this case was yet to be filed. He complained that the ASI Balwinder Singh was demanding bribe from him for making a feeble challan in his favour. Acting on the tip off giving by the complainant a team of Vigilance Bureau headed laid a trap and apprehended the ASI red handed with the bribe money. - MORE THAN 22 THOUSAND JAIL INMATES SUCCESSFULLY TREATED IN DE ADDICTION CENTRES OF 8 CENTRAL JAILS: THANDAL · PRESENTLY 461 INMATES HAVE BEEN UNDERGOING TREATMENT IN THESE CENTRES CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 6: The Punjab Jails Department has achieved a major breakthrough by treating more than 22 thousands drug addicts in the 8 jails of the state by multipronged de addiction therapy that included medical treatment, psychological and sociological counselling besides through religious sermons during last one year. Disclosing this here today Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Jails Minister said that under a de addiction campaign launched by the department 461 inmates were presently undergoing treatment in different jails. He said that the jail department has been making concerted efforts in bringing the addicted jail inmates to normal life by providing them best medical treatment in the drug de addiction centres established in 8 central jails of the state. Spiritual and moral education is also being imparted through counselling, religious sermons and yoga whereas sports kits have been provided to encourage them to play games. He said that the state government has been incurring Rs. 1.78 crore on making these drug de addiction centres ultra modern to help the addicted jail inmates to get rid of drug use. The jail Minister said their efforts in this direction has borne fruits as till date 22,669 inmates have been treated successfully in these drug de addiction centres. He said that at present 461 inmates were undergoing treatment in various drug de addiction centres of 8 central jails. He said that de addiction activities in jails have been closely supervised by the concerned jail superintendent. The minister said that in order to bring the addicted jail inmates from the scourge of drugs, holistic approach concerning ‘Mind & Body’ has been adopted which included best medical treatment by the specialist doctors and encouragement to them to play sports. He said that sports kits have been provided and the inmates becoming fond of playing different games. Mr. Thandal further said that Religious Sermons, Meditation Sessions and Yoga activities was also a regular feature to enrich the spiritual and intellectual aspects besides medical treatment to these addicted jail inmates. He said that most of meditation programmes were being conducted with the collaboration of Art of Living. He said that in this financial year Rs. 8.20 lakh has been incurred on organising religious preaching, yoga and meditation programmes. Mr. Thandal said that these drug de addiction centres have been established in 8 central jails of Punjab located at Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot and Ferozpur. He said that Rs. 1.78 crore has been spent for providing medicines, laboratory equipments, ECG machines, Urine/Blood testing kits etc to these drug de addiction centres. - ● COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE EFFORTS IN ADOPTION OF TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE POST-HARVEST LOSSES ● A BIG RELIEF FOR PUNJAB FARMERS ● FARMERS SHOULD ADOPT NEW POST HARVEST TECHNIQUES Chandigarh, January 6: The Punjab Government today constituted a high level committee under the chairmanship of Financial Commissioner Development, Mr Suresh Kumar to coordinate efforts in development and adoption of techniques and technologies to reduce post- harvest losses of crops and encourage value addition both at farm and industrial level .It may be added that Rice and Wheat are the major crops of Punjab and both occupy about 2.65 million hectares area under cultivation. Due to unscientific post harvest tehchnology being adopted by farmers the farm economy was taking a big hit during last few year and Chief Minister Punjab has directed Agriculture department to make coordinated efforts to reduce post harvest loses. Disclosing this here today official spokesman of the Punjab government said that the committee would function to consider and review post harvest techniques and technologies developed by Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology for adoption and commercial application. It will also integrate techniques and technologies of management of post- harvest losses and value addition development by Central institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agriculture University and Guru Angand Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, to ensure transfer of these technologies to farmers and industries for their commercial application in post –harvest management of crops and value addition to formulate , implement and manage skill development programme in post –harvest management technologies. He also informed that committee would also encourage development of agro and food processing clusters with cold chain infrastructure and ensuring integration of production , marketing and processing and committee would also encourage scientific ware housing of agriculture land and horticulture produce with a view to achieve the stated objective of reduction in post-harvest losses.The panel would carry out any other activity to achieve the objectives of effective implementation/adoption of post- harvest technologies to reduce losses and value addition to the crops. He said that the Vice chancellors of PAU And GADVASU, Director Central Post- harvest Engineering and Technology Institute ,Joint Director Central Agricultural Department, MD Food processing industries corporation and Joint Direct of Agriculture Department of Punjab also would be the members of this committee. - SAD TO LAUNCH LOK LEHAR AGAINST SOCIAL EVILS THROUGHOUT THE STATE ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE MADE ON MAGHI CONFERENCE Chandigarh January 6 - The Shiromani Akali Dal today decided to launch a Lok Lehar (public awareness campaign) against social evils throughout the state. Details of the campaign would be announced by the Punjab Chief Minster and SAD patron-in-chief Sardar Parkash Singh Badal and party president Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Maghi conference on January 14. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the Core Committee of the party held at the residence of the Chief Minister here this evening. The meeting also decided that a high level delegation of the party led by party president Sardar Sukhbir Singh Badal will call on the Union Home Minister Mr Rajnath Singh on the issue of release of Sikh prisoners detained in various prisons. The delegation would also comprise, apart from Mr S S Badal, the party Secretary General Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and the SGPC president Jathedar Avtar Singh. Giving details of the programme, Mr Harcharan Bains, General Secretary of the party said that the Lok Lehar will aim at mobilizing the people against evils that have come to afflict our society. "The SAD is committed to the establishment of a society based on the ideals laid before us by the great Gurus. Leaders and workers of the party would reach out to every nook and corner of every village and Apart from the Chief Minster and the party president, the meeting was attended by the SGPC Chief Jathdar Avtar Singh, Sardar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Sardar Charanjeet Singh Atwal, Jathedar Tota Singh, Sardar Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Dr Daljeet Singh Cheema, Jathdar Ajit Singh Kohar, S Sikandar Singh Maluka, Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra, S Sucha Singh Langah, S Sewa Singh Sekhwan, S Balwant Singh Ramoowalia and Mr Harcharan Bains - SAD tells Bajwa to stop making excuses and admit he is a complete failure Chandigarh, January 6-Shiromani Akali Dal today mocked at the excuses made by the Punjab Congress President Mr. Partap singh Bajwa for failure of Dharnas organized by the Congress at district levels yesterday, saying tomorrow Mr. Bajwa could well blame the gravitational force for the fall of his political career. In a statement issued here, senior Akali leader Mr. Maheshinder Singh Grewal said Bajwa could not defend himself by holding bad weather responsible for the failure of Dharnas organized by the Punjab Congress yesterday. "It was colder at the international border but Lakhs of Punjabis congregated at the three Dharnas organised by the SAD at Attari, Hussaniwala and Sadiqi". He said in direct contrast the dharna organised by the Congress president in Jalandhar attracted less than 300 persons. Mr. Grewal advised Bajwa to hold himself up to high standards as befitting the president of the state unit of a national party. "However your behaviour is something which is not befitting even a block president. "No wonder even block presidents of your party are demanding your resignation what to speak of your senior leaders who boycott your functions and even call you foolish". Mr Grewal said the utter failure of the Congress Dharnas had now made it even more important for Mr Bajwa to put in his papers. "The District level Dharnas of your party even saw 40 to 50 persons collecting at some places. This speaks of the confidence the Congress rank and file us in you. You should now oblige the cadre and submit your resignation immediately", the akali leader said. Holding Congress responsible for enacting conspiracies to defame and harm Punjab, Mr. Grewal said that during its regime Congress governments had always adopted anti Punjab practices but Punjab congress leadership never dared to raise their voice. “Now when people of Punjab have rejected their policies Congress leadership is now working in league with anti national forces by itself running a negative propoganda against Punjabis". He said Punjabis were however wise enough to judge such conspiracies. "This was the reason that they did not respond to Dharna calls of congress party but participated enthusiastically in the rallies organized by Shiromani Akali Dal to start awareness against drugs and also make the anti drug drive of the Punjab government a national movement”, Mr Grewal added. EOM - Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia thanks Punjabi for unflinching support on crusade against drugs (Says Punjabi fraternity proved it will not be vilified) Chandigarh, January 6: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal and party general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia today thanked Punjabis for standing with the SAD in its fight against drugs by congregating in lakhs against all odds in bone chilling cold weather at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadiqi. Extending thanks, Mr Badal and Mr. Majithia in a joint statement here said the unprecedented gatherings of Punjabis near the Indo-Pak border had proved that the entire Punjabi fraternity was united on the issue of drugs and would opposed this menace in league with the SAD. They said the strength shown by Punjabis would give further pace to the ongoing successful war on drugs launched by Punjab Government. The leaders said the dharnas had also served as a clear warning to anti-social elements across the border that Punjabis would not allow drugs to enter their State from Pakistan. They said the label imposed on Punjabis of drug addicts was a challenge to the pride of the community and that they had risen to the occasion to give a befitting reply to those why wanted to defame them. The leaders said the participants of dharna had also vowed not to allow drug traffickers to make Punjab a transit besides playing a significant role for complete elimination of this menace from the state. Describing the gatherings as historic in numbers, Mr Majithia while speaking on behalf of the party, said he felt humbled and also proud that the country's second oldest political party had launched a national war against drugs. "Now that the entire Punjabi community has given us its mandate we are committed to eradicating this menace from society", he added. EOM ---- DISTRICT PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, LUDHIANA PUNJAB A VICTIM OF NARCO-TERRORISM-SUKHBIR BADAL * SAYS NOT EVEN A GRAM OF ANY DRUG PRODUCED IN PUNJAB * DEMANDS COMPLETE BAN ON CULTIVATION OF DRUGS IN OTHER STATES * WANTS EFFECTIVE VIGIL ON INTERNATIONAL BORDER TO CHECK SMUGGLING OF DRUGS FROM PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN * TERMS BAINS BROTHERS AS MISCHIEVOUS AND SELF CENTERED "TRADERS" * COUNCILLOR OF BAINS GROUP KAMALJIT SINGH KARWAL REJOINS AKALI DAL TODAY Ludhiana, January 4: Terming Punjab as a victim of narco terrorism, the Deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that the political parties should stop politicising this issue just for the sake of it and should join the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP war against drugs so that the core issue could be raised at national as well as international level. He asserted that not even a gram of any drug is produced in Punjab and it is either coming from across the border or from neighbouring states. He said that countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan are known for producing large quantities of drugs and sending it across to India as a part of their narco terrorism agenda meant to destabilise India. He felt sad on this fact that instead of supporting the Punjab government, some political parties are politicising the issue. He said that Punjab is fighting a war against drugs for not only saving the youth of Punjab, but youth of entire country. He said that drugs smuggled into Punjab from Pakistan or Afghanistan are not meant for Punjab only, but they are meant for supply in other parts of the country as well as other countries too. He said that if the Punjab Police busts any gang involved in smuggling of drugs or if drugs are confiscated in the Punjab, rest of the nation should thank us. While commenting on awareness programmes of Shiromani Akali Dal over the issue of smuggling of drugs, he said that a serious conspiracy has been hatched to defame Punjab on drug issue and demanded that there was great need to ensure greater vigilance at the international border to stop inflow of drugs into Punjab besides a complete ban on cultivation and sale of opium and poppy husk in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and other states. He said every political party has its way of working and said that their coalition partner would be holding such awareness rallies from January 22 onwards and said that if they invite him, he would visit their rallies too. He said that he has requested Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to take this issue seriously so that Punjab does not get tagged as a state of drug addicts because Punjabi youth have always been known from courage and bravery. He said that Punjab Police has busted several drug modules in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, besides several others and that thousands of people involved in drug trade have been jailed. He mentioned that some states involved in legal sale of drugs even mention it as "income" in their annual budgets, which is sad. He said that there cannot be two set of laws for two states in the same country. Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal was in city to attend a function organised by Independent councillor from Bains group, Mr Kamaljit Singh Karwal, who joined the Shiromani Akali Dal today. Taking a dig at Bains brothers-Independent MLA's Mr Balwinder Singh Bains and Mr Simarjit Singh Bains, the deputy CM said that both the brothers are basically mischievous, self centered and power greedy "traders". He said that the Bains brothers have always used the Akali Dal as a tool. While addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM recalled how the Bains brothers ditched him during the Vidhan Sabha as well as the Lok Sabha elections. He said that instead of standing by their party, they always wanted to strike deals two days before the 2012 Vidhan Sabha elections and then again in Lok Sabha elections for their personal benefits. He said that the Shiromani Akali Dal is now only focussed about overall development of the state. He said that Punjab has already become power surplus and within next few months, all main roads of the state would be either four-laned or six-laned. He said to within next few months, all villages and cities of Punjab will have 4G internet connectivity and once the project is complete, Punjab would become first such state in the country. He also announced that very soon, Ludhiana will have ultra modern and economical BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System) in place of Ludhiana Metro Rail project. He said that it was after consultation with international experts, the Punjab government has now decided to introduce BRTS in place of Metro Rail. He also said that some other states have also shelved the Metro Rail projects and have adopted BRTS. He also said that for the redressal of problems of traders and industrialists, a meeting has been fixed for next week and said that all their issues and problems would be resolved. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Advisor to CM Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, MLAs Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Mr Darshan Singh Shivalik, Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, SAD district president-1 Mr Madan Lal Bagga, SAD District President-2 Mr Harbhajan Singh Dang, councillor Mr Jagbir Singh Sokhi, besides several others. Later the Deputy CM visited the house of Jathedar Ujagar Singh Chhapa in Dashmesh Nagar, here, who passed away some time back. While interacting with his son Mr Jaswant Singh Chhapa and wife, he said that Jathedar Chhapa was a true Akali from heart. - CM BATS FOR JOINT EFFORT BY UNION AND STATE GOVERNMENTS TO TACKLE THE MENACE OF DRUGS DESCRIBES IT AS THE NEED OF HOUR FOR MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG FREE STATE CONGRESS LEADERS PRETEND TO RESPECT THE SECURITY FORCES, WHEREAS WE ADMIRE THEM FROM CORE OF THE HEART STATE GOVERNMENT MULLING TO CREATE A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT FOR HEALTHCARE AWARENESS PUNJAB GOVERNMENT TO BEAR THE EXPENDITURE OF FIVE PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS EVERY YEAR FOR FOREIGN TRAINING TO UPDATE THEIR EXPERTISE EXHORTS DOCTORS TO DEDICATE ATLEAST ONE DAY OF WEEK FOR THE SERVICE OF POOR AND NEEDY Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 4- Batting for a joint effort by the Union and state governments to tackle the drug menace in the state, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that it was the need of the hour for making Punjab a drug free state. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of annual conference of Indian Medical Association (IMA) PIMACON- 2015 here today, the Chief Minister said that all out efforts by both these governments along with the active support of the general public could help in eradicating the curse of drugs from the state. He said that the state government could only seize the drugs coming to Punjab via border but the need of the hour was to cut the supply line of drugs, for which the centre needs to enhance vigil on the borders. Mr. Badal said that Punjab was leading the country in seizure of drugs but this problem could not be solved until and unless its supply line from both across the border and within the country was not cut totally. Asked to comment on Leader of Opposition Mr. Sunil Jakhar’s visit on Fazilka border to meet the BSF officials, the Chief Minister said that the Congress leaders always pretend to respect the security forces whereas the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) admire these forces from the core of heart. Mr. Badal reiterated that the proposed protest of SAD at Attari, Hussainiwala and Sadki was not against any central agency but it was meant for awakening the people of state against menace of drugs and for cutting its supply line from across the border. “The sole aim of our protest is to awaken the people against this menace so that its supply line can be cut from across the border” he added. Earlier addressing the delegates of PIMACON, the Chief Minister said that in a bid to make the people aware about the benefits of good health, the state government was mulling to create a separate department for Healthcare awareness in Punjab. Mr. Badal said that he had asked the Vice Chancellor of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences to explore the feasibility of constituting such department so that people could be made aware about how to keep a good health through massive awareness campaigns. He said that these campaigns must be launched at village level so that people could be benefitted from it. In another significant move, the Chief Minister also announced that the state government would annually bear the expenditure of five private practitioners, who wanted to upgrade their expertise by conducting training in foreign countries. He said that these Doctors would be selected every year by a committee of Officers of the state government, representatives of IMA and VC of Baba Farid University. Mr. Badal said that this would enable the Doctors of the state to upgrade their skill to serve the people of the state. “We were already sending Doctors from the Government sector for such courses and now we have decided to extend this facility to the private practitioners also” he added. Listing the initiatives taken by the state government to emerge Punjab as a hub of cancer treatment in the country, the Chief Minister said that the setting up of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Treatment and Research Center at Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) was a right step towards this direction. Mr. Badal said that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements to provide state of the art treatment to the patients afflicted with the cancer in the Government Medical Colleges at Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot besides the upcoming ultra modern Cancer treatment centers in Bathinda and Sangrur. He further said that the state government had also initiated a cashless treatment scheme for the cancer patients besides making efforts to provide subsidized medicines to them. Lauding the philanthropic service rendered by the IMA from time to time, the Chief Minister said that the doctors were serving the ailing humanity in a real sense. However, he exhorted the Doctors to serve the people far more zealously and sincerely by dedicating atleast one day of the entire week for the service of poor and needy. Mr. Badal also urged the leading private practitioners to adopt a cluster of villages around their hospitals to treat the people free of cost. On the occasion President of Punjab IMA Dr. Sudhir Raj, while welcoming the dignitaries to the event, assured the Chief Minister that the organization would extend fulsome support and cooperation to the state government in its ongoing war against the menace of drugs. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jiyani, senior Akali leader Mr. Manjeet Singh Barkandi, President of Youth Akali Dal Malwa Zone Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh Rozy Barkandi, Chairman Punjab Agro Food Grains Corporation Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. KJS Cheema, Vice Chancellor Baba Farid University of Medical Sciences Dr Raj Bahadur, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Jaskiran Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Mr. Kuldeep Singh Chahal, Dr Mukesh Bansal, Dr. Navjot Dahiya, Dr. Rajinder Bansal and Dr Arpana Raj. -------------- Center should formulate uniform policy to fight against drugs-Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Asks all parties to join hands in restoring Punjab’s glory by fighting against drugs in unison manner) (Lays foundation stone of first-of-its-kind food processing training-cum-business incubation center at Bathinda) (Amul team to visit Mansa for setting up milk processing center) Bathinda, January 4 - Laying emphasis on a uniform policy for all states to fight against drug abuse in country, the Union Minister for Food Processing Industry Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that center should put a ban on cultivation of narcotics and its other derivates in some states to check smuggling to other states. Talking to media persons after laying foundation stone of the first-of-its-kind food processing training-cum-business incubation center at PAU Regional Center in Bathinda, the Union Minister said that Pakistan and Afghanistan fed 85 percent of drugs in the world’s drug market and on the way to international market pushed into India through borders. “During last ten years the Congress had remained at the helm of affairs and it never took an initiative to fight against drugs leaving country in such a state,” she added. The Union Minister called upon all the political parties to fight war against narcotics together for restoring the purportedly defamed glory of Punjab. She further said that her Ministry of Food Processing Industry is setting up the processing training-cum-business incubation center to train farmers on value addition of their crops, coarse grains and vegetables. “Being the major contributor to central pool for wheat and rice, Punjab has immense potential in food processing sector. The center would train farmers in such a way that each farmer would be a unit in himself, adding value to his products by processing them and earn better returns. This would not only mean higher gains but also better utilization of agriculture yield and minimum wastage,” she said. She added that an international mega food park in Fazilka has been commissioned and her ministry would encourage setting up of more food parks by offering subsidies to the investors. Sharing her plans for empowering dairy sector especially women in Mansa district, she said that talks are going on with Amul Milk Cooperative Society Gujarat, to replicate their model in Mansa district. A team from Amul is expected to visit Mansa soon following which the district would be developed into a milk producing center that could meet with the milk and its products’ demand for entire Malwa. Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the Punjab Agriculture University Vice Chancellor Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon said that the food processing training-cum-business incubation center was being developed in collaboration with food processing ministry and Indian institute of crop processing technology (IICPT). The Rs 7 cr project would be completed in next couple of months. It would train 25 to 30 farmers in each batch under the different training modules. Later, the Union Minister Mrs Harsimrat Kaur Badal also presided over the oath taking ceremony of the newly appointed market committee chairman Sikandar Singh Sidhu at the grain market. She also visited the cattle pound Gopal Krishan Gaushala on Dabwali Road. She was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sarup Chand Singla, MLA Darshan Singh Kotfatta, Deputy Commissioner Dr Basant Garg, SSP Bathinda Inder Mohan Singh Bhatti, SAD district press secretary Dr Om Prakash Sharma and others. EOM ---------- ALL BRANCHES OF WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO COME UNDER ONE ROOF-RANIKE - State Welfare Bhawan be constructed with the cost of Rs. 22 crore - Department mooted a proposal for setting up of institute for the benefit of SC students of border districts Chandigarh, January 4: With the view to provide services to the general public in hassle free manner, the welfare department has in principal decided to bring all its departments, boards and corporations under one roof. Disclosing this, the Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike informed that the Offices, Corporations etc. relating to the Welfare Department are working from various locations due to which general public has to face hurdle and inconvenience to get their work done and to avail the welfare services. He said that to redeem this problem now the department has decided to provide a single window facility to the common man. He further said that all the branches of the Department would now be converged into ‘Welfare Bhawan’ which would be constructed with the cost of Rs. 22 crore. He said that this Bhawan would be set up over one acre land allotted by PUDA at Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. In this regard, the Welfare Minister requested the Central Minister to provide special financial assistance to the extent of 50% of proposed cost. The Welfare Minister further said that for the benefit of SC students residing in border districts and remote areas of the state, the department has forwarded a proposal for the setting up a Centre on similar lines of Ambedkar Institute of Career and Courses, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar. He further said that for the year 2014-15, out of the budgetary provision of 549.29 crore for Centrally Sponsored Schemes, a sum of Rs. 310 crore has been utilized. Apart from this, a sum of Rs. 440 crore is likely to be spent on the scheme of Post Matric Scholarship to S.C. during the year 2014-15. ----------- De Addiction Efforts of Punjab Government Govt. of Punjab has been making serious efforts in the past few years to tackle the problem of drug and substance abuse. INFRASTRUCTURE Hon CM Punjab associated experts from PGIMER to advise the state government regarding treatment for drug addiction. A 3-tier structure was proposed in May 2012 by the experts from PGI, and accepted by the state govt. On the basis of expert advice, in the past two years, 27 Drug De-addiction centers (DDCs) have been operationalised in the state. To provide tertiary level facilities 5 Model DDCs (50 bedded each) are being set up at Jalandhar, Patiala, & Bathinda and these drug de-addiction centres will work under Amritsar, Patiala and Faridkot Medical College respectively. 50 bedded Model DDCs at Amritsar & Faridkot are fully functional. Continuing its efforts beyond deaddiction to rehabilitation, the Govt. of Punjab has approved 21 Counseling & Rehabilitation centres of 50 beds each except center at Amritsar which is of 100 bed capacity. MANPOWER District level de-addiction & rehabilitation society under the concerned DC has been established in each district to manage the Deaddiction Centers and Rehabilitation Centers. Recruitment process for Staff Nurses, Ward attendants and the support staff has been completed in all the districts. Each deaddiction center has been provided with a counselor and 4 male staff nurses by these societies. Totally about 108 Male Staff nurses and 82 ward attendants have been deployed in the Deaddiction Centers. 15 counselors have been trained for 3 months in Delhi under the supervision of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and 15 counselors are undergoing training. One counselor has been provided at DDC in each of the 8 Central Jails. To provide services up to grass root level, 25 Master Trainers at State level have trained more than 219 General Duty Medical Officers in the State. Currently we have 32 Psychiatrists in the Health Deptt, apart from Medical College faculty, overseeing the deaddiction efforts. 39 MOs have been trained for providing counseling and rehabilitation services. Guidelines for running the centers Detailed guidelines have been framed and circulated to run these centers. State Drug Controller has issued the orders for supply of Beupronorphene Medicine to only licensed DDCs. A computer program has also been designed to effectively monitor the inflow of patients and it will be operational in few days. ACTIVITIES In an effort to address the serious issue, Govt. of Punjab had conducted a De addiction campaign from 19/6/14 to 28/6/14 at Community level where sensitization, treatment and counseling facilities were provided to substance abusers. Field workers mobilized the persons with the substance use disorders to the nearest CHC where they were treated on OPD basis and those requiring admission were admitted. Till 15th December 330533 Patients have been treated on OPD basis & 11656 have been treated as indoor patients. DDCs in Jails De addiction centers have been set up in each of the 8 Model Central Jails at Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bathinda, Faridkot and Ferozepur in the State to tackle the needs of the Jail inmates. Till now 22669 patients have been treated and 461 patients are under detoxification and 718 patients are in rehabilitation wards. Funds and Expenditure Government of Punjab has established Cancer and Drug addiction Treatment Infrastructure Fund Act, 2013 for providing better prevention & treatment facilities to cancer and addicted patients. The total expenditure on De addiction centers is approximately Rs. 38 Crores and the annual expenditure of each center is about Rs. 18 lakhs approximately excluding medicines. 17 Rehabilitation centers are under construction with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 70 Crores. The cost of running each of these centers will be approximately Rs. 1 crore annually. Hon CM had requested the central govt to support the state’s efforts. Union FM had announced Rs. 50 Crores for this purpose in the Annual Budget. Central Govt. has been requested to release this grant expeditiously. NABARD has also been requested to fund the construction of these centers. “The Punjab State Board for De-addiction and Rehabilitation” has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister which will oversee the work relating to drug de-addiction and rehabilitation in the state. The Board includes eminent medical professionals. Prominent civil society representatives are also being associated. Similarly, in each district, a drug de-addiction and rehabilitation society has been constituted under the Deputy Commissioner to supervise these efforts. -------- “104 Medical Helpline” The toll free 104 Helpline of the Health Department has received 20,000 calls since its launch in June 2014. 10840 callers sought Information, 7854 calls were for medical advice and 130 callers sought counseling. 1012 calls related to complaints against the department which have been redressed successfully with the satisfaction rate of 83%. This Medical Helpline functions as a public 24x7 toll free helpline. Services are available to the caller in three languages in Punjabi, Hindi and English. The call centre is having qualified paramedics supported by full-time qualified medical practitioner and clinical psychologist. In an innovative measure, the helpline is used during lean hours to facilitate pregnant women. Up to December 2014, 37273 pregnant women have been called to avail delivery related free services of the department under the Mother Child and Tracking System. The Department of Health & Family Welfare operationalized from June 2014, “104 Non emergency Health Information Helpline” as a helpdesk to provide information relating to aspects of the healthcare. The areas of operation of this helpline are as under: a) To assist people particularly living in rural and interior areas who are facing difficulties in getting information on health problems and access to a qualified doctor. Medical advice is given by providing basic tips and first aid requirements. The requirements of the caller are classified into Critical, Serious or Stable. The caller will be advised to utilize the services of Emergency Response Services 108 or will be given details of the nearby medical facilities etc. b) This helpline also serve as a Information Directories Services like: Medical facilities, Hospitals, Pharmacies, Independent practitioners, Diagnostic services, Rehabilitation Centres and other healthcare services. Apart from this, information concerning to Women and Child Healthcare, Information of Alternate Medication (AYUSH), Nutrition and Hygiene information and Health alerts and warnings are being provided. c) This helpline function as a Mother Child Tracking Systems Call Centre for maintaining and validating records of beneficiaries in MCTS Portal, to coordinate with beneficiaries for availing the due services on time and informing the beneficiaries regarding benefits available to them in other schemes. d) This helpline operate as Resource Centre for ANMs, ASHAs, LHVs and other health workers to respond to their queries while they are working in remote and rural areas. e) Counseling of patients is being provided especially to the vulnerable i.e. the old, women, children and poor. Apart from this, the services of counseling for alcohol, drugs, smoking and mental ailment like; anxiety, suicidal tendencies, chronic disease like cancer etc. is also being provided. Counseling is also being given for family planning, adolescent reproductive, sexual health along with the counseling about stigmatized diseases such as HIV, AIDS and Leprosy.
f) Through this helpline, Speedy and Effective redressal of complaints /grievances of general public against any government medical institution/service/person etc. is being done. All types of complaints are registered relating to PNDT, Food and Drugs, Birth and Death certificates, MTP, Non availability of services of any programme especially under Janani Sishu Surakasha Karyakaram (JSSK) and any other regulations being implemented by the Department. ****** Supply of Essential Drugs at Government Hospitals in the State of Punjab:
During the Financial year 2012-13, the Govt of Punjab initiated the scheme for providing free essential drugs at all the Govt. Hospitals (PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DHs) in the State of Punjab. An expert committee comprising of Director level officers of the Health Department and specialist doctors were constituted for framing list of essential drugs to be provided free of cost. The committee recommended a following items for essential Drug list :- a. 235 medicine items. b. 43 items of Hospital Surgical/Consumable. c. 18 items of Suture Material.
As per the recommendations of the expert committee Rate Contract Tenders were floated by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) and Rate Contracts were finalized for different items of EDL over the period of time.
Orders for these drugs were placed as per requirement at various hospitals. To streamline the system of storage of medicines Regional Drug Warehouse have been established at Amritsar, Bathinda and SAS Nagar (6-8 district have been allocated to each warehouse. All the Hospitals take delivery of various medicines from Regional Warehouses. Sufficient stock of Essential Drugs is ensured at Regional Drug Warehouses to ensure a smooth and proper supply chain of essential drugs at various Government hospitals in the State. Presently more than 200 medicine items , 40 consumable items and various items of suture material are available at all the three Regional Drug Warehouses and at various Government Hospitals in the State. These essential drugs are provided free of cost to the patients visiting Government Hospitals in the State of Punjab.
During the period from January- 2014 to August 2014 orders for supply of medicines valuing approximately Rs. 72 crores have been issued by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation. The value of annual requirements of essential drugs at various health institutions (PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DHs) is estimated around Rs. 71 – 75 crores.
Information with regard to the Rate Contracts finalized by the PHSC for supply of various essential drugs is also uploaded on the website of the department. Apart from this an Online Inventory Management Systems is being put in place which provide online information about stock of various medicines, received, issued and balance at each Drug Storage/Distribution Centre. Initially online Inventory Management System is being setup at 100 Hospitals and will be gradually extended to other hospitals.
Sufficient stock of essential drugs is available at all the Hospitals including PHCs, CHCs, SDHs and DHs as per norms of the respective institutions. Apart from essential drugs, all the items (drugs, consumables etc) required for normal and caesarian deliveries are provided free of cost to the patients.
Recently during rainy season when PGIMER, Chandigarh and Govt. Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh were facing shortage of Anti Snake Venom, it was provided to them from Regional Drug Warehouse-Kharar
It is pertinent to mention that recently common review mission of Govt. of India visited various hospitals in the State and noted with great satisfaction the availability of sufficient essential Drugs at all the Govt. Health Institutions.
---- The Punjab Government has nominated varinder iqbal singh, resident of village khera kotli, tehsil Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur in the freedom fighter category in the list no. 8 of sub-divisional grievance redressal committee, Dasuya, district Hoshiarpur due to the demise of santokh singh, village khera kotli, tehsil Dasuya.
|
|
|
NRI PUNJAB NEWS |
|